"My heart was in my mouth" is an expression I have always loved and a friend of mine used to use it all the time. At 14 years old she already had a job working in a local bodega, (that's the Brooklyn version of a convenience store only smaller and selling more beer and cigarettes than anything else,) and I thought she was super-sophisticated. She certainly met a lot of colorful characters and nary a shift went by that something nerve-wracking hadn't happened along the bustling avenue where she worked.
The phrase came to mind the other day as I was reading an article on dental treatment of patients with heart disease. It is so important that patients with cardiovascular disease inform their dentists and dental hygienists of any changes in their heart health or medications. Certain procedures, such as valve replacement or stent placement, may require premedication or even delay non-emergency treatment. Medications for heart disease, ranging from high blood pressure meds to blood thinners also have effects on the mouth such as increased bleeding or dry mouth. Patients who have had strokes may find it difficult to brush or floss due to loss or decrease of function on the affected side of the body and need to adjust their dental home care routine accordingly.
Although people with gum disease do have a higher incidence of heart disease even after accounting for other factors like diabetes or risky health habits like smoking and drinking, no definite cause and effect relationship between the two has been proven. More research is being done to figure out this relationship and determine if treating gum disease can help to improve heart health in cardiovascular patients or even help to avoid heart problems in the first place. Until that determination is made, however, it just makes sense to recommend that people with heart disease take excellent care of their teeth and gums. Tooth decay and gum disease are completely preventable with good daily oral hygiene which reduces inflammation in the mouth as well as the rest of the body.
Brushing at least two times a day for two minutes and flossing every day keeps your mouth healthy, may keep your heart healthy, and will probably keep you from feeling like your heart is in your mouth at your next dental hygiene visit.
This information is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition. If you have a dental or medical problem or concern PLEASE see your dentist or doctor!
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Braces - Not just for kids
Imagine you need to paint a fence but the slats are crooked and leaning against each other. You'd fix the fence before painting it, wouldn't you? Of course! It's easier to paint that way. That's the concept behind dental braces. Braces are meant to align the teeth so that they are straight, fit together properly, and can be more easily cleaned. There are purely cosmetic reasons to straighten the teeth, to be sure. However, for the patient who is older and has had problems for years cleaning his or her teeth because they are crooked, braces are more than just a way to achieve a beautiful smile. They can help to correct a lifetime of difficulty in properly cleaning the teeth and resolve issues that lead to dental disease.
When teeth aren't cleaned well plaque is able to grow, multiply, and harden. This can lead to cavities, gum disease, gum recession, and worse. Recently, an adult patient (over 50) finally convinced of the benefits of getting braces, consulted with an orthodontist and started treatment. After only 8 weeks he noticed an improvement in his oral health as well his attitude about his teeth. Making the commitment to get braces had strengthened his resolve to floss his teeth and he was as amazed that his gums were no longer bleeding! He was enthusiastic and optimistic about the future of his dental health.
About 20% of orthodontic patients are over the age of 18 and there are many types of braces for adults to choose from. Products that use a series of plastic trays which are virtually invisible as well as ceramic braces have removed the "brace face" stigma and made wearing braces much more desirable. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover adult braces and they can cost between $4,000 - $8,000 over the average 2 year treatment time. However, if you weigh the expense of braces against future expense and time lost in the dental chair, the money may be worth it.
If you are an adult considering getting braces ask yourself the following questions and follow up by speaking with your dentist or dental hygienist:
Have my permanent teeth been crooked since I was a child/teenager?
Do I have a hard time brushing or flossing because my teeth are crooked?
Do I have areas where my gums bleed even though I brush and floss regularly?
Have I had cavities where my teeth are crooked?
Do my teeth feel like they don't "fit together" right?
Have I had tooth decay where I previously had fillings and now have crowns/caps?
Have I lost teeth?
Are my gums receding where my teeth are crooked?
Has my dentist or dental hygienist told me that my dental problems are related to my teeth being crooked?
Has my dentist or dental hygienist recommended that I consult with an orthodontist?
Do I like to smile?
Does my dental history include fillings or caps due to my crooked teeth? Is there more work to be done in my future?
Does the cost of fillings (starting at $200 each,) caps/crowns (at around $1,000 and up each,) bridgework ($2,500 and up) as well as time lost in the dental chair outweigh the expense of braces?
