It might surprise you to learn that over 20 million individual teeth are extracted from American mouths every year – the devastating news is that many of these extractions could have been avoided. Once teeth “pass the point of no return,” costly implants or other techniques must be used to restore a person’s smile or chewing function properly – and if said person is unable to afford proper treatment, their missing teeth may cause subsequent dental problems or humiliation and devastating blows to his or her self-esteem, even harming job security, depending on what career path said person has taken.
The sad fact of the matter is that less than 10% of people suffering from tooth pain or other signs of future tooth loss ever see a dentist (or dental professional); because nearly all tooth loss is preventable, this is simply unacceptable! Dental phobia, the fear of being judged by a dentist or financial troubles are often contributing factors in why most people suffering from tooth pain never see a dentist, but the consequence of delaying (or avoiding all together) a dental check-up often results in edentulism (missing one or more teeth). Worst of all, oral health problems are systematic (meaning they can affect other systems or parts of the body), and problems grow with time, making the need to see your dentist that much more urgent if you are suffering from tooth pain.
Of course, tooth loss in rare incidences could be due to injury or genetic problems, mainly caused by poor oral hygiene, bad oral habits leading to tooth and gum disease and eventually tooth loss. For starters, brushing and flossing twice daily and after meals is essential! When food particles are left behind embedded between tooth crevices, bacteria begins a destructive process which eats away at your teeth and gum. Secondly, eating sugary, carbohydrate-laden foods and drinking sugary beverages [frequently] without prompt proper care can erode the enamel on your teeth, making you more prone to tooth loss and gum disease. Without timely dental care, these habits will lead to an untreatable situation and inevitable tooth loss. To prevent all that unpleasantness (and the costly consequences of tooth loss), the best solution is prevention. Prevention means having a terrific home care program, proper diet and habit and getting your regular dental cleanings and check ups every year. When the problem is small (or in a earlier stage of deterioration), problems are much easier to correct and restore. To the end the effort is all worthy, and having a healthy mouth is truly the foundation of good physical health (you can eat and digest healthy, high fibrous food) and mental health (self esteem and being able to smile with confidence)!
It is almost summer time, and typical family vacations are being planned in many families! Whether you are planning on taking a family road trip or are trekking across the globe, remember to get a dental checkup before your trip – dental care abroad isn’t always convenient, and can in fact be risky business.
Especially when traveling to remote destinations or developing regions of the world, it can be difficult to find adequate or specialized dental care depending on what needs you may have, or what dental emergencies may arise during your trip. In the most extreme places, dental treatment can be both painful and dangerous, depending on the tools and medicines available to the dentists on staff – dental qualification standards are also frequently much lower abroad than those in the western world.
Many Americans wishing to avoid expensive dental care by voyaging outside the borders of the United States travel to Mexico or Eastern Europe every year, and while this may be a way to save money, it is important to be aware that all American dentists hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from an accredited dental school, and hold practicing licenses which are issued only after rigorous examination periods which must be renewed every year. These strict practicing guidelines do not always exist abroad. Guidelines for strict sanitation and hygiene in dental offices are regulated by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), another safety precaution which developing nations often are lacking.
If you choose to go abroad to a remote or developing location to seek dental treatment, be sure to check with that country’s health ministry to inquire about health and safety standards for practicing dentists. Call local health offices and get a feel of what you can expect. If possible, research and find a specific doctor you will visit, and check up on his or her qualifications and practicing history. Once you arrive, your eyes will be your best tool to determine the state of his or her practice! Make sure hands are being washed, instruments are coming from sterilized packaging, and “get a feel” of the place. If you are suspicious, do not proceed!
The Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) has published a Traveler’s Guide to Safe Dental Care, which should be read by any and all persons traveling abroad to receive dental treatment – www.osap.org. Finally, dental referrals may be available from the consolate of the country you are a citizen of! Be sure to call the embassy once arriving in your destination country and get all available information. Make sure to be healthy, be prepared, and have a fun and safe trip.
Have you ever thought “when I grow into my golden years, I’ll never smile – my teeth will have fallen out!” It should be common knowledge that teeth do not fall out naturally as part of the aging process, quite the contrary! Teeth are lost in seniors primarily due to poor oral hygiene, resulting in tooth and gum disease. If seniors properly take care of their teeth and maintain regular check ups with their dentist, their teeth will be healthy and strong throughout their entire lives!
It’s no surprise that senior oral health is a top priority and concern for dental professionals across the United States – senior citizens are the fastest growing demographic due to the baby boomer generation, and will soon make up the largest age group in the country! For such a big group, it would seem common sense that dentists are seeing increasing numbers of senior patients, but this is sadly not true. “Seniors often take long absences from seeing the dentist,” says AGD spokesperson Nick Russo, DDS. “Sometimes they stop caring as much because they’re not out in the public very much, and they think oral hygiene doesn’t matter.” I have even had patients in their 80s and 90s who have even received orthodontic treatment (braces)! A person is never too young.
