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)!
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.
Has the global credit crunch put its vice grip on your life? Whether you are hurting in these tough financial times or not, stress is a factor many people have a hard time escaping, and with stress comes habits which can be potentially damaging to your oral health. Cleaning your teeth twice daily with floss and your tooth brush is no doubt important, especially after meals, but what else can you do to keep your mouth clean and healthy in a stressful climate?
Lower stress levels will benefit your oral health!
The global economic crisis has no doubt taken its toll on Americans and global citizens alike, whether that toll is financial stress, family burdens or career changes. Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking are among the most common de-stressers in popular American culture, and although these practices may temporarily relieve some of your mental tension, they can create serious problems in your mouth. I have previously discussed the dangers of alcohol in the mouth (and its tendency to increase one’s likelihood of developing oral cancer) as well as the respiratory , cardiovascular and general connective tissue problems associated with smoking cigarettes, but stress often leads to a combination of bad habits and bad oral hygiene.
The best way to avoid declining oral health, of course, is to limit or substitute activities which can damage your health, like smoking and drinking. However, if you find this to be too difficult to overcome (especially in a recession when no job is 100% secure), at least stay vigilant with your daily oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss after every meal, and after drinking or smoking. The idea of brushing your teeth after having a drink may not be appetizing at first, but the acidity from the alcohol will erode your precious teeth away! Keeping up on your oral hygiene routine could also help de-stress your financial life as well: taking care of your mouth can lead to reduced cavity occurrences, less sensitivity, and fewer overall dental problems which will save you money in the long run.
Finally, besides having a healthier diet and an optimistic outlook, regular exercise will help keep yourself in good shape! Keep up your teeth cleanings and check-ups – these are crucial. If you are overdue on a dental cleaning, schedule a visit now! Visiting your dental professional is key in identifying problem areas in your hygiene routine, possible cavities or severe night grinding (which causes excessive wear of your teeth (or other issues)) are usually undetectable without professional consultation. Early detection and preventive measures will prevent costly repair work down the line!
“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.
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!
Although you may think acid reflux disease and your child’s dental health are unrelated, but recent studies have suggested the close relations.
Recent studies have linked acid reflux and dental erosion.
Acid reflux disease, defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux in the esophagus, is nothing short of painful and distracting. When occurring in children, the symptoms can be even more painful and difficult to handle. Just nine days ago, the Pediatric Academic Society released findings of a study conducted by the University of California San Francisco stating children who have severe acid reflux have a much higher risk – up to six times the risk – of dental erosion and gum disease than those without acid reflux disease (or GERD). This is a unique finding and although it should be researched more before being considered fact, if your child suffers from acid reflux, be sure to keep an eye on his or her dental health!
Dental decay, erosion and sensitivity are a result of an overly acidic oral environment, and can often be quite painful and difficult for young children to handle, just like acid reflux. Regular hygiene (like brushing and flossing twice daily and after meals) is important as are regular checkups with your dental professional twice yearly, but what other things can you do to neutralize your child’s acid reflux, and in turn prevent dental and gum erosion? Besides healthy diet that consist of fresh vegetable and fruits, avoid greasy fried food , stay off sugary carbonated beverage,one physician who was a part of the aforementioned study has recommended children with acid reflux disease (even at early stages) should be started on a dental hygiene regiment, to be overlooked by a dental professional regularly, just as medical checkups are. Good dental home care program includes fluoride treatment might be suggested.
Dental erosion can be uncomfortable and potentially hazardous to your child’s oral health, which is why prevention, early detection and adequate protection are always the best keys to health. By taking the right steps early in your child’s life (especially if your child suffers from acid reflux), you can assure your child has a better chance to live his or her life with a happy, healthy smile!
Cancer is devastating, but through prevention we can often detect oral cancer’s presence in early stages (essential for survival). Oral cancer kills roughly one person per hour in America, more than 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed this year and only half will be alive in 5 years. If you expand the oral cancer to the larynx and the data to world wide, over 400,000 new cases are found each year according to the Oral Cancer Foundation.
