Healthy Smile Series: Tips for a healthy smile

Start with regular visits and brushing twice a day to ensure cavity-free teeth
The celebration of the New Year is the oldest of all holidays, dating back over 4,000 years.

Making a New Year’s resolution is a long standing tradition.

The logic behind the tradition is to chase away the bad habits of the previous years, leaving a clean slate that provides for good health and fortune in the coming year.

This is a great time to resolve to follow through on healthy changes to establish or re-establish good oral health habits.

NEW TOOTHBRUSH  

Start the New Year with a new toothbrush. A toothbrush should be replaced when the bristles bend or look worn, usually every three or four months. Always replace your toothbrush after you have been sick. Children’s toothbrushes may have to be replaced more often.

EAT HEALTHY SNACKS

Choose nutritious foods that are low in sugar, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt or a piece of fruit.

FLOSS EVERY DAY

It just takes a few minutes to remove the plaque between your teeth. If you don’t floss, you are missing cleaning about 35 percent of the total tooth surface.

EMERGENCY VISITS

Contact your dentist immediately if you notice changes in your oral health between dental visits. 

 Sore, puffy or bleeding gums, or a tiny white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth may be a sign of an infection or oral cancer.

Don’t wait until your next appointment to tell your dentist.

DRINK SUGARY DRINKS IN MODERATION

Drink soft drinks, juice and other sugary beverages in moderation.

Consider using a straw to keep the sugar away from your teeth.

Sipping sugary beverages for long periods of time prolongs sugar and acid attacks on your teeth, which can lead to cavities.Never drink soda pop or juice before bedtime because the liquid pools in your mouth and coats your tongue and teeth with sugar and acid.

Once a beverage has been opened, set a fifteen minute timer.

If it is not gone before the timer expires, dump out the remainder and then wait a few hours before opening another.

BRUSH TWICE A DA Y

Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. A good time to brush is after breakfast and then again after you have finished eating and drinking for the day.

Of course, it’s great if you can brush after meals during the days. 

CONSUME WATER

Drink lots of water. It has no sugar, no acid and no calories.

THINK DAIRY

Eat cheese. After eating, the mouth naturally becomes more acidic to aid digestion. Cheese keeps the mouth less acidic, and therefore, healthier for teeth. Cheese coats the teeth with calcium and prevents the loss of minerals such as calcium from tooth enamel.

SUGARLESS GUM

Chew sugarless gum. Sugarless gum increases saliva, which helps to clear food from tooth crevices and replaces essential minerals on teeth. Look for gum sweetened with the natural cavity fighter  Xylitol.

REGULAR UPDATES

Visit your dentist regularly.

Regular dental visits are important to your oral health and overall health.

Since the condition of the mouth mirrors the condition of the body, your dentist may be the first to spot signs of a health problem in another part of the body.

Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S.
Member of the West Michigan Dental Society

Brought to you by the 650 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Mecosta and Montcalm counties. West Michigan District Dental Society dentists also are members of the Michigan Dental Association and the American Dental Association 

Healthy Smile Series: Water Flosser ~ Helping you achieve bacterial reduction

  It reduces the periodontal infection

One of the primary benefits of the Water Flosser is that the pulsating action creates a compression / decompression phase that expels subgingival bacteria from the pocket.

    It reduces the inflammation

Study after study, many of six months duration has shown that people who add the Water Flosser to daily self-care do better at reducing bleeding and gingivitis than people who do not use the Water Flosser.

   It helps people with diabetes

People with diabetes tend to be at greater risk for periodontal disease and often have more severe gingival inflammation. A study on people with diabetes found that those who used the Water Flosser for three months had a 44% better reduction in bleeding and a 41% better reduction in gingivitis over those who did not use the Water Flosser.

   It is safe and gentle around dental implants

Maintenance of implants is critical to their long-term survival.

    There is nothing better for cleaning around orthodontic (braces) appliances

Keeping orthodontic (braces) appliances clean can be tedious and challenging. Water Flossing makes it easier. Adolescents age 11 -17 who used a Water Flosser with the Orthodontic Tip very day for four weeks had three times the reduction in plaque versus those who used a manual brush and floss and fives times the reduction than those who only brushed.

    It gets deeper into the pocket that string floss

Findings indicate that using the Water Flosser with the Classic Jet Tip results in penetration of approximately 50% of the depth of the pocket. In contrast, it is widely accepted though not scientifically documented that ideally, floss reaches about 3 mm due to technique / anatomical constraints.

