Good oral health could save your life – The link between oral health and other diseases
There’s been a lot of talk about oral systemic health of late, and justly so: much evidence links poor oral health to serious medical conditions. Treating oral health problems could potentially serve as a preventative for a number of serious illnesses. Your Mouth, the Gateway to Your Body It’s clear, oral health and overall health are inextricably linked. Looking after them reduces the risks to your general health. Bacteria left to build up on teeth leave gums prone to infection, causing inflammation. Over time, the inflammation can eat away at the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place. This can result in a more severe disease, periodontitis which has links to some serious health problems in the body. Here’s a quick look at some of the issues under discussion: Kidney disease Good oral health could be a life saver for kidney disease patients. A study from The University of Birmingham links a higher mortality rate to patients with periodontitis (gum disease) and kidney disease, than those with kidney disease alone. Oral Health and Diabetes A strong link exists between periodontitis and diabetes, with studies showing that inflammation in the mouth lessens your body’s ability to control blood sugar levels. “Periodontal disease further complicates diabetes because the inflammation impairs the body’s ability to utilise insulin,” Pamela McClain, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. It also seems that diabetes and periodontitis have a two-way relationship. High blood sugar provides ideal conditions for infection to grow, so diabetics are prone to gum disease. For diabetics, it is imperative to keep their oral health in careful check, in order to prevent any ensuing complications.” Oral Health and Heart Disease There is a high correlation between gum and heart disease, although just why is illusive. Periodontitis is found in a high majority of patients with heart problems, but only in about half of people without heart disease. The two conditions have several risk factors in common, such as smoking, an unhealthy diet and high weight. “The theory is that inflammation in the mouth causes inflammation in the blood vessels,” says Dr Sally Cram (Periodontist). This can increase the risk for heart attack in a number of ways. Inflamed blood vessels allow less blood to travel between the heart and the rest of the body, raising blood pressure. “There’s also a greater risk that fatty plaque will break off the wall of a blood vessel and travel to the heart or the brain, causing a heart attack or stroke,” Cram explains. Breast cancer Recent research has found new links between periodontal disease and breast cancer. Recent research discovered that postmenopausal women with periodontal disease are more likely to develop the cancer than those without this gum issues. Prostate disease Researchers from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and the Departments of Urology and Pathology at University Hospitals Case Medical Centre reported that treating gum disease reduced symptoms of prostate inflammation. Oral Health and Pregnancy Babies born too early or at a low birth weight often have significant health problems, including lung conditions, heart conditions, and learning disorders. While many factors can contribute to premature or low birth weight deliveries, researchers are looking at the possible role of gum disease. Infection and inflammation in general seem to interfere with a foetus’ development in the womb. Though men have periodontitis more often than women do, hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase a woman’s risk. Infection and inflammation in general seem to have an adverse effect on foetal development, so for the best chance of a healthy pregnancy, it’s advisable to have a comprehensive perio exam pre-pregnancy to ensure you and your baby are not put at risk. Ask your dentist for advice if you are thinking of starting a family. Oral Health and Other Conditions While the impact of oral health on general health is a relatively new area of study, there are some interesting inroads being made on the following: Rheumatoid Arthritis. Treating periodontal disease has been shown to reduce pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Lung Conditions. Periodontal disease may make pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worse, possibly by increasing the amount of bacteria in the lungs. Obesity. Two studies have linked obesity to gum disease. It appears that periodontitis progresses more quickly in the presence of higher body fat. The Bottom Line on Oral Health Clearly, the health of your mouth can affect the health of your body, and vice versa, so taking care of your teeth and gums now has a whole new positive, a healthy mouth can mean you will live well for longer. Your simple daily routine of brushing twice a day and flossing every day can have a much greater impact on your life than just keeping your teeth clean. See your dentist regularly so that you stay on top of any little things that may arise before they turn into big issues. Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions.
