Ying and Yang of Mouth Bacteria

By AustinDentalSpa on July 26, 2010

Posted in Biofilm Treatment, Dentistry FAQ's, gum disease, Oral Conditions

We all have good and bad bacteria microbes that inhabit our bodies. Our immune system is responsible for fending off harmful organisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses while maintaining a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria. Our immune system may fail to maintain a natural bacterial balance when the immune system is weakened, hormones change, smoking, good bacteria is destroyed, dry mouth syndrome occurs, and ph balance and acidity levels are thrown off kilter. Certain medications such as chemotherapy, antibiotics and steroids can trigger an imbalance in bacteria. Medical conditions such as diabetes and anemia may foster a bacterial imbalance. Denture wear may also put you at risk for imbalance of your bacteria.

Bacterial imbalance is also a root cause for diseases and oral conditions such as thrush and gum disease. In the end, our bodily systems are not immune to the concept of Ying and Yang.
For these reasons, it’s important to know how to maintain your balance of good and bad bacteria.

To maintain the proper balance of good and bad bacteria in your mouth, consider these tips:

• Drink plenty of H2O and rinse your mouth at least twice daily and more often following the use of medications and asthma inhalers.
• Brush you teeth twice daily and floss to remove bacteria causing food debris between your teeth.
• Limit intake of sugar and yeast-containing foods to prevent the growth of fungal Candida. Eat fresh culture yogurt containing lactobacillus acidophilus or bifid bacterium. Ask you physician about acidophilus capsules if you are taking antibiotics.
• Visit your dentist for general dentistry check ups at least twice a year or more often when recommended by your dentist.
• Maintain a healthy balance of biofilms, a layer of bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens,   in your mouth. A select number of dentists offer biofilm treatment if your biofilms are out of order.

If you are interested in fighting off your biofilms, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist certified in biofilm treatment at (512) 452-9296.

Gum Disease Causing Bacteria May Provide Hints about Neurodegenerative Disorder Treatments

By AustinDentalSpa on July 24, 2010

Posted in Biofilm Treatment, gum disease, Oral Conditions

At the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in San Diego recently, researchers from the University of Florida announced a study of the mutant strain called P. gingivalis (PG0717) and how this mutant may affect  Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases.

Scientists do not know how these neurodegenerative diseases surface, but researchers Progulske-Fox and her colleagues know that clustered proteins form plaque build up that can affect people’s neurons. The researchers believe that if cells can be directed to breakdown cell waste products, plaque build up will not develop which would potentially prevent the advent of such neurodegenerative diseases as well as assist in the recovery from such diseases.

Previous study evidence demonstrates that the ability for affected cells to break down plaque build-ups has a very significant impact on the recovery from neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers believe that ability to activate autophagy within these cells can be priceless in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Autophagy is a naturally occurring biological process in which cells degrade and stimulates the recycling of cell derivatives into amino acids that can be used by the body. Researchers believe that their study of P. gingivalis will help identify how this mutant strain ignites autophagy in host cells which would potentially lead to innovative treatments for neurodegenerative disorders. In previous Porphyromonas gingivalis studies, these researchers found that the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis can activate autophagy when exposed to a human cell line.

Scientists in the dental community have already established that biofilms, comprised of bacteria and fungal pathogens, which exist in the mouth can trigger gum disease and are linked to a variety of serious medical conditions. You can fight off biofilms with treatments offered by a select number of dentists certified in biofilm treatment. Biolfim treatment can be a step in the right direction to fight off inflammatory markers that are linked to diseases.

If you are interested in fighting off your biofilms, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist certified in biofilm treatment at (512) 452-9296.

Gum Disease Prevention, Detection and Treatment

By AustinDentalSpa on July 12, 2010

Posted in Biofilm Treatment, Dentistry FAQ's, gum disease, Oral Conditions

If you are like many people that know they are at risk for periodontal disease, you can have comfort in knowing that there are advanced technologies to identify your risk, simple ways to prevent it and improved techniques for treatment. One thing is for certain. A multi-prong approach focusing on detection, prevention and treatment offers the best opportunity for you to prevent the condition from progressing over time. Check out the details!

Detection

• Micro-IDent® Plus Technology: This technology allows for simple early detection of bacteria that may cause periodontal disease. It’s a pain free treatment that is offered by a select number of dentists and can be performed during your dental check up.