   It removes plaque

A study at the University of Southern California Center for Biofilms found that a three-second application of water flossing with the Classic Jet Tip at medium pressure removed 99.9% of the plaque biofilm from the treated area.

    It is easy to use

Using the Water Flosser is easier than string flossing because it requires less manual dexterity. It takes about one minute to cleanse the entire mouth. Beyond the initial investment, all you need is water, although the Water Flosser can accommodate most mouth rinses.

    It is a clinically proven effective alternative to string floss

Studies have directly compared the Water Flosser to string floss. The Water Flosser with the Classic Jet Tip was up to 93% more effective at reducing bleeding and up to 52% more effective at reducing gingivitis than string floss. Plaque removal was also better.

    It is evidence based

The Water Flosser has been evaluated more than 50 times since its introduction in 1962. Clinical findings reducing bleeding and gingivitis are supported by positive outcomes from more than 20 clinical trials.

 Reference: RDH magazine

For more information visit our website; Office of Brian Nylaan facebook page; or Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S. facebook page.

Schedule an appointment.

Healthy Smile Series: The hidden powers of chewing gum

Chewing sugarless gum does more than just exercise your gums, according to the American Dental Association You might be surprised to learn how it can help decrease your risk for tooth decay.

Chewing sugarless gum helps prevent cavities    

Research shows chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay. That’s because the act of chewing increases the flow of saliva in your mouth, which helps neutralize and wash away cavity-causing acids and bacteria. Over time, acids can wear away tooth enamel, causing little holes in your teeth.

Be sure to look for chewing gum with the ADA seal to be sure it can help prevent cavities.

Helps prevent heartburn

Chewing gum can help lessen the symptoms of heartburn. That’s because chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva, which is an acid buffer. Chewing gum also makes you swallow more often, which pushes acids back out of your esophagus.

So the next time you’re worried about heartburn, try chewing some sugarless gum after you eat.

All chewing gum is not created equal

It’s true that chewing gum for 20 minutes after meals helps reduce your risk for tooth decay, but that’s only if it’ s the sugarless variety.

Chewing gum with sugar also increases saliva, but beware — the sugar also increases chances of decay. Look for chewing gum with the ADA seal to be sure it can help prevent cavities.

The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs awarded the seal to several gums after finding the physical action of chewing certain sugarless gums for 20 minutes after eating, stimulates saliva flow, which helps prevent cavities by reducing acids and making teeth more resistant to decay.

Question:

 If I chew sugarless gum after a meal, do I still have to brush and floss?

Answer:

Absolutely.


Don’t let chewing sugarless gum replace brushing and flossing. It’s not a substitute. The ADA still recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning plaque from between your teeth once a day with dental floss or other interdental cleaners.

Along with chewing sugarless gum, you can help prevent tooth decay by following these other tips: Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily.

 

Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking. Check with your West  Michigan District DentalSociety dentist about the use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, and about use of dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay.

Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examinations.

So the next time you reach for that package of chewing gum, make sure it’ s sugarless and has the ADA seal.

Reference: West Michigan District Dental

Healthy Smile Series: Four important steps to maintain a healthy smile

Unhealthy gums increase your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Here are four things you should do everyday to give you an advantage to your long term health:

1. Brush Correctly.  

Using a soft toothbrush, brush at least twice a day for two minutes. Clean every surface, including your tongue, using a circular massaging motion. Be gentle - receding gums are often the result of brushing too hard.

2. Flossing is not an option. 

If you do not floss you are missing more than a third of your tooth surfaces. Flossing daily removes bacteria and food residue that you cannot reach with a toothbrush. 

3. Kick the habit. 

Tobacco stains your teeth, causes bad breath and can lead to gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer. Tobacco use is said to be responsible for almost 75% of periodontal diseases among adults. 

4. Call our office. 

Proper home care when teamed with regular cleanings and evaluations will benefit your overall well being. Visit us today for a healthier tomorrow !. 

Brought to you by Nylaan dental team.

Healthy Smile Series: X-rays can detect dental problems early

Since many oral diseases cannot be spotted by just a visual or physical examination, X-rays are a valuable preventive tool to help your dentist identify oral health problems early.

X-rays provide information about your oral health, such as early-stage cavities, gum disease, infections or some types of tumors.

