Tooth Loss = Lower Cognition Ability?

Recently, researchers published a study analyzing the effects that tooth loss and periodontal disease have on cognitive decline. The outcome newsdiscovered a possible link that’s sure to give dentists and patients a cause for increased vigilance in dental health.

Researchers combed through dental records of male veterans who had enrolled in a VA dental study in the 60’s and 70’s, and compared them to cognitive tests the subjects underwent. These tests, one the Mini-Mental State Examination and the other a spatial copying test, were administered along with medical and dental exams every three years. The result? For each tooth lost per decade, the risk of deteriorating test results from the cognitive assessments increased 8 to 10 percent. People with all their natural teeth performed better on average than those with tooth loss, but those with more cavities usually tested poorly. Continue reading Tooth Loss = Lower Cognition Ability?

The Mouth-Body Connection

picture of musclesYou’ve probably heard of the mind-body connection. Basically, it states that your psychological well-being and your physical health are closely linked. So, if you’re prone to stress, for example, you can elevate your blood pressure and increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Well scientists are finally beginning to realize that your oral health plays a role in your physical health, as well (dentist have known this for years). Check out these headlines:

  • Gum Disease Linked to Heart Disease and Stroke (AAP)
  • Study Finds a Direct Association between Heart Disease and Periodontal Bacteria (NIDCR)
  • Treatment of Gum Disease May Lower Blood Sugar Levels in Type 2 Diabetes (Science Daily)
  • First Oral Bacteria Found Linking a Mother and Her Stillborn Baby (Science Daily)
  • Presence of Gum Disease May Help Dentists and Physicians Identify Those at Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Disease (Columbia University) Continue reading The Mouth-Body Connection

Smiles Needs Protecting When You’re Expecting

pregnancy healthGetting ready to welcome a new member into your family is an exciting time. Between much-needed rests (sustaining a growing baby saps a lot of your energy!), you focus on all sorts of preparations. You’ll decorate the nursery, attend check-up visits and sonogram appointments with your doctor, and some unfortunate soul will be tasked with the job of putting together the baby’s crib.

In the flurry of anticipation, don’t forget to take care of your teeth and gums. It’s likely more important now than ever to keep brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist for preventive maintenance like professional cleanings and checkups. Studies suggest a link between gum disease and instances of premature births, as well as other pregnancy complications, so you want to keep a very close watch on your dental health during this most formative stage of your child’s development.

Swollen, bleeding gums are a common complaint for pregnant women, and it stems from the higher progesterone levels in your body. The increase of this hormone means your gums are more prone to irritation from plaque, which can quickly cause gingivitis. Continue reading Smiles Needs Protecting When You’re Expecting

Putting the Squeeze on Toothpaste

toothpasteAs Woody Allen says, “Everything our parents say is good is bad. Sun, milk, red meat, college…” Now, many dentists are adding toothpaste to the list. Recent articles bashing toothpaste have littered the blogosphere, and now many consumers question the necessity of the stuff. So, what’s the deal? Is toothpaste really necessary, or have we all been duped by a mass conspiracy involving our parents, the Tooth Fairy, and Colgate stockholders?

Toothpaste goes way back. In fact, Egyptians used toothpaste in 5000 BC, before the toothbrush was even invented! Even in ancient times, people were concerned with fresh breath, white teeth, and healthy gums. Ingredients like crushed bones and oyster shells, salt and herbal mints helped remove debris and leave a fresh-smelling aroma. Modern toothpastes have continued the trend, adding ingredients to help curb decay and whiten teeth to the max. Common ingredients in modern toothpastes include: Continue reading Putting the Squeeze on Toothpaste

Keep Smiling after 50

50 on the beachIf you’re over 50, you probably have new aches and pains every day. That’s just life. Sure, Madonna has graced the cover of AARP, but honestly, she probably has the same issues. Quality of life is the key to staying on top of your game once you’re over the hill… and a few miles down the path.

Oral health plays a big role in overall health, and overall health contributes to good quality of life. So, taking care of your mouth is important. The dentist can help keep your smile pearly white, super clean, and functioning comfortably, so you can retain your natural teeth long into your golden years, if not forever. (A dentist can even help with sleep disorders, chronic headaches, and TMJ pain!)

People over 50 should watch out for these common oral health hiccups:

Continue reading Keep Smiling after 50

Healthy Body, Healthy Smile: What Good Nutrition Can Do for You

shutterstock_48963310Quick! Make a mental list of habits that have an impact on your dental health.

You thought about brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups, right? Those are all hugely beneficial in keeping your teeth healthy, it’s true. But did you know that your diet has a big influence on your dental health? To really address the overall issue, let’s dig a little.

Many people don’t realize that a balanced diet with good nutrition is a key element in keeping a smile attractive and healthy. The same vitamins and minerals that keep your body in great shape are equally beneficial to your teeth. A few powerhouse players include:

Safeguard Your Smile in Time for Summer Sports

cyclistFor many, summertime translates to an abundance of outdoor activities and sporting events. From baseball to soccer to cycling and many more, summer sports take advantage of the warm weather and allow us to exercise our winter-weary muscles. While you’re gearing up for your next sporting event, don’t forget to protect your most important summertime asset—your smile!

Here are a few pointers for optimal dental health while you’re on the playing field: Continue reading Safeguard Your Smile in Time for Summer Sports

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Professional and Social Success

rich coupleEveryone loves a gorgeous smile. Bright, straight teeth make a person look young and vibrant. One study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry shows that an attractive smile will make you appear more intelligent, successful, and friendly. Men and women of all ages, as well as teenagers, can choose from non- or minimally-invasive cosmetic dentistry procedures to quickly achieve a sensational smile. Here’s a rundown on some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. Continue reading Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Professional and Social Success

Save Your Teeth by Coping with Stress

stressDo you ever feel like circumstances are spinning out of your control? You’re not the only one. If there’s one thing we all have in common fairly often, it’s that stressful situations can occupy our minds and sap our energy. Not only that, stress can actually compromise your health. If you are stressed, it’s more likely that you’ll grind your teeth during sleep. While this bit of information has been around for a while, a recent study shed light on new piece of the teeth-grinding puzzle.

The article published in journal Head and Face Medicine shows that some ways of coping with stress can be healthier for your teeth and jaw than others. Those people who deal with stress by attempting to ignore their problems or internalize them are at higher risk for teeth grinding, also called bruxism. The study found that heavy grinders often used what were termed “negative” coping methods, like ignoring the causes of stress instead of working through problems directly. Continue reading Save Your Teeth by Coping with Stress

7 Secrets to Banishing Bad Breath

There’s no way to sugarcoat it – bad breath is embarrassing. Fortunately, with proper dental care and some helpful home remyoung girl fights bad breathedies, bad breath can be conquered. Most often, the offender can be traced to a buildup of bad bacteria in the mouth, so good oral hygiene is essential. Other causes include foods, smoking, dry mouth, medications, gum disease, and sinus conditions.

Continue reading 7 Secrets to Banishing Bad Breath