The Link Between Oral and Heart Health

The spread of bacteria and other germs is what makes poor oral health a contributing factor to heart problems. It is estimated that there are between 500 to 650 different bacterial species in the oral cavity. These bacteria are kept under control by the body’s natural defense system and good oral health. However, with a lack of proper oral care, they can potentially lead to oral infections, which can in turn spread to other parts of your body through your bloodstream.

A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) showed that poor oral health can result in infective endocarditis, which is an infection of the inner lining of the heart. This happens when germs and bacteria from the mouth spread through the bloodstream and attach themselves to damaged areas of the heart.

Additionally, a scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) mentioned that the link between inflammations caused by oral bacteria and atherosclerosis or clogged arteries may lead to stroke. Here are some tips on maintaining oral health during your senior years.

Teeth Cleaning

It is recommended that you use a soft bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss to clean between your teeth at least once a day. This is really important because it helps prevent the formation of plaque.

Denture Cleaning

Denture wearers should clean their dentures daily using cleaning products specifically made for it. Dentures should also be taken out of the mouth for at least four hours every day to help maintain healthy gums.

Visit the Dentist

A regular dental checkup supports the daily cleaning efforts made at home. It also helps in recognizing early signs of gum disease and tooth decay early.

Diet and Lifestyle

Everything that comes into the mouth affect oral hygiene. A healthy diet including fruits and vegetables is recommended to help the teeth and gums stay in good shape. Smoking is generally not good for your health, and it is known to increase the risk of heart disease in seniors. As such, it is recommended that you quit the habit entirely.

A great smile does not only reflect the beauty and confidence of a person; it can also lower your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other diseases. Seniors should take extra measures to keep their oral health in good condition.

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They Have Lots of Experience

Dentists who give back to their community work with people from all over the world and even those right in your neighborhood that are in need of dental care. They work with individuals who have experienced trauma or cannot afford an office visit. Many times dentists or the American Dental Association will offer free dental clinics to patients who are experiencing a disability, victims of domestic violence, military veterans, children without dental insurance, and even seniors.

If your dentist is invested in the community in this way, this means they have experience with people from all different backgrounds and have seen it all. This makes them a more experienced, compassionate dentist to serve you and your family!

Dental Care with Compassion

Oftentimes dentists will even participate in travel dentistry in which they travel to third world countries to provide free dental care to the people there. They’re compassionate and they have seen many different types of dental issues. They understand that you’re self-conscious about your smile or that you may not be able to afford the office visit.

These compassionate professionals understand dental anxiety; they know what you’ve been through to come to their door. These dentists are compassionate and caring when delivering the best of dental care to you and your family.

Work with You

Dentists who give back to the community are often friendly and willing to work with you when it comes to payment and getting you the dental care that you need for a beautiful smile. Many times free or discounted dental clinics will provide professional care to children and families in need. These dentists are more willing to be flexible with patients because they understand the struggles that communities like theirs face daily and want to provide professional oral health care and cancer screenings to the community!

They Care!

These dentists care about their communities and the world they live in. A dentist who gives back to his or her community is invested in the area and shows through their practice and care that they want to help provide dental care to everyone, not just to those who can afford it!

Finding a dentist who cares and gives back to their community is essential in your search for a dentist. These dentists also tend to be very understanding of dental phobia and dental anxiety and are gentle and compassionate when providing care to you. Find a dentist who gives back to their community in your area!

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Use the Proper Amount of Floss

The American Dental Association recommends using about 18 inches of floss (http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/Files/watch_materials_floss.ashx). This way you have a clean section of floss to go in between every tooth in your mouth. Many people use much shorter floss amounts and end up cleaning their teeth with dirty sections of floss. Although less is usually more, this is not true for floss—use the proper amount so that you’re cleaning the food and plaque out of your teeth, not introducing it back in!

