Joshua Hong, DDS Blog

This National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) Take an Oath for Your Child’s Oral Health

February 2017 is National Children’s Dental Health Month and it brings together thousands of dental professionals, healthcare practitioners and dedicated educators to raise awareness about children’s oral health and the benefits of proper dental care. This year’s NCDHM campaign will promote the slogan “Choose Tap Water for a Sparkling Smile” to children and their teachers, parents, and caregivers. The American Dental Association in collaboration with the ADA foundation will undertake a month-long awareness program and use versatile publicity resources and fun activity sheets to raise awareness at various events. Be a part of this initiative and educate your child on oral health. The time that you invest in their oral care today will pay lifelong dividends in the form of healthy gums and cavity-free teeth.

How Optimal Oral Care Translates To a Happy and Healthy Child

Parents lay the foundation of healthy teeth in their children by establishing a proper oral hygiene routine. For this, parents should be equipped with all the important information they need about their children’s oral health. Use the following 5 tips to protect your child’s teeth and gums from decay and cavities:

1. Make sure that your child brushes his/her teeth twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste that efficiently removes plaque and prevents cavity. Make sure your child does not swallow the toothpaste.
2. Flossing daily will remove plaque from under the gum line and in between the teeth. This will prevent the accumulated plaque from turning into tartar and your child won’t have to undergo a professional cleaning session.
3. Feed your children a well-balanced diet that does not include starchy, sweet, and sugary foods.
4. Use fluoridated drinking water and dental products that contain fluoride.
5. Make sure your child’s toothbrush has soft and rounded bristles. Replace the brush every four months.

Dental health for Children is just as important as their overall health and well-being. Daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits will reduce the incidence of cavities, decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Only parents can introduce, inculcate and reinforce healthy oral habits in children as they grow. Lead by example and help your child understand the importance of brushing and flossing for an improved quality of life. Start with your Children’s first dental visit at the earliest and prevent little problems from becoming dental abscesses and emergency room visits.

Other Ways to Protect Your Child’s Teeth & Gums from Decay

Decrease the amount of sweet juices and sugary foods from your child’s diet as they damage the teeth’s enamel. Immediately visit the dentist if your child experiences sudden bouts of throbbing pain when chewing hot or cold foods. Never leave a cavity untreated because it can cause severe pain and serious oral infections which can later invite early teeth extractions and expensive restorative treatments.

Key Points to Consider for your Children’s Dental Care

• Tooth decay occurs when bacteria produce acids while breaking down sweet and sugary foods and drinks. If these acids are not washed away, they can damage the tooth’s enamel.
•  Certain medicines have high sugar content so it is important to clean your child’s teeth after a dose of sweet liquid medicines.
• The best times to brush your child’s teeth are in the morning and before they go to bed.
• Give your child a glass of water after every meal to make sure all the sweet and sugary substances are washed away.
• You can inculcate the habit of flossing in your children from the age of 4.
• Limit the intake of cookies, candies, potato chips, pretzels, soft drinks, and fruit juices.
• In case your child chips or knocks out a tooth, contact your dentist immediately.

This National Children’s Dental Health Month, take an oath – to inculcate an oral hygiene routine in your children at an early age, so that their teeth remain healthy and happy even in old age.

While good dental health is important at any stage in life, it’s especially critical when you’re pregnant. Even when you’re busy preparing your body, home and life for the new arrival, you can’t afford to let your oral health slide!

Let’s look at some of the dilemmas that expecting mothers face about pregnancy and teeth, and understand the link between them.

The Importance of Good Dental Health during Pregnancy

Your body goes through major changes when you’re carrying a child, and hormonal surges in particular can affect your dental health, leading to tooth decay, gum disease and more. In expecting mothers, gum disease is believed to increase the risk of babies being born pre-term or with low birth weight, so why take a chance?

Oral examinations and dental cleanings are especially helpful during your first trimester, allowing the dentist to pinpoint issues that could affect you or your child, and treat them early.

