Monday, December 30, 2013

Unhealthy Teeth? The Rest of Your Body Could Be At Risk

There's more to the health of your teeth than a pearly white smile. Oral health has an impact on the development of disease in the rest of the body. Additionally, those who already have certain diseases can be at a higher risk for oral health issues. Let's look at some of the diseases that are related to dental health.

Diabetes

Those with diabetes have elevated blood sugar levels, which translates to more glucose in the saliva. The extra sugar in the saliva provides promotes the growth of plague, which feeds on it. Too much plague leads to gum disease, a condition that is often more severe in those who have diabetes.

The relationship goes both ways. Once you have gum disease, it makes it harder to regulate your blood glucose levels. You can avoid these consequences by carefully managing your blood glucose numbers, keeping them as close to your target as you can. Take extra care to maintain good oral health by brushing and flossing regularly.

Heart disease and hypertension

Bad breath and bleeding gums are more than an unpleasant sign of poor dental health. They might also be warning signs for the development of heart disease. Decay and gum disease can lead to missing teeth, and a study found that missing teeth affect levels of an inflammatory enzyme in the body that contributes to the hardening of arteries. For each tooth that was gone, the levels of the enzyme increased.

That's not where the bad news stops, though. Poor dental hygiene can eventually lead to some 700 types of bacteria entering the bloodstream. That can increase not just the risk for heart-related problems, but other diseases and serious health issues as well.

The same study also found a link between missing teeth and high blood pressure levels, and previous researchers have identified a connection between ongoing gum disease and hypertension.

Decreased mortality

Given the increased risk of other diseases associated with gum disease, it's not all that surprisingly that it also leads to lower levels of mortality. A study found that those with gum disease were two times more likely to die before age 64 than those who didn't have gum disease.

The connections are quite clear. Brushing, flossing, and regular trips the dentist aren't just for those who want a nice smile. These easy habits are essential to the continued health of your body from head to toe.

A healthy lifestyle enthusiast, F.R. writes about keeping our bodies and oral health in prime condition. Look for similar topics from a top dentist in Arlington - team dentist for the Texas Rangers. His specialty is creating beautiful, healthy smiles using stress-free care and a comfortable environment in his Arlington dental office.
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Friday, December 27, 2013

Brighten Your Smile to Improve Your Attitude

A smile doesn't just make you look more positive- it actually makes you feel better. People who feel positive about life live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. However, people who feel self-conscious about stained or discolored teeth are less likely to flash them. If you're not crazy about the way your smile looks, there's no need to hide it away- there are plenty of ways to brighten your teeth without breaking the bank.

1.Avoid sugary and/or stain-enhancing foods.

Sugary foods, especially hard or gummy candies that hang around in your mouth for a while, are enemy number one when it comes to keeping healthy teeth. Decay-causing bacteria feed on sugar, and produce excretions that dissolve tooth enamel. Enamel, the hard coating around your teeth, protects the softer inner material from being exposed to wear and tear. When this enamel starts to wear away, stains and decay have a much easier time taking hold of your teeth.

Beverages like coffee and red wine are extremely staining to teeth due to a combination of dark color and acidity. When you eat acidic foods, your enamel actually weakens or softens temporarily. Your teeth are much more susceptible to stains while enamel is in this weakened state, and indulging in these drinks on a regular basis can have a lasting effect on teeth. If you can't give up your morning coffee or weekend wine with dinner, brush your teeth about thirty minutes after finishing your drink. This gives your enamel time to harden and allows your toothbrush to do its job without driving stains further in to teeth.

2.Concentrate on hygiene.

Absent-mindedly scrubbing at your teeth once or twice a day with a toothbrush isn't enough to maintain your dental health- and a healthy smile is an attractive one. You should brush for a full two minutes, twice a day. Concentrate on what you're doing and make sure to reach every surface of your teeth. Don't skip the flossing either; your toothbrush can't get between teeth to prevent decay and stains from taking hold in the tiny nooks and crannies of your mouth.

