We all know that brushing and flossing is not the only key to preventing dental disease (tooth decay and gum disease) – you probably also know that a healthy smile and fresh breath can actually reduce risk of a heart attack and stroke. What may surprise you, however, is this: researchers at West Virginia University have discovered that a clean mouth may also help preserve memory!
Thanks to a grant awarded by the National Institutes of Health, West Virginia University has found an obscure link between periodontitis (gum disease) and memory loss. A test sample (of over 270 seniors) was chosen to be part of the university study, during which School of Dentistry researchers checked the oral and cognitive health of patients every day over a period of roughly two years. Initial conclusions showed that 23% of the group who suffered from mild to moderate memory loss also had relatively poor oral hygiene habits.
Dr. Crout of the WVU School of Dentistry explains that although the specific genetic link between periodontitis and memory loss has not yet been defined, the team hopes to have more details soon. “If you have a gum infection, you’ll have an increased level of inflammatory byproducts,” Crout explained. “We’re looking for markers in the blood that show inflammation to see if there is a link to memory problems. We’d like to go full circle and do an intervention — to clean up some of the problems in the mouth and then see if the inflammatory markers go down.”
We’re not quite sure about whether bacteria or the body’s inflammatory response is the contributing factor of observed memory loss; it may be a combination of both, or a result of other environmental and physiological factors. What we do know, however, is that the rate of Alzheimer’s cases is skyrocketing. Imagine the benefits of knowing that keeping the mouth free of infection could cut down cases of dementia – it could be revolutionary!
Keep brushing and flossing to keep the mind sharp – or maybe we need a sharp mind to keep brushing and flossing? As a clinician, when I see a patient who can’t keep their oral hygiene in reasonable condition, I become concerned. The risk of heart attack and stroke are heightened in patients who suffer from poor oral hygiene. Knowing that memory loss is somewhat associated with inflammatory factors in the mouth, we should all improve our oral health in order to keep our mind sharp!
It’s no shocking headline – bad breath is the #1 complaint (and reason of visit) in dental offices across America! 85% of people who suffer from bad breath actually have a medical condition known as halitosis, which is usually caused as a result of bacteria in the mouth. The recent 4th of July holiday is a joyous occasion for BBQers across the country, but it could be a nightmare if you suffer from halitosis! If you think you have chronic bad breath, and nothing seems to be helping, read on for a bit of assistance.
Ancient Japanese scroll painting of a woman with Halitosis, 12th century.
Apart from being severely embarrassing, bad breath can actually impact your personal and professional relationships. No employer wants a smelly employee (especially one that interacts with customers on a regular basis, like salespeople), and no partner or date wants a stinky kisser. Bad breath can even instill psychosis into patients with halitophobia, or a fear of bad breath. We know halitosis can seriously impact lives, and not in a positive way – so what can we do about it?
Certain foods with strong aromas – like onions, garlic, sea foods and refined carbohydrates (pastas, dairy products and cheese) – can cause bad breath, but bad habits like drinking and smoking can as well. Dental conditions like dental caries, periodontal disease and dry mouth can create halitosis. Physical conditions like indigestion, GERD (GastroEsopageal Reflux Disease), Asthma and Diabetes can also lead to haliatosis. Treatment for halitosis on the physical end is getting to the root of the problem: eliminating the food debris and bacterial factors in the oral cavity (managing the physical illness). Regarding diet and habits, my professional recommendation would be (of course) to stop smoking and drinking! Control the intake of foods / herbs that can cause smelly breath. Consume greens like celery and parsley, drink plenty water and (at the very least) brush and floss your teeth after every meal. If you eat a lot of garlic or fish, even after brushing and flossing a bad smell can linger in the mouth for a long period of time. Over-the-counter mouth washes and breath fresheners can only temporarily mask over halitosis – they will often times not rid the mouth of foul odors.
Bad breath is a social embarrassment, and is also a sign of having poor hygiene or health problems. We must all be aware of the condition our body is in. Maintaining the self is infinitely beneficial, and health professionals are always ready to provide advice to assist you in reaching our goal: healthy and happy living.
