Periodontitis Could Be a Sign of Diabetes

A new study published this month in the BJM Journal, under BJM Open Diabetes Research and Care shows possible links between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes.

Can you imagine how strange it would be for your dentist to tell you that you might have diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes)? A study published early this week makes a strong argument that gum disease may be a warning sign for type 2 diabetes. “According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines for diagnosis, there was a significant over-representation of subjects with suspected diabetes (23% and 14%) and pre-diabetes (47% and 46%) in the severe periodontitis group and mild/moderate periodontitis groups, respectively…” (1).

This is not the first study to show this, but instead confirms even further how important oral health really is. Taking care of your teeth and mouth helps prevent other life-changing diseases, and helps doctors identify early signs of other illnesses. The recent study found that 1 in 5 people that suffered from periodontitis unknowingly had type 2 diabetes.

Periodontitis is a gum infection that attacks the tissue of the gum and eats away at the bone that support your teeth. Symptoms of periodontitis include bloody, swollen, or tender gums, bad breath, and/or loose teeth. If gone untreated, periodontitis can lead to loss of teeth and an increased danger of stroke or heart attack. Periodontitis is easily prevented by brushing at least two times a day and flossing regularly. Your family dentists in Valencia can help put you on track to prevent periodontitis. We can also help identify yellow flags within your overall health.

Of course, there are plenty of other health concerns that can be identified by looking at your oral health. We’ve previously written about how your dental health can prevent heart diseases as well as Alzheimer’s.

So when should you ask your dentist about periodontitis? Make sure to schedule your regular cleanings and if your family dentist in Valencia sees any warning signs we will let you know.

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Free Cavities: Your Favorite Candies Ranked

‘Tis the season, but no, not for ole St. Nick (yet!), but ‘tis definitely the season for sugar, candy, and yet more sugar. Most people might think that Halloween has to be a dentist’s least favorite holiday. While it might not be our favorite, we can’t deny the joy the season tends to bring.

Believe it or not, there are some candies that are better for you than others, and it’s not just the sugar content, although that does make a slight difference. Before you indulge in just any candy, check out which candies we recommend you reach for if you’re going to reach for any, and which ones you should just toss.

If you’re going to indulge, go for:

Sugar Free

Obviously your Valencia dentist would love for all the candy you consume this Halloween season to be sugar free, but that’s probably not going to happen. Although some sugar free candies are instead loaded with chemicals, at least the cavity-causing sugar won’t throw off your healthy pH levels in your mouth and gums. 

Dark Chocolate

Although chocolate is usually packed full of sugar, high quality dark chocolate is loaded full of antioxidants. There have even been studies completed that show the benefits of cacao bean husk extract. While chocolate may not be directly healthy for your teeth due to the added sugar, the overall health benefit of dark chocolate encourages a complete healthy body.

Pass on these:

Taffy (or anything sticky)

The stickier the candy, the longer the candy has to ruin your teeth, especially if it gets stuck in a crevice or cavity. The sugar is literally resting on your teeth as you chew, and working its way into those hard to reach areas. Surprisingly enough, dried fruit has the same effect as sticky candy.

Sour Candy

Sour candies have very high acid levels which directly attack your tooth enamel. The enamel is the part of the tooth that keep the tooth safe and clean. The acid can also irritate any mouth sores and will dehydrate you.

While we would love to encourage veggies and toys being the prized handouts this Halloween, it’s kind of hard to imagine Halloween without a little bit of sugar. If you are following your Valencia Dentist’s recommendation of brushing twice a day and flossing, a little bit of candy should be just fine.

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Boomers & Dental Care

After the age of 65, most retirees opt out of dental insurance. Not having routine checkups and continued maintained on previous work can lead to a number of problems, including gum disease and tooth decay. Simply due to the wear and tear that accumulates over the years,, boomers are at high risk for gum disease and periodontitis. Periodontitis is a disease that attacks the tissue around the teeth. Not only are your routine dental visits preventative, but your Valencia dentist could help identify other health risks.

Dental insurance is offered to boomers, but many think they don’t need it. Everyone should have dental insurance, but due to the years of damage done to their teeth, boomers specifically should have insurance. In order to maintain previous dental work such as crowns and root canals, routine dental check-ups are required. Call your Valencia dentist today to make sure your previous dental implants and procedures aren’t at risk.

