Oral Probiotics - Do They Work?

 That's right! Many people don't know that probiotics are not just for gut health. They can help to keep your mouth healthy too!

Here are some ways the benefits of oral probiotics:

• Helps prevent Plaque 
• Helps fight bad breath
• May prevent oral cancer
• Helps manage symptoms of Gingivitis
• It may decrease inflammation in the mouth

Examples of oral probiotics include Hyperbiotics PRO-Dental, BioGaia Prodentis, and ProBiora Oral Health.  These products are often sold as chewable tablets or lozenges to maximize their effectiveness. 

If you are the type of person who cannot swallow pills or if you're like me and you forget to take them, you're in luck because there are many different types of foods that you can get probiotics from, such as enhanced milk, yogurt, cheese and sauerkraut, just to name a few!

Remember to consult with your dentist before starting any new oral regimen or taking probiotics!

Kids with ADHD may be at Higher Risk of Traumatic Dental Injury, Study Finds

 Do you have a child who suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD)? If so, you should check out this article from Dr. Bicuspids Ava Barros. 

"Individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be at twice the risk of sustaining traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). A systemic review was published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences.

It was determined that clinicians should be trained to raise awareness and implement preventive strategies to reduce the risk of TDI's in individuals with ADHD, the author wrote.

ADHD is one of the most common chronic health disorders in school-aged children. Managing the relationship between ADHD and TDI's requires a multidisciplinary approach involving dental professionals, pediatricians, psychologists, and educators. Early identification and intervention for ADHD can reduce the risk of TDIs through targeted behavioral and educational strategies, Alzahrani wrote.

The findings highlight the functional impairments associated with ADHD, such as disrupted motor coordination and difficulties in forming peer connections. Children with ADHD are hyperactive, have trouble staying focused, and struggle to manage their behavior. Creating socially supportive school environments can significantly reduce the risk of TDI's, the author wrote.

Check with your Doctor and Dental Provider for help finding a solution for prevention of traumatic dental injury to your ADHD child.

Keep Smiling!

Sunscreen...For Your Lips?

It's a hot, sunny day... You've slathered yourself from head to toe with SPF 45... you're ready for some fun in the sun...BUT WAIT! You forgot to protect your smile!

According to the CTCA ( Cancer Treatment Centers of America), sun damage (among other contributors) is the leading cause of Lip Cancer. People with repetitive exposure to the sun are more likely to exhibit symptoms that can potentially lead to lip cancer.

For more valuable information about lip cancer and how to protect yourself from it, please click here!

So on your way out to enjoy our beautiful summer weather don't forget sunscreen for your smile!

Several companies offer lip balms with SPF 15 or greater and you can never use too much!

Original post from Dawn_DA on June 24, 2009

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! 

Soaring Dental Prices Are Not For the Faint of Heart!

 I saw an article recently that makes a good argument for Dental Plans! Not directly, of course, but if one considers that dentistry is among the most expensive in terms of healthcare and that there is no regulatory agency that holds dental prices in check, a Dental Plan can be extremely beneficial. 

Senior Citizens! Don't be fooled by Dental Insurance Companie's promise to cover $2000, $3000, even $4000 of your dental costs! Dental insurance companies actually pay little to nothing and put a cap on your benefits.  It never works out in favor of the patient.  Never. 

Back to Dental Plans. Now, when I say Dental Plan, I don't mean the ever growing "in-house" type of plan that some dentists are always trying to promote; those will save you very little money overall and if a problem arises...well, where are you going to go? The plan would not be accepted by another facility! No, I'm suggesting a bonafide, BBB accredited discount plan.
Dental plans go far beyond what insurance companies do in terms of savings.  More procedures are covered, there is no limit to benefits, coverage is immediate and there is no waiting 12 months for a large procedure...

Additionally,  any good dental plan can be used as a supplement to an insurance plan.  Once your insurance benefits are exhausted, you can switch over to the dental plan and still receive a benefit. 

Seriously, why would one NOT consider a dental plan? Do your homework, but at least check it out. You'll find that the savings and a small investment for a membership are well worth the effort, especially now, in an uncertain market.  Everyone needs dental work at some point.  Be prepared with a good dental plan.

Don't wait for a toothache!!