What your mouth reveals about your health

If left untreated, this oral health problem can damage more than your gums. Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and other health problems.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic infection that can result in a number of health problems, from mild inflammation to severe gum damage to tooth loss, if left untreated. In addition, gum disease can affect your overall health, and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Gum disease develops in the space between your gum line and your teeth. It causes tissue inflammation and damage that can eventually cause your gums to recede. The severity of gum disease is determined by the depth of the excess space, or so-called "pockets," that form as your gum tissue recedes.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that 80 percent of adults in the United States have some degree of gum disease.

Types of Gum Disease

Gum disease is classified as either gingivitis or periodontitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is reversible with treatment. But it can also develop into the more serious oral health problem, periodontitis.

·    Gingivitis results in swollen, irritated gums that bleed easily. Good oral health habits, including daily flossing and brushing, as well as getting regular professional teeth cleanings can prevent and help to reverse this disease, which typically doesn't result in the loss of gum tissue or teeth.

·    Periodontitis occurs as a result of untreated gingivitis. In periodontitis, the gums significantly recede from the teeth, leading to the formation of infected pockets. As your body's immune system struggles to fight off these infection, tissues and bones may start to break down. Without proper treatment, the gums, connective tissue, and jaw bones that support your teeth may all deteriorate and begin to compromise your overall oral health. Eventually, the teeth will loosen and either fall out or have to be removed.

Signs of Gum Disease

Your oral health is critical to your overall health. If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek care from a dentist who is knowledgeable about treating gum disease:

·      A sour taste in your mouth or persistently bad breath

·      A change in how your partial dentures fit

·      A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite   down

·       Bleeding gums

·      Gum tissue that pulls away from your teeth

·      Loose teeth or increasing spaces between your teeth

·      Pain when chewing

·     Unusually sensitive teeth

·      Swollen and tender gums

Causes of Gum Disease

In addition to poor oral health habits, other factors associated with gum disease include:

·    Smoking and chewing tobacco — tobacco products irritate the gums and make gum disease more difficult to treat.

·    Systemic diseases that affect the immune system, such as cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS

·    Taking certain medications, including some blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, steroids, and oral contraceptives, that can cause dry mouth. The lack of saliva in your mouth makes you more susceptible to gum disease since one of its main functions is to help wash away food particles and bacteria.

·    Crooked teeth

·    Dental bridges that don’t fit properly

·    Old and defective fillings

·    Hormonal fluctuations, particularly those that occur during pregnancy

·    Genetic differences may make some people more susceptible to gum disease

·    Stress, which can reduce your body's defenses when it comes to fighting off any infection, including gum infections

Consequences of Untreated Gum Disease

Untreated gum disease has been associated with an increased risk for heart disease and stroke, and for women, an increased chance of delivering a baby with a low birth weight. Gum disease has also been linked to trouble controlling blood sugar among diabetics.

Gum Disease Treatment Options

Gum disease can be treated in several ways, depending on whether you have gingivitis or periodontitis. The primary goal is to manage the chronic infection that leads to gum damage. Treatment options include:

·    Regular professional deep cleanings

·    Medications that are either taken orally or are inserted directly into infected tissue pockets

·    Surgery, in more severe cases of gum disease. One type, called flap surgery, involves pulling up the gum tissue in order to remove tartar and then stitching the tissue back in place for a tight fit around the teeth. Tissue grafts can also be used to replace severely damaged bone or gum. In bone grafting, for instance, a small piece of mesh-like material is placed between the bone and gum tissue, enabling the supportive tissue and bone to regenerate.

While it's good to know there are treatments, it's better to avoid gum disease in the first place, by brushing and flossing at least twice a day, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.

Reference: Everyday health

7 Nightime tips for improving your oral health

A lot can happen to your mouth in eight hours — especially when you're sleeping and bacteria are gathering on your teeth. But don't let the thought of nasty plaque, cavities, tartar, or gingivitis stop you from getting a good night's rest. There are many ways to maintain your oral health while you sleep. Here are eight tips to get you — and your mouth — through the night.

1. Brush before bed. Brushing your teeth before you go to sleep at night helps protect against plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. If you are particularly susceptible to cavities and gum disease, dentists recommend that you brush immediately after dinner, then again right before bedtime.