Poor dental hygiene, specifically in people aged 50-70, can lead to poor overall health. “63% of boomers with oral symptoms indicating a more serious health issue were unaware of the symptom’s link to the condition.” ⁽¹⁾ Many people are unaware of  the connection between oral hygiene and overall health. Symptoms of diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis are often first apparent through mouth exams. Dry mouth, bone loss, and bleeding gums are yellow flags that your Valencia dentist could identify as onset symptoms for bigger problems. Jaw pain could be one of the first identifiers for a potential looming heart attack ⁽²⁾ The more aware of your dental health you are, the more aware of your overall health you are.

Don’t let your lack of insurance be a problem. Your family dentist in Valencia can assist you with finding the insurance you need and help you jump start both your dental and overall health. 

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

7 Fast Facts from Your Valencia Dentist

1. What is plaque, anyway? Plaque is a clear, sticky film that sticks to your teeth. When you consume sugar, the plaque reacts by producing acid, which eats away at a tooth’s enamel. Over time, this acid erodes holes into the teeth, known as cavities or dental caries.
   
2. Does my mouth defend against tooth decay? Yes, but your mouth needs all the help it can get! Saliva constantly provides your teeth with minerals, protecting them from acids and preventing tooth decay, but plaque builds up quickly and needs to be brushed and flossed away. Make sure to give your keep the care they need and the saliva will take care of the rest.
   
3. Sugar-free doesn’t mean tooth-decay free. Although reducing your intake of sugar certainly does make life easier for your enamel, the acidic substitutes found in many of the sweet “sugar-free” products can often be just as harmful. A tip from your Valencia dentist: Just because it says “sugar free” doesn’t mean it’s safe for your teeth!
   
   
   


4. Chew on this! There is one notable exception to the “sugar-free” rule: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals results in a significant reduction in the formation of dental cavities. This is because chewing gum promotes the generation of saliva, which helps wash harmful sugars and acids from your teeth!
   
5. What is a cavity anyway? A cavity is decay that has progressed to the point it forms a hole in the tooth. Your Valencia dentist will check for cavities regularly because, when left unaddressed, cavities get larger and larger, and eventually become big problems.
   
6. Dental visits aren’t audits. As much about getting your teeth cleaned as it is about preventing bigger issues. Your Valencia dentist isn’t out to catch bad habits; they’re here to heal, clean, and educate you on ways to lead a healthy lifestyle.
   
7. Oral hygiene is about more than pearly whites. Oral hygiene involves much more than regular brushing to maintain a set of pearly whites. Keeping your mouth clean is in part about keeping your gums healthy. And, not to scare you, but unhealthy gums have been linked to heart disease. A healthy mouth is part of a healthy body.

Dentistry is a huge field and there’s a lot to learn. All the family dentists here at Go Dental hope that these few fast facts keep your smile bright and your gums happy!

Canker Sores: Identifying, Treating, and Getting Help

Many of us have felt the discomfort of a small, circle sore on the inside of our lips. These irritating blemishes are commonly known as canker sores--scientifically known as recurring aphthous ulcers. They seem to crop up out of nowhere, cause stinging discomfort, and may prompt a trip to your Valencia dentist if they’re large and persistent. Today, we’re going to talk about the causes, remedies, and dangers of canker sores so you know when it’s time to visit your Valencia dentists.

What Causes Canker Sores?

The first question on everyone’s mind when they start feeling the sting of a canker sore is, “Why?” The truth is, we still haven’t pinned down the exact cause of canker sores. However, we do know of a few contributing factors. These include:

• Stress.
• Deficiencies in iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12.
• Certain drugs.
• Hormonal changes.
• Physical trauma to the lips or gums.

What Are the Symptoms of Canker Sores?

It’s easy to recognize when your mouth is in pain, but it’s not always a simple task to investigate and identify the source of the pain. The following are the telltale traits of canker sores:

• These sores are typically no larger than a centimeter across and have a defined circular or ovular shape.
• They typically develop within the front part of the mouth, on the inside of the lip, under the front or sides of the tongue, or (rarely) directly on the gums.
• If you can get a good look with a light source, canker sores are typically white or pale yellow in color and have a red outline.

How Can I Treat a Canker Sore?

Unfortunately, the best medicine for a canker sore is time. Oftentimes, these sores take roughly a week to diminish, and up to two weeks to fully disappear. That being said, there are a few techniques you can employ at home to make the process less painful:

• Do not pick at the sore. Try your best to avoid irritating the sore, as this will cause it to become inflamed, which only promotes more discomfort.
• Try swishing over-the-counter mouthwash or salt water. In either case, do not swallow after swishing.
• Avoid spicy foods, as these can aggravate the canker sore.

