You may wonder what a tooth cleaning has to do with a stroke — that sudden, devastating paralysis in which blood supply to the brain is blocked. Simply put, it's the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Yes, the same sort of plaque that builds up on teeth and can go on to cause inflammation and gum disease if not professionally cleaned at least once every six months.
A hygiene appointment is probably the easiest and most painless way of eliminating at least one of the risk factors leading to stroke. We have two registered hygienists on staff -Paola and Alicia, to meet the needs of preventative care of all of our patients. And here are a few tips from them to help you get educated about the most beneficial way of caring for your teeth:
Brushing
• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
• Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
Flossing
• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of each hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion.
• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
• Bring the floss back toward the contact point between the teeth and move the floss up or down the other side, conforming the floss to the shape of the tooth.
• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions.
• Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.
Mouth rinse
A mouth rinse, in addition to daily brushing and flossing, can increase the cleanliness of your mouth. Antimicrobial mouth rinses reduce bacteria and plaque activity, which cause gingivitis and gum disease. Fluoride mouth rinses also help reduce and prevent tooth decay, however not everyone should use a fluoride mouth rinse. For instance, fluoride rinses are not recommended for children ages 6 or younger because they may swallow them. Always check the manufacturer's label for precautions and age recommendations and talk with your dentist about the use of fluoride mouth rinse.
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References: http://internetdentalalliance.com, http://www.knowyourteeth.com
Showing posts with label oral hygiene. Show all posts
Showing posts with label oral hygiene. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Thursday, December 27, 2012
On Guard Against Oral Cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. Cancer is caused by both external factors (tobacco, chemicals, radiation, and infectious organisms) and internal factors (inherited mutations, hormones, immune conditions, and mutations that occur from metabolism).
Oral Cancer is now the fifth most common cancer in the world, it kills about one-third of those diagnosed with it. Close to 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. And over 25% of oral cancers occur in people who don't smoke or have other lifestyle risk factors.
Now that we've got your attention — there's hope.
Trouble Spots—Oral Lesions
Are there any red or white spots you haven't noticed before? Maybe you've taken a wait-and-see approach to a small sore you found last week. Any unexplained swelling? Discoloration that doesn't hurt a lick?
Most oral lesions, as we call them, are harmless. A piece of crusty French bread with dinner can scratch delicate tissues. But if you use tobacco and alcohol, have or have had HPV, or are being treated for any number of systemic diseases — diabetes, autoimmune disorders among them — that harmless irritation is a red flag. During your dental appointment, we'll take a closer look. When we find a lesion, suspicious or not, we intend to err on the cautious side.
In our office we use Velscope for early detection of oral cancer. Here is how it works: We use a special light to examine the inside of your mouth for abnormalities that could lead to cancer. Healthy tissue in the oral cavity will be greenish in color, while abnormal sites will be dark, usually in the black shade. If we find a suspicious area we will have you follow up witha a specialist to confirm the nature of the formation and the diagnosis.
Early detection can lead to life-saving treatment. Please take care of yourself and don't forget to request an oral cancer screenign at your next visit in our office!
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References: Internet Dental Alliance, http://oralcancerfoundation.org, http://www.cancer.org
Oral Cancer is now the fifth most common cancer in the world, it kills about one-third of those diagnosed with it. Close to 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. And over 25% of oral cancers occur in people who don't smoke or have other lifestyle risk factors.
Now that we've got your attention — there's hope.
Trouble Spots—Oral Lesions
Are there any red or white spots you haven't noticed before? Maybe you've taken a wait-and-see approach to a small sore you found last week. Any unexplained swelling? Discoloration that doesn't hurt a lick?
Most oral lesions, as we call them, are harmless. A piece of crusty French bread with dinner can scratch delicate tissues. But if you use tobacco and alcohol, have or have had HPV, or are being treated for any number of systemic diseases — diabetes, autoimmune disorders among them — that harmless irritation is a red flag. During your dental appointment, we'll take a closer look. When we find a lesion, suspicious or not, we intend to err on the cautious side.
