Posts by: Downtown Dental

[caption id="attachment_1911" align="aligncenter" width="584"] image via Unsplash[/caption] There's nothing like jamming a waxed piece of string between your tightest molars and sliding it back and forth. And who doesn't do that once a day, just as the dentist prescribes? Well, a lot of us. Twenty-seven percent of adults lie to their dentists about how often they floss their teeth, a survey released Tuesday found. Not only that, but more than a third of people surveyed would rather be doing unpleasant chores than flossing their teeth daily. Fourteen percent would rather clean the toilet. Nine percent would rather sit in gridlock traffic for an hour. And 7 percent would rather listen to small children crying on a plane. Actually, that 27 percent sounds awfully low. When we called up Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel, a periodontist and president of the American Academy of Periodontology, which conducted the survey, she said: "Is that all?"
There's nothing like jamming a waxed piece of string between your tightest molars and sliding it back and forth. And who doesn't do that once a day, just as the dentist prescribes?
She's not the only oral health professional who thinks many patients are fibbing when they say they're flossing. "I am shocked," says Dr. Sally Cram, a periodontist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, via email. "Given my experience with patients in my practice I thought it would be higher!" Indeed, a similar survey by the dentists' association found that only 4 in 10 Americans floss every day; 20 percent never do. Some people find it so repulsive that they'd rather be doing nearly anything else. "Cleaning the toilet?" Otomo-Corgel laughs. "I don't think so. Maybe ironing." So what makes us hate flossing so much? "It's a lot of work," Otomo-Corgel admits. Though the ADA says it should only take an extra couple of minutes a day, it can seem like an eternity. The floss is hard to get between your teeth. It makes your gums bleed. It's slimy. Tiny particles of food are flung onto your bathroom mirror. And there's no immediate payoff, like the fresh-breath feeling you get from brushing your teeth. The benefits of flossing may be intangible, but they're real. Flossing helps by removing plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and saliva. This goop collects below your gum line and can eventually harden into tartar. If the bacteria cause inflammation, well, that's periodontal disease. Untreated it can lead to receding gums, tooth decay and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is extremely common; one in two people have it, Otomo-Corgel says. But it's preventable with proper oral hygiene. Which means brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and seeing a dentist or periodontist regularly. Flossing correctly, Otomo-Corgel stresses. Bleeding is normal, because it means you're cleaning out infection; pain means you're doing it wrong. The ADA has a step-by-step guide, and even a video on how to floss right. What about alternatives to flossing, for those of us who would rather be in gridlock traffic? Proxabrushes are skinny brushes that fit between teeth. Stim-U-Dent picks or even regular toothpicks may work to remove plaque. But, Otomo-Corgel warns, if your teeth are close together, you'll need to use dental floss. "Flossing is simple once you've learned how," she says. And it's the best way to prevent gum disease, along with regular visits to the dentist. Who, by the way, can tell if you're lying. via NPR
Gingivitis is one of the most common oral health problems in Canada. It starts off with a little redness in the gums but without proper attention and care, the situation can worsen leading to bleeding, puffiness, bad breath, and over time, what is known as periodontitis, more commonly known as gum disease. The consequences can be dire with loosening or loss of the teeth. The main culprit behind the condition is bacterial growth, usually called plaque. Although several different types of species are detrimental to gum health, some are more troublesome than others. One particular enemy is known as Porphyromonas gengivalis . Having high amounts of this bacterium can significantly increase the potential for periodontitis. Researchers tried for decades to figure out what makes this bacterium so problematic. Back in the 1990s, studies revealed the bacteria had the ability to invade our gum cells. This led to the potential for bleeding and cell death leading to gum recession. This was bad news indeed yet the results only offered half of the story. As with many chronic infections, there had to be some involvement of the immune system. By 2001, the effect of this bacterium on immunity was finally discovered. Its presence led to a cellular form of inflammation in the gum area. What was worse was the fact the type of response prompted immune cells to destroy cells in that area. Even with this rather unsavory thought, there was still a missing piece to the puzzle. No one quite knew what was actually causing the inflammation. Some research had suggested the physical components of the bacterial cells was enough to cause this problem. Yet these results revealed only short term effects. Now the guilty party may have been found. An international group of researchers have used a combination of microbial and human cell cultures, they have