Researchers and dentists alike have long been aware of some correlation between healthy teeth and gums and their contribution to our overall health (see my April 26^th blog on Diabetes and Gum Disease). And, a recent study of 22,000 Taiwanese patients who were fifty years and older, and had their teeth scaled properly to remove plaque biofilm were shown to be safer from heart complications and stroke.

Plaque bacterial biofilm forms on our teeth every day. When our patients have their twice yearly cleanings, once a year we gently probe the depth of the gum tissue connection next to each tooth. This probing shows us if the tissue has separated from the tooth and if that separation has caused a “pocket”. As a patient, regular brushing and flossing at home keeps plaque to a minimum, especially when combined with professional cleanings. However, when plaque is left uncared for it can cause gum disease by accumulating in the pockets and cause an infection. Without removal, the bacterial infection can enter our bloodstream and cause health complications and inflammation in our bodies which can contribute to poor heart health, diabetes, and even strokes. When someone is elderly this additional infection can add to other health challenges they may already be experiencing. For each of our patients follow up cleanings are scheduled based on their individual oral health and the probe findings. Then, if there are pockets they can be cleaned more frequently to remove any infection and allow the pockets to heal.

If you can see unusual gum redness and inflammation or experience bleeding when you floss, please call to schedule an exam with our Hygienists Lisa, Trish, or CheyLynna. They will complete a thorough exam, share their findings and answer your questions. Then together we will come up with a plan to help ensure your long term oral and physical health.

Dental Caries (Cavities) in Children who drink Bottled Water

Recently in the news there has been discussion about a study following children who drink bottled water having a much higher risk of getting dental caries (cavities). In the study “researchers looked at 239 children who came to an oral health clinic over a three year period. The found that sixty-two percent of these kids had dental caries by the age of two years, and half of these children drank bottled water. After looking at other risk factors that would increase the risk of dental cavities among these children, the only one they could find was drinking bottled water.”¹

Parents may think that their young children getting cavities isn’t a problem, since they’re going to lose them anyway. However, having decay in baby teeth may lead to lifelong issues with oral health, including decay in permanent teeth. To prevent children’s developing tooth enamel from demineralizing most United States municipal water sources have been fluoridated since the 1950’s. On the other hand bottled water, while frequently from municipal sources, is distilled in a way that removes most of the fluoride, thus leaving children’s teeth at risk of developing cavities if it is their main source of drinking water. Fortunately, drinking non-bottled water along with brushing and flossing teeth should help keep children’s teeth healthy and strong and set a lifelong foundation for a healthier mouth.

1.      1.  http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/712605

Diabetes and Gum Disease ~

As I mentioned in my April 11^th blog, my team and I are concerned about our patient’s overall health. Beyond providing excellent ongoing dental care, we want our patients to understand how your dental health helps keep your entire body healthy.

In the United States there are 25.8 million children and adults—8.3% of the population—who have diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes¹. And, there are 79 million people with pre-diabetes. Sharing this information with you is important because research shows that people with diabetes have an increased risk of getting gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, and periodontitis, which is serious gum disease.

Also, studies show that people with diabetes are less able to fight the bacteria that can cause gingivitis and periodontitis and they can be more susceptible to getting bacterial infections². This information  shows how important having a daily brushing and flossing schedule is and that keeping up with twice annual professional cleanings really does contribute to having strong physical health too!

Are you interested in testing yourself to see how much you know about your oral health and how it relates to diabetes? Then click this link: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/oral-health-and-hygiene/do-you-know-about-your-oral.html

Please share this link with a friend or family member who has diabetes, you may be able to help them improve their overall health too.

Sources:

1.                   American Diabetes Association data from the 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet.

2.                   Colgate Oral and Dental Health Resource Center.

The Today Show story on April 9th with Dr. Nancy Snyderman discussing a new study from the American Cancer Society has created a lot of discussion in the media this week. The new study outlines a possible link between childhood dental X-rays and benign (non-cancerous) brain tumors. In our practice, like most, X-rays are generally taken on 1-2 year intervals, based on need. We also utilize X-rays when we see a problem on the surface of your teeth or gums that we think may have greater health risks that we cannot see without the additional information provided by an X-ray.

In our practice we have invested in low radiation, digital x-rays that, only when needed, quickly and accurately capture images of the diagnostic information we need to be sure your overall health is protected. Beyond that, there are three things you can do to minimize the need for dental x-rays:
1.    Brush your teeth a minimum of twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste,
2.    Floss a minimum of once a day,
3.    Have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year.
Early prevention and ongoing daily care are the best way to have great long term health and low heath care expenses.

In all cases, whether it’s your dental care through twice yearly cleanings, or the health effects of poor dental hygiene such as heart disease, diabetes, and strokes on your entire body, or the impacts dental X-rays, our first concern is your health. The news articles I have watched and read emphasize on dental X-rays all say, “More study is needed”, and I agree. I will be reading and watching for what we hope are further, more detailed studies. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your dental care and when X-rays are needed to ensure your overall health, please call me, I am always here to answer your questions.

Whether you are an existing patient or searching for a dentist in the Abingdon, VA area, we're excited you are here. With the dental industry advancing, we recognize the importance of keeping our patients and visitors up to date with all of the new and exciting things taking place in our practice.

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote dental awareness as a vital part of your healthy lifestyle. Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including dental news, advancements in dental technology and treatment, practical dental health advice and updates from Dr. Doty and his staff.

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure your best dental health. As always, feel free to contact us with any dental questions or concerns.