Is There a Link Between Oral Bacteria and IBD?

 As you may know, oral health can affect more than just the inside of a mouth. Poor oral hygiene can cause other serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes but could it also be causing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Nobuhiko Kamada, Ph.D., assistant professor of internal medicine in the division of gastroenterology at U-M Medical School has been collecting and researching the different types of bacterias found in a person's gut. During his research, Dr. Kamada has found that the overgrown bacteria found within the gut of a person who suffers from IBD is also linked to bacteria that is normally found inside the mouth. 

Dr. Kamada contacted the dental school and asked them "do oral diseases affect the severity of gastrointestinal diseases?"

After further research, a study was published in Celi, which shows that oral bacteria found in the gut can worsen inflammation. 

If you would like to read more about the study click here!

How You Can Brighten Your Teeth At Home

 We all know that coffee, tea, wine, dark snacks and condiments will stain our teeth. This does not mean you have to swear them off, though!

The dietitian says:
 Just rinse your mouth with water right after eating, or stash some sugar free chewing gum. Consider adding foods and drinks that work towards whiter teeth into your diet, such as cheese, fruit and veggies.

-Lisa Young, PH.D

The dentist says:
Use at home teeth whiting kits such as Crest 3D whitening strips for lighter stains. For darker stains or instant results, you will need professional whitening.

-Marc Lowenberg, D.D.S.

The makeup artist says:.
Cool-toned lip colors create an optical illusion. Fair skin should wear pinks, medium/olive toned skin should wear reds, while darker skin tones should stick to plums. Another trick is to dust some bronzer. Tanned skin makes teeth stand out!

-Matthew VanLeeuwen, Celebrity makeup artist

Keep Smiling, Y'all!

So you have Dentures now - Do you Still Need to see the Dentist?

 We hear this time and time again in our office, "I have dentures now so I no longer need your plan". As good as that may sound to you as a denture patient, the reality of it is quite the contrary.  You see, getting dentures is not an end game for going to the dentist.  The ADA recommends that you still have your check-ups every year and also be checked for oral cancer. Denture patients run a higher risk of it.

Having no dental coverage at all can lead to very costly dental bills, even if you have dentures. Broken, ill-fitting dentures or even if you are just going for that routine check-up, your dental bill can add up quickly.  Fact: most problems with dentures happen in the first 2 years. Those that have had dentures for 5 years or more are less likely to have any significant problems with them, however, those twice yearly check-ups are still highly suggested.

Keep Smiling!