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Smile, Your Health is Showing
You brush, you floss, and you visit your dentist twice a year – seems simple enough. But did you know that your oral health may be linked to the level of your overall health? Recent studies indicate that there are very specific links between dental health, periodontal health, and other systemic health issues. So if you think you spend all that time brushing and flossing just to keep your smile looking bright, white, and attractive, it’s time to look a little bit closer.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is linked to a variety of other health issues, which is why it’s so important to pay close attention to oral care. Regular visits to your dentist are your best preventive measure to ensure that the health of your gums not affect you in other detrimental ways.
Healthy teeth and gums don’t allow bacteria commonly found in your mouth and saliva to enter into your bloodstream. If you are experiencing some gum erosion and/or irritation, this creates areas in which bacteria can enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body. Ongoing research indicates there is evidence pointing to the fact that this bacterial travel can be linked to other health issues.
How does your overall oral health affect your health in general? There are several ways.
• Your oral health may be a pre-indicator for other types of diseases. For example, osteoporosis, or bone loss may be detected first by your dentist during a routine check up, through loss of bone density in the jaw or teeth.
• Certain types of heart disease have been shown to be linked to overall oral health. Studies continue to research the exact cause of the linkage, but practicing good oral hygiene may actually decrease the risk of heart disease, arterial plaque and stroke.
• You’ve read that good oral care is important during pregnancy? Some studies indicate that there is a link between gum disease and premature birth. Taking good care of yourself during pregnancy should definitely include regularly scheduled dental visits.
• The link between oral care and diabetes is twofold. Those who have diabetes are generally at increased risk for contracting gum disease as a result of cavities, dry mouth, and oral infections associated with the disease. Poor oral health and gum disease can also cause blood sugar to rise in diabetic patients.
• Immunocompromised patients, such as those who have HIV/AIDS, often have oral symptoms that lead to increased bacterial infection, which in turn affects overall health.
• Other ongoing research on the connection between periodontal disease and other diseases includes the study of links between gum health and pneumonia as well as pancreatic cancer.
To summarize, the best and most reliable preventive health measures we can recommend are regular visits with your dental care provider for examinations, professional cleanings, X-rays, and oral cancer screenings, along with healthy home care that includes regular brushing, flossing, and routine self examination for any changes in gum health. Not only does your smile depend on it – you may find that your life does too.
Dr. Tanya Brown is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology as well as the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. Dr. Brown started her dental practice, The Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry, in 2002 and practices in Chesapeake, Virginia with Dr. Roxzanne Amos, who joined The Center in 2006. Dr. Tanya Brown can be reached at 757-546-5262 or by email at DrBrown@tccrd.com.
Recently, my friend and I made plans to get together for lunch as soon as she left her physician’s office. She scheduled the appointment because she was experiencing ear pain and headaches that had lasted for several days. The first thing she said to me when we met was “You aren’t going to believe this. They told me I have TMJ and that I should see a dentist as soon as possible. I told them I was on my way to met one for lunch!” We spent much of lunch discussing her symptoms and why having a dentist examine her could help her get the treatment she needs in order to make her comfortable.
In our practice, we continually find that patients must have harmony between their teeth, jaws joints (TMJ’s) and the muscles of the chewing system because disharmony will cause an imbalance in your chewing/jaw joint system. The imbalance is significant because it means the weakest link of your chewing/jaw joint system is wearing out or becoming symptomatic. For example, some of the most common symptoms include headaches; TMJ/jaw joint sounds like clicking, popping, or grating; muscle tightness in your face, head, and neck; premature wearing of your teeth, as well as ringing in your ears. Most of these symptoms can be easily diagnosed and treated. For every patient, we complete a thorough history and examination of your head and neck, including your jaw joints (TMJ’s) as well as your teeth, gums, bone levels, oral cancer screening, and your bite. We can even listen to an ultrasound of your jaw joints to detect the slightest amount of noise or breakdown in your jaw joints. We also take a panoramic radiograph (X-ray) as a further screening of the shape, position, and symmetry of your jaw joints. If needed, we can order a CT scan or MRI to detect severe problems with your jaw joint. In addition, we will typically need 3-D models of your teeth and bite to study your particular case and formulate a plan to stop the progression of symptoms or relieve your pain.
Women are eight times more likely to have muscle pain in this area and while there may be multiple factors causing her ear pain and headaches, a comprehensive dental exam will help her find out why she is so uncomfortable and what can be done to restore harmony and comfort. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above or you have any jaw joint pain, please call our office for an appointment to evaluate your needs. We can be reached at 757-546-5262 or by email at www.info@tccrd.com.
This article was written by Dr. Roxzanne Amos on June 26, 2009.
Your dental health is crucial to your overall health. Studies show that your oral health and general health are linked. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, has been linked to a variety of conditions with systemic implications. Studies have demonstrated that the bacterial contamination of periodontal disease has an impact on your cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, diabetes, osteoporosis, HIV, and pregnancy. That’s why we believe that a healthy mouth will help you have a healthy body.
One of the most important keys is regular visits to your dentist. Preventing dental problems before they affect your general health is easily accomplished with early detection, such as a comprehensive examination, X-rays, laser cavity detectors, oral cancer screenings, and computer imaging. We, at The Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry believe that your dental health is equally important as your overall health, and we will help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile. We invite you to join us at The Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry for a comprehensive evaluation of your dental health. It could save your life!