On the other end of the spectrum, don't make the mistake of brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with extremely strong or stiff bristles. Your teeth need a thorough cleaning, but brushing with too much force or too-stiff bristles can damage your enamel just like sugars and acids; you can put tiny scratches in to the surface of your teeth which will make them appear dull and allow stains to set in more easily.

3.Try a home whitener.

For those with mild to moderate stains or discoloring, at-home whitening kits can be helpful. They come in a wide variety of formulas from gels to strips, and there are kits for almost every budget. Often the most effective whiteners are the types that you use once a day, or a few times a week, or several weeks. Keep in mind that whitening tends to make the teeth temporarily sensitive, so you'll want to plan your whitening for a day when you're not about to go out for dinner or ice cream. At-home kits are not always recommended for those who have extremely sensitive teeth, and the results you can expect will vary. Typically, yellowish stains are present on the outer enamel of teeth and can be improved with home bleaching, whereas more gray-colored stains may be set deeper in to the teeth and will not be affected by a topical whitener.

A healthy lifestyle enthusiast, F.R. writes about keeping our bodies and oral health in prime condition. Look for similar topics from a top dentist in Arlington - team dentist for the Texas Rangers. His specialty is creating beautiful, healthy smiles using stress-free care and a comfortable environment in his Arlington dental office.
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Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Adult Sealants



Everyone wants a healthy and bright smile, however, even with proper brushing and flossing, there is still a risk of tooth decay. Most cavities develop in the pits and fissures of the teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach. Find out more about how dentists can use sealants to protect your teeth and help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Why X-Ray?



Because many oral diseases cannot be seen with a visual examination, radiographs—or x-rays—are an important tool that dentists use to help care for your teeth. X-rays can reveal small cavities, infections in the bone, abscesses or cysts, periodontal disease or even tumors. Discover how x-rays can lead to early detection and save you time, money and unnecessary discomfort.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Look in to Dental Bonding for Minor Repairs

Are you hesitant to smile because of chipped or broken teeth? If so, dental bonding may the answer you're looking for. Bonding is one of the simplest and most inexpensive cosmetic procedures for teeth, and usually doesn't require anesthesia.

What is dental bonding?

Bonding refers to a process in which a plastic resin material is glued (or bonded) to a tooth in need of repair. Your dentist will choose the shade that most closely matches your tooth color, and then score the tooth that the resin will be attached to with a tool or acidic solution. It's painless, and much the same concept as sanding or filing a surface before you glue something to it- a rough surface will hold adhesive much more strongly. The dentist will then attach the resin to the area that needs repair, and the resin will be shaped to fit. The bonding is completed by allowing the material to harden, and then polishing it to match the texture and shape of the rest of the tooth. Bonding for a single tooth or area will typically take around thirty minutes.

How do I know if bonding would be a good idea for me?

Dental bonding is generally recommended for people with minimal aesthetic issues such as small cracks or chips. Teeth that are structurally damaged or extremely decayed need a stronger repair material than bonding resin, but it can be a good alternative to metal fillings for very small cavities. If you're looking for a relatively inexpensive way to fix cosmetic issues with your teeth, inquire about your dentist's bonding experience at your next visit. If your dentist isn't particularly experienced when it comes to dental bonding, you may want to have this particular procedure completed elsewhere- it takes some skill to accurately mold the composite material to the desired shape.

What are the drawbacks to dental bonding?

The material used in bonding is not as strong as what's used for dental crowns or veneers, so it's not ideal for teeth that are missing large areas or teeth with structural issues. The lack of long-term strength also means that teeth repaired with bonding material will usually need to be retreated in five to ten years; it's more easily chipped than other repair materials like porcelain or metal. Grinding your teeth or chewing items that aren't meant to be chewed, like ice or fingernails, can easily damage your bonding. It's also fairly easy to stain, so if you opt for this procedure, you'll want to watch your intake of food and drinks like coffee and red wine so as to maintain the repair for as long as possible.

