Dental referrals to other specialists: How your mouth can show symptoms of non-oral disease

You already know what cavities are, and probably knew that cavities—or tooth decay—is caused by bacteria. The great majority of us have had at least one dental restoration (the process you undergo to remove and replace a part of a tooth damaged by decay). It’s an almost universal experience.

 

There have been studies which have linked oral decay and an increased risk of respiratory infections, bloodstream infections, heart issues, diabetes, pregnancy complications, osteoporosis and arthritis. And while it’s unlikely—or, at least, still unproven—that tooth decay has any causal relationship with these diseases, the lifestyle factors which create the former are also risk-factors for developing the latter.

 

With this information in mind, getting your regular dental check-ups twice per year can also be a larger “health check” to step back and evaluate your lifestyle choices, and watch out for factors that can lead to other problems.

Signs of gum disease

 

When your gums are healthy, their color is that of a light pink, not unlike raw salmon. When their color is a darker red, this could be a sign of higher blood circulation and inflammation. Swelling and bleeding are the first obvious signs of gum disease. You might also notice your gums become smaller, as they recede and leave your teeth unprotected. Receding gums also correlate with teeth becoming more prone to decay. If you only notice bleeding occur during or after brushing, start by switching to a softer toothbrush or changing the way you brush. If these small changes eliminate the bleeding, you might not have developed full-blown gum disease yet, but probably have sensitivities you need to discuss with your dentist.

 

On the other hand, when bleeding is frequent and lasts for several minutes, it’s possible you might need treatment for chronic inflammation of your gums. Swelling should be treated as soon as possible, because your oral health will be more susceptible to bacteria, disease and decay if your gums aren’t healthy.

 

Infection can permeate your dental tissues all the way up to the top of the root, and cut through deeper teeth tissues as well. This is why it’s important not to procrastinate fixing tooth decay; restoring teeth while the decay is accessible gives you the best shot at blocking further spread of disease.

 

How to prevent the spread of infectious gum disease

 

Gum disease can be genetic, meaning the infection will activate again and again. If you have these genetic predispositions, it’s important to undergo regular professional cleanings, at least once every six months. Regular cleanings aren’t just about keeping your teeth clean, after all—they’re also about keeping track of your gums. Gum disease can lead to other serious maladies—oral and other—including oral cysts, heart disease, trouble controlling blood sugar, and even premature delivery among pregnant women, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

 

Oral disease as an indicator of other problems

 

In addition to the health of your teeth and gums, dental checkups monitor the condition of your tongue, saliva and breath. Bleeding wounds and other oral problems are mostly benign and can easily be remedied, but some of these irregularities can be an indicator of other diseases. Just as oral disease can lead to illness elsewhere by weakening your immune system, other illnesses can also manifest themselves through diseases in your mouth. For example, kidney failure and liver disease can show symptoms of bad breath, due to imbalances of enzymes in proper digestion.

 

Your body is connected system-by-system, and it’s natural that symptoms of a disease might show in unexpected places. By caring for your teeth and treating oral disease, your dentist might also indirectly help you detect other problems, and advise you to consult with the appropriate specialist or general practitioner. Start with regular cleanings, and you’ll be on your way to more proactive action toward your greater health.

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Everything You Need to Know About Milk Teeth

Although they only enjoy an ephemeral existence, milk teeth are the main protagonists in the story of a child’s development. Affecting a child as much physically as psychologically, milk teeth deserve special attention and care.

Legends about milk teeth

We’ve long nurtured certain narratives around milk teeth. The legend of the Tooth Fairy is ubiquitous in almost every part of the world. Children place their lost tooth under the pillow, where it can be collected by the Tooth Fairy in exchange for a small amount of money. In Turkey and Greece, the milk tooth is thrown on the rooftop, and the child makes a wish. A similar ritual is performed in India, Korea and Vietnam, although the exact tradition is applied only to the lower baby teeth, while the upper ones are put under the carpet.

When do baby teeth grow?

Milk teeth—also known as deciduous teeth, baby teeth, temporary teeth and primary teeth—are the first to represent a set of teeth in the mouth of young humans and mammals. The development of primary teeth is initiated in embryo stage of pregnancy, and ends few months after the appearance of the last milk tooth in the baby’s mouth.