identified a particular protein, aptly named Gingipain, as the source for the long term inflammation occurring in the gums. The results of this research suggest the bacteria are most troublesome not when the protein is active, but when it is dormant. The initial experiments behind this discovery were relatively straightforward. Cultures of immune cells were infected by the bacterium in the hopes of finding cellular markers of inflammation. Sure enough, the cells reacted to the microbial presence. But there was a surprise in store. When Gingipain was active, there was relatively little inflammation. On the other hand, when the enzyme was dormant, inflammation took off. This strange twist led the researchers to think there may be more than an infection going on. Answering that required a different type of experiment. The team had to add the infected cells to an artificial immune system to find out the effects of the enzyme on a systematic level. When they looked at the effect of infection on the immune system, the team was shocked to find the inactive or dormant form of the enzyme led to the most troublesome effects. In this case, inflammation was increased and sustained. This meant a lack of enzyme activity was making the situation worse. Though the results appeared to make little sense, the team persevered to identify a reason. They looked at the various proteins involved in inflammation in the hopes of finding one that might interact with the enzyme. The best candidate was a molecule known as interleukin six (IL-6). If the group was right, blocking this molecule might halt inflammation regardless of the enzyme's activity. Sure enough, when the group blocked IL-6, inflammation went down in all cases. The team had found the lynchpin of the periodontitis mystery. Perhaps more importantly, the results revealed the trouble wasn't being caused some previously unknown entity but a biological factor known for being involved in long-term inflammation. Based on the identification of IL-6 as the culprit, the authors suggest the potential to slow and possibly stop the progression of gingivitis may not be too far away. A pharmaceutical route to achieve this goal already exists although it only is approved for another IL-6 based chronic condition, rheumatoid arthritis. Still, the existence of an approved therapeutic means the potential for periodontitis treatment may be years rather than decades away. While we wait for medicine to catch up to the research, the best way to reduce the chances for this IL-6 based route of gum inflammation is to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. This means brushing at least twice a day and making sure to visit your dentist regularly. While research may be able to help us find routes to resolve gum disease, these oral health professionals can help you prevent and manage troubles before they go too far. via HuffPost Canada
If you’ve ever had a root canal you probably appreciated how it fixed your pain … eventually. But you probably didn’t appreciate the root canal itself. Today’s a day to change that, because it’s Root Canal Appreciation Day. Yes, really. Dr. Chris Kammer, a dentist, created the day back in 2005. Now you’re probably not surprised that a dentist would commemorate such a horrendous procedure. But Dr. Kammer isn’t just any dentist (and a root canal isn’t really horrendous—more on that later!). He’s the “Rock and Roll Dentist,” who has performed with Deep Purple, Kiss, Garbage and others. He also wrote and performed the tooth brushing song Get Out the Brush at the Madison Mallards baseball park in Madison, Wisconsin. Apparently the 5,991 fans in attendance then all brushed their teeth simultaneously, setting a new record. To kick off his newly created day he performed a root canal at the same park. Well, actually just the end of the procedure. But we give tons of credit to his patient for agreeing to that! His goal with the day was to “hit a home run for the image of the root canal!” He wants people to understand that the old ideas of root canals no longer apply. They help save teeth, which is preferable to pulling them. The day is unofficial, but in 2005 was recognized by then Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle and Dave Cieslewicz, then the mayor of Madison. A Few Bites of Root Canal Facts How much do you really know about root canals? Are you sure? There’s a lot of myths floating around about root canals. Let’s start with the idea they’re painful. Since they’re done with anesthesia, they’re no more painful than any other procedure, including getting a filling. Unpleasant maybe, but not painful. Ok, we admit you’ll probably have some pain after the anesthesia wears off, but it’s manageable (yes, really). Root canals take much less time than you might think, too. A “normal” one can take as little as an hour & you’re done. Sometimes the dentist may have to put an antibiotic in your tooth to kill off a particularly bad infection. In that case it’ll be a two-part procedure, with each part a couple days apart. If you think pulling the tooth is a better option than a root canal, think again. Most of the time saving your natural tooth is better than implants or a dental bridge. If the root canal is done right, and a good crown is put over the tooth, you don’t have to worry about what you eat. Want to know more about root canal myths and facts? Check out this blog post.

