Dentist Salem

How’s Your Dental Health?

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Check In with Your Chompers!

What condition is your mouth in? We hope it’s 100 percent healthy! But if you’re like most people, you’ll probably suffer from at least one dental condition at some point in your life. Dental conditions cover a wide range of mouth problems, from cavities to gum disease to jaw abnormalities. Some dental conditions are preventable, some aren’t. But the more you know about dental conditions, the better chances you have of preventing them — or at the very least, correcting them early.

With so many types of dental conditions that can affect your life, it’s natural that you’d want to know more. If you suffer from tooth decay, gingivitis or any other dental condition, we can help you understand your symptoms and explore your treatment options. No matter what type of dental condition you’re curious about, we have the information you need to help you maintain a healthy smile.

Keep in mind that if you think you have a dental condition, it’s important not to self-diagnose. Only a dentist can determine what type of dental condition you have — and only a dentist can give you the right dental treatments! If you’re prone to putting off treatment, remember: Without treatment, dental conditions can become a painful problem. Dental conditions happen to the best of us, so click on the appropriate link to learn more about what’s plaguing your mouth. Staying informed can help put you on the right track to optimal dental health!

The Diabetes and Gum Disease Connection

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As with any complicated health issue, there are a lot of opinions and beliefs surrounding the diabetics’ oral health. Below are some common questions I am asked, along with answers.

I don’t have to worry about gum disease, right? I brush every day and control my blood sugar.

According to the CDC, nearly half of adults over 30 suffer from gum disease. Over 26,000,000 people in the US have diabetes. New research suggests the relationship between serious gum disease and diabetes is two-way. Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, gum disease may affect blood glucose levels, contributing to the progression of diabetes. Because gum disease is prevalent and diabetics are nearly twice as likely to develop gum disease, regular dental visits are critical to maintaining your overall health.

I brush and floss everyday. What other steps can I take as a diabetic concerned about gum disease?

  • First, control your blood glucose level. This can prevent or relieve dry mouth. Some additional tips:
  • Gently brush your tongue daily; removes bacteria and freshens breath
  • Tilt the toothbrush at a 45°angle against the gum line; roll the brush away from the gum line.
  • Use floss twice daily. Slide floss up and down; curve it around the base of each tooth.

I see you twice a year – that’s enough, right?

Regular dental checkups are critical for evaluating dental health and for treating problems in early stages. Your dentist may recommend more frequent visits and procedures to maintain strong oral health. Remember: the Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health states that good oral health is integral to general health.

To schedule a FREE 2nd opinion, just call our office: (503) 371-2424.

WELLNESS SPRINGS DENTAL 3460 LIBERTY RD S SALEM, OR 97302 (503) 371-2424

Fact or Fiction

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Every day there is another “ study” or “ news story” that “ offers” up some apparently sage advice. From stories touting the benefits of drinking red wine to help prevent cavities to stories about “oil pulling.” By now you probably know where I’m going with this, a news story is just that, a story, until it is presented with fact. Below are some facts and fictions of dental health according to the American Dental Association.

Last year a story came out that stated drinking red wine helps prevent cavities. The origin of the “ red wine is healthy for you in small quantities” story is well established. However, to infer that means it will help prevent cavities may be over reaching. What researchers did find was that red wine was effective in limiting the growth of F. nucleatum and S. oralis—two bacteria that are closely associated with gum disease.

Another story came out about “ oil pulling” and its benefits for oral health. Oil pulling is an ancient remedy practiced typically in India and Southern Asia. It involves taking a tablespoon of edible oil (sunflower, coconut, etc.) and swishing it (pulling it) for 5 to 20 minutes. Currently there are no scientific studies available to substantiate these claims. Probably best to use mouthwash for the time being. Ask your dentist what they would recommend for your unique health condition.

One thing that has been scientifically documented and proven is regular dental care as a great way to prevent long-term, irreversible damage to your teeth or soft tissue (gums) and to aid in the diagnosis of your overall health. So, brush and floss twice a day, and get in to to see a dentist twice a year, more if you’re having problems or have questions. Remember, second opinions at my office are always free.

WELLNESS SPRINGS DENTAL 3460 LIBERTY RD S SALEM, OR 97302 (503) 371-2424

Windows into Your Health

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It is said that your eyes are the windows to your soul. And, if you look at the cleanliness of someone’s house, you’ll have a pretty good idea of his or her state of mind. Whereas these are more “old sayings” than factual truths, it has been scientifically proven that getting a dental exam every six months will provide powerful insight into the state of your overall health.

And, a regular exam can potentially head off serious, life-threatening issues, too.

In fact, the Mayo Clinic says that, “Regular dental exams are an important part of preventive health care.”

At Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, one of the very first questions they ask heart valve replacement patients is, “When was the last time you had your teeth cleaned?” Next statement from the doctor is, “You will get your teeth cleaned again before surgery.”

While no direct connection between gum disease causing heart disease has been definitively made, periodontal disease (gum disease) can certainly be a marker of diabetes and/or heart disease. If your mouth is infected and you brush and floss daily, something is wrong. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, going in for a check up and getting a thorough cleaning followed by improved home care may help reduce the infection.

And, it’s always good to get a friendly reminder about the importance of taking care of your teeth and gums. Plus, regular dental exams are one way to detect oral cancer, should it occur.

Yet one more important reason for regular dental exams every six months is peace of mind; once your oral health is in check you could work on getting that gorgeous white smile you’ve always wanted! Remember, putting off today what you’ll do tomorrow won’t solve anything today and may make tomorrow worse!

Desire a SECOND OPINION? Call our office for a free, no-cost, no-obligation second opinion, today.

WELLNESS SPRINGS DENTAL 3460 LIBERTY RD S SALEM, OR 97302 (503) 371-2424

Dental Implants Can End Frustrating Denture Challenges

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Frustrated with your dentures? Have you ever considered what life might be like if they were ‘fixed’ into place – essentially ending much of the downside of dentures?

If you are a denture sufferer, you may benefit from “implant-retained dentures” (dentures fixed into place with dental implants). These allow you to eat a wider range of food. But, even more important, implants keep dentures from moving, clicking and allow your dentures to function more like your natural teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small titanium inserts designed to take replicate a tooth’s natural root structure – essentially, an artificial root. They are easily placed with minimally-invasive outpatient surgery, and are designed for those with a missing tooth or teeth, or, those without teeth.

Dental implants can solve a variety of problems, including leading to better digestion, too. In fact, those with dental implants find they are able to chew their foods better, aiding in the digestive process, which is difficult without all of your teeth’s natural crushing and grinding power. Dental implants have been recorded in research studies to improve your overall confidence and your love life!

At Wellness Springs Dental in Salem, Dr. Irene Glanville performs a variety of dental services, including custom dentures and partials, and the placement and restoration of dental implants. Over the years, Dr. Glanville has successfully placed hundreds of implants. Want To Learn More? To see if you are a candidate, just call Dr. Glanville’s office to schedule a no-cost, complimentary consultation. There’s never an obligation, either. Just mention this article! Call today: (503) 371-2424.