medical
MEDICAL
The Science Behind
Going to the Dentist
EXPERT
ADV I S OR
NORTH JERSEY WOMAN M
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By Tonya Johnson, photo by Dan Epstein
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ost people don’t rush to make an appointment to visit the dentist. In fact, many patients try to avoid it for as long as possible due to fear and anxiety. Although it is recommended that everyone visit the dentist regularly, there are certain warning signs that indicate you should pick up the phone and make an appointment.
Do certain diseases put you at greater risk for dental problems? The mouth is the gateway to the body and many systemic diseases show signs or symptoms through your oral health. Are you one of the 29 million people who have diabetes? People with diabetes have a greater risk for gum disease, which left untreated can impact your blood sugar levels. Diabetics are also more prone to experience dry mouth which puts them at greater risk of developing cavities.
Is osteoporosis and dental health related? Osteoporosis, or low bone density, is another condition that affects nearly 40 million Americans. Before starting treatment for osteoporosis it is important to see your dentist so they can make sure your mouth is healthy. Procedures that affect the bone, such as having a tooth extracted, have increased risks and complications once you’ve started treatment.
Is it possible to enjoy ice cream without jumping through the roof?
Dr. Linda Stone and Dr. Vanna Stone Gentle Caring Dentistry
201 South Livingston Avenue, Suite 2C, Livingston, NJ 973-994-3112 www.gentlecaringdentistry.com
Sensitive teeth have many possible causes and it’s important to have them evaluated by a dentist. It may be a sign of gum disease, a cavity, or your tooth root could be exposed because of receding gums. There are many different options for treating sensitivity but finding out the cause is step one.
teeth it is the sign of disease activity and if it is left untreated it can lead to tooth loss. It has even been shown that periodontal (gum) inflammation is associated with increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
What are the hidden dangers of not going to the dentist?
Do you ever wake up with headaches or sore muscles in your jaw?
A common misconception is that since nothing is bothering you everything is healthy. A lot of times cavities will be painless and once they start bothering you, the treatment is no longer so simple. Usually the longer you wait to go see your dentist the harder it is for us to fix the problem. Even if your gums don’t bother you, if you notice bleeding when you are cleaning your
Don’t just take some Advil and forget about it, this can be a sign of a problem with your TMJ, which are the joints and muscles that help you open and close your mouth. This may be a sign that you are clenching and grinding your teeth at night, which left untreated can cause damage to the teeth themselves.
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North Jersey Woman
Spring 2018