Take Heed: April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month-A Good Time to Visit Your Dentist for a Screening

More than 21,000 men and 9,000 women in the United States annually receive oral cancer diagnoses, according to the National Cancer Institute. In 2013, there will be 41,380 new cases of cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx in the U.S., resulting in 7,890 deaths, according to NCI. Oral cancer can strike in the mouth and throat with most of these cancers beginning in the flat cells—squamous cells—that cover the surfaces of the mouth, tongue and lips. Some of the risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, infection with human papillomavirus, sun exposure, diet, betel nut use, and personal history of oral cancer. Symptoms to watch for include patches inside the mouth or on the lips, a sore on the mouth or lips that doesn’t heal, bleeding in the mouth, loose teeth, pain or difficulty swallowing, lump in the neck, numbness of lower lip and chin, difficulty wearing dentures and a persistent earache. Visit your dentist or physician immediately if you have any of these symptoms. The National Cancer Institute has resources on oral cancer at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/oral. The American Dental Association’s consumer website, MouthHeathy.org, also features information about oral cancer.     via Colgate/American Dental Association
As far as my dental history goes, I've been pretty lucky. My parents always stressed the importance of taking care of my teeth and took me to the dentist on a regular basis. I never had to have braces and didn't even have a cavity for most of my 30s. Then, as they say, "go big or go home": at 39, I had my first cavity. I didn't even know I had one until my tooth chipped over dinner. An immediate trip to the dentist revealed I not only had a cavity, but I would need a root canal and then a crown. I made it through both those things and thought it was over. I swore to myself I would do a better at staying on top of things and went on with my life. From the day the crown was placed, it never felt "right": there was always an element of discomfort and my 24/7 awareness that it felt foreign and weird. After the first year, I started feeling more discomfort. Around year two, I began to notice gum inflammation around the crown.  Unfortunately, the dentist who did the crown work had gone out of business, so I had to find a new dentist. Many of my downtown/east Nashville friends had recommended Downtown Dental. Dr. Clark and his team were amazing from my first patient exam. Turns out I not only had a metal allergy to the original crown, but the deep placement of the crown had created significant gum infection. It wasn't the worst news, but as someone who is highly sensitive to antibiotics and tries to go the natural route whenever possible, I didn't look forward to the treatment that would clear up the infection/irritation. Enter "the laser". I soon happily learned that dentists can use lasers for a host of incredible treatments: not only for bacterial reduction (in this case, for my gums), but for pain management/anesthesia, fillings, tooth contouring/cleaning, and even cold sores. My three laser treatments were quick, absolutely painless, and best of all, I didn't have to take any antibiotics. The team at Downtown Dental is warm and wonderful, but even better than that, I'm thankful for a dentist who commits to painless technology as treatment versus standard pharmaceutical medication. Turns out there's a better way to do a lot of things without wreaking havoc on the body...even in dentistry. -D. Carson, 41: Dickson, TN

      Finding a healthy sedation solution Have you ever heard about non-toxic dental sedation techniques? They are available to dental patients across the country, including those in Nashville. If you are afraid of the dentist, let's talk about our holistic approach. We limit invasiveness and the need for sedation by utilizing new technologies. We also have seen first-hand the impact a system called NuCalm® has on worried patients. We are so happy to offer this technology to our Downtown Dental patients who may experience dental anxiety. What is NuCalm®? NuCalm® is a nontoxic treatment system that will facilitate oral health without harming the rest of the body. The system calms the body by counteracting adrenaline, stimulating microcurrents, calming the pace of brain waves, and blocking visual stimuli to encourage relaxation. NuCalm is unique because it creates deep relaxation without using narcotics or controlled substances, causes no significant side effects, and requires no recuperative time or supervision. How does NuCalm® work? NuCalm organically entrains brain waves to a frequency that promotes relaxation and calm. Beta brain waves (13 Hz-30 Hz per second) are associated with day-to-day wakefulness - mental activity consisting of cognitive, sensory, and motor activities. High beta brain waves (23 Hz-40 Hz per second) are associated with fear and anxiety. NuCalm brings the patient's brain waves from beta or high beta to the alpha and theta ranges (4 Hz-12 Hz per second). Alpha brain waves are considered the first stage of sleep and are typically associated with relaxation and peacefulness during deep meditation and biofeedback. Alpha brain waves are characterized by slower frequencies, higher amplitudes, and are more synchronous than beta brain waves. A person with brain waves in the alpha range is physically unable to be anxious. NuCalm entrains the brain to the alpha/theta ranges, naturally creating homeostasis, neuromuscular release, and relaxation. Who is Benefiting from NuCalm®? -Over 700,000 dental patients have used NuCalm for a drug-free, relaxing dental appointment across 5 continents -Used daily by professional and olympic athletes for recovery and improving