“Bad Kidney Means Bad Breath?”

Posted by drgracesun on September 9, 2009 under Healthy Smile, Information, Smart Smile | Be the First to Comment

As we’ve learned time in and time out, the oral cavity is integrally and systematically linked to the health of various other bodily systems – here we are focusing on kidneys. The kidneys serve for the production of urine as their primary function, excreting unnecessary bodily fluids and compounds. Kidneys also have several secondary functions concerned with homeostatic functions. These include the regulation of electrolytes, acid-base balance, and blood pressure. If you have kidney problems, apart from the well-advertised urinary and homeostatic problems, your oral health could deteriorate as well!

Halitosis in Japan, 12th century

People with long-lasting (or even recently discovered) kidney problems often times have a bad taste in their mouths. Also related, they often have bad breath (halitosis). These problems – both of which are indicators of a serious problem in your system – occur because the kidneys fail to remove the organic compound urea from the blood. Urea breaks down to form ammonia, which has a pungent odor that is quickly noticeable; bone changes may also occur because the body cannot absorb calcium properly. Imbalanced calcium levels will weaken your bones, loosing bone from your jaw. Teeth may become loose or eventually fall out because of the calcium deficiency often resulting from kidney disease. The best way to help prevent bone loss is to make sure calcium and phosphorus levels stay within the goal range.

Anorexia, anemia, xerostomia, high blood pressure and heart disease, inflammation of the mouth, salivary glands and gum disease can all be symptoms and complications when dealing with kidney disease, apart from the influence of medication. When you have these symptoms, not only should a dental professional be contacted to provide dental examinations and treatment, but also a physical examination is needed.  If you have kidney disease or are on dialysis, you should plan to receive any dental treatments on non-dialysis days for those on hemodialysis. Heperin, administered during hemodialysis, may cause some people to have prolonged bleeding. Kidney disease can also weaken the immune system and make us more susceptible to infection, so prophylactic antibiotics maybe needed before invasive dental treatment.

During the work up for a kidney transplant, a person will need to have a thorough oral examination. Any infection or disease of the gum or tooth can prevent someone from being eligible, or delay the transplant until the patient is free of gum and dental infection .

Keep up  your home care program, brush and floss after every meal and follow a properly designed diet by your dietitian. Special dietary needs must be met if you have a compromised kidney condition. Regular visits to the dentist can also reduce the risk of oral infection and dental disease.

“What Is Meth Mouth?”

Posted by drgracesun on June 5, 2009 under Healthy Smile, Information, Smart Smile | Read the First Comment

Meth mouth refers to the state of a meth user’s mouth, the psychostimulant and sympathomimetic drug considered by many to be the most addictive and dangerous drug in existence, worse than crack-cocaine. Although most users of the drug are not concerned about their oral health, it is important for parents and caregivers to understand how meth can harm the oral cavity , and pass the information along to their children and young adults.

The mouth of a meth user.

The relatively inexpensive cost to produce meth and its highly addictive nature make the drug highly popular with young people of all demographics, income levels and races. Methamphetamine enters the brain and triggers a cascading release of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine inducing intense euphoria, with high risks for addiction. The drug causes damage to the central nervous system often causing jitters, nausea, increased risk for heart attack and heart disease, as well as widespread tooth decay.

Many meth users complain about stained or blackening of the teeth in early stages of addiction, with teeth often becoming rotted after periods of neglect, leading to necessary extraction (if the addict has access to dental care). The widespread tooth decay caused by meth is mainly attributed to the highly acidic content of the drug – ingredients like bleach, cough syrup and chlorine are common additives to home-made meth. The very-long-lasting effects of the drug can often leave users unaware of the state of their oral health. Because meth causes users to crave salty, sweet and carbohydrate-rich foods, the bacterial factor of meth mouth is only further hazardous.

The statistics of meth use in America leave the drug’s risk to all children undeniable: over 5% of Americans age 12 and older have used the drug (12.3 million Americans in 2003 according to the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health), and of those users the majority have had severe oral health problems. “Say no to drugs” – talk to your kids about the dangers and consequences of drug abuses. If you feel there is need for professional to get involved, get the appropriate help you need to make sure your loved ones stay healthy and enjoy a high quality of life.

“Is Soda Harmful to My Teeth?”

Posted by drgracesun on February 23, 2009 under Smart Smile | Read the First Comment

While blogging a few days ago on my last entry regarding eating disorders (and hearing the news about “Mountain Dew Syndrome“) I was prompted to discuss how dietary influences affect teeth erosion, which is often overlooked until the detrimental damage has been done – and affects your life!

Yes, all soft drinks (including regular and diet soda, lemonade) and even pickles and salad dressing are acidic, which can potentially cause erosion of your teeth: it’s like the process of creating frosted glass from acid etching.

