Dental Hygienist Archives

October 4, 2022October 4, 2022

Senior’s Oral Health

As a population, seniors have long been plagued by dental issues. Oftentimes, seniors’ oral health may deteriorate along with their teeth as they age. We will discuss some of the most common issues with seniors’ teeth.

DRY MOUTH
The American Dental Association reports that dry mouth is the most common reason for cavities among seniors. Dry mouth is not a natural part of getting older; rather, it is a symptom of numerous medical conditions and the side effects of more than 500 medications, including those used to treat diabetes, stroke, oral thrush, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, HIV/AIDS, and other autoimmune disorders. A dry mouth can be caused by a number of factors, including snoring and mouth breathing.

The average person’s prescribed medication intake tends to rise as they become older. This causes many elderly people to have problems with dry mouth. Your dentist may inquire as to whether or not you are taking any drugs for this reason. If you suffer from dry mouth, we can recommend therapies to alleviate the discomfort and decrease the likelihood of cavities. Here are popular practices recommended by dentists:

Hydrate yourself more
Substitute dry-mouth-preventing drugs wherever feasible
Make use of a soothing mouth rinse
To increase saliva flow, try chewing sugar-free gum
Run a humidifier
Use lip balm
Take advantage of fluoride therapy
Try to abstain from caffeine and liquor
Do not use any tobacco products
Keep away from OTC decongestants and antihistamines
Cut back on the sweets and processed meals (These increase the risk of tooth decay)
Stay away from alcoholic mouthwashes

LOSS OF TEETH AND THE PROCESS OF DECAY
Seniors need to take extra care of their oral health because they have a higher risk of dental decay. Cavities in seniors’ teeth typically occur around the gum line or even under it. Dry mouth makes the elderly particularly vulnerable. Tooth decay is quite common, so even if it may not have been an issue in the past it is important to practice good oral hygiene to reduce your risk. It is important to keep up with dental checkups. This enables us to check for the development of cavities and promptly fill them before they cause significant damage that necessitates more invasive measures, such as extraction.

GUM DISEASE
Another prevalent oral health issue among the over-60 crowd is gum disease, often called periodontal disease. Plaque bacteria irritate gums, causing them to become inflamed, red, and bleed easily. Comparatively speaking, the early stages of gum disease seldom cause much discomfort. If left unchecked this condition may worsen over time.

Because gum disease is most effectively treated when discovered in its earliest stages, getting regular dental checkups as you age is just as crucial as it was when you were younger.

ORAL CANCER
Most individuals grossly underestimate how prevalent oral cancer actually is. Each year, more than 54,000 cases of oral cancer are identified, according to the American Cancer Society. The majority of these cases are patients over the age of 60.

Oral cancer screenings are routinely performed on patients during dental checkups. In its early stages, oral cancer, like gum disease, seldom causes any discomfort. But it is essential to schedule and keep your dental appointments at Las Vegas Smile throughout your life, as early diagnosis can treat or eliminate any major issues.

OTHER DENTISTRY PROBLEMS
In addition to the aforementioned issues, the following are also frequently encountered by older citizens and their dentists

Discolored teeth
Lack of or diminished capacity for detecting flavors
Infection of the roots
Thrush
Stomatitis caused by wearing dentures
Misaligned jawbone
Tooth decay

September 2, 2022September 2, 2022

Heart Disease & Poor Oral Health

Studies show that pathogens from the mouth can infiltrate the bloodstream and cause blood clots and major cardiac issues.

A study that was published in 2018 with data from almost a million participants with over 65,000 cardiac events (such as heart attack) identified a significant link between poor dental health and coronary heart disease after accounting for age. Therefore, is it important to see your Las Vegas Smile dentist at least twice a year.

How are heart disease and poor oral health connected?

-The bacteria responsible for gum disease and periodontal disease can spread to other parts of the body and inflame or even destroy the blood vessels. The result might be the formation of blood clots, which could lead to a heart attack or stroke. Evidence for this notion comes from the detection of oral bacteria spores in atherosclerotic blood arteries located in distant parts of the body.
-Inflammation, a natural part of the body’s immunological response to bacterial infection, triggers a chain reaction that damages blood vessels all over the body, including the heart and brain.
-Hypotheses suggest that lack of access to healthcare and inactivity are also possible causes. Oral and cardiovascular disease may be more prevalent among those who lack access to health care or who don’t prioritize their health.

