Jun 24 2017

More on Diabetes and Gum Disease

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.

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

A: To the contrary, gum disease is very common; according to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly half of adults over age 30 suffer from some form of gum disease. Over 26 million people in the US have diabetes. Emerging 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, but, serious gum disease may affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes. Because gum disease is so prevalent and because diabetics are nearly twice as likely to develop some form of gum disease, regular dental visits are critical to maintaining your overall health.

Q: Doc, I brush and floss everyday. What other preventive steps can I take as a diabetic concerned about periodontal disease?

A: First and foremost, control your blood glucose level. This can also help prevent or relieve dry mouth caused by diabetes. Some additional tips:

Gently brush your tongue daily to remove bacteria and freshen your breath
Tilt the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line and roll the brush away from the gum line.
Use floss, at least twice daily. Slide floss up and down, and then curve it around the base of each tooth.
Question: Doc, I see you twice a year – that’s enough, right?

A: Regular dental checkups are critical for evaluating dental health and for treating dental problems in their initial stages. Your dentist may recommend more frequent evaluations and procedures to maintain strong oral health. Keep in mind: the Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health states that good oral health is integral to general health. To schedule a free 2nd opinion, or, a new patient exam, just call our office. Call today: (503) 371-2424.

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

Jun 24 2017

It Hurts to Eat

I had a patient come in who loved hamburgers; the texture, the taste, even cooking them. This was a wiser patient, over the retirement age; he came in because he could no longer enjoy his favorite food. Every time he bit into or chewed a food his teeth moved causing untold discomfort and misery.

People grind their teeth, but imagine grinding your whole mouth and it moving while you did. If you have ever had arthritis you know the pain of inflammation. Having your entire mouth hurt (gums, roof, lips, everything) is a pain only those who experience it can imagine.

The reason for dentures is simple; periodontal disease has decayed the teeth so much that they are no longer useful. Though people are taking better care of their teeth, now that most dentists can tweet about the importance of “teeth care,” there are still one in six people over the age of 60 who have or will have dentures. And since folks keep their dentures seven years or more and rarely have them looked at, problems arise. So, if you have dentures that move when you eat or you feel great discomfort, the following is what you should do:

Relining. A liquid acrylic molds the denture closely to the shape of the gums.
Recasting. The dentures can be re-made to get a better fit.
Mini-implants. Mini implants are inserted into the bone, to stabilize dentures. This minimally invasive procedure can typically be accomplished in one visit.

Just remember it doesn’t matter why your dentures hurt, only that they do. As we are coming more and more knowledgeable about our bodies, we just have to remember what an integral part of our body our teeth are.

Call today for your free implant or denture consultation.

Dr. Irene Glanville, Wellness Springs Dental

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

Jun 24 2017

Dental Implants Can End Frustrating Denture Challenges

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.

Jun 24 2017

The Great Wall in Your Mouth

The definition of plaque is really very interesting as described by Wikipedia:

Dental plaque is a biofilm, usually a pale yellow that develops naturally on the teeth. Like any biofilm, dental plaque is formed by colonizing bacteria . . . It has been speculated that plaque forms part of the defense systems of the host by helping to prevent colonization of microorganisms that may be pathogenic.

It is not a huge leap to compare plaque to the Great Wall of China. The building of plaque never ceases and the Great Wall took centuries to build and it’s still not complete. The Great Wall was built to keep attackers out while at the same time keeping people in. The Great Wall of China can be seen from space; if you have a lot of plaque build-up, it can be seen pretty easily, too.

If we heed only Wikipedia’s definition above, one might wonder what is so bad about plaque. The above definition is only a partial one and there are many more resources available online or at your local dental office that will point out the drawbacks of plaque. While building up its defenses the same material that protects erodes the enamel of the teeth. Of course the erosion does not take place over night. And, neither will the “take down.”

Like the Great Wall, plaque is very formidable. Both will never be totally deconstructed however, the Great Wall is maintained and cleaned for its millions of visitors. Plaque helps protect against billions of visitors, too (microorganisms). However, if you do not keep the plaque at bay (it occurs naturally, and can not be cleaned 100% away) it will destroy your teeth.

So, get into see your dentist, help them help you control plaque. Ask your dentist if the recommended twice-yearly cleaning is all you need, or, if there are other issues to deal with like periodontal disease or gingivitis. Remember your dentist is the expert and they love helping people get the oral care they should have; it’s what they do!

Image Used under Creative Commons license. Photo Credit: Tooth Decay To Be A Thing Of The Past? Enzyme Responsible For Dental Plaque Sticking To Teeth Deciphered

Jun 24 2017

Dentists! We Don’t Need No Stinking Dentists!

Why See the Dentist?

“My teeth are fine, they don’t hurt. . .a lot!” “I don’t need to go the dentist.” “Besides, even if I had the time, I know I don’t have the money.” “And, if I had both the time and the money, why would I pay somebody to hurt me, I’m not like that.” “I’m not afraid I simply… my teeth don’t hurt!”

Twenty years ago the above statements wouldn’t be surprising to most dentists. They’ve heard them all. What is surprising is that even today these same statements reverberate in the halls of toothdom . Today, even with sedation dentistry, smaller more precise dental instruments, and anesthesia, people are still reluctant to go a dentist. Of course some of that reluctance stems from the FOC factor (fear of cost). Today there is very little reason not to see a dentist. Of all the above misgivings, the FOC factor is probably the biggest. But, oral health is not something that should be sidelined due to misgivings – it’s that important.

Let’s address the elephant on this page. Fear of cost is very real for a lot of folks, though this country has the best health care on the planet – it’s also the most expensive. However, FOC brings up multiple silver linings. First, consider the ROI (return on investment). If you can have healthy, comfortable, good-looking teeth – what is that worth? Also, in terms of real cost, getting dental work done is really not that expensive. Lastly, if you need a big dental procedure done you can finance it. P.S. if you have to choose whether to finance a new car or oral care – this article isn’t for you.

Now that the FOC elephant is put back in its cage, let’s talk about the other “reasons” people don’t go to the dentist. Pain! At this point in our history dental pain is all but imaginary. Have you been to a dental office recently? The dental tools are microscopic (not really but they are very small). Some dentists even use lasers. If smaller instruments aren’t enough, there is always anesthetic and if that’s not enough there is sedation and music (most dentists have digital music you can listen to while work is being done on your teeth).

What will hurt is if you keep putting of regular dental visits until the pain is unbearable. Dentists are doctors and like any doctor, they need to be seen regularly. Take care of your teeth, so that they can take care of you!

Image Used under Creative Commons license. Photo Credit: Head In Hands by Craig Dennis.

The definition of plaque is really very interesting as described by Wikipedia:

Why See the Dentist?

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