2. Use good form. According to dentists, the best way to clean your teeth is to brush back and forth gently in short strokes. Brush the outer tooth surfaces first, then the inner tooth surfaces, followed by the chewing surfaces. To clean the backs of your front teeth, use the tip of the brush and stroke gently up and down.

3. Switch to an electric toothbrush. The rotating and oscillating movement of the electric toothbrush head removes plaque from your teeth more efficiently than a regular toothbrush. Be sure to choose an electric toothbrush that's comfortable to hold, easy to use, and has the rotating-oscillating head.

4. Don't just brush — floss! Flossing removes food particles and plaque buildup while it's still soft. If this debris stays on the teeth, bacteria will increase throughout the night and feed off them while you're sleeping. Furthermore, if the plaque is allowed to harden, it will turn into tartar, and tartar can only be removed by a hygienist or dentist during a professional cleaning. Flossing only at night is fine for most people, but if you're prone to gum disease or tartar buildup, dentists recommend that you floss in the morning as well.

5. Rinse with mouthwash. Mouthwash isn't just for fresh breath — therapeutic mouthrinses contain special ingredients that strengthen teeth and help treat certain oral health conditions. Rinsing with a therapeutic mouthwash before bed will help keep your teeth free of plaque and cavities and your gums safe from gingivitis. On the contrary, most commercial, over-the-counter mouthwashes — known as cosmetic mouthwashes — are designed to mask bad breath and they won't do much to contribute to your oral health. Talk to your dentist about which mouthwash is right for you.

6. Be aware of teeth grinding. If you experience worn tooth enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, or torn cheek tissue, you may be grinding your teeth in your sleep. Though dentists can't stop you from doing it, they can make you a mouthguard that you can wear at night to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding.

7. See your dentist regularly. Be sure to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings. Your dentist and hygienist will help you keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy over the long run. Remember, preventive care and maintenance are just as important for a healthy mouth as good daytime and nighttime oral hygiene.

Reference: Everyday Health.com

 

Women's hormone now associated with gum disease

Women, keep those toothbrushes and dental floss handy. A comprehensive review of women's health studies by Charlene Krejci, associate clinical professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, has shown a link between women's health issues and gum disease.

Across the ages, hormonal changes take place during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Krejci found female hormones that fluctuate throughout women's lives can change conditions in the mouth that allow bacteria to grow, enter the blood, and exacerbate certain health issues like bone loss, fetal death and pre-term births.

Her overview of the literature was reported in the article, "Women's Health: Periodontitis and its Relation to Hormonal Changes, Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Osteoporosis" in the May issue of Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry.

The Case Western Reserve University periodontist reviewed 61 journal articles with nearly 100 studies for a collective answer on whether hormones have a relationship to gum disease and specific women's health issues like preterm labor, bone loss, and the side effect of hormonal replacement therapy.

"There's definitely a gender-specific connection between women's hormones, gum disease, and specific health issues impacting women," Krejci said.

"Although women tend to take better care of their oral health than men, the main message is women need to be even more vigilant about maintaining healthy teeth and gums to prevent or lessen the severity of some of women-specific health issues," Krejci said.

In addition to the brushing and flossing daily regimen, Krejci recommends visiting the dentist at least every six months, and more if there are any gum problems found or women suffer from bone loss or are pregnant.

She added that it is widely known that hormones cause some women gum problems during pregnancy. Women already susceptible to gum disease before being pregnant, she advises, need to make sure that these oral problems are treated.

Although women were once discouraged from seeing the dentist while pregnant, she said that scaling and planing of the roots of teeth to eliminate some gum disease is now recommended during pregnancy for women. Severe gum disease requiring surgery is still generally postponed until after the baby's birth.

Gum disease begins with the build up of bacterial plaque on the teeth and under the gums. Untreated it can cause irritation and inflammation during which harmful and toxic byproducts are released. These toxins erode the bone that anchors teeth and cause breaks and bleeding in the gums.

Reference : medicalnewstoday.com

The Olympic Games are being celebrated by everyone

Single Tooth Anesthesia (S.T.A.)

Do you ever go to the dentist dreading going home with the numb lip, numb tongue and having it be numb for a few hours? This can be annoying.

