Posted by drgracesun on May 17, 2009 under Healthy Smile, Smart Smile | 
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!
Tags: acid reflux, ca, california, child, Children, damage, dds, decay, dental, dentist, disease, doctor, erosion, fluoride, gerd, health, LA, los angeles, poor, prevent, Prevention, protect, sensitivity, sun, weho, west hollywood
Posted by drgracesun on April 2, 2009 under Healthy Smile, Information |
Diabetes is a serious health condition for a large segment of the population, which can cause problem of your eyes, heart, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels. Los Angeles (the city I live and love) has the highest diabetes-related amputation rate in the country! My father-in-law had a diabetes-related stroke, hitting close to home how the consequences of diabetes can be quite severe. There are many varied effects on oral health due to the diabetes condition, including periodontal disease (gum disease), tooth decay, salivary gland dysfunction, fugal infection , delay and poor healing and taste impairment. I get pretty apprehensive when treating diabetic patients, especially when dental implants are called for, or surgical procedures were needed, because of the delayed and poor healing associated with diabetes. It is important to keep your health history updated and inform your dental professional if you are diabetic, whether or not the management of the condition is under control.
When diabetes is not controlled properly, excess glucose can attach to proteins in the blood vessels and alter their normal structure and function; the thicker and less elastic vessels lead to poor circulation and reduce the body’s resistance to infection (leading to gum infection). High glucose levels in your saliva will promote bacteria growth also. When this happens, your oral environment becomes much more susceptible to cavities, infection and gum disease. It is important if you are diabetic to keep up with your oral hygiene, as proper brushing and flossing can help prevent periodontitis, which can compromise the gum and bone and lead to tooth loss. Poor circulation due to diabetes can decrease blood supply to the gums, causing dry mouth which is more susceptible to disease as well (tooth decay, gingivitis , periodontitis, or fungal infection).
It is important to learn about your body, manage the diabetic condition through diet, exercise and medication under the care of your physician, see your dental professional regularly (twice or three times a year) for cleaning and check ups. All in all, if you are on top of your oral hygiene (brush and floss after every meal), control your blood glucose levels and visit your dentist regularly, you should be in good health. Schedule an appointment with your dental professional if you suspect your diabetes may be adversely affecting your oral health!
Tags: ca, california, decay, dental, dentist, diabetes, disease, doctor, environment, glucose, health, LA, los angeles, oral, prevent, protect, sugar, sun, weho, west hollywood
