Good Oral Hygiene can Prevent Disease

Most people are aware that poor oral hygiene can lead to dental caries and gum disease, but what most don’t know about is the mouth and body connection. Not practicing good oral hygiene causes more than bad breath and can lead to some serious health issues.

According to the Mayo Clinic, researchers from NYU, or the New York University, found a direct link between Alzheimer’s disease and gum inflammation. Although there were only 152 participants in the study that took place in a 20-year period in Denmark, it was discovered that low cognitive function was related to people who suffered from gum inflammation. The bacterium, porphyromonas gingivalis, was present in those who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, but not in those who didn’t. In a recent study, it was also discovered that gum disease bacteria could move from the gums to the brain either from the nerves that connect from the roots of the teeth to the brain or through the blood. In other words, if you have gums that bleed, the bacteria will enter your blood stream every time you brush, floss or eat.  

Pancreatic cancer has also being linked to periodontal disease thanks to a study conducted at Harvard. What the health researchers discovered was that men, who had recent tooth loss, were more susceptible to pancreatic cancer. It was also suggested that there is a direct link between carcinogens caused by gum disease and pancreatic cancer.  Although this theory is still being researched, it is just another reason to practice good oral hygiene that includes regular checkups with your dentist.

Your mouth is loaded with bacteria, which could lead to heart disease. People who do not brush and floss regularly could be at risk of heart disease. Because the bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream, it can interrupt the blood flow to your heart increasing your risk of blood clots and heart attacks.

Other health conditions that can occur because of poor oral hygiene include endocarditis, an infection of your hearts inner lining, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and HIV/AIDS. Women who are pregnant and suffer from gum disease are also more likely to give birth prematurely or have low weight babies.

The best way to have a healthy mouth and body connection is to practice good oral hygiene habits that include brushing twice and flossing once each day, eating a healthy diet and seeing your dentist at least twice a year. Schedule your dental appointment today.

Are you Obsessed with Tooth Bleaching?

Tooth whitening has become an obsession both here in the United States and overseas with millions of people spending billions of dollars on tooth whitening strips, pastes, gels, and mouth rinses. Unfortunately that obsession, coined, “Bleachorexia,” by dental professionals can actually cause serious problems for your teeth and gums.

More than ninety nine percent of adults who participated in a study believed that having a beautiful white smile was the most important asset with ninety-six percent believing that an attractive smile made a person much more appealing when it came to the opposite sex. Seventy-four percent of adults felt that a person’s career success chances could be hampered with an unattractive smile.

According to Web MD, your quest for the brightest and whitest teeth will not only make your teeth brittle, but can also make them appear gray or even transparent.

Teeth will stain over time because of coffee, tea, red wine, too much fluoride and some types of antibiotics. Tooth whitening will only remove stains and will not bleach teeth that have been restored. If you have dental veneers, tooth colored fillings or dental bonding, bleaching your teeth will not cover those types of restorations. Teeth that have been discolored because of antibiotics or fluoride may also be resistant to tooth whitening products.

When tooth whitening is done the right way you can have a beautiful smile, but when abused and over done, it can cause irreversible problems making your teeth translucent and less white.

Other problems that can occur from over bleaching include hypersensitivity. Sensitivity to hot and cold is probably the most common complaint that people have when it comes to tooth whitening. However, hypersensitivity will usually go away eventually.

If you bleach too much you could also have palate, throat and gum irritation from the bleach. Some people actually become nauseous after accidentally swallowing the tooth-whitening product.

Bleaching too frequently or keeping the product on your teeth for too long may cause enamel erosion. If you must whiten your teeth at home, your dentist recommends that you use an ADA approved tooth whitening kit.

Of course, the best way to whiten your teeth is at your dentist’s office with either a custom-made tooth bleaching kit or chair side bleaching. If you cannot afford to have your dentist whiten your teeth, stick with the ADA approved product list.

Don’t become a, “Bleachorexic.” Schedule an appointment with your dentist for tooth whitening today.

Get a Mouthguard and participate in National Face Protection Month

It’s National Face Protection month, and if you or your family is participating in any type of sport this spring, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can fit you with a custom-made mouth protector.

A mouthguard is essential when it comes to Little League baseball, basketball, soccer and other group sports, but what some people don’t realize is that a sports mouth protector should also be included in your sports bag if you like to bike, surf, play racquetball, or tennis. Swimmers, kids and adults who like to go inline skating and even people who water ski are ordering custom made mouthguards from their dentist to keep their teeth and gums protected.

According to the ADA, mouthguards should be an essential part of the uniform and are just as important as helmets, knee and elbow pads. According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of the 7 million recreation and sports related injuries that happen every year involve kids who are just five years old.