Which is where the Single Tooth Anesthesia (S.T.A.) comes in handy. The S.T.A. is the first computer controlled local anesthesia. S.T.A. drips the anesthesia right at the tooth at the same rate that your bone absorbs the anesthesia. Inside the S.T.A. machine is a computer that measures back pressure so as not to put anesthesia in too quickly or too slowly. This makes receiving anesthesia as comfortable as possible.

Then the dentist can complete your treatment while you are both numb and comfortable. The best part is you can return to your daily routine without your mouth, tongue, lip and cheek being numb! How cool is that?

~ Kaitie, Registered Dental Assistant

Put your dental problems to bed

When it comes to your dental health, consistency counts. Establishing simple routines and practicing them faithfully are the best ways to keep your mouth healthy and your teeth strong.

Taking care of your teeth during the day can prevent dental problems, but nighttime oral care is just as important. That’s because neglecting your teeth at night can undo all your daytime efforts. For starters, the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth both in the morning and at night with fluoride toothpaste, flossing between teeth before bed, and limiting between-meal snacks — that includes those late-night ones too. Find out what other steps you should be taking.

Watch What You Eat

Have you heard the saying, You are what you eat? Believe it or not, it also applies to your teeth. Remind yourself of it, especially if you're tempted to snack before bed. Go for healthy options. Calcium-rich foods, like milk and yogurt, will help keep your teeth strong. Fiber-rich foods, like apples, broccoli, and almonds, stimulate saliva production, which reduces the number of bacteria in the mouth. And whole grains, like brown rice and whole-grain pasta, provide iron and vitamin B for healthy gums, and magnesium for strong teeth.

The Worst Foods for Your Teeth

Sticky foods like taffy, gummy candies, and caramel cling to your teeth, providing the fuel that harmful bacteria need to multiply. At night, because you don't swallow as much while you sleep, the bacteria in your mouth can easily multiply. Avoiding sticky foods will help keep their numbers down and protect your teeth. If you do indulge yourself in a sweet and sticky treat, be sure to brush and floss soon afterward. Also, watch out for foods, like popcorn kernels or hard candies, that can break a tooth if you bite down too hard on them.

The Biggest Enemy

Plaque, the bad guy in the battle for healthy teeth, is a film of bacteria on the surface of your teeth. When you eat carbohydrate-rich foods like sugar, breads, pastas, and soda, the sugars and starches help the bacteria multiply and release acids that harm the enamel of your teeth over time and lead to cavities. However, you can sleep easy knowing that when you brush, floss, and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash, you're also attacking plaque at the same time

Fighting Gum Disease  

Gingivitis, an early form of gum disease, occurs when plaque builds up below the gum line and hardens into a substance known as tartar. Left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis — a leading cause of tooth loss in later years. Red, swollen, tender gums and bleeding after brushing or flossing are early warning signs that gingivitis may be developing. Brushing and flossing regularly — during the day and before bed — are the best ways to prevent gingivitis

The Best Ways to Fight Plaque

Cavities occur when the acids in plaque break down enamel, the tooth's outer surface. The best way to prevent cavities is to brush in the morning and brush and floss before bed each and every night. Why? Because the bacteria that create plaque are constantly dividing and multiplying, so must be removed regularly. Fluoride, a mineral contained in most toothpastes, protects teeth by bonding with enamel and creating a harder surface. Toothbrush options include manual toothbrushes, and for extra brushing strength, power brushes.

 

Drill and Fill

Once plaque breaches the tooth's defense system of enamel and causes a cavity, a filling is required to re-create a hard, protective surface. After numbing the area, the dentist uses a drill to remove the weakened enamel and replaces it with a filling material, such as metals like gold, base metal alloys, and dental amalgam, or with white composite materials that match your natural tooth color. The material is selected by you and your dentist based on a variety of factors, including where the cavity is located, how large it is, and the cost.

Morning Breath vs. Bad Breath

When you wake up in the morning, your mouth is dry from not swallowing much throughout the night, and that's what typically causes "morning breath." Chronic badbreath (known medically as halitosis) can be caused by eating such foods as garlic or onions, which enter the bloodstream and are exhaled with every breath. It can also be the result of poor oral hygiene — if so, regular brushing and flossing can provide relief. Certain medical conditions can also cause halitosis, so if bad breath is a recurring problem for you, talk with your dentist or doctor to pinpoint the cause.