There are 20 teeth in deciduous dentation, five on each side of each jaw. The first teeth that grow in the mouth are the lower incisors, appearing in the jaw six months after birth. The last ones are the second milk molars, which come in between the 22^nd and 33^rd months.

Even though most milk teeth appear between the 6^th and 33^rd month of life, it is not uncommon to witness their growth half a year before or after this interval.

Milk teeth play a leading role in later oral health. They are also crucial for the proper development of facial bones, muscles, gums, tongue, etc. And, of course, milk teeth are saving the place in the jaw for permanent teeth.

Common misconceptions about milk teeth

1) “Cavities on milk teeth should not be treated, because they’re going to fall out anyway.” It’s important to be aware that primary teeth play a role in speech development and food chewing. They are also part of facial aesthetics, so their role in the socialization of a child is not to be neglected. Untreated milk teeth are also the source of chronic infections that can affect rudiments of permanent teeth.

2) “Children can brush teeth on their own.” The subtle movements required for proper tooth brushing continue developing until a child is eight years old. Parents should control how often and how well the kids scrub their milk teeth, especially with younger children who are usually impatient with this habit.

3) “Feeding on a bottle doesn’t harm a baby’s oral health.” The second biggest factor in the development of cavities is the consumption of carbohydrates, especially over long periods of time. In most cases, a baby’s bottle is saturated with carbohydrates, which leads to baby bottle syndrome: cavity decay that quickly affects all teeth.

4) ”We won’t take our baby to the dentist unless there is a visible dental condition.” Children need to have regular dental check-ups, no matter how perfect their teeth look. It’s also important to start early with positive discussions about going to the dentist so the child doesn’t develop dentophobia.

Remember: no child is born with fear of the dentist; dentophobia is learned.

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Really, Though—Which Toothbrush?

Really, Though—Which Toothbrush?

You probably remember the ads. A model stood smiling in her bathroom, teeth whiter than her robes or sparkling vanity. There were flashes of digitally animated rows of teeth getting brushed to perfection by a full-headed toothbrush. To say the ads were satisfying would be an understatement.

Toothbrush ads these days focus more on the lifestyle built around good oral hygiene than the act of brushing itself. But if you were watching TV in the 1990s and 2000s, you were probably bewitched more than once by the animated close-ups of toothbrush heads scouring away every molecule of plaque and food.

The funny thing is, there was never a compelling argument made for which toothbrush is really better. How do all the options compare?

Toothbrush bristles: hard, medium, or soft

You aren’t the only one who’s wondered about this—there have been formal studies done, too. Research has shown that medium and hard-bristled toothbrushes do remove more plaque, but soft-bristled toothbrushes still work effectively.

Hard and medium bristled toothbrushes do cause more of the tiny abrasions to your gums that lead to other types of gum damage. However, if you’re careful when brushing, you can use hard and medium bristles to get a more gratifying clean around molars and pre-molar areas.

All shapes and sizes

There’s been study around the size and shapes of toothbrush bristles, too, especially with the boom of fancy designs and built-in gum stimulators. Most brushes today have varying lengths of bristles, but does it really make a difference?

Some soft-bristled toothbrushes achieve their “softness” with tiny, split-end bristles that dance and sweep over the surface of each tooth. Hard or medium-bristled brushes are more effective with varying heights of bristles, which—in combination with their stiffness—helps you clean uneven surfaces and tight spaces.

The shape and size of a toothbrush head make for more options, with brushes ranging from rectangular bases to pointy-tipped diamonds. Unsurprisingly, the diamond-head design is better for getting those hard-to-reach spaces. Smaller-headed toothbrushes might feel less effective, but they do allow for better dexterity in reaching and cleaning every tooth.

The gummy question

The rubbery gum stimulators along the sides of certain toothbrushes offer many benefits, though you’ll have trouble finding them on a toothbrush that costs less than $6. Not only are these rubber protuberances good for poking out big pieces of leftovers, but they also give you a warning tickle if you’re getting aggressive too close to your gums. Just think of the rumble strips on the highway—it’s the same idea.

Gum stimulators are also good for promoting blood flow to keep your gums healthy. In the end, toothbrushes with varied bristle heights and other features do have their advantages, tempting though it is to throw that $1 flat-head toothbrush in your cart. Take a good look before buying your brush—the more you get from your oral hygiene routine, the more likely you are to keep it.

