Total Body Health

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="228"] Photo credit: Dreamstime.com[/caption] A lot of people believe that they have already fully comprehend what osteoporosis is all about and what they can do to either prevent or cure the condition. Osteoporosis refers to a disease characterized by extremely fragile and less dense bones. The main causes of the problem are aging, menopause, and lack of Vitamin D and calcium. Recent advancements in research have shed new light on the entire condition, showing clear reasons for its existence and what sufferers can do to treat it. Osteoporosis is a condition worth worrying about because there are predictions that state its ability to affect more than half of the people in America who will be older than age 50 by the year 2020. New research and studies show more relevant information from the process of diagnosing osteoporosis, to preventing and treating it. Bone health, osteoporosis, and calcium intake In the past few years, there are a few studies that report conflicting findings about the effectiveness of calcium supplements mainly utilized for prevention of fractures and improvement in bone health. The reason behind this is that there are also findings that show the ability of these supplements to increase a person's risk of suffering from heart diseases and attacks. According to Douglas C. Bauer, a professor of epidemiology, biostatistics, and medicine, osteoporosis is a result of the lack of calcium consumption, and it has become a common disease among people in the U.S. He further added that it greatly affects the elderly, especially if their intake of calcium is less than their required daily dosage. However, he also stated that it is necessary to follow a high-calcium diet instead of relying on supplements. The reason behind such a recommendation is that calcium supplements also carry a few adverse side effects. Among the common side effects are minor constipation, increased risk of developing kidney stones, and indigestion. Recent studies also show that calcium supplements increase one's chances of a heart attack. In fact, a nonrandomized study conducted by JAMA’s Internal Medicine just this year figured out that more than 11,000 deaths related to cardiovascular diseases are connected to the increased and continued intake of calcium supplements. This is the main reason why a lot of experts recommend increasing calcium intake through foods rich in calcium. Choose to eat dairy products with high calcium content, instead of instantly taking the supplement. Food products fortified with extra calcium such as broccoli and kale can also help. If the intake of calcium supplement cannot be prevented, then it is best to discuss the decision with your doctor. This can help in figuring out if there are any complications to this move. Osteoporosis and its effects on oral and dental health Osteoporosis is a health condition that greatly affects the bones, since the disease weakens them and makes them capable of breaking easily. Note that aside from negatively hampering overall health and well being, osteoporosis also has a direct relationship on oral and dental health. One should realize that the disease can hamper or damage jawbones. It also triggers dental and oral health issues, including gum or periodontal diseases and loss of teeth. The dental and oral effects of osteoporosis tend to affect more women than man. This holds true for women who are already on their menopausal phase, unless they regularly use a therapy designed to replace lost hormones and balance them. It should also be noted that even if someone has no teeth and does not wear dentures, the effects of osteoporosis can still affect dental and oral health. Bone weakness and loss may also affect the body ridges that hold dentures in the proper position, resulting in poor-fitting dentures. Studies also show that sufferers of the disease are at risk of requiring new dentures more often than those who have strong, healthy bones. Osteoporosis has a major impact on the part of the jawbone supporting the teeth. Studies show that a loss in this bone is most likely to cause tooth loss or mobility. Female sufferers of osteoporosis also have a higher likelihood of experiencing tooth loss or mobility than nonsufferers. Low bone density in the jaw triggered by osteoporosis can also lead to other dental issues. For instance, women suffering from osteoporosis are most likely to experience difficulties linked to ill-fitting or loose dentures. The results of various oral and dental surgical procedures are also less than desirable for these women. The best way to handle this problem is to avoid delaying or postponing dental treatments. Regular dental visits are essential in correcting problems in oral and dental health caused by weak bones. A healthy lifestyle is necessary in strengthening and maintaining good bone health. Effective tips in optimizing bone health include eating a well-balanced diet, containing high amounts of Vitamin D and calcium, and performing regular physical activities. The best exercises that are beneficial in strengthening bones are jogging, weight training, dancing, and walking. Another tip is to avoid excessive smoking and alcohol consumption. Remind your patients to immediately report problems to your dental office related to receding or detached gums, ill-fitting or loose dentures, and loose teeth. Osteoporosis and the life span of women Based on new reports and studies, especially the ones published and reported by the International Osteoporosis Foundation, women live longer life spans than male sufferers. However, the quality of living of these women will be seriously and adversely affected if they do not take necessary action to protect their bone health. Studies show the vulnerability of postmenopausal women to bone fractures and osteoporosis. Currently, about 200 million women suffer from osteoporosis. Estimates and studies prove that at least one in every three women who are older than 50 will deal with bone fractures due to osteoporosis. Solutions linked to preventing and managing fracture and osteoporosis are now introduced to women, especially