Tooth Scaling Lowers Risk for Heart and Stroke?

By AustinDentalSpa on January 12, 2012

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

Professional dental cleanings may include tooth scaling, particularly when gingivitis has been diagnosed (the precursor to gum disease). Since 75% of the population has gingivitis, it is vital to have a professional exam, dental cleaning and possibly scaling when necessary, particularly following the results of a recent study.

Study results presented at the Scientific Session 2011 for the American Heart Association demonstrated that over 50,000 people who received professional cleaning with tooth scaling were nearly 25% less likely to have a heart attack and nearly 15% less likely to have a stroke over a seven year time period.

None of the participants had a history of heart attack or stroke at the beginning of the study. The lead presenter of the information remarked that professional tooth scaling appears to reduce inflammation-causing bacterial growth that can lead to heart disease or stroke. In addition, the type of periodontal disease predicts degree of risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Other study results have supported this evidence. For example, there was a study involving nearly 8, 000 people who have periodontal disease. The results demonstrated that nearly 70% of those with fewer than 21 teeth had an increased risk for heart attack.

There is nothing that can replace the value of a professional dental cleaning when it comes to oral health. Professional dental cleanings prevent the need for more invasive dental treatment, reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth loss,  and may reduce the risk for certain diseases.  Both adults and children should have a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year and more often when prescribed. For example, people with gum disease may be advised to undergo a dental cleaning every three months.

In the end, it’s important to follow up on your dentist’s advice. Just think you may be lowering your risk for heart attack and stroke.

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

Attn. People with Mental Illness: Reduce your Risk for Tooth Loss

By AustinDentalSpa on November 20, 2011

Posted in Oral Conditions

Tooth loss has been an area of concern in dentistry for quite sometime. The good news is that there has been funding for studies to support oral health. Recently, he British Journal of Psychiatry recently published a report by researchers at the University of Queensland that demonstrated the increased risk for tooth loss among people with mental illness. The findings suggest that people with mental illness are three times more likely to have poor oral health when compared to people without mental illness. The report complied research from 14 studies involving over 2700 people with mental illness to note that they were 3.4 more likely to have lost all their teeth and 6 times more likely to have decayed, filled or missing teeth. The reasons for this may be numerous.

People with mental illness may be more likely to be on medication that causes dry mouth syndrome. Dry mouth syndrome is depicted by limited saliva flow. Adequate saliva flow has a deep cleaning effect on the teeth to fight off harmful bacteria and prevent the eruption of acid that produces tooth decay. In this case, people with mental illness can check their medication package inserts to see if the medication is identified to pose a risk for dry mouth syndrome. They may also visit their dentist for their professional recommendation.  The dentist may suggest a fluoride rinse or gel, moisturizing spray or other ways to compensate for dry mouth syndrome.

People with schizophrenia, dementia, bipolar disorder or other affective disorders may also be more likely to be in a low social economic income level or homeless when compared to people without mental illness, making oral health care limited or impossible from a financial prospective. Several interested parties in the dental community are working towards improving access to dental care for people with mental illness.

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

Your Child’s Ammunition against Tooth Decay

By AustinDentalSpa on November 16, 2011

Posted in Oral Conditions

Dental hygiene must begin at home as soon as the first tooth erupts to reduce risks of tooth decay and other long term dental issues. In the beginning, you can wipe your baby’s teeth with a dental cot to remove excess debris and keep your baby’s mouth clean.  Secondly, your child should see a dentist within 6 months after the first tooth erupts or by one year old. There are also several other ways that your child’s teeth can be protected for optimal oral health.

• Fluoride Toothpaste may be purchased over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. It’s also wise to ask your dentist about any additional fluoride that your child might need.
• Water fluoridation may be offered in your local area water supply. Again, your dentist will know if your child will require additional fluoride.
• Your dentist will typically suggest dental sealants at the appropriate age. Dental sealants resemble a clear varnish that can be applied to teeth to protect the teeth from foods that trigger acid. Sealants are particularly beneficial for teeth with deep grooves or crevices that are at greater risk of tooth decay.
• Proper diet filled with lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and water consumption plays a role in your child’s oral health.

Recently, the American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs published recommendations that sugar-free chewing gum, lozenges and hard candy that contain xylitol may prevent cavities when used in conjunction with traditional approaches for cavity prevention. Use of these treats may be particularly beneficial for people at high risk of cavities.  It has been recommended that children over 5 years of age who have been identified at high risk should chew sugar free gum containing xylitol for up to 20 minutes after meals to prevent tooth decay.

