Less Fat, Less Gum Disease

By AustinDentalSpa on January 10, 2012

Posted in gum disease

Enjoy a good night’s sleep, hang out with your best buds, make new friends and begin new hobbies, all while controlling your weight can certainly be worthwhile. But who would have known that you’d be controlling your gum disease while controlling your weight.

Recently, Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers reported that people who lose fat cells offer their body a better opportunity to fight off gum disease.

The study results were compiled following testing of over 30 people with an average body mass index of 39; half of which had the gastric bypass procedure and abdominal fat removed.  All study participants had gingivitis or gum disease and received treatment for gum disease. In the end, the study participants who had surgery achieved better success in the management of gum disease, including: periodontal attachment, bleeding, probing depths and plaque levels.

So, a two for one bonus is certainly appealing. Of course, there are several theories as to why this occurred. Though, certainly the study results can be a motivating factor to control your weight. Now, let’s check to some tips to keep you in shape!

1. Aerobic Exercise: It’s important to perform aerobic exercise at least 25 minutes per day and up to one and a half hours if you are interested in losing weight. Aerobic exercise is defined by any exercise in which one foot is off the floor, such as, walking, running, biking.
2. Strength Training Exercise: Muscular strength training for at least 30 minutes three times a week, including all major muscles, is vital.  Muscular strength training elevates your metabolism which assists in fat burning.

If you are interested in dentistry, contact Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

How oral health contributes to overall well being

By AustinDentalSpa on January 6, 2012

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, gum disease

Did you know there is a connection between oral health and a person’s general health? Studies have shown that there may be a link between bad bacterium in the mouth and heart conditions. When gum disease goes untreated, it may contribute to heart plaque, cardiovascular disease, heart attack and the related plaque diseases, such as, stroke.

Every mouth is full of bacteria, some of them harmless. Others, however, are actually bad for the body. Because what goes on in a person’s mouth can enter their bloodstream and travel throughout the body, developing good oral hygiene habits should be a priority in everyone’s life.

Recognizing gum disease is important so a person can begin taking steps to combat it. Gingivitis is the mildest form that is a precursor to gum disease, but when it goes untreated it can lead to much larger problems. There is normally no pain associated with the onset of gingivitis. When gums become red, swollen and bleed easily, it is likely that they are experiencing signs of gingivitis. The good news is that gingivitis is controllable with proper home care and professional treatment.

It is important to seek treatment for gingivitis in the first stages because it can lead to a more serious type of gum disease called periodontitis. This occurs when plaque spreads below the gum line, breaking down the bones and tissues that support the teeth. When this happens, teeth become loose and may fall out. In addition, gum disease has been linked to heart disease and strokes.

It’s never too late to develop better oral hygiene habits. If the symptoms of gum disease are present, take charge and take control of it before the disease is able to progress.

If you are interested in dentistry, contact Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Gum Disease and Tooth Loss Linked to Breast Cancer

By AustinDentalSpa on May 16, 2011

Posted in gum disease

Knowing that over 75% of the general population has early stage gum disease (gingivitis) or more advanced gum disease (periodontal disease), suggests that so many women are not only at risk for tooth loss but now at risk for breast cancer as well following results of  The Karolinska Institute in Sweden’s study.  Recently announced, this institute’s study results demonstrate that women with missing teeth and gum disease were eleven times more likely to develop breast cancer. Of more than 3,000 participants in the study, forty one developed breast cancer.  Though more studies are required to conclusively link breast cancer to missing teeth and gum disease, the study results give women another reason to take advantage of breast cancer screening and dental treatment.

Breast cancer was conclusively noted to be on the rise following the results of Women’s Study in the U.S, which demonstrated a clear link between breast cancer and hormone replacement therapy. So, there is more than one link to breast cancer. Yet, early detection significantly reduces the risk of invasive treatment and potential loss of life. The mammogram is a simple test that every women should have, as recommended by their doctor.  The MRI is another simple test for women with silicone breast implants to screen or breast cancer.