Go under the Gum Line

When flossing, you want to be sure to go gently under the gum line, which is where many hidden food particles tend to hide. The key here is being gentle. If you haven’t flossed in quite some time, your gums may bleed a little. This generally isn’t cause for concern, although you should discuss it during your next dental check up. Gently go underneath the gum line on each side of each tooth. This will take some time to do and to get used to, but soon the habit will stick and your gums will be healthy!

Move Floss Up and Down, not Side to Side

This is a common mistake that many people make while flossing. After you gently wedge the floss in between your teeth, your goal is to move the floss up and down on each side of each tooth, not just rock the floss back and forth at the base of your teeth. This task isn’t difficult but can take some time to develop a habit out of, especially if you’ve been flossing side to side for a long time. Remember to go up and down instead!

Use the Kind That’s Best for You

There are many different types of floss out there and many different flossing tools. The type you use may vary depending on your smile. You can always ask your oral health care professional what type would be best for you to use. If your teeth have more space in between, consider a wider floss such as dental tape. If your teeth fit very tight together, traditional floss will work better.

Be Gentle

No matter where, when, or how you floss, remember to be gentle. The same goes for brushing, but when it comes to your gums, sensitivity is even more important. Gently floss, gently brush, and enjoy clean teeth and impress your dentist during your next checkup!

By incorporating these simple flossing tips into your oral care routine, flossing will be more beneficial to you than ever. Go up and down, under the gum line, and use clean floss every time. Floss at least once a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy!

Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Fights Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Mouthwash can actually help combat the bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. This is most effective when used after your tooth decay or gum disease has already been diagnosed and treated. However, if you’re looking to prevent these adverse oral health problems, then mouthwash is your new best friend! It helps to prevent the buildup of plaque, reduce bad bacteria in the mouth, and can even help reduce the likelihood that you’ll get cavities. Used either before or after brushing, regular mouthwash use (but not overuse) can help you fight early symptoms of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

Helps Bad Breath and Can Help Remove Stuck Food

Perhaps one of the most popular features of mouthwash is that it helps reduce bad breath and can help your mouth feel minty and fresh. It’s important to remember, however, that mouthwash doesn’t cure the underlying cause of your bad breath. Many times, problems such as tooth decay or gum disease can cause bad breath. Although mouthwash may help alleviate your symptoms, your bad breath won’t go away until the root cause of the problem is treated, so see your dentist! Mouthwash can also function as a floss for when you don’t have access to floss or don’t have time to. It can help remove unseen food particles from between your teeth and therefore help prevent cavities!

Which Kind Is Best and How to Use

What kind of mouthwash you choose to use depends on you and your unique oral needs. For instance, mouthwashes with fluoride help prevent tooth decay and cavities, so if you’re worried about your kids getting cavities, you may want to choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride. Antiseptic mouthwashes such as those with alcohol can help fight bacteria and prevent gum disease and bad breath. Even salt water rinses or homemade mouthwash can help with problems such as canker sores. It’s important to talk with your dentist about which mouthwash would be best for you. People with sensitive teeth might not do well with the harsher antiseptic mouthwashes, but might feel more comfortable with a fluoride rinse. Your dentist can help you choose!

Mouthwash is an important part of your oral care routine that shouldn’t be overlooked! By helping to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, and bad breath, the benefits of using a quality mouthwash are numerous. Remember that using mouthwash works to supplement your brushing and flossing routine—not to replace it. Talk with your dentist about which mouthwash would be a good fit for you!

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By age 6, it is possible to tell if there is a discrepancy between the way the upper and lower parts of the jaw are developing. By age 8, the permanent front teeth are in, and crowding can be detected. These are all signs that phase one prep work will be of benefit.