According to an article from The Mayo Clinic, studies have shown:

-Inflammation of the gums, also known as periodontitis, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
-Bacterial infections in the bloodstream can harm heart valves, and this risk is increased by poor oral health. Those who have had artificial heart valves may find that maintaining good oral hygiene is of utmost importance.
-Heart disease and tooth loss follow similar trends.
-Evidence suggests that patients with diabetes can benefit from periodontal care and that there is a link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

How it happens

Science Daily reports: A member of the Society for General Microbiology claims that bacteria that cause plaque in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and raise the risk of heart attack. Brushing and flossing regularly can keep mouth bacteria in check, but if you don’t, they can cause a lot of trouble, as explained by Professor Howard Jenkinson of the University of Bristol. According to him, “poor oral hygiene can cause bleeding gums, allowing bacteria to escape into the circulatory system, where they can create blood clots which can eventually result in heart disease.”

Plaque and gum issues are both caused by streptococcus bacteria, which thrive in the mouth in communities known as “biofilms.” The Streptococcus bacterium, once released into the circulatory system, can use a surface protein called PadA as a tool to push platelets in the blood to attach together and shape clots, as demonstrated by researchers at the University of Bristol who teamed up with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)’s scientists.

Professor Jenkinson explains that bacteria utilize the formation of blood clots for their own selfish purposes. If the platelets clump together tight enough, they can trap the germs within. The immune system and any drugs used to treat an infection are both shielded from this, he explained. Platelet clumping, in addition to aiding the bacteria, can lead to growths on the heart valves (endocarditis), tiny blood clots, or blood artery inflammation that can cut off blood flow to the brain and heart.

August 2, 2022

Why You Should See a Dentist Twice a Year?

Many people often put off their dental appointments for far too long. Dental procedures can be expensive and unpleasant for those who wait until they are in pain or have an ailment to see a dentist. As a result, prevention is the best strategy.

Having your teeth checked for cavities and having them cleaned on a regular basis is essential. Visiting the dentist regularly may go a long way toward ensuring that your teeth continue to remain in top shape. Gum disease is more widespread than most people realize, therefore it’s important to have your gums inspected often.

In general, your dentist will advise you to come in twice a year for checkups. This is because cavities typically take around a year to form. The sooner a dentist can detect a cavity, the more likely it is that he or she can fill it and save the tooth. Being preventative can save you a lot of pain and anguish in the future.

Routine Visits
The oral examination and the cleaning are the two main components of a dental cleaning appointment. When the dentist examines you, they will be looking for signs of decay. X-rays may be needed to detect cavities between teeth in some circumstances.

During your visit, the dentist will also keep an eye out for any indications of plaque and tartar buildup, gum diseases, or cancer.

Gum Disease
Our dentist constantly checks for gum disease in our patients since healthy gums are the basis for good teeth. We use a device that measures the depth of the gap between your gums and teeth to examine your gum health. In healthy teeth, there are less gaps between them, but in those with gum disease, they grow deeper.

Detecting gum disease early can help prevent more significant dental concerns from developing.

Plaque and Tartar
There is little more to plaque than a transparent, sticky covering of bacterial colonies that adhere to teeth. The sticky stuff will harden and turn into tartar if not removed. Brushing and flossing will not remove tartar. Tartar can only be removed from teeth by a dentist, and once it has built up, the patient is more vulnerable to developing various oral conditions.

Tongue, Throat, and Neck Cancers
A dental appointment should also include an assessment of the face, teeth, tongue, throat, neck and head. The dentist is on the lookout for any signs of malignancy, such as swelling, redness, or other changes to the tissue.

Detecting potential problems in the tissue at an early stage is critical for our patients, which is why we take it extremely seriously at Las Vegas Smile Dental.

November 8, 2021

Protect Teeth While Enjoying Halloween Candy

Should children give up their trick-or-treat candy for the health of their teeth? No! All the avoiding sugary treats is generally a good idea to help prevent plaque buildup and cavities, Halloween candy is perfectly fine as long as proper dental hygiene rules are followed. These tips will help maximize enjoyment of the holiday without compromising your kids’ teeth and oral health.