Antibiotics help us fight infections, however certain antibiotic medication could dim your smile! When taking antibiotic medications, it is important to realize that these types of medications not only eliminate harmful bacteria, but also affect the body by disturbing the balance of our gastrointestinal system. Sometimes the chemical components of antibiotic meds can leave deposits in the hard tissues of the oral cavity, like in the tooth and bone, affecting the color of the teeth.
Tetracycline staining: notice the yellow and brown bands.
It has been well established that commonly prescribed antibiotics like tetracyline, if taken during the second half of the pregnancy can affect the future teeth of the fetus. Children younger than eight years old with prescription tetracycline (for treating ear infections) can have seriously discolored teeth as well from chemical deposits on the inner layer of the tooth structure (dentin), causing grayish brown bands that are not so easy to correct. Discoloration is usually a consequence of the chemicals affecting the developing stage of the teeth. If any discoloration is noticed in a child with primary teeth, promptly speak with your doctor or dental professional! Review the child’s history to determine whether the discoloration could possibly be associated with any medications, diet or even drinking water. Discoloration of erupted permanent teeth has also been proven to result from antibiotic use, as discussed in an earlier edition of the Journal of the American Dental Association. Although this is fairly rare, discoloration can happen to nearly anyone taking tetracycline, erythromycin, minocycline, or rinses containing chlorhexidineantiseptic solution. Keep your dental professional informed as to your antibiotic regiment.
In Kentucky, a 25-year-old woman whose teeth were gray-streaked from use of antibiotics was highlighted in a study completed by Frederick M. Parkins, D.D.S., of the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. The patient took two years of tetracycline therapy for teenage acne. She had been taking minocycline (brand name Minocin), a synthetic form of tetracycline and now has very discolored teeth (see above picture). Thankfully, only about 3-6% of adult antibiotic users will experience tooth-staining. Discoloration can develop as early as one month after the antibiotic regiment begins, but the staining could take years to appear!
Prevention is always the best solution – avoid teeth staining medications. If staining does occur, speak with your dental professional about options to whiten affected teeth. Procedures such as in-office or take-home whitening and bleaching will be the first conservative treatment option available to you before porcelain veneers or bonding procedures, which work well at masking over discolored areas of teeth.
One day the word “dentures” could become a historical term, once all preventive medicine has been practiced! At the present time, however, someone you are caring for may still need to rely on wearing dentures to get by with their dental health. For this reason, it should be nice to learn some facts about dentures. Usually, wearing dentures is a difficult new experience that is often hard to get used to. Time and practive will allow cheeks and tongue get used to the sensation of holding your dentures in place, if there is adequate dental ridge and muscle tone. A dental adhesive might be needed for the beginner or for someone with insufficient bone ridge or muscle tone.
Upper full denture
When first starting to wear dentures, eating even the most simple foods may seem difficult. The foreign sensation of wearing a plastic appliance over a portion of the mouth shouldn’t feel painful – be grateful that this treatment option is available to restore your oral function and health back the best it can be! After first receiving the dentures, eat simple, non-sticky foods like yogurts, steamed vegetables and eggs. Raw vegetables and nuts should be avoided as these items tend to require rigorous use of teeth. When chewing, place food on both rear sides of your dentures to keep your mouth balanced. This is something that will become easier with time.
As a general rule of thumb, denture wearers tend to have a poorer diet than non-denture wearers, so getting a healthy balanced diet is key. If you find difficulty eating with your dentures, check with dentist as adjustments are routine to keep everything functioning and feeling as it should. Dentures should be a supplementary device intended to add to a person’s quality of life, not detract from it. Speech may also be affected by dentures, and although it may seem difficult or cumbersome in the beginning, after about a month, speech should improve. If not, speak with your dentist about the situation.
Remember, keeping your dentures clean is just as important as keeping your mouth clean. Dentures should be cleaned after each meal, during which the mouth should be cleaned with rinse or lightly scrubbed with a soft bristle toothbrush, to prevent food from sitting beneath the dentures and irritating the gum (which can lead to a fungus infection). Remember, do not sleep with dentures in – the gums need a chance to rest!
It is possible to have a fruitful, fulfilling life with dentures , if the dentures after multiple adjustments or even new sets still have problem to stay in or hurts, there are other options , maybe selections or set up of different denture teeth,ridge augmentation or dental impalnts, Be sure to find out what will be the best restorative options to regain abilit to eat healthy and feeling healthy. every 6 months with your dental professional to prevent any unexpected problems.