The truth of the matter, however, is that oral health matters just as much for seniors as it does for middle aged people and even young adults! Deteriorating oral health in old age is a choice, not a factual occurrence – and can be prevented rather easily. A person’s smile is the gateway to their heart, and whether that person is 15 or 115, that smile defines who you are. Keep it beautiful! The most important step for seniors (or their children or caretakers) to remember is that oral health is not a luxury – declining oral health is not purely aesthetic, and systemic problems can arise due to declining oral health. For example, genetic links between gum disease and heart disease have been proven to exist. Be sure to schedule biannual (twice yearly) dental checkups and cleanings. Not only are these appointments important for cleaning the teeth and gums beyond what a person can do at home, these appointments are essential in identifying poor habits, developing oral health problems and even cancer screenings.
After a biannual checkup plan has been cemented, it is key to remember to brush and floss, for two minutes, after every meal. If brushing and flossing is not occurring after meals, food particles turn into bacteria which destroy enamel and gum tissue. Also, stay away from sodas (diet or otherwise!), candy and other sugar-laden foods and drinks. Water or tea would be a much healthier substitute. Extend your beauty and your life by taking your oral health seriously. Your teeth and gums will take care of you, if you take care of them!
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.
“Brushing for a healthy heart ” is a true statement – the link between gum disease (or the bacteria associate with the gum disease) and the body’s cardiovascular system is tight. Prophylactic measurements (like antibiotics before dental visits, for people who have a valve replacement) have been a practice in our society for quite some time, but German scientists presented a study last Monday (May 25, 2009) at the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria confirming a link between gum disease and heart disease – simultaneously confirming the importance of maintaining your oral health, not just for your mouth’s well being but for your vital organs as well!
The association between periodontitis and coronary heart disease is not a new concept, but a genetic link between the two is a new concept which provides startling information for dental professionals and patients regarding the gravity of gum disease, as well as its potentially devastating systemic effects throughout the body. Specifically, the researchers were noted as finding “that the two diseases share a genetic variant on chromosome 9. The genetic variation associated with the clinical pictures of both diseases was identical.” The link between the two diseases postulated the following conclusion: “we think that periodontitis should be taken very seriously by dentists and diagnosed and treated as early as possible,” Dr. Schaefer said, noting that periodontitis and heart disease share risk factors such as smoking and obesity.
Although this information doesn’t change how we should treat oral hygiene or periodontitis, it does serve as a wake-up call for everyone regarding how important our oral hygiene routines should be. It is vital to brush your teeth after every meal (and after that midnight snack)! Late-night and mid-day nibbling can cause the most harm to one’s oral environment, from a lack of desire or motivation to clean both the surface and crevices of the teeth. Bacteria thrive in dirty surroundings! Drinking sugary liquids like soda not only provides zero nutritional value, it also creates unhealthy habits which wreak havoc on the oral environment – stick to water or tea if you can. Remember, once the deterioration of dental structures starts, damage may be very difficult or impossible to reverse or restore completely! Prevention is the best measurement, and it is within your reach. Ask your dental professional about prevention – it is easy to work on, both for a cleaner oral environment and for a stronger bacterial host resistance. A healthy mouth may lead to a healthy heart, and such health is priceless.
Hookah smoking is a popular activity for the young and old alike, and has even been gaining popularity in metropolitan city centers: hookah lounges are very popular among residents and college students. The Mediterranean past time of smoking fruit-flavored tobacco (known as shisha) out of a water bong is safer for the lungs than traditional cigarette smoke (as the smoke is filtered through water and ice chambers), but does this smoke harm the oral health as normal cigarette smoke does?
Hookah smoke is damaging to your teeth.
Unfortunately, there is no good news for Hookah smokers. Although the benefits to a water hookah’s filtration have been debated, hookah smoke contains the same toxins as cigarettes which can cause increased blood pressure and risk for heart attack, as well as impaired liver function. In addition to these detractors, hookah smoke is no healthier for your mouth than common cigarettes. Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm studied 262 adults in Saudi Arabia (where hookah smoking is extremely common and culturally condoned) to test this hypothesis – the group was made up of both exclusively cigarette smokers and exclusively hookah smokers, as well as smokers who partook in both forms of smoking.