How often dental X-rays should be taken depends on your overall oral health condition, age, risk for disease and signs of oral disease that might be present. While a recent study suggests yearly or more frequent X-rays might increase the risk of developing meningioma, the most commonly diagnosed brain tumor, the American Dental Association reiterates its professional opinion that dentists should continue to order X-rays when necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment.

It is important to note that this latest study relied on patients’ memories of having X-rays taken years earlier. Studies of this type have shown that the ability to accurately recall information is often difficult. Therefore, the results of studies that use this design can be unreliable because they are affected by what scientists call “recall bias.”
Further, the study acknowledges that some of the subjects received dental X-rays decades ago, when radiation exposure was greater.

Radiation rates were higher in the past because of the use of old X-ray technology and slower speed film.

The West Michigan Dental Society urges patients to continue to see your dentist regularly and to talk with your dentist about the importance of X-rays and what standard safety precautions are used in the dental office.

How do dental X-rays work?

As X-rays pass through your mouth, they are mostly absorbed by teeth and bone because these tissues are thicker than cheeks and gums. When X-rays strike the film or a digital sensor, an image called a radiograph is created. Radiographs allow your dentist to see hidden problems, such as tooth decay, infections and signs of gum disease.

Patient safety

The American Dental Association recommends the use of protective aprons and thyroid collars on all patients. In addition, the ADA recommends that dentists use E- or F-speed film, the two fastest film speeds available, or a digital X-ray.

Patients are encouraged to talk to their dentist if they have questions about their dental treatment. As a sciencebased organization, the ADA fully supports continuing research that helps dentists deliver high-quality oral health care safely and effectively.

Benefits of dental X-rays

Since many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth, an X-ray can help reveal: Small areas of decay  between the teeth or existing fillings; Infections in the bone;   Gum disease;  Abscesses or cysts; Developmental  abnormalities; Some types of tumors.
Finding and treating dental problems early can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort.

Dental X-rays vs. other radiation sources

The amount of radiation patients are exposed to from dental X-rays is very small compared to daily exposure from cosmic radiation and naturally occurring radioactive elements.

Radiation exposure is measured in millisieverts (mSv), a unit of measure that allows for some comparison between radiation sources that exposure the entire body (natural background radiation) and those that only expose a portion of the body (dental X-ray).

For example, a dental bitewing X-ray yields 0.038 mSv, while radiation from outer space yields 0.510 mSv per year. In addition, the average radiation in the U.S. from natural sources each year is 3.0.

Pregnancy and dental X-rays

In some cases, a dental X-ray might be needed for dental treatment that cannot wait until after a baby is born. Because untreated dental infections might pose a risk to the fetus, dental treatment might be necessary to maintain the health of the mother and child.

The use of a leaded apron minimizes exposure to the abdomen and should be used when any dental radiograph is taken.

The use of a leaded thyroid collar is recommended for women of childbearing age, pregnancy women and children.

Also, dental X-ray exams do not need to be delayed if a patient is trying to become pregnancy or is breastfeeding.


Reference: West Michigan Dental Society

LINKS:

Dental X-Rays

Digital X-Rays

Panoramic X-Rays

Children's Dentistry

Healthy Lifestyle Series: Not too sweet - Teaching kids about sugar dangers

This article is dedicated to all of the kids out there who think the orange juice they drink at breakfast, the cookies they eat after lunch, the candy they trade at school and the Gatorade they chug after practice are no big deal.  

This is the amount of sugar in RockStar Energy Drink !

In other words, all kids across America. And also to their parents who believe the same thing: Daily intake of sugar is harmless and just a function of childhood.

This is also for my children, who know from my endless preaching that sugar is not good for them, yet never seem to remember any of the reasons why.

WHAT IS SUGAR?

Sugar is a sweet substance that comes from plants, mostly sugar cane and sugar beets. It is one big carbohydrate called sucrose made up of two smaller carbohydrates called fructose and glucose. Sugar has absolutely no nutritional value — no protein, vitamins, minerals or fiber.

WHY DO I LIKE IT SO MUCH?

Sugar has been shown to have an effect similar to an addictive drug, triggering you to want and need more, and making it hard to give up.

Sugar was brought to Europe in the 1100s as a precious drug, known for its “tremendous addictive potential,” and was called “crack” during that time in France, said psychotherapist Julia Ross in her book “Mood Cure.”

