Clean Teeth May Improve Your Brain

"New finding. Surprising results. Seeing your dentist regularly may actually help your brain. It seems that periodontal problems, also known as gum disease, may be related to onset of Alzheimer's Disease.

· Do you floss your teeth every night?
· Do you floss your teeth between meals?
· Do you floss your teeth properly?
· Have you seen your dentist lately?
· Do you have any bleeding or soreness in your gums?

Some of us tend to avoid seeing the dentist as regularly as we have been told we should. Some of us avoid flossing our teeth because it can be difficult to get between tightly packed teeth and sometimes the floss can tear in the process. Lately, many of us are struggling with financial deficits, debts and problems. And, there are not many really good dental health plans to alleviate some of the financial burden of having our teeth properly checked.

So, you may have been thinking, "It's only my teeth. If the problem gets severe enough, the dentist will just extract the tooth, and I'll be done with it." If this is the way you've been handling your dental health - or - if you've just been putting off that needed dental appointment to buy some item for your house, to go on a fun vacation, to buy some extra clothes, or for some frivolous fun, think again. At New York University, a team of doctors have recently linked Alzheimer's Disease to periodontal problems, i.e., gum disease. These doctors have found high levels of bacterial infections that elevate inflammatory molecules in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. This current research corroborate earlier research form The University of British Columbia, which revealed high levels of the same bacteria found in periodontal disease within the brains of patients suffering from dementia.

These doctors are not suggesting that just clearing up periodontal problems will immediately heal Alzheimer's Disease. However, the research does suggest that a clean bill of dental health may slow the progression of this debilitating disease. Angela Kamer, Assistant Professor at the NYU College of Dentistry and her research team, compared the brain function of 18 Alzheimer's patients at an early stage of the disease with what is considered "normal brain function." What they discovered is that 72% of the Alzheimer's patients had an antibody associated with periodontal bacteria, whereas only 38% of the normal group had such an antibody.

I am not a dentist and have no affiliation with the field of dentistry. I just found this study to be an alarming wake up call. So - if you've been putting off that dreaded visit to your local dentist or if you've had pain and bleeding gums for awhile and you think that's just because you have more sensitive gums, or some such incorrect assessment - think again. Taking care of your teeth may help to preserve your health in ways that you do not realize, perhaps even beyond this recent research about Alzheimer's."

Author: Erica Goodstone, Ph.D. Platinum Quality Author

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Summer & Braces: "Cool Smiles"

SUMMER is here, but it will be gone before you realize it!!! Schedule a FREE Orthodontic Examination for the Kids TODAY by calling our office for your complimentary appointment!

Dental Tips: "Tooth Enamel"

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. Be sure to protect your teeth with daily tooth brushing and dental flossing ..... Your teeth help create a beautiful smile!

Dental Tips: "Tooth Brush"

Replace your toothbrush after periods of illness like "colds", the "flu" or other systemic infections. The bacteria from the illness could become embedded into the toothbrush and lead to re-infection or a relapse of the original condition or symptoms.

Dental Tips: "Types of Toothbrushes: Electric or Manual"

"Recently, my observation has been that the one area that seems to attract the most indecision is the subject of what toothbrush to buy. With manual toothbrushes people ponder over whether to get a soft bristle, or a medium, or a hard bristle. Should it be angled or straight? In my office, people also often ask: "How often should I replace my toothbrush?" (As often as once every other month. Don't let it go beyond three months on average. Also, replace them after being sick. The bristles retain germs.)

Is an electric really better than a manual? If so, what kind? Sonic, rotary, or oscillating?

It can get pretty confusing. So let me sum it up for you.

I'm not sure every dentist will agree with me (only "three out of four" of us agree on anything anyway) :-) but here goes my opinion:

If you're buying a manual brush, get a soft bristle. If you are deciding between a manual and electric - go for the electric. In my experience battery-powered brushes are fine, but rechargeable brushes are more convenient and eliminate the cost of frequent battery changes. Rotation-oscillation is usually preferred, but I have seen excellent results with the sonics as well.

Soft bristles are kinder to the gums, and since you should be paying attention to your gum-line when you brush, this is important. When I was in dental school I recall a lecture explaining that soft bristles were also "end-rounded," which means that if you looked at the tips of the bristles under magnification, their ends are, well, rounded. This is opposed to bristles cut off at sharp angles on the harder brushes. I guess the manufacturers figure if you're going for the harder bristle, "What the heck. There is no point to rounding off these babies, let's keep 'em really rough." The trouble is this can be abrasive to your gums.

