Why Good Oral Hygiene is Important in Preventing Disease

We all know how important good oral hygiene is for healthy teeth and a winning smile. What many people may not be aware of, though, is how important oral hygiene is to our overall health. My Scottsdale Dentist understands just how important good oral hygiene is to our patients over all health.

Daily brushing and flossing not only helps keep your teeth clean and breath fresh, it also helps to control bacteria on teeth. When bacteria build up, the gums are more likely to become infected. When gums are infected, they become inflamed as a result of the immune system's efforts to combat the infection.

 

Periodontitis

Chemicals produced by inflamed gums damage the gums and the bone structure that holds the teeth. Periodontitis is the disease that results from inflamed gums and can cause health problems throughout the body. A 2011 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report stated that people with periodontal disease are 40% more likely to have chronic health conditions than those with healthy gums.

 

Oral Hygiene and Other Health Conditions

In recent years, researchers have been studying the relationship between oral hygiene and other conditions to better understand the connection. An article in WebMD listed several health conditions that are more likely to affect people who have periodontitis:

 

Diabetes Inflammation impairs the body's ability to use insulin properly for controlling blood sugar. This results in a kind off negative feedback loop, where high blood sugar helps to feed the infections and make the inflammation even worse.

 

Heart Disease Heart disease patients are more likely to have periodontitis than people without heart disease by a ratio of 91% to 66%. The mechanisms for this connection are not yet fully understood. One theory is that inflammation in the mouth causes blood vessels elsewhere to become inflamed. This inflammation restricts blood flow in the body, causing the heart to work harder, which increases blood pressure.

 

Cancer Studies have reported a "surprising" connection between gum disease and the risk for various cancers.

Gerald P. Curatola, D.D.S. wrote in Dr. OZ Magazine: "...gum disease has been identified as the body's most abundant source of chronic low-grade inflammation which is described as smoldering fire in your body where the alarm bell is not answered. This causes a decrease in the body's immune response, and eventually, irreversible damage to the immune system, which is being identified as a likely factor for the increased cancer risk."

 

Pregnancy Hormonal changes women experience during pregnancy can increase their risk for periodontitis. Development of a fetus in the womb may be interfered with by infection and inflammation in other parts of the body. Many factors can contribute to low birth weight and premature birth. Researchers are still studying this connection.

As research continues into the importance of oral hygiene to overall health, My Scottsdale Dentist will continue to keep you informed of the best ways to protect your dental health. Contact us to schedule your next appointment.

Post Date: June 20, 2014

Why Good Oral Hygiene is Important in Preventing Disease

Why Good Oral Hygiene is Important in Preventing Disease

We all know how important good oral hygiene is for healthy teeth and a winning smile. What many people may not be aware of, though, is how important oral hygiene is to our overall health. My Scottsdale Dentist understands just how important good oral hygiene is to our patients over all health.

Daily brushing and flossing not only helps keep your teeth clean and breath fresh, it also helps to control bacteria on teeth. When bacteria build up, the gums are more likely to become infected. When gums are infected, they become inflamed as a result of the immune system's efforts to combat the infection.

Periodontitis

Chemicals produced by inflamed gums damage the gums and the bone structure that holds the teeth. Periodontitis is the disease that results from inflamed gums and can cause health problems throughout the body. A 2011 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report stated that people with periodontal disease are 40% more likely to have chronic health conditions than those with healthy gums.

Oral Hygiene and Other Health Conditions

In recent years, researchers have been studying the relationship between oral hygiene and other conditions to better understand the connection. An article in WebMD listed several health conditions that are more likely to affect people who have periodontitis:

Diabetes Inflammation impairs the body's ability to use insulin properly for controlling blood sugar. This results in a kind off negative feedback loop, where high blood sugar helps to feed the infections and make the inflammation even worse.

Heart Disease Heart disease patients are more likely to have periodontitis than people without heart disease by a ratio of 91% to 66%. The mechanisms for this connection are not yet fully understood. One theory is that inflammation in the mouth causes blood vessels elsewhere to become inflamed. This inflammation restricts blood flow in the body, causing the heart to work harder, which increases blood pressure.

 Cancer Studies have reported a "surprising" connection between gum disease and the risk for various cancers.