Am I willing to change my home care habits to properly take care of braces?
Will I continue to properly care for my teeth after the braces come off?
This information is not meant to diagnose or treat any condition. It you have any health concerns, please consult you medical or dental professional.
When teeth aren't cleaned well plaque is able to grow, multiply, and harden. This can lead to cavities, gum disease, gum recession, and worse. Recently, an adult patient (over 50) finally convinced of the benefits of getting braces, consulted with an orthodontist and started treatment. After only 8 weeks he noticed an improvement in his oral health as well his attitude about his teeth. Making the commitment to get braces had strengthened his resolve to floss his teeth and he was as amazed that his gums were no longer bleeding! He was enthusiastic and optimistic about the future of his dental health.
About 20% of orthodontic patients are over the age of 18 and there are many types of braces for adults to choose from. Products that use a series of plastic trays which are virtually invisible as well as ceramic braces have removed the "brace face" stigma and made wearing braces much more desirable. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover adult braces and they can cost between $4,000 - $8,000 over the average 2 year treatment time. However, if you weigh the expense of braces against future expense and time lost in the dental chair, the money may be worth it.
If you are an adult considering getting braces ask yourself the following questions and follow up by speaking with your dentist or dental hygienist:
Have my permanent teeth been crooked since I was a child/teenager?
Do I have a hard time brushing or flossing because my teeth are crooked?
Do I have areas where my gums bleed even though I brush and floss regularly?
Have I had cavities where my teeth are crooked?
Do my teeth feel like they don't "fit together" right?
Have I had tooth decay where I previously had fillings and now have crowns/caps?
Have I lost teeth?
Are my gums receding where my teeth are crooked?
Has my dentist or dental hygienist told me that my dental problems are related to my teeth being crooked?
Has my dentist or dental hygienist recommended that I consult with an orthodontist?
Do I like to smile?
Does my dental history include fillings or caps due to my crooked teeth? Is there more work to be done in my future?
Does the cost of fillings (starting at $200 each,) caps/crowns (at around $1,000 and up each,) bridgework ($2,500 and up) as well as time lost in the dental chair outweigh the expense of braces?
Am I willing to change my home care habits to properly take care of braces?
Will I continue to properly care for my teeth after the braces come off?
This information is not meant to diagnose or treat any condition. It you have any health concerns, please consult you medical or dental professional.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Toothbrush truths
Do you have a favorite toothbrush? Patients often ask me what type or brand of toothbrush to use. There are so many to choose from! While I don't endorse any particular brand, here are some guidelines you can use to choose and take care of your toothbrush.
1- Buy a soft or extra-soft toothbrush. If you find that the bristles seem to wear out quickly or the bristles look frayed you may be pressing too hard when you are brushing. Remember, teeth need to be brushed gently. Two minutes of soft brushing is much healthier and more effective at removing plaque than 30 seconds of hard brushing.
2- Replace your toothbrush four times a year. A good way to remember this is to change it when the seasons change: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. If you are using the same toothbrush when it was 98 degrees out as you are now, you are overdue.
3- There is no need to "wash" your toothbrush with anything. I've been asked about rinsing or washing them with everything from mouthwash to lemon juice to vinegar. Mouthwash won't do any harm but definitely no juice or vinegar. Allow toothbrushes to air dry.
4- Changing your toothbrush after you've been sick is not always necessary. If you've had a virus you won't reinfect yourself but you could spread your cold to someone else in your family if toothbrushes are stored together.
5- Don't store family members toothbrushes together. If possible, everyone should have their own cup or holder.
6- If you've had a bacterial infection, like strep throat, go ahead and throw it out, especially if the bristles are worn or frayed.
7- If your toothbrush is in the bathroom, place it inside a cabinet or drawer, as long as it can air dry, away from the toilet. Flushing the toilet throws germs into the air where they can settle on your toothbrush.
8- Always read the instructions on an electric toothbrush. Bring your electric toothbrush with you to your next dental hygiene visit so that your hygienist can show you how to use it.
9- Supervise your child's brushing. It is recommended to do so until the age of nine. Make sure they brush all the surfaces of the teeth and behind the back molars. (Not just the smile parts!)