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

Foods that Combat Tooth Decay and Ones to Stay Away From

By AustinDentalSpa on November 14, 2011

Posted in Oral Conditions, oral health

Tooth decay has been drastically reduced in recent years. Yet, it’s still important to be mindful that dental plaque is the top culprit that is a leading cause of tooth decay. Dental plaque forms very quickly in your mouth and releases acid that penetrates tooth enamel. When not properly addressed in a timely fashion, dental plaque can form calculus, tartar and tooth decay. This is one reason why it is important to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, floss once a day and use mouthwash at bedtime.   In addition, there are some foods that can support your goals to fend off dental plaque.

• Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables offer deep cleaning for your teeth and may remove debris caught between your teeth.
• Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, and other dairy products stimulate saliva flow and help strengthen weakened teeth.
• Tea, both green tea and black tea, help prevent unhealthy bacteria from growing and producing acid that is responsible for tooth decay.
• Licorice has been identified to limit the growth of the bacteria Streptococcus mutans which is a big contributor to dental plaque.

Stay Away Foods

• Candy, especially ones that remain in your mouth a long time, can adhere to your teeth because they are sugary and sticky. When candy remains on your teeth, sugar contents have time to churn out acid that is the cause for tooth decay. If you must have candy, try those that do not remain in the mouth long and brush your teeth afterwards.
• Breads and potato chips, including other complex carbohydrates, trigger bacteria to feed on the carbs. Too, complex carbohydrates are more likely than fruits and vegetables to get caught between your teeth, making those areas prone to cavities. Don’t forget to floss at least once a day to remove debris.
• Carbonated soft drinks and energy drinks contain tooth eroding phosphoric and citric acids that may lead to tooth decay. It’s best to use a straw when drinking these drinks and limit use as much as possible.
• Alcohol and certain medications dry out your mouth which inhibits saliva flow’s special deep cleaning action that would otherwise protect your teeth. If you must take this type of medication, ask your dentist about a prescription fluoride toothpaste, rinse or gel. You may also want to consider dry mouth sprays which are sold over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. Drink plenty of water as well.

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

Oral Bacteria and Heart Disease

By AustinDentalSpa on November 12, 2011

Posted in Oral Conditions, oral health

Oral health is a top priority for many Americans today. Oral bacteria is linked to heart disease and researchers have discovered more about this link recently. In the June issue of Infection and Immunity, a report published by microbiologists at the University of Rochester Medical Center demonstrated the means in which bacteria known as Streptococcus mutans is used to spread to the heart, causing a sometimes deadly infection called endocarditis. It is a protein that has been surmised to be responsible transporting Streptococcus mutans to the heart. Endocarditis is characterized by inflammation of heart valves, typically due to Streptococcus mutans infection.

The Streptococcus mutans bacterium has long been known to cause cavities.  It is this bacterium, found in dental plaque, which produces the acid that penetrates tooth enamel and creates tooth decay.  In many cases, the bacterium enters the bloodstream where it is typically abolished by the immune system. In other cases, the immune system does not destroy the bacterium and it colonizes in the heart’s tissue and valves causing endocarditis.  The results of this study offers hope for the development of a screening process that may one day be developed to identify people at risk of developing endocarditis.

For now, we know that the best way to reduce the risk of endocarditis is through proper oral hygiene. This includes brushing for two minutes in a small circular motion and along the gum line twice a day, flossing once a day, using a mouthwash at bedtime, as well as, limiting and using a straw for soft drinks. People prone to excessive plaque build-up may require additional professional dental cleanings throughout the year. People with gingivitis or gum disease may require root planing and scaling, as well as, bio film treatments available at Dr. Mark Sweeney’s office. Bio film treatment is focused on maintaining a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in the oral cavity to prevent the progression of gum disease.  There are more advanced therapies available   for moderate to late stage gum disease.

If you are interested in dentistry, contact Austin dentist Dr. Mark Sweeney 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.

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.

Thinking Your Dental Pain Will Go Away?

By AustinDentalSpa on March 9, 2011

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, Oral Conditions

Just a little toothache that is intermittently bothersome? Two days of throbbing pain and patiently waiting for the next day when you suspect the pain will subside?  Bleeding gums when brushing which seems like a momentary inconvenience?  Have pain that only wakes you up briefly at night? Contending with sensitivity when brushing? These are some of the questions that may allow you to brush off your dental pain.  In truth, the first question to ask yourself when you have dental pain is “where is my dentist?”

Dental pain is not usually the type of pain that will ever go way without treatment. Most of the time, dental pain can be avoided by going to your dentist regularly and maintaining your oral hygiene. When this is not the case, a host of issues can arise. Small chips, gaps and cracks can be troublesome. Decay on your teeth and at the gum line may occur. Unhealthy habits, such as tooth grinding, can play havoc on your teeth. From time to time, adjustments to your tooth restorations and your bite may need to be made with the help of your dentist.   So, let’s check out the two factors that tend to hold people back from visiting their dentist and explore the ways to solve those problems.

