Stress may be having an adv
erse effect on youngsters’ oral health. A study of kindergarten age children revealed that those who had high levels of tooth decay also had high levels of cortisol in their saliva. Cortisol is a hormone that is released in response to stress.
Unfortunately, it’s a stressful world, even for youngsters. So Dr. Thomas Gibbs recommends regular brushing and flossing and a deep relaxing breath!!!
Recently on the news there h
ave been accusations that dental x-rays are linked to brain tumors. In the numerous articles I have read about this subject, most times it does not specify on what type of dental x-rays this link is referring to. The article would go on and on about the radiation in dental x-rays, then finally I reached one sentence that caught my eye. “Having once-yearly or more frequent bitewing x-rays, which expose a small piece of film placed between the teeth to a beam of radiation, raised the risk for meningiomas (brain tumor) 1.4 to 1.9 times.” (Dr. Elizabeth B. Claus led the study) The study was based on x-rays used in the 1960’s. This was when x-rays delivered a much higher dose of radiation that today’s do. “However, x-ray doses in decades past were several times higher than doses used in today’s digital devices, the researchers, the ADA and outside experts agreed.”
Film Dental x-rays, what are those??? Do people still use film??? X-ray systems from the 1960??? We are living in the year 2012!!!
First off, we use “Digital” x-rays not film. The new digital sensors are so sensitive they require less radiation to generate an image. At Dr. Thomas Gibbs dental office we wanted to do some research on the dental x-ray systems we use. So, I called the dental x-ray companies and got the radiation exposure dosage that a person would get if we take the normal four bitewings. At Dr. Thomas Gibbs office we take bitewings once a year and we take the panoramic full mouth x-ray once every five years. Once a year for the four bitewings you would be exposed to 20 microsieverts (how radiation is measured). When you get the panoramic x-ray once every five years you would be exposed to 16.1 microsieverts. These numbers are about 50% lower then film based x-rays, which make them much safer and make the risk of potentially harmful effects extremely small.
Every day we get questions about radiation exposure before we take the x-rays, and we love explaining to our patients, how advanced technology in digital dental x-rays have become. So I am going to leave with a little information provided by the ADA- American Dental Association.
“The whole-body radiation exposure associated with four bitewing radiographs is approximately 38 microsieverts, for example. By comparison, an airplane flight at 39,000 feet is associated with an exposure of about 5 microsieverts per hour. This means the exposure during a set of four bitewing radiographs is roughly equivalent to a seven-hour flight. These estimates are based on traditional film–based x-rays; many digital x-ray systems may require even less radiation.”
When looking at the digital system we use in our office, you would only have to fly four hours to get the same amount of radiation exposure as the four bitewing digital x-rays. So, when you take your children to Florida for vacation from Chicago the round trip will give you 30 microsieverts, less then what four digital bitewings would give you.
Thanks to sharks we ma
y one day be able to grow new teeth where existing ones have worn out. Cool right? Researchers are studying sharks to determine why they have several rows of teeth in their jaws, while humans and other mammals like us only have one row of teeth.
By studying the genetics in sharks and humans, scientists have discovered that a single gene exists in humans that actually PREVENT the regeneration of new teeth. This gene ensures that our set of adult teeth is our only permanent set.
But when researchers bred mice that lacked the gene that prevents regeneration of new teeth, the rodent developed extra teeth next to their first molars — the same “spares” that sharks and other non-mammals grow. These studies may help reveal how humans might be able to generate new teeth when a permanent tooth is lost. Instead of getting partials, implants or even dentures we may someday be able to grow brand new teeth!!
Members of the Chicago Dental Society were asked; what was the strangest thing they have found in a patients mouth? Here are the top 10!!!
