Posted by Meghan Weaver on Thu, Aug 26, 2010 @ 09:52 AM
Nutrition and your oral health are highly intertwined. Good nutrition promotes good oral health by enabling your mouth and its tissues to develop and stay healthy. However, some foods and habits are known to spur on plaque development, leading to a heightened risk of tooth decay and dental disease.
With all of this in mind, we’ve put together several quick facts and nutrition tips to keep your teeth and gums disease and decay free.
Quick Facts and Tips:
- Sugars and cooked starches (fermentable carbohydrates) can make a huge impact on your risk of tooth decay, so avoid consumption of these items in excess
- About 20-40 minutes after you eat, your mouth releases acids. Each of these “acid attacks” increases your risk of tooth decay so it's important to limit the number of between-meal snacks you have (as you’ll limit the number of acid attacks as well).
- Foods such as bread and crackers stay on teeth longer that jelly beans or caramels despite perceived stickiness of the latter two. Look to consume foods that clear the mouth quickly, as they pose less of a threat of tooth decay.
- Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when infants’ or young children’s teeth get severely damaged from prolonged exposure to liquids containing sugars. For this reason, you should avoid letting your child fall asleep with a bottle of formula or juice.
- Make sure you get your Vitamin C. It helps protect your gums from infection and can be found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Last but not least, if you do consume sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods, make sure it’s as part of a balanced meal. This helps to increase saliva production and neutralize acid production in the mouth.
Need more tips on nutrition for oral health? Ask your dentist at your next dental checkup.
And, for those who need to find a dentist, Universal Dental Plan can help. Universal Dental Plan is an affordable dental insurance plan alternative in Massachusetts. We connect you with local Boston dentists and providers throughout the state who will be able to answer your questions and point you on a path towards excellent oral health.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Thu, Jul 29, 2010 @ 05:28 PM
Your dental health speaks great volumes about the health of your body. With a single oral exam, your dentist can often detect any immune system problems, nutritional deficiencies, stress or infections you might have. Think of your dentist as a disease detective and your oral cavity the window to your overall health.
Infections of your teeth, mouth and gums can take a major toll on the health of…
… your heart. Studies have shown that people with periodontal disease are 1.5-2 times more likely to suffer a fatal heart attack and even 3 times more likely to suffer from a stroke!
…your lungs. Your oral tissue can become infected with respiratory disease-causing bacteria. Once inhaled, these bacteria can cause major problems and lead to the development of diseases like pneumonia.
…people with diabetes. Diabetics are more likely to develop periodontal disease than their non-diabetic counterparts. This is according to the American Academy of Periodontology which states that periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Research also shows that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, which puts diabetics at a heightened risk for diabetic complications.
…the intestines. Poor oral health aversely impacts the function of the digestive system. This, in turn, can lead to intestinal failure and a whole host of other problems.
…the blood stream. When your gums are healthy, bacteria in your mouth typically don’t enter the bloodstream. However, gum disease, some invasive dental treatments and medicines that reduce saliva flow may provide bacteria an easy port of entry. Once in the bloodstream, bacteria has free reign to wreak havoc on your body’s vital organs causing harmful infections.
So, it goes without saying that you should keep your dentist in the loop on your medical conditions. That way, he or she can provide care and recommendations accordingly. Also, visiting your dentist twice annually for oral exams and cleanings is one of the many precautions you can take for heart health, lung health and to keep harmful infections at bay.
Need to find a dentist? Universal Dental Plan (a discount dental plan) makes regular visits to Boston dentists and other Massachusetts dentists and specialists affordable for its members. That way, they can stay one step ahead of the curve and ensure oral diseases and conditions are diagnosed and treated promptly.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Thu, Jul 22, 2010 @ 11:53 AM
Our smiles are made to last a lifetime and proper dental hygiene has a huge impact on the health of your mouth and body, whether you’re 5 or 85. However, as we get older, we become more susceptible to oral health problems such as periodontal disease, inflammation of the gum tissue, dry mouth syndrome (often caused by medications) and oral thrush just to name a few.
It’s plain to see that taking care of your oral health in your golden years comes with several unique considerations. Here are 5 essential tips for seniors to keep healthy teeth and gums (and ultimately healthy bodies).
#5 Keep consistent with your at home oral health care regiment: This means keep brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash as instructed by your dentist to maintain proper dental hygiene.