When Should I See a Dentist?

If you have a canker sore that is showing no signs of subsiding (or is getting worse) after two weeks, be sure to make an appointment with your local family dentist. Also, if your canker sore is very irregularly shaped or is much larger than a centimeter across, make an appointment with your Valencia dentist. 

As always, we recommend erring on the safe side and, if you’re not sure whether your ailment is serious, take the safe route and visit your dentist anyway. At Go Dental, we’re here to answer questions and love helping our patients understand!

Believe it or Not: National Toothache Day

If you look at a comprehensive calendar, you’ll find that every day marks a celebration of something or someone. Perhaps one of the oddest things to celebrate on the calendar is February 9th, National Toothache Day. Although nobody is quite sure of the origins of this oddly specific and dubious holiday, we can assure you it’s a real thing! In celebration (if that’s the right word) of National Toothache Day, we’re going to talk about what you should do if you start to feel the pain of a toothache.

1. Make an Appointment with Your Valencia Dentist
   Experiencing any pain in your mouth should prompt a quick call to your dentist. Toothaches have a tendency to escalate and oftentimes are a symptom of a larger problem. Pain in the mouth can indicate microfractures, severe cavities, and bacterial infection, so don’t ignore it.
   
   
2. Soothe the Pain Naturally
   Once the appointment is made, you may have a few hours to wait; and you shouldn’t wait in pain! Try the following natural, simply remedies to dull toothache pain.
• Clove Oil – Apply a few drops of natural clove oil to a cotton swab and lightly dab the irritated tooth. Clove oil contains a chemical compound called eugenol, a natural anesthetic, which will help dull pain. Additionally, clove oil has antiseptic properties, which can help keep a bacterial infection under control. Be careful to only apply the oil directly the tooth and do not consume it directly.
• Peppermint Tea – Similar to clove oil, peppermint tea also has a number of medicinal properties. When consumed in the form of a hot tea, peppermint acts as an anti-inflammatory. This soothing herb can quell pain from a toothache and is less volatile than clove oil, which must be used with care.
• Salt Water – Swishing warm salt water is a great way to reduce swelling and safely cleanse your mouth. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in boiling water and allow the water to cool until safe to touch. Swish for 30 seconds and spit. This should help reduce the pain!
3. Take Preventative Measures
   Of course, the best way to avoid mouth pain is to make regular visits your family dentist in Valencia. Trained professionals can give you the advice you need to keep your mouth and teeth happy and healthy. We’ll help you spot little issues before they become big problems.

This February, we wish you a National Toothache Day free of toothaches! Remember, if you have any dental concerns, consult with your friendly dentists in Valencia—we’re here to help!

Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Exploring Dental Anxiety

If the idea of going to the dentist puts a pit in your stomach, then know that you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is a common ailment that, unfortunately, prevents many people from getting the care they need to enjoy a happy, healthy smile.

                      

Being a little nervous about going to any medical professional’s office is perfectly normal, but at what point does this discomfort become a phobia? Dental anxiety becomes a dental phobia when it has a marked impact on someone’s well-being. If you or someone you know has stopped going to the dentist because of a fear, then it’s time to seek help. Your Valencia dentists understand the anxieties that can come with visiting the dentist, and we have techniques and medications that help patients overcome this obstacle.

By now, you may be asking yourself, "How can I overcome dental anxiety?" We've seen many patients with varying degrees of dental anxiety; here's what we've suggested to them:

1. Speak with a Dentist.
   Your Valencia dentists here at Go Dental are always happy to speak with patients about procedures and the tools used to help show you why going to the dentist isn’t anything to fear! All of our professionals are extremely compassionate and friendly; we take pride in being your neighborhood dentists.
   
2. Dental Anxiety Sedation.
   We understand that phobias aren’t always easily dispelled with discussion. To help patients that suffer from a more advanced fear of dentistry, we have medications and relaxation techniques to help patients get the treatment they need.
   
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
   New studies suggest that undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can greatly reduce feelings of anxiety and stress that preempt a visit to the dentist. These short-format therapy sessions can help those who endure dental anxiety visit the dentist with much less fear.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, we understand and we want to help! Come see your friendly, family dentist in Valencia! Go Dental is always happy to help you understand why there's no reason to fear the dentist.