10- Use the right size toothbrush. Adult toothbrushes are too big for a child's mouth. Adults who have small mouths may find some toothbrushes to be too big to "fit" around the back teeth, especially the sides of the back teeth. It's fine to use a toothbrush with a smaller head, especially if it makes you more confident that you are properly brushing your teeth. Try different ones until you find one you like.
11- If you run out of toothpaste don't skip brushing your teeth. (Hey, it happens, just like with milk and toilet paper.) It is proper brushing for 2 minutes that removes the plaque.
12- Don't share your toothbrush.
Happy Brushing!!
1- Buy a soft or extra-soft toothbrush. If you find that the bristles seem to wear out quickly or the bristles look frayed you may be pressing too hard when you are brushing. Remember, teeth need to be brushed gently. Two minutes of soft brushing is much healthier and more effective at removing plaque than 30 seconds of hard brushing.
2- Replace your toothbrush four times a year. A good way to remember this is to change it when the seasons change: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. If you are using the same toothbrush when it was 98 degrees out as you are now, you are overdue.
3- There is no need to "wash" your toothbrush with anything. I've been asked about rinsing or washing them with everything from mouthwash to lemon juice to vinegar. Mouthwash won't do any harm but definitely no juice or vinegar. Allow toothbrushes to air dry.
4- Changing your toothbrush after you've been sick is not always necessary. If you've had a virus you won't reinfect yourself but you could spread your cold to someone else in your family if toothbrushes are stored together.
5- Don't store family members toothbrushes together. If possible, everyone should have their own cup or holder.
6- If you've had a bacterial infection, like strep throat, go ahead and throw it out, especially if the bristles are worn or frayed.
7- If your toothbrush is in the bathroom, place it inside a cabinet or drawer, as long as it can air dry, away from the toilet. Flushing the toilet throws germs into the air where they can settle on your toothbrush.
8- Always read the instructions on an electric toothbrush. Bring your electric toothbrush with you to your next dental hygiene visit so that your hygienist can show you how to use it.
9- Supervise your child's brushing. It is recommended to do so until the age of nine. Make sure they brush all the surfaces of the teeth and behind the back molars. (Not just the smile parts!)
10- Use the right size toothbrush. Adult toothbrushes are too big for a child's mouth. Adults who have small mouths may find some toothbrushes to be too big to "fit" around the back teeth, especially the sides of the back teeth. It's fine to use a toothbrush with a smaller head, especially if it makes you more confident that you are properly brushing your teeth. Try different ones until you find one you like.
11- If you run out of toothpaste don't skip brushing your teeth. (Hey, it happens, just like with milk and toilet paper.) It is proper brushing for 2 minutes that removes the plaque.
12- Don't share your toothbrush.
Happy Brushing!!
Saturday, January 31, 2015
National Pet Dental Health Month
Every February, the American Dental Association sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to advocate for and draw attention to the importance of oral health for children. But everyone can benefit from a healthy mouth - even our pets. Just as bad breath in humans can signal a teeth or gum problems, bad breath in a pet can indicate the same thing. Until my cat had periodontal problems and needed to have several teeth removed, I had no idea this was such a common problem in both cats and dogs.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) encourages pet owners to pay attention to this very important aspect of pet health. According to their website, "Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition in cats and dogs even though it's completely preventable." Visit their pet dental health website to watch videos and learn all about how to keep your pet's mouth happy and healthy.
https://www.avma.org/events/pethealth/pages/February-is-National-Pet-Dental-Health-Month.aspx?utm_source=prettyurl&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=mktg&utm_term=petdental
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) encourages pet owners to pay attention to this very important aspect of pet health. According to their website, "Periodontal disease is the most common clinical condition in cats and dogs even though it's completely preventable." Visit their pet dental health website to watch videos and learn all about how to keep your pet's mouth happy and healthy.
https://www.avma.org/events/pethealth/pages/February-is-National-Pet-Dental-Health-Month.aspx?utm_source=prettyurl&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=mktg&utm_term=petdental
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Have Cheese with that Wine! Eating for a healthy mouth.
Each new year our minds turn to diet. We've overdone it starting with Halloween all the way through New Year's Day and our bodies feel it. Too busy to exercise or eat properly we deal with the aftermath of the holiday season by making resolutions to be healthier. This year, why not include healthy eating for the mouth as well as the body?