How the First Phase Provides Benefits

The first phase sets your child’s jaw and teeth up to be as straight as possible and to accept braces later if needed. This prevents more drastic measures from being necessary later on. For example, some teens have to have permanent teeth in the back of the mouth removed to make room for getting rid of an overbite. Prepping the mouth ahead of time by controlling the way the jaw and teeth grow can have a tremendous effect on the result. This is due to there being room to correct an overbite without losing permanent teeth. Why choose between your child having straight teeth and having all of his or her teeth? Also, a jaw that develops incorrectly can require surgery to correct later on. Treating the condition as the jaw grows can avoid such a future event.

How the Proper Results Are Attained

Once the first phase is complete, it still takes time to see the results. The rest of the permanent teeth grow in, and the jaw develops fully. Sometimes the eruption of permanent teeth is obstructed by primary teeth. These “baby teeth” can be removed at the appropriate time to ensure that permanent teeth grow in easily and as straight as possible.

The Second Phase: Achieving the Desired Result

Now braces are used, if necessary, to align the teeth perfectly. A retainer can be developed to ensure that teeth remain in a straight position. The result is a smile that has been crafted from childhood to adulthood. A smile that will serve your child well throughout his or her adult years.

From never being ashamed to smile for the camera to making a good first impression on an interview, we can’t underestimate the benefits of a perfect smile. Two-phase orthodontic treatment removes the element of chance and produces a picture perfect smile.

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Tobacco use is one of the primary things that increases the risk of oral cancer. In fact, the risk increases the longer a person has used tobacco produces and directly correlates to how heavily tobacco is used.Both smoking and chewing put a person at risk.

Heavy alcohol drinking also increases risk. In fact, the combination of heavy tobacco and alcohol use can double a person’s odds of getting oral cancer.

The Effects of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a sexually transmitted disease that is primarily associated with cervical cancer in women. However, researchers have linked HPV with an increased risk of oral cancers as well. HPV is the most common STD, and individuals infected with it often get it again. Cancer risk increases with the number of times that a person is infected with the disease.

The Role of Age and Gender

Men are twice as likely to experience oral cancer as women are. This is primarily attributed to lifestyle since men are more likely to be heavy habitual smokers or drinkers.

Age is also a factor when it comes to oral cancer. The average age at which this health condition is diagnosed is 62. About 2/3 of people with oral cancer are over the age of 55

Decreasing Oral Cancer Risk

While there are a few risk factors that cannot be controlled, such as several rare genetic factors, the majority of behaviors that contribute to oral cancer are lifestyle choices. Tobacco use is the main factor, but quitting now can stop your odds from continuing to increase.

The same holds true of heavy drinking and risky sexual practices. In each case, the risk of cancer is increased by frequency. If a person were to quit smoking and drinking (or at least only drink in moderation) and practice safe sex, he or she would be able to stop their odds of being diagnosed with oral cancer from continuing to increase.

The longer these practices are continued, the greater the risk, so taking positive action today is the best way to save your mouth in the future. Don’t forget to keep your regular dental appointments as early detection is the key to successful treatment of oral cancer.

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How Does a Cavity Form?

Cavities are formed by tooth decay over a period of time. Decay is caused by bacteria and acidic conditions that allow bacteria to thrive. When we brush and floss, we remove much of the harmful bacteria. That’s why proper care on a daily basis is vital for cavity prevention.

Sugary foods, sodas, and other highly acidic foods and beverages speed up the growth of bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria results in plaque and eventually tartar. The bacteria destroy the minerals that make up tooth enamel, the protective layer on the outside of a tooth. A cavity occurs when enamel has been worn away to the point that the tooth is permanently pitted.

What Can Happen if I Don’t Get It Filled?

Unfortunately, once a cavity forms, you can’t reverse the damage simply by brushing and flossing.

Eventually, the tooth will continue to decay. With the protective enamel gone, infection can set in. Once this infection reaches the roots of the tooth, a root canal will be necessary to remove the infected part of the root and avoid tooth death or loss.

Ultimately, filling cavities save time, money, and pain. No one wants to have to go to the dentist multiple times to have an expensive procedure like a root canal followed by having to get a crown to protect the tooth. Instead, it is a far easier procedure to get the cavity filled.

