One of the most prevalent conditions in our country today is diabetes. Almost ten percent of our population has diabetes – over 29 million people! Nearly 2 million cases are diagnosed each year, and a whopping 8 million or more people are living with diabetes and don’t know it. Untreated, diabetes can lead to a host of very dangerous problems, such as damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves and other parts of the body.

Your dentist can even spot the signs of diabetes, through loose teeth, bleeding gums and gum disease. You may also have noticed several signs of diabetes that are specifically related to oral hygiene, including an excessively dry mouth or increased cavities. Less saliva gives cavities more of a chance of developing. You may have problems tasting food and be more susceptible to infections on the inside of your mouth.

Surprisingly, one of the most common dental conditions for diabetics is gum disease. Unfortunately, diabetics will also experience longer healing times, and infections at the gum line can worsen the state of diabetes and even contribute to increased risks for heart disease and stroke. Diabetics with gum disease may also experience great difficulty fighting gingivitis, leading to periodontal disease because of poor sugar control. Unfortunately, this creates something of a cycle, where poor sugar control leads to gum disease and gum disease can cause blood sugar to rise.

Interestingly, proper dental procedures can help manage blood sugar levels. Research found that diabetics who floss and brush regularly have more manageable blood sugar levels and glycemic control than those who don’t. Making sure to have professional deep cleanings done regularly can help lower blood sugar levels and stop the profession of the disease. Try to avoid smoking and other habits that make it more difficult to maintain your oral hygiene.

Schedule your appointment as soon as possible so we can become a part of your health management team!

We would give anything we could to ensure that our unborn children had the best start possible. Prenatal vitamins, careful diets and even listening to certain music while our infant is still in the womb are all things we try in order to have a healthy, happy baby. Would it surprise you to know that your dental health is equally important to a healthy pregnancy? Here are a few ways that dentistry can help promote the health of you and your baby.

You already know that what you eat directly nourishes your unborn child. But the unpleasant truth is that inflammation of the gums in women increases the chances that the baby will be born prematurely. In fact, women who are pregnant have an increased need to see the dentist, because the hormones generated during pregnancy can greatly exaggerate the way the gums react to plaque. Most women experience a change in their oral health during their pregnancies.

“Pregnancy gingivitis” can occur as early as the second month, and if you already have gingivitis, the condition can drastically worsen. Good nutrition during this time is important, because Vitamins C and B12 are not only good for your baby, but they are good for your oral hygiene as well.

Women trying to get pregnant who suffer from gum disease can also find that contraception is delayed significantly because of gingivitis. That bacteria which flourishes in gums that aren’t regularly flossed, is responsible for everything from heart conditions to osteoporosis.

With gingivitis bacteria linked to everything from fertility to low birthweight babies, don’t take the chance. Increase your flossing habits and make an appointment with your dentist.

Eating right can be confusing. With all the fad diets that come and go, it’s hard to know whether you should eat carbs or no carbs, fruits or no fruits, meat or no meat, etc., etc. Fortunately, there are some guidelines that each of us need to follow in order to make sure we’re providing our bodies with an adequate supply of the right nutrients. The amounts might vary slightly depending on your gender and your age, but make sure you incorporate the right amount of each of the following nutrients in your diet every day:

• Calcium (about 1,000 mg per day for most people): Necessary for strong bones and teeth. Good sources are dairy products, leafy greens and fish.
• Fiber (about 25 grams per day for most people): Reduces your chances of developing diabetes, as well as benefitting the heart. Good sources are vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans.
• Magnesium (about 310 mg per day for most people): Keeps muscle and nerve function normal, and maintains bone health. Good sources are fish, bran, seeds and nuts.
• Potassium (about 4,700 mg per day for most people): Maintains normal blood pressure, reduces the risk of kidney stones, and may decrease bone loss. Good sources are bananas, potatoes, yogurt, soybeans and tomato paste.
• Vitamin A (about 2,310 IU per day for most people): Helps produce red blood cells, maintains vision and immune function. Good sources are orange vegetables, leafy greens and organ meats.
• Vitamin C (about 75 mg per day for most people): Fights disease and boosts immune system. Good sources are fruits and vegetables.
• Vitamin E (about 15 mg per day for most people): Fights disease and supports eye health. Good sources are peanut butter, almonds, and fortified cereals.

