Archive for the ‘Dental Health News’ Category
Thursday, July 21st, 2011
Periodontal or gum disease is a serious condition that can affect both your dental and overall physical health. There are often no symptoms, but when there are they may include bleeding gums, receding gums, or tooth sensitivity.
So what is periodontal disease? Simply put, it is an infection that affects the tissues and bone that support your teeth. It usually develops in the areas between your teeth and gums that are called pockets. These areas are more challenging to keep clean. The infection begins by damaging your gums and then moves on to eat away the bone that supports your teeth. When it is only affecting the gums it is called gingivitis.
Plaque, sometimes called biofilm, is the soft sticky substance that forms on your teeth between the times you brush and floss. Bacteria live in this plaque. After about 48 hours the plaque hardens and turns into tartar, which can only be removed with a professional teeth cleaning. This tartar creates new nooks and crannies where the bacteria can hide and continue the process of infection and destroying your teeth.
It is rare for anyone to be able to clean their teeth perfectly every 48 hours and this is why it is important to see a dentist and dental hygienist regularly. They can help you prevent and control gum disease and the serious medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes that it is linked to.
We would love to help you stay healthy by taking care of your oral health. If you have any concerns about gum disease or other dental issues and live in the Alhambra area, give us a call: (626) 285-0285
Tags: biofilm, dental plaque, diabetes, gingivitis, gum disease, heart disease, holistic dentist, holistic dentistry, periodontal disease
Posted in Dental Health News, Oral Systemic Link, Periodontal Gum Disease | 92 Comments »
Thursday, July 7th, 2011
Alzheimer’s, ALS, Arthritis, ADHD, Autism, Autoimmune diseases, Candida, Colitis, Crohns, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Firbromyalgia, Kidney disease, Bipolar disorder, Irritable bowel syndrome, MS, Graves disease, Parkinson’s, Schizophrenia, Scleroderma, Panic disorders, Anxiety, Lupus, OCD, Insomnia, Headaches, Tremors
Tags: ADHD, Alzheimer's, Arthritis, autism, dental, dentist, dentistsry, mercury poisoning, mercury toxicity, OCD, Parkinson's
Posted in Dental Health News, Mercury Amalgam Fillings, Oral Systemic Link, mercury | 100 Comments »
Wednesday, June 15th, 2011
Brushing your teeth is a very effective way of cleaning them, but there are areas that your tooth brush just can’t reach. Dental floss is used to wipe down the surfaces between your teeth and clean the areas your tooth brush misses. It only takes a couple minutes a day to floss thoroughly.
If you are not flossing, there are areas of your teeth and gums that may never get cleaned. Bacteria create colonies that eventually become the infection known as periodontal or gum disease. Gum disease has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and other serious medical conditions that can shorten your life.
So, when we talk to you about flossing we are not just talking about teeth. We are talking about your health and the quality of your life. It’s simple. Are you ready to commit a couple minutes of your day to protect your teeth and health?
If you would like help in learning to floss quickly and effectively, call us at (626) 285-0285 for an appointment.
Tags: dental, dentist, dentistry, diabetes, floss, flossing, gingivitis, gum disease, heart disease, periodontal
Posted in Dental Health News, Oral Systemic Link, Periodontal Gum Disease, Uncategorized | 50 Comments »
Friday, June 3rd, 2011
We all know that going to the dentist is not necessarily fun. Many people even postpone or neglect their oral health because of their dental fears. That is why we are excited about the new science of regenerating teeth.
- In France, scientists have created a gel that contains a hormone associated with bone regeneration. They have been able to reverse cavities in mice by placing the gel next to cavity areas. A month later the cavities were gone.
- At Colombia University they have had some success growing teeth from stem cells. They began by growing tooth material and are now working on how to have the cells grow into complete teeth.
In the future your teeth may be able to be repaired or replaced without the dental drill or injections. But, don’t delay your cavity treatment. It will be years before these technologies are available. Cavities are dangerous for your teeth and general health. Removing the bacteria and decayed areas of the tooth and replacing them with existing dental materials is still the best treatment available.
Tags: dental, dentist, dentistry, drill-less, grow teeth, no drill, regenerate teeth, tooth regneration
Posted in Dental Health News | 60 Comments »
Thursday, May 19th, 2011
It may seem like a stretch to think that an infection or inflammation in your mouth can contribute to medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes, but research is proving it true.
Common infections in the mouth include periodontal gum disease, cavities, and the infections and abscesses that cause toothaches. Each of these conditions causes inflammation and oxidative stress that can affect the rest of your body negatively. Microscopic slides of dental plaque show multiple types of organisms swimming in your mouth, including bacteria. The bacteria can get into your bloodstream easily through the thin tissue of your mouth and swallowing. And, having infections or an imbalance of organisms in your mouth can drain your immune system.
It is even more important than you thought to pay attention to your oral health. You can prevent and eliminate dental infections and other oral health problems by seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly. Dentistry is about more than teeth. It is about taking care of your medical health, too.
Tags: bacteria, dental, dentist, dentistry, diabetes, gum, heart disease, oral health, periodontal disease
Posted in Dental Health News, Oral Systemic Link | 58 Comments »
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
If you have any concerns about the mercury in your silver fillings or illness related to mercury toxicity, it is important to have your fillings removed in a way that prevents further exposure to the toxin. Dr. Chang is a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology, which is one of the most respected organizations in this field. The IAOMT recommendations for safe mercury filling removal include:
- Cover the skin and eye protection
- Supplemental air/oxygen for the patient to breathe
- High volume suction close to the tooth
- Keep the filling cool and remove it in chunks
- Air filtration throughout the office
- Isolate the tooth with a rubber dam (now optional)
- Protection for the dental team and office in general
Tags: amalgam, dental, dentist, dentistry, iaomt, mercury, safe mercury filling removal, silver fillings
Posted in Dental Health News, Mercury Amalgam Fillings | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
Red hair color is caused by variants of the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene. People with naturally red hair are resistant to subcutaneous local anesthetics and,, therefore, may experience increased anxiety regarding dental care. In a study conducted at the University of Louisville, School of Dentistry, people with red hair were twice as likely to avoid dental care as people without the MC1R gene.
Source: Journal of American Dental Association 2009;140(7):896-905
Posted in Dental Health News | 89 Comments »
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009
If you are trying to maintain a healthy weight you may want to try brushing. A study published in the Journal of the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity found that people who brush their teeth after every meal tend to remain slimmer than those who don’t brush as often. Japanese researchers discovered this effect when they compared the lifestyle habits of nearly 14,000 people whose average age was the mid-forties. They concluded that tooth brushing is a good health habit that could play a role in preventing obesity. I have long suggested brushing your teeth at least twice a day, accompanied by daily flossing, to help prevent the buildup of small amounts of food that attract and nourish bacteria. So if gingivitis, cavities, or bad breath weren’t enough of a reason to brush and floss, consider becoming a slimmer you!
Tags: alhambra, dental, dental health, obesity, tips
Posted in Dental Health News | No Comments »