After an extended period of observation, 20% of the group was found to have signs of gum disease – 30% of hookah smokers and 24% of cigarette smokers were affected by these symptoms. While other factors like age and diet were taken into account, the study concluded that regular hookah smokers are five times more likely than non-smokers to develop gum disease, whereas cigarette smokers were 4 times more likely to develop gum disease. This information might actually suggest that hookah smoke is more dangerous than cigarettes to your oral health! The bottom line is that any form of smoke – whether it is from a cigarette or a water pipe – is harmful to your body and your mouth. Gum disease is only the beginning of long-term systemic problems that occur with smokers, and can lead to tooth deterioration, tooth loss and eventually oral cancer (which is usually detected late, quickly becoming deadly). Curbing your smoking habits and substituting them with healthier living patterns will help you in the long run.
As you may or may not know, May 10 – 16 was National Women’s Health Week, an annual week-long health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH). The purpose of this awareness week is to empower women to make their health a top priority.This noble quest does not simply apply to nutrition and cancer screening (as most people associate health weeks with), but to women’s oral health as well!
This year, National Women’s Health Week began on Mother’s Day – and what better a day to begin than on the day honoring mothers? Our country has a rich history of leading women who have made America a better place: Susan B. Anthony (who organized women’s suffrage), Clara Barton (who organized the American Red Cross), and Rosa Parks, who in 1955 stood up for equal rights for all. Had these women not taken care of their oral health, where would we be today? Of course, speculation about the oral hygiene habits of these women is somewhat silly, but this important week reminds all women of how important our health is, and how diminished as a society we would be without healthy women to lead and nurture.
It is important for all women to realize the importance of oral health not only for the well being of our teeth and gums, but for our whole body’s overall wellness. Of course, brushing and flossing twice daily and after meals is of utmost importance, as well as regular twice yearly checkups with your dentist and oral hygienist. There are certain oral health conditions women should be aware of however, separate from men. John Lukacs, an anthropologist at the University of Oregon recently uncovered both modern and prehistoric dental records which have revealed women have more dental health issues than men, which has been attributed to hormonal changes women experience when estrogen is produced (especially during puberty and pregnancy). As mentioned in a previous blog posting of mine, during pregnancy, not only does the body increase blood circulation to accommodate certain changes, but dilation of the blood vessels make the body more vulnerable to bacterial invasion, including the gum and and bone support of your teeth. Cravings and constant nibbling also promotes an acidic oral environment, leading to tooth erosion and the further harvesting of bacterial growth (which breaks down your tooth structure).
Gum swelling, bleeding and pain have also been reported during periods of menstruation. During these times, it is important to keep up with your normal oral hygiene routine! Massaging the gums with your fingertips can provide temporary pain relief, believe it or not. If you have any questions about your oral health, make a quick call to your dental professional and schedule a checkup or consultation appointment – he or she will be more than happy to provide you with the answers you need. Women have played an extremely important role in America’s history. Take care of your mouth, so that we can continue to take care of the nation!
Whether you have been going to the same dentist for 20 years or you haven’t seen a dentist at all for the longest time, it is important to find the right match – that is, finding the right dental professional for you. The relationship you have with your dentist is as important and personal as your relationship with your physician and hairdresser – you must trust and feel comfortable putting yourself in his or her well-trained hands.
I recently came across a person who had this to say about her dental experience: “I haven’t been to a dentist since 1992. Perhaps what I really need is a few years on a psychiatrist’s couch to reconcile my childhood and once again return to the dentist’s chair; otherwise, just knock me out, do what needs to be done, and wake me up when it’s all over.” This negative experience as a child is quite common of many patients I see, and of many adults who don’t go to the dentist, because of traumatizing childhood experiences.
If you are looking for a new dentist, ask for referrals from friends and family first. Is this dentist well experienced? Is this dentist known for pain-free treatment? Is this dentist well established in your community? Is this dentist interested in continuing education? These are questions that will help you establish a solid footing for beginning your match making! Even if you have a low budget, you can still find quality dental professionals who can take care of your smile in a manner befitting even the most unnerved patients. It is important to keep in mind that whether you believe your teeth are in good condition or not, a hygienist can clean deep-seated tartar and other mineral buildup on your teeth that you cannot clean with simply a brush and floss! Also, dental screenings are necessary to make sure no new problems have arisen in your mouth and that your teeth and gum are in good shape, even screening for oral cancer. Catching problems early on is always the least painful procedure – physically and financially!
It is a scary fact that 1 in every 3 American adults suffer from gum disease – this common malady is often caused by certain bacterial factors due to poor oral habits, difficult access for cleaning and weak host resistance for tissue break down. The key point is to prevent the occurrence of gum disease by instilling a healthy diet, healthy habits and regular dental check ups. However, if you already have signs of gum disease (like if your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth) there just may be some home remedies that can provide some relief, before your dental visits.