The real debate: electric spin versus manual

There’s a big debate on electric versus spin toothbrushes, but we’d better start simply comparing “manual” and “other.” Do you want a brush that spins or oscillates on its own, or one you move yourself?

The clear advantage to any spin or electric option is that the brush does the moving for you, and much faster than you could comfortably keep up yourself. This friction offers such a quick brush (and polish) that you might not be able to resist the squeaky-clean feel these brushes give you.

When it comes to head size and varying bristle length, however, manual brushes come out ahead. Half this article was just devoted to the wonder that is the manual toothbrush market with all its variety. There must be be some effective toothbrushes behind all that demand!

Manual brushes also have the advantages that they don’t use batteries or need to be charged, and are easier to travel with.

Really, though, which toothbrush? This question comes back to you. Why is there demand for such variety in a toothbrush? Because some of these features really do make a difference. Depending on what you like, your oral hygiene and your lifestyle, the answer will be clear enough once you take a good look at the options.

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Fighting School Bacteria

As kids head back to school, homework isn’t the only thing they will be bringing home.  In addition to crumpled papers and someone else’s lunchbox, kids are going to be coming home covered in germs.  With summer waning, summer colds are still going strong.  And, let’s be honest, Texas has 2 seasons: summer and not summer.  Until the mercury stays below 90 degrees (so, January?) summer colds seem to spread like wildfire through the classroom.  Starting school is tough enough with early wake-ups and lots of homework; staying healthy will help jumpstart the year and get the whole family off on the right note.

Now, a pop quiz – since it is back to school time – of the dirtiest places in the school.

Bathroom Doors vs. Toilet

If you guessed the bathroom door, you would be correct.  While many germ-a-phobes practice the hover-or-cover method to protect themselves from the germs on the actual toilet, they are mostly strengthening their quads instead of warding off the nastiest of germs.  In fact, the inside of the bathroom is regularly cleaned by what should be considered saints – elementary school janitors – while the bathroom door lays victim to all the kids who don’t wash their hands.  The door becomes a petri dish of bacteria that makes the science department squirm in disgust.  For sanitation purposes use a paper towel to push the door open when leaving or use an anti-bacterial upon exit.

Cafeteria Utensils vs. Cafeteria Trays

Cafeteria trays should be used for nothing other than sleds in the snow.  Well, except that this is Texas so cafeteria trays have absolutely no use.  As you may have guessed, these trays carry serious germs since they are rarely sanitized between meals, and carry many more germs than the utensils.  If you must use one do not place items such as apples or bread slices directly on the tray.  After grabbing the tray, and before eating, students should sanitize their hands prior to picking up their food and eating.

Desks vs. Textbooks

All the kids reading this are hoping textbooks are the correct answer so there is a legitimate excuse to no longer use them.  However, desks are the real germ factory.  Since students rotate in and out of the desks all day sneezing, drooling (first graders, I am looking at you), and touching the surfaces, desks become a breeding ground for lots of nasty illnesses.  While ditching the desk isn’t an option, being smart about sanitation is.  Wiping down desks between students can be an effective way to protect the spreading of germs.  Students can also use preventative measures such as sneezing away from their desk and washing their hands frequently to prevent bringing germs home.

Sports Equipment vs. Drinking Fountains

C – All of the above.  Yes, the dreaded trick question.  Sports equipment, such as helmets and hats can easily spread lice among students.   Students then bring it home and spread it to siblings and parents. Then you have to burn your house down.  There is no bouncing back from a lice infestation. Don’t be forced to burn your house down.   Drinking fountains are also incubators for germs since they are wiped down less frequently than bathroom doors and cafeteria trays.  The rubber cover is the elementary school cootie-catcher.  Remind your kids to not place their mouth over the cover, and to let the water run for a few seconds before gulping down the water.

Back to school germs are as bad as homework on a Friday night: nobody has time for that!  Runny noses, sneezing, and watery eyes are the school day germ trifecta of misery.  Preventing school day sickness should not require extensive studying.  Hopefully this pop quiz didn’t prove to be too stressful, and in addition to (hopefully) a passing grade, you gained some tips to prevent making school-germs home-germs.