This article was authored by Christy Hays. Christy is a professional dental hygienist and has been taking great care of our patients for the past 5 years. She is an excellent clinician as well as educator. She can tailor a dental health care program specifically designed for you. Please call our office at 757-546-5262 or info@tccrd.comto schedule an appointment with Christy as well as Dr. Tanya Brown & Dr. Roxzanne Amos. We are here for you.
Summer Dental Smarts
We want you to have a safe and happy summer vacation. So we have provided some “smart dental” tips for you and your family.
1. Protect Those Pearly Whites
We strongly encourage everyone who participates in athletic activities to have a custom made sports mouth guard. “One-size-fits-all” mouth guards you can buy at sporting goods stores may offer some help, but they will not fit and protect as well as ones we will custom fit. Have fun playing soccer, baseball, skating, bike riding, and etc- but play it smart!! It could save your teeth and your smile.
2. Swimmer’s Teeth
If anyone in your family spends a lot of time swimming in pools, he or she may be a candidate for swimmer’s calculus. Swimming or diving team members, lap swimmers, and children who visit the pool frequently may notice yellow or brown deposits that form on their teeth from chemically treated water. Though annoying, swimmer’s calculus is a cosmetic problem, and is usually not a sign of decay or gum disease. In many cases, however, regular brushing and flossing may not fully remove these deposits from teeth.
Is there a special treatment? Yes, all it takes is a professional dental cleaning to remove and polish the discoloration and get the swimmer’s smile gleaming.
3. Traveler’s Dental Tips
We hope your summer vacation goes off without a hitch, but accidents can happen, including dental mishaps. Here are some tips to help in case of a dental emergency.
Wedged particle-gently use a toothpick or dental floss to remove the object. You can also rinse with warm salt water to flush any debris away.
Toothache-rinse with warm water and use cold compresses on your cheek for swelling. Take an analgesic for discomfort and call your dentist immediately.
Lost filling- Be careful when chewing and biting. Try to avoid the broken tooth. If you are out of town for more than a day or two, you can purchase a temporary-type filling at the drugstore until you return home. Take an analgesic if you need it, and call your dentist immediately.
Bitten tongue or lip-Apply pressure with a clean cloth or cold pack. If bleeding persists, get emergency help.
Knocked-out tooth-Rinse tooth gently with water only. Never touch the root. Reinsert and hold in place. If that is not possible, place the tooth in milk or water and get to a dentist fast. Timing is critical in saving the tooth.
No dental problem is really minor. Have anything serious evaluated by a local dentist as soon as you can. Then when you return home, get a complete follow-up evaluation. If you need a personal dentist, we can be reached at 757-546-5262 or by email at info@tccrd.com.
Drs. Tanya Brown and Roxzanne Amos invite you to stop by our office for a tour or call Theresa, our Practice Administrator, for more information. She can be reached at (757) 546-5262 or by email at Theresa@tccrd.com. You can also visit our website at www.tccrd.com. Our dental office is conveniently located in the Great Bridge/Hickory area of Chesapeake Virginia at 129 Hanbury Road, Chesapeake, Virginia 23322
Here We Grow Again!
We have some exciting news!!! Thanks to all of you wonderful patients, we are growing again! Starting in the fall of 2009, we will start our expansion project to add 5 more clinical areas for your comfort and convenience!
This expansion will allow us to expand Dr. Amos’ schedule as well as make your next appointment even more convenient. As we constantly improve the technology for you, we are currently upgrading our dental computer software. We are also converting to electronic dental records which will allow you to have more access to your information 24/7 online from the convenience of your own computer.
Please feel free to stop by as we grow and come see the new upgrades!
Thank you again for helping us to grow & sending wonderful patients to us- We love your referrals!
Drs. Tanya Brown and Roxzanne Amos
*Green Dentistry Saves the Earth*
At the Center for Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry, Drs. Tanya Brown and Roxzanne Amos have a passion for dentistry as well as preserving our natural resources for the future.
We adhere to an environmentally-friendly approach to your dental care. This involves protecting you from unnecessary toxic exposure while offering you the latest dental techniques. We offer you mercury-free tooth fillings that will look and feel better than amalgam (silver) fillings. Our digital X-ray system minimizes your radiation exposure by 90-95% and our steam based surgical-grade sterilization system surpasses OSHA requirements ensuring that you have peace of mind.
In order to conserve paper towels and reduce waste, we also use a medical-grade hand sanitizer. Finally, we have established a “paperless office” by implementing electronic patient records and email communication.
Please feel free to stop by for a tour of our environmentally-friendly office.
Theresa Feeney, Practice Administrator
Theresa Feeney
Background
I began my career in dentistry in 1992 as a Dental Assistant. Over the years I have transitioned from assisting to the front office. The knowledge I gained as an assistant has been a tremendous help in working with patients and insurance companies.
Biography
I was born and raised in Northern Virginia. I moved to Hampton Roads in 1991. I have a son that is 15 months old. When I am not a work I enjoy traveling, reading and spending time with my son.
Best Thing About Being In Dentistry
I enjoy building relationships with our patients. It is very rewarding when I can help patients relax and make their visit enjoyable from the time they walk in the door until they leave.
We hope that your holiday season was a safe and happy one. 2009 is here and so is cold and flu season. Has the flu or a cold hit your home? After an illness, your toothbrush should be replaced with a new one in order to control bacterial or viral contamination. However, if you have a favorite toothbrush, or one you feel is just too new to replace, this simple and successful disinfection method is the next best option.
1. Place the toothbrush in the utensil rack of your dishwasher with the bristle head up.
2. Operate the dishwasher on a regular cycle with heated dry on.
We hope you and your family stay healthy!
