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Dental Associates Blog

Our Experts. Your Oral Health

A doctor uses a blue stethoscope to listen to a male patient's heart during a medical checkup.
Mar 5
Oral Health and Heart Health

The mouth is the gateway to the body. Not only is your smile often the first thing people notice about you, but it also impacts you in ways that you cannot see. Your oral health impacts your systemic (overall) health, which is why your dentist requests that you complete a medical history at your appointment; it’s important that your dentist knows your medical and family history because your oral health conditions may impact other systems in the body. Heart Health Month February is heart health month and is dedicated to focusing on prevention and awareness of heart disease. According to the Center for Disease Control, cardiovascular disease causes about 610,000 deaths every year—that’s about 1,670 people per day. Heart disease is the #1 killer of both men and women in the U.S.* One of the most important mouth-body connections is your heart and mouth. Research has found a link between heart disease and the health of your gums. Having periodontal disease (gum disease) increases the risk of a first heart attack by 28%, according to a 2016 study by the Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden.** So how is this possible? Oral Inflammation and Heart Health Inflammation in the mouth causes problems with the cardiovascular system. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease, which contributes to heart disease, is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can block normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly – and this may lead to heart attacks. Another way oral inflammation affects heart health is through periodontal disease. With periodontal disease, there is often a large buildup of plaque along the gum line, which may contribute to swelling and clotting of the arteries, and lead to serious heart issues and heart attacks. Preventing Periodontal Disease and Heart Issues A health care provider can test blood for C-reactive protein levels, which is a sign of inflammation. C-reactive protein levels are found to be high in both patients with periodontitis and those with cardiovascular disease. Treating periodontal disease lowers C-reactive protein levels, and could help to prevent cardiovascular events. Some of the bacteria in periodontal disease have the ability to destroy connective tissue in the mouth, suggesting that when entering the bloodstream, they infect the heart vessel wall, initiate changes and may contribute to the instability of the plaque - leading to heart attack or stroke. It is important to know that there is a relationship between your oral health and your heart health. Studies have found that periodontal disease is, by itself, a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Make sure to provide complete information on your heart health at each dental visit so your dentist and hygienist can deliver the best care possible. What Makes Dental Associates Different At your first visit to Dental Associates you’ll be asked to provide your medical history via a convenient iPad app. Then at each subsequent visit to your dentist, you’re asked to review your medical history and update any changes. This is done to assure your dentist is providing you the care that aligns with your health needs. In addition, our dentists and their hygienists are trained to look for signs of periodontal disease as early as possible because we understand that there is a connection between a healthy mouth and healthy heart. Talk to your dentist at your next visit to make sure your oral health is positively contributing to your overall health. Your heart is counting on it! * Heart Disease Facts ** Periodontitis Increases the Risk of a First Myocardial Infarction

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A close-up shot of a perfect white smile showing clean teeth and healthy gums.
Feb 7
Can You Get a Cavity on Your Front Teeth?

Patients often wonder whether or not they can get cavities on their front teeth. Dental caries, or cavities, can occur in any part of the mouth, on any surface of the teeth. They can spread through the enamel (the hard outer surface of the tooth), into the dentin (the middle of the tooth), and all the way into the pulp (the nerve of the tooth). In general, most people are more diligent about brushing their front teeth since they can see plaque or food building upon them, but cavities can appear there for various reasons. Why would I get cavities on my front teeth? Cavities occur on the front teeth for the same reasons as anywhere else in the mouth, through a combination of diet, oral hygiene, and genetic or environmental risk factors. High sugar diets and diets high in carbohydrates can cause more acid production by oral bacteria, leading to a more weakened tooth structure and more cavities. Patients who are not brushing twice a day or flossing once a day see an increased risk of tooth decay. Dry mouth is another reason patients can see cavities spring up practically out of nowhere throughout the mouth. For front teeth, in particular, cavities along the gum line or around orthodontic brackets or attachments are areas especially vulnerable to decay. How do I prevent cavities on my front teeth? Regular brushing and flossing and using fluoride toothpaste will help prevent cavities anywhere in the mouth. After snacking or drinking a sugary beverage, Sipping water can help rinse away some of the acids and prevent enamel breakdown. Fluoride mouth rinses, available over the counter or by prescription, can also benefit patients with high caries risk or who are in orthodontic treatment. As always, your dentist is the best person to ask any of your questions when it comes to your specific risk factors for cavities, and staying on top of routine dental cleanings and exams is the best way to keep the drill away!