Pregnancy and Oral Health: Common Issues You May Face

You might have sensitive teeth during pregnancy, or face other issues like:

• Dental Caries – Also known as tooth decay or cavities, this can occur due to pregnancy cravings (high intake of sugary or acidic snacks), morning sickness (exposure to gastric acids), or neglecting oral hygiene and care.
• Pregnancy Gingivitis – Bad breath, loose teeth or bleeding gums could signal the onset of “pregnancy gingivitis” or gum disease. Gums may be more likely to bleed or swell in response to plaque, especially during your third trimester.
• Periodontitis – If gingivitis isn’t treated in time, it can lead to a more serious bacterial infection caused by the accumulation of plaque in your gum tissue. It can lead to loose teeth, bone loss and even affect your baby’s health!
• Tooth Mobility – The supporting structure of your teeth may become loose when you’re pregnant, causing your teeth to shift a little. In most cases, this is only temporary and doesn’t cause tooth loss, but get it checked.
• Enamel Erosion – Along with morning sickness, other gastric conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum or gastric reflux can also expose teeth to stomach acids. Avoid brushing right after you vomit, since this can increase erosion.
• Dry Mouth – Saliva secretion might decrease due to hormonal changes when you’re pregnant, so remain well-hydrated throughout the day. Sugarless gum or hard candies can also help promote saliva production.

Is Dental Work Safe during Pregnancy?

Pre-natal dental exams and cleanings are completely safe, and can prevent a wide range of problems for you and your child. If a dental procedure is required, inform the dentist that you’re pregnant, and try to schedule it during your second trimester (especially if you need local or topical anesthesia).

Don’t ignore oral health problems (especially symptoms of gum disease) because you fear dental work during pregnancy. If you have any questions or concerns, raise them. Modern procedures (even X-rays) are very safe, and the dentist can explain how they work, precautions you need to take, etc.

Dental Health Tips to Follow during Your Pregnancy

Brush and floss regularly, use an antibacterial mouthwash, eat healthy food (rich in vitamins and protein), and get enough calcium to keep your bones strong too.

To protect your teeth from stomach acids, rinse with warm saltwater or baking soda and water a little while after vomiting. If morning sickness is severe or persistent, ask your dentist for other tips on preventing tooth damage.

Even with perfect teeth and gums, it’s a good idea to get professional advice on pre-natal oral care. Don’t waste any time – schedule an appointment with us today!

Are you aware of the link between gum disease and prostate health? Previous studies had found that oral health is linked to brain health, but recent research has also discovered the link between gum health and prostate health. This connection may not appear very obvious but you should not ignore it.

Studies now revealed that treatment of gum disease can help in reducing prostate inflammation. Gum disease is known to have a link to prostate inflammation called prostatitis. This is a disease that can cause inflammation of the gland that produces semen and consequently, it can make urination difficult.The study establishing the link was published in the journal called Dentistry and pressed on the link between the treatment of gum disease and reduction in symptoms of prostatitis.

Findings of the New Prostate Study

The study was conducted by the Case Western Reserve’s Department of Periodontics and it examined the effect of treatment of gum disease on prostate health. The researchers took 27 men aged 21 years and older who were suffering from prostatitis and also had moderate to severe gum disease. All of the men chosen had a needle biopsy within the previous year that confirmed inflammation of prostate gland in them. They also had blood tests which showed high levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in them. In addition, they were given the International-Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) test to determine the quality of their lives and any urination issues they might be facing.

During the course of the research, they were given treatment for their gum disease and no treatment for prostatitis. They underwent tests for four to eight weeks and showed significant improvement in their gum health.

Surprisingly, 21 out the 27 men showed improvement in prostate symptoms along with improvement in the gum health. Researchers asserted that if we treat gum disease, we can achieve a significant drop in levels of PSA. Participants with the highest levels of inflammation showed the most improvement while six of them showed no changes. After the course of gum treatment, they were again given IPSS test and improvement in the scores was noted.

The Bottom Line

Contrary to the popular belief that gum disease affects only the mouth, the research has proved that gum health is linked to the health of various body parts. Bad gum health can have an adverse effect on many other parts of the body and not just the mouth. Links have also been found between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, fetal deaths and cardiac health.

So, you may want to have a better check on your oral health. Never ignore any oral health issues like bleeding gums, swelling or even bad breath. Remember that prevention is always better than cure. Avoid gum disease and visit your nearest dentist in Goodyear AZ today!

Enamel is the covering on your teeth that protects them from decay. With time, this enamel undergoes wear and tear, which is normal. However, you may want to watch out for extra damage to this layer as unlike your bone, it cannot grow back and you can’t get it replaced either. So, the best you can do is take proper care of your teeth to avoid any kind of major damage to the tooth enamel.

