Healthy Teeth, Healthy Body

Good dental health does more than keep your teeth healthy — it can protect your body from larger health issues.

A toothy smile can offer a glimpse into what's going on inside your body. Of course, healthy teeth and gums look nice, but your dental health is also an indicator of your overall health, including your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Healthy Teeth: The Link Between Dental Health and Overall Health

"There are several possible overall health problems that may be affected by your oral health," says Sally J. Cram, DDS, a practicing periodontist in Washington, DC, and a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association.

According to Dr. Cram, several studies have suggested a correlation between periodontal disease, which is an infection of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth, and an increased risk of having or developing the following health issues:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Respiratory infection
• Pregnancy complications

In fact, periodontal disease is a major risk factor for preterm and low-birth-weight babies — pregnant women with periodontal disease are at a seven fold greater risk for these complications.

Healthy Teeth: Maintaining Dental Health

If you neglect your teeth, infection and inflammation can result. These problems may start around your teeth but can quickly spread beyond your mouth.

Periodontal disease results from a buildup of bacteria beneath your gums, the tissue that wraps around your teeth. If you neglect to brush and floss your teeth carefully and regularly, the bacteria causes inflammation within 24 to 48 hours. Then, over time, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating a "pocket" between them.

"This starts a vicious cycle — the deeper the pocket gets, the less effective you are at removing the bacteria, which causes more inflammation and infection, resulting in the pocket getting deeper and more difficult to clean," Cram says.

If the bacteria aren't cleaned away promptly, within months or even weeks, they release toxins that destroy the jawbone, eventually leading to teeth that become loose and need to be removed by your dentist.

Eventually, those bacteria can reach other areas of the body, like the heart, and may lead to the formation of blood clots. Inflammation of the gums from periodontal disease can also encourage the buildup of thick plaque that can clog arteries and lead to heart disease.

Healthy Teeth: Red Flags of Periodontal Disease

Watch for these warning signs of periodontal disease:

• Swollen gums
• Redness of the gums
• Gums that bleed
• Receding gums
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Bad breath

Healthy Teeth: Where to Start

Regular brushing and flossing may not be all you need to protect yourself against heart disease and stroke, but they’re certainly a great start. And if you're pregnant, practicing good dental hygiene protects you and your baby.

"Most dental problems are totally preventable with good daily hygiene," says Cram, which means brushing twice daily with toothpaste that carries the ADA seal of acceptance for safety and effectiveness, and flossing once per day.

Regular dental cleanings and checkups every six months — or more often if your dentist says so — will help spot signs of disease early. And early treatment will in turn help you lower your risk for serious, related health problems like heart disease or stroke.

Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S.

Reference: Everyday health By Diana Rodriguez

6 Horrible Things That Happen To Your Body When You Don’t Drink Enough Water

Experts largely discuss over the amount of water you should drink per day, but no one actually knows the reason for such debates.

Many studies suggest that you should drink 8-9 glasses of water per day. But, what happens to your body if you do not drink enough water?

1. There is a great possibility that you will have to deal with a certain health condition. Drinking plenty of water will help you reduce the chances of getting kidney stones, gastrointestinal and urinary tract cancer, and heart attack.

2. The lack of water slows your metabolism. The function of the metabolism depends on the amount of water you drink, so your metabolism will work faster as you increase the water intake, which is one of the basic rules.

3. You will have to put more effort when doing your regular activities. Dehydration pressures and shrinks your brain, and it will need twice as much time to accomplish the tasks.

4. Increased appetite. People who drink 2 glasses of water before their meals eat 75-90 calories less. This routine will help you lose 5 pounds in three months.

5. You look older and your skin is wrinkled. Water hydrates the skin, fills in the fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a nice and bright skin tone.

6. Lack of water causes mood swings. Dehydrated people often feel weak and helpless, confused, angry and depressive, unlike people who drink plenty of water.

reference: Healthy Food House 

Brought to you by Nylaan Dental Team - Your Total Health is our goal. 

The Biggest Dental Problems For People Over 50

Smile! There’s good news from the world of dentistry: Older American are keeping their teeth longer than ever before and the average number of teeth people retain into old age is increasing, says Judith Ann Jones, DDS, a spokesman on elder care for the American Dental Association and director of The Center for Clinical Research at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
But Jones is not all smiles. As people keep their teeth longer, there are more problems that are likely to arise, which is why keeping up with regular dental visits is so important. Here are the most common problems, and what you can do about them:

Tooth decay 

You can keep your smile for a lifetime.