Do Not Forbid Eating Candy Completely

Have you noticed that the moment you take something away from your kids, they want it more than ever? If you let your kids go trick-or-treating, taking away all the candy would not be fair. They are more likely to eat it in secret and not practice good dental health afterward.

Instead of refusing treats, limit the number of pieces they can eat per day and only allow them at certain times. This still gives them the enjoyment of picking out their favorites for snack or dessert but you can monitor their teeth cleaning afterward.

Stay Away from Very Sticky or Hard Treats

The absolute worst type of candy for teeth includes any that are hard and sticky like lollipops, Jolly Ranchers, or jawbreakers. These types of sweets have three main problems. Their hard structure may chip or crack teeth if your child bites them. The stickiness attaches to the teeth and can either damaged the enamel or cause physical problems. Since hard candy takes a while to dissolve, the sugar and acid stays on the teeth and gums longer and provides more fuel for plaque growth. Gummy candy also has the two latter problems, so be careful when your children eat this type as well.

Enjoy Sweet Treats After a Meal

While snacks and desserts are usually eaten after meals anyway so they do not ruin the appetite for healthy food, this is also a good idea for oral hygiene. Eating lunch or dinner triggers the production of saliva. This can actually help break down sugars in candy so it is metabolized away from the surface of the teeth and gums instead of sticking around longer.

Drink or Swish With Clean Water

Avoid sugary beverages when your children are already consuming a lot of sweet candy. If they are not able to brush and floss their teeth immediately, at least have them swish a few mouthfuls of water to remove some of the residue. This also helps with proper hydration.

Brush and Floss Right Away

By the time they are old enough to trick-or-treat, children should have begun the habit of brushing and flossing their teeth after they eat anything. The youngest may still need help developing good oral hygiene routines. As soon as the candy is finished, make sure they do a thorough cleaning job. This is especially important if they eat a hard, sticky, or gummy candy as mentioned above.

All children should enjoy their sweets as long as you put some ground rules in place. Schedule an appointment at Las Vegas Smile Dental Center to make sure your child’s teeth and gums are the healthiest they can be.

July 3, 2021July 3, 2021

Time for a New Toothbrush

Keeping a consistent routine is a great way to combat most problems that might arise in oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing regularly throughout the day can keep enamel and gums strong and breath smelling fresh! Most people would think that is all they need to worry about but that is not quite true.

Consider the process of flossing – with floss, it is a quick ‘one and done’ deal. Simply throw away the floss after use.

When it comes to a toothbrush, this practice is definitely not just routine. Usually, we do not throw away a toothbrush or even toothbrush head after each use but replacements should be considered after some time.

Toothbrushes and toothbrush heads can fray overtime which inhibits their effectiveness as they will not properly brush or scrub teeth as they should.

What about what we cannot see? Bacteria and germs gradually build up on the tool and make the brush itself counterproductive for oral hygiene. To avoid unneeded contact with germs and bacteria, be sure to replace toothbrushes and toothbrush heads every 90 days or sooner if the bristles begin to fray. Also consider making a change after an illness as whatever germs and viruses that caused the illness will most likely linger on an innocuous toothbrush or toothbrush head.

Maintaining teeth brushing tools can be done easily with the use of reminders for replacements on a calendar or cell phone. Buying in bulk makes switching much easier and quicker than buying individually and can be cheaper too.

Also, see your local dentist at Las Vegas Smile at least twice a year to maintain a healthy smile.

June 2, 2021

Oral Health Routine

Routines are designed to keep things running smoothly and just like how workout routines help keep the body in shape, oral hygiene routines help keep teeth and gums healthy. Fresh smelling breath is also a plus.

The most highly recommended oral hygiene routine involves brushing with toothpaste, flossing between teeth and using mouthwash. Each step is important and should be done correctly to fully maximize their potential.

The most frequently misused item on our list is floss. Dental floss is commonly used to pull food out from between teeth. Toothbrushes simply cannot get into the tight spaces between teeth which means that problems like plaque can freely grow there with little resistance. Hook floss around a tooth in a ‘C’ shape then move the floss in an up and down motion. This will scrape off plaque and food debris that brushing alone may miss. It is recommended that floss be used at least once a day.