sleep -Used by cancer patients to resolve nausea, improve sleep quality, and manage their stress -Used by jet pilots to resolve jet lag -Used by top executives to manage stress and travel demands -Used by psychotherapists to facilitate cognitive behavioral therapy and treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Visiting the dentist is nerve-wracking for many individuals, even those visiting for a simple check-up. Having to undergo sedation can make matters worse, especially if that process involves traditional techniques and chemicals. Working with our patients to provide an opportunity to de-stress while they get treatment is an unexpected benefit that decreases inflammation, boosts recovery time, and is a reminder that we care so much about your overall health. Here's a great video that explains more about how NuCalm works: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDAZua8R92Y&feature=youtu.be[/embed]  
Though the link between dental health and heart health is not completely clear, experts say it’s important to take care of both. Claiming around 610,000 lives each year, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the U.S.1 Did you know that research has found a link between this deadly disease and the health of your gums? Having gum disease increases the risk of a first heart attack by 28%, according to a 2016 study by the Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden.2 “Although the findings indicate a strong link between gum disease and heart disease, it’s still unclear whether one actually causes the other,” says the American Heart Association. The two conditions have some of the same risk factors, including smoking, poor nutrition and diabetes. Researchers believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the connection.3

Prevention is the best medicine

Regular healthy habits can lower your risk of both gum disease and heart disease. And, if you already have one or both of these conditions, these strategies can help reduce their impact:
  • Brush and floss regularly. To remove plaque-forming bacteria, brush for at least two minutes, twice a day, and don’t skip the floss.
  • Choose a healthy diet, rich in essential nutrients (especially vitamins A and C). Reduce or eliminate sugar and starches.
  • Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. These habits can destroy your gums and increase your chance of heart disease.
    • 1CDC, NCHS. Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2013 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released 2015.
    • 2Rydén L, Buhlin K, Ekstrand E, et al. Periodontitis increases the risk of a first myocardial infarction: A report from the PAROKRANK study. 2016.
    • 3Jeffcoat et al. Impact of periodontal therapy on general health: evidence from insurance data for five systemic conditions. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2014;47(2):166-74.
    • 4Gum Disease and Heart Disease. American Academy of Periodontology. Dec. 2016. http://www.perio.org/consumer/heart_disease
    via Delta Dental
Let’s be real here: We know that visiting the dentist can be something that makes many patients nervous. Research shows that 20% of individuals who experience severe anxiety will only go to the dentist if absolutely necessary. However, regular dental checkups are vital not only because they keep your teeth and gums healthy, but they can also help protect and maintain your overall health and well-being. Downtown Dental is sensitive to the fears and concerns of our Nashville dental patients and we strive to create a comfortable environment for all patients, no matter their personal concerns. If the idea of visiting the dentist gives you anxiety, consider a few reasons why Dr. Clark's office can help ease your fears: We listen. We invite you to express your worries from the very first moment you call to book an appointment. Our team makes your concerns our concerns. Whether you’ve had a bad experience in the past, are afraid of needles, or are apprehensive about any specific part of your appointment, let’s discuss it. We promise to listen carefully to get a full understanding of how you feel. We give you all the information and discuss solutions. Dr. Clark and our team will share with you a full range of options and information so you can make an educated decision about your personal treatment. We will not rush you into a decision you’re not comfortable with. Additionally, we offer safe, effective dental sedation that has helped other patients like you overcome their dental fears. There are several options available; our team will be happy to discuss the solution that’s right for you and your treatment.  Are you concerned about cost or time? In addition to general fear of the dentist, many patients might be anxious about the cost or duration of necessary dental treatments. We make a point to discuss your options in detail with you so you feel comfortable with every aspect of treatment. Depending on the procedure needed, there may be multiple options available that can fit your time frame and/or budget. Some procedures can be completed in the same day. Your treatment coordinator will explain to you how you can best maximize your dental benefit assistance and the various financing options available to you in order to make your treatment affordable.  The ultimate decision is yours to make, and we will make sure you have all the information you need to choose the treatment plan and financing option that’s right for your dental health and your wallet. Bottom line: we deal with dental phobia every single day, and we get it. We won't judge you or dismiss your fears, and we'll do everything we can to work with you to feel more relaxed. Beyond the initial anxiety, regaining control of your dental health will be the biggest step you ever take in overcoming your fear of the dentist.