Having strong tooth enamel is one of the vital steps towards good oral care. Although it doesn’t grow back and cannot be replaced, you can follow some simple steps for tooth enamel restoration.

Here is what you can do:

1. Cut the Intake of Sugary Foods and Drinks

You may be aware the bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar to make acids. These acids attack the tooth enamel and it starts wearing out. Products like candies stick to your teeth and cause damage. Similarly, soft drinks contain sugar and acids that aren’t good for your teeth enamel. Try to drink only the plain water when you feel thirsty.

2. Choose Foods that Protect Enamel

Milk and other dairy products are known to protect the tooth enamel as they contain calcium that is capable of countering the teeth-damaging acids. If you don’t eat dairy items, go for calcium-rich foods. You can always choose a low-fat or fat-free product to keep a check on your calories.

3. Use Gentle Strokes while Brushing and Avoid Overdoing It

Over-brushing wears out your enamel too easily. So, you must not brush too fast or hard. It is recommended that you use a brush with soft bristles and hold it at about a 45-degrees angle to your gums. Also, wait up to an hour at least before you brush your teeth after eating.

4. Include Fluoride

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), fluoride fights cavities naturally by making your teeth resistant to acids. It strengthens your enamel and helps in repairing your teeth from early tooth decay.

5. Improperly Chlorinated Pools are Bad

The pools that are not chlorinated properly can result in water becoming too acidic. When your teeth come in contact with this water, it can lead to teeth damage.

6. Keep a Check on Dry Mouth

Saliva helps a great deal in washing away the food and bacteria that can harm tooth enamel. However, if you have dry mouth, you are at a greater risk of your teeth being attacked by acids. Therefore, drink water more often to keep your mouth clean and preventing it from drying.

7. Avoid Grinding Your Teeth

This habit is both annoying and damaging. Grinding the upper and lower teeth together wears down the enamel over time. Visit your dentist if you have this habit.

8. Choose a Remineralizing Diet

There are a number of foods that can help in remineralizing your teeth, which further helps in the strengthening of your enamel. Eat a balanced diet to include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and low-fat dairy items.

9. Regular Checkups are Vital

Lastly, pay a visit to your dentist at least once every six months even if your oral health seems fine. This can help your dentist identify early signs of any damage and treat it in time.

By making sure that you take care of all the above points, you can protect your tooth enamel from wearing out before time. This will not only maintain your perfect smile but will also help in protecting your oral health. Finally, keep your teeth and enamel intact by eating right and taking proper care.

Bleeding gums are not normal, even when you have your teeth professionally cleaned. If your gums start bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth then you have periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Gum disease is a contagious bacterial infection which destroys your gums and erodes your jawbone which can lead to tooth loss.

8 Reasons Why Your Gums Bleed

1. Medication

Certain medication that you take can interfere with the blood flow to tissues or hamper saliva flow which leads to dryness in your mouth. This causes your gum tissues to become more reactive to the presence of plaque which rapidly increases periodontal disease. You can ask your dentist how your meds affect your gums

2. New Flossing Routines

Changing how you floss regularly can also lead to bleeding gums. If your flossing has become infrequent, causing you to floss more to clear that extra plaque which can also cause your gums to bleed.

3. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Plaque that is stuck on your teeth and gum-line can infect your gums leading to symptoms of gingivitis if not removed by brushing and flossing. Gingivitis causes your gums to become swollen, tender and also start to bleed while brushing. The early stage of the disease can be stopped with good brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups.

Some pregnant women experience swollen gums and bleeding while brushing which is known as Pregnancy Gingivitis. Hormonal changes in the body tend to change the body’s response to the bacteria that causes gum disease.

4. Your Oral Hygiene’s Subpar

This occurs to those who don’t brush and floss on a daily basis resulting in visible plaque and swollen red gums. Research states that healthy gums can become diseased within 24 to 36 hours of not brushing and caring for oral tissues properly. You can use an electric toothbrush which will massage your gums, stimulate blood-flow and also bring nutrients to the tissue as well as releasing toxins.

You can start using anti-bacterial mouthwash and toothpaste, opting for a water-pick to floss. Eating oral probiotics mints also helps prevent tooth decay and whitens your teeth along the way.