If brushing and flossing are difficult for you, consider using an apparatus such as a tongue depressor to lengthen your brush or flossing tool. Also, if you suffer from arthritis or a similar condition, you may want to try inserting the back end of your toothbrush into a standard tennis ball for better maneuverability.
#4 Know the warning signs to prevent harmful conditions: Elders are generally more susceptible to many major oral health problems including gum disease, tooth loss, TMJ, dry mouth syndrome and oral cancer and should be on the lookout for key signs and symptoms. Symptoms to watch out for include, swelling of the gums, teeth sensitivity, loose teeth, jaw soreness, persistent mouth sores and bumps or an unquenchable thirst. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your dentist right away for diagnosis and treatment (if you live in Massachusetts and need help finding affordable dentistry, we can certainly help).
#3 Maintain dental appliances such as dentures and dental bridges properly: Contrary to popular belief, a set of dentures won’t last you 20 plus years. The ADA recommends replacing them every 5-7 years to avoid painful consequences such as mouth sores, oral lesions and difficulty chewing/swallowing/digesting food.
For denture wearers, we’ve put together 4 helpful tips to keep them in excellent shape and maintain oral health.
#2 Talk to your dentist about any medication you’re taking as dry mouth syndrome is a common side effect of many Rx drugs. For dry mouth sufferers, dentists can prescribe an array of solution such as an artificial saliva rinse to keep your mouth moist and wash harmful bacteria away.
#1 Visit your dentist as often as he or she recommends for regular checkups: Even if you wear dentures, it’s still vital to visit your dentist twice-yearly per-ADA recommendation. On top of keeping your mouth in tip top shape, your dentist can alert you of developments in your mouth that point to problems elsewhere in your body or pick up on early signs of improper jaw alignment or poor nutrition which may become problematic down the road.
Want more advice on senior dental care? Universal Dental Plan is out on tour this year with a full presentation on the importance of oral health and hygiene in the golden years. Sign up here to bring our Golden Smiles Tour to your local council on aging or senior center.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Tue, Jul 13, 2010 @ 11:17 AM
So, you need to find a new dentist, where do you start? For many of us, our first instinct might be a Google search. Or, perhaps we’ll thumb through the Yellow Pages and let our fingers guide the way. Others might call a local dental school and consult faculty members about trusted practitioners nearby.
When you find a dentist, what matters far more than the search itself is where it leads you: to a skilled and trusted practitioner. Here are a few helpful guidelines to go by when searching for a dentist.
The best place to start is with a general dentist. General dentists are licensed to diagnose oral health conditions, provide treatment plans and perform certain treatments. Depending on your condition, he or she may refer you to a specialist for more specialized care and treatment.
Qualified dentists will have either one or two designations beside their name, a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine). Once you’re in front of an individual with either of these three letter distinctions, you’re going to want to ask a few questions to ensure that he or she is the right doctor for you.
Here’s a few to get you started.
- How long has your practice been in operation? Longevity and patient loyalty are key elements here. When a dental practitioner has a loyal base of patients they’ve been seeing for years it’s a wonderful indicator that they’re a skilled and trusted doctor.
- (When you require a specific procedure) What training have you undergone and what clinical experience do you have in performing it?
- What is your referral process? (if the dentist does not perform certain procedures you require or may require)
- What professional dental societies do you participate in? Many professional dental societies have stringent continuing education requirements for all members to ensure that they are up-to-date on the latest advances in dentistry.
- Do you offer emergency care, if so, what types? Most dentists will budget time each day to help current patients suffering from any dental emergency from knocked out teeth, to lost crowns to abscesses. Discuss emergency care in advance with your dentist to ensure that in the event of the unexpected, you have someone you can go to right away for help.
- What procedures and amenities do you offer to help me feel more comfortable in the dental chair? Examples include nitrous oxide, various pre-medications for major procedures and calming amenities such as music or heating pads.
- Can you show before and after photos? This question is especially important to ask if you seek a dentist for cosmetic procedures (i.e. teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental implants, etc.) or orthodontic treatment.
- Are you located nearby? We all hope and expect to find a dentist located within reasonable driving distance of our homes, especially when searching for our general dentist. After all, his or her practice will be our home base for all of our dental needs, hopefully for many years. That’s why Universal Dental Plan provides all members an online member search tool that lets them search for Massachusetts dentists and specialists anywhere from 5 to 100 miles from their zip code.
