Bad Oral Habits

While it is obvious that our teeth's main purpose is the initial processing of foods before swallowing, it is sometimes not so clear what other functions should be expected! As capable as our teeth are in biting and chewing food, there exists many limitations outside of this realm. 
In all my years of  clinical experience, I've come across lots of pathologies that are self-inflicted through misuse of teeth. As a general rule, I always tell my patients that when in doubt don't do it. It is easy to forget sometimes that our teeth can be quite fragile under certain circumstances and misuse could cause chips and fractures, resulting in unnecessary dental work. Here is a short list of some common things to avoid; Chewing ice, chewing non-food objects such as finger nails and pens, chewing some hard nuts either with or without shells, cutting strings and aggressive use of toothpicks, just to name a few.
We also recommend night guards to those who have a tendency to clench and/or grind their teeth. They are a small investment to make that can go a long way in preventing reversible or irreversible damage.
Lastly, please remember that it is not that we do not want to see you in the dental office. We just do not want to have to treat you in preventable situations! Please try to avoid using your teeth as a multi-purpose tool, unless of course it is for processing food!

Good Nutrition

Good nutrition and healthy eating habits are essential to maintaining optimal oral and overall health. The food and beverage choices you make have a direct effect on the health of your entire body. Each time a sugary snack or beverage is consumed, the sugar, along with the bacteria in your mouth, bathe your teeth in harmful acids that attack your teeth for at least twenty minutes. Each bite or sip brings on another acid attack. After repeat attacks, teeth are susceptible to tooth decay.
While it’s important to eat a variety of nutritious foods from the five major food groups grains, dairy, fruits, vegetables and meat/poultry/fish, it’s not necessary to throw out everything in your pantry that contains sugar. Almost all foods, including milk and vegetables, contain some form of sugar, and many offer key nutrients that are part of a well-balanced diet. Instead of cutting out sugar from your diet altogether, one should read the labels on foods and beverages and set a goal to reduce those that contain added sugars, such as soft drinks, candy and cookies. Soda, whether regular soda containing sugar or diet sugar-free soda, is high in acid content and contributes to the erosion of enamel. The enamel layer which covers the outer surface of teeth is the hardest substance in the body and normally protects the inside of the tooth by acting as a barricade.
Also we should be limiting snacking between meals. Foods eaten as part of a meal cause less harm to your teeth because more saliva is released during mealtime. Saliva naturally protects our teeth and helps to wash food particles from your mouth, lessening the acid build up that leads to tooth decay.
When you need a snack, make nutritious choices, such as fruit, raw vegetables, cheese, plain yogurt or other snacks that are low in sugar. Instead of soda, choose healthy beverages, such as water or milk.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to help remove plaque, the sticky film of bacteria, which gets stuck between your teeth and gums.
Schedule regular checkups with your dentist at least every six months to help prevent problems from occurring and detect possible problems in their early stages.

Diabetes and Oral Health

Everyone is at risk of developing periodontal disease, but all people with diabetes, regardless of age or type of diabetes, are more susceptible. There are several reasons for this.
For one, people with diabetes can have more sugar in the mouth which provides a more hospitable environment for hostile bacteria. This makes all forms of periodontal disease and tooth decay more likely.
High and fluctuating blood sugar levels are also a factor in the increased risk of periodontitis and more vulnerability to complications. Patients with diabetes may also experience dry mouth as a result of reduced saliva. Neuropathy and certain medications may be the cause of reduced salivary flow which is a natural protectant against oral disease. Healing is also more difficult once an infection sets in. Just like diabetics with poor control have a hard time healing wounds and infections on their feet, their bodies have a hard time fighting infections and healing wounds in the mouth.
If and once an infection takes root a vicious cycle ensues making metabolic and infection control a struggle. This cycle can have drastic consequences. If oral infections get out of control they can lead to problems serious enough to land a person with diabetes in the hospital, to say nothing of the damage to the teeth and gums. Infections can also impact Insulin needs. Authors of a study cited in September's 1997's Practical Diabetology concluded that when an infection is rampant, patients with diabetes often have increased insulin requirements. If periodontal disease is treated and gingival inflammation is eliminated, these insulin needs often decrease. Collagen, which is a building block of the tissue that attaches teeth to bones and the surrounding soft tissue, is also affected by diabetes which make an infection potentially more destructive. 
In conclusion diabetics have an increased risk of dental problems and for this reason not only should they keep their diabetes under control with a healthy diet and meds if needed, they also need to be especially vigilant with their hygiene and visit the dentist on a regular basis.

Veneers

If you are looking to improve your smile, custom-fitted veneers can provide the answer. Veneers are thin, custom-made moldings that cover the fronts of unsightly teeth. They are crafted from tooth-colored, high-tech materials to portray a natural, bright smile. Veneers provide a safe and less invasive alternative to traditional crowns and unlike most bonding materials, they will not change color or wear over time. Veneers cover unattractive gaps, and can mask stained, misshaped or crooked teeth and are intended to last for many years.
 
Initially the tooth is minimally reshaped to allow for the added thickness and proper contour of the veneer. An impression is made of the reshaped tooth and sent to a dental laboratory where the veneer is custom-made to fit your mouth. The veneer is applied with adhesive material which bonds it to the original tooth structure and essentially becomes one with the tooth. Since veneers are individually sculpted for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth. They resist stains and wear because they are made of high-tech, extremely strong and polishable materials.

Veneers generally cannot be damaged by abrasion from your toothbrush or floss. Good oral hygiene will ensure your veneers stay strong and provide you with a long-lasting, attractive smile.

Dental Care During the Holiday Season.