10. A chicken bone
9. Parts of a pen
8. Interesting lip tattoos
7. Pet hair
6. The patient’s own dental techniques. For example super glue and wire to hold broken loose teeth in place.
5. Fragment of a blasting cap
4. Fingernails
3. Hot Wheels tire
2. Insects; DEAD and ALIVE
1. A blinking LED light installed in a patients tooth.
Most of us are familiar with fluoride as a source tha
t our dentists uses to combat cavities or caries. It’s found in toothpastes, gels, foams, etc. and a naturally occurring mineral that is found in water and many foods.
Another great source for fighting tooth decay or unhealthy dental issues, is Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a like an unsung hero because little attention is payed to it, but it aids in some very serious health issues. As far as dental issues are concerned, vitamin D dental caries speaks for itself. Both fluoride and vitamin D are great for teeth and gums, but vitamin D goes behind the teeth and into the rest of the body to do you good.
Vitamin D is known for promoting bone health, but it also helps combat heart disease and even cancer. It seems that we have overlooked it’s oral health benefits, but as studies have shown, there is definitely a link between healthier teeth and those who live in sunny areas. Since vitamin D comes from the sun naturally, we are getting a boost to our health from head to toe without having to do anything or pay anything. What a great incentive to spend time outside! You can be directly involved with your oral health by taking in the sun. The result of exposure is vitamin D dental caries.
Rather than receiving treatment for an ailment, it is much better to avoid the ailment and do all you can to prevent it. Oral health is very important. Adding some extra sun into your day or incorporating extra vitamin D are much better options than the alternatives: increased dental visits, possibly surgery, fillings, etc. It is not recommended that fluoride be increased in this way. Fluoridated water will not provide the health benefits that vitamin D can.
It is not just about vitamin D dental caries, but about what vitamin D can do for your overall health. Avoiding oral health issues is an added plus to having a healthier heart, stronger bones, and preventing numerous issues that will consume your money and your wellness. When the sun smiles on you, you can smile back because you are reaping from the healthy rays.
Nothing can ruin Valentine’s Day like worrying for a whole date about whether or not you have bad breath. In our last post, you learned that dry mouth is a leading cause of bad breath, and now Smile Glen Ellyn wants to help you fix it!
Even if you’re just afraid your breath might smell, wouldn’t you rather be sure before you go out on a date? We have tips for any Glen Ellyn resident to use before, during, or after any activity they have planned this holiday.
Glen Ellyn, IL –
Thanks to recent advancements in dentistry at Dr. Thomas Gibbs Dental Office, including early stage cavity-detecting lasers and advanced formula fluoride varnishes, protecting your child’s teeth from decay-causing bacteria and cavities has become much easier. Tooth decay is a disease that cannot be treated with immunizations. Early detection and proper home care, along with a healthy diet, can give children the knowledge and means to maintain a healthy smile.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Dr. Gibbs’ office is working to celebrate healthy teeth for all of our young patients this month. The American Dental Association (ADA) and dental professionals across the country work together every February to educate our communities on the importance of developing early healthy dental hygiene routines.
Dr. Thomas Gibbs and his staff are working to teach children the basic of oral health, the dangers of sweets and sugars, and the benefits of regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Developing strong dental habits at a young age, like brushing their teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day, can ensure a beautiful, healthy smile that will last a lifetime.
For the entire month of February, children are invited to Dr. Thomas R. Gibbs Dental Office for a FREE oral health screening and complimentary dental health care kit. Stop by and visit our team to book your child’s appointment!
For more information about National Children’s Dental Health Month, or to book your child’s appointment, please contact Dr. Thomas Gibbs Dental Office today!
630.858.8800
650 Roosevelt Rd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
www.SmileGlenEllyn.com
Dry mouth is one of the leading causes of bad breath. When our bodies are producing saliva properly, it contains chemicals that clean your mouth and prevent odor-causing bacteria from forming.
No one wants to have bad breath on Valentine’s day right? Smile Glen Ellyn wants to explain where stinky breath comes from and what Glen Ellyn and Wheaton residents can do to keep it from ruining their romantic moments.
