Diabetes and your dental health: How your dentist can help

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important that you let your dentist know so that they can give you the best care possible.

As more than 15 million Americans have diabetes, your dentist will be familiar with the issues and will give you the specialist care you need.

This is important because diabetes can lower your resistance to infection and slow the healing process.

It’s important to tell your dentist:

– If you have been diagnosed with .diabetes
– If the disease is under control
– If there has been any other change in your medical history
– Names of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs you are taking

The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are:

– Tooth decay
– Periodontal (gum) disease
– Salivary gland dysfunction
– Fungal infections
– Infection and delayed healing
– Taste impairment

If you have regular dental checkups – and keep your dentist informed about your status – they’ll be able to help you reduce and manage these risks.

Oral cancer: Why early detection is so important

Although thousands of Americans die every year from oral cancer, there is a high chance it can be cured if it is caught early enough.

Each year, more than 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer and only half of those diagnosed survive more than five years.

But nowadays, dentists have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified.

If it is caught early, there is a much higher chance that, with your dentist’s help, you could win a battle against oral cancer.

The key is to know the early signs and see your dentist regularly.

Oral cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth.

It can affect any area of the oral cavity including the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue or the palate.

Other signs include:
– A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
– A change in the color of the oral tissues
– A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
– Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
– Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue
– A change in the way the teeth fit together

Oral Cancer most often occurs in those who use any form of tobacco. Smoking combined with alcohol use greatly increases the risk.

However, oral cancer – which is most likely to strike after age 40 – can occur in people who do not smoke and have no other known risk factors.

Diets with a lot of fruits and vegetables may help prevent its development.

Oral cancer screening is a routine part of a dental examination so regular checkups – with an examination of the entire mouth are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions.

The Dental Implant Procedure: Step-by-Step Guide

Dental implants are a popular solution for people who have lost one or more teeth. If you're considering dental implants, you may be wondering what to expect during the procedure. Here's a step-by-step guide to the dental implant procedure:
 
Step 1: Consultation and Examination
The first step in the dental implant procedure is a consultation with your dentist. They will examine your mouth and jaw to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. This may involve taking x-rays or other imaging tests.
 
Step 2: Implant Placement
Once you have been deemed a good candidate for dental implants, the next step is the implant placement surgery. During this surgery, your dentist will make an incision in your gums and drill a small hole in your jawbone. They will then insert the implant into the hole and close the incision with sutures.
 
Step 3: Osseointegration
After the implant has been placed, it will take several months for it to fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. During this time, you will need to avoid putting any pressure on the implant to allow it to heal properly.
 
Step 4: Abutment Placement
Once the implant has fully fused with your jawbone, your dentist will place an abutment on top of the implant. This serves as a connector between the implant and the artificial tooth or teeth.
 
Step 5: Tooth Restoration
Finally, your dentist will attach the custom-made artificial tooth or teeth to the abutment. These teeth are designed to look and function like natural teeth, so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
 
The dental implant procedure involves several steps, including a consultation and examination, implant placement surgery, osseointegration, abutment placement, and tooth restoration. Your dentist will guide you through each step of the process and help you achieve a beautiful, functional smile with dental implants.

How to choose the right cosmetic dentist for your needs

Choosing the right cosmetic dentist is an important decision that can significantly impact the appearance of your smile. There are several factors to consider when selecting a cosmetic dentist, including their credentials, experience, and patient reviews. Here are some tips to help you choose the right cosmetic dentist for your needs.

1. Check the dentist's credentials: Look for a cosmetic dentist who is licensed and accredited by a reputable organization such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). These credentials ensure that the dentist has undergone specialized training in cosmetic dentistry and meets high standards of professionalism.
2. Review their experience: Choose a cosmetic dentist with experience in the specific procedure you're interested in. Ask the dentist how many similar procedures they have performed and what their success rate is. You may also want to request before and after photos of their previous patients.
3. Consider their approach: Find a cosmetic dentist who takes a personalized approach to treatment and takes the time to understand your goals and concerns. A good cosmetic dentist will also explain the risks and benefits of each procedure and provide alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
4. Read patient reviews: Look for patient reviews online to get a sense of the dentist's reputation and the quality of their work. You can also ask for referrals from friends or family members who have had cosmetic dental procedures.
5. Evaluate the office environment: Visit the dentist's office to see if it's clean and organized, and if the staff is friendly and professional. A comfortable and welcoming environment can help ease any anxiety you may have about the procedure.

Choosing the right cosmetic dentist is a critical step in achieving the smile you desire. By considering factors like their credentials, experience, approach, patient reviews, and office environment, you can find a cosmetic dentist who will help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve.

The facts about oral cancer

Oral cancer is not as well known as other types of cancer but it can represent a life-threatening risk if not identified early.

– It strikes an estimated 35,000 Americans each year
– More than 7,500 people (5,200 men and 2,307 women) die of these cancers each year
– More than 25% of Americans who get oral cancer will die of the disease
– On average, only half of those diagnosed with the disease will survive more than five years
– African-Americans are especially vulnerable; the incidence rate is 1/3 higher than whites and the mortality rate is almost twice as high

Although the use of tobacco and alcohol are risk factors in developing oral cancer, approximately 25% of oral cancer patients have no known risk factors.

There has been a nearly five-fold increase in incidence in oral cancer patients under age 40, many with no known risk factors.

The incidence of oral cancer in women has increased significantly, largely due to an increase in women smoking. In 1950 the male to female ratio was 6:1; by 2002, it was 2:1.

The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid tobacco and alcohol use.

Unusual red or white spots can form in and around the mouth. These are often harmless but they can be cancerous or pre-cancerous.

Identifying and removing these early enough is a major factor in reducing the incidence of cancer.

So knowing the risk factors and seeing your dentist for regular examinations can help prevent this deadly disease.

Why cavities aren’t just for kids

Tooth decay or cavities result from destruction of the tooth enamel and can lead to a range of problems from toothache to bad breath.

Cavities occur when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, sugared drinks, cakes or candy are frequently left on the teeth.

Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.

Many people associate cavities with children but the changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too.

Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of gum disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque.

Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than enamel. They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold. The majority of people over age 50 have tooth-root decay.

Decay around the edges of fillings is also common to older adults. As many of them did not benefit from fluoride and modern preventive dental care when they were younger, they often have a number of dental fillings.

Over the years, these fillings may weaken, fracture and leak around the edges.

Bacteria accumulate in these tiny crevices causing acid to build up which leads to decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

– Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
– Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaner
– Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking

It’s also worth asking your dentist about supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, and about dental sealants, a plastic protective coating which is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay.

In addition, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination.

The risks of oral piercing

Young people today choose to make a variety of fashion statements affecting not just the clothes they wear but also their bodies through tattoos and piercing, for example.

Oral piercing may be something they feel looks good but it can lead to problems where they end up needing medical or dental treatment.

Oral piercing can often lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, infection, increased saliva flow and injuries to the gum tissue.

There can be severe bleeding if a blood vessel is in the path of the needle during the piercing.

Swelling of the tongue is also a common side effect and, in extreme cases, this can block the airway and lead to breathing difficulties.

Other possible problems include chipped or cracked teeth, blood poisoning or even blood clots.

Infection is a very common complication of oral piercing because of the millions of bacteria in your mouth.

Of course, the jewelry itself also causes risk. It can be swallowed or cause damage to your teeth.

So, while young people may feel piercings in the mouth look cool, a great smile will look a lot better in the years to come.