The National Youth Sports Safety foundation recently reported that both professional and amateur athletes who do not wear mouth protectors are an astounding sixty times more likely to cause injury to their teeth, gums or face. With that being said, a survey back in 2009 said that over sixty-seven percent of parents claimed that their children were not wearing sports mouthguards while playing organized sports. An additional 84 percent of kids don’t wear mouth protectors because it was not required even though shoulder pads and helmets are.

There are three types of mouthguards available. Stock, Boil and Bite and Custom Made.

Stock mouthguards are the least expensive, but are not as effective as the other two as they can be uncomfortable and ill fitting making kids and adults less likely to use them. Stock mouthguards can also make it difficult to breathe and talk.

Boil and Bite mouthguards are available from your local sporting goods store or pharmacy and are a step up from stock mouth protectors as you place them in warm water before putting in your mouth. Once in your mouth they actually mold to your teeth.

Custom-made mouthguards are available from your dentist and are your best bet when it comes to sports mouth protectors as your dentist will make a mold before sending it off to a dental lab. Custom made mouthguards will fit your teeth perfectly make it less likely that you will leave it at home.

Participate in National Face Protection month and schedule an appointment with your dentist for a custom-made mouthguard today.

How to Brighten your Smile for a Special Event

A bright and beautiful smile is what people notice when they first see you. Not only does a beautiful toothy grin make you look younger, but it can also make a better impression for that first date, job interview, or your wedding day. According to Colgate, a smile can boost your confidence, give you a more youthful appearance, and make you more attractive.  

Unfortunately, you don’t often get much time when it comes to preparing for an interview or a first date. Tooth whitening is the best option and the most affordable. You can either buy an ADA approved tooth-bleaching product from your local pharmacy, or schedule a dental appointment for in-office tooth whitening.

If your dentist can get you in for an appointment at the last minute the results will be much more impressive and quicker, and although it may be more expensive, it will give you longer lasting results as the whitening ingredients that your dentist uses contain a higher level of hydrogen peroxide. About 15 to 35 percent compared to over the counter products with just three to ten percent.

During your in-office tooth whitening procedure, your dentist will apply a bleaching gel before activating it with a special laser that actually penetrates the teeth. This type of 

in-office tooth whitening can be done on your lunch hour giving you dramatic results.

Of course, if you are unable to schedule an appointment at the last minute or it’s not in your budget, your dentist will tell you that it is okay to purchase a product over the counter to bleach your teeth a few days or a week before.

If you are short on time, you can make your teeth whiter if you wear a lipstick that has blue undertones. Another makeup trick is to darken your skin with bronzer as this creates contrast making your smile appear whiter than it actually is.

Try avoiding food and drinks that cause stains as well. Red wine, berries, black tea, coffee, and even red pasta sauce can darken your teeth. Give up smoking and you will not only be doing your body a favor, but your teeth will be whiter as well.

Serious smile makeovers, that take longer than an hour, are more affordable than ever if you have are preparing for an event in the future such as a graduation, reunion or wedding. Schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are good candidate for dental veneers, bonding, tooth colored fillings or other dental restoration procedures that will improve your smile.

Oral Health Problems in Women

Women are more apt to have oral health problems than men thanks to the hormonal changes that occur during puberty, menstruation, birth control use, menopause, and post menopause.

Hormones not only affect the blood supply in your gum tissue, but according to the American Dental Association can also be responsible for an increase in toxins and plaque buildup. Because of hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life gingivitis and periodontal disease is more likely to develop.

When puberty begins, the production progesterone and estrogen will increase the supply of blood to the gums. This changes the way your gum tissue will react to bacteria and plaque. During puberty, gums will most likely bleed while brushing and flossing and become tender, red, and swollen.

During menstruation, your progesterone will increase causing oral changes in some women that can include swollen salivary glands, bright red and swollen gums, bleeding gums, and canker sores. Some women can also develop menstruation gingivitis a day or so before the beginning of a period. This will usually clear up shortly after menstruation has begun.

If you take birth control pills with progesterone, the hormone levels in your body will increase causing enflamed gum tissue. This occurs because of your body’s reaction to the toxins and bacteria that is produced from plaque. Make sure that you tell your dentist if you are taking oral contraceptives.

During puberty, you will have an increased level of progesterone and estrogen. The development of sex hormones can cause an increase of blood circulation to your gums. This may result in gum sensitivity increasing your chances of gum irritation from plaque and food particles. During puberty, your gums may feel tender, turn red or become swollen.

If you become pregnant, your hormone levels will alter considerably. Again, an increased level of progesterone, along with other hormonal changes can make you more susceptible to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Known as pregnancy gingivitis, it can occur from the second to the eighth month of pregnancy. If you are expected, it is recommended that you schedule additional professional cleanings with your dentist during the second or early third trimester of your pregnancy in order to help reduce your chances of gum disease.