• GenoType PST™ Plus Testing: This diagnostic tool can detect if you are at risk for periodontal disease and helps to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. This technology is often available at dental practices that focus on periodontal disease.

Prevention

• Plaque Removal: Plaque can be removed at home by having the perfect oral health day. Plaque must also be removed at a higher level at least twice a year through professional general dentistry cleanings twice a year or more often, when necessary.

• Biofilm Removal: Most everyone has some degree of biofilms which consists of layers of bacteria pathogens, fungi and toxins in the mouth. When biofilms penetrate pockets between gum tissue and the teeth, periodontal (gum disease) occurs. A select number of dentists offer Perio Protect in which a mouth tray containing oxygenating agents can be used to kill bacteria in the mouth. If you are interested in a home approach, Carie Free offers a variety of gel toothpastes, mouth rinses and gums that combine fluoride, xylitol and pH neutralizing agents to prevent and treat dental infections.

• Metabolic and Hormonal Balance: Pregnancy, puberty and menopause may alter the organic balance of the oral cavity which can contribute to periodontal disease. See your physician to learn how you can maintain a steady metabolic and hormonal balance.

• Medical Condition Management: Certain medical conditions can affect metabolic balance and nutrients in the oral cavity so it’s important to see your dentist regularly if you are being treated for a medical condition. Certain medications that are used to treat medical conditions may adversely affect the gums such as overgrown gums (common in kidney patients) and dry mouth syndrome (a side effect associated with many medications).

• Dry Mouth Syndrome Prevention: If you feel you have dry mouth syndrome , work on creating saliva flow. Poor saliva flow prevents natural fluid from cleansing the teeth. In fact, saliva contains an enzyme that fights off bacteria in your mouth.

• Oral Condition Management: If you are a tooth grinder or clencher, obtain a mouth guard because grinding and clenching pose a risk for periodontal disease. Tend to tooth decay immediately. Do not postpone dental fillings, root canals or other tooth restoration procedures. Managing oral conditions will reduce your risk of periodontal disease.

Treatment

• Root Planing and Scaling: If your gums are not properly adhered to your teeth or your roots have tartar, root planing and scaling is usually performed to deep clean between the gums and teeth, down to the root. Your dentist may also fill your gum pockets with antibiotics to prevent infection.

• Laser Treatment: Some dentists perform laser treatment to seal the exposed pockets between the gums and teeth. This is usually performed following root planing and scaling.

If you have more advanced periodontal disease, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist. Yet, the first step is your primary dentist. So, go for it! Gum disease detection, prevention and treatment do not have to be uncomfortable or problematic. Instead, you can move on to rewards with a healthy mouth that is fresh and clean!

If you think you have signs of periodontal disease, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas  dentist at (512) 452-9296. Dr. Sweeney is certified in biofilm treatment and offers advanced technology for the early detection/treatment of periodontal disease.

Fight Off Bio Films!

By AustinDentalSpa on April 20, 2010

Posted in Biofilm Treatment, Dentistry FAQ's, gum disease, Oral Conditions, oral health

Fighting off bio films is the latest number one health priority among many dentists today. First, let’s clear this up- what are biofilms? Biofilms are an unhealthy layer of bacteria pathogens, fungi and poisonous microbes that form in the gums and mouth. Research has mounted to prove that biofilms can enter the body, cause inflammation and contribute to several diseases.

Biofilm Pathways

When biofilms are found in the mouth, they can localize in pockets between gum tissue and teeth which can cause periodontal disease. When biofilm bacteria are present in the mouth, the same bacteria is also found in the lungs of lung abscess patients. When biofilms from the mouth come in contact with brain tissue, the result is beta amyloid- the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. When biofilms enter the body, they contribute to plaque build up which disrupts blood flow. Hence, biofilms are associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke. When biofilms are not managed through dental treatment, diabetics have higher sugar levels. In the end, biofilms can create a pathway for medical conditions and diseases.

BioFilm Warning Signs

Dentists are the best people to diagnose your risk for biofilms. If you have periodontal disease, you most certainly have biofilms. Since 75% of the population has gingivitis (precursor to periodontal disease) or periodontal disease itself, here’s a fast glance at some of the signs of periodontal disease.

