Archive for December, 2011

5 Major Health Threats That Your Dentist Can Predict

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

When you look in your mouth you may see teeth that need whitening, but a dentist may see signs of heart disease. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that many dental problems can be signs of serious health complications. University of Washington School of Dentistry professor Philippe P. Hujoel, DDS, PhD, says the sugar and carbohydrates in food, known as “fermentable carbohydrates,” are to blame. Found in sugary drinks, snack foods like potato chips, and simple grains like white bread and corn, these carbs are fermented by bacteria in your mouth, which produces the acids that cause tooth decay. “Those dental diseases are a marker for an unhealthy diet, and an unhealthy diet may predict future health complications,” Dr. Hujoel notes.

#1: Obesity
“If a kid has tooth decay and cavities, he probably has high exposure to fermentable carbs,” Dr. Hujoel says. “He’s really having too many snacks and candy, and this may very well be the kid that ends up obese.” For adults, too, an increase in cavities could mean you’re eating too many unhealthy foods, which also puts you at risk for obesity. A dentist who knows your medical history may ask about your eating habits, but you should feel free to ask if what’s happening to your teeth might be a sign of other problems.

Are You At Risk Of Diabetes?

#2: Cardiovascular disease
The same carbs in snack foods and sugary drinks that get dentists drilling are often found in the company of unhealthy ingredients like trans fatty acids. While trans fats themselves don’t cause cavities, they’re often used in foods with high amounts of cavity-causing fermentable carbs, and they have been associated with an increase in cardiovascular disease. Whenever you can, replace processed, packaged food with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. For those sweet treats you can’t give up, check the labels to make sure they’re trans fat free.

It’s also possible for cavities themselves to threaten your heart, if the bacteria that produce them find their way into your cardiovascular system. Bacteria associated with tooth and gum disease may also be involved in stroke, diabetes, and respiratory problems—so brush and floss every day.

5 Excuses That Kill Your Heart

#3: Diabetes
The fermentable carbohydrates in sugary drinks and snacks loaded with carbs increase your blood sugar level drastically, raising the risk of type 2 diabetes, Dr. Hujoel says. Which is one more reason to switch to a diet that produces fewer cavities. “Lifelong usage of high fermentable carbohydrates first leads to dental disease, and then, long-term, leads to other health outcomes,” Dr. Hujoel adds.

#4: Cancer
Not only does a tooth-unhealthy diet put you at risk for obesity, which is a risk factor for certain cancers, harmful lifestyle habits like smoking can produce tooth discoloration and periodontal destruction. Abnormalities in your mouth, including bleeding gums and cavities, should be a natural alarm bell, Dr. Hujoel says. So always ask your dentist if your tooth problems could point toward a wider problem.

Four Eating Strategies that Prevent Cancer

#5: Alzheimer’s disease
In a study just published in The Journal of the American Dental Association, people who lost most of their teeth were more likely to develop dementia problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease, later on. It will take more research to clarify what the connection between tooth loss and brain health may be. But is seems that keeping your teeth as healthy possible has benefits that go far beyond your mouth.

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The Easiest Way to a Healthy Mouth? A Simple 1-2-3

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

Daily plaque removal is good smile insurance. But a few simple pointers will help you get the most out of that daily dental to-do.

Healthy teeth and gums are good for your whole body. Keep decay and inflammation at bay with a consistent schedule. Brush your teeth.

Remember what the YOU Docs say: Brush and floss only the teeth you want to keep. And you definitely want to keep all of your choppers. Not just for the sake of a great smile or for the fun of crunching through crisp apples in winter and corn on the cob in summer. But also because healthy gums and teeth are good for your whole body. A recent study uncovered a link between a healthy smile and a lower incidence of cancer. And researchers have confirmed a connection between periodontal disease and inflammation — the kind of inflammation that could contribute to heart disease and diabetes.

So don’t brush past dental hygiene without any thought. Break yourself into doing this simple daily habit right, and your tongue will enjoy the company of your teeth for many years to come.
Keep Your Teeth with 3 Easy Steps

1. Brushing: Go the Distance

Brush twice a day — just don’t skimp on time. Go the distance. Most people spend only 45 seconds brushing their teeth. But bump up your brushing time to 2 minutes and you’ll remove 25% more plaque. Here are more tips on proper brushing:

Lighten up. Brushing too hard can damage teeth and gums. Use a light touch when you brush, applying no more force than what amounts to the weight of a small apple.
Work the angles. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, and use small, circular strokes to gently remove plaque along the gumline of your inner and outer tooth surfaces. To clean chewing surfaces, use back-and-forth strokes. And give your tongue a few swipes, too, to help prevent bad breath.
Toss it. Your toothbrush bristles wear out over time, reducing the amount of plaque that you can easily remove. Replace your brush every 2 to 3 months, or more often if the bristles look worn or frayed.

2. Flossing: Think 18

Brushing daily is great. But if you don’t floss, too, you’re leaving 40% of your tooth surface untouched. And if you floss but don’t use a long enough piece of string, you’re just pushing that plaque around your mouth from tooth to tooth. So start with an 18-inch piece of floss, and move to a fresh bit of string for each new tooth you clean. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers and gently curl the floss around the tooth edge, sliding up and down along the tooth surface. And be sure to go under the gumline. What you don’t want is to make a back-and-forth sawing motion with the string. You’ll end up cutting your gums and allowing plaque and bacteria to build up between your teeth.

3. Scraping: See the Pros

To help keep your teeth in tip-top shape, see your dental hygienist twice a year for teeth cleaning. Even if you’re a top-notch brusher and flosser, you’ll still need professional cleanings to remove tartar buildup with a process called scaling. Your hygienist will also polish your teeth and remove stains to help prevent future plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.

This article was found on the blog, “Real Age”. If you want to improve your smile, come in and Dr. Diamond, the Los Alamitos dentist, will help you achieve great results.

Posted by Larry J. Diamond, D.D.S. | No Comments »