As for the electric brush, I think a consensus exists that -- per time spent brushing -- more plaque is removed. So this is worth the extra investment. If finances are tight, I believe that you still can achieve excellent results with a manual brush - if you use it correctly. This means brushing in the correct directions, with the right motions and with the appropriate amount of force. Have your dentist or hygienist demonstrate the recommended technique to you. Also, if you have all your teeth, you should also spend at least two minutes brushing them. In my observation, the trouble is that most people simply don't brush long enough. So time your brushing. One study showed most people think they are brushing much longer than they actually are. Since human nature seems to be inclined to "rush the brush," this is where electric brushes have an advantage over the manual. Many of them have built-in timers. You can still cheat, but at least you will know you are doing it."

Author: Richard J. Walicki, D.M.D

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Walicki

Dental Update: "Bleeding Gums"

Bleeding gums are a significant problem. Your gums and the supporting gum tissue keep your teeth healthy. Brush and floss your teeth everyday and brush your gums to keep them clean too.

Summer & Braces

School is out for Summer! Congratulations - Don't forget that the Summer is a great time for braces. Call the office at 269-2022 to set up a Free Orthodontic consultation and examination.

Dental Tips: "Coke & Cavities"

The year that Coca-Cola, Inc. introduced their new soda product called "Coke", there was a huge surge in the number of patients with tooth decay problems.

Dental Tips: "Tooth Brush"

Be sure to replace your toothbrush after you have had a cold, the flu, other infections, or a recent illness. The bacteria from the illness could become embedded in the toothbrush and could cause a re-infection or relapse after your initial recovery period.

Dental Tips: A Guide on Choosing Toothpastes

"Every individual’s teeth are unique with respect to the condition they are in. Therefore, it is important that the choice of a toothpaste be made after due consultation with a qualified dentist. A dentist first examines the oral condition of an individual and only then recommends a specific type of toothpaste, which will prove effective in remedying the issues that require resolution.

Some toothpaste brands have ingredients that prove effective in tartar control, whereas others are used for desensitizing sensitive teeth.

It is important that the toothpaste used by you, is approved by the American Dental Association
(ADA). ADA grants approval to only those toothpaste brands that meet its criteria for effectiveness, safety, and scientific support for claims made through toothpaste advertisements.

To such approved brands of toothpastes, ADA grants a certification that contains ADA's Seal of Acceptance.

Some toothpaste brands may meet ADA's criteria of safety and effectiveness. However, their manufacturers may choose not to apply for ADA's approval. Therefore, their performance will not have been really tested and verified as meeting minimum norms set by ADA. So, their toothpastes cannot be always relied upon to give the requisite performance.

Toothpaste brands that contain fluoride are good for teeth as they help prevent cavities in teeth. However, some of these brands are specifically not meant to be used by children below six years. This is because such children tend to swallow toothpaste. Further, too much fluoride in toothpaste can result in discoloration of permanent teeth.

Besides all these medically significant factors, personal preferences also do play a role in the choice of toothpaste brands by people. Some people like a spearmint flavor, whereas others like some other flavor. Gel-based or paste-based brands all compete for people’s attention. Some people change brands periodically for variety.

Toothbrushes are also available in the market in umpteen brands, designs, colors, head size, and bristle types. Hard bristle toothbrushes need to be used with caution as they may be harsh on gums. Soft bristles are good for teeth as well as gums.

Head size of a toothbrush should be large enough to clean teeth quickly, but should be sufficiently compact so as to easily move about in the mouth, without causing injury to gums. Choose a head size that is comparatively smaller in the case of children.

Bristle contour is another factor that merits attention. It should be chosen based on the advice of a dentist. Different types of bristle contours help effectively clean differently shaped and conditioned teeth and gums.

In any case, toothbrushes need to be replaced by new ones at least every three months, as by then the bristles have lost their contour. They will be worn, look misshapen or frayed. In no case should toothbrushes be dipped in hot water, as then the life of bristles is reduced and their shape and contour goes easily out of form."


Reference Link: http://www.dental-tips.com/basics/hygiene/oral-health-and-care-a-guide-on-choosing-toothpastes.html