Gerald P. Curatola, D.D.S. wrote in Dr. OZ Magazine: "...gum disease has been identified as the body's most abundant source of chronic low-grade inflammation which is described as a smoldering fire in your body where the alarm bell is not answered. This causes a decrease in the body's immune response, and eventually, irreversible damage to the immune system, which is being identified as a likely factor for the increased cancer risk."

Pregnancy Hormonal changes women experience during pregnancy can increase their risk for periodontitis. Development of a fetus in the womb may be interfered with by infection and inflammation in other parts of the body. Many factors can contribute to low birth weight and premature birth. Researchers are still studying this connection.

As research continues into the importance of oral hygiene to overall health, My Scottsdale Dentist will continue to keep you informed of the best ways to protect your dental health. Contact us to schedule your next appointment.

Post Date: June 5, 2014

Foods For Healthier Teeth: 7 Things To Eat Right Now

We all know the basics of good oral care: brush in the morning and evening, floss each day and visit the dentist twice per year. But there are smaller, incremental steps we can take to guarantee good health, including the food we eat each day. Nutrition is important for every cell in our bodies -- and that naturally extends to teeth and gums. In particular, food choices feed the mouth's live-in nemesis: plaque-causing bacteria, according to an explainer from the Yale School of Medicine. They wrote: When you drink and munch starchy or sugary foods, you're not only feeding yourself, you're feeding the plaque that can cause havoc in your mouth ... When sugars or starches in your mouth come in contact with plaque, the acids that result can attack teeth for 20 minutes or more after you finish eating. Repeated attacks can break down the hard enamel on the surface of teeth, leading to tooth decay. Plaque also produces toxins that attack the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Avoid any food that combines sugar, acid and stickiness, adds Miriam R. Robbins DDS, Associate Chair of the Department of Oral and Maxiofacial Pathology, Radiology and Medicine at the New York University College of Dentistry. Enemy #1 in her opinion? Sour, chewy candies like Starburst and Skittles. As for brushing away the bad food, Robbins recommends caution: brushing too soon after a highly acidic or sugary meal can actually cause additional damage to teeth, the enamel of which is softened immediately following contact with "bad" food. She recommends waiting at least 20 to 40 minutes before whipping out a toothbrush. But if starch, acid and sugar (along with overenthusiastic brushing!) are tooth killers, what can we provide in place of them? Overall, look for items that stimulate saliva production, which has a neutralizing effect on acid. That's because saliva naturally contains bicarbonate, which neutralizes acid, as well as calcium and phosphate which help to "re-mineralize" the tooth's surface, according Mark S. Wolff DDS, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Cariology and Comprehensive Care, also at the NYU College of Dentistry. Other acid neutralizers, like those found in dairy can also help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Click here to see the list of 7 foods Below, seven foods that have been shown to help in the research or clinical practice:
Post Date: May 26, 2014

How is Deep Cleaning in Scottsdale Different from Regular Teeth Cleaning?

How is Deep Cleaning in Scottsdale Different From Regular Teeth Cleaning?

If you have regularly scheduled teeth cleaning performed to maintain your best dental health, you may still be told you need a special, deep cleaning in Scottsdale. The need for deep teeth cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, may be especially important for those who do not have regular teeth cleanings, or who have a pre-disposition for periodontal disease.

Deep cleaning goes between the teeth and gums to clean down to the roots, and is an effective treatment for gum disease. What is the difference between regular teeth cleaning and deep cleaning, and when is it needed?

 Regular Teeth Cleaning

Plaque is a clear, sticky film that builds up on teeth and contains bacteria. Most of this film is removed by brushing, but the toothbrush cannot get to all the plaque along the gum line. Plaque that is not removed eventually hardens and becomes tartar, also called calculus.

During a regular cleaning visit, the hygienist removes plaque, tartar and other debris from above and below the gum line. The outer surfaces of the teeth are polished help reduce future plaque buildup. The depths of gum pockets are also checked because these measurements help to show the health of the gums, and indicates whether deep cleaning may be needed.

 Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

Generally, deep gum pockets of around 5mm or greater in depth are a sign bacteria under the gums have developed to unhealthy levels. This leads to periodontitis, bone loss, and ultimately the loss of teeth. Scaling and root planing are used to correct this problem, and is often the first step in treating periodontal disease.

  •  Scaling is a special procedure to remove plaque, tartar (or calculus), and toxins from deep below the gum line.
  •  Root Planing is the smoothing of rough surfaces on the roots of the teeth, and the removal of any root structure that is infected.

After deep cleaning has been performed and gum tissue starts to heal, gum pockets should begin to shrink. You may feel some discomfort during the healing process. Your teeth may be sensitive to temperatures, and you may experience some bleeding for a while. Special medicated mouth rinses, medications and an electric toothbrush may be recommended to help healing.

If the gum pockets do not shrink and heal after deep cleaning, periodontal surgery by Dr. Steven Poulos or Dr. Sid Stevens may be necessary to reduce pocket depth and make teeth cleaning easier.

Contact us at My Scottsdale Dentist to schedule an appointment to protect the health of your teeth.

Post Date: May 22, 2014

My Scottsdale Dentist | Oral Cancer Screening

What are symptoms of mouth cancer? Cancer is defined as the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissue. Oral cancer appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away. Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the lips,tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate,sinuses, and pharynx (throat), can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:
  • Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth
  • The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth
  • Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
  • Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
  • Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks
  • A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
  • Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or change in voice
  • Ear pain
  • A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together
  • Dramatic weight loss
If you notice any of these changes, contact your dentist or health care professional immediately.

Who Gets Oral Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer as women, and men who are over age 50 face the greatest risk. It's estimated that over 35,000 people in the U.S. received a diagnosis of oral cancer in 2008. Risk factors for the development of oral cancer include:
  • Smoking. Cigarette, cigar, or pipe smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop oral cancers.
  • Smokeless tobacco users. Users of dip, snuff, or chewing tobacco products are 50 times more likely to develop cancers of the cheek, gums, and lining of the lips.
  • Excessive consumption of alcohol. Oral cancers are about six times more common in drinkers than in nondrinkers.
  • Family history of cancer.
  • Excessive sun exposure, especially at a young age.
It is important to note that over 25% of all oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and who only drink alcohol occasionally.

What Is the Outlook for People With Oral Cancer?

The overall 1-year survival rate for patients with all stages of oral cavity and pharynx cancers is 81%. The 5- and 10-year survival rates are 56% and 41%, respectively.

How Is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?

As part of your routine dental exam, Dr. Poulos will conduct an oral cancer screening exam. More specifically, Dr. Poulos & Dr. Stevens will feel for any lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, face, and oral cavity. When examining your mouth, the professional staff at North Scottsdale & Family Cosmetic Dentistry will look for any sores or discolored tissue as well as check for any signs and symptoms mentioned above. Dr. Poulos & Dr. Stevens may perform an oral brush biopsy if he or she sees tissue in your mouth that looks suspicious. This test is painless and involves taking a small sample of the tissue and analyzing it for abnormal cells. Alternatively, if the tissue looks more suspicious, My Scottsdale Dentist may recommend a scalpel biopsy. This procedure usually requires local anesthesia and may be performed by Dr. Poulos or Dr. Stevens. These tests are necessary to detect oral cancer early, before it has had a chance to progress and spread.
Post Date: January 30, 2014

Adult Dental Care

Adult dental health take care of your teeth as you age

Gum disease and not the aging process is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? Good oral health habits and a healthy lifestyle can help you keep your Adult Dental Caregums healthy and your smile bright for a lifetime. Developing a simple daily routine of brushing, flossing and eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is just as important for older adults as it is for younger adults. Here are some tips to help keep your mouth healthy and strong as you get older:

Brush at least twice a day

  • Brushing your teeth regularly is important in all stages of life. Brushing helps to remove the thin film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth each day and contributes to tooth decay. You should brush your teeth for two to three minutes with fluoridated toothpaste at least twice a day. If you can brush your teeth after every meal, that's even better.
  • When you brush, you should keep the bristles angled against the gumline and brush along the gumline and the inner and outer surfaces of each tooth. You should finish by brushing your tongue, which helps remove bacteria from your mouth.
  • Special concerns as you age: Although decay may occur in any area of the tooth, as you age decay is more likely to develop around old fillings or in the softer root of the tooth that is exposed as gums recede. Be sure to visit your dentist regularly so that he or she can keep an eye on these vulnerable areas.