Despite not being able to get in between teeth, toothbrushes are still an important tool! Brushing gets the largest amounts of acid, bacteria, plaque and food debris off of teeth. If all these things sound bad — they are!

Acid can wear down tooth enamel and expose sensitive parts of the teeth.
Bacteria can cause either inflammation or infections. Inflammation of the gums can be painful at its best and cause illness at its worst.
Plaque and food debris can not only cause tooth enamel to wear down but also bad breath and discoloration.

To get the most out of this part of the routine, be sure to brush with toothpaste twice a day. It is most important that one of those times be before bed or after the final snack or meal of the day.

Lastly is the use of mouthwash or mouth rinse. Rinsing is a great way to add another protective layer to teeth as well as wash away any lingering risks to dental health but be sure to talk to a professional about what type of mouthwash to use. Certain mouthwash and toothpaste were created to tackle specific problems so be sure to choose the right one for your specific needs.

Make a positive impact on your overall oral health by keeping a daily, consistent oral hygiene routine. Visit a dentist at Las Vegas Smile twice a year, to keep your smile bright, teeth healthy and to address any potential issues.

May 3, 2021

How Do Teeth Change with Age?

As anyone who has reached middle-aged or older knows, everything in your body starts to change as time goes by. The same is true for your teeth. Of course, using the best dental hygiene practices can stave off problems for a very long time. However, physiological changes still affect dental health and appearance. Learn how teeth change with age and what you can do about this natural process.

Shifting and Movement of Teeth
The actual structure of your jaw and mouth change over time. Studies show that the dental arch begins to narrow once you hit around 40 years old. Add in the effects of gravity, constant chewing and pressure, and weakening musculature and bone density, and your teeth may shift out of optimum alignment. In most cases, this does not necessitate a return to braces or a retainer. However, it can cause some issues with bite alignment and additional friction can lead to weakened enamel and an increase in cavities.

Worn and Weakened Enamel
A lifetime of chewing and natural teeth movements wear down the enamel that covers every tooth surface. There is no way to avoid this because you cannot give up chewing your food. People who grind their teeth can help prevent this wear with certain dental protecting tools such as mouth guards. When the enamel thins, the chance of cavities and other problems like this can increase. It is extremely important that you maintain a proper dental care regimen no matter what.

Gums Thin and Recede
Periodontal disease, excessively harsh brushing, and the natural progression of the years all cause the gums to get thinner and drawback from the surfaces of your teeth. Lower production of saliva, which is another common issue as we age, can contribute to this problem as well. Make sure to speak with your dental expert to make sure you do not have gingivitis or other serious infections instead of simple age-related gum issues.

Teeth Discoloration
As the decades pass, food, beverages, smoking, and time can yellow or discolor your teeth. Even with the utmost care and avoidance of staining foods, your teeth do naturally get yellower as you age. This is due to the dentin layer showing through the outermost enamel as it thins.

Dental Nerves Weaken
One of the potentially good changes that happen to teeth as you age involves the dental nerve that goes up into the center of each one. These actually gets smaller as time goes on, which means you feel less pain during dental procedures, when biting wrong on something hard, or when eating hot or cold foods or beverages. On the other hand, weakened nerves can also hide serious dental problems as you cannot feel the usual pain associated with them. This is just one reason why it is important to maintain regularly scheduled dental appointments.

No matter how old you are, regular tooth care and visits to your Las Vegas dentist should remain part of your health and well-being schedule. If time or other issues make more serious problems arise, there are options your dentist can help with including implants, partial or full dentures, and more.

April 4, 2021

Cleaning Teeth Options – From Traditional to Trendy

When most people think about teeth cleaning, they imagine a classic toothbrush and a tube of commercial toothpaste or they might remember their last professional cleaning with a dental hygienist. These days, more options exist than ever before. People are setting aside classic toothpaste and choosing more natural, unique, and sometimes startling products to get the bright, healthy smile they love.

Classic Baking Soda or Sea Salt
People have recommended brushing teeth with baking soda or sea salt for decades. They have similar abrasive materials to commercial toothpaste, which makes them a great way to remove food particles and plaque buildup. Many people do not like the taste and add a few drops of peppermint oil to the mixture.