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What We Love About Fort Worth in The Fall

After a scorching hot summer spent in the pool or in the comfort of air conditioning, the thought of cooler fall temperatures lures you outside to rediscover all that Fort Worth has to offer.  Fall is the perfect time to escape the confines of being indoors and soak up the cooler fall weather.  While this is Texas and the summer heat can sometimes linger well into November, that doesn’t mean you should hole-up inside.  Fall is a great time to get out and experience popular attractions without the summer crowds.   Pull out your fall clothes (halleluiah for leggings season!); grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte and set out rekindle your love of Fort Worth.

Oktoberfest Fort Worth 2016

Leave your leggings at home and strap on your lederhosen! The second annual Oktoberfest Fort Worth at Panther Island Pavilion kicks off on September 24 with the ceremonial tapping of the kegs.  This event promises good food, music and, of course, authentic German beer.  Compete in the 5-k or the 15-mile bike ride before devouring German favorites like bratwursts, pretzels, crepes, and schnitzel.  Tickets are on sale now or can be bought at the door.

Halloween with Harry Potter

With the conclusion of quiddich season, Harry Potter fans will be looking for a way exercise their magic muscle and stay in spell-casting shape in the off-season.  Join fellow muggles to celebrate Halloween with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra as they play selections from the Harry Potter films.  This is a great opportunity for kids of all ages to experience an orchestral experience featuring well known music in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.  This spell-binding experience is on October 29 at 2:30.  Act fast or it will vanish before your eyes in a cloud of smoke.

Apple Picking

While pumpkins may have a monopoly on the fall season, apples are a close second.  Visiting an orchard and picking your own apples is a great way to ring in the fall season.  Most local orchards carry multiple varieties of apples, and in addition to apples, sell jellies, jams, cider, and other fall treats.  Not only is this a great learning opportunity for kids, visiting an orchard is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

TCU Football

The Horned Frogs are starting their season ranked an impressive number 15.  Head to Carter field one Saturday this fall to be a part of the football dynasty and soak in the college football energy.  The stadium received over $164 million in renovations and is one of the most state-of-the-art stadiums in the country.  In addition to the amenities in the stadium, Frog Alley located outside hosts the family-friendly pre-game festivities and a place to cheer on the team as they enter the stadium.

Catch an Outdoor Concert

While the summer months are filled with outdoor music opportunities, experiencing concerts in the fall is much more enjoyable.  Think lower temperatures, less heat, and fewer opportunities to sweat through your clothes.  Although Friday on the Green has been running since April, it is not too late to catch a concert and grab a bite to eat from Near Southside eateries.  This family –friendly concert series is a great way to meet up with friends and support local establishments and bands.  Running through October 9 at Magnolia Green, Friday on the Green is a great way to usher out the summer and welcome in the cooler fall weather.

Fort Worth in the fall is the perfect opportunity to spend time outdoors and become a tourist in your own city.  Whether it is catching a game or dining al fresco on one of the numerous patios in the city, this time of year lends itself to being outdoors.  Enjoy exploring!

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What can I do to stop clenching my teeth in my sleep?

In order to stop any type of destructive or potentially harmful behavior, it’s important to understand the cause. Teeth clenching or grinding is known as Bruxism – and it most often is a result of stress. It might also be a side effect of certain medications, like some anti-depressants.

Consider what is happening in your life right now. Maybe you are going through a difficult time or working too hard and it is starting to affect your sleep. If you are stressed you can take action to reduce that stress, with yoga and calming routines before bed such as light stretching, massage, drinking a hot beverage or reading a book. If you aren’t getting enough hours of quality sleep (most people need 6 to 8 hours a night), speak to a medical professional about natural and medical methods of improving your sleep quality. Some people with restless leg syndrome (shaking their legs while asleep) have found success with magnesium. Taking a capsule of this natural muscle relaxant might also help to eliminate your teeth clenching.

If you are on medications, you might want to discuss side effects with your doctor, and the possibility of switching to another drug that doesn’t cause you to grind your teeth. Some anti-depressants can cause teeth grinding, while others can relieve it. It depends on the person. Again, you need to consult a medical professional about what is best for you.