There are many things that could contribute to a dry mouth, such as how long it has been since you’ve eaten or drank, what you last ate or drank, the amount of physical activity you’ve participated in, or even what time of day it is. Other factors can include medication, systemic diseases, body chemistry, and overall health. Continue reading
Periodontal disease? What is that?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues and the bone in the mouth that support teeth. Periodontal disease causes the tissue to pull away from each tooth. When periodontal disease worsens, the gum tissue and bone begin to disintegrate, causing tooth loss.
How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth or floss.
- Red, swollen or tender gums.
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth.
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away.
- Loose or spreading teeth.
You can have periodontal disease without any signs or symptoms. Routine checkups and cleanings are important because it makes it possible for Dr. Gibbs and your hygienist to catch and treat periodontal disease at its early stages.
What do you mean by early stages of periodontal disease?
Healthy Gums: Gum tissue and bone hold teeth firmly in place.
Gingivitis: Swelling and inflammation of the gums. Bacteria toxin irritates the gum tissues causing them to be tender, swollen to the touch and likely to bleed easily.
Periodontitis: Loss of tissue and bone. As the disease progresses, pockets tend to become deeper, allowing plaque to build up below the gum line.
Advanced Periodontits: Severe damage to supporting tissues and bone. If the disease is not treated, gum tissue and bone is destroyed. Teeth become loose and may fall out or require removal.
If you can have periodontal disease without sign or symptoms, how can the docto
r tell that I have it?
When you come in for your routine checkup, Dr. Gibbs or the hygienist will examine your gums. A periodontal probe is used to measure the depth of the pockets surrounding each tooth. This probe can indicate whether you have developed any pocket depths that are deeper than what is considered healthy. If it is determined that you have periodontal disease, dental X-rays will be used to show if any bone loss occurred.
How did I get periodontal disease in the first place?
Healthy gum tissue hugs around each tooth. As tartar and bacteria film develops on teeth, it prod
uces toxins that can irritate and break down the oral tissue and bone. If daily home care and 6 month routine checkups are not consistent, the toxins can inflame the gums.
Now that I found out I have periodontal disease, how can I treat it?
Periodontal treatment depends on the type and severity of the disease. If the disease is caught at an early age (gingivitis), you may simply have a professional cleaning. The hygienist will also give you instructions on how to improve your daily oral maintenance.
In later s
tages of periodontal disease, it may require a special cleaning called scaling and root planing. In this procedure, plaque and tartar are removed from underneath the gum-line. Scaling and root planing smoothes the tooth’s surface so the gum tissue can heal and reattach to the tooth.
So, I had my recommended procedure to get rid of my periodontal disease… Am I cured?
Periodontal disease is not 100% curable. However, Dr. Gibbs and your hygienist can help prevent it f
rom coming back! Once your periodontal treatment is complete, your hygienist may recommend that you visit more often for cleanings and checkups than the average 6 months.
Home care is also important to keep periodontal disease from coming back or becoming more serious. Brushing and flossing twice a day is all it takes. Your hygienist can also advise for you to buy a SoniCare (electronic toothbrush) to help you reduce tartar buildup.
The WaterPik Water Flosser may also be suggested by your hygienist. Waterpik provides a unique combination of water pressure and pulsation to massage and stimulate gums. It cleans deep between teeth and below the gum line where traditional string floss can’t reach.
What if I opt not to get periodontal therapy?
Your oral health may affect, be affected by or contribute to various diseases and conditions including: diabetes, heart disease, HIV, cancer, Endocarditis, premature birth and low birth weights, Osteoporosis and some eating disorders are linked with oral health problems.
Hydrogen peroxide is cheap, easy to find, and can be a great way to help maintain your oral health. Smile Glen Ellyn loves being able to give you tips to take care of your teeth between appointments, especially if they help save you money. Remember, you should always check with Dr. Gibbs before you start using anything new, just to make sure it won’t cause any side effects.
Hydrogen peroxide is a common household product that can be found for very cheap at your local pharmacy or grocery store. Continue reading