Charcoal Toothpaste
The idea of using black charcoal toothpaste seems counterintuitive, but this trend can help whiten your smile and remove plaque. Activated charcoal can actually attract impurities and soak up plaque from the surface of your teeth. Charcoal generally has a higher abrasion factor then ingredients like baking soda or salt, so dentists recommend care when scrubbing your teeth with it. It may not look good when you scrub the black mixture around your mouth, and many people do not like the taste, but it is quite effective.

Natural Herbal Soap
Some forgo products specific to teeth completely. Instead, they use some type of natural soap with herbal or essential oil ingredients. While this can clean your mouth, it may not remove the stuck-on plaque that can cause problems. Instead of chemical detergents, most prepared dental soaps rely on healthy oils, plant ingredients like aloe vera and essential oils like peppermint or citrus for fresh breath.

Hydrogen Peroxide
This liquid kills most bacteria and can contribute to teeth whitening but may work better with a mouthwash then as a replacement for toothpaste. Of course, there is no abrasion involved. Hydrogen peroxide can also affect moisture levels in the mouth, which may contribute to bad breath or gum damage.

Coconut or Other Oils
The common Ayurvedic practice of oil swishing has become popular around the world in recent years. You may use coconut or other oils to brush your teeth as well. It has antibacterial properties, tastes fine, and can hydrate gums and sensitive tissues in the mouth.

Commercial toothpaste has been around since the 1870s. Over the years, oral health has improved greatly and continuous research leads to other options in dental care. Before you adopt a new product for your everyday regimen, take time to learn about all the benefits and risks.

In the end, as long as you choose a healthy method of cleaning your teeth, you will enjoy an attractive and happy smile for as long as possible. Before chasing trends or trying a new product, speak with your Las Vegas Smile dentist and research the potential benefits and problems. Many teeth cleaning options exist from traditional to trendy, but the best one for you is always the one that protects your teeth from damage while ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile.

February 8, 2021February 8, 2021

Give Teeth the Valentine’s Attention that they Deserve

Valentine’s is almost here! Candy, love letters and maybe even a romantic candle lit dinner with a special someone. However, getting ready for the perfect day is not just about crisp clothes and fine jewelry. A riveting smile can really pull together just about any look.

Teeth are one of our longest lasting relationship and deserve to be treated well this holiday and every day after. Give them a gift that will make them shine! Been considering Invisalign or teeth whitening? Why not? A bi-annual visit to the dentist or a short term goal like Invisalign may be just what those teeth need to feel appreciated and help them be their best!

Sometimes it can be hard to give teeth the attention they deserve. Flossing and brushing can seem just a little too easy to glance over and maybe even a bit tedious. Try turning it into a date! Put on some music and pay extra special attention to dental hygiene for just a few minutes. The music will help keep time while also making the task seem much less tedious.

Be sure to extend that care throughout the day too! Stay hydrated, avoid sugar and try not to use those pearly whites as tools to open things or chew needlessly.

December 2, 2020December 3, 2020

Teeth Friendly Foods

Food naturally sticks to teeth and can affect people in negative ways. Plaque, cavities and bad breath can all be a side effect of the food we eat but some foods can also aid in oral health.

Leafy greens are well known to be good for digestive health and packed full of iron and fiber but they also can reduce the risk of oral cancer. Studies done recently have concluded that smokers, specifically women, have reduced chances of developing oral cancer simply by eating leafy greens.

Another vegetable that helps keep teeth clean is the beloved carrot. Carrots help combat plaque. Plaque is a film that forms over the teeth that eats away at both enamel and gums. Any medium sized carrot or a handful of baby carrots can take care of the job.

Next is fruit! Surprisingly, even fruit, with their sugary taste, are helpful soldiers in the battle for oral health. Strawberries actually house a specific acid, malic acid, that is known to whiten teeth naturally. No need for synthesized chemicals!

Raisins are full of antioxidants, we all know this. However, not everyone knows that these antioxidants help slow or even halt the growth of at least two different types of bacteria that naturally grow in the mouth. Thank the raisins for fresher breath and whiter teeth!

Lastly and most strangely is hard cheese. Dairy products are known to help build strong teeth and bones but hard cheese eaten at the end of a meal will help maintain the pH balance. Just like the pH balance of a pool stops sludge from forming, oral pH balance does the same!