For some people, the consumption of caffeine or alcohol can also lead to teeth grinding and clenching during sleep. If you wake up with a tension headache or sore jaw, or your sleep partner informs you that you were clenching your teeth during sleep, try making a note of what you ate or drank the night before. Maybe limiting the amount of coffee, cola or alcohol you consume will help you to get a good night’s sleep.

Grinding and clenching your teeth can wear down the enamel of your teeth but it can also lead to pain in the jaw, headaches, and even a condition called TMJ or TMD – Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. As with any health matter, the key is to stop the action and reverse the damage before it progresses to a serious level.

If making a concerted effort to reduce your stress level doesn’t stop you from grinding your teeth, there are medications you can have prescribed to you by your doctor. It’s important to ensure these drugs are safe to use with any other medications that you may be using, so discuss all of these details with a medical professional.

The final option, if stress reduction and the limiting of caffeine and alcohol fail – is to try a mouth guard. Some people who don’t want to take medications have found this method to be very successful. A specially fitted mouth guard that you wear while you sleep will make it impossible for you to clench and grind your teeth. Speak to your health care professional and decide which natural or medical method is right for you.

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Diabetes and Oral Health

The link between diabetes and oral health is sometimes forgotten in the management of the disease.  29 million Americans currently suffer from diabetes.  Diabetes can be a manageable condition; however, there is a significant percentage that suffers from devastating comorbidities associated with the disease.  While blindness, strokes and heart disease are sometimes the most commonly thought of diabetes can cause significant oral health problems.  Research has shown there is an increased likelihood of gum disease as well as significant gum disease in those who have diabetes.  In addition, serious gum disease has been shown to affect blood glucose control –which can be incredibly dangerous for diabetics.  Blood glucose that is left unchecked can speed up the progression of diabetes. 

The key to the management of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is blood sugar control.  As sugar levels rise there is an increased risk of numerous oral diseases.  The first is tooth decay that can lead to cavities.   A healthy mouth contains various types of bacteria – not all that is harmful.  Sugar in food interacts with the bacteria and causes plaque on your teeth.  The acid in plaque then attacks the teeth and if left on the teeth will lead to cavities.  Increased blood sugar is commonly associated with an excess of sugar and starch that increases the acids which erode teeth.  

Gingivitis is another complication that can occur as a result of diabetes, and is a common and many times mild form of gum disease.  It can cause irritation, redness, and swollen gums.   The reason diabetics are more likely to get an oral disease – like gingivitis – is due to their increased susceptibility to bacterial infection.  Once they get an infection, their ability to fight it off is impaired.  In addition, if plaque isn’t regularly removed with daily brushing and flossing, it will harden along the gumline and result in tartar.  The tartar will then irritate the gums and can result in gingivitis.      

If gingivitis is not properly addresses it can lead to serious gum diseases called periodontitis.  This serious infection can destroy soft tissue and the bones which support teeth.  If left untreated, the gums and jawbone can pull away from the teeth eventually leading to tooth loss.  Once again, this occurs due to a diabetic’s impaired ability to fight off an infection.   In some instances, periodontitis can also cause blood sugar to rise.  This makes controlling overall blood sugar more difficult.  

Proper dental care targeted at preventing damage to the teeth and gums is essential for everyone, but must be taken even more seriously by those with diabetes.  In order to protect your teeth, and health in general, a diabetic must make a commitment to manage their diabetes and work with their health team.  Keeping blood sugar in check is the number one thing that must be addressed.  Not only will consistent blood glucose levels protect teeth and gums, it will also protect blood vessels, eyes and   kidneys.  

Brushing your teeth twice a day – ideally in the morning and night and after any midday snacks – is advised.  Soft-bristled toothbrushes are best for protecting sensitive gums as well as cautious brushing that avoids too much pressure or hard scrubbing.  In addition to brushing, daily flossing is also essential.   

Finally, scheduling regular check-ups with your dentist will help to protect your teeth and gums.  When at the dentist, it is important to let your dentist knows that you have diabetes.  Many dentists will be open to having a relationship with other health care providers that are involved in diabetic care.   

Managing diabetes is a lifelong commitment and includes support from both medical and dental providers.  Ensuring blood glucose levels are kept in check will prevent many of the comorbidities that occur due to the disease.  Poor oral health doesn’t have to be a result of diabetes.  A healthy body and mouth is essential to disease management.     

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