A health enthusiast, F.R. (Felix) writes tips for keeping your fitness and oral health in top condition. Look for related topics from a high quality dentist in Arlington, TX who is the dentist for the Texas Rangers baseball team. His Arlington dentistry specializes in reducing anxiety using stress-free dental care in a comfortable environment and custom teeth whitening.
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Thursday, December 12, 2013

A Good Nighttime Routine Is Key to Dental Health

Taking care of your mouth is a job that never ends; it's important to brush your teeth after meals throughout the day to keep food residue from contributing to decay. However, taking another few minutes just before bed to maintain oral health is another essential step towards keeping healthy teeth and gums.

Why is nighttime oral care so important?

While you're sleeping, you're generally not swallowing and stimulating saliva glands to keep producing. This means that any bacteria in your mouth aren't getting washed away by saliva; instead, they're staying in your mouth throughout the night, consuming any sugars or carbohydrates they can find and contributing to decay. This is the reason for 'morning breath,' or the unpleasant odor your breath generally has when you wake up.

How can you keep bacteria at bay while you sleep?

Just before you go to bed, it's important to brush, floss, and rinse. Start with your ADA-approved toothpaste of choice and brush your teeth for about two minutes; you can set a timer or listen to a song to time yourself if you like. Make sure you reach every surface of your teeth while brushing. One method is to brush the fronts of all of your teeth, then go back through and get the chewing surfaces and the back.

Once you're finished brushing, it's time to floss. Take a length of floss and wind each end around your index finger, then pinch the middle between your index finger and thumb. This gives you maximum hold and control over your floss. Move the floss gently in to the spaces between every set of teeth, being careful not to snap or force the floss in to place as this can result in injury to the soft tissues in your mouth. Move your floss gently up and down, then around the bottoms and sides of each tooth, using new, clean sections of floss as you go.

The last step in a good nighttime dental ritual is mouthwash. There are many different types available; depending on your individual needs- you may want a whitening mouthwash, or an alcohol-free brand. You should use about a mouthful- enough to thoroughly rinse all the surfaces of your mouth, but not so much that you have trouble swishing or accidentally swallow some. Swish and gargle your mouthwash for about 45 seconds, then spit it out in to the sink. Don't rinse your mouth with water after using mouthwash; you want to allow it to continue working for as long as possible.

Anything else to keep in mind?

Make sure you save your nighttime routine for after you're finished eating for the evening. Snacking after you've brushed and flossed puts more bacteria-encouraging residue back in to your mouth after you've just cleaned it. If you suffer from dry mouth or another health issue that affects your teeth or gums, see your dentist for recommendations on the best types of toothpaste and mouthwash for you. As always, don't forget to schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist to keep your teeth in the best shape possible.

A health enthusiast, F.R. (Felix) writes tips for keeping your fitness and oral health in top condition. Look for related topics from a high quality dentist in Arlington, TX who is the dentist for the Texas Rangers baseball team. His Arlington dentistry specializes in reducing anxiety using stress-free dental care in a comfortable environment and custom teeth whitening.
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Monday, December 9, 2013

One More Reason to Take Good Care of Your Gums

Heart disease and gum disease are both pervasive issues in the US, and now there's evidence that they may be linked- that is, those who suffer from gum disease may be at a higher risk for heart disease. Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that as the overall health of the mouth worsens, the thickening of arteries which can lead to heart disease also progresses, while improved oral health results in healthier arteries.

What did this study entail?

Researchers followed the health of over 400 adults between the ages of 60 and 76, examining their oral and cardiovascular health both at the beginning of the study and at the end of the three-year period. The oral exams studied over 5,000 different fluid and tissue samples from various areas of the mouth and gums, while ultrasounds were used to determine the extent of artherosclerosis, or thickening of the artery walls due to plaque buildup, taking place in the body of each subject.

