Good For Your Smile, Good For Your Heart

If you’ve been paying attention to health news topics, you’ve probably come across reports on how your oral hygiene relates to your cardiovascular system. More and more studies are examining how the bacteria that thrive among unhealthy teeth and gums will travel through the bloodstream and create problems for the heart. This revelation is just another testament to the importance of flossing for the sake of your smile and your overall health. Did you know there are other steps you can take to protect both? If it’s good for your smile, it’s probably good for your heart and overall health.

• Eat More Fruits and Vegetables – Fruits and vegetables provide you with the nutrition you need to build and maintain the tissues that make up your mouth and the rest of you. Certain raw fruits and vegetables can also act as a natural toothbrush. They help you stay hydrated, manage cholesterol and boost your immune system. The advantages of a healthy diet     


• Drink More Water – When you’re hydrated, your gums stay healthy and able to fend against harmful bacteria. Keeping hydrated is also essential to performing physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and allowing your body to better complete its most basic functions.


• Get More Exercise – A study completed at Case Western Reserve University concluded that adults who exercised for thirty minutes a day where over 40% less likely to suffer from periodontitis. Exercise is also great for your waistline, your energy levels, your cardiovascular health, and your longevity.


• Reduce Stress – When you’re stressed, do you notice your jaw clenching? Stress can even cause you to grind your teeth while sleeping and result in painful headaches, jaw problems and enamel damage. Stress is also a detriment to your blood pressure, heart health and overall wellbeing.  Taking care of yourself and your smile means monitoring your stress levels and finding a healthy outlet to relieve your tension.


• Don’t Use Tobacco Products – Tobacco products, whether cigarettes, chew or pipe, not only stain your teeth but they also allow bad bacteria to flourish and put you at risk for oral cancer and other serious conditions. Kick your tobacco product to revitalize your smile and save your heart.

 

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/periodontal-disease-heart-health

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/fitness/photos/11-ways-exercise-sends-health-soaring#7

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/plaque-causes?page=2

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water

Importance of Cosmetic Dentistry and a Beautiful Smile

Importance of Cosmetic Dentistry and a Beautiful Smile

Did you know your smile can be the primary factor toward whether or not you’re viewed as attractive? Studies and surveys have found that a bright, aligned smile is considered the most important physical feature by the majority of men and women. Bet your cosmetic smile improvement just moved a little higher on your priority list!

Cosmetic dentistry is important for its immediate aesthetic result, but there are a few subsequent effects that make smile improvements beneficial beyond the surface. Like you would with a home, car or anything you’ve invested in, patients who treat their smile as an asset worth their time and money take better care of their teeth on a daily basis. This means better brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups.  A straightened smile makes it easier to banish bacteria, perform through cleaning and identify concerns that could compromise your health. And last but not least, cosmetic dentistry and the results of a brighter, aesthetically pleasing smile make you want to reveal your smile more, which gives you the confidence to make the right impression and put your best self forth. 

If you’re ready to discover how cosmetic dentistry can benefit you, we look forward to your call.

Sources:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2182380/Smile-Why-white-teeth-sign-good-health-make-attractive.html

http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/health/Smiles+Top+Attractiveness+Poll-1789.html

 

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a severe condition that affects nearly 10% of the population.  What starts with minor infection and inflammation of soft tissue as the earliest stages of gum disease, can escalate into tooth loss, hard tissue damage and spread of severe infection.
 
Recovering from advanced periodontal disease is quite costly and the odds of totally eliminating it aren’t great.  That’s why it’s extremely important to catch any signs of periodontal disease early and get the proper care.  Effective treatment of periodontal disease requires diligent maintenance on your part and professional dental intervention.

If you notice any of the following signs of periodontal disease, it’s of the utmost importance that you see us for care.

• Your gums bleed during or after your brushing and flossing.
• Your gums appear red, swollen and tender, frequently feel sore, and appear to be receding from your teeth.
• You experience bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth even if you’ve just brushed a short while ago.
• Your teeth feel loose or can be physically moved in the gum bed.
• You notice any changes in your bite alignment or the stability of any restorative or prosthetic dental work.