postmenopausal ones. The reason behind this is that women who are older than 50 and serve as breadwinners of their family or caregivers of society need to prioritize the improvement of their bone health. It would be impossible for these women to continue in their roles if their bones were not in good condition. Researchers also emphasize the need to do a few things that are valuable in preventing the disease as early as possible. It is crucial to take all the necessary actions designed to boost bone health upon reaching menopause. Note that menopause is a critical stage to perform preventive techniques and measures that fight muscle weakness and bone loss leading to falls, fracture, and osteoporosis. Menopause is also the stage when the resorption of bones exceeds their formation. This triggers the immediate decline in bone mass, further leading to increased bone loss and triggering osteoporosis. This disease can cause bones to become weak and porous. It also increases the vulnerability of bones to fractures. Encourage your patients to take action to strengthen their bones, increase their intake of calcium-rich foods, and regularly visit a specialist to have their bone structure checked to ensure that this will never be a threat to their health and quality of life. Resource: Dentistry IQ
[caption id="attachment_1233" align="alignleft" width="285"]Your Dentist Can See Stress Your dentist can often see stress long before you begin to have other bigger health complications.[/caption]                 During routine dental examinations and cleanings, dentists are able to detect oral symptoms of stress, including orofacial pain, bruxism, temporomandibular disorders (TMD), mouth sores and gum disease. It can be hard for people to identify how much stress they have or how much it's affecting their body until they get sick. Regular dental checkups are often your first line of defense at early detection. If you’re feeling tense or anxious, you should keep a watchful eye for signs of the following stress-related disorders: Bruxism Bruxism is the technical term for grinding teeth and clenching jaws. Although it can be caused by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked, it can also be caused by stress and anxiety. Nervous tension, anger and frustration can cause people to start showing the signs of bruxism without even knowing it. Because people are often not aware that they grind their teeth, it's important to know the signs and to seek treatment if you suspect you may have bruxism. Some signs of bruxism include: -Tips of the teeth appear flat -Tooth enamel is rubbed off, causing extreme sensitivity -Tongue indentations Your dentist can examine your teeth to determine whether you may have bruxism and, if so, can suggest the best method of treatment. Temporomandibular Disorders TMD refers to a group of conditions that affects the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint) and the associated muscles used in moving the jaw and neck. Stress is thought to be a factor in TMD. Stressful situations can aggravate TMD by causing overuse of jaw muscles, specifically clenching or grinding teeth, as with bruxism. But even if you aren’t seeing signs of bruxism, such as flat tips of teeth or decreasing tooth enamel, you may still experience other symptoms of TMD, such as jaw joint pain or popping and clicking of the jaw. If you experience any of these, you should check with your dentist to see if TMD may be the cause. Gum Disease Studies at State University of New York at Buffalo, the University of North Carolina and the University of Michigan found that emotional factors played a significant role in the development of adult gum (periodontal) disease. Researchers also discovered that the severity of gum disease increased with amount of stress (from spouse, children, lack of companionship, finances or work) experienced in a patient's previous 12 months. In addition, the researchers found that those at greatest risk for gum disease were those who were highly emotional in dealing with financial problems. But there's good news: Patients who dealt with their financial strain in an active and positive manner had no more risk of severe gum disease than those without money problems. Canker Sores Canker sores (or mouth ulcers) generally occur inside the mouth and are not contagious. They often are triggered by trauma such as biting your cheek, jabbing your gum with your toothbrush or even overzealous tooth cleaning. Canker sores may also be triggered by stress. According to a report in General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's clinical, peer-reviewed journal, studies have shown that students have a high prevalence of canker sores, yet the sores appear less frequently during breaks and after graduation, when stress levels are lower. Maintaining Your Oral Health When Stressed One of the best ways to fight the negative effects of stress is to remove the source of stress. If it's not possible, counseling, exercise such as yoga or jogging, relaxation or meditation or even massage and physical therapy may help reduce your tension. Depending on your symptoms, your dentist can also recommend specific treatments. For example, if you have bruxism, your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep. For TMD, your dentist may suggest some adjustment, including orthodontic treatment, to correct teeth alignment that may be magnifying orofacial pain. Check your benefits to see what treatments are covered under your plan. People who are going through stressful events tend to compromise their oral care. To prevent stress from affecting your oral health, you should continue to brush twice a day, floss every day and have your gums and teeth regularly evaluated by your dentist. More info: https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/stressed_out.html
