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How Diabetes and Oral Health Are Related

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diabetes
All of us should practice good oral hygiene habits in order to avoid cavities and gum disease. But if you have diabetes, you may have to pay even closer attention. Over the past several years, numerous studies have shown the link between periodontal disease and diabetes. Researchers have found that people with diabetes are 3 or 4 times more likely to develop gum disease. The reasons may not be immediately obvious, until you learn more about both ailments.

Diabetes Explained

People who suffer from diabetes are incapable of producing or properly using insulin, which is a hormone your body requires to convert foods to energy. In people without diabetes, insulin collects sugar from the person’s blood and transports it to the body’s cells, after which the body can use the sugar for energy. But people who have diabetes have difficulty producing and using insulin, which results in the body not getting the energy it needs and sugar staying in the bloodstream. That, in turn, leads to high blood sugar levels, which can result in a myriad of serious problems, such as heart disease, kidney disease, eye maladies, etc. Researchers estimate that about 20 million people in the U.S. have some form of diabetes – either type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, or prediabetes. Of those, type 2 is the most common.

Periodontal Disease Explained

Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. This infection is caused by a buildup of plaque under the gum line. Although there are several effective remedies and preventions for gum disease, if it goes untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. An estimated 65 million Americans suffer from gum disease.

The Connection

Gum disease can make it harder for the body to keep blood sugar levels under control, and that can result in an increase in blood sugar levels in these patients. This means that it is especially urgent for diabetic patients to rid themselves of gum disease – if they don’t, they will have a much more difficult time controlling their diabetes. These patients are often prescribed antibiotics in addition to other treatments they’ll undergo in order to eliminate periodontal disease.

If you are diabetic, be sure to let your dentist know and keep him or her informed about your disease and treatment. Likewise, you should tell your doctor if you are experiencing any stage of periodontal disease. If both of your medical providers are aware of the current state of your physical and oral health, they’ll be much more equipped to effectively treat both conditions.

Is it a Toothache or Just Sinus Pressure?

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sinusSometimes it’s hard to tell whether the pain you’re experiencing is a toothache or sinus pressure. This is especially true during cold and flu season, and during those times of year when allergies are most common. In fact, your sinuses and your teeth are connected, so sinus issues can be related to tooth pain and vice-versa. There are, however, some ways to distinguish between the two.

Sinus Pressure

Depending on the time of year, sinus pressure can be an all-too-common problem for many people. Sinus pressure is typically caused by allergies, a head cold, or a sinus infection. If you experience sinus pressure that goes away on its own within a few days, chances are it’s due to either allergies or a cold. A sinus infection, on the other hand, can last for several weeks and may need to be treated by your doctor. No matter what is causing sinus pressure, the symptoms are usually the same. Those include:

  • A headache, particularly around the nose, forehead and eyes, and sometimes spreading into the teeth or jaws
  • A sore throat caused from post-nasal drip
  • Coughing
  • Sinus discharge that is yellow-green in color

Toothaches

If you experience tooth pain without any of the symptoms associated with sinus pressure, it’s probably caused by some kind of oral issue. Any type of persistent toothache should be checked by your dentist. A dental X-ray can determine quickly if your toothache is due to a cavity or some other oral problem. Some toothaches can be severe and even spread into the jaw. A severe toothache could be an indication of tooth decay that has developed into an infection. And pain in the jaw may be related to the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). TMJ issues can also be treated by your dentist, so it’s best to see your dentist right away with any type of oral pain.

It’s also important to remember the connection between your sinuses and your teeth. If you have an infection in either your teeth or your sinuses, that can result in an infection in the other. A sinus infection, for example, can affect your oral health. And when tooth decay is left untreated, it can have a negative impact on your sinuses and your overall health. When in doubt, remember that any type of chronic pain should be discussed with your dentist or doctor, just to be on the safe side.

What’s Involved in Professional Dental Cleaning

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dental check upMost dentists would agree that one of the most important things you can do to maintain good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis for professional dental cleanings. While brushing and flossing at home plays a vital role in good oral health, you’ll never be able to clean your own teeth as thoroughly as your dentist or a trained dental hygienist. When built-up tartar and plaque isn’t removed on a regular basis, it can lead to cavities and even gum disease. To help you prepare for your professional dental cleaning, we’ve put together a list of what you can expect during your visit.