Of the many known risk factors associated with oral cancer, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are the most common. When you smoke tobacco or drink alcohol, the harmful substances introduced to your body have adverse effects on your organs, and are both addictive and linked to numerous types of cancers, not just oral cancer. There are 50 known carcinogens and among 4000 different chemicals in cigarette tobacco smoke, 9 out of every 10 oral cancer patients are smokers. Frequent drinking will dramatically increase the ability of cancer-causing substances present in alcoholic beverages to penetrate the lining of your mouth, such as Acetaldehyde – which forms in a person’s mouth after using alcoholic mouthwash (suspected to be carcinogenic). Human Papilloma Virus, (HPV) is another common contributor to oral cancer. Common symptoms of the beginning stages of oral cancer include rough bumps or patchy legions on the lips or tongue, or any part of the mouth, white sores which are sensitive to temperature and pressure, and difficulty swallowing.
Unfortunately, most oral cancer cells are malignant and can rapidly spread to surrounding tissues (most of these cases were found in a late stage). Early detection is essential to increasing the chances of successfully treating oral cancer. There are several ways to screen for oral cancer, an advanced and non-invasive way to screen is through use of the VELscope, which produces a fluorescent light onto oral tissues. If the fluorescent luminescence reflects off of the oral tissue, no cancer is present. Cancerous tissue will absorb the light and appear dark on the device. There are other methods for oral cancer screenings also, be sure to request one at your next dental check-up visit, especially if you fall into the high risk group of being male, over 40, who smokes and drinks.
If detected early, oral cancer patients have up to a 90% survival rate. The key to preventing oral cancer is to lead a healthy lifestyle and have regular checkups with both your dental and general health care professional.
Fluoride treatment is effective with preventing cavities and tooth decay. As a dentist, this is what I have recommended to people who I see can benefit from fluoride treatment’s ability to remineralize and desensitize your teeth. However, I must confess there is risk involved with using fluoride due to its potentially damaging systematic effects.
Fluorine, the ionized form of fluoride is highly active to phosphate ions in your body (where calcium is found in large amounts – like the bones and teeth). In teeth, fluorine combines with the inorganic compound apatite, to form a harder, less water-soluble fluoride salt, which resists the acidic erosion of some oral environments. A pregnant mother’s fluorine intake affects the primary teeth of the fetus. Fluorine intake from fluoridated water (or a fluoride supplement) can also affect teeth in child development of up to around age 8 (making teeth harder and more resistant to decay). Unfortunately, excessive amounts of fluoride can lead to fluorosis, which causes white, brown or black stains (and even pitting) of the teeth, and/or brittle, aching bones and joints. An even darker fact regarding fluoride: many researchers believe it is carcinogenic. Japanese research has shown fluoride as being capable of transforming healthy cells into cancer cells. Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Health has found that young men exposed to fluoridated water have a much higher occurrence rate of bone cancer. Other studies performed by private corporations (Procter & Gamble in particular) have shown fluoride used to fluoridate public water sources significantly increases the chances of genetic damage in its drinkers.
So use fluoride with caution – it is beneficial for cavity prevention and treating tooth sensitivity, but it is for topical use only – do not ingest! Children especially need special care from their parents with undertaking any type of fluoride treatment, no fluoride toothpaste or fluoride should ever be swallowed. If fluoride use is recommended by your doctor or dental professional, calcium supplements (or food rich in calcium like dairy products) are recommended to ensure your bones stay strong and balance out any potential loss of calcium due to fluorine exposure.
There are alternatives for remineralizing your tooth structure, such as calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. If you have any concerns, speak with your dental professional. Remember, the best way to prevent tooth decay is to eat sensibly and keep your mouth sparkling clean by properly brushing and flossing after every meal.
Read the First Comment 
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)!
