July 26, 2010

Plaque

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — admin @ 1:51 pm

Sticky bacterial plaque that builds up on your teeth. Inflamed, bleeding gums. They don’t just threaten your dental health.

A growing body of research finds that bacteria and inflammation in your mouth are also associated with other problems, including heart attack and dementia, and may well jeopardize your overall health.

Scientists have identified several associations between poor oral health and other health problems — although they can’t yet establish cause and effect. This list of health problems has been growing as research continues.

Plaque and Its Effects on Your Dental Health

Sticky plaque is a kind of biofilm. A thin grouping of bacteria, plaque biofilm lives on gum tissue, teeth, and crowns.

Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods or beverages with sugars or starches, the bacteria release acids that attack your tooth enamel.

The plaque is so sticky that it keeps the acids in contact with your teeth, in time breaking down the enamel so that tooth decay occurs.

Plaque buildup can also lead to gum disease — first gingivitis, the tender and swollen gums that sometimes bleed. If it progresses, severe periodontal (gum) disease can develop. Gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, allowing the bacteria to destroy the underlying bone supporting the teeth.

Periodontal and Other Diseases

To date, scientists have found associations between periodontal disease and a number of other problems, including:

Heart disease
Diabetes
Dementia
Rheumatoid arthritis
Premature birth

What’s behind the links? Experts can’t say for certain, but they believe that oral bacteria can escape into the bloodstream and injure major organs.

Inflammation is probably a common denominator, experts say. Periodontal disease, marked by inflammation, may increase inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation, in turn, is an underlying problem in diseases including heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Gum Disease and Heart Disease

Over the years, many studies have found an association between periodontal disease and heart disease, with patients who have gum disease more likely also to have poor heart health, including heart attacks.

In 2009, a consensus paper on the relationship between heart disease and gum disease was developed by the American Academy of Periodontology and The American Journal of Cardiology. It was published in the Journal of Periodontology and The American Journal of Cardiology.

The joint recommendations encourage cardiologists to ask their patients about any gum disease problems, and the periodontists to ask their patients about any family history of heart disease and their heart health.

So don’t be surprised if your periodontist or your internist or cardiologist asks you some new questions on your next visit.

Gum Disease and Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you are more likely than people who don’t have diabetes to have gum disease. Why? Again, inflammation may be partly to blame. And, those with diabetes are more likely to contract any infections, including gum disease.

If your diabetes is not under control, you are at even higher risk of gum disease.

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July 13, 2010

X-Rays

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — admin @ 9:57 am

X-ray images, also called dental radiographs, are among the most valuable tools a dentist has for keeping your mouth and teeth healthy. By understanding what the structures of the mouth look like normally on an X-ray film, dentists can diagnose problems in the teeth and jaws. For adults, radiographs can:

Show areas of decay that your dentist may not be able to see with just a visual examination, such as tiny pits of decay that might occur between teeth
Find decay that is developing underneath an existing filling
Find cracks or other damage in an existing filling
Alert the dentist to possible bone loss associated with periodontal (gum) disease
Reveal problems in the root canal, such as infection or death of the nerve
Help your dentist plan, prepare and place tooth implants, orthodontic treatments, dentures or other dental work
Reveal other abnormalities such as cysts, cancer and changes associated with metabolic and systemic diseases (such as Paget’s disease and lymphoma)
For children, radiographs are used to watch for decay and to monitor tooth growth and development. Dentists will use periodic X-rays to see whether a space in the mouth to fit all the new teeth, whether primary teeth are being lost quickly enough to allow permanent teeth to erupt properly, whether extra (supernumerary) teeth are developing or whether any teeth are impacted (unable to emerge through the gums). Often, major problems can be prevented by catching small developmental problems early and then making accommodations.

Even though no X-ray can be considered routine, many people require X-rays on a regular basis so that their dental condition can be monitored. Exactly how often this happens will depend on your medical and dental history and current condition. Some people may need X-rays as often as every six months. For others, X-rays may not be needed for as long as two years. In patients with no recent dental or gum disease and who visit the dentist regularly for check-ups, X-rays may be taken only every five years or so.

Who needs more frequent or regular radiographs? They include:

Children - Many children need X-rays every six months to one year, depending on age, because they are highly likely to develop caries. X-rays also help monitor tooth development.
Adults with extensive restoration work, including fillings - All the conditions that helped create the caries to begin with continue, making it necessary to check for decay beneath existing fillings or in new locations.
Anyone who drinks sugary sodas, chocolate milk or coffee or tea with sugar - Even mildly sugary beverages create an environment in the mouth that’s perfect for decay, so anyone who drinks these beverages regularly will need to have more regular X-rays.
People with periodontal (gum) disease - Periodontal treatments may need to be stepped up if there are significant or continuing signs of bone loss.
People who are taking medications that lead to dry mouth, also called xerostomia - Saliva helps keep the acid levels (pH) in the mouth stable. In a dry mouth, the pH decreases, causing the minerals in the teeth to break down, leaving them prone to caries. Medications that can decrease saliva are those prescribed for hypertension, antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, antihistamines, diuretics, narcotics, anticonvulsants and anticholinergics.
People who have dry mouth because of disease, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, or because of medical treatments that damaged the salivary glands, such as radiation to the head and neck for cancer treatment.
Smokers, because smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease.

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July 6, 2010

Night Guards

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — admin @ 9:22 am

Dentists sometimes recommend dental night guards to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism), but there’s conflicting evidence regarding their use. Studies show that dental night guards or dental appliances (splints) can protect the teeth and prevent tooth wear. But such devices may not help prevent teeth grinding itself or its symptoms, such as joint tenderness, jaw pain and headaches.

If you experience teeth grinding while sleeping — or have other signs or symptoms of this condition — be sure to see your dentist. He or she can diagnose the condition and help you decide on treatment options. If you decide to try a dental night guard, consider the following points for best results:

Choose a custom-fit device. Your dentist can make a custom mouth guard to fit your mouth. Over-the-counter dental night guards are available and they’re less expensive than custom guards, but they generally don’t fit well and can dislodge during teeth grinding.
Choose a night guard that fits over all of your upper or lower teeth. A full-size splint gives you something to bite into and is less likely to shift during the night.
Avoid soft night guards. These devices break down more quickly than harder night guards. Also, soft night guards generally don’t fit well and can dislodge during teeth grinding. A hard acrylic night guard is sturdier and may offer better results.
Follow your dentist’s instructions. Place the guard in your mouth as instructed and wear it every night.
Be careful if you have other sleep disorders. A dental night guard isn’t recommended if you have sleep apnea because it can worsen nighttime symptoms. Be sure to tell your dentist if you have a sleep disorder.

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