Yes, people over 50 can get cavities. You can get them on the surfaces of teeth that have never been a problem before, but you can also get them around old fillings or at the root of your tooth. “As you age, the root of your tooth becomes softer and sometimes more exposed,” Jones explains.

The Fix: Fluoride is not just for kids, Jones says. “Fluoride is one of the 10 most important health measures developed in the 20th century.” Almost 80 percent of people in the United States have fluorinated water, but if you don’t, you should probably add a daily fluoride rinse to your brushing habit. Or ask your doctor about a stronger fluoride prescription gel. If you are starting to get cavities, even if your water has fluoride, consider a fluoride rinse. Ask your dentist if that’s right for you.

Water is the best cure for dry mouth.

Dry mouth


Saliva protects us against tooth decay. But if you’re not producing it, your teeth may be at risk. The calcium and phosphate present in saliva prevent demineralization of your teeth, Jones says. How do you know if you have dry mouth? You’ll have a sticky feeling in your mouth, trouble swallowing, dry throat, and dry, cracked lips. You may notice a metallic taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath. You may or may not feel thirsty. Dry mouth is often caused by medications, and as people age, they take more medications. It can also result from smoking or from a blow to the head that somehow damages the salivary glands.

The Fix: If you have dry mouth, you should try to stimulate saliva production. Jones says some people just sip water all day while others find that chewing sugar-free xylitol candies or gum helps. Your dentist may prescribe a prescription saliva substitute or recommend over-the-counter formulations for you to try.

Gum disease 

A healthy mouth leads to
a healthy body.

If your gums are swollen, red, or bleed easily, you've got gingivitis, an early form of gum disease that can progress and be dangerous. Untreated gingivitis often becomes periodontitis, which is when the gum pulls away from the tooth and creates pockets which can become infected. If this condition develops and continues unchecked, it could cause the loss of bones in your jaw and eventually, the loss of the teeth themselves.

The Fix: The best fix for this condition is regular dentist visits, Jones says. You may need to visit your dentist more frequently so that your teeth can be cleaned and your gums treated for the condition. People who don’t have good access to dental care are more likely to have gum disease, Jones says.

Oral cancer 

More than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancers this year, and more than 8,000 will die from it, according to The Oral Cancer Foundation. Oral cancer incidence definitely increases as you get older, Jones says, and is very often linked to smoking and heavy alcohol use. Recently, the number of cases has risen because doctors have discovered that the Human Papilloma Virus also can cause oral cancer.

The Fix: Only about half of people who develop oral cancer survive the disease, Jones says. The best hope for survival is to discover it at its earliest stages—in which case there is an 80 percent chance of surviving for five years. Your dental exam should include a check for oral cancer. Your dentist will hold your tongue and check the soft tissue in your mouth as well as your throat and jaw. If he or she does not, find another dentist, Jones says.

Tooth crowding 

Aligners used to straighten teeth 

Are you noticing that food is getting stuck in new places in your mouth? Or that the overlapping tooth that was cute in your teens now seems to be overlapping even more? You’re not imagining it. As you age, your teeth shift, according to Lee W. Graber, D.D.S., M.S., M.S., Ph.D., Past President of the American Association of Orthodontists. And that can be problematic, not because you’ll look different, but because it can make your teeth more difficult to clean, leading to more decay. It’s also of concern because misaligned teeth can lead to teeth erosion and damage to the supporting tissue and bone, Graber says. Add to that the tendency of older adults to have periodontal disease, and you could end up losing your teeth even faster.

The Fix: If your teeth have really shifted, you could see an orthodontist, who may fit you with a retainer, spacer, or even braces. This may not be necessary, but you should discuss with your dentist whether your teeth are shifting at your regular check up. If they are, it may mean only that you need to go to the dentist more regularly for more frequent cleanings.

Reference: Grandparents.com

6 Nighttime Tips for Healthy Teeth

Practicing dental health isn't just a daytime job — your teeth and gums need protection at night too.

When you wake up in the morning, you may want to immediately reach for a toothbrush to get rid of any bad taste in your mouth and freshen your breath. But while daytime dental hygiene is important for good oral health, it isn't enough to guarantee it: Establishing a bedtime dental health routine to thoroughly clean your teeth will prevent cavities and gum disease from developing while you sleep.