5. Not Following a Natural Diet

Start picking produced over processed. Eating a good amount of natural food will boost the strength of your immune system and nourish your soft oral tissues.

6. Smoking

Smokers are at a much higher risk of gum disease due to the many toxins in cigarettes which create inflammation and decrease your body’s immunity. Smoking also leads to fibrous and enlarged gums. Bleeding gums allow the dangerous periodontal bacteria to enter your blood and spread inflammation and disease to other parts of your body.

7. Constant Stress

Constant stress will hinder your immune system’s ability to ward off gum disease. Stress causes inflammation in your blood vessels which breaks down the soft tissue in your mouth and prevent it from healing.

8. You’ve Got an Over-Bite

If your teeth are not lined properly, crooked or crowded along with grinding and clenching habits leading to “bite disease”. This is due to the destructive forces that are being applied to your teeth, gums and tissues. Your gum recedes, and the bone begins deteriorating if too much pressure is applied.

4 Ways to Prevent Bleeding Gums

1. Increase Your Oral Care

Plaque hardens to become tartar, a calcified substance that plaque adheres to and continues to irritate your gums, causing your gums to bleed and can progress to more advanced forms of gum disease if not removed.

Be sure to brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Gums can sometimes stop bleeding with regular flossing along with regular visits to the dentist.

2. Examine Your Dental Tools

Even though you may brush and floss regularly with regular visits to your dentist, the problem may lie with your oral care hygiene tools which may be causing your gums to bleed.

In certain cases, it may not be your tools that are causing your gums to bleed but rather the way you use them.

3. Consider Your Medicine

Certain medicine that you take will increase the chances of your gums bleeding. Certain medicines like over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin can thin your blood and increase bleeding. Always talk to your doctor if you think a medication is causing side effects.

4. Visit Your Dentist

If you have already tried changing your oral care habits, adjusting your medications and maintaining a healthy diet, and it yields nothing, then your next step should be to visit your dentist. Your dentist can examine your teeth and determine if you are suffering from a more serious condition such as advanced gum disease through the use of ex-rays etc.

Stop your gums from bleeding and visit your nearest Joshua Hong Dental clinic today!

One of the most devastating effects of aging is the decline in cognitive function that affects our elders in their later years. Some recent research points to declining oral health for elders as a factor affecting their mental health. In the US, the senior population is growing every day, and over a third of over-70 elders suffer from some form of mental impairment!

Senior Mental Health and Oral Health: What the Research Says

In a number of oral and cognitive health studies published from 1993-2013, some findings suggest a link between indicators of poor oral health and mental decline. A few studies show that elders with tooth loss, cavities and gum disease were more likely to be at risk of dementia and other mental health problems.

Other studies didn’t find a link, or differed on the number of cavities or missing teeth in our elders with mental health issues. On the whole, however, most of the studies found a greater prevalence of oral health issues in seniors with impaired cognition, especially dementia.

Even if research has not yet proved a direct causal link between the two, there is enough of a connection to raise concern about senior mental health and their oral hygiene.

How Is Senior Mental Health Affected By Poor Oral Hygiene?

Here are some of the possible factors that may link poor oral health and cognitive decline:

• According to a North Shore University Hospital dentist named Dr. Jacqueline Sobota, there may be a shared inflammatory pathway for both cognitive impairment and poor oral health for seniors.
• As per a Lenox Hill Hospital memory loss specialist and neurologist, Dr. Gayatri Devi, dementia may also cause apraxia, where patients forget a task they’ve learned previously, like brushing their teeth.
• Patients with cognitive problems might also forget to brush or floss their teeth, even without apraxia. This could be a contributing factor affecting their dental health, according to Dr. Devi.

Maintaining Oral Health is Critical for Seniors

Dr. Gayatri Devi also added that seniors in the early stages of dementia typically continue to take care of their oral hygiene with the same attention they gave these tasks before their cognitive abilities were impaired. However, senior caregivers and healthcare providers need to pay special attention to their patients’ dental health.

Good oral hygiene is especially crucial for seniors, since dental problems are also associated with other conditions like diabetes, stroke, heart disease, pneumonia, etc. Brushing, flossing, eating healthy and visiting a dentist regularly can help keep a wide range of other problems at bay.

To learn more about dental health and tooth restorative solutions for seniors, call 623-925-8822 for a complimentary consultation at Joshua Hong DDS today!