There are also ways to screen for gum disease and early intervention offers a means to prevent the possibility of more invasive treatment and tooth loos. In fact, biofilm treatment has recently been introduced to fight off unhealthy bacteria in the mouth that triggers gum disease and a host of other oral conditions. So, see you dentist as well!

If you are interested in general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist, for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Stem Cells May Solve Gum Disease Tooth Loss or Trauma Tooth Loss

By AustinDentalSpa on May 14, 2011

Posted in cosmetic dentistry, gum disease, Restorative Dentistry

Stem cell treatment may be new up and coming method for treating problems associated with gum disease. With only a quarter of the population that is free of some stage in gum disease, the idea that stem cells may treat the consequence of tooth loss due to gum disease is quite promising. Traditionally, there is no cure for gum disease. It is a condition that must be managed to prevent the progression that would otherwise lead to tooth loss.

Some dentists use bio films treatments to limit unhealthy biofilm layers of bacteria that cause gum disease. Bio film treatment is both preventative to forgo progression and a form of treatment to best to manage periodontal disease.  he traditional method to treat  the precursor to gum disease is root planing and scaling, as well as, professional dental cleanings more often than the norm. For later stages of gum disease, laser treatment or periodontal surgery may be an option to limit progression.

Recently, the results of stem cell research were published in the journal Tissue Engineering. Apparently, UIC’s Brodie Laboratory for Craniofacial Genetics researchers obtained a grant from the National Institutes of Health to extract periodontal molar ligaments from mice to prepare them with stem cell treatment. Once the teeth were replaced in the mice’s mouths, the stem cells triggered new fibrous attachments that firmly anchored the replaced to the bone. These newly formed ligaments were comprised of all the essentials to complete the anchor.   The combination of a natural tooth structure and periodontal progenitor cells was successful!  The results of the study suggest that a revolutionary method for treating tooth loos may soon be available.

Typically, the procedure to follow when a tooth is lost due to trauma is to replace the tooth into your mouth, holding it firmly in place for a few minutes. At times, this may work. Other times, the tooth may not be able to anchor or may be loose.

In the end, it’s important to see your dentist fi you’ve lost a tooth as soon as possible. Replacing your teeth with a dental implants, bridge or dentures will prevent your teeth from moving and help to reduce the risk of oral conditions.

If you are interested in general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist, for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Tooth Loss Related to Dementia

By AustinDentalSpa on May 4, 2011

Posted in gum disease, Oral Conditions, oral health

Tooth loss linked to dementia was the end result of a British Dental Health Foundation study involving over 4200 participants. Indeed, those participants who have lost teeth were at an increased risk of early stage dementia.  All participants were over 65 years of age and had undergone a dental evaluation and the psychological assessment used to determine dementia. In fact, the majority of participants who had tooth loss and dementia revealed that they rarely went to a dentist for professional dental cleanings and, in several cases they did not visit a dentist at all. Learn more about oral health!

Researchers contend that gum infections which can lead to tooth loss, can release inflammatory agents that can create brain inflammation which causes neuron death and consequential, memory loss. It is already known that the loss of sensory receptors linked to tooth loss also relates to the death of certain neurons in the brain. Gum infections are only one of the systematic illnesses that are linked to dementia. By the same token, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss.

So, it’s best to follow a healthy oral health routine to reduce your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and dementia. This includes: brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes to remove plaque, dental flossing at least once a day, and semi- annual dental check-ups with professional dental cleaning. These check-ups may be required to occur more often if you have signs of gum disease.  Additional types of treatment may also be required, such as, root planning and scaling if you have gingivitis, the precursor for gum disease. Certain dentists offer biofilm treatment to reduce bacterial pathogens in the oral cavity.

Heart disease, strokes, diabetes, lung disease and low birth weight babies have also been linked to poor oral health. So, there are many reasons to preserve your oral health today! People with gum disease in Austin can benefit from Dr. Sweeney’s advanced treatments!

