Holiday Eating

During the holidays there is an increase consumption of food and alcohol. For most adults, eating too much during the holidays is the cause for increase weight gain. It is important to maintain a balanced weight because a little weight gain can have a big affect on your overall health. Factors that are involved in weight gain during the holidays include increase stress, hunger, activity and smoking habits, winter depression, number of social events to attend, longer meal times, easy access to food, more meals eaten with others, and increase portion sizes.

Here are some important reminders to help keep you health while enjoying your holiday food and drink:

Stay active: People who are more active are more likely to maintain a consistent weight

during the holidays

Limit Alcohol consumption: Alcohol a major source of calories that leads to snacking

Limit soda and other sweetened beverages: high sugar, citric acid and calories

Schedule holiday food celebrations around normal meal times— eating meals outside

the normal eating hours will lead to unbalance hunger and eating habits

Use smaller plates to prevent over eating.

Eat a healthy snack or drink a full glass of water before a holiday party—less likely

to over eat at the party.

Brush your teeth when you are finish eating—it’s important to practice good oral

hygiene and will cause you to snack less throughout the day.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday to You and Your Family

Toothpaste for you

Toothpaste has many functions—it eliminates and mask bad breath, removes plaque and food debris from your teeth as well as polish and remove stains from your teeth. Toothpaste can come in either gel, paste or powder form. No matter what form toothpaste takes there are some ingredients that are present most toothpaste such as:

Abrasives in order to remove plaque and food from your teeth as well as help remove stains over time.

Fluoride present that help resist formation of decay and promote remineralization of tooth outer structure for strong teeth.

Antimicrobial agents (xylitol/triclosan) to fight bacteria of dental plaque and gum disease.

Surfactants (detergent) or foaming agents to wash the debris from between your teeth and mouth.

Anti-tartar agents to prevent formation of tartar or calcified plaque.

Desensitizing agents to relieve tooth sensitivity.

Why do toothpaste contain abrasives?

It is need to help remove the stains cause by food and drinks that we consume everyday but it also helps polish and clean our teeth. They can help make our teeth appear whiter. It is important to have abrasives to help remove stains and harmful bacteria but not so much that it wears away our enamel.

How do we minimize risk of tooth wear?

Important to find the right toothpaste for you and practice proper brushing techniques which are short and gentle strokes in a circular pattern using a soft or sensitive soft toothbrush.

Selecting the right toothpaste

When selecting your toothpaste it is important to think about your oral health needs. Are your teeth sensitive to hot and cold items—if so a look for toothpaste that address your mouth sensitivity. If you need help controlling plaque and tartar there are toothpaste design to help with those as well. Because each brand of toothpaste is uniquely formulated to address your oral health needs, if you are unsure what type of toothpaste may meet your needs please ask your dentist.

Kids Dental care

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, many parents and caregivers are unaware that certain daily routines may increase a child's risk to developing cavities.

A national survey was done in 2008 that reported that 96% of US adults thought that a cracker was better than a piece of caramel. The truth is that food with starch can lead to cavities, just as sugar can. The reason why a piece of caramel is better than a cracker is because caramel dissolve faster in the mouth than a cracker. The longer children's teeth are exposed to food the more damage can be done to their teeth.

In another survey that was done, 13% of adults were aware that sharing utensils or letting children put their fingers in adults or caregivers' mouth allowed cavity causing bacteria to be transfer from adults to children (very similar to passing on the cold or flu). Remember children are not born with cavity causing bacteria, they are given to them by their caregivers.

Tips to protect children from tooth decay:

----Just like sugar, foods like: pretzels, pasta, bread, chips, crackers: can lead to cavities if given as a snack. These starchy food may be given during meal time when saliva production are high to wash away the starch and sugar.