“Only floss the teeth you want to keep!” It’s a funny punch line, emphasizing the importance of flossing, but it’s true. Flossing your teeth after meals (and twice daily) is just as important as brushing to keep your mouth clean, healthy and fresh.
Flossing is very efficient in removing plaque and debris that accumulates between the teeth and underneath portions of the gum pocket. This should be an essential part of your daily oral cleaning process. When plaque (a sticky bacterial substance that accumulates on curved tooth surfaces and crevices) is removed, dental diseases can be prevented, along with gum problem and bad breath (which require both brushing and flossing to prevent). If one fails to keep up their oral hygiene, tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis, respectively) will affect your oral health.
Proper flossing technique is also critical. Begin by taking a piece of floss (around 12-18 inches) and wrapping it around your two index fingers tightly, with plenty of slack on each side. Move the piece of floss between each tooth, wrapping the floss around the curved sides of each tooth in a C-shape, sliding up and down several times beneath the surface of the gum. Between each teeth site will be two curved sides for flossing except for the far back molars. Be sure to move the floss down as far as possible, beneath the gum line, as this loosens and breaks up food buildup and initial bacteria buildup.If you have dental bridges or braces, the flossing technique will need to be slightly altered. A dental threader will be carry the floss passing under the jointed teeth contact area, and then the individual can pump up and down in typical flossing strokes. If you notice some bleeding, it is a sign of inflammation of the gum tissue – this usually signals the early stages of gingivitis. Keep up your proper home care routine and the condition will improve. If the condition of bleeding upon brushing and flossing lasts more than two weeks, get some help from your dental professional.
There are several different types of floss (including waxed, unwaxed, and tape floss) – normally, easy gliding thin floss (like Glide) will be a good choice for average dental conditions. Gapped teeth or in areas under a dental bridge should require tape floss. Remember, you can get advice from your dental professional to find out which is the best choice for you.
For people who have arthritis, advanced periodontal conditions or other issues of dexterity, additional dental cleaning home equipment will be very helpful. Electric tooth brushes (like Rotadent and Sonicare) and dental irrigators (like Hydrofloss and Waterpik) are very efficient tools to maintain proper oral hygiene. Remember to brush and floss twice daily (and after meals)! These important habits and routines will keep your teeth healthy, happy and looking fabulous!
Being able to smile is a beautiful thing – we all deserve a beautiful one! Some of us might need some work to obtain a dazzling smile, and cosmetic dentistry has been very popular and reaching that dazzle. Just don’t let your dream turn into a nightmare while pursuing your smile make over!
If you are planning on having any elective cosmetic work done, make sure your physician is familiar with different cosmetic options and has a good training background. The most common cosmetic dentistry problems can be prevented if you do your homework, including unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes or clinical and technical shortcomings! These problems can lead to a not so happy nor healthy smile, altered speech, gum irritation, increased tooth sensitivity , chipping, loose teeth and even breakage of porcelain (from insufficient bonds between natural teeth and porcelain veneers from an overly trimmed tooth structure or bite issue). These errors end up needing additional work (like crowns, root canals or gum surgery) and can be painful and infuriating.
It is important when considering any kind of cosmetic work – dentistry or otherwise – that you evaluate your own needs, and knowing your own health as a foundation for your own future. The consequences of only looking at cosmetic dental procedures without the health side can put your long term oral health at risk. If you have a fairly healthy mouth with well-aligned teeth, it may be easier to get satisfactory cosmetic results with the average cosmetic dentist . If you have seriously mis-aligned teeth, gum disease or lots of dental work / TMJ problems (or are prone to cavities), you have a much more sensitive oral cavity and must be very careful with who you choose to be your cosmetic dentist. Also, you may require multiple steps in order to attain a healthy, long lasting result.
It is also important to have a well thought-out plan before the procedures starts as good communication with your cosmetic dentist and technician is key. Not only is it necessary to be able to convey your desires clearly, but it is also best to go through the proper diagnostic steps to analyze the problem, plan the treatment scientifically with a mock-up or wax-up procedure and set up the detailed 3-D blueprint of your smile makeover before proceeding with dental reconstruction work. Make sure your dentist and ceramist are well experienced by asking other patients what kind of work you can expect and by checking into his or her credentials, education and training background (www.aacd.com is a good reference site). Look at pictures of past cases the dentist has worked on, and get a feel of what kind of sincerity and caring attitude the dental team will be able to provide you, in order to help make your important decision. Make sure you ask questions about what will make the procedure a long term success before proceeding the work.