What goes on in your mouth affects what happens all over your body. Regular dentist visits can do more than keep your smile attractive — they can tell dentists a lot about your overall health, including whether or not you may be developing a disease like diabetes.  Evidence is continually being shown to support the belief that your mouth is a window into many health issues throughout your body. It has been proven that more than 75% of American adults suffer from various forms of periodontal (gum) disease and many don’t know it. Your oral health can also act as an early detection window to so many other chronic illnesses. Here are a few points to consider. Dentists detect disease. The risks of developing diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease increase with age. Since symptoms of these conditions can manifest in the mouth, dentists may be key in diagnosing the diseases. Acid reflux – your dentist may notice before you do. Never have heartburn? That doesn't mean you don't have acid reflux. The good news is that if you have acid reflux, your dentist can detect symptoms of this disease during your regular oral examination. A woman’s mouth can say a lot about osteoporosis. If you're a woman, your dentist may be the first health professional to suspect you have osteoporosis — and refer you to a physician before the disease advances. Anxiety disorders contribute to oral health problems. People are anxious about going to the dentist for different reasons, including worrying about the effectiveness, feeling dentist is rushed, neglecting concerns, anticipation of pain, negative past experiences, or atmosphere. Dental health care can help Alzheimer’s patients. Proper dental care can maintain or increase an Alzheimer's patient's quality of life. Taking time to brush, floss, inspect his teeth and see his dentist on a regular basis should be top priorities.  The Washington Post recently published an article citing three studies that demonstrated a correlation between gum (periodontal) disease and Alzheimer's disease. Your dentist should know what's in your medicine cabinet. If you haven't talked to your dentist lately about what medications you're taking, you should. From over-the-counter antihistamines to prescribed blood pressure regulators, many medications can cause side effects that negatively affect oral health. The heart and mouth connection: oral health and heart disease. According to the CDC, heart disease is America’s number one killer. But did you know that heart disease and oral health are linked? How many teeth are in that cigarette pack? If you start smoking at age 18 and smoke one pack a day, you are likely to lose 4 or 5 teeth by the time you are 35 years old. How vegetarians can ensure good oral health While a vegetarian diet can have great overall health benefits, vegetarians need to be aware of how this lifestyle choice can affect their oral health. By eliminating certain food groups, vegetarians can risk missing out on some key nutrients that are essential for good oral health. Oral cancer screenings Your dentist can perform a screening for oral cancer, which is most frequently found on the tongue, the floor of the mouth, soft palate tissues in back of the tongue, lips, and gums. Early detection and treatment is essential. Oral health gives clues about eating disorders. More dentists are becoming the first line of defense when it comes to recognizing eating disorders in patients. A dentist may spot the warning signs of an eating disorder and be able to point parents in the right direction to get help. Learn more: https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/toc-overall.html
 We all know the effects on our body caused by smoking. From cancer to premature aging to lung disease, there are many health concerns when it comes to the habit that kills nearly half a million people each year. If that’s not enough to make you not want to smoke, there are also many pitfalls when it comes to smoking and your mouth. Smoking causes:
  • Bad Breath
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Inflammation of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth
  • Increased build up of plaque and tartar on the teeth
  • Increased loss of bone within the jaw
  • Increased risk of leukoplakia, white patches inside the mouth
  • Increased risk of developing gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss
  • Delayed healing process following tooth extraction, periodontal treatment, or oral surgery
  • Lower success rate of dental implant procedures
  • Increased risk of developing oral cancer
And it’s not just smoking cigarettes that put you at risk for all of the above, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco can lead to the same issues. Studies show that smokeless products have 28 chemicals that lead to oral cancers, and those same chemicals can lead to gum disease, bad breath, tooth discoloration and even plaque build up. Downtown Dental wants you to be healthy from head to toe. If you are a smoker, please keep an eye on your oral and overall health, and have regular cleanings and check-ups to keep an eye on your mouth, gums and teeth.
We had a wonderful time at the 2014 NASBA Employee Health Fair! It's always great to see our community businesses emphasizing health and wellness and providing their employees with opportunities to interact with health focused local businesses. Screen Shot 2014-05-24 at 11.26.27 AM NASBA has proven themselves to be a award winning in business strategy, growth, & service along with being recognized in past years as one of the best places to work!  It's no surprise that they have a history of focusing on health and wellness for their employees. We were in good company and appreciated the opportunity to show how easily addressing your dental needs can lead to overall health and wellness. As a vendor we spent time speaking with employees about the oral systemic connection that links oral disease and inflammation to MANY serious illnesses throughout the body.Screen Shot 2014-05-24 at 1.58.55 PM There are signs to watch for to see if you are at risk!  And awareness of these warning signs are the first step towards better overall health and wellness: Screen Shot 2014-05-24 at 2.01.00 PM And thanks to technological advancements in the dental industry experiencing these signs of dental disease and infection DOES NOT mean that you are in for an unpleasant trip to the dentist.  OUR WAY makes treating common dental diseases and ailments easy and pain free.