  • X-rays: Although not required for every patient during every professional cleaning, your hygienist or dentist will take X-rays of your teeth and gums when necessary. Your dentist will review these X-rays to determine if any further dental work is required.
  • Visual examination: Your dentist will also perform a visual exam of your teeth and gums, checking for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. The condition of your existing dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.) will also be checked during the visual exam.
  • Oral cancer screening: Your dentist may perform an oral cancer screening during your visit. There are a variety of different cutting-edge tools that can be utilized for oral cancer screenings, and although it’s not usually required during every professional cleaning visit, your dentist will perform this screening whenever it’s necessary.
  • Measurement of gum pockets: When needed, your hygienist or dentist may measure the depth of gum pockets that form around your teeth. The depth of these pockets can be a good indication of whether or not gum disease is present or is in the early stage of development.
  • Cleaning and polishing: Using professional cleaning tools, your hygienist or dentist will thoroughly clean and polish your teeth. It is during this phase of your visit that built-up plaque and tartar – the material that you won’t be able to remove by regular brushing and flossing – is removed.

Dentists typically ask patients to come in twice a year for professional cleanings and oral exams. The visits are usually quite routine and most of the time are completed within an hour or so. Although the visits may be routine, they can mean the difference between good oral health and cavities and/or gum disease. So don’t put off your professional cleaning visit! Schedule yours today to ensure that you continue to enjoy healthy teeth and gums.

How a Beautiful Smile Can Improve Your Life

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beautiful smile
Taking steps to improve the appearance of your smile can have a much greater impact on your life than you know. In fact, several studies conducted over the past few years have shown that having an attractive smile actually boosts a person’s self-esteem and generally makes them happier and more confident about their place in the world. Good oral health also seems to encourage people to take better care of themselves, which leads to better overall health.

These studies have also shown that the opposite is true: people with unattractive smiles typically have much less self-confidence. In fact, people who are embarrassed or ashamed of their smiles often have a much higher level of stress and anxiety than people with nice smiles. But that’s only part of the story. Research has found that people with poor oral health are usually less healthy overall as well.

Smiling is Good Medicine

If you have a beautiful smile, you’ll be much more likely to share it with the world and to smile more often. As it turns out, that can be good medicine since the physical act of smiling actually releases endorphins that help to elevate your mood and boost your immune system. Even smiling when you don’t feel like smiling can make you feel happier and healthier!

The bad news is that people with less-than-attractive smiles have a tendency to smile much less. This means that they’re missing out on all those helpful endorphins.

Smiling Affects How Other People See You

Flashing a beautiful smile not only changes the way you feel about yourself, it also affects how other people see you. Studies show that people who smile a lot are perceived as being more trustworthy, more open and more approachable. People with beautiful smiles are often considered to be more honest and generally more appealing individuals than those who don’t.

How Regular Trips to the Dentist Can Help

If you’re avoiding going to the dentist on a regular basis for oral exams and professional cleanings, you’re much more likely to have oral health issues such as cavities and gum disease. Those problems negatively affect the appearance of your smile, and that in turn has a negative impact on your self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall level of happiness in life. It’s also important to remember that people with poor oral health are much more prone to experience more serious health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease, for example. So don’t deprive yourself of all the benefits a beautiful smile can bring to your life. Ask your dentist how you can improve your oral health and, quite possibly, your quality of life at the same time!

Eat Your Way to Good Oral Health: 5 Foods That Can Help

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healthy foodsMost of us know how important it is to brush and floss your teeth every day and to visit your dentist for regular oral exams and professional cleanings. But one of the most important things you can do to maintain good oral health is by making the right food choices each and every day. Here are five foods that are not only delicious, but can also promote you and your family’s good oral health.