Dental Health: Before Bed Counts

Why does your dental hygiene matter so much when you're sleeping? Because if bacteria are present in your mouth all night, they will heighten your chances of developing cavities.

"A good nighttime routine is important because as you sleep, your metabolism slows down, reducing the salivary flow and making the mouth dry out," says Sally J. Cram, DDS, a periodontist in Washington, DC, and a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association. "When your oral tissues dry out, they become inflamed and bacteria proliferate, causing gingivitis and possible periodontal disease."

Gum disease means big trouble for your dental health: It can result in tooth loss and even bone loss.

Dental Health: Best Bedtime Routine

As part of your before-bed ritual, take the time to dote on your dental health. There’s more to brushing teeth than a quick swipe of a brush: Follow this routine each night to prevent cavities and gum disease:

1. Brush your teeth right before bed. Use a soft toothbrush, suggests Dr. Cram, because it's gentler on your teeth and gums. To prevent cavities and gum disease, spend a good two minutes brushing your teeth — every nook, cranny, and surface of each tooth.
2. Brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Your teeth aren't the only parts of your mouth that need a good cleaning at night. Don't neglect your tongue and the roof of your mouth, which can also harbor bacteria.
3. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride. You're not just brushing your teeth to make your breath fresh — you're trying to get rid of bacteria and food particles and strengthen your teeth. Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride offers the best protection against cavities and weakened teeth.
4. Floss nightly. When flossing, make sure you do a thorough job, says Cram, getting in between teeth to remove bacteria that can pull an all-nighter destroying the enamel on your teeth. Wrap the floss into a C-shape and gently rub it up and down the side of each tooth all the way to the gum and back. Don't neglect your very back teeth, even though there are no teeth behind them.
5. Don't sneak sugar before bed. All that brushing and flossing won’t do any good if you follow it up with a cookie, glass of milk, or other food or drink that contains sugars, even naturally occurring ones, right before bed. If you do want a snack, make sure you enjoy it before you brush and floss so that the residue doesn't stick to your teeth all night.
6. Keep a glass of water near your bed. If you sleep with your mouth open and wake up with a dry mouth, take a sip to keep the tissues in your mouth moist.

Making these six simple steps part of your nightly routine can go a long way toward protecting your dental health by preventing cavities and gum disease. You’ll sleep peacefully knowing that your smile is safe.

Reference: Everyday Health By Diana Rodriguez

Integrated care: healthy mouth, healthy body

Since my first day of dental school some 37 years ago, the significance of good oral health has always been a topic of great importance. Research continues to associate oral health with overall health. Periodontal disease may have a potentially significant impact on systemic health, and the implications for cost of care and quality of life can be staggering.

In 2013, Cigna published a national study, (1) analyzing its own medical and dental claims among other factors, that highlights an adverse association between untreated periodontal disease and higher medical costs for individuals with diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

For example, the average annual medical savings for those individuals in the study who had one of these medical conditions but also received appropriate periodontal care was as follows:

• Diabetes: $1,292
• Heart disease: $2,183
• Stroke: $2,831

Findings also indicated a $1,020 average medical savings per person per year for individuals with periodontal disease who received appropriate care, regardless of whether or not they had an underlying medical condition. Why? The study found that individuals who received appropriate preventive dental treatment have, on average, 12.5% fewer extractions and 5.4% fewer root canals. Furthermore, individuals with periodontal disease who are receiving appropriate periodontal care have a 67% lower hospital admission rate and 54% lower ER rate.

Some insights by condition include:

• Diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, because they are more at risk of getting infections. Inflammation that starts in the mouth may weaken the body’s ability to control blood sugar. The estimated economic cost of diabetes in 2012 was estimated at $245 billion, a 41% increase over a five-year period. More than one in five health-care dollars in the United States is spent caring for someone diagnosed with diabetes. (2)
• Cardiovascular disease or stroke. Periodontal disease and heart disease are often present together. Up to 91% of patients with heart disease have periodontitis, compared to 66% of people with no heart disease. The two conditions have several risk factors in common, such as smoking, unhealthy diet, and excess weight. And some suspect that periodontitis has a direct role in raising the risk for heart disease as well. (3)
• Pregnancy and prematurity. Pregnancy can increase the risk for periodontal disease because of hormonal changes and can worsen existing dental problems. Several studies have shown that periodontal disease may increase the risk for low birth weight and preterm labor. The medical costs that businesses pay to care for one premature baby for a year could cover the costs of 10 healthy, full-term infants ($49,000 vs. $4,550). When combined, maternity and first-year costs for a premature baby were four times as high as those for a baby born without any complications ($64,713 and $15,047, respectively). (4)

As health-care professionals, we can continue to educate patients as to the importance of good oral health and its impact on overall health and even medical costs. Keeping current and thorough medical histories is a key for informing patients of this association.