Source: http://www.realsimple.com/health/nutrition-diet/healthy-eating/nutrients-you-need

Having your photograph taken by a professional photographer may seem like an indulgence, but the truth is that a professional photograph comes in handy for your job, no matter what line of work you may be in. This is particularly true if you have a business card. Just think of how much more effective and eye-catching your card will be when you add a photograph!

Social media profiles are another great reason to have a professional photograph on hand. While some people may opt for a “selfie,” those snapshots aren’t nearly as appealing as a professional photograph. This is especially important for job-related social media sites, such as LinkedIn and others, but a great headshot is an important addition to any social media profile. A professional photograph can also be used on your email accounts and cell phones.

There’s no doubt that a professional photograph will definitely come in handy, and one of the most important things you can do to make yourself look as good as possible in that photograph is making sure that your smile is as healthy and bright as can be.

Your dentist can help you prepare for a professional photograph session. Whether it’s simply a professional cleaning and tooth whitening, or a dental procedure such as porcelain veneers, your dentist can help you to achieve the best smile possible. For more information, talk to your dentist today about cosmetic dentistry procedures available and which might be best for you.

Looking for an Austin cosmetic dentist to discuss your options? Call Austin Dental Center today (512) 454-0414!

Source: http://alinavincentphotography.com/top-reasons-everyone-should-have-professional-headshot/

Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular over the past few years. In fact, you can go into just about any grocery or drug store and find a variety of products that promise remarkable results. While some of these over-the-counter products may be somewhat effective, there’s really no comparison with professional teeth whitening done by your dentist.

Although it may seem as though almost everyone is using teeth-whitening products, there are some categories of people who should not whiten their teeth. These include the following:

• People who have sensitive teeth. Almost any tooth-whitening product will cause some level of sensitivity in your teeth. The vast majority of the time, this sensitivity is not serious and lasts for only a short time. However, for people with extremely sensitive teeth, the discomfort caused by whitening products may not be worth it.
• Children and pregnant women. Children under 16 should not whiten their teeth because the nerves inside a young person’s teeth are usually enlarged until the mid-teen years, which makes them much more susceptible to uncomfortable sensitivity problems. Pregnant women or new mothers who are breast-feeding their babies, should also avoid whitening their teeth.
• People allergic to peroxide. Because peroxide is the primary bleaching agent in most whitening products, people allergic to this substance should avoid using these products.
• People with gum disease or in need of dental work. If you suffer from gum disease or are in need of having some dental work done – such as cavities that need to be filled, for example – you should avoid whitening your teeth because it can cause painful sensitivity.

It’s important to remember that whitening doesn’t work on fillings and other restorations, and you’ll have to repeat the procedure periodically in order to keep your teeth at their maximum brightness.

If you’re looking for an Austin cosmetic dentist to discuss your teeth whitening options, including our in-office Zoom! Teeth Whitening system, call us today at (512) 454-0414!

Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments_and_procedures/hic_Who_Are_and_Are_Not_Good_Candidates_for_ Teeth_Whitening_Procedures

Most of us know that eating a healthy diet – one that does not include too many sugary foods and drinks – can help to prevent cavities. But now, researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and Newcastle University have discovered that an amino acid that naturally occurs in foods could actually help to break down dental plaque.

The amino acid is called arginine, and it can be found in foods such as dairy products, poultry, fish and red meat. L-arginine is already commonly used in dental products to treat tooth sensitivity.

Right now, the vast majority of methods involved in controlling dental plaque utilize antimicrobial agents. But many dental professionals and researchers believe that antimicrobial agents have been overused in recent years. While they do effectively eliminate plaque bacteria, they can also stain teeth and impact a person’s ability to taste food and drinks.

Although more clinical trials are still needed, researchers now believe that L-arginine could replace antimicrobials in fighting plaque. This is great news considering that plaque can lead to gum disease, and an estimated 10 to 15 percent of adults now suffer from an extreme form of this condition.

Advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, has been associated with not only tooth loss, but also other conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Hopefully, the development of this amino acid as a plaque-fighting agent will greatly improve the dental health of countless people in the years to come.

For gum disease treatment in Austin TX, call us today at (512) 454-0414

Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-05/uom-noa050715.php