Why Some Avoid Filling Cavities

There are usually two main reasons: expense and fear. If you have insurance, even state-issued insurance, cavities should be covered. At most, you will have a small copay. Root canals and crowns are rarely covered by insurance, so getting cavities filled is the smart option.

Don’t let fear keep you out of the dentist’s chair. Getting a cavity filled is a simple and virtually painless procedure due to modern medicine and numbing procedures. Ask your dentist what options are available to make you more comfortable during your visit.

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Cracked or Chipped Teeth

No matter what part of your mouth is pierced, you’ll likely be fitted by your piercer with metal jewelry to hold the hole that the needle has made. This metal jewelry has the potential to cause damage by repeating hitting against your teeth. This can chip or crack your teeth, which will require treatment. Chipped teeth can be unsightly and cause problems with biting or chewing and may need a dental crown or other cosmetic dentistry done. Cracked teeth can be very painful as they expose nerves, which regulate your feeling of hot and cold in the mouth. You may have extreme sensitivity to hot and cold with your damaged nerves, and over time your teeth may suffer further damage from root exposure that cannot be reversed.

Gum Disease

When you first get pierced, your piercer will likely put a longer piece of jewelry in your mouth—especially the tongue—to accommodate the swelling that will occur as your piercing is trying to heal. These tongue barbells are ¾ inches in length. At this length, your piercing can rub or hit against your gums as you speak and chew, and this interaction can cause recession of the gums or injury to the gums. Gum recession can lead to gum disease, which can cause exposed tooth nerves and red and bleeding gums. Gum disease can also lead to tooth loss (from loose teeth) and tooth decay from lack of gum tissue to protect them. It’s important to have the correct size of jewelry after the swelling goes down to help prevent damage.

Infections, Bleeding, and Loss of Sensation

Getting an oral piercing opens a wound in your mouth that has the potential to get infected. Infections in your mouth from tongue piercings could cause severe swelling that may impair breathing. Cheap jewelry can not only harbor bacteria which can cause infection, but it can also come loose and pieces of the jewelry can fall out, causing a choking hazard. An experienced piercer who provides sterile, quality jewelry is important, as well as for proper placement of your jewelry—if your piercer hits a blood vessel, this will cause excessive bleeding. If they hit a nerve, you may experience numbness or lack of sensation in your mouth that may or may not go away.

Whatever your reason may be for considering getting pierced, consider the risks and potential damage that oral piercings can cause. Your smile needs to last a lifetime, so if you do get pierced, be sure to take care of your dental health and follow your piercer’s instructions for healing to prevent infections or tooth and gum damage.

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Damages Enamel

Sodas are extremely high in sugar, and don’t let the label fool you—high fructose corn syrup is just another form of it! In fact, this sugar is even more damaging to the body than regular sugar, as its sweetness is so concentrated that it throws off the way your body produces insulin. This sugar turns acidic in your mouth and can wear down tooth enamel over time. And yes, even diet sodas that don’t contain any sugar at all are just as damaging—the artificial sweeteners are acids in themselves. Kids are particularly at risk because their enamel is not yet fully formed.

Causes Cavities

The enamel plays a big role in the protection of your teeth, so when it begins to erode away, problems can arise, and cavities are more likely to happen. Once the enamel is damaged, it’s much easier for the sugar in soda to damage your teeth, and there’s plenty of that sugar to go around even in just one soda drink. This means that bacteria are given more of a free passage into your teeth, and not only can this free passage cause cavities, but it could also lead to tooth decay and gum inflammation. Your teeth may eventually, as your dentist and parents may have warned you, have to come out.

Tooth Sensitivity

Another negative side effect of enamel getting worn off is that tooth sensitivity will increase. Your enamel protects the soft tissues of your tooth such as the nerves, but when the enamel is damaged, you’ll be more sensitive to hot and cold. The less enamel you have, the more sensitive you’re likely to be. Tooth sensitivity can hinder you from eating ice-cold drinks, ice cream, hot tea, or hot meals, and can be extremely painful. In addition to tooth sensitivity, your teeth are also more likely to be stained from your lack of enamel, appearing yellow, discolored, or translucent.