Typical signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, loose teeth or halitosis (bad breath). It all starts with inflammation of the gum tissue, which is called gingivitis: symptoms are light and include occasional bleeding, which can if left undiagnosed can progress to irreversible periodontal disease. This in turn can cause unhealthy systemic conditions such as heart attacks and hypertension! Of course, a fully implemented oral hygiene routine is your first and safest bet in preventing bacterial agents that cause gum disease. Brush and floss your teeth for two minutes minimum twice a day and after every meal. This will prevent bacteria and plaque from building up between your teeth and between your gums, which cause the beginning stages of both gingivitis and halitosis. It is also important to build up your host resistance to prevent tissue break down by maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, like Vitamin C, B and E, calcium, magnesium and silica.
If you do have signs of gum disease, try these remedies to reduce your symptoms. Salt water: this old home remedy can help you not only relieve the symptom of a sore throat, but can also reduce the swelling and bleeding of gum tissues. It can also reduce halitosis in minor cases. Eating right, as mentioned by foods rich in vitamin C (or take supplements) will also help. Tea tree oil can aid in reducing gingivitis conditions. Add a few drops of a tea tree oil supplement to your toothbrush after brushing to add a protective layer to the oral tissues. Finally, massaging your gums with your fingertips can stimulate blood circulation within your gums, and often times provide pain relief!
Try these home remedies if you can not get to your dentist right away and believe you may be suffering from gum disease. No home solution is a substute for professional service. Schedule a visit to your dental professional if you have experienced bleeding gums, loose teeth or bad breath. Listen to your body and take care your dental problems as soon as possible – bringing your oral health back to a healthy condition is always your wisest move!
It’s a privilege to be a mother – just ask Angelina Jolie! The joys of being a new mother also come with lots of new responsibilities. We must learn about how to care for our babies properly – besides love and cuddling! Safety, nutrition, physical and intellectual development and dental care are often overlooked. Even two of my nephews had suffered from rotten baby teeth (from baby bottle syndrome)!
Once the exciting jouney of pregnancy begins, your doctor will start you on prenatal vitamins. Essentially, these supplements help curb any vitamin or mineral deficiencies you may have as to properly foster the development of your fetus. Folic acid, calcium and iron are among the most important contents of these vitamins, and they are important in building your child’s first set of teeth! Although an infant’s teeth don’t start emerging until the age of approximately 5-6 months, proper development of those teeth are necessary from womb development so that when the teeth do emerge, they are strong and healthy!
Once your child’s primary teeth have begun to emerge, it is important to take good care of them. Clean new baby teeth with a damp wash cloth to wipe them free of food after feeding, and have the child drink some water to further wash down the mouth. Not only do primary teeth help a child eat and speak, but they hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth to develop.
As previously mentioned, it is extremely important to prevent baby bottle syndrome – rotten baby teeth which occurs when the baby falls sleep with a bottle of milk or juice in his or her mouth. Fermentable liquids can pool around a child’s teeth, leading to acidity and bacteria buildup in the mouth which can rot baby teeth quickly. These teeth are too soft to resist erosion and tooth decay. Once the decay process stars, it can soon progress to the pulp tissues and your poor baby would suffer from toothaches and infections – it might even affect the tooth buds of permanent teeth. So, once your child’s teeth emerge into the mouth, do not let your baby fall asleep with a bottle in its mouth (unless it is only water)!
Finally, it is great idea to start good oral hygiene and diet habits early! Never ever give your baby soda or soft drinks! The sugar and acid content in these drinks will erode your child’s teeth and start bad habits that can be difficult to break. Also try to avoid sugary carbohydrates and candies! Once there are several baby teeth present, wiping teeth with a damp cloth should be replaced with actual brushing with a soft-bristled brush. By the time your child is potty trained, it’s about time to start learning about brushing their teeth. Allowing your child to brush their own teeth holding a child friendly toothbrush (while you direct the handle) is a great way to start good oral hygiene habits! It will be parent’s responsibility to assist in brushing of the teeth until they enter elementary school, which is when they should have the maturity and manual dexterity to handle it themselves. If you rely on a nanny or caretaker, make sure to instill this information to them.
Regarding further information on dental home care, please refer to our other postings or submit your questions, I will address your specific issue or ask your dental professional!
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on your teeth, making you more prone to tooth loss and gum disease. Without timely dental care, these habits will lead to an untreatable situation and inevitable tooth loss. To prevent all that unpleasantness (and the costly consequences of tooth loss), the best solution is prevention. Prevention means having a terrific home care program, proper diet and habit and getting your regular dental cleanings and check ups every year. When the problem is small (or in a earlier stage of deterioration), problems are much easier to correct and restore. To the end the effort is all worthy, and having a healthy mouth is truly the foundation of good physical health (you can eat and digest healthy, high fibrous food) and mental health (self esteem and being able to smile with confidence)!