If you are interested in general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist, for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Gum Disease Linked to Lung Disease

By AustinDentalSpa on May 3, 2011

Posted in gum disease

Gum disease affects as many as 75% of the population in some form.  In the earliest phase, gingivitis signified by gum inflammation and bleeding gums can be managed with the proper protocol from your dentist. When left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a dental infection, receding gums and tooth loss. Gum disease has also been linked to a variety of medical conditions. Most recently, study results published in the Journal of Periodontology  demonstrate that gum disease increases the risk for respiratory infections, such as, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and pneumonia. So if you were interested in Austin cosmetic dentistry, you’ll also want to protect your general oral health.

The study involved 200 participants ranging in age from 20 to 60. Fifty percent had been hospitalized for pneumonia, COPD, or acute bronchitis- all leading life threatening diseases. The rest of the participants were healthy. The study researchers evaluated the participants’ oral health and screened the participants for periodontal disease. The researchers identified that the people who had respiratory distress had poor periodontal status when compared to the participants who did not have respiratory distress. The research has suggested that since these lung diseases are caused by infections that pass through the throat, oral bacteria associated with gum disease can be a trigger for lung disease. Researchers did note that further research must be performed in order to conclusively link respiratory disease to periodontal disease.

Treatment for gum disease is crucial to cease the progression of the disease. Early treatment includes professional dental cleanings, as well as, root planing and scaling which may be required to be performed every three months throughout each year. One of the latest treatments for the management of gum disease is bio film treatment. Bio film treatment is a painless solution that can be applied to the teeth on a regular basis to fend off harmful pathogens that are responsible for gum disease and its progression. Dr. Mark Sweeney is one of a select number of dentists who is certified in bio-film treatment.

If you are interested in general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist, for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Pregnancy and Oral Health

By AustinDentalSpa on May 2, 2011

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

This is an alert for pregnant women who are at an increased risk for developing gingivitis(periodontal disease), pregnancy tumors, and mild to severe gingival enlargement, according to a recent report published in General Dentistry, a peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry.

In the olden days, pregnant women were not likely to go the dentist. There were concerns about the safety of dental procedures during pregnancy. However, today there has been more awareness created about the importance of oral health and the true safety of dental procedures during pregnancy. For example, if oral conditions are not treated during pregnancy, they can progress over time. So, let’s review some of the common oral health issues and the solutions for women who are pregnant.

Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the precursor for periodontal disease. Pregnant women are likely to experience some of the first signs of gingivitis, including: gum redness, inflammation, bleeding during brushing, and tooth movement. Fortunately, proper oral hygiene, such as, brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing between your teeth, as well as, visiting your dentist for a professional dental cleaning will usually allow for resolution of the gingivitis within three to six months after you have your baby. Nip gum disease before it progresses!

Pregnancy Oral Tumors: Occurring in roughly 10% of pregnant women, painless red or purple benign tumors appear during pregnancy, but go away following delivery.  If these tumors become painful, bleed excessively or interfere with eating, dentists can remove them easily.

Gingival Enlargement: Enlarged gums are another condition that a very small number of pregnant women contend with.  In this case, excessive gums can be trimmed away in a virtually painless way with a laser.

If you are interested in general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist, for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Osteoporosis Drug May Help Dental Implant and Gum Disease Patients!

By AustinDentalSpa on December 2, 2010

Posted in cosmetic dentistry, Dentistry FAQ's, gum disease

Forteo, also known under the generic name teriparatide, is marketed by Eli Lilly to re-grow bone in osteoporosis patients. In fact, it is the only FDA approved drug of its type. Soon, however, the FDA may approve Forteo for the treatment of bone loss in gum disease patients.

People who have gum disease are known to experience bone loss around the affected gums in the mid to late stage of periodontal disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and has been linked to other medical conditions. Tooth loss can inhibit daily life as well, by affecting speech and the ability to eat properly. Many people with gum disease who have missing teeth seek out dental implants, which are tooth replacements that require adequate bone structure in order to be a candidate for treatment.