Floss daily

Flossing your teeth can help keep your gums strong and prevent plaque from building up between teeth. Make sure to floss at least once a day, preferably before bed, to clean the places where a toothbrush can't reach.
How important is flossing? According to the Academy of General Dentistry, flossing is the only activity that can remove plaque from between teeth and below the gumline, where decay and gum disease often begin.
Special concerns as you age: Most people don't realize how important it is to take care of their gums as well as their teeth. Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Most adults show some signs of gum disease.
In addition, recent research has shown that the health of your gums may have a connection to some chronic diseases. Having periodontal (gum) disease has been linked to and may be a risk factor in developing Alzheimer's disease, heart disease or diabetes. Experts are studying how inflammation in the mouth caused by gum disease may influence other areas of the body (brain, heart and pancreas), causing disease in those areas. Although the exact connection between gum disease and some other chronic diseases is not known, this connection between medical and dental conditions highlights the importance of maintaining good oral health to achieve good overall health.

Eat nutritious food

What you eat can help you keep your teeth. Antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts improve your body's ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, helping to protect your teeth and gums.
Some foods may actually help defend against tooth decay in special ways. For instance, recent studies have indicated that fresh cranberries interrupt the bonding of oral bacteria before they can form damaging plaque. Other foods that have beneficial effects on oral health include:
  • Calcium-fortified juices, milk and other dairy products, which are rich in calcium and vitamin D, help promote healthy teeth and bones, and reduce the risk for tooth loss.
  • Cheese, which unleashes a burst of calcium that mixes with plaque and sticks to the teeth, protecting them from the acid that causes decay and helping to rebuild tooth enamel on the spot.
  • Crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery, which help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.
Special concerns as you age: Experiencing tooth pain or other oral problems may affect your ability to eat nutritious food. You should visit My Scottsdale Dentist right away if you are experiencing any tooth pain, jaw pain, mouth sores or other oral discomfort that interferes with your ability to eat.

Keep up with dentist appointments

My Scottsdale Dentist can diagnose and treat dental health problems before they become serious. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are an important part of maintaining good dental health as you age.
New research suggests that the health of your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole. For example, when your mouth is healthy, chances are your overall health is good, too. On the other hand, if you have poor oral health, you may have other health problems. So, seeing a dentist regularly not only helps to keep your mouth in top shape, but also allows your dentist to watch for developments that may point to other health issues.
Special concerns as you age: As you age, you become more vulnerable to developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease. Researchers believe that symptoms of these diseases can manifest themselves in the mouth, making your dentist key in diagnosing the diseases. In fact, your dentist may be the first health professional to notice a problem.
In addition, it is important to visit your dentist regularly because some oral problems, for instance root decay, can only be detected in its early stages by x-ray examination.

If you smoke, quit

In addition to increasing your risk of many health conditions, smoking can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Smokers are about twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers, according to two 30-year studies at Tufts University that investigated the relationship between smoking and tooth loss. Another study cited in the Journal of Dental Research shows that cigarette smokers are nearly twice as likely as non-smokers to need root canal treatment.
While most people are aware of the impact tobacco use has on their overall health, some might not consider its effects on oral health. Smoking increases risk of mouth pain, cavities, gum recession, gum (periodontal) disease and tooth loss. In fact, an estimated 50 percent of adults who smoke have gum disease.
The good news is that the risk of tooth loss decreases after you quit smoking. To help you kick the habit, your dentist may prescribe a variety of nicotine replacement therapies, such as a transdermal nicotine patch (worn for 24 hours over several weeks with a dissipating flow of nicotine) or chewing gum (which is slowly chewed every one to two hours and then discarded).
Special concerns as you age: In addition to increasing your risk for gum disease and tooth loss, smoking increases your risk for oral cancer. Although oral cancer can occur in any age group, it most often occurs in people over 40 years of age. See Dr. Yoon immediately if you notice any red or white patches on your gums, tongue or other oral tissues, and watch for sores that fail to heal within two weeks. Unfortunately, oral cancer is often difficult to detect in its early stages, when it can be cured more easily. Your dentist should perform a head and neck exam to screen for signs of cancer at your regular checkups.
Post Date: November 27, 2013

What do your teeth say about your health?

