“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.

“A Light Waistline, A Fat Wallet.”

Posted by drgracesun on August 29, 2009 under Information, Nutrition and Diet, Smart Smile | Be the First to Comment

When our lives our simple, we are generally happier: less stress, more fun! Leading a relatively simple lifestyle (which means eating right, exercising, not overworking, getting to bed on time and all that jazz) will leave you feeling better rested and more alive. As if that wasn’t enough of an incentive, a healthy lifestyle will also result in a fatter wallet.

It’s a sad fact that we consume far more food than our parents (and grandparents!). The average American drinks more soda than water, and considering how big those drinks have grown over the years – a 64oz Big Gulp being a standard drink size at gas station convenience stores – it’s no wonder we’re the second fattest nation in the world (Australia takes the cake)! Many young people would rather drink a Diet Coke than eat a meal, and because carbonated colas are mostly sugar and empty calories, our bodies struggle every day to get the nutrients they need from natural, raw foods. Not only do they provide functional stimulation to your teeth and gums, but natural foods also nourish our body and keep our physiological systems running smoothly.

Studies have shown that a person’s consumption of carbohydrates (be it sugar, corn syrup or grain) are directly tied to a person’s ability to maintain their weight and overall health. According to a study by Dr. Mercola, if you eat out on a regular basis (because most restaurant foods are both fatty and preservative-laden), you are “slashing decades off your lifespan and increasing the likelihood of having to rely on expensive and potentially toxic drugs to treat the symptoms that will result from not eating healthy.”

The key message here is to live a healthy lifestyle by eating right, exercising, leading a positive attitude and maintain good habits and hygiene. Brush and floss after every meal. Keeping your oral cavity clean will help to keep the rest of your body running smoothly, as oral health is systemically linked to your other bodily systems (as we have learned, a dirty and plaque-ridden mouth can lead to heart disease, amongst other ailments). Live healthy and you will be one step closer to living wealthy!

“How Important is My Diet?”

Posted by drgracesun on August 2, 2009 under General Dental Knowledge, Healthy Smile, Hygiene, Information, Nutrition and Diet, Smart Smile, Technology | Be the First to Comment

You are what you eat! Your body can only repair, regenerate and replenish itself from what you put into your body; it’s a continuous cyclic phenomenon. A healthy diet is essential to maintaining a healthy body, healthy mind and healthy smile.

We have learned about the food pyramid and how a balanced diet can keep our body and mind healthy.We need carbohydrates like grains, fruits and vegetables to supply energy to the body and maintaining normal blood glucose level, cellulose fiber will regulate our internal systems to eliminate waste and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and colon cancer. Protein (with its Greek root meaning “of primary importance”) including meats, fish, dairy and beans are essential to build and repair our body components. Protein builds muscle, normalizes the immune system and body function. Fats are needed to build our cell walls and conduct our neural transmissions. Lipids maintain the structure and support of our organs.Vitamins and minerals will optimize our health and prevent diseases. Finally, we should always keep our body well hydrated, because water is the single most major component of our body and cells.

Oral health is part of bodily health. For healthy oral tissues like gum and bone, we need the same healthy diet to prevent cavities, which also requires hygiene upkeep.  The digestive process starts the moment you begin to eat. Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars from the foods you eat to acids, which although are helpful in breaking down your food, also begins to attack the enamel on teeth, starting the decay process. If you snack frequently, you are exposing your teeth to cyclic decay. Obviously, habits like this are detrimental to your oral health. Brush and floss twice daily, and after meals. Any less frequently could mean serious problems for your oral health!

Many of us live in a fast paced life and many young people’s diet are lacking the greens. Fruits and vegetables are important to our health for many reasons – they contain fiber in whole foods, and they contain phytonutrients, which are plant based nutrients (in the numbers of 20,000 or more), all of which work together to ensure our health. Alpha-carotene, lycopene, and a number of the other carotenes give our fruits and vegetables their rich vibrant colors, but they also help make our skin strong, our organs functioning well and they keep our immune system in check. Their antioxidant properties will also help our periodontal tissues to resist breaking down. When combined with fine proteins, they  will help to repair and regenerate our soft oral tissues. Eat healthy, and preserve your body, your smile and your life!

“Post-Surgical Care?”

Posted by drgracesun on July 18, 2009 under General Dental Knowledge, Information, Smart Smile | Be the First to Comment

Summer break is a busy time for oral surgeons, who are often busy extracting the wisdom teeth of college bound or high school students. This wisdom teeth removal surgery could be the biggest medical and dental procedure for a young person.  As long as as you are under the care of a capable and well-experienced oral surgeon, the procedure should run smoothly, but proper home care after having the wisdom teeth removed is very important to assure a healthy and speedy recovery.

Anesthetics or sedatives used during oral surgical procedures will often take a couple hours to wear away – the first 72 hours are crucial for normative recovery. Pain medication like anti-inflammatory Ibuprofen or narcotic Tylenol #3 with codeine often is prescribed depending on the severity of the procedure in addition to a 3-times-daily antibiotic, such as amoxycillin.