  • Dairy products – We all need adequate amounts of calcium in order to maintain healthy teeth and bones. When it comes to good oral health, two dairy products are particularly beneficial: yogurt and cheese. Yogurt not only provides your body with calcium and protein; the probiotics contained in yogurt help to encourage the growth of good bacteria within your mouth while discouraging the growth of bad bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Plain yogurt with no added sugar is the best choice. Cheese also contains calcium and protein, but the real benefit in eating cheese is that it raises the pH levels inside your mouth and that lowers your chance of developing cavities.
  • Apples – You’ve probably heard that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” We have a new version of this old adage: “An apple a day keeps cavities at bay.” Apples are not only deliciously sweet — which can help to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you away from less healthy sugary foods – they also produce saliva in your mouth and that helps to wash away remaining food particles and bacteria. The action involved in eating fibrous apples also helps to massage your gum tissue.
  • Leafy greens – Most of us know that leafy greens are a healthy addition to our diets. Spinach, kale and other varieties of greens are high in B vitamins and folic acid, which provide numerous health benefits. But you might not know that leafy greens are also high in calcium, and that can help maintain strong enamel on the surface of your teeth.
  • Carrots – Similar to apples, crunchy carrots are another food that increases the production of saliva inside your mouth, and more saliva means less of a chance of developing cavities. Carrots also provide a healthy dose of vitamin A and fiber – something almost all of us could do with a little more of!
  • Almonds – Some people stay away from nuts because of their high calorie content. While it’s true that you need to monitor your intake of nuts in general, almonds are an excellent source of both calcium and protein. Enjoyed in moderation and in combination with a healthy diet overall, almonds can help you to maintain good oral health.

When it comes to healthy teeth and gums, it’s important to remember that the food choices you make each and every day can make all the difference in the world!

What is life with Invisalign like?

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Invisalign
We’re not surprised that they chose to cast the titular character of Ugly Betty with braces. Two of the reasons why people opt to live with crooked teeth is because braces are uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Invisalign offers an alternative to this Ugly Betty persona.

The discreet, patient-friendly trays fit over the surface of your teeth and efficiently shape your smile over about 18 months. But if you choose Invisalign what can you expect? How will your daily life change?

The truth is, many people feel more confident during their Invisalign treatment than before. This probably can’t be said for many people with braces. You will still have to go through some adjustment and you’ll learn some new habits of daily care, but you will find that your daily life isn’t all that disrupted and you’ll soon feel more apt to laugh freely and talk and smile with more expression than before.

Adjusting to Invisalign

It takes some time to get used to the Invisalign trays. You may have a lisp when you speak, so you’ll want to practice talking with the trays in. There may also be some discomfort as the aligners straighten your teeth. Around every two weeks you replace your old aligner with a new one, each causing a minor adjustment. You can mitigate the discomfort of this adjustment by starting the new tray when you go to sleep. If you experience a sharp or jagged edge, you can use a nail file to smooth it out. You may also want to invest in an oral health travel kit and an Invisalign remover. As you get used to speaking with the trays and have a system for removing and rinsing them when you eat, you’ll find that it’s not all that disruptive.

Daily care

You’ll also have to adapt to a modified regimen of daily oral health care. Because the aligners cover the surface of your teeth, saliva cannot easily wash off plaque and particles that build on the surface of your teeth and your gums. You brush and floss like normal, but rinse your aligner each time you remove it. You’ll also want to get into the habit of soaking your aligner in lukewarm water or Invisalign cleaning crystals. You should also plan to schedule more frequent cleanings to combat the inevitable buildup of plaque and bacteria on your teeth.

What doesn’t change

Perhaps the most telling part of the Invisalign journey is what doesn’t change. You can eat what you want, spontaneously kiss your partner, and take pictures and smile confidently. If you play contact sports, you don’t have to remove the trays and you don’t have to worry about wire and metal brackets injuring your mouth. You can also play a wind instrument without discomfort and without removing your trays.

Soon, you will begin to express yourself more freely, talk with more expression, and smile with less reservation than before you began treatment.

Can Cold Medicine Affect Your Kids’ Teeth?