Approximately two thirds of our body is composed of water, which needs to be continuously replenished. Our body signals us to take in liquid, and it’s up to us to decide which liquid is best for our body. All carbonated soft drinks will lead to dental erosion, but sodas containing citric or phosphoric acid are highly corrosive to teeth. Once the protective enamel layer is eroded (from the acid in a person’s diet), your teeth will become porous. Plaque and staining will set in easily, and your teeth will become much more prone to cavities and sensitivity.

pH (potential of hydrogen) is the unit of measure for any liquid’s acidity. The lower the pH, the higher the acidity of said liquid, and the more damage it will cause to your teeth.  Pure water has a pH value of 7. Your mouth averages between 6.2 and 7 pH, with corrosive damage taking place when liquids are consumed below a pH of 5.5 – the average soda carries a pH level of 2.47 – 3.6. Gastric acid and battery acid have a pH of 1.

The typical American drinks over 50 gallons of acidic cola each year – far more than healthier liquids like fruit juice. On average, sodas are up to 10 times more damaging than fruit juice to your teeth’s enamel, according to a study by the Academy of General Dentistry, however the content of common phosphoric and citric acids found in soft drinks are not the only factor that contributes to enamel decay. The sugar, additive and organic acid content of these liquids can all dissolve tooth structure. The leaching effect of phosphoric acid can also weaken your bone. The impact of excess caffeine in soda can potentially raise your blood pressure, and also form habits causing soda addiction. Once a person stops drinking soda after building an addiction, you will suffer symptoms like headache and depression (withdrawal). Children who drink soda regularly are at a substantially higher risk over children who drink milk or water, a much healthier alternative, not only for the teeth but for the well being of the body! Preteens and adolescents, who have underdeveloped tooth enamel, are at an especially high risk and should avoid cola drinks at all costs.

So please, avoid eroding your teeth whenever possible! Things you can do to help your body include substituting soft drinks with water, milk or fruit and veggie sticks, drinking soda with a straw, drinking soda with meals instead of by itself, using fluoride treatment, as well as brushing and flossing soon after eating and drinking. Save your favorite carbonated beverage as an occasional treat – you will save your teeth, your body and your peace of mind.

“What about eating disorders?”

Posted by drgracesun on February 18, 2009 under Healthy Smile, Smart Smile | Be the First to Comment

“I am scared! Am I going to loose my teeth?”

I looked at Jenny, as I have with many similar pretty young ladies, and really felt for her.

“Jenny, you will be fine – you are here to make sure you can have a healthy and beautiful smile. It is challenging, but work with me – together we can get your mouth back in shape.” And we did.

Jenny is not alone. Among the susceptible figure-conscious young female group, eating disorders are quite common, and teeth erosion is a side effect of the acidic oral environment resulting from either purging or a poor diet.

Eating disorders, including bulimia (binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting), anorexia and poor dieting habits carry side effects which are detrimental to your bodily and mental well being – they can also rot your teeth. Studies have shown that up to 2.1% of males and 7.3% of females purge (self-induced vomiting) at least once a week, and the numbers are even higher for adolescents.

Tooth surface loss from erosion caused by chemicals such as dietary, gastric or environmental acids typically wear away tooth enamel, which leads to sensitive teeth, caries or gum disease. If untreated, these effects can exacerbate leading to teeth grinding and gastric reflux disease. Soft tissue lesions, malnutrition,  a suppressed immune system, low self-esteem, an addictive personality (smoking, drinking or drugs), peptic ulcers and esophagitis are common among people who suffer from bulimia and anorexia. Oral damage from such disorders can include a severe breakdown of the teeth or their supporting structures which can affect the facial muscular system, negatively affecting your daily quality of life; the effort to restore a damaged mouth can become extremely challenging and costly.

Treatment of the problem, besides education and being supportive to the person suffering from the disorder, involves precise dental management; controlling the oral environment, drinking water or healthier juice instead of diet soda, eating healthier (as opposed to binge eating and purging) are all part of the solution. Getting prescription strength fluoride from your dentist to harden and desensitize your teeth and maintaining your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing at least twice a day is also crucial. if you regurgitate or vomit, rinse your mouth out right away. Adding baking soda to your brushing can also neutralize the acidic environment.

Regarding dental treatment, additive composite bonding to cover exposed dentin or to replace lost tooth surface is a possibility. Getting a custom-fitted night guard to prevent further loss of tooth structure from bruxism and maybe veneers or crowns to restore your mouth to ideal health are other possibilities. Of course, a professional assessment would be the first step of the process. The earlier you start treating the problem the better. A healthy mouth is essential for a healthy life.