• Bad breath or halitosis
• Gum bleeding
• Puffy gums
• Reddened gums
• Shifted teeth
• Loose teeth

No one is immune to biofilms. And most people do have biofilms to some degree. The trick is in managing biofilms. The goal is to prevent biofilms from entering the bloodstream to avoid harm to your health.

Biofilm Treatment

Biofilms can be fought off by maintaining adequate saliva flow in your mouth. Saliva contains an antibacterial agent called lysozyme. So, avoiding dry mouth syndrome is highly desirable. In addition, two new products have been introduced to control biofilms, Carie Free and Perio Protect. Carie Free offers an at home approach with an assortment of gel toothpastes, mouth rinses and gums that combine fluoride, xylitol and pH neutralizing technology to prevent and treat dental infections. Perio Protect uses a tray of oxygenating agents to kill bacteria in the mouth. The technology works by having the patient place the tray in their mouth each day for a few minutes. The results of Carie Free and Perio Protect have been remarkable. Patients have remarked that their mouth feels cleaner after using the products. Dentists have remarked that the products provide a healthier environment for the mouth. The benefits of disease prevention and caries treatment have been known to stimulate healthier teeth and jaw bones through products like Perio Protect.

Dentists work to manage biofilms in the office as well. The first professional call to action is dental cleanings twice a year for general dentistry and more often when prescribed. Secondly, dentists can perform root planing and scaling to improve the depth of pockets containing harmful bacteria. Antibiotics may be placed in the gum pockets to attack infected areas. Periodontal flap surgery may be performed to reduce the pocket size located between the teeth and gums. Bone surgery may be necessary to fill holes in the jaw bone that contain bacteria. Laser treatment may be used to reduce gum pocket size as well. Biofilms can grow back in three months following treatment. So, it’s important to continue with dental treatments every three months in order to maintain the benefit.

Dentists suspect that the public will learn much more about biofilms in the years to come. The National Institutes of Health has been dedicated to biofilm research because of the risk that biofilms represent to the public. Their research has been leveraged since the advent of laser technology, digital imaging, scanning electron microscopy and fluorescent probes which are used to identify locations of biofilms with specific gene expressions.

If you are concerned about biofilms, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist certified in biofilm treatment, at (512) 452-9296.

Bad Breath Squelchers!

By AustinDentalSpa on March 31, 2010

Posted in Biofilm Treatment, Dentistry FAQ's, gum disease, Oral Conditions, oral health

Bad breath affects approximately 90 million people, according to WebMD. There may be refuge in knowing that you are among many who have suffered from bad breath. Yet, this is no conciliation when contending with odorous breath. The conversation, the kiss, sleeping with your partner at night and waking up together in the morning may be inhibited by bad breath. Certainly, there are bad breath gums, refreshing sprays and toothpastes that may mask bad breath. However, it’s important to get to the root of bad breath and strike it at its core. Leftover food particles in the mouth can cause bad breath. Since saliva has disinfecting enzymes that can kill odor causing bacteria in the mouth, it’s important to maintain adequate saliva flow in order to avoid bad breath. Periodontal disease is another cause of bad breath which can be managed with professional teeth cleaning, root planing and scaling. There’s also several more ways to avoid bad breath, as follows.

1. Stay away from acidic foods that affect pH balance in the mouth which can cause bad breath.   Consider a pH balanced mouthwash.

2. Avoid alcohol based mouthwashes that dry out the mouth and contribute to bad breath.

3. Invest in xylitol gum or sugar free gum that makes you salivate to cleanse away odor causing bacteria from your mouth.

4. Use a tongue cleaner to remove bacteria on the tongue.

5. Floss and use a water pick to remove debris that causes odors from your teeth.

6. See your dentist at least twice a year to remove plaque, a major contributor to bad breath. Maintain tooth restorations. Prevent cavities, tooth decay, or periodontal (gum) disease from surfacing. All of which, if not prevented, may lead to halitosis.

7. Look into oral moisturizing gels if you have a dry mouth so you can prevent bacteria from surfacing in the mouth.

8. Manage medical conditions that trigger halitosis such as sinusitis.

9. Check to see if you have a vitamin deficiency. Deficiencies in Vitamin A, C and Zinc are known to lead to halitosis.

10. Be mindful of low carb diets that can cause bad breath. Refresh your breath with celery, peanuts and carrots.

11. See your dentist to check on your level of biofilms.

To learn more about bad breath, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist, at 512.380.1300.