Heart disease and oral health

Coronary heart disease is the single major cause of death, and stroke is number three in the U.S. What does heart disease have to do with your oral health? Plenty! Recent studies have shown that chronic infectious diseases, such as periodontal disease (gum disease) can be a primary factor in heart disease. Chronic infections produce inflammatory proteins, which can damage blood vessel walls. These proteins release plaque, or fatty buildups, into the blood stream potentially forming a clot and increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

The ABCs of preventing heart disease, stroke and heart attacks from the American Heart Association:

Avoid Tobacco. If you smoke, quit. If someone in your household smokes, encourage them to quit. It can be tough, but it’s tougher to recover from a heart attack or stroke or to live with chronic heart disease.

Become More Active. Research has shown getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day on five or more days a week can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and keep your weight at a healthy level. But, something is better than nothing. Start slow. Even 10 minutes at a time may offer some benefits.

Choose Good Nutrition. A healthy diet is one of the best weapons you have against cardiovascular disease. The types of food you eat and the amount can affect controllable risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Your diet should be full of vegetables, fruits, wholegrain and high fiber foods like fish, lean protein and fat free or low-fat dairy products.

For more information, visit www.americanheart.org.

Sources: American Dental Association and the American Heart Association

Children’s dental health

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Start practicing good dental health habits when they are young.  Here are a few tips to keep your child’s smile healthy:

• Avoid giving your child sweetened liquids
• Brush your child’s teeth twice a day and floss once a day
• Make sure your child gets enough fluoride
• Start regular dental visits by age 3
• Ask your dentist for advice on sealants and mouth guards
• Keep your dentist informed of any changes in your child’s health
• Set a good example for your child!

Patients often tell me they have a hard time getting their young children to brush their teeth. It doesn’t have to be a battle each time. Here are some ideas to try with your kids:

• Start young. Toddlers love to imitate their parents. Give them a toothbrush and sit with your child on the bathroom floor so he/she can watch you use a toothbrush and try to copy it.
• Have your child brush the teeth of their stuffed animal or doll.
• Make it fun! Sign a song, read a story, turn it into a game.
• Let your child practice brushing your teeth, while you brush his or hers.
• Have your child pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste at the store.
• Children learn from example. If they see that you are taking good care of your teeth they will want to do the same.

Which is better: a manual toothbrush or an electric one?

Studies have shown both manual and electric toothbrushes to be equally effective (when used correctly) in removing plaque and preventing tartar buildup. My advice is to use whichever toothbrush you find most comfortable and easy to use.

To get proper brushing instructions for a manual toothbrush visit www.adha.org/oralhealth/brushing.htm. See the packaging for your electric toothbrush for usage instructions.

Making plans for 2012

It’s a new year! We are creating budgets, setting goals, and making plans for the year. Be sure to add semiannual dental cleanings to those plans. Regular visits will aid in preventing future dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

Or perhaps schedule that filling or crown you’ve been putting off. Failure to take care of a small filling could turn into something much more serious if ignored for too long.

Five dental resolutions for 2012

As it gets closer to the new year, many of us are making resolutions to exercise, lose weight and get organized.  What about your teeth? Here are a few suggested resolutions to help your smile stay bright and healthy.

1. Brush twice a day and floss daily. Brushing your teeth twice a day fights plaque and decay.  Flossing gets rid of food particles trapped between your teeth and gums that a toothbrush just can’t reach.
2. Use mouthwash. A daily rinse with antiseptic mouthwash will help kill germs and bacteria that you can’t reach with a toothbrush. Mouthwash will also freshen your breath and fight plaque.
3. Drink more water. At least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day is the recommendation. If you are drinking water, you are less likely to drink cola, tea and coffee, which can stain your teeth.
4. Use protective devices. Wear a custom-fitted mouth guard when playing sports (even during practice!) to protect your own or your child’s teeth.
5. Visit your dentist twice a year. Taking care of your teeth at home is just the first step in keeping a bright and healthy smile. Your dentist can diagnose and treat any potential problems before they become big issues.

Stocking suffers and other holiday gift ideas

Here are some gift ideas that are not only fun, but will help protect the smile of a friend or family member:

• Travel size dental floss, mouth rinses, toothpastes, toothbrush and toothbrush holder
• Sugar-free gum
• New toothbrushes (cartoon characters and bright colors are popular for children)
• Timer (for timing brushing)
• Tooth fairy pillow/box
• Whitening strips
• Electric toothbrush
• A gift certificate for professional teeth whitening

Do you have any other ideas?

Are diet pop and sport drinks just as bad for my teeth as regular pop?

Diet pop doesn’t have the high sugar content of regular pop, however, it is high in acid. Acid in pop is the primary cause of weakening tooth enamel. Sports drinks may have less sugar, but they have just as much acid as most soft drinks. Drink water instead of pop and sports drinks. It has no sugar, no acid and no calories.

Surviving the holidays without cavities

The holidays are just around the corner, which means Thanksgiving and holiday parties full of sugary treats and candy. Try to avoid the sticky, chewy, hard and crunchy treats. Soft and sticky candies stick to the teeth, giving the decay-causing bacteria time to decay your teeth. Hard candies dissolve slowly in your mouth, coating your teeth with sugar for a long period of time. They can also chip your teeth and cause choking in younger children. Instead of sweets, donate fruit, cheese and crackers, veggies and dip, or bottled water (with fluoride) for your child’s class party. Drinking water after eating sugary sweets will help rinse sugar away.

The Michigan Dental Association offers the following healthy tips:

• Serve a balanced meal before the festivities begin, so children won’t be tempted to fill up on candy before they get home.
• Offer the holiday candy as a substitute for dessert after lunch and dinner, or a few pieces along with a healthy snack.
• Mix in healthy snacks along with candy, like vegetables, yogurt or milk, which is good for dunking cookies and washing down sweets.
• Model healthy habits to your children by practicing restraint when dipping into the candy jar yourself.
• Remember that dessert can be part of a healthy diet. Moderation is the key.
• Make sure your children brush and floss their teeth after enjoying holiday treats.

Time is running out!

Many people save up their dental benefits until the end of the year and never use them. Don’t let this happen to you … there’s still plenty of time to have some of those fillings and crowns replaced. Maximize your 2011 dental benefits before they’re gone! Call my office today, 586-992-9222.

Dealing with diabetes

In support of Diabetes Awareness Month, November 2011, I’ve compiled information on diabetes and your oral health.

If you have diabetes, you need to care for your teeth and gums just as carefully as you care for the rest of your body. Diabetes patients are twice as likely to develop gum disease and the infection will most likely be more severe than patients without diabetes.

Oral health problems associated with diabetes:

• Tooth decay
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Decreased salivary gland function
• Fungal infections
• Inflammatory skin disease
• Infection and delayed healing
• Taste impairment

Helpful tips for keeping your gums and mouth healthy:

• See your dentist regularly
• Schedule appointments during the morning hours, when your blood glucose levels are most likely to be under control
• Eat and take your medications as usual before your appointment
• If your blood sugar is not under control, talk to your dentist before receiving dental care
• Keep your dentist informed about your current health status
• Brush and floss regularly
• To keep teeth and gums strong, watch your blood sugar levels in addition to checking triglycerides and cholesterol levels regularly. These may have a direct correlation on your chances of developing gum disease.

Sources: American Dental Association and Michigan Dental Association