The easier the treatment, the more likely you are to get and stay healthy!

Screen Shot 2014-05-24 at 2.01.23 PM If you are a local business and are looking to provide your employees with more opportunities for education in healthy and wellness let us know. We look forward to the opportunity to be a part of your event!

Why smile? Why not? I am smiling writing about smiling. Has anyone ever looked at your and said quit smiling? I sure hope not. As a dentist, I want you to show your healthy teeth, and smile as much as you can. Smiling not only benefits you, but also those around you. Take a look at this list of reasons to smile.

SMILING…

  1. IS ATTRACTIVE AND MAKES YOU LOOK YOUNGER. Smiling is a natural facelift! Your face is lifted and you immediately look younger when you smile. Look in the mirror and frown then smile. Which looks younger?
  2. CHANGES YOUR MOOD. A smiling face stimulates a dopamine response. Dopamine is our reward or pleasure neurotransmitter, it provides us with feelings of pleasure to ensure we will repeat behaviors needed for survival.
  3. IS CONTAGIOUS. Smile and see if people smile back at you.
  4. REDUCES STRESS. Stress often times shows on our faces. Smiling has a positive impact on the balance of neurotransmitters, calming your nervous system and stabilizing your mood in the midst of everyday stressors.
  5. BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM. Stress causes your immune system to lower and makes your body more susceptible to catching a cold or developing the flu. Smiling can keep your body relaxed and happy, leading to a healthier body.
  6. LOWERS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE. Back to the stress factor. Lower stress means lower blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to headaches, stroke or even heart attacks.
  7. CREATES ENDORPHINS. A smile stimulates the creation of endorphins, the neurotransmitters that relieve pain, heighten self-esteem, create mild euphoria. Endorphins are best known for their positive effects on mood after physical activity. For runners, it’s the runners high. Just think how great a smiling runner must feel!
  8. IS A NATURAL ANTI-DEPRESSANT. When you smile, you feel better. When we smile, our brain releases serotonin, which leads to having a positive and happy mindset. Serotonin plays a role in your body temperature, sleep, pain, mood and appetite and improves self-esteem, our sense of well-being.

Did you know that seeing your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings could help you become aware of a potential health issue?  Oral health provides clues to your overall health. Studies have shown that your mouth can provide early warning signs for more than 90% of all systemic diseases, diseases that affect a number of organs or tissues, or your body as a whole. By a simple visit to your dentist every six months for your bi-annual cleaning, you could either prevent, or become aware of potential life-threatening illnesses such as heart disease.
Your dentist will look for signs of gum disease, and upon treating, or working to prevent this illness, can help patients lower their risk by prescribing ways to prevent the disease from fully developing or evolving to another illness. According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), more than 80% of Americans are battling gum disease, making the need for ongoing dental care even more important now than ever. Are you next? Warning signs of gum disease that you should be on the lookout for:
  • Red, tender or swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
  • Gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth
  • Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
  • Teeth that are loose or are separating from each other
Those who already being treated for gum disease or who are working with their dentists to prevent the disease, are taking steps in the right direction for overall good health.

If there’s one thing that can ruin the most romantic holiday of the year, it’s bad breath. In a recent Match.com survey, 45 percent of the 5,000 singles polled listed fresh breath as the most important consideration when prepping for a date and both women (71 percent) and men (58 percent) said that teeth matter most when scrutinizing a potential match.

Whether you’re married or single… going on a first-date or celebrating your 25th Valentine’s Day together, you don’t want bad breath to become a major embarrassment if you’re snuggling up to your sweetie and he or she asks you what you had for lunch. And you definitely don’t want to have your significant other give you breath mints as a gift like this famous celebrity couple.

Most of these ideas won’t be new to you, but if you want to be kissable this Valentine’s Day, here’s what you should do:

Before the Date

  • Brush your teeth -- and tongue -- before your date
  • Floss in the morning and before your date to remove any food that might be stuck in your teeth.
  • Kill all existing germs in your mouth with mouthwash
  • Eat yogurt or dairy-based food for breakfast to replenish good bacteria in your gut. 