Even children know that too much sugar is no good for you. It's no good for your body or your teeth and the two are connected. Sugar causes inflammation in both the body and the mouth and, when plaque is present, can cause inflammation of the gums and cavities in the teeth. Plaque germs that live in the mouth on the teeth, gums, and tongue, use the sugary foods that we eat as fuel and form acid as a by-product. This "acid attack" on the teeth lasts for twenty minutes until the mouth can naturally return to its normal state. Because repeated exposure to acid is what causes the breakdown of enamel frequent sipping and snacking can make matters worse.
So what is one to do?
Well, to start, brush at least two times a day for two minutes and floss once a day to reduce plaque levels. Rinsing with an anti-cavity or anti-bacterial mouth rinse can help, too. Brush or floss about 30 minutes after meals. Your mouth will feel super clean and you may be less likely to want to snack, especially at night.
Pair "cavity-causing" sugary or acidic foods and beverages, with "neutral" or sugar and acid "reducing" foods. For example, if you want a sugary snack, have fruit and then sip some water. Water helps wash away the sugar from the teeth and can be used to swish away sugar following any snack or meal.
If you want to really indulge have cookies or a donut but follow it with milk. The level of pH of milk is about 6.5, close to the level of pH of water which is a neutral 7. You get the added benefit of calcium from the milk, too.
The pH of wine is acidic at about 3 for white wine and 3.5 for red wine. Pairing it with cheese, with a pH of 5 to 5.9 can reduce the acid levels in your mouth. Further reduce acid attacks by eating snacks or drinking sugary or acidic drinks with your meals and by not eating in between meals. Remember, it is the frequency of snacking and sipping that increases the number of acid attacks.
In the long run, we are what we eat and drink. If you stick to "one ingredient" foods like fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry you can't go wrong. And if you take good care of your teeth you can indulge in that occasional snack or goody, even that glass of wine, with minimal negative impact on the health of your mouth.
Have a healthy eating tip or question about eating for good mouth health? I invite your questions and comments.
This blog is not intended to diagnose any dental or medical condition. If you are concerned about your dental or medical health please contact your dental or medical professional. Don't worry or wait until it's too late!
Even children know that too much sugar is no good for you. It's no good for your body or your teeth and the two are connected. Sugar causes inflammation in both the body and the mouth and, when plaque is present, can cause inflammation of the gums and cavities in the teeth. Plaque germs that live in the mouth on the teeth, gums, and tongue, use the sugary foods that we eat as fuel and form acid as a by-product. This "acid attack" on the teeth lasts for twenty minutes until the mouth can naturally return to its normal state. Because repeated exposure to acid is what causes the breakdown of enamel frequent sipping and snacking can make matters worse.
So what is one to do?
Well, to start, brush at least two times a day for two minutes and floss once a day to reduce plaque levels. Rinsing with an anti-cavity or anti-bacterial mouth rinse can help, too. Brush or floss about 30 minutes after meals. Your mouth will feel super clean and you may be less likely to want to snack, especially at night.
Pair "cavity-causing" sugary or acidic foods and beverages, with "neutral" or sugar and acid "reducing" foods. For example, if you want a sugary snack, have fruit and then sip some water. Water helps wash away the sugar from the teeth and can be used to swish away sugar following any snack or meal.
If you want to really indulge have cookies or a donut but follow it with milk. The level of pH of milk is about 6.5, close to the level of pH of water which is a neutral 7. You get the added benefit of calcium from the milk, too.
The pH of wine is acidic at about 3 for white wine and 3.5 for red wine. Pairing it with cheese, with a pH of 5 to 5.9 can reduce the acid levels in your mouth. Further reduce acid attacks by eating snacks or drinking sugary or acidic drinks with your meals and by not eating in between meals. Remember, it is the frequency of snacking and sipping that increases the number of acid attacks.
In the long run, we are what we eat and drink. If you stick to "one ingredient" foods like fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry you can't go wrong. And if you take good care of your teeth you can indulge in that occasional snack or goody, even that glass of wine, with minimal negative impact on the health of your mouth.
Have a healthy eating tip or question about eating for good mouth health? I invite your questions and comments.
This blog is not intended to diagnose any dental or medical condition. If you are concerned about your dental or medical health please contact your dental or medical professional. Don't worry or wait until it's too late!
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