Increased Plaque

Brushing and flossing can help you manage your plaque, which, if built up over time, can cause tooth decay. But what happens when you’re drinking soda every day and not rinsing or brushing afterwards?

The acids (specifically phosphoric acid) and sugars in soda can cause damage within minutes of drinking it, not to mention all that sugar just sits on your teeth and increases your plaque. If you’re not brushing properly or brushing too hard, chances are that plaque is accumulating in places on your teeth and will eventually cause cavities, tooth decay, gingivitis, or periodontal disease.

Soda may taste good, but when you consider its harmful effects on your smile (not to mention your body), you may consider picking up another drink next time you’re thirsty. Seltzer water mixed with fruit juice, herbal sodas, or kombucha are all great healthy alternatives!

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Why Do Wisdom Teeth Create Problems?

Wisdom teeth, also called “third molars”, typically erupt in early adulthood—from age 18 through the late 20s. In most cases, these teeth emerge in a healthy manner and don’t disrupt the rest of the teeth or jaw structure. However, in 30% of cases, their emergence may cause problems. These problems can occur for several reasons:

• Your third molars only emerge partway, leaving a flap of gum covering them. This makes them difficult to clean and can lead to infection. This problem is normally caused by teeth trying to emerge without adequate space.
• Your wisdom teeth come in so far back that cleaning is difficult, leading to risks of infection
• Your wisdom teeth are impacted, or only emerge partway due to a lack of space. This can throw off your smile and cause problems later on.
• Your wisdom teeth come in crooked.

Most of the problems related to wisdom teeth come in the form of infection. See the image below for an example.

Preventing Problems

Periocoronitis, or an infection near the wisdom teeth, is the most common issue. It’s typically caused by a wisdom tooth that doesn’t have enough space to emerge, and so only emerges partway. This can lead to a flap of the gums remaining on top of the tooth, which allows infection to set in.

The most common treatment is good oral hygiene. Your dentist will often clean the area as well, and if an infection sets in may proscribe oral antibiotics. However, if this is not enough, your dentist may remove the gum flap itself or even the wisdom tooth.

If you’re having dental issues, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. These problems can fester and become worse if left untreated.

Is Extraction Necessary?

There are costs and benefits associated with pulling out your wisdom teeth, and the net effect will depend on your individual issue.

Removal is fairly common for young adults, but a recent study suggested that 60% of these removals—resulting in procedures for 3 million people per year—aren’t necessary.

Apart from the cost and discomfort of surgery, there are occasional dangers associated with extraction. Paresthesia, which refers to the numbness of the cheek, lip, and tongue caused by nerve damage, is an uncommon side effect of surgery. Between 0.4% and about 8.4% of patients experience this condition. While the odds are low, it may dissuade some people from having their third molars removed. However, tooth removal can also be an important part of oral health. If your wisdom teeth are damaging other teeth, swelling your gums, or affecting your jawline, than removal is often essential. There are also cases wherein a cyst (fluid-filled sac) may grow around the tooth. This may damage the surrounding bone and tissue. If you’re experiencing pain or bleeding in the back of your mouth, this may point to problems with how your back teeth come in.

Many dentists will also remove third molars based on X-rays that show that they’re fine now but may cause problems in the future. As people age, their jaws become more rigid, which makes removal more difficult. Because of this, your dentist may recommend you remove your wisdom teeth now rather than waiting until they become a problem.

If your dentist does recommend wisdom teeth removal, you don’t always have to act right away. You may have several months to weigh the pros and cons. However, if your wisdom teeth are truly causing problems, it’s best to remove them as soon as possible.

Written by Frank Versteeg, an outreach specialist with Sonrisa Family Dental.

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