HealthBeat This month’s feature topics are
Dental Health & Heart Health
HealthBeat February: Dental Health & Heart Health
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Dental erosion basics
our smile is the front door to your body; the first thing many people notice and often judge. Regular trips to the dentist are the best way to ensure your oral health is at its best, but sometimes daily habits sabotage our mouths.
Learn the effects of enamel erosion and the steps you can take to prevent the condition in between visits to the dentist. The Oral Health Foundation defines dental erosion as the loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack. Enamel is the shell of the tooth which acts as a protective layer of sensitive dentine beneath. As teeth begin succumbing to erosion, it’s common for them to appear stained or yellow. This is because the white coating of enamel is wearing down and the paler dentine is becoming more prevalent.
Causes of Erosion
It may surprise you that each time you ingest something acidic, tooth enamel becomes softer for a period. Eventually, saliva will begin to balance the acid content and it will return to its normal state. The problems begin when the attacks happen too often and your mouth doesn’t have enough time to repair itself, causing small amounts of enamel to be brushed away. Here are some tips from the OHF that you can use to prevent the issue from becoming a serious problem:
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• Chew sugar-free gum after meals, especially if you cannot brush right away. • When consuming acidic drinks, avoid swishing it in your mouth. Use a straw to help them reach the back of your mouth without contacting teeth. • Finish meals with cheese or milk to balance acids from other items.
Treatments
For the best results, dental erosion should
be addressed at the first sign of trouble. Usually, a dentist can simply apply a filling to a tooth and repair the damage. However, if the problem persists, the only option may be replacing damaged teeth with veneer. Usually, regular check-ups and advice from a dental team can create a solution before the issue is able to cause any permanent damage. Don’t be afraid to contact your professional if you suspect you are suffering from the early stages of dental erosion.
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HealthBeat February: Dental Health & Heart Health
Keep your heart healthy
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease accounts for nearly 25 percent of all deaths in the United States each year. Issues relating to the heart affect both men and women, and an estimated 15 million adults in the U.S. have coronary heart disease, the most common type of heart disease. Such statistics are disconcerting, but they can serve as a wake-up call that compels people to prioritize heart health. • Stop smoking right now. One of the best things to do to protect the heart is to stop smoking. The Heart Foundation indicates that smoking reduces oxygen in the blood and damages blood vessel walls. It also contributes to atherosclerosis, or a narrowing and clogging of the arteries. • Eat healthy fats. When eating, choose polyunsaturated and unsaturated fats and avoid trans fats as much as possible. Trans fats increase one’s risk of developing heart disease by clogging arteries and raising LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
• Keep your mouth clean. Studies show that bacteria in the mouth involved in the development of gum disease can travel to the bloodstream and cause an elevation in C-reactive protein, a marker for blood vessel inflammation. Brush and floss twice daily, and be sure to schedule routine dental cleanings. • Get adequate shut-eye. Ensuring adequate sleep can improve heart health. One study found that young and middle-age adults who regularly slept seven hours a night had less calcium in their arteries (a sign of early heart disease) compared to those who slept five hours or less or those who slept nine hours or more. • Adopt healthy eating habits. Changes to diet, including eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, can help you lose and maintain a healthy weight, improve cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure — leading to a healthier heart. • Embrace physical activity. Regular moderate exercise is great for the heart.
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HealthBeat February: Dental Health & Heart Health
Experts in dental care
W
hen you think of oral health, you probably think of scheduling appointments with your dentist. There are several types of experts who specialize in different conditions in the dental field. It is important to know which professionals to seek for your specific situation.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
These specialists are required to complete four additional years of hospital-based training after dental school. The additional lessons focus on diagnosing and treating conditions in the face, mouth and jaw. The University of Rochester Medical Center reports that these experts are efficient in procedures like: • Dental implants and associated bone grafting or soft tissue grafting. • Outpatient anesthesia. • Removal of tumors and growths from the jaws and mouth. • Jaw reconstruction. Their knowledge is vast, and an appointment can be beneficial if you fear you require serious attention.
Oral Pathologist
While they typically don’t provide direct patient care, an expert in pathology researches and diagnoses diseases which begin orally. The American Dental Education Association states the career typically requires 37 months of lessons. They will work
close with dentists to perform biopsies and radiographic or microscopic examinations.
Orthodontist
Another aspect of proper oral health is the straightening of teeth, correcting over- or underbites and closing gaps. This is best achieved by another specialist – an orthodontist. Certain issues with the jaw are also better left to these professionals as their training prepares them to provide the most effective treatment.
Prosthodontist
According to the American College of Prosthodontists, prosthodontics is defined as the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with missing or deficient teeth. Specialists in this field have advanced training in restoring or replacing teeth with cutting-edge technology. They sometimes work closely with general dentists to determine a patient’s best course of action.
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