Tooth Loss, Diabetes Connection

Complete tooth loss (edentulism) is higher in people with diabetes, a new study from the Journal of the American Dental Association reports. American adults with diabetes are at a higher risk of losing teeth than those adults without diabetes.  And one in every five cases of edentulism in the United States is linked to diabetes.

The study found that 18% of cases of complete tooth loss in the United States are attributed to diabetes.

Tooth loss impacts your quality of life in many ways, including difficulty in chewing and swallowing, slurred or awkward speech and social stigma.

The study also connects tooth loss with lower consumption of dietary fiber, fruits and vegetables and higher consumption of cholesterol and fatty foods.

Diabetes is now, according to this study, a major oral health concern for dental professionals. Diabetes should be considered when trying to determine the causes of tooth loss as it impacts about 22 million people in the United States.

Dr. Staples believes your overall health is reflected in your mouth. As part of your dental exam, Dr. Staples evaluates your mouth for signs of diabetes, risk of tooth loss, oral cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Dr. Staples can restore your smile, regardless of the condition, with dentures secured by dental implants.

Call today for an evaluation of your dental health with Dr. Staples at 702-991-0404.

Dental Implants vs. Bridges

If you’ve lost one, two or multiple teeth, you’re not alone. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 69% of adults 35-44 have lost at least one tooth. Missing teeth are not only unattractive, but they can lead to pain, difficulty eating and a less active lifestyle. The longer you wait to address missing teeth, the harder it can be to replace them. Your treatment needs for missing teeth are unique, however, so how do you know if you should get dental implants or a dental bridge? Dr. Staples can help you select the best option for your missing teeth.

Dental Bridges – Filling a Gap Solution

A dental bridge can fill those gaps caused by missing teeth, giving you a natural-looking, effective tooth replacement. The most commonly done bridge consists of an artificial tooth supported by its two neighboring teeth. Those two anchor teeth are given crowns to attach the new tooth (called a pontic), and this allows for normal biting and chewing pressure. If you’ve lost multiple teeth or teeth roots, dental implants may be a better solution. Dental implants are also a more lasting solution.

Pros of dental bridges:

• Correct your bite, thus improving your dental health
• Fill gaps caused by missing teeth
• Improve your chewing ability
• Improve speech
• Give support to the surrounding teeth

Dental Implants – Forever Teeth to Last a Lifetime

Dental implants have a 95% success rate among patients. With dental implants, you will never have to wear dentures again. Dental implants secure the new set of teeth to your bone with titanium plates. This new set of teeth can be created at Staples Dental Implants in just one appointment. Eat, chew and smile with confidence by replacing your missing teeth or dentures with dental implants to last a lifetime.

Pros of dental implants:

• Prevents the jawbone tissue from shrinking to fill the root gap
• No healthy teeth need to be shaved down for crowns
• No teeth will be burdened with supporting an artificial tooth, taking the stress that normally the missing tooth’s root would have taken

Contact Dr. Staples today at 702-991-0404 to find out the best option for your teeth. Dr. Staples offers a free dental implant consult with 3D imaging.

 

Is Bottled Water Harmful to Teeth?

Bottled water has become a staple of many Americans' healthy diets. Staying hydrated with water is a much better alternative to sugary drinks, energy drinks or sodas. However, bottled water may not be protecting your teeth, according to an article in HealthDay.

Most bottled water does not contain fluroide that most public water supplies in the U.S. have added.

Fluroide helps protect teeth from cavities. Most bottled water manufactureres opt out of adding it in.

Dental experts are concerned about the lack of fluroide in Americans' diets, especially for children. They cite an "alarming" increase in kids' cavities.

The American Dental Association says most bottled water with fluoride to not contain optimal levels. Look for 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million (this is the amount that is in public water supplies, in the communities that have fluoridated water). (Source: WebMD on Fluoride)

What can you do? Consider refilling bottles with filtered water out of the tap. It generally does not remove fluoride. Or encourage your children to drink tap water at home.

Talk to Dr. Staples about healty levels of fluroide for your diet!

Mouthwash Makes Big Difference

Regular swishing with germ-killing mouthwash combined with regular brushing makes a big difference in preventing decay, a new study by the Academy of Generaly Dentistry shows.

In the study, those who used mouthwash regularly saw a 26 percent decline in plaque than those in placebo group.

Not only did it help reduce plaque, but also gingivitis and bleeding of the gums. In fact, 98 percent of those using mouthwash had a measurable improvement in gingivitis.

Three out of four Americans have gum disease and only three out of 100 get treated before it's too late.

The study was tested on adults, it's unclear if the same results apply to children or teens.

Regular removal of plaque by one of our hgyienists is also key to keeping your gums and teeth healthy. Call to schedule today at 702-991-0404 or schedule online.

Headaches? Can't Sleep? Check Your Bite!

The average person swallows 2,000 times per day, causing the upper and lower teeth to come together and push against the skull. People who have a poorly aligned bite or missing teeth can have related health problems, such as frequent headaches or sleep disorders, because their jaw muscles must work harder to bring the teeth together, straining the surrounding jaw muscles.

This strain, know as orofacial pain, is defined as any pain in or around the face. Some people may experience pain in the ears, eyes, sinuses, cheeks or side of the head, while other experience clicking when moving the jaw.

Orofacial pain can also be caused by temporomandibular disorder (TMD), stress, nerve disorders or muscle spasms. Serious causes of orofacial pain are tumors in the jaw bone area, oral cancer or referred pain from cardiac disease.

"At the first sign of discomfort, see your general dentist," says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Peter G. Bastian, DDS, MAGD. "He or she knows your mouth best and how you handle day-to-day stress."

Dr. Staples can check your bite for any of these symptoms and help you alleviate headaches and get more sleep. Call us today at 702-991-0404 to set up an appointment or request one online!

Source: Academy of General Dentistry 

Gum Chewers Can Smile About Xylitol

If you love gum and mints as much as we do, there's a sweetener that is GOOD for your teeth. Spry gum products contain high amounts of Xylitol, a natural sweetener that has been shown to actually prevent cavities. Most sweets cause tooth decay, but Xylitol works to prevent it.

Staples Dental recommends Spry gum and mints as a healthy alternative to other sugar-free products. It contains 100% Xylitol that will prevent tooth decay.

Here are just a few health benefits of Xylitol:

• reduces plaque on teeth
• is safe for all ages
• has a low rating on the glycemic index
• relieves dry mouth
• halts growth of bad bacteria in your mouth

You can find Spry products in health food stores, most grocery stores or you can pick some up in our office.

If you are really good at your next dental visit, Dr. Staples will give you a Xylitol lollipop!

Energy/Sports Drinks Damage Teeth

As summer kicks into high gear, you may want to think twice about reaching for an energy or monster drink - if you like your smile.

A recent study shows an alarming increase in the consumption of sports and energy drinks is causing irreversible damage to teeth. The May/June 2012 issue of General Dentistry found that the high acidity in the drinks glossy outer layer of the tooth.


Energy drinks showed a higher level of damage to teeth than sports drink, but both showed damage.


Without the enamel, teeth become more sensitive, likely to have decay and cavities.


AGD spokesperson Jennifer Bone, DDS, MAGD, also says not to brush your teeth for at least an hour after drinking sports or energy drinks as you can spread the acid around on the tooth surface.


Dr. Staples recommends you reach for water, green tea or refreshing beverages without the high levels of acidity. He also prefers you reach for a product with Xylitol in it if you need a sweetener in your drink. Xylitol has broven health benefits for your teeth.


Also, as summer heats up, now the symptoms of dry mouth.