Tooth Loss Can Lead To Malnutrition

Rutger University Students conducted a study which was recently published in the Journal of Aging Research and Clinical Practice showed that out of 107 senior citizens that were treated at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Clinic between 2015 -2016, 25 percent of those patients suffered from malnutrition or were at risk for malnutrition. 

Those patients who suffered from malnutrition have an average of 10 to 19 teeth. If you're unable to eat because of the lack of teeth, your body is not getting the nutrients it needs to function which can lead to more severe health issues such as:

• Cancer
• Liver Disease
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Mental health issues
• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Ability to digest food or absorb nutrients
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Dementia
• Anorexia

 To prevent any of the following health issues due to malnutrition, talk to your dentist about getting dentures or implants.

Informations found here!

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a conservative yet very effective way to enhance your smile with an easy treatment that requires little, if any, advanced preparation and usually no enamel reduction.  Dental bonding uses a composite resin filling that reduces or eliminates natural flaws in your teeth.

There are two types of bonding:

1. Minor Corrections - For correcting small fillings and fillings in front teeth, bonding is a good solution that can generally be completed in one dental visit. Color matching to your natural tooth provides a nice result and the bonding adds strength to a weakened tooth.

2. Major Corrections -For greater durability and strength, such as needed by a large filling, tooth colored fillings can be created at the dental lab. First, a mold is made of your teeth and you’ll receive a temporary filling. The dental laboratory creates a very durable, custom-fitted filling made of porcelain, then bonded to your tooth on your second visit.

Ask your dentist if bonding would be right for you.  it is a more inexpensive way to correct imperfections and brighten your smile!  

Keep smiling! 

Which Should Come First, Brushing Or Flossing?

Is there a correct order on how you keep your teeth clean? Is it brush then floss or floss then brush?

My observation is that the majority of people brush their teeth first, then floss, but according to the Oral Health Foundation, flossing should come first. Flossing loosens the bacteria and food debris from in between the teeth, which makes brushing more effective.

Dr. Nigel Carter, Cheif Executive of the Oral Health Foundations, states "Brushing alone only cleans three of the five surfaces of our teeth, so cleaning between them before we pick up our toothbrush is hugely beneficial. It helps to prevent gum disease by removing plaque from areas the toothbrush alone cannot reach."

So next time you're ready to clean your teeth remember to floss first!

Is Your Mouth Always Dry?

Many people suffer daily from a condition known as Xeristomia or Dry Mouth. Dry mouth can be brought on by any number of medical maladies and various prescription drugs. Most sufferers have found little to no relief from this condition and find themselves constantly drinking more water in hopes of quenching it.
New studies have shown that gums, candies, rinses and sweetners containing Xylitol offer comfort to those suffering from dry mouth. The xylitol coats the soft tissues of the mouth sealing in moisture and stimulates saliva flow.
A plethora of amazing over-the-counter products are endorsed by dentists for treating dry mouth. Some products worth checking out are Biotene, Oasis and Sensodyne for Dry Mouth.
Be sure to check with your doctor if you have the symptoms of dry mouth.  Make sure you find the cause before you use any OTC treatments! 

As always, Keep Smiling!  

Reduce Risk of Gum Disease With This Easy Rinse

It happens during any given dental appointment; that embarrassing moment when your hygienist asks how often you floss, and your reply (most likely) is, "Not often enough," at the same time he or she clucks disapprovingly and shakes his or her head.  Turns out they know what they´re talking about.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nearly half of American adults aged 30 years and older (47.2 percent) suffer from some form of gum disease.  Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the main threats to dental health, but maintaining a healthy mouth goes beyond the benefits of a bright smile.

Gum disease is a chronic, inflammatory condition, and recent studies suggest that gum disease and tooth decay may be associated with an increased risk of other inflammatory conditions, including heart attacks and strokes if left untreated.  The CDC describes common warning signs of gum disease, including bad breath, gums that are red, swollen, bleeding, or tender; pain when chewing; loose or sensitive teeth; receding gums; change in bite; and change in the fit of partial dentures.

Additional factors that increase the risk of gum disease include smoking, diabetes, stress, and poor oral hygiene.  That said, most people can improve their dental hygiene and reduce their risk for developing gum disease by following a few simple steps:

• Brush:  Brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste.  Pick a toothbrush style that fits your mouth and feels comfortable, and you will be more likely to use it.  If your teeth are sensitive or you want them to be whiter, look around; there´s a toothpaste for that.


• Floss:  Floss your teeth once a day.  Dental floss is available in a variety of widths and thicknesses, although some people prefer disposable flossers, which are often easier for children to use.


• Rinse:  Oral rinses play an important role in a dental health routine.  Gum disease is caused by bacteria, but an oral rinse formulated with bacteria-targeting ingredients can help keep gum disease at bay.

Healthy Gums Oral Rinse from TheraBreath contains cetylpyridinium chloride, an ingredient approved by the FDA and clinically proven to kill the germs linked to gum disease.  “Gum disease is more serious than people think.  It starts out with just bleeding and sensitive gums, but in its advanced stages, it can cause tooth loss,” says Dr. Harold Katz, founder and chief researcher for TheraBreath.  For more information about keeping your mouth healthy and reducing your risk of gum disease, go to The TheraBreath Website.  Healthy Gums Oral Rinse from TheraBreath is available at Walmart.

A direct reprint from News USA via Copyright Free Content
Also reposted to our Savon November 2018 Newsletter! 

Accidental Halloween Happenings: 15 Candies to Watch Out For!

With Halloween just a day away, every year dentist offices across the country encounter a rush of patients experiencing Halloween candy related dental emergencies!! No joke!! It's very common for patients to present themselves to the dental staff with crowns or bridges that have been pulled off, fillings that have been pulled out, teeth that have been chipped or cracked all by these innocent sweeties we consume every year!! I've compiled a list of the most common offenders that can be found in your candy bowl!

Top 5 Worst Culprits

(these are known to extricate crowns, bridges and fillings with ease)

1. Sugar Daddy
2. Milk Duds
3. Dots
4. Bit-O-Honey
5. Good n' Plenty

Top 10 Accomplices

1. Jolly Rancher
2. Laffy Taffy
3. Caramel
4. Gummy Bears
5. Toffee
6. Tootsie Rolls
7. Sugar Babies
8. Now & Laters
9. Super Bubble Gum/ Dubble Bubble Gum
10. Slowpokes

There ya have it! For those of you who have any type of dental work done, watch out for these sneaky little candies...or you may find yourself in the dental chair bashfully blaming your missing filling on one of these sweet little criminals!

Keep smiling, have fun and be safe this Halloween! 

Could Root Canals Become History?

Oh, the dreaded root canal but what if I told you that in the future your teeth could possible heal themselves?

Researchers from the University of Nottingham and the Wyss Institute at Harvard University are trying to develop a new regenerative dental filling that uses stem cells. This will be placed inside your teeth to repair tissues and potentially make root canals a part of history!

This research earned second place at the Royal Society of Chemistry's Emerging Technologies Competition in 2016!

Article found here!