8 New Technologies In Dentistry That You Should Know About
Wondering what’s new in your dental clinic? We have loads of goodies to tell you about! At Dental Fresh we are on the forefront of new and emerging technology, we are constantly evaluating new ideas to ensure our patients are receiving the best dental experience we can possibly provide. Here are some technologies we use at Dental Fresh to ensure we provide you with the best dental experience possible: Cad/Cam CAD/CAM (computer aided design/computer aided manufacture) is an innovative technology used to manufacture restorations for broken or missing teeth. How it works: an image (scan) is taken of your tooth and adjacent teeth once the dentist has done the preparation. This image, the digital impression, draws the data into a computer creating a replacement part for the missing areas of the tooth – a ‘virtual restoration’. The data is then sent to a milling machine where the replacement part is shaped to exactly match the missing portion of your tooth.Our in-house technicians will then colour and glaze the restoration so that it matched your other teeth exactly and becomes virtually undetectable. They may come to your appointment to check colour and form so they can get the tooth exact. When it’s finished, the restoration will be fitted into place and voila! As good as new, and no-one will ever know! Digital X-Rays X-rays are faster and – bonus! there is less radiation with digital than traditional X-rays. When we take a digital X-ray, we can upload the image on our clinic computer in a few seconds, enabling us to make accurate assessments and discuss any areas of concern with you on the spot. Digital X-rays allow your dentist to zoom in on any target areas that he or she needs to take a closer look at, so that nothing gets missed. Invisalign Invisalign is clear, removable, practically invisible braces that gently straighten your teeth. The Invisalign system uses predictive technology to plan a week by week adjustment to your teeth that your dentist will show you to demonstrate when and how your teeth will move. Invisalign is a way to effectively straighten your smile without the need for heavy, permanent metal wires. Because Invisalign aligners can be easily removed, they are not a hindrance for your social life, restrictive on the food you eat or your ability to clean your teeth. Dental Implants Dental implants are an effective solution for patients with missing teeth or a tooth or teeth that are beyond saving. A screw is placed into the bone where the root of the tooth would be. This will hold a lifelike tooth that has been manufactured to match your other teeth in colour, size and contour.Implants are popular because they can replace missing teeth, while still giving the patient the feel, function and appearance of a natural healthy tooth. This is as close to a natural tooth as you can get. (Don’t you love technology?) All-On-4 All-On-4 technology is exciting for patients who need more comprehensive dental treatment. For people who have lost or are losing a significant number of teeth, All-On-4 is a lifesaver. With 4 screws inserted in the upper or lower jaw, a full set of new teeth can be permanently fixed into the mouth in as little as 2-3 days. All-On-4 patients are able to eat, smile, laugh and chat as normally as they did with their natural teeth. Intraoral Camera The intraoral camera is a tool that dentists use to gain precise and well-defined pictures of hard to see places within a patient’s mouth. Areas that would previously have been undetectable or dubious can now be clearly illuminated so the dentist can more accurately assess your needs. We are able to show you the photos in an instant so that you can be fully informed of any potential or existing problems. Love that Preventative Dentistry, don’t you? Whitening Treatments Whitening your teeth is a simple and effective smile rejuvenator and youth enhancer! Red wine, cigarettes, tea and coffee – amongst other things, can leave your teeth stained and looking a little lack lustre. Whitening can remove stains and give your teeth a healthy brightness again. Coupled with a clean and scale, your smile will feel and look fresh and inviting again. Digital Smile Design Digital Smile Design is a technology that combines dynamic video, digital photography, detailed record taking, physical appearance analysis and impressions to analyse the best overall aesthetic and function remedy created just for you. The results from this process are incredibly individual, crafted to suit you, creating a beautiful, natural looking perfect smile, – just for you. For your Best Smile Ever, visit Dental Fresh today and let us help you find the smile you have always wanted. Using new and advancing technologies we will make your visit comfortable, pleasurable and worthwhile. Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions.