Money

People no longer have to let finances prevent them from getting the dental treatment they need, when they need it. Most dental practices work with dental finance companies who serve people of all levels of credit worthiness. In fact, some programs offer better rates than credit card companies.

Dental Phobia

Dental phobia does not have to be an issue for people who need dental work. Sedation dentistry that is available today takes the fear and anxiety out of dentistry, while providing virtually pain free relaxation for dental treatments.

No, dental issues do not go away by themselves. But dental financing and sedation dentistry have come to the forefront to alleviate the strains associated with managing dental pain.

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.

A Funny Taste in Your Mouth?

By AustinDentalSpa on December 22, 2010

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, Oral Conditions

That funny taste in your mouth can be quite disconcerting. A funny taste may be there consistently or may come and go at different times. You may notice it when you exhale. You may only notice it when you slide your tongue across your teeth or on the inside of your mouth. Your partner may notice it during an up close moment. At first, you may think it is bad breath because it’s odorous.  But then, you realize the funny taste may be something else…

Food Debris: Food debris that is lodged between or on top of your teeth can create a funny taste in your mouth. This is particularly true for difficult to clean teeth, such as, the back molar teeth. So, try using a small head tooth brush for the hard to reach areas and don’t forgo dental flossing in between your back teeth just because the back of the mouth is less accessible. You may also try warm saline mouth rinses or a non-alcohol based, microbial mouth wash as well.

Spicy Foods: Some foods can trigger a funny taste in your mouth for hours, such as garlic. To remedy this situation, check into Altoids or other bad breath remedies.

Tooth Infection: Sometimes, tooth infections can drain from your tooth, making your mouth taste foul. A simple visit to a dentist for antibiotic treatment and follow up for a possible root canal can be all that you’ll need to take care of this funny smell and to protect your oral health.

Sinus Infection: In some cases, fluid from a sinus infection can travel from the sinuses to the back of your throat, creating a mouth that is not tasteful. Antibiotic treatment and sometimes nasal sprays can take away such funny tastes.

Metal Dental Fillings: Silver amalgam dental fillings can give you a funny metal like taste in your mouth. The good news is that old silver amalgam dental fillings can be replaced with tooth colored composite fillings that can be covered by your insurance at the rate of an amalgam, making your out-of-pocket expense approximately, $30-50.00.

Gum Disease: Gum disease is also linked to an odorous taste in the mouth. Gum disease is a progressive condition, but can be managed to refresh your mouth and prevent tooth loss through several remedies. First, plaque removal, root planning and scaling can be performed by your dentist. Biofilm treatment can be performed at home for ongoing management of the bacteria pathogens that contribute to gum disease. This treatment contains a neutralizing agent to thwart off foul tastes and gum disease.

Dry Mouth Syndrome Prevention: If you feel you have a dry mouth , 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.

Medical Conditions, Metabolic Changes and Hormonal Disorders: These conditions can play a role in funny tastes of your mouth.

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.

Taking the Sizzle Out of Burning Mouth Sensations

By AustinDentalSpa on August 26, 2010

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, Oral Conditions

Burning mouth syndrome affects hundreds of people every year. Though women are affected seven times more often than men, men are not immune to burning mouth syndrome. Even though those over 40 are more likely to acquire burning mouth syndrome, those in their 20’s may also acquire the condition.

The symptoms can be alarming because it can be complex to define and it can be chronic. So, this oral health condition can have an impact on your social and professional life. There are numerous areas of the mouth that can experience the painful burning sensations associated with this condition, including:

1. • Tongue
   • Lips
   • Palate (roof of the mouth)
   • Gums
   • Inside of the Cheeks
   • Back of the Mouth
   • Throat
   • Dry Lips
   • Sore mouth or lips
   • Dry Mouth
   • Tongue ling or numbness on the tip of the tongue or in the mouth and bitter or metallic changes in taste.

The condition is also termed other names, including:

• Burning Tongue Syndrome
• Burning Lips Syndrome
• Glossodynia
• Stomatodynia
• Scalded mouth syndrome

Remedies

Now, let’s get right down to the remedies. Your dentist’s recommendation is the first place to start. Yet, there are some self help remedies available to reduce burning sensation in your mouth and surrounding area including:

• Use alcohol free mouthwash
• Refrain from toothpaste comprised of an active ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate.
• Chew sweetened, sugarless gum containing xylitol.
• Refrain from burning sensation stimulation found in alcoholic beverages
• Try baking soda and water for your toothpaste.

• Refrain from highly acidic drinks, such as juices, coffee, and soda pop.

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.