We know your dental health is closely connected to your overall health. We also know the mouth can oftentimes be the first place to indicate signs of health issues in the body. Recently, we found a helpful article that outlined seven warning signs that indicate it might be time to check in with My Scottsdale Dentist.

Flat, worn teeth plus headache (sign of stress)

Grind, grind, grind ¦. grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, you are probably familiar with this unpleasant sound. Emotional or psychological stress can definitely contribute to teeth grinding. In addition, headaches, which are caused by spasms in the muscles, can radiate from the mouth and head down to the neck and upper back. Night guards, which we proudly provide at (Insert Name of Practice), may relieve the symptoms, as well as protect your teeth. Speak to your dentist at My Scottsdale Dentist for more details.

Cracking, crumbling teeth (sign of Gastroesophageal reflux disease)

As we age we may notice that the enamel on our teeth starts to chip at the edges of our front teeth or form hollowed out wells on the surface of our molars. These symptoms may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid—and occasionally, bile—flows back into your food pipe. Other signs and symptoms of GERD include acid reflux, dry mouth and heartburn.

Sores that won't go away (sign of oral cancer)

More than 21,000 men and 9,000 women are diagnosed with oral cancer annually, according to the National Cancer Institute. Those most affected include the elderly (most are over the age of 60) and smokers. The survival rate for oral cancer is 35 percent. When an open sore in the mouth doesn't go away within a week or two, or when you experience unexplained bleeding or numbness, it's always a good idea to visit our office so that we may rule out oral cancer. A lot of sores and ulcers may lurk underneath your tongue, where they are difficult to find. Schedule an appointment with My Scottsdale Dentist and ask for an Oral Cancer Screening.

Gums growing over teeth (sign of medication problems)

If you notice your gum growing over your tooth, and you are taking a prescribed or other medication, please give us a call as soon as possible. Certain medications may cause the gums to overgrow; the dosage will need to be adjusted, but it's important we take a look.

White webbing inside cheeks (sign of Lichen planus)

Lichen planus, whose cause is unknown, is an inflammatory skin disease that usually affects the skin, mouth, or both, according to the Mayo Clinic. On the skin it manifests with small purplish bumps while in the mouth it takes the appearance of a whitish, lacy pattern on the insides of the cheeks. The disease can't be passed from one person to another. Lichen planus may require relatively simple at-home care or no treatment.

Crusting dentures (sign of pneumonia)

Older folks are known to inhale debris around the teeth and dentures, and inadvertently breathe in other materials into the lungs and airway, causing dangerous (even fatal) inflammation. Be sure to remove and wash dentures on a regular basis.
Post Date: November 20, 2013

Conditions affected by Oral Health

Your oral health may affect, be affected by or contribute to various diseases and conditions, including: Endocarditis. Gum disease and dental procedures that cut your gums may allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If you have a weak immune system or a damaged heart valve, this can cause infection in other parts of the body such as an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis). Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to oral bacteria, possibly due to chronic inflammation from periodontitis a severe form of gum disease. Pregnancy and birth. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection putting the gums at risk. In addition, people who have inadequate blood sugar control may develop more-frequent and severe infections of the gums and the bone that holds teeth in place, and they may lose more teeth than do people who have good blood sugar control. HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS. Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis which causes bones to become weak and brittle may be associated with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. Alzheimer's disease. Tooth loss before age 35 may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Other conditions. Other conditions that may be linked to oral health include Sjogren's syndrome an immune system disorder and eating disorders. Be sure to tell your dentist if you're taking any medications or have had any changes in your overall health especially if you've had any recent illnesses or you have a chronic condition. How can I protect my oral health? To protect your oral health, resolve to practice good oral hygiene every day. For example:
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
  • Floss daily.
  • Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
  • Schedule regular dental checkups.
Also, watch for signs and symptoms of oral disease and contact your dentist as soon as a problem arises. Remember, taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.
Post Date: June 10, 2012