 

Show Off Your Pearly Whites

As we age, tooth enamel can become discolored and dull. Avoiding substances known to stain teeth (coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco products, for example) can help prevent stains in the first place. A whitening toothpaste can add an extra brightening boost, removing surface stains. If brushing alone doesn't remove stains, many in-home and professionalteeth-whitening options are available. If you use a whitening product, be sure to follow the directions faithfully, especially when using the product overnight. Not doing so can damage your enamel and lead to bigger problems.

Don't Skip Your Appointments

Regular trips to your dentist are just as important as your daytime and nighttime oral routines. That's because seeing your dentist frequently gives him or her the opportunity to catch problems early – before they turn into major trouble. Talk to your dentist about how often you should visit, but in general, two to three visits a year are normal. If it has been a while since you've seen your dentist, schedule an appointment today. Doing so could save you thousands of dollars in expensive dental work down the line!

Dealing With Dental Emergencies

Sometimes, dental emergencies arise — a tooth gets knocked out or broken; a crown lifts off. When such mishaps occur, call your dentist immediately and describe the problem in as much detail as possible. He or she will schedule an office visit and advise you on what to do in the meantime. Quick action can make the difference between saving a tooth and losing a tooth.

Put Dental Problems to Bed

As you can see, when it comes to having healthy teeth, slow and steady wins the race. Daytime and nighttime oral care at home, paired with regular dental checkups, can head off most — if not all — dental problems. It's that easy! Just develop these good dental habits, and you'll be well on your way to putting dental problems to bed.

Join the Fight to Save Antibiotics; Preventing Super bugs

As you learned in our blog post last week, Misusing antibiotics can mess with your immune system and make it impossible for your body to fight against lethal infections. Here are five simple things you can do to help prevent superbugs.

1. Use antibiotics correctly. Work with your doctor to determine if an antibiotic will truly help what's ailing you, then follow her instructions. Any time you skip doses, don't finish a course, or drink alcohol when you're on the meds, you make the antibiotic less effective and give bacteria a chance to become resistant.

2. Buy meat labeled "raised without antibiotics" or "organic." Those exact phrases mean that antibiotics were not given to the animal needlessly. Watch out for wording; labels that say "all natural" guarantee nothing. Some good, antibiotic-free brands: Applegate Farms, Murray's Chicken, Bell & Evans, and Niman Ranch. Can't find these in your market? Tell your grocer to stock up and that you and your friends will buy! Also ask your kids' school to serve meat that was raised without antibiotics. Chicago Public Schools just became the largest district in the country to do this.

3. Ask your favorite restaurants if they use meat raised without antibiotics. If a company like Chipotle can do it, why can't others? "Things will only change if we ask for changes," says Gail Hansen, a public health advocate with the Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming.

4. Spread the message. "Like" the group Save Antibiotics on Facebook, and get friends to do the same. Awareness is key: Most people have no idea which illnesses require antibiotics, nor do they know how much the drugs are used in food animals. "Unless you grew up on a farm, why would you know that?" says Hansen.

5. Tell Congress to pass a law. The Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act would withdraw the use of antibiotics that are vital to humans from food-animal production unless the animals are diagnosed with illnesses. Says U.S. Representative Louise M. Slaughter, who introduced the bill: "Send a letter to your member of Congress — along with this article! — and tell them to sign the bill and get it passed." Personalize your own letter at saveantibiotics.org/moms/action., then get your reps' addresses at senate.gov and house.gov.

 Author:  Erin Zammett Ruddy; Redbook Magazine

Have a safe summer ~ take our quiz to test your hot-weather health IQ

1. Your husband runs out of the ocean yelling that he's been stung by a jellyfish. Do you:

(a) Pee on him. If Friends taught you anything, it’s that urine is the best antidote for a jellyfish sting.

(b) Pour vinegar on the area.

(c) Douse the wound with cool freshwater.

2. In the seventh inning of your daughter’s softball game, you see a flash of lightning, followed 10 seconds later by a clap of thunder. You don’t panic because:

(a) The number of seconds between flash and clap tells you the storm is 10 miles off; there’s time to finish the game.

(b) The kids are wearing sneakers, and rubber protects people from lightning, so they should be safe.

(c) As long as the rain holds off and you can see blue sky, it’s okay to stay outside.