The holidays can be rough on daily dental and oral care habits. Frequent parties and snacking can constantly expose teeth to sugar and cavity-causing bacterial acids. Travels and overnight stays can disrupt daily brushing and flossing regimens. However, just because the holidays are here does not mean that one should give up on proper oral hygiene. With some preparedness, the festivities of the holidays can still be enjoyed without neglecting one's gums and teeth. Here are some important tips for a realistic dental care plan during the holiday season:

1. Don't leave home without it. Whenever traveling to a friend or family's home, don't forget to pack a spare toothbrush, toothpaste, and some floss. Make sure to pack enough dental supplies should the meal extend into an overnight stay or even longer.
2. Don't delay brushing/flossing. When festivities carry on for many hours and include multiple courses, it is easy to put off or neglect one's dental care. However, once the main course is finished and dessert has been served, it is a good time to excuse oneself to brush and floss. Even if the evening continues with drinks, the excessive sugars and acids that can damage teeth have been mostly cleared out of the mouth.
3. Don't over-indulge in sweet cocktails and food. Not only can excessive sugars cause weight gain and other unhealthy affects, but they can also result in tooth decay. try to make healthier choices and remember moderation is the key!
4. Don't forget about emergency dental contacts. Many dental offices close over the holidays. Be sure to ask your dentist when he is planning on taking a vacation and obtain some emergency dental contact phone numbers. One can never predict just when an emergency may occur.
5. If you know that you need some treatment, don't put off dental work until after the holidays.  Doing so will probably make current dental issues worse. Likewise, it may lead to unnecessary toothaches during the time when one is supposed to be relaxing and having fun. Even if there are only a few days left until the big winter break, it is wise to take care of business first, so that there are no painful episodes later.

By following my advise, you will not be neglecting vital oral care during the holiday season. After all, smiling for photos, and tasting different holiday foods, would be difficult without healthy teeth and gums! 

Happy Holidays!

Eating disorders

It has been estimated that more than 10 million Americans currently are affected by serious eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating.  While anyone can suffer from an eating disorder, they are most common in teen and young adult women.  Eating disorders can have a large negative impact on an individual’s quality of life.

Three different types:

Anorexia typically involves an extreme fear of gaining weight or a dread of becoming fat.  Even though these individuals may be very thin or even extremely underweight, they see themselves as “fat.”  They may attempt to reach or maintain what they think is their perfect body weight by literally starving themselves.  They may also exercise excessively.
Bulimia also includes the fears of being overweight.  But it also includes hidden periods of overeating (binge eating) which may occur several times a week or even several times a day.  After they overeat, the individuals try to “undo” the fact that they ate too much as quickly as possible by forcing themselves to “throw up” or by the misuse of laxatives or enemas.
Binge Eating or Compulsive Overeating may affect almost as many men as women.  In the past, these individuals were sometimes described as “food addicts.”  They overeat (binge eat) as noted in bulimia above, but do not regularly try to get rid of the food immediately by throwing up or by misusing laxatives or enemas. 

General symptoms:

Each of these eating disorders can rob the body of adequate minerals, vitamins, proteins and other nutrients needed for good health. Individuals with eating disorders can display a number of symptoms including dramatic loss of weight, secretive eating patterns, hair loss, feeling cold, constipation and, for women, the loss of their monthly menstrual period. Eating disorders may also cause numerous other physical health complications, such as heart conditions or kidney failure, which can lead to death.
Eating disorders can also affect oral health. Without the proper nutrition, gums and other soft tissue inside your mouth may bleed easily. The glands that produce saliva may swell.  Individuals may experience chronic dry mouth. Throwing up frequently can affect teeth, too. When strong stomach acid repeatedly flows over teeth, the tooth’s outer covering (enamel) can be lost to the point that the teeth change in color, shape and length. The edges of teeth become thin and break off easily. Eating hot or cold food or drink may become uncomfortable.  

Prevention and awareness:

Eating disorders arise from a variety of physical, emotional and social issues all of which need to be addressed to help prevent and treat these disorders.  Family and friends can help by setting good examples about eating and offering positive comments about healthy eating practices.  While eating disorders appear to focus on body image, food and weight, they are often related to many other issues.  Referral to health professionals and encouragement to seek treatment is critical as early diagnosis and intervention greatly improve the opportunities for recovery.

Treatment of Oral Health Consequences of Eating Disorders

• Maintain meticulous oral health care related to toothbrushing and flossing.
• Immediately after throwing up, do NOT brush but rinse with baking soda to help neutralize the effects of the stomach acid.
• Consult with your dentist about your specific treatment needs.
• See your dentist regularly.

How does toothpaste work?

It is a well established belief that brushing daily strengthens our teeth and makes them healthier. Most of us do this on a daily basis without even wondering how it actually works. One should know not only the mechanism of action of a toothpaste but also the role of individual ingredients which will help in choosing an effective brand. There are three basic mechanisms by which a toothpaste improves the health of our teeth and these are as follows:
• Abrasive Action: The abrasive agent in the toothpaste physically removes the solid particles stuck on tooth surfaces and in the oral cavity by abrasive action. It also helps in removing food stains and polishing tooth surface which in turn will improve the tooth's self cleaning contours and limit plaque build up.
• Antiseptic Action: The toothpaste contains antimicrobial agents such as Xylitol which inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth which is especially helpful in gum disease.
• Action of fluoride: Fluoride is an important aspect of a toothpaste and in various forms is the most popular active ingredient to prevent cavities. Although it occurs in small amounts in plants, animals, and some natural water sources, and has effects on the formation of dental enamel and bones, it is not considered to be a dietary essential and no deficiency signs are known. Sodium fluoride (NaF) is the most common form. It replaces the hydroxypatite of tooth with fluoropatite which is not only much stronger but also resistant to caries. It has been shown that topical fluoride can actually remineralize damaged Enamel and essentially reverse the process by which cavities form!