Armed with research and findings showing the impact of medical/dental integration will help the public understand why going to the dentist is so important.

Miles Hall, DDS, is Cigna Dental’s chief clinical director. In this role, he helps develop strategic clinical policy and is involved with medical/dental integration efforts, including the creation of studies demonstrating the value of integration in improving overall health outcomes. He has been with Cigna since 1996, and has worked in the dental industry for more than 30 years, including private practice. He is currently a member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Dental Consultants, and a member of the National Association of Dental Plans’ PRC Clinical Workgroup. The Cigna Dental Oral Health Integration Program® is offered to all of Cigna's dental customers. This program provides enhanced dental coverage — such as 100% reimbursement of copayments and coinsurance on certain dental procedures — for customers with specific medical conditions.

References
1. Improved Health And Lower Medical Costs: Why Good Dental Care Is Important. Cigna Corporation. 2013.
2. American Diabetes Association by Wenya Yang (The Lewin Group, Inc., Falls Church, Virginia); Timothy M. Dall (IHS Global Inc., Washington, DC); Pragna Halder (The Lewin Group, Inc.); Paul Gallo (IHS Global Inc.); Stacey L. Kowal (IHS Global Inc.); and Paul F. Hogan (The Lewin Group, Inc.). Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S. in 2012. Diabetes Care, April 2013;(36).
3. Barker, Joanne. Oral Health: The Mouth-Body Connection. WebMD. Jan. 4, 2012.
4. Thomson Reuters. The Cost of Prematurity and Complicated Deliveries to U.S. Employers. Report prepared for the March of Dimes, Oct. 29, 2008.

Reference: By Miles Hall, DDS; Dental IQ

Health Organizations Call For A Ban On E-Cigarettes Indoors

 Nylaan Dental 

Tobacco control advocates disagree on whether e-cigarettes are a useful tool to get smokers off tobacco, or just a sleeker form of one of the world's deadliest addictions.

A lot of that discord comes from the fact that there's just not enough science to know the risks and benefits of e-cigarettes, which deliver nicotine in a vapor rather than through tobacco smoke. And it could take years to find out if vaping causes cancer and other deadly diseases. 

But that lack of certainty means that people need more protection, not less, according to a report released Tuesday by the World Health Organization. The global health organization called for a ban on indoor use of e-cigarettes in workplaces, restaurants and other public spaces.

OK To Vape In The Office? Cities, Feds And Firms Still Deciding

The vapors "pose a serious health threat to adolescents and fetuses," the report says, "and increase exposure of nonsmokers and bystanders to nicotine and a number of toxicants." Some studies have found that bystanders absorb more nicotine from vapor than from tobacco smoke, the report says.

One of the biggest selling points for e-cigarettes — that they can help people quit tobacco — hasn't been systematically tested, the WHO report finds. E-cigarettes are probably less toxic for smokers who switch completely, the report says. "The amount of risk reduction, however, is presently unknown."

Advertising of e-cigarettes should be banned, the report says, to reduce the risk to children and teenagers. The liquid used in the devices is often candy flavored.

And e-cigarettes don't necessarily deter young people from smoking tobacco, according to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published Monday. Earlier studies have found a modest deterrent effect. But this study found that 44 percent of those who used e-cigarettes say they plan to try tobacco cigarettes in the next year, compared with 22 percent of those who haven't tried e-cigs.

FDA Moves To Regulate Increasingly Popular E-Cigarettes

The number of teenagers who had never smoked a cigarette but used electronic cigarettes more than tripled in three years, the study found, rising from 79,000 in 2011 to more than 263,000 in 2013. The results were published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research.

And if that's not enough, the American Heart Association issued its first policy statement on e-cigarettes, saying that the devices should be regulated like tobacco products by state and local governments, including them in smoke-free laws and taxing them to discourage use by teenagers.

In April, the Food and Drug Administration issued proposed regulations for e-cigarettes, but final rules are the focus of intense lobbying by tobacco control advocates and the tobacco industry.

Both the WHO and AHA reports voiced fears that rather than help get rid of tobacco forever, e-cigarettes could make smoking culturally acceptable once again.

