Gum health should be a top priority for seniors. Your risk of developing periodontal disease (gum disease) increases as you age. By taking charge of your gum health, you won’t have to worry because periodontal disease is both preventable and in many cases, reversible. Ending up with bloody or swollen gums, or even losing teeth is a possibility if periodontal disease remains unchecked. In fact, there are multiple studies that connect periodontal disease to other, more serious illnesses.

Gum Disease and Your Overall Health

A recent joint study conducted by the University of Southampton and King’s College in London discovered a link between periodontal disease and an increase in the rate of cognitive decline in those suffering from early Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that patients with periodontal disease experienced decline six times faster than in patients who had healthy gums.

Your risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke is also heightened if you have periodontal disease. With age, the risk factors for these serious issues increase and it is crucial to limit the potential risks as much as possible. An easy way to take responsibility for your gum health would be to visit our dentist for regular checkups.

Numbers Don’t Lie

Moderate or severe periodontal disease was found in over 14% of seniors ages 65-74, and more than 20% for those ages 75 and older according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. It was found that more men than women were diagnosed with the disease, and smoking had a significant impact. According to the same study, 32% of current smokers had the disease, compared to just 14% who didn’t smoke at all.

Steps to Take

In order to avoid periodontal disease you must floss regularly, which is an easy and effective way to get into the gaps of your teeth where plaque and food particles build up. Also, make sure to brush your teeth for a full two minutes, twice a day.

As you age, it is more important than ever to keep up with your gum health. By doing so you will lower your risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease which have all been linked to periodontal disease.

Schedule a visit with our team for a complete gum evaluation, and we will work with you to create that ensures your gums are as healthy as possible.

Can exercise really be damaging to your teeth? Obviously exercise is crucial for good health and your well-being, but studies have shown that certain exercise and fitness habits can increase dental decay and tooth erosion. 

Read more if you would like to find out how exercise can impact our oral health.

Dry Mouth: During exercise, breathing heavily through the mouth can cause your mouth to dry out due to a reduction of saliva. Saliva is made up of minerals that work to fight off bacteria, prevent tooth decay, and protect tooth enamel.

While you exercise, try to breathe through your nose and hydrate before, during, and after your workout. This will help to prevent the decay caused by a dry mouth.

To reduce the presence of bacteria and plaque you should also brush your teeth right before you exercise.

Clenching Jaw: When lifting weights, athletes often clench their jaw which can result in wearing down and possibly even cracking of the teeth. Consider using a mouthguard in order to protect your teeth from clenching and grinding together.

You can purchase a mouthguard at your local drugstore or sporting goods store. You can also visit our dentist who can make you a custom, personalized mouthguard.

Drinking Sports Drinks: The fact I am about to share with you may be shocking, but studies have shown that sugary sports drinks are up to 30 times more erosive to teeth than water. That’s right! These drinks contain citric acid that can soften the tooth enamel to the point where even brushing your teeth after can cause damage to your teeth.

If you constantly are taking sips of these sugary liquids, you are putting your teeth at risk for tooth decay. Although these drinks taste great, you are better off drinking water instead which will prevent these negative effects.

If you cannot give up sports drinks, consider rinsing your mouth with water after you drink them, chewing a sugar-free gum, and avoid brushing your teeth immediately after.

Physical fitness is important for overall health as are regular visits to your dentist. Increased activity can help promote the health of your teeth and gums. Just as you would check with your physician before starting a new exercise regime, you should also include regular dental checkups.

Want to know more about how your teeth are doing? Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment.

Even with proper oral care at home — two minutes of brushing twice a day and once-daily flossing — it can be difficult to clean some tooth surfaces thoroughly. Dental sealants can help adult teeth stay cleaner.

A dental sealant is a protective resin that acts as a barrier against tooth decay. It is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) to help smooth over pits and grooves that can be difficult to clean with a toothbrush. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dental sealants prevent 80 percent of cavities in the molars, where the vast majority of tooth decay occurs.

Who Benefits from Dental Sealants?

Although they are most often associated with pediatric dentistry, sealants can also be beneficial for adults. People whose chewing surfaces have deep grooves, who want to stop a mild tooth lesion from developing into decay, or those who simply want an extra level of protection are all good candidates for sealants.

How Does Dental Sealant Work?

It takes just minutes to apply in our office. First the chewing surfaces are prepared to help the sealant adhere properly, then the sealant is brushed on. The liquid resin flows into the uneven surfaces of the teeth to create a smoother surface. The resin bonds to the enamel and hardens.

Sealant is either white or clear. Because of where it is applied, it is not visible when the patient talks or smiles.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

A sealant application can last for years before it needs to be replaced, but it varies.