[caption id="attachment_1606" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image via Shutterstock ID 198052919[/caption] Chewing and eating are actions that our body is able to complete almost automatically. When you eat you don’t have to stop and think to open your mouth and then close it, and then to continue to chew, and we certainly don’t usually think about which side of our mouth to chew on. Researchers say that picking a preferred chewing side may have to do with pain. How Chewing Works Eating food doesn’t require much concentration and subconsciously the tongue generally moves the food to one side of the mouth or the other. The jaw joint is made up of a right and left temporomandibular joint that both support and guide the mandible when you chew. Generally the TMJ on the opposite side of the dominant chewing side is the joint that receives the larger amount of stress and tension. For example, food chewed on the left TMJ will put the right TMJ under the most stress and vice versa. According to the NIDCR, more than 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorder and have a problem with one of their temporomandibular joints. In many cases the disc is somewhat out of place and, surprisingly, people tend to unconsciously chew food on the same side of the problem TMJ because the stress is actually lower on the chewing side than the other. At the same time, continuous chewing, especially of hard foods, can weaken and further aggravate an already imbalanced or misaligned TMJ. If you suffer from symptoms related to TMJ disorder, the cause may be an imbalanced bite that can be fixed with the help of an experienced Nashville TMJ dentist. Contact Dr. Clark's office online or call Downtown Dental at 615-254-1393  to learn more about TMJ disorder and the treatments available to you.
[caption id="attachment_1597" align="aligncenter" width="900"]istockphoto.com istockphoto.com[/caption] It’s the most wonderful time of the year… holiday parties, social occasions galore and, of course, mistletoe! Whether you’re holiday plans are filled with company parties or gatherings with old friends, the last thing you want to do is make an unpleasant impression with bad breathe, teeth stains, or spinach and artichoke dip stuck in your teeth. How can you keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh during your holiday parties and get togethers without going to the bathroom every 5 minutes to check in the mirror or brush your teeth? Here are 3 simple tips: Drink to your health (and your breath). If you want to keep your smile bright, you should avoid drinking soda, black tea, coffee and red wine, which can stain your teeth. If you do drink these, the best way to avoid stains is to rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming these beverages. Water helps keep bad breath under control because it washes away food particles and bacteria, the primary cause of bad breath. It also helps you avoid “dry mouth,” another cause of bad breath, by staying well-hydrated. Take advantage of the healthy holiday snacks. While the spread at many holiday parties consists of lots of sweets and libations, there are some healthy holiday snacks that can keep your teeth clean and your breathe fresh. Parsley and peppermint are two staples during the holiday season and can be extremely helpful when you’re in desperate need. Parsley is a breath-saver because it contains chlorophyll, a known breath deodorizer. You can also splash a drop of peppermint oil into your sparkling water and you are good to go for hours. We wouldn’t recommend it in your beer though. Keep quick cleaning basics close by. It might be impossible for you to brush your teeth each time you eat or between parties. Portable oral care basics like floss, Whisps, and mouthwash are great ways for a quick freshen up. They can also help remove the bacteria from hidden spaces that can’t be flushed out just by drinking water. Whatever your plans are this holiday, we hope that your days (and your teeth) will be merry and white. Happy Holidays from our entire staff!