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hard seltzers in different varieties
Jan 24
Is Hard Seltzer Bad for Your Teeth?

We know the phrase, “there ain’t no laws when you’re drinking claws” but your dentist says otherwise! While hard seltzers can be a low-calorie and refreshing alternative to other alcoholic beverages, they can still cause damage. So, what makes them harmful?

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A happy senior woman and her friendly caregiver in blue scrubs share a warm laugh together.
Nov 9
Caregivers' Guide to Dental Health

When you are a family healthcare provider at home or in a care facility with your loved one, you have a lot on your mind. Doctor appointments, medications, and your loved ones' comfort can seem more urgent than the person's oral health. It's important to remind caregivers to make sure the patient's oral health is not neglected. Keeping the mouth and teeth clean can prevent sensitivity or pain in the patient's mouth. Good oral hygiene is essential for a patient's comfort, safety, and self-esteem, no matter the situation. Broken, missing, decayed teeth can cause a patient pain and can cause them to avoid eating or drinking. Broken or ill-fitting partials or dentures can make swallowing difficult or can cause pain. Numerous health issues can play a part in how much care your loved one may need. Some have physical difficulties that make it challenging to hold a toothbrush. Some have memory problems and forget to brush and floss. Some have dementia and need someone to take care of their teeth and help them visit a dentist regularly. If your loved one is in a long-term health care facility, ask about the dental care available or who would be giving the daily dental hygiene care. It is important to inquire if they are adequately trained. Whatever the case may be, making sure your loved one has a daily oral health care routine and has regular visits to the dentist is essential. Daily Oral Health Care Steps as a Family Healthcare Provider: Brush teeth twice a day for two minutes using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. If you are the one doing the brushing, this is the easiest way to spot a problem in the mouth early on and can result in the best outcome for treatment before more significant issues arise. Clean in between the teeth with floss, a floss pick, or a water flosser. If your loved one has dentures or partials, rinse them after meals, clean them daily with denture cleaner and a soft denture brush, take them out before bed, and place them in water overnight. Doing this daily will keep food and debris from getting trapped under the denture, which may cause sores on the gum tissue, and keep the appliance clean. Limit snacking and sugary drinks. Healthy foods are good for the mouth and body while also helping keep your loved ones' cavity risk down. Sugary drinks and frequent snacking will cause the bacteria in the mouth to increase, thus increasing the patient's risk of getting a cavity. Using a fluoride rinse or gel daily will provide additional protection for their teeth. If your loved one complains about dry mouth, you can try several commercial mouth rinses made for dry mouth. Having your patient sipping on water or ice chips can also help. Take your loved one to regular dental appointments to have their teeth examined and cleaned regularly--even if they have dentures or partials. It's important to have the dentures and oral tissue examined to ensure no sore areas on the tissue or a crack in the denture. Watch for symptoms that could be a result of a larger issue. Some medications may cause dry mouth, and some can cause a patient to develop a yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans, better known as "Thrush." Some patients will have a complaint they are having difficulty chewing or swallowing. If your loved one has a new symptom, do not hesitate to have that checked out with a dentist. The support you can give your loved one as a family caregiver is important. The support and daily care you provide, along with the professional care of a dentist, will give your loved one the best chance for a healthy mouth.