Source:

http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/GumDisease/PeriodontaldiseaseAdults20to64

Sleep Apnea

When many people think of snoring, they think of noisy nightly disruption that could easily earn the frustration of anyone in earshot.  While some snoring is natural and affects almost everyone at one point or another, chronic, obstructive snoring is a sign of a serious condition known as sleep apnea.  Sleep apnea occurs when tissue in the throat or oral cavity obstructs respiration and blocks sufficient intake of oxygen.

Sleep apnea dentistry deals primarily with this concern.  One of the most common treatments provided through sleep apnea dentistry is the nightly use of a simple oral appliance which prevents the airway obstruction. Most sleep apnea oral appliances are similar to night guards that prevent night grinding.

Many patients are quite satisfied with a night appliance as a form of sleep apnea therapy and the consensuses is that they are more comfortable, flexible and convenient than a CPAP machine and mask, which fits over the mouth and nose and requires electricity.  If you snore, or share a bedroom with someone who does, sleep apnea is a condition that may concern you. We welcome your call and questions on how we can help with sleep apnea dental medicine.

The Secret to Fresh Breath

The secret to fresh breath is actually a collection of steps you should take to avoid the embarrassment of a not-so-fresh impression. Whether you’re going on a job interview, having a conversation with a friend, or getting close to someone special, bad breath can ruin just about any face to face interaction.  To save yourself the hazards of halitosis, follow these steps to fresh breath:

• Keep gum disease free by visiting for regular checkups and cleanings. One of the symptoms of gum disease is bad breath that quickly resurfaces even after brushing and using mouthwash.  If you have bad breath that’s persistent, it could be a sign that your periodontal health is in trouble.  
• Practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing and floss every day. Don’t forget to clean your gums, tongue, cheeks and the roof of your mouth, as food particles and bacterial buildup can thrive on these surfaces—causing foul odor. Daily use of a tongue scraper is also a great defense against bad breath.
• Don’t use tobacco products. Whether you smoke it or chew it, tobacco kills the good bacteria that fights disease and wreaks havoc on your mouth.
• Use alcohol free mouthwash and gargle with peroxide.  An alcohol-free mouthwash won’t dry out your mouth the way an alcohol rinse will.  The antimicrobial mouthwash and the properties of peroxide keep odor and decay causing bacteria at bay. 
• Mind your diet – garlic, onions and pungent ingredients can amount to some seriously potent breath. A well balanced diet and moderation are important to keeping your oral and overall health in check and maintain the fresh breath that comes with it. If you suffer from heartburn or GERD, make sure you’re managing your diet, as such conditions can result in bad breath, teeth grinding and enamel damage.

Sources:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215123357.htm

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/smoking-oral-health

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/dont-let-bad-breath-trouble-your-pretty-smile

Don't Take a Holiday from Your Oral Health

Dr. Jody Zajacz reminds us that while we are eating, drinking, and being merry over the holiday we can't forget about our oral health. Click on the link below for tips that can help you make your holidays a reason to celebrate.

http://www.insidetoronto.com/blogs/post/1376327-health-don-t-take-a-holiday-from-your-oral-health/

There is still time to schedule an appointment before the year ends. Remember if you don't use all of your insurance benefits before the end of the year they will expire. Call us at 909-987-6268 or visit us at www.altalomadentalcare.com to schedule an appointment today.

All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth!

Annie Lindsay with the Las Vegas Review Journal wrote an interesting article about keeping all 32 of your teeth as you age. Check it out!

http://www.lvrj.com/view/keeping-teeth-healthy-can-be-a-challenge-with-age-182136361.html

Visit your dentist regularly and report any problems with painful teeth, ulcers lasting more than two weeks, gum abscess, bleeding gums, loose teeth, swelling and soreness or cracks in the corner of the mouth. Ideally, teeth should be cleaned and flossed twice daily. Call us today at 909-987-6268 or visit us at www.altalomadentalcare.com