What did researchers find?

The conclusion of three years of study showed that a slowed progression of artherosclerosis coincided with improvement of gum health and reduction of oral bacteria. At the same time, those whose dental health had worsened over the course of the study showed higher levels of artherosclerosis. The scientists conducting the experiment found these results to hold true even after adjusting for factors like weight levels, smoking history and diabetes, all of which are known to influence heart health.

What does this mean for you?

While this study did not clearly find a cause-and-effect link between oral health and cardiovascular health, it does point strongly to the idea that these two areas are linked. Some scientists theorize that an overabundance of bacteria in the mouth triggers inflammation through the rest of the body, which can negatively affect the amount of plaque buildup retained in the arteries. This isn't the first study to find a connection between dental health and heart health; a 2010 study concluded that plaque buildup on the teeth can encourage heart attacks or heart disease by increasing the possibility of blood clots.

Your main three weapons against bacteria buildup in the mouth are brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. Don't think that you can skip your checkup because you aren't experiencing any problems- often gum disease goes unnoticed until it has progressed to a pretty severe point. Your dentist will be able to spot any signs of trouble and help you improve your oral health before it gets out of hand.

Karina Wisekopf writes about preventative health and oral care. To find similar topics of high quality, visit a top Scottsdale dentist. Dedicated to your oral health with gentle care and beautiful natural results, this Scottsdale dentistry team makes your smile top priority, and regularly contributes to the community at large.
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Friday, December 6, 2013

What Is Gingivitis?



If your gums are tender, swollen or bleed easily when flossing, you may have gingivitis—the early stage of gum disease. Fortunately, gingivitis can be prevented by following a good oral health care routine and by regularly visiting a dentist. Find out more about how to reduce the risk of gingivitis and, if needed, how to treat it.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Modern Cosmetic Dentistry, Now More Affordable Than Ever

Cosmetic dentistry procedures have advanced to the point where they are no longer simply a solution used to fix broken teeth. While it's certainly true that, when they were first developed, these procedures were intended to address only broken or damaged teeth, modern cosmetic dental associates have developed and pioneered new techniques and equipment designed to address a wider array of dental issues. With the reduced cost of these procedures, more and more patients are realizing they can undergo a cosmetic dentistry procedure to solve long-standing issues.

Modern dentistry concerns a more diverse array of problems than ever. Today's patients often find themselves in need of addressing many longstanding dental issues. Some patients undergo a cosmetic dentistry procedure in order to correct a crooked smile they've had for years. Others may simply want to undergo a thorough and effective teeth whitening (the kind you can't simply go to the corner store and buy in a box). Others seek out a cosmetic dental associate in order to fix a chipped tooth or address blemishes on a single tooth. The range of concerns and issues that these cosmetic dentistry procedures address is rather vast, so don't be surprised if a long-standing issue you've been worrying about for years is only a quick fix away from being gone forever.

Of course there's always the concern that these procedures may prove ineffective in completely treating your particular issue. Rest assured that the field of cosmetic dentistry, and its specialized procedures, have come quite a long way. The work these dental practitioners do has become popular for a reason, as more and more people are realizing that these procedures are more reliable, able to be completed quickly, and are more affordable than ever. Indeed, many cosmetic dental associates attribute the great rise in popularity of these procedures to this reduction in cost. And now, with the growing popularity of the internet as a tool for locating a cosmetic dental associate, it's easier than ever to search for, compare and discover the dentist that will best suit your needs. In years gone by, the thought of undergoing a cosmetic dentistry procedure may have seemed an expensive flight of fancy, but these days it's becoming a go to option for a wide array of dental concerns. If you've had an oral issue you've been putting off for years, then now is the time for you to finally address it.

Academy of Osseointegration, the world's leading dental implant organization, provide you Cosmetic dentistry procedures. For any further information you can read the cosmetic dental associates.
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