The reports were issued in advance of a global health meeting in Moscow in October, where regulation of e-cigarettes will be debated.

Reference: Health News from NPR 

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Setting the record straight about Colgate Total toothpaste (Triclosan)

By: Patricia Verduin, PhD., Head of Colgate-Palmolive Research & Development

Recent media reports about an ingredient we use in our Colgate Total brand toothpaste are not based on facts or science. As we are talking about one of the best-selling toothpastes in the U.S., we want to set the record straight. 

First, it isn't just Colgate that believes in Colgate Total.  It is also the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, European, Canadian and Australian health authorities, the American Dental Association and 40 other dental professional organizations worldwide.  Colgate Total is the only toothpaste that is both approved by the FDA and accepted by the ADA. 

Colgate Total has been available to treat plaque and gingivitis for 17 years, and these problems are more pervasive than most people think. Seventy five percent of Americans face gum disease. We all have about 700 microorganisms in our mouths, and Colgate Total was created to attack those that result in gingivitis, which, if not stopped, can lead to periodontal disease and  tooth loss.  

Recently a thorough independent review was conducted by the Cochrane Oral Health Group on the oral health benefits of triclosan/copolymer, the active antibacterial system in Colgate Total. They found that after six or more months of use, as compared with traditional fluoride toothpaste, the triclosan formula delivered a 22% reduction in plaque and gingivitis, a 41% reduction in plaque severity, and a 48% reduction in gum bleeding.

Also, with the growing body of science linking oral health to overall health, Colgate Total is the only toothpaste that provides both antibacterial protection and direct anti-inflammatory action, which is an important benefit. 

Exhaustive testing has shown not only that Colgate Total provides important health benefits, but also that it is safe.  More than 90 clinical studies involving 20,000 people as well as a broad set of safety evaluations make Colgate Total the most tested and reviewed toothpaste in the world.  Colgate continues to submit annual reports to the FDA addressing new science and further safety findings.

Recent claims that triclosan in Colgate Total can lead to cancer are absolutely untrue. Global regulators have reviewed the issue of carcinogenicity and have concluded that triclosan in consumer products does not pose a human cancer risk.  

Three different studies in three different animal species have been reviewed by regulators around the world and all have concluded triclosan in Colgate Total is absolutely safe.

As for claims of endocrine disruption, the World Health Organization defines an endocrine disruptor as something harmful to one’s health, and that is simply not the case here. An examination of the full body of evidence shows that triclosan as used in personal care products does not present a risk of endocrine related health effects. This evidence includes two human clinical studies done to analyze the potential endocrine impact of triclosan in toothpaste.  Neither showed any negative effect.

No organization spends more time analyzing the health and safety of our products than we do. For more than 200 years, we have provided consumers the safest and most effective products you’ll find anywhere. We believe Colgate Total is the best, safest and most effective toothpaste available to prevent and reverse gingivitis.  I know the science and I know how it works.  It is the only toothpaste I use.

We all know that a rumor travels half-way around the world before the truth even has a chance to be heard.  But we want the truth to have a chance to catch up. We encourage consumers to look at the facts.

OUR DENTAL OFFICE'S THOUGHTS

by Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S. 

After some preliminary research and consultations, I would agree that Triclosan is an issue that needs attention but the impact that dental applications have are minimal. Compared to the widespread usage of "antibacterials" and "antimicrobials" in thousands of consumer products, the amount of public exposure to Colgate Total toothpaste is a proverbial drop in the bucket. Today, there is a widespread phobia about getting sick and industry has responded using Triclosan based products to satisfy that desire. 

From hand sanitizers to antimicrobial shoes, we are crippling the immune systems in our bodies while adversely affecting our environment through the runoff of these products. Common sense does show the possible impact of that on the production of antibiotic resistant bacteria which kill thousands each year. Now, from a dental perspective, Colgate Total is tremendously useful in specific cases that are determined by your treatment team. 

Remember that the dosages fed to these animals greatly exceeded what you are exposed to through tooth brushing. We find the value of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect of Triclosan on the body can prevent issues that go beyond just periodontal disease, such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes among others.

Truthfully, you probably would have to eat a tube of Total a day for quite awhile to build up what the rodents got in an injection. These studies look a little weak regarding the cancer link but my biggest concern lies in the environmental impact of this drug. My thought is Triclosan is valuable to the public is far fewer and more judicious applications.