The Dental Diet – Nutrition tips for strong, healthy teeth
If you want to know what to eat to keep your teeth and gums strong, chew this over… Dental health is often taken for granted and is more important than most people realise. Good nutrition plays an important role in helping to keep on top of Oral Health. Our eyes are a window to the soul, but our teeth and gums are a window to our bodies. General health is vital for oral health, so keeping fit and eating right will also benefit your teeth and gums. What to eat or avoid While we could make a list of the nutrients you need for healthy teeth and gums, it’s not going to help you choose what actual food you need to stock up on when you visit the grocer, however, it’s pretty simple: Eat a mostly whole foods diet with lots of lean protein and fresh vegetables. Avoid most processed foods, especially those that are high in simple sugars. In saying that, there are a few foods, nutrients, and/or supplements that may play a specific role in assisting with oral health. Probiotics Probiotics may help to decrease gingivitis and plaque; bacteria in fermented foods might suppress the growth of disease causing bacteria in the oral cavity. Berries Cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries may prevent the attachment and colonization of disease causing bacteria on teeth. Green tea Green tea is high in antioxidants, which are known to reduce bacteria and toxic by-products of bacteria in the mouth. Green tea is also rich in fluoride, a well-known tooth strengthener! Echinacea, garlic, ginger, and ginseng While the jury is still out, these foods are thought to help decrease disease causing bacteria. Fluoride Fluoride is said to protect the teeth in two ways: Protection from demineralization – when bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars they produce acid. This acid can erode tooth enamel and damage our teeth. Fluoride can protect teeth from demineralization that is caused by the acid. Sugars & oral health Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. While it’s clear added sugar is not your friend for any reason, it may not be so much the amount of sugar we consume, but more the frequency of sugar consumption that causes the problems. Eating sugary foods when you are able to clean your teeth afterward isn’t as bad, as a constant stream of sugar through your mouth. It’s the sugar drinks and snacks throughout the day, when sugar is left to sit on our teeth until we can clean them next, that causes harm. Avoid those high sugar drinks and snacks during your mid-afternoon slump, instead grab some nuts, an apple or some carrot sticks to boost your energy instead. Recommendations for Oral Hygiene 1-0-1. Brush twice a day for 2 minutes. (go on, it’s just 2 minutes!) Floss twice daily – no excuses. If you’re not doing this, then start now. Avoid smoking. Smoking can wreak mayhem on gum and tooth health. Drink green tea. Green tea aids inflammation, inhibits bacteria, reduces acid, and freshens your breath! PLUS, it’s good for weight loss, so learn to love your Green Tea! Eat whole, nutrient-dense foods when you can, they provide plenty of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin K and vitamin D. Leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, hard aged cheeses, plain yogurt, meats, beans, mushrooms, fish, eggs, are all your teeth’s friends. Raw, crunchy fruits and vegetables every day. Raw veggies help to clean your teeth. Eating an apple after lunch can help to remove any food that has remained stuck to your teeth. Limit added sugars. Maintain a lean/healthy body composition. Excess body fat can promote poor systemic health, including poor oral health. Eat more spinach, lentils, nuts, eggs, whole grains, meat, seafood, and soy. Get regular exercise.Smile and try our tips, you’ll thank yourself for it one day! Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions.