Over time the sealant can become worn or loose and will not protect teeth as effectively. Chewing on hard foods and ice cubes can break down the sealant material, as well.

Having dental sealants applied is a quick procedure that offers substantial benefits for the right adult patients. Our dentist can determine whether this treatment is a viable option to give you extra protection from tooth decay. If you have had a sealant treatment in the past, we can check to see if it needs reapplication.

With proper at-home care and regular professional cleanings, a dental sealant can be just as effective for adults as it is for children and teenagers. Call our office for more information about this treatment and other ways you can achieve a healthy mouth.

Your teeth may feel strong and healthy, but if they are not their whitest, you could be perceived as looking older than your years. A survey by the Oral B dental hygiene company showed that people with white teeth are thought of as 20 percent more attractive and 13 years younger.  

Dentist-supervised teeth whitening may be a great option to brighten your smile if you have dull, stained, or discolored enamel. Our dentist can help you achieve whiter teeth with procedures in our office or at home. Let’s take a closer look at causes of tooth discoloration and your options. 

What Causes Stained Teeth? 

Chief causes of dark or dull enamel medications, genetics, diet, and tobacco use. Teeth tend to darken with age, as well. Our experienced dental team can create a whiter smile.  

For some patients with internal staining that does not respond to teeth bleaching, porcelain veneers can create a brighter and more even smile. Our dentist will discuss your whitening goals with you to determine which options would be most effective.  

Why In-Office Teeth Whitening Works  

In-office teeth whitening is the quickest way to achieve a brighter smile. The typical process involves a strong yet safe bleaching gel that must be applied by an experienced dental professional. Results are rapid and teeth can be lightened to a higher degree than is possible with at-home kits.  

During a professional whitening treatment, we first clean the teeth and then apply a whitening agent, carefully avoiding the gums and soft tissue. We may then add a laser light treatment to expedite the process. We can repeat the process for more dramatic results.   

Does At-Home Teeth Whitening Work? 

If a visit to our office for professional teeth whitening isn’t an option for you, an at-home treatment can also provide a significant whitening effect. While over-the-counter teeth whitening products can be helpful to some, a customized gel and tray kit from our dentist will yield a safer and more predictable outcome. 

At-home teeth whitening results are less dramatic compared to those achieved at the dentist’s office, and may not be the best solution if your teeth and gums are sensitive. 

If you want to look younger by brightening your smile, contact our dental office to schedule a consultation. We can help you reach your teeth whitening goals quickly and safely.

Oral cancer screenings are designed to identify a common condition and treat it early, when it is most curable. Screening is a fast and painless process built into a regular dental examination. Here are common questions and answers about oral cancers.  

How Common Is Oral Cancer? 
According to the Mayo Clinic, the lifetime risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity and the upper throat (oropharynx) is about 1 in 60 for men and 1 in 140 for women. The American Cancer Society estimates that one person dies every hour worldwide from this condition, yet it is preventable and treatable.  

What Are the Symptoms? 
The most common red flags include a mouth sore that won’t heal; red or white patches in your mouth tissue; lumps or swelling in or around your mouth; pain or difficulty swallowing, speaking, or moving your tongue; dramatic weight loss; ear pain; and unexplained mouth bleeding.  

What are the Risk Factors for Oral Cancer? 

• Tobacco users are at greater risk of oral cancer, whether that is from smoking or products like chewing tobacco, snuff, and dip  
• Heavy alcohol use, especially with tobacco use, significantly increases risk  
• Excess weight and acid reflux diseases can increase risk, while a diet rich in fruit and vegetables appears to lower it  
• The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a risk factor that is on the rise among young people. One strain, HPV16, is responsible for 2 out of 3 oropharyngeal cancers  
• Apart from HPV-related cancers, most oral cancers take years to develop. Most patients are older than 55 when first diagnosed  
• Genetics can also factor into oral cancer risk. Two types of blood abnormalities, dyskeratosis congenita and Fanconi anemia, elevate risk  

What Does a Dentist Look for in an Oral Cancer Screening? 
Dentists examine all oral cavity surfaces, including under the tongue, for suspicious discolorations or sores. Using gloved hands, they feel inside the mouth for lumps or irregularities, and may also feel the neck. Sometimes a dye or light is used to emphasize contrast between healthy and unhealthy tissue. If anything looks suspicious, our dentist will recommend further testing. 

How Often Should Screenings be Performed? 
The American Cancer Society recommends dental screenings every three years from age 20 to 40, and annual screenings after that.  

While screenings can’t prevent every case of oral cancer, they are a valuable first line of defense.  If you would like more information about oral cancer and screenings, contact our dental office today.