(d) None of the above; you should gather up the kids and get them inside pronto.

3. The most dangerous creature you’re likely to encounter this summer is:

(a) A dog

(b) A bee

(c) A shark

(d) A rattlesnake

4. A drowning child is most likely to:

(a) Be quiet, still, and low in the water.

(b) Struggle to get an adult’s attention by waving and splashing.

(c) Yell for help repeatedly.



5. It’s a sweaty 90-degree afternoon and you’re hosting a backyard barbecue. The leftover burgers and potato salad are out on the picnic table. It’s safe to leave them unrefrigerated for:

(a) No more than 30 minutes

(b) No more than an hour

(c) No more than three hours



6. An hour into a hike, you notice the trail is littered with poison oak. Thankfully, you know that a good way to avoid a rash is to: 

(a) apply a protective cream on exposed skin before leaving the car.

(b) Take a warm, soapy shower once you get home.

(c) Pour Gatorade on any exposed skin.



7. You check on an elderly neighbor during a scorching heat wave. Her skin is red and she is complaining of a headache and dizziness. You take her temperature; it’s 104 degrees. Your next move should be to: 

(a) Lower her temperature with a cool shower, or a spray from a garden hose.

(b) Give her a big glass of ice water to drink.

(c) Call 911.


8. You’re having a beach day with your kids. You apply sunscreen:

(a) As soon as they’re done swimming. They won’t get sunburned when they’re in the water.

(b) Every two hours, or more often if they’re sweating or constantly in and out of the ocean.

(c) At 10 a.m., when the sun’s rays are first strong enough to damage the skin.


9. It’s boating season! The best way to survive an accident on the water is to:

(a) Hold on to a life ring and have a whistle handy.

(b) Wear an approved personal flotation device.


10. The most likely victims of fireworks injuries are:

(a) Males under age 20

(b) Firefighters supervising municipal displays

(c) Dads showing off for their kids

Answers

1. (b). The acetic acid that makes up vinegar neutralizes many types of jellyfish venom. Rinsing with cool freshwater will only make the pain worse, and despite what you may have seen on sitcoms, there’s no evidence that urine is an effective treatment.


2. (d). As soon as you see lightning, head indoors (a metal roofed car is your next-best bet). One-sided shelters like dugouts offer no protection; neither do rubber-soled shoes. And that old counting rule? You actually need to divide by five; a 10-second delay means the storm is just two miles away.

3. (b). In the average year, 43 Americans die from bee stings, 20 to 30 from dog bites, 5 to 10 from rattlesnake bites, and maybe one from a shark attack. If you have difficulty breathing or develop all-body hives after a bee sting, seek immediate medical attention.

4. (a). A drowning person is usually unable to yell or splash. Keep an eye on kids who aren’t strong swimmers; sudden silence may be the only sign they’re in trouble.

5. (b). To avoid food poisoning, cook meats thoroughly and refrigerate leftovers promptly. When temperatures soar over 90 degrees, food should not be left out for more than an hour.

6. (a). Protect yourself ahead of time by slathering on a topical cream like Ivy Block, which contains the active ingredient bentoquatam. The plants’ poisonous oil binds to skin and often becomes impossible to wash off after just 15 minutes.

7. (c). The elderly are at high risk for life-threatening heat stroke. Once EMTs are on the way, cooling the person’s skin with water becomes the top priority. Do not offer food or drink, as muscle spasms sometimes accompany heat stroke, which could cause choking.
8. (b). The sun’s rays can cause skin damage in as little as 15 minutes, and both UVA and UVB rays can penetrate water. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen throughout the day to ensure full protection.

9. (b). Of the 672 Americans who died in recreational boating accidents in 2010, nearly three-fourths of them drowned. Keeping a life ring and other safety gear on board is advised, but wearing an approved flotation device is the single best precautionary measure.

10. (a). Kids and teenagers suffer more than half of all fireworks-related injuries, and boys are nearly twice as likely to be hurt as girls. Leave the lighting and setting to adults or, better yet, professionals.

BY KALEE THOMPSON

Grand Rapids Press - Parade

We all wish you a safe, fun filled summer season!

~ Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S. , Kris, Olivia, LeAnne, Val, Shauna, Dana, Julie & Kaitie

www.nylaandental.com