During Dinner

  • Order a “breath-friendly” foods. If you need ideas, our Facebook Page has several head-to-toe healthy foods to choose from.
  • Avoid foods that cause bad breath such as garlic and onions.
  • Drink lots of water along with your other beverages during dinner.
  • If you left the mints at home, gnaw on a garnish. The herbs that garnish your dinner plate can help to neutralize bad breath caused by sulfides given off by the bacteria in dental plaque.
  • When the dessert menu comes your way, steer clear of that chocolate cake and instead look for a dessert full of berries, oranges or apples, which will strengthen your breath by increasing saliva production
  • If you can skip the coffee, sip lemon tea. Lemons can do wonders at neutralizing bad breath!
  • Bring a toothpick or flosser and head to the bathroom and make sure there’s nothing between your teeth after you eat, and rinse your mouth out with water.
  • Just in case… bring a travel toothbrush & excuse yourself to the restroom.

After Dinner

  • Reduce upset stomachs to ease bad breath, especially if you suffer from acid-reflux.
  • Chew gum with xylitol to banish bad breath after dinner & dessert.

With 2014 officially upon us, many Nashvillians have kicked off their New Year’s resolutions. While people know eating right, tossing the smokes and exercising are all part of leading a healthier lifestyle, most are not aware of the overall health benefits of taking care of their teeth.

Here are 3 common resolutions that also help you take care of your teeth:

Eat a healthy, balanced diet. A poor diet that consists of sugary treats and fast food can result in premature loss of tooth enamel, resulting in a weaker tooth structure. Due to this, it is especially important that you try to maintain a healthy diet. On the other hand, fruits and vegetables are full of valuable antioxidants and nutrients that help your body – and your mouth – fight off bacteria and infection. If you want more ideas about healthy foods that help your teeth, check out our “Head to Toe Healthy Food Choice” on Facebook.

Quit Smoking. This is another common resolution most people make during the New Year. As we all know, the effects of smoking can lead to serious health complications, including gum disease, bone loss, and oral cancer. While the impact it has in improving your long-term health is widely known, what you may not know is how it can benefit your teeth. Smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers.

Give up carbonated beverages. Many people resolve to drink the recommended eight glasses a day of water each year.  Eight or more glasses a day leads to feeling better and can is beneficial to your mouth as it cleans your teeth. For example, if you drink a glass of wine and follow with water, the wine has less time to sit and stain your teeth.  In addition to that, the fluoride in most tap water fights cavities. Drinking water will not only improve your overall health, but also improve your oral health.

We hope everyone has a happy and healthy 2014 and we wish you all the best achieving your goals!

What are some of your New Year’s resolutions for 2014?

It’s widely known that October is breast cancer awareness month. Over the past few years, our country has done an incredible job increasing awareness about the disease and coming together to support the millions of women who have undergone treatment. Virtually everyone knows someone who has had to take on the trying and brutal battle against cancer. That person may have been your mother, father, sister, wife, or even yourself. While most people know the effects that chemotherapy and radiation can have on a person’s hair, eyebrows, and physical appearance, what most people don’t realize is the effect it can have on teeth and gums as well. As soon as radiation or chemotherapy treatments start, oral health is immediately affected. ·      The mouth becomes drier, causing the teeth to become more susceptible to decay. ·      Gum recession and mouth sores start occurring. ·      Patients may have difficulty eating, drinking and swallowing. These are the most common side effects of chemotherapy on your mouth. How to prevent and treat dental damage during chemotherapy Patients battling cancer often times find themselves dealing with other health issues that are side effects of their treatment.  Here are a few ways to keep chemotherapy from affecting your teeth during treatment: 1.     Visit your dentist BEFORE you start chemotherapy. This is the best way to avoid any serious issues. If you go to the dentist before chemotherapy begins, you can help prevent serious mouth problems. Side effects often happen because a person’s mouth is not healthy before chemotherapy starts. Not all mouth problems can be avoided but the fewer side effects you have, the more likely you will stay on your cancer treatment schedule. 2.     Learn how to properly care for your teeth during chemo. If you’ve started chemotherapy before going to the dentist, it’s important to see one as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to check and clean your teeth and show you how to take care of your mouth and prevent any side effects. 3.     Be honest with your doctor and dentist during treatment. Some onchologist may discourage dental hygiene appointments because he side effects of a dental cleaning can increase the bacteria levels in the bloodstream. However, there are ways to take care of your teeth without negatively impacting your health. The best thing to do is to be open and honest with your doctor and dentist. It might be that you need to check your platelet counts before going to the dentist. Your dentist also needs to be informed of any major changes to your health before your check up. At Downtown Dental, we care about the health of our patients from head to toe. We want to do everything we can to ensure our patients are living healthy, vibrant lives. Our support goes out to all those who have fought or been effected by cancer and our hope is that we can help you in any way possible.