Quickly removing refined sugar from a diet can cause withdrawal symptoms like those with a drug: fatigue, depression, headaches and achy limbs.

Studies also have shown that over consumption of sugar can alter your taste buds so you begin craving sweeter and sweeter foods, leaving the more natural sweetness of fruits or whole foods less flavorful.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I EAT SUGAR?

This is the amount of sugar in a 20 oz soda. 

When you consume sugar, it enters your blood rapidly because there aren’t any nutrients or fiber to slow it down. This causes the sugar or glucose levels in your blood to rise. Your body then hustles to process this sugar because it knows you could be in grave danger from too much blood sugar.

To process the sugar, your pancreas releases a hormone called insulin. Insulin allows the glucose to leave your blood and enter your cells, providing a rush of energy. As the cells absorb the glucose from your blood, your blood sugar levels drop.

If you eat a lot of sugar, the insulin works overtime to force the glucose out and your blood sugar down, dropping it too low, which makes the brain react. This reaction causes you to feel tired and grumpy or agitated and anxious, and leaves you craving more sugar.

WHAT LONG-TERM EFFECTS DOES IT HAVE?

Eating too much sugar can make you feel full so you don’t eat enough healthful foods. Then your body ends up missing important nutrients such as protein, vitamins and minerals.

Refined sugar has been linked to the following diseases and health complications:

• Obesity and Type 2 diabetes

• Heart disease and high blood pressure

• Cancer

• Depression

• Allergies

• ADD/ADHD

• Asthma

• Arthritis

HOW DOES SUGAR MAKE ME FAT?

If you eat more sugar than your body can use in a day, it stores the sugar it doesn’t need in the liver or converts it to fat. When you do this regularly, you damage your liver and build up fat.

DOES SUGAR REALLY CAUSE CAVITIES?  

Yes. Tooth decay begins with bacteria that naturally live in the mouth. These bacteria burn sugar in order to thrive, and during this process convert sugar into acid. The acid eats away at a tooth’s enamel, which causes cavities. Sticky foods like Skittles and Starburst and long-lasting candies such as lollipops and Jolly Ranchers are the worst for teeth because they allow the sugar to dawdle in the mouth for a prolonged period.

WHAT CAN I DO?

I recommend that parents and their kids (age 10 and older) watch the film “Fed Up” together and join the filmmakers’ challenge to give up sugar for 10 days and see how they feel.

And if you want to have a sizable impact on your lifelong health, reduce your sugar consumption all year long! References:
By Casey Seidenberg 
The Washington Post
The Grand Rapids Press
M-Live 

Healthy Lifestyle Series: Healthy tips for active adults

May is Older Americans Month and it is the perfect time to start thinking about your health and the ways you can improve your overall well-being as you age.

U.S. residents generally are living longer, but more than 100 million adults — almost half the adult population — now have a chronic healthcondition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Such a staggering statistic might make you think illness is synonymous with aging, but growing old doesn’t have to bring disability and disease.

Here are some tips to help you stay healthier, stronger and happier in your golden years.

HAVE FUN WITH FOOD

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring.

Have fun with a new recipe that uses a different source of protein or find a way to incorporate fish or beans into an old favorite.

Remember, as you age, it’s important to eat a variety of foods to help your body get the necessary nutrients.

GET ACTIVE

Physical activity is safe for almost everyone, and the health benefits of physical activity far outweigh the risks.

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things older adults can do for their health.

For older adults who have chronic conditions that hinder their ability to be active on a regular basis, some physical activity is better than none.

And older adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits.

TWEAK YOUR ROUTINE  

Our office offers Zumba. To learn more visit Zumba for a Cause 

To get the recommended 30 minutes of daily physical activity, change your routine to 10-minute sessions throughout the day.

To increase your cardio vascular endurance, take the stairs instead of the elevator or park farther from the entrance to work.

Practice balancing on one leg while doing an everyday activity. This can improve your balance and may prevent a fall.

GET SOCIAL

Socialization is an important part of aging.

Take a walk with a friend or a neighbor, join a book club or volunteer at your local pet shelter.

Social interaction provides meaningful engagement, builds relationships, enhances a sense of belonging and provides opportunities for involvement, all resulting in greater bonds and a stronger sense of community.

For more information about your dental health visit www.nylaandental.com 

For more information about our Zumba for a Cause events visit Zumba for a Cause.