- How much will all of this cost me? Depending on the procedure you receive, dental cost totals include procedure fees anesthesia fees, and facility fees. If you have dental insurance, chances are the costs of your preventative work (i.e. your oral exams, cleanings and x-rays) will be covered in full and amalgam fillings (the traditional metal ones) will be covered nearly in full. You’ll also likely have some coverage for composite fillings (fillings with an enamel-like finish) as well as restorative procedures like dental bridges and crowns. These benefits will certainly go a long way. But for those without insurance, dentistry can get very costly and a discount dental plan can be a huge help in bringing down all of the above costs.
Universal Dental Plan is a smart dental insurance alternative for Massachusetts individuals, couples and families who lack affordable options. Visit our website at www.universaldentalplan.com to learn more and sign up today.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Tue, Jun 15, 2010 @ 03:51 PM
Mistake #1: Not asking the right questions:
Many people go into their initial consultation with an orthodontist and let them do all the work. After all, orthodontists go through extremely rigid training (4 years of dental school plus at least 2 years of full-time study in an ADA accredited orthodontic residency program) and only 6 percent of dentists are trained as orthodontists.
However, creating a properly aligned and well-functioning smile is a huge task, one that should definitely be performed by an experienced and trusted orthodontist. Your consultation is a vital time for building that trust and the best way to do this is to ask the right questions.
Here are a few good ones to start you off:
- How long have you been a practicing Orthodontist?
- Are you a member of the American Academy of Orthodontics?
- Can you give me a rough idea of how many patients you've treated?
- How do you handle orthodontic emergencies that occur outside of business hours?
- What types of financing are available? Do you have a payment plan option available?
- Do you offer a variety of braces? If so, which ones?
Mistake #2 Not doing any research on braces beforehand:
Braces are a huge commitment, which is why you need to know what to expect before you move forward with orthodontic treatment. Specifically, you should know what exactly will go in your mouth and what choices you have for braces today.
Braces traditionally have three main components:
- Brackets that are attached to each tooth
- Bonding material that holds each bracket to each tooth
- Arch wire (a thin wire running from bracket to bracket that holds the entire system together)
Also, there are generally 3 types of braces available today: metal, ceramic and invisible braces. Metal braces are the most common ones. They're made of stainless steel which is very sturdy, excellent for straightening teeth and realigning your bite. Ceramic braces are almost transparent in color so they're much less obvious looking than metal ones. However, the most discreet looking form of braces are the invisible ones, the clear plastic removable slides that are very popular with celebrities.
Mistake # 3 Not having your teeth cleaned beforehand:
Orthodontic patients should get a professional dental cleaning from several weeks before they have their braces applied. Also, they should brush and floss thoroughly on the day of the procedure before they get the work done.
Mistake #4 Thinking their lives will change the moment they get braces:
People often think they'll experience some major changes when they get braces. For instance, they'll worry about being in pain all the time and not being able to eat any of their favorite foods.
Here's the truth of the matter:
- Orthodontic patients will experience sore teeth for several days after braces are applied. They also might experience an unusual sensation of constant pressure on the teeth, but that'll only last a few weeks. After roughly 2-3 weeks, they'll hardly even notice they're wearing braces at all.
- People with braces do need to modify their food choices, but only slightly. They should avoid sticky and chewy foods which can clog the wires in your braces, potentially pulling the brackets out of place.
Mistake #5 Not taking action when they find a good doctor
Your teeth are something you live with day and day out so it goes without saying that you'll do your homework and shop around. After all, why trust your smile with anything but the best.
Shopping around is great, in fact it's a must, but you shouldn't lose sight of what you're shopping for: a great orthodontist. So, once you've done your research, had your one-on-one consultation, and after all is said and done, you feel very comfortable with the doctor, why wait to get the process started?
Need to find an orthodontist but not sure where to start? Ask several friends who you know have had braces (or whose children have had braces) what orthodontist they worked with and whether or not they'd recommend him or her. Or, if you're in Massachusetts (and you're also looking for a discount dental plan that makes orthodontia affordable), sign up for Universal Dental Plan, save 20-50% on your braces immediately with our deep dental discounts and browse our network of Massachusetts dentists and specialists to find the best orthodontist for you.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Mon, Jun 07, 2010 @ 10:06 AM
Do your palms get sweaty and does your pulse quicken at the mere mention of a dentist? Or, perhaps you find yourself putting off your dental exam again and again because of fear. If either of these sounds like you don't worry, you're not alone. Statistics show that 15% of Americans suffer from dental anxiety (or dental phobia).