It is a wonderful thing to have a great smile, but maintaining it will be just important. Proper home care and regular professional check-ups are musts – proper diet and healthy habits will keep your smile beautiful for a long time! Finally, wear a night guard if you are prone to bruxism as they can help maintain the structure of your oral system.
It is wonderful to have a dazzling white smile, and there are dozens of DIY or OTC teeth whitening products available – the demand is high! They promise to whiten your teeth in as little as 4-6 weeks, at a fraction of the cost of professional whitening done by your dental professional. Sounds like a great idea, but beaware, these fly-by-night whitening systems can potentially damage your teeth by wearing away at the enamel of your smile, weakening the teeth and leaving your oral health to suffer.
A study recently completed by the Ohio State University College of Dentistry evaluated the hardness of human enamel with the use of five name-brand tooth whiteners, comparing their values to non-treated enamel. Decreased hardness and elastic modulus of enamel were found in the study, and the conclusion read: “Nanohardness of human enamel was significantly decreased after usage of home-bleaching systems. The elastic modulus of enamel was also affecte by some bleaching systems”
Once tooth enamel hardness and elastic modulus has been reduced, a number of problems can start occurring. Teeth with weakened enamel are primarily more brittle and porous than healthy teeth, and are more likely to chip and break with little pressure. The savings in purchasing an OTC whitening kit over visiting your dentist could be reversed, many times over, if you were to chip or otherwise damage your teeth!
Before starting the teeth whitening process, it is best have your teeth evaluated by a dental professional – there may be a hidden cavity or weakened enamel already existing. Existing restorations, gum recession, tooth erosion and root exposure might be affected by the bleaching process. If you do decide to go through the bleaching process, keep your mouth clean, brush right after meals and beverages and brush after usage of any whitening products. This will help to maintain the health of your tooth structure. Stay away from foods or beverages that are acidic, or have a staining effect. Lastly, check into whether an added fluoride treatment could be beneficial in strengthening and/or remineralizing your enamel. It feels great to have a set of healthy whites – just be wise about your whitening decision! Speak with your dental professional for more information and go for that smile you’ve always wanted.
What are your teeth made of? What is in that precious white enamel? What is inside your teeth? Teeth play a very important role in our mental and physical health. The function of our teeth not only play a role in allowing speech, but also help us to cut and chew food as the first step in our digestion system.
It is only natural to be curious about what teeth are made of and how they function within our mouth. The root anchors the tooth below the gum’s surface into the jaw bone, while the crown of the tooth extends out past the gum. The outermost hard shiny layer of the tooth is called enamel, and is the hardest substance in the body and functions as a food grinder. 92- 96% of enamel consists of minerals (hydroxyapatite, a phosphate and calcium salt) with the remaining part being water and organic material .
Lying just beneath the hard, shiny enamel surface of every tooth is the dentin layer. This layer of the tooth is composed mainly of calcified bony-like tissue (mostly hydroxylapatite), and like bone it contains collagen, water and other organic components (and is soft in consistency). Throughout the dentin layer are tiny passageways into the deep pulpal layer, connected to the enamel layer – these passages are known as tubules. Unlike enamel, dentin continues to modify throughout a person’s entire life. Dentin can grow or reform in response to a change in tooth conditions, such as tooth decay or attrition.
The innermost layer of the tooth is known as the pulpal layer. This inner sanctum of every tooth consists of nerves and blood vessels. This pulp benefits the teeth in several ways: primarily, the pulp keeps the organic components of the teeth healthy and properly supplied with moisture and nutrients. The pulp also conduces senses such as heat, cold and trauma from the teeth into the body’s nervous system.