In our office we use Velscope for early detection of oral cancer. Here is how it works: We use a special light to examine the inside of your mouth for abnormalities that could lead to cancer. Healthy tissue in the oral cavity will be greenish in color, while abnormal sites will be dark, usually in the black shade. If we find a suspicious area we will have you follow up witha a specialist to confirm the nature of the formation and the diagnosis.
Early detection can lead to life-saving treatment. Please take care of yourself and don't forget to request an oral cancer screenign at your next visit in our office!
__________________________________________________________________________________
References: Internet Dental Alliance, http://oralcancerfoundation.org, http://www.cancer.org
Monday, December 10, 2012
The Stress and Gum Disease Connection
You've seen the headlines. It seems like each day people in white lab coats discover some new health anomaly is linked to stress. Now you can add one more to the list: stress is bad for your teeth. (Just one more reason to go on that vacation you've put off!)
According to a study printed in the Journal of Periodontology, short term psychological stress can lead to elevated plaque levels, while physical stress is linked to gingivitis (gum disease). What's more, caregivers helping people under these physical and emotional stresses are also at increased risk for gum disease.
So, how does stress lead to elevated plaque levels and gum disease?
Experts believe chronic stress may lead to a malfunction of some biological functions. Also, those who are struggling with stress and those who care for them often become depressed and slide on oral hygiene, if not giving up on themselves altogether.
Enough of the scientific jargon. How does this affect me?
Virtually all of us find ourselves dealing with excessive stress now and again, and some must deal with it day in and day out for years. It is important that you are aware of the risks associated with this stress so that you can prevent them from wrecking havoc on your teeth (not to mention the rest of you!)
What can I do to prevent gum disease?
Gum disease leads to more than bleeding gums. It can affect the integrity of your teeth and the bone that supports them. If unchecked, gingivitis can lead to loose and missing teeth. When this happens, teeth can often shift. It can be uncomfortable and painful for your bite (not to mention your smile). Brushing at least twice a day and flossing each night are the first step toward protecting yourself from gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also crucial. If you've missed an appointment or would like us to create a care schedule for you, call our office at (212)689-0024.
While these steps can help reduce the risk of stress-related periodontal disease, they don't resolve the key problem – stress! Exercising and eating right can help, and developing a hobby can be a fantastic release. Talking about it can help as well.
As always, your health is our primary concern. Do not hesitate to call us at (212)689-0024 or email us atappts@newyorkdenturedental.com if you have any questions about periodontal disease or would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your oral health!
Best Regards,
Dr. Pasch & Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song
P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them!
According to a study printed in the Journal of Periodontology, short term psychological stress can lead to elevated plaque levels, while physical stress is linked to gingivitis (gum disease). What's more, caregivers helping people under these physical and emotional stresses are also at increased risk for gum disease.
So, how does stress lead to elevated plaque levels and gum disease?
Experts believe chronic stress may lead to a malfunction of some biological functions. Also, those who are struggling with stress and those who care for them often become depressed and slide on oral hygiene, if not giving up on themselves altogether.
Enough of the scientific jargon. How does this affect me?
Virtually all of us find ourselves dealing with excessive stress now and again, and some must deal with it day in and day out for years. It is important that you are aware of the risks associated with this stress so that you can prevent them from wrecking havoc on your teeth (not to mention the rest of you!)
What can I do to prevent gum disease?
Gum disease leads to more than bleeding gums. It can affect the integrity of your teeth and the bone that supports them. If unchecked, gingivitis can lead to loose and missing teeth. When this happens, teeth can often shift. It can be uncomfortable and painful for your bite (not to mention your smile). Brushing at least twice a day and flossing each night are the first step toward protecting yourself from gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also crucial. If you've missed an appointment or would like us to create a care schedule for you, call our office at (212)689-0024.
While these steps can help reduce the risk of stress-related periodontal disease, they don't resolve the key problem – stress! Exercising and eating right can help, and developing a hobby can be a fantastic release. Talking about it can help as well.
As always, your health is our primary concern. Do not hesitate to call us at (212)689-0024 or email us atappts@newyorkdenturedental.com if you have any questions about periodontal disease or would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your oral health!
Best Regards,
Dr. Pasch & Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia, Dr. Song
P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them!
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