Dental anxiety has many culprits including:
- Previous painful or negative experiences at the dentist
- Feelings of helplessness or loss of control in a dental office
- Embarrassment about neglecting your teeth and mouth (and how bad your dental problems may have gotten)
- Fear that the dentist will ridicule you for neglecting your teeth
Dental anxiety leads to delayed dentistry, and that's when it becomes a problem. Many individuals who continually put off preventative dental procedures such as cleanings and oral exams develop dental diseases (i.e. tooth decay and gum disease) the heighten their risk for conditions such as heart attack, diabetes, stroke and respiratory infection just to name a few.
Also, when you let tooth decay and gum disease go untreated for too long, you wind up needing procedures such as root canals and periodontal treatments. These procedures can cost dramatically more than your twice annual cleaning and exam: especially without dental discounts from affordable dental plans.
Whatever your cause of anxiety, we've got your remedy.
Here are five ways to overcome dental anxiety.
#1 Voice your concerns-Make a consultation appointment with your dentist and come clean about your fears. Most dentists are used to working with concerned patients and will do whatever they can to make you feel more comfortable. So, make sure you find a dentist that can trust and who you know has your best interest at heart. This is a crucial first step in curbing dental anxiety.
#2 Talk about a plan of action-Once you've voiced your concerns to your dentist, it's time to put your heads together and take action. Your next step will be to brainstorm a concrete plan of action geared towards your specific fears and concerns. For instance, if your number one fear is pain, ask your dentist to describe in advance, what procedures you will need and the specific ways in which your discomfort will be controlled. You may even want to agree in advance to a signal you can use (i.e. raising your hand) so the dentists can stop the procedure immediately if it hurts too much.
#3 Know the facts-Many individuals equate procedures like root canals with some form of medieval torture, but the truth of the matter is, they really aren't all that bad. Thanks to technological advances, dental instruments and procedures have become far less invasive (and a lot less scary) than they were decades ago. So, feel free to read up on the dental procedure that you'll be receiving beforehand. Or, your dentist can show you all the instruments he or she will be using for the procedure so you'll see that it's not so scary after all.
#4 Ask about sedation dentistry---If absolutely necessary, your dentist may be able to give you a mild sedative when you arrive for your appointment so that by the time you reach the chair you're relaxed and calm. Ask your dentist what his or her policy is on nitrous oxide (i.e. laughing gas) or other sedatives. Last but most certainly not least, if you use a sedative, make sure you have a ride to and from the dental visit.
#5 Train your body to relax-Another way to make your dental appointment more comfortable is to practice relaxation techniques beforehand. Pick a time when you don't feel rushed or pressured, sit or lie down in a comfortable position and completely relax yourself. Then, visualize yourself going through the process of your appointment (driving to the dentist office, walking into the office and checking in, taking a seat in the waiting room, etc.). As soon as you notice tension in your body, stop the visualization, get completely relaxed again and pick back up where you left off. After several sessions of this, you will have trained your body to avoid tension throughout all stages of your dental visit.
Posted by Meghan Weaver on Wed, May 26, 2010 @ 08:20 AM
Many studies confirm a strong connection between our oral health and bodily health. They've linked dental diseases to heart attack, stroke, diabetes, respiratory infection, premature birth, the list goes on.
An estimated 31% of Americans today can be classified as obese (meaning they have a BMI of 30 or greater) but did you know that one of the earliest risk detectors for this major epidemic is right in your mouth?
A 2009 study published in the International and American Associations for Dental Research's Journal of Dental Research paints a very compelling picture of how your dentist can identify your risk for obesity before you even become overweight.
The study compared the saliva of 313 overweight and obese women (with BMIs between 27 and 32) and the saliva of 232 women with BMIs indicative of normal weight. Researchers found a single bacterial species in 98.4% of the overweight subjects. This bacteria, known as Selenomonas noxia, may serve as a biological indicator of a developing overweight condition. Also, it could possibly participate in the pathology that leads to obesity.
So, if obesity runs in your family, a trip to the dentist could be just what the doctor ordered. Once you know you're at risk for obesity (or any other condition for that matter) you become equipped with all the information you need to mitigate the risk and stay healthy.
Need to find a dentist? Universal Dental Plan can help. Visit our website (http://www.universaldentalplan.com/) to search our dentist directory or call today and ask about our free dentist finder service.