The important thing to remember about your tooth structure is that it is subject to change – when bacteria and other substances (like alcohol, smoke or even sugary liquid) is introduced into your oral environment, prompt cleaning (with a toothbrush and floss) is necessary to prevent premature decay. Once decay passes through the enamel layer into the dentin, decay will progress rapidly, even when not easily detectable from visual inspection. Only when the enamel has caved in and broken down does a cavity become visible. If the cavity was not treated early and the underlying dentin layer has already decayed (which can actually extend deep into the pulpal tissue), root canal therapy may be necessary, requiring a post and crown to restore the tooth. Ultimately, prevention is the best solution. Proper home care and regular dental check-ups can detect problems early, and are usually fixed easily.
Delicious tasting food really does improve our quality of life – who could get by without tasting grandma’s famous chocolate chip cookies, or your favorite Italian restaurant’s lasagna? Unfortunately, many people – in fact, over 200,000 people each year – visit a physician’s office for chemosensory problems (the sense receptors responsible for your taste perception functionality).
When we eat or drink, tiny molecules stimulate cells in the oral cavity which send messages through nerves (the chemosensors) to the brain, where the signals are interpreted. Taste cells are known as gustatory cells, and are mainly concentrated on the tongue, with periphery gustatory cells on mouth walls and in the throat. Additionally, the common chemical sense consists of thousands of nerve endings surrounding these gustatory cells which help describe to your brain the complexities of certain flavors.
While most people have perfectly functioning gustatory cells and common chemical senses, hundreds of thousands of Americans suffer from a lowering of taste sensitivity, a condition known as hypogeusia. Although the exact cause of hypogeusia is unknown, most cases of hypogeusia develop from illness or a debilitating injury such as respiratory infections, colds, etc. Certain chemicals (like pesticides) which can get into foods inadvertently can possibly cause diminished tasting ability, as well as radiative therapy drugs like bleomycin. Total taste loss is known as ageusia, though it is very rare and often misdiagnosed (or misinterpreted by a patient). Taste perception can be altered (dysgeusia) due to altered body chemistry, altered oral conditions or diet, usually resulting in everything tasting bitter, acidic or metallic.
Our chemosensory system exists primarily as a safety net, to alert us to problems in our dietary encounters. For example, when we taste a sour or unpleasant food, our chemosensory system is alerting us that a product has expired or gone rotten (preventing us from eating things that could harm our health). Losing the ability to taste food can lead to depression and a permanent loss of apatite. If you do suffer from taste loss, your doctor may be able to work with what medications (if any) you take and what your health status looks like, to recommend changes that could revive your full taste sense. If food tastes funny or metallic, see your dental professional and have him or her check whether for caries or gum issues. Your primary health care physician can also be contacted if there is a developing health issue you have, or if you have any questions.
The vegetarian diet can be very beneficial in many ways: the choice to be vegetarian has been shown to help fight illness and disease, vegetarians help the environment and make positive impacts in their carbon footprints. The diet, consisting especially of whole grain, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes can lower the risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and certain cancers. For these reasons, many people are choosing to become vegetarian, however, the nutritional deficiencies that sometime result from the vegetarian diet can often reveal themselves during dental exams.
Even though we assume that vegetarians are well aware of what goes into their body (and are well versed in keeping proper nutritional habits up), it’s easy for vegetarians to become malnourished – especially young vegetarians under the age of 18. Common vegetarian deficiencies include calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B12 or complete proteins. The good news is that by eating the proper combination of fruits, nuts, vegetables, grains and legumes, these deficiencies can be avoided. If you have youngsters on vegetarian diets, be sure to instill the importance of a balanced diet, and the seriousness of vitamin deficiencies, which can cause illness and other systemic problems, including dental maladies.
“An adult on a vegetarian diet for a prolonged period can be at increased risk for periodontal (gum) disease from a lack of vitamin D and calcium,” says Dr. Leibsohn of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). For this reason, it is very important that any adult (or parent of any child) considering “the green gateway” should first consult with their dietitian or dental professional. The specific diet you or your loved ones may be undertaking could have key deficiencies which could lead to serious health problems down the road. For example, a vitamin D deficiency can actually make your teeth and gums more susceptible to decay and periodontal disease. Vitamin D is produced in the body with sun exposure, so deficiencies are rare, but deficiencies can develop in those who do not consume milk or fish. Adding vegetable margarine or soy milk may help, though a better idea is to supplement the vegetarian diet with a weekly salmon steak, tuna salad and/or low fat cheese, milk or yogurt to supply a healthy foundation for your body and smile.
Be the First to Comment 