If you are going through menopause or post menopause, you may experience mouth discomfort. These mouth changes may also include pain and burning in your gum tissue and dry mouth. Menopause and post menopause can also alter the taste in your mouth making things taste especially sour, peppery, or salty.

For more information regarding women’s oral health, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

What you should know about Pulp Disease

Although a number of things, including a broken tooth or an injury to your mouth, can cause pulp disease, the American Dental Association explains that pulp disease is usually a result of poor oral hygiene.

Brushing twice and flossing once each day along with a healthy diet and regular checkups with your dentist can help prevent pulp disease. If you have dental caries, it can affect the pulp in the soft center of your tooth or teeth. Your pulp is loaded with blood vessels, nerves and delicate tissue, that when disturbed, could become diseased. Head to your dentist as quickly as possible, as those cavities could lead to missing teeth.

Your dentist explains that there are several different types of pulp disease.

Reversible pulpitis is a mild inflammation in the center of your tooth. Symptoms usually include pain when you eat or drink, or when your teeth are exposed to hot, cold or something sweet. Without treatment, your pulpitis could cause an abscess, which is a collection of pus and bacteria. Improve your oral health habits to help offset reversible pulptitis and see your dentist as quickly as possible as you may need a dental filling if you break or crack a tooth.

Irreversible pulpitis is actually an inflammation so severe in the center of your tooth that there is no cure. In other words, you may need root canal therapy. If your root canal doesn’t help, your dentist may have to extract your tooth.

Dental pulp stones also known as dental pulp calcification are a condition that hardens your pulp tissue causing extreme pain and hypersensitivity. If you have dental pulp stones, your dental nerves are becoming compressed. Root canals are usually the only answer when it comes to dental stones as the hardened tissue is cleared away during the root canal treatment.

One of the most painful pulp diseases occurs when the pulp in your teeth become exposed. Dental pulp exposure is a condition that occurs when there has been damage done to the enamel or external covering of your tooth. If you have a crack or cavity in your tooth, your pulp becomes exposed making it easy for food particles and bacteria to make their way into the center of your tooth. Pain is usually the first and most noticeable symptom. You may also have a mild infection that if left untreated, could result in a serious abscess. Depending on how exposed your pulp is, a root canal may help, otherwise you may need to have your tooth pulled.

If you are experiencing sensitivity, sudden or intense pain in your mouth, or have an infection, you could be suffering from pulp disease. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today for more information.

Gum Disease Can Be Reversed with Good Oral Hygiene

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

According to Web MD, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and affects billions of people all over the United States and around the world.

Gingivitis is the least severe form of gum disease. Gingivitis will cause your gums to bleed, swell, and become red. During this stage, you will have little if any discomfort. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene and is reversible with a deep cleaning, such as Root Planing and Scaling along with good oral hygiene.

Some contributing factors when it comes to gingivitis include smoking, diabetes, genetic predisposition, aging, systemic diseases, poor nutrition and stress. Hormonal fluctuations, certain medications, puberty, HIV infection, substance abuse, and pregnancy can also contribute to Gingivitis.

If left untreated, Gingivitis can advance to the more serious periodontal disease. Also known as periodontitis, it is caused by plaque spreading below your gum line. The toxins that are produced by bacteria will irritate your gums causing the bone and tissues that support your teeth to break down. When the gums become separated from your teeth, pockets will begin to form allowing for infection. According to your dentist, once the disease begins to progress those spaces, or pockets, will get deeper eventually destroying bone and gum tissue.

Your dentist explains that there are several types of periodontal disease with the most common being Aggressive Periodontal Disease, Chronic Periodontitis, Periodontitis manifested by systemic disease and Necrotizing Periodontitis caused by an infection of the periodontal ligament, the alveolar bone and gingival tissues.

Aggressive Periodontal Disease occurs when you are clinically healthy, but have not been practicing good oral hygiene habits including a healthy diet and regular checkups with your dentist.

Chronic Periodontitis is characterized by gap recession of the gingival tissue. Although it can happen at any age, Chronic Periodontitis is most prevalent in adults.

Periodontitis manifested by systemic disease usually starts at an early age. Systemic conditions such as diabetes, respiratory disease, and heart disease have all been associated with Periodontitis manifested by systemic disease.

Lesions that appear because of Necrotizing Periodontitis are usually observed in people who suffer from malnutrition, have an HIV infection or an immunosuppressant.

If you have Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist as quickly as possible. Remember, it’s never too late. Gum disease can be reversed as long as you seek professional help.