To date, it has been extremely difficult to re-grow bone that is lost due to periodontal disease. Instead, preventative measures have been the best way to manage periodontal disease and consequently, prevent bone loss. These preventive measures include root planning and scaling which is a deep cleaning of the teeth and surrounding gum tissue. Biofilm treatment is also performed to thwart off the progression and effects of gum disease. Laser treatment and antibiotics have been administered to prevent the progression of gum disease.  Periodontal surgery helps to manage gum disease at the late stage.

Recently, study results presented by School of Dentistry’s Michigan Center for Oral Health Research show that a new treatment for gum disease may be on the horizon- teriparatide. The results of study were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research and appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers evaluated participants over one year’s time following a six week course of teriparatide injections, calcium and vitamin D supplements. The results demonstrated a twenty-nine percent growth in bone measurements by the end of the year.  A follow up study is planned to identify if bone can re-grow around targeted sites, such as around dental implants.

If you are interested in general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist, for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Austin Cosmetic Dentist Utilizing Latest in Gum Disease Protection

By admin on September 21, 2010

Posted in gum disease, oral health

Gum disease currently affects eight out of ten people; however, symptoms often go unnoticed, leading Surgeon General David Satcher to call it the “silent epidemic.” To ensure his patients win the battle against gum disease, Dr. Sweeney, a dentist in Austin, TX, is using the latest innovation in gum protection: Perio Protect®. In a recent study, this new, minimally invasive method of gum protection was shown to kill virtually all of the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease.

Dr. Sweeney Fights Gum Disease in Austin

Whether protecting his patients with Perio Protect®, or providing restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening in Austin, Dr. Sweeney’s patients will have an advantage in the fight against gum disease, which now afflicts nearly 80% of Americans, with the Perio Protect Method™.

Aloe Vera Assists in Dentistry

By AustinDentalSpa on August 1, 2010

Posted in gum disease, Oral Conditions

Recently, researchers have found that Aloe Vera can be useful for enhancing healing and minimizing pain associated with certain oral conditions. In addition, there are also anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunological benefits offered in Aloe Vera. Here’s a fast recap of the benefits of Aloe Vera used in dentistry.

Gum Abrasions

If you’ve disrupted your gum tissue with a toothbrush abrasion, sharp foods, dental floss, toothpicks or periodontal surgery, the application of Aloe Vera directly to the affected site can reduce pain and speed up healing.

Chemical Burns

For people who have chemical burns such as those that may occur because of aspirin, the application of Aloe Vera to the affected area can be appealing as an anti-inflammatory agent, pain reliever and healing remedy.

Tooth Extractions

If you have had a tooth extraction, treated sites respond with greater ease and there is a reduced risk of dry sockets when Aloe Vera is applied to the affected area.

Acute Mouth Lesions

If you suffer from viral lesions, aphthous ulcers or canker sores, you can experience an improvement in your condition with Aloe Vera treatment.

Cracked Lip Corners

If you have cracked lip corners due to aging or a medical condition, Aloe Vera can be a worthwhile remedy. There may also be other recommendations that your dentist will have for your cracked lip corners. For example, this symptom is linked to dry mouth syndrome. If you have dry mouth syndrome, there are other remedies that can be useful.

Sore Gum Ridges from Dentures

For people who have sore gum ridges from ill fitting dentures, Aloe Vera can help prevent fungus and bacterial contamination as well as reduce inflammation.

Fungal Disorders, Bacterial Infections, Gingivitis, Leukemia, Hematological Disorders

Aloe Vera has been proven to be beneficial for such oral disorders, including gum abscesses , gum disease, and other gum issues associated with AIDS and Leukemia.

Dry Mouth Syndrome

If you suffer from dry mouth, Aloe Vera may be a suggestion from you dentist, along with other tools.

If you are considering Aloe Vera or are concerned about any of the above mentioned conditions, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist at (512) 452-9296 to ensure that Aloe Vera is right for you.