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cold
It’s an unfortunate fact that every parent needs to deal with: our kids are especially susceptible to colds and flu. So it may not be welcome news to find out that many over-the-counter cold medicines are loaded with sugar. That sugar can leave an unhealthy coating on your child’s teeth and can also cause dry mouth, both of which can increase the risk of tooth decay.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the damage that can be caused by cold medicines. Have your child rinse right after taking the medicine, which will help to remove some of the sugary coating left behind on teeth. If your child is very young and unable to rinse or floss on his/her own, use a damp washcloth to wipe off your child’s teeth after administering the cold medicine. Also, make sure your child stays hydrated by providing plenty of fluids throughout each day.

Unfortunately, it’s not just over-the-counter cold medicines that can damage your child’s teeth. As parents, we might not give a second thought to giving our little ones a baby aspirin if they’re not feeling well. But you should remember that aspirin is acidic and can damage the enamel on your child’s teeth. If your child is old enough to simply swallow an aspirin with water, the acid isn’t usually a problem. But a chewable tablet can remain in your child’s mouth longer, which can release the acid in the aspirin. Encourage your child to swallow an aspirin with water, or make sure the child rinses with water after chewing an aspirin tablet.

If your pediatrician has prescribed an antibiotic for your child, you should know that some of these medicines can stain your kids’ teeth, turning them permanently yellow or even somewhat brown. This is especially common in very young children, under the age of six or seven. Antibiotics shown to stain children’s teeth include doxycycline, oxytetracylin, and tetracycline.

If your child is suffering from a stuffy nose, you should remember that like many other medications, antihistamines often cause a dry mouth. And a dry mouth can lead to an increased growth of bacteria, which can negatively impact your child’s gum tissue.

As parents, we all want to do what’s right for our children by keeping them healthy and feeling their best. During cold and flu season, many of these medicines can help your children overcome their symptoms, but remember to take extra precautions to help protect their teeth and gums as well.

Everyday Mistakes That Could Be Harming Your Teeth

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tobacco

Most of us know how important it is to brush and floss our teeth every day. But even if you practice a good oral hygiene routine, you could still be harming your teeth without even realizing it because of habits you engage in every day. Check out this list of what habits to avoid to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

  • Tobacco: Let’s start with the obvious. Smoking or chewing tobacco not only stains your teeth, it also can lead to gum disease, bone loss, and an increased risk of oral cancer. If you’re considering vaping instead, think again. Vaping restricts the flow of blood through your veins, which can destroy gum tissue and ultimately lead to bone loss.
  • Sugar: The old warnings our parents used to give us about how too much candy can create cavities still hold true. But there are other foods that also contain sugar that can damage our teeth. Be careful when it comes to eating dried fruit and sugary sodas, for example. If you have a sweet tooth, try fresh fruit instead.
  • Anything hard: Teeth are pretty durable, but they’re not indestructible. Keep this in mind and avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or anything that you find difficult to chew. Sticky foods – such as caramel or even some dried foods – can also wreak havoc in your mouth by potentially dislodging dental work.
  • Acidic foods and drinks: Many of the foods and beverages that we consume every day contain acid that can damage tooth enamel. For that reason, you should avoid overdoing it when it comes to snacks and drinks like citrus fruits, coffee and wine.
  • Whitening products: Teeth whitening is more popular than ever, and while it’s tempting to keep on whitening until you achieve that movie star smile, remember that over-whitening can damage your tooth enamel. Whitening products will usually make your teeth sensitive for a limited period of time, but over-whitening can lead to increased sensitivity that doesn’t go away.
  • Teeth grinding: Grinding your teeth at night can not only keep you awake, it can also eventually start to wear down your teeth, cause pain in your jaw, or even lead to tooth loss. If you think you might be grinding your teeth while you sleep, ask your dentist about a mouth guard that can prevent it.
  • Chewing gum: If you’re in the habit of chewing sugary gum, it’s time to stop – or at least switch to a sugar-free brand. In fact, chewing sugar-free gum can actually be good for your teeth and gums since it stimulates the production of saliva, which helps to protect your mouth from damage done by acidic foods and drinks.

When it comes to good oral health, remember that it’s not just brushing and flossing that makes a difference – it’s also the healthy habits we practice all day long, every day.

