Can Older Women Who Suffer Tooth Loss Develop High Blood Pressure?

According to the American Journal of Hypertension, a new study indicates that there was a positive association between tooth loss and hypertension risk among postmenopausal women.

Researchers believe that people who experience tooth loss change their eating habits by eating softer foods and more processed foods. With the extra increase of high sodium foods, it can cause hypertension.

Postmenopausal women should improve their dental hygiene, monitor their blood pressure, keep a healthy diet, exercise and if necessary, lose weight!

Study information found here!

Do You Suffer from Chronic Dry Mouth?

Well, if you do, there is hope!

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 sweeteners containing Xylitol offer comfort to those suffering from dry mouth. Xylitol coats the soft tissues of the mouth, sealing in moisture and stimulateing saliva flow.

A plethora of amazing over-the-counter products are endorsed by dentists for treating dry mouth. Some products to check out are Biotene, Oasis and Sensodyne for Dry Mouth.

Don't suffer in silence!  Tell your dentist if you suffer from this malady.  Chances are he'll suggest one of the products listed above.

Keep Smiling! 

Are Older Adults Keeping Their Teeth?

According to the analysis by NIDCR scientists published in the January 2019 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, Yes... tooth loss in older adults is on the decline! Research has found that adults experiencing complete tooth loss declined sigficantly (from 17% down to 11%)

Dr. Bruce Dye, DDS, MPH states "It’s good news that older Americans are keeping more of their teeth because past studies have found that tooth loss can reduce the quality of life.”

To read more, click here!

All About Dental Sealants

What is a dental sealant?

A dental sealant is a thin, white, plastic coating used on the surfaces of your teeth (molars specifically) to help prevent tooth decay.  The procedure is painless and only takes a few minutes.  

How do they work?

Just how it sounds!  The sealant is applied to the molar surface which allows a light, but powerful protective coating to seal in the tiny cracks and crevices that could potentially trap food and bacteria, which could lead to tooth decay and other long-term problems.

When should I consider getting  them?

Most dentists suggest applying sealants as an extra measure in preventive care early on as your adult teeth grow in.  Because most tooth decay in teens and children are found in this area, the earlier you get them, the better.

Do all teeth need sealants?

No, just molars.  Molars are far more vulnerable to tooth decay because they are designed for chewing.  The rest of your teeth are shaped and designed for their specific purpose and sealants just simply aren’t needed.

How long do they last?

The average life of a sealant is anywhere between 5-10 years.  Over time, they can wear down or chip, at which point, they should be reapplied.

Does this mean I won’t get cavities at all?

Definitely not.   While they do offer a strong layer of protection, they are not designed to replace your daily dental maintenance.  They protect, they do not prevent.  Maintaining healthy dental habits will better allow the sealant to do what it is supposed to.

Does my regular dentist do them?

Yes, a general dentist should be able to do it, or the hygienist.  A specialist is not necessary.

Are they covered by insurance?

Because it is considered a preventive procedure, most insurances and dental plans cover sealants at 100%.  Obviously this will vary, so be sure to check with your provider beforehand. 

Dental Black Triangles

Have you ever noticed some people have a small black triangle located in between some of their teeth, and looks like a speck of pepper? I have, and always wondered what it was!

So, what exactly are dental black triangles?

According to Larry Picard, DDS, dental black triangles are clinically knowen as open gingival embrasures. This is a gap between the teeth that is often due to bone loss, recession of the gum line, and sometimes due to movement in the teeth.

There are a few different ways to fix this problem:

• Interproximal Reduction (IPR) in conjunction with Invisalign
• Veneers
• Bonding
• BioClear

Picture is from google images 
Information found here here!

Which is Better? Dental Cleaning Methods--New vs. Old

A look into the ever advancing world of dental medicine has spurred me to blog about a topic that many of my customers have addressed with me over the years. Adult cleanings. Now, keep in mind that with technological advancements in the dental field comes a variety of skepticism...that is, people do not like change.  They tend to prefer that you should stick to what works!
We begin with what I call the old method, which entails scraping and picking away the plaque and tartar from your teeth....approximately 45 minutes in the chair and you come away with your mouth feeling fresher and cleaner; along with a knowledge of what the hygienist has been doing with her life for the past 6 months...it just goes with the territory, folks! With further advancement comes the prophy jet, which basically uses a high pressured stream of water to blast away the build-up, (oh, and just FYI, I have heard many, many complaints about this one) and now, the newer laser cleaning, (the jury is still out on that method). We haven't had much feedback as yet about this one, however I have a feeling in this instance that "no news is good news".... as in no one in my scope of the industry has complained!
The general consensus, in the end, is that most people do seem to prefer the old tried and true method, particularly the older crowd, asserting that the prophy jet doesn't seem to leave their mouths feeling as fresh, or that it doesn't  completely remove the plaque. Additionally, it is a much quicker method, which seems to give the impression that enough time is not being spent on the cleaning, therefore it can't be as effective as the old way.
Tell us what you think!!! We'd like to hear about your experiences.
Which do you prefer? The new way or the old way?

As always, keep smiling!

Should You Fill Rotten Baby Teeth?

Filling rotten baby teeth may be an unnecessary as well as uncomfortable experience for children to endure, some experts say.

About 40% of five-year-olds have tooth decay and at least one in ten is treated with fillings. But evidence from the case notes of 50 dentists suggests fillings may not offer significant benefits.

Read more here!

Original post was on June 24, 2009