Regarding eating and drinking after oral surgery, avoid soft drinks for a week and avoid alcohol for 3 to 5 days .No smoking forever is the best, however if you really are dying for a draft,wait as long as possible, at least for 24 hours for being kind to your body. The first day at home should consist of using a cold compression (ice bag on 15 minute off 15 minutes for few hours), which can eliminate swelling. Stay away from straws and any mouth-opening activities to prevent loosing blood clots which lay a foundation for regenerate tissues as part of the natural healing process. Using a straw can cause the painful condition known as “dry socket.” Both preventing infection and timely healing are pivotal for post-surgery patients; follow the instructions from your surgeon on medication, diets, hygiene and habit. You’ll fully recover in no time.

Other than chipmunk cheeks for a couple days, the other common complication related with wisdom teeth extraction is the discomfort associated with dry socket. What causes dry socket and the prevention of dry socket are still being researched, but as a general rule the surgeon’s technique should be gentle and precise, so as to not traumatize the bone during the procedure. If the tooth is impacted or laying side ways, instead of forcing it out with forceps (which can create excessive compression on the bone), the surgeon should use a rotary tool with a saline cooling system to create access to the impacted molar . The molar will be dissected into smaller pieces and removed, without traumatizing the bone. On the patient’s part, there should be no rinsing, spitting, smoking or sucking of any kind for the first 24 hours after oral surgery. This will prevent disruption of the blood clot from a physical force in the mouth. Better oxygen saturation and circulation of the blood from not smoking is also important for healing. A good diet rich in antioxidants and vitamin c, lean proteins are good for tissue regeneration, for overcoming the negative influence on our body from consuming antibiotics. Eat yogurt or take acidophalus to restore the friendly flora in our body to prevent a yeast infection.

If your are healthy, forget all the above mentioned, you will be just fine after surviving the oral surgery!

“What About Dry Mouth?”

Posted by drgracesun on July 8, 2009 under General Dental Knowledge, Healthy Smile, Information | Be the First to Comment

Do you have a hard time swallowing? Do you ever get cotton mouth (when your throat is dry and uncomfortable)? Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, is a serious issue that many people suffer from, though most are unaware a problem exists (or do not know how to care for it).

Xerostomia is a condition in which the salivary glands of the mouth do not function as they should, and provide a less-than-adequate supply of saliva into the mouth. This is not only uncomfortable, but it also weakens natural defense system for your teeth. Saliva rinses food particles away from your teeth, neutralizing acids which can harm your teeth, providing enzymes to help digest food (which also keep oral tissues healthy).

In order to actually understand how to prevent dry mouth, it is important to understand what causes it. Often times, dry mouth can be brought on with emotional and physical stress. Aging, radiative therapy, chemotherapy, medication and physical illness (such as AIDS, diabetes, strokes or Alzheimer’s disease) can cause dry mouth. Various pharmaceutical studies have proven that over 400 prescription and OTC medications can cause xerostomia, such as: anti-depressants, anti-hypertensives, tranquilizers, analgesics, diuretics and antihistamines.  Speak with your physician if you are experiencing dry mouth while taking any of these medications.

The consequences of dry mouth can effect one’s quality of life tremendously. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing or speaking, frequent ulcers or sores of the mouth, a frequently altered sense of taste, extensive tooth decay or gum diseases and bad breath. Speak with your physician or dental care professional about what you can do to prevent dry mouth. General rules to ease the discomfort of dry mouth include brushing and flossing twice daily and after meals! Drink plenty of water, work on a healthier diet, chew sugarless gum. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, avoid salty or dry foods (like chips, toast and crackers) and use over-the-counter oral moisture replacement products to lessen the displeasing effects of dry mouth. Visit your dental professional regularly for preventative care and to have additional preventive treaments (like sealant or home fluoride treatment) as needed to preserve your oral health.

“Bleeding Gums = Losing Memory?”

Posted by drgracesun on July 7, 2009 under Current News Events, General Dental Knowledge, Gum Disease and Treatment, Healthy Smile, Information | Be the First to Comment

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!

“Precaution: Antibiotics Can Stain?”

Posted by drgracesun on July 1, 2009 under General Dental Knowledge, Healthy Smile, Information | Be the First to Comment

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 chlorhexidine antiseptic 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.

“Wearing Dentures?”

Posted by drgracesun on June 27, 2009 under Beautiful Smile, Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dental Knowledge, Healthy Smile, Information | Be the First to Comment

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.

“What Are Your Teeth Made Of?”

Posted by drgracesun on June 16, 2009 under General Dental Knowledge, Information, Nutrition and Diet, Technology | Be the First to Comment

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.

“Can You Taste It?”

Posted by drgracesun on under General Dental Knowledge, Information | Be the First to Comment

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.