Dental Implants – Happier Lives?

Postmenopausal women suffering from osteoporosis are often at a much greater risk of losing their teeth. That tooth loss can contribute to the social, sexual, emotional, and career downturns of their lives, directly impacting their overall satisfaction.

However, in a new case study performed by Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, it is shown that dental implants can be attributed to the most satisfaction in postmenopausal women with tooth loss.

The 23-question study surveyed 237 women who have one or more adjacent missing teeth. The survey also polled their method of treatment for the tooth loss, ranging from dental implants, fixed partial dentures, removable denture, and no restoration work and then ranged their overall satisfaction in their career life, social life, sexual life, and emotional well-being.

Women with the highest reported sexual and emotional satisfaction happened to be the women who received dental implants, and the lowest reported satisfaction coming from women with no restoration work done.

If you are blossoming in the later years of your life and feel at risk of tooth loss, do not hesitate to talk to your friendly Valencia Dentist today. They can discuss the pros and cons of each treatment option, and can work with you to ensure a happier, healthier you.

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smile@thedentist.com

Missing Teeth Predict Future Health

In a recent 13 year study, it was found that the number of missing teeth directly correlated with overall health later in life. Researchers studied 8,446 individuals, ages 25 – 75, and determined their missing teeth as a baseline. 13 years later, they followed up by determining if they had died or developed any incidental diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes.

Worldwide, noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes are the leading cause of death. Strong links between periodontitis and these noncommunicable diseases have been found. Untreated periodontitis is also the leading cause of tooth loss.

The study performed by the University of Helsinki and the National Institute for Health and Welfare has found that people missing as few as 5 teeth had an increased risk of heart disease and heart attacks by 140%. 9 or more missing teeth, and the risk for heart disease rises to 151%, diabetes to 131%, and death to 137%. For patients missing all of their teeth, their risk climbs to 140-168%.

If this sounds scary to you, never fear. Your friendly Valencia dentist is here for you to discuss your current oral health, and help you keep a healthy smile that will last you a lifetime.

Natural Products to Keep Your Smile Healthy

Natural and safe are important to many of our patients. While going a completely natural route seems like a nice choice, keep in mind that it is not a safe alternative to visiting your friendly Valencia dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

But there are many natural products out there to help keep your mouth and smile healthy between visits and between brushing and flossing. All of them can be found at your local grocery store, too.

Baking Soda has been used by your parents and even your parents’ parents to keep their smiles bright. The baking soda is abrasive enough to scrub off stubborn stains and help fight tooth decay.

You can pair that baking soda with some hydrogen peroxide. Mix some peroxide with some water first, and then you have an effective, natural bacteria killer.

Xylitol is a sweet alcohol used to replace sugar in many chewing gums. While its dental benefits are still debated, xylitol is a sugar-free way to keep dry mouth at bay. Preventing dry mouth will aid in prevent tooth decay, as all that saliva will wash away bacteria in your mouth.

Green Tea is debated, but it is shown to be effective in preventing food starches from adhering to your teeth and feeding bacteria. This can also help prevent gum inflammation from forming.

Vitamins, especially Vitamin D, can help boost your body’s defenses and prevent bacteria from causing too much harm. While there is not a link between Vitamin D and preventing tooth decay, there is a link between not having enough Vitamin D and an increased chance of developing gum disease.

Eucalyptus oil, menthol oil, and tea tree oil are three common toothpaste additives. Not only do they have strong flavors and help give you a fresh breath, they are shown to help kill bacteria and prevent gum inflammation.

If you have any questions, or need any recommendations for some natural products to try, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your friendly Valencia dentist today.

Go Dental - Your Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com