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A person squeezing white toothpaste onto a bamboo toothbrush with blue bristles.
Oct 29
Fluoride Is Not Just for Kids

Many adults may be reluctant to choose in-office fluoride treatments for a variety of reasons. Cost, lack of information, miscommunication, it’s inconvenient, social media perception, or perceived need for treatment (I’m not a child, why do I need a fluoride treatment?) All play a part in an adult’s decision whether to have an in-office fluoride treatment. Fluoride Benefits: Helps decrease sensitivity -- the patient can enjoy foods/drinks without the worry of discomfort Provides protection non systemically when applied topically Helps to re-mineralize without needing to drastically change daily habits and gives longer-lasting protection to the tooth surface In the dental office, the use of fluoride is recommended and helps strengthen teeth by bonding with natural tooth minerals. We know Dental Caries is a disease of the dental structures (enamel, dentin, and cementum). The demineralization of these components through dental biofilm (plaque) and acid formation (everyday foods and drinks) causes a cavitated lesion or a “cavity”. Fluoride bonds with natural teeth resulting in stronger teeth that are more resistant to decay systemically (for developing teeth) and topically (directly applied to exposed tooth surfaces). But this information alone is not enough to give patients. Explanations of the benefits versus the features of fluoride treatments to adult patients – or “what’s in it for them?” are needed. Communicating to patients this information will help the patient understand the benefits of the recommended treatment. The use of fluoride provides the most effective method for caries control and prevention. There have been years of studies and clinical experience proving that patients benefit from professional topical fluoride applications. As Dental Professionals we have a responsibility to our patients to recommend fluoride products and help our adult patients understand that they too are susceptible to decay. Typically, we associate fluoride treatments with children however, they are not the only ones that can have poor oral hygiene, lack of dental care, and poor eating habits. Like children, adults may also consume sugary/acidic beverages and snacks frequently. Other things that can increase the caries risk for an adult is recession that leaves root surfaces vulnerable to cavities, multi-surface restorations, lack of routine dental appointments, xerostomia, or “a dry mouth” which can be a side effect from common medications like Blood Pressure or psychiatric medications and radiation therapy. Recommendations for in-office fluoride treatments are most effective when the patient understands how it will benefit them. Empowering your patient to make decisions vs just educating them will help overcome any communication challenges for a patient and lead to better patient outcomes. As our population increases in age, so can their caries risk. Performing individualized assessments on our adult patients and discussion on their current health status or habits will help engage them in their oral health decisions. Involving your adult patients in their own health can increase treatment plan acceptance when they understand why fluoride treatment is recommended and the benefits associated with the treatment.

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Clear plastic dental aligner sitting on a bright blue background.
Sep 14
Night Guards to Protect Teeth and Gums

The daily stresses of life take a great toll on our bodies. Unfortunately, I see many patients who present with damage to their teeth, including chips, cracks, and general wearing down due to teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Even if you don’t think you’re clenching and/or grinding your teeth during the day, it could indeed be happening at night. Enter: night guards. These will prevent tooth damage and protect your investment for years to come, lessening your chance of expensive dental treatment and procedures needed.

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A diverse group of happy, smiling children posing together outdoors.
May 25
4 Tips for Healthy Summer Smiles

It's hard to believe summer is nearly upon us! This new season welcomes great fun and also a change in our schedules. However, an increase in outdoor fun, traveling, and sports doesn’t mean we can get too relaxed with our oral health habits. In fact, summer can be a great time to help your kids brush up on habits for keeping their teeth healthy all year long! Read on for some quick tips for keeping your family’s smiles bright during the summer and beyond.

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An electric toothbrush and a manual toothbrush laid flat on a solid blue background.
Jan 7
5 Ways to Start the Year with a Healthy Smile

The new year is the perfect time to start fresh. Many people will be making resolutions to be healthier through exercise and/or diet, so why not improve your oral health too? The mouth is the gateway to the body and maintaining good oral health can help prevent other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Specifically for children, establishing a good oral health routine early on can set them up for a lifetime of good habits. Be sure to help your kids brush twice a day and floss once to ensure they’re on the right path to a healthy mouth!

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toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride
Oct 28
Fluoride: Friend or Foe?

Fluoride is one of the most discussed topics when it comes to the world of dentistry. You’ve probably heard a bit on both sides of the spectrum: one, that fluoride is not necessary, and the other, that fluoride is good for your oral health. Here’s the truth: when used correctly, fluoride does not pose a threat to overall health. Instead, it provides a benefit to oral health and aids in preventing cavities.

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