My Teeth Have Shifted After Wearing Braces – Can Invisalign Help?

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Invisalign
On that glorious day when you finally got your orthodontic braces removed, you were likely excited about the fact that you could now smile to your heart’s content, confident in your beautiful, straight teeth. Of course, maintaining that perfectly straight smile would have required you to faithfully follow instructions to wear your retainers.

If you, like many adults, have taken to neglecting the upkeep required after having braces, you may have noticed your teeth shifting, creating gaps, crowding, or other issues you thought were gone for good. As a result, you might be understandably concerned about the prospect of having to get braces once again to correct these issues.

Don’t worry, though, there is another option. You no longer have to rely solely on metal braces to move your teeth into alignment. With the Invisalign system, you have the opportunity to avoid the discomfort and embarrassment of wearing braces as an adult. How does Invisalign work, and more importantly, will it work for you? Here’s what you should know.

How Does Invisalign Work?

The Invisalign system relies on a series of individualized, removable trays that fit over your teeth and appear practically invisible while correcting your alignment issues. While metal braces are affixed to teeth, Invisalign trays can be removed for the purpose of eating or cleaning your teeth.

In addition, you won’t have to deal with uncomfortable tightening, or metal scraping the soft tissues of your mouth. In as little as about six months, you could see significant results, although duration will depend on your particular issues. Still, it’s a lot better than wearing traditional braces for two years.

Am I a Good Candidate?

There is a misconception that if you wore braces, you aren’t a good candidate for Invisalign. This simply isn’t true. In fact, those who have suffered relapse after braces tend to be ideal candidates for treatment with Invisalign because their alignment issues aren’t as severe as, say, someone who skipped braces earlier in life. Suitability varies from cases to case, but if you’ve had braces before, there’s a good chance Invisalign will help to return your straight smile.

The best way to find out if Invisalign is right for you is to check with your dentist. If you have issues with crowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, or crossbite, Invisalign could help, but only if your problems aren’t too severe. A professional assessment will determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.

Dental Health Resolutions for 2018

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resolution
Once you’ve shouted “Happy New Year”, shared a celebratory smooch, and sung Auld Lang Syne, it’s time to turn your eyes to the future and begin thinking about how you’re going to improve your life in the new year. For some, this means adding diet and exercise to the mix. Others will commit to financial recovery and starting a rainy-day fund.

However, if you enjoy sharing a New Year’s kiss annually, you might want to make this the year that you focus on your oral health. With a beautiful, healthy smile, you’re sure to get more interest when the ball drops. Here are a few dental health resolutions for 2018 that will keep your smile in good shape into 2019 and beyond.

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

You brush twice daily to combat food and bacteria buildup. Isn’t that enough? It’s a good start, but you also need to make sure you floss and rinse with mouthwash to get food particles and bacteria that linger between teeth and under the gum line, causing untold damage in areas you can’t easily reach with a toothbrush.

Say Ta-ta to Tobacco

Giving up cigarettes, chew, or other forms of tobacco is not only great for your overall health, but it can lead to marked improvements in oral health, as well. In addition to reducing the risks for oral cancer, quitting tobacco can reduce destructive dry mouth, put a stop to staining, and give you the chance to restore a beautiful and healthy smile.

Eat Right

You might be on board to do this for health and weight loss reasons, but you’ll be happy to hear your diet can do double duty when you focus on foods that promote good oral health. When you cut back on sugar and add crunchy fruits and veggies (apples, carrots, celery, etc.) to your diet, you can reduce bacteria and tooth decay while improving overall health.

Add Your Dentist to the Schedule

If you own a car, you probably service it regularly to ensure the engine doesn’t run out of oil and seize up. If you own a home, you might schedule annual gutter cleaning and service for your HVAC system to maintain your investment and keep your home cozy and clean.

You’re willing to maintain your property, so why not your body? According to the American Dental Association (ADA), about a third of people fail to see their dentist annually, much less multiple times a year. Make 2018 the year you make a change that benefits your oral health and helps you to maintain the beautiful, functional, and healthy smile you deserve. Schedule a dental visit today.