Active maintenance: Helping you have a beautiful, healthy smile
The Truth About Regular Dental Maintenance Debunking the Myth of Unnecessary Check-ups I have lost count of how many times I have been told that dentists only recommend regular visits for dental maintenance so that they can maintain the payments on the luxury cars. While often said in jest, this sentiment reveals a concerning misconception about the importance of routine dental maintenance. This article examines the importance of regular dental visits and their role in maintaining oral and overall health. For those who already visit their dentists regularly for dental maintenance, this information will serve to reinforce the value of your commitment. We also aim to persuade those who may be hesitant about regular dental care to reconsider and prioritise their oral health as an essential component of their general well-being. How Dental Maintenance Appointments Have Evolved Most dentists refer to regular check-ups as ‘hygiene appointments’ or ‘scale and clean appointments’. However, this terminology is somewhat misleading, as dental hygiene is only a fraction of what occurs during these visits. At Dental Fresh, we call these visits Active Maintenance Appointments because our goal is to actively improve your quality of life through better oral health. Changes in the Dental Profession The Persistence of Dental Disease In 1980 when I graduated from university, it was a commonly held belief amongst dentists that there would be an end to dental disease within the following 20 years. This optimism was because of significant advancements in preventive dentistry and public health measures like water fluoridation. The Promise of Preventive Dentistry In the 1970s and 1980s, preventive dentistry was at the forefront of dental practice. Statistics showed that 70% of people visited the dentist at least once a year. Following the introduction of fluoridated water in 1968, the incidence of dental decay in children plummeted to the point where fillings for kids born and raised in Sydney in the 80s and early 90s became a rarity. The Current Reality Fast-forward to today and dentists have never been busier. While this may seem positive for the profession, it’s quite disheartening that we’ve failed to deliver on the promise of ending dental disease. The Consequences of Neglecting Dental Maintenance Understanding the Decline in Dental Attendance Recent estimates suggest that regular dental attendance has dropped to about 20%. People often cite various reasons for avoiding the dentist, including: Cost concerns Fear or anxiety Lack of time Absence of pain or discomfort Misunderstanding of the benefits While it’s easy to find excuses to avoid dental appointments in our busy lives, those who make the effort are rewarded many times over in terms of improved oral and overall health. Common Issues Faced by Irregular Dental Patients Many new patients who come to us after long periods of neglect share similar characteristics: They lack a regular dentist They only see a dentist when they are experiencing pain or discomfort They’ve never received a comprehensive plan for oral health improvement and maintenance They fear dental visits They often require extensive and expensive dental work Perhaps most concerning is that their general health may be compromised, as many dental conditions have direct links to life-threatening medical issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. The Benefits of Regular Dental Maintenance Why Consistent Dental Care Pays Off In contrast, patients who maintain regular dental visits experience numerous benefits: Lower incidence of new dental disease Most dental work focuses on repairing normal wear and tear or cosmetic improvements Gradual dental treatment over a lifetime, reducing short-term financial strain Reduced fear of treatment due to established trust with the dental team Significantly lower lifetime dental costs What Happens During an Active Maintenance Appointment? A Personalised Approach to Dental Care It’s important to understand that your dental maintenance appointment is customised to your individual needs, as oral health requirements change with age. Young Patients: Strategies to prevent dental decay and create a beautiful, functional smile Middle-Age Patients: Prevention of gum disease and minimising wear and tear Senior Patients: Emphasis on the link between oral health and general wellbeing Regardless of age, our primary goal is to ensure that enjoying a delicious meal remains a pleasure rather than a challenge. During your visit, we typically: Update your medical history and assess how we can contribute to your general health Discuss any concerns or issues you’ve experienced since your last visit Check for tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer Evaluate your bite and jaw muscle function Assess sinus health Review previous dental work to ensure it’s functioning properly Clean and polish dentures (if applicable) Remove stains and plaque build-up Check the health and function of dental implants (if applicable) Provide guidance on maintaining oral health between visits Most importantly, we aim to build relationships with our patients, making dental visits as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Investing in Your Smile and Health The most rewarding aspect of our job is knowing that we’re helping our patients live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Regular dental maintenance is not just about keeping your teeth clean—it’s an investment in your overall well-being and quality of life. By prioritising your dental health and committing to regular dental maintenance appointments, you’re taking a proactive step towards a healthier future. Don’t let misconceptions or short-term concerns prevent you from reaping the long-term benefits of consistent dental care. Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions. References: World Health Organization: Cardiovascular Disease WebMD: Diabetes Alzheimer’s Association: What is dementia?