-----Utensils, cups and other objects should be washed throughly prior to sharing them with children to avoid passing on cavity causing bacteria

---- Avoid giving children bottle milk, formula or juice prior to bedtime, instead allow them to drink water. Also avoid allowing children to sip sugared beverages (cola/pop) for extended periods-increase exposure to cavity causing bacteria.

---- Most bottle water do not contain fluoride. If possible look for water with fluoride to give to children. The addition of fluoride will help prevent tooth decay for children.

---- Important for children to see the dentist shortly after their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday for advise on tooth decay prevention.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

What is Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)?

Dry mouth is a condition caused by a decrease in saliva in the mouth when the salivary glands do not work properly. Saliva is a natural defense for teeth against prevention of tooth decay by rinsing away food particles, neutralizing harmful acids and help digest food and keep oral tissues healthy. When patients have a decrease in saliva this puts the patient at risk for cavities, and gum disease (periodontal disease). Without saliva, you can lose your teeth much faster.

What causes dry mouth?

Dry mouth can be a sign of serious health condition or may occur when a person is upset (anxiety) or experiences stress. It can also be due to aging, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, medications, nutritional deficiency, head or neck wounds or surgery, or disease (AIDS, diabetes, lupus, Kidney disease, Sjogren's Syndrome). Studies show that up to 400 prescription and over the counter medication can contribute to symptoms of dry mouth. Most common medications to cause this are: Anti-hypertensices, anti-depressants, painkillers, tranquilizers, diuretics and antihistamines.

What are the effects of Dry Mouth?

Symptoms of those with dry mouth: extensive dental decay, infections of the tissues of the mouth, difficulty speaking, eating and swallowing, ulcerations or soreness of the mouth, altered sense of taste, difficulty wearing dentures. This allows plaque to build up on your teeth faster leading to increase risk of cavities. Sometimes the lack of moisture can cause tongue sensitivity or burning tongue syndrome.

How can I protect my teeth?

When salvia is diminished, first line of defense should be good oral hygiene and good nutritional habits like increase water intake and supplement fluoride treatment. You can also use over the counter moisture replacement therapies. Visit the dentist regularly. Have the dentist place sealants as prevent against cavities. Avoid the following items: citrus juices or liquids and food with high sugar content, overly salty foods, smoking, caffeine, alcohol and mouth rinses with alcohol, and dry food:toast/crackers.

Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea is a serious, potentially life-threathening sleep disorder that affects about 18 million Americans. It refers to episodes in which a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep. WIth each episode, the sleeper's brain briefly wakes up in order to breath resulting in poor quality sleep.

There are two type of sleep apnea:

1) Obstructive Apnea: During sleep the muscles in the walls of your throat relax to the point where the airway collapses and prevents air from flowing into you nose and mouth. This is the most common type

2) Central Apnea: Breathing interruption during sleep are caused by problems with teh brain mechanism that control breathing

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:

Those with sleep apnea does not remember waking up during the night. Indications of problems: Morning headaches, Excessive Daytime sleepiness, Irritability and impaired mental or emotional functioning, Excessive snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, Insomnia, Awakening with dry mouth or sore throat.

The difference between snoring and sleep apnea:

Those with sleep apnea stop breathing completely for 10 seconds or more about 10 to 60 times in a single night. If the snorer snores loudly followed by periods of silences than a snort or choking sounds prior to resuming breathing they have a sign of sleep apnea

Why is sleep apnea a concern?

Studies show those with sleep apnea fatigued during the day that it can affect their driving making them act as if they are drunk. If left untreated can lead to impaired daytime functioning, high blood pressure, heart attack and even stroke.

Dental Treatment options?

Along with working with a sleep medicine specialist, there are different type of dental appliances that can be used: TAP (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) reposition the lower jaw and tongue allow better airway flow in mild obstructive sleep apnea patients.

For severe sleep apnea patient the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) system is the common device prescribed for therapy. It delivers air though a small mask that covers the nose. It provides constant pressure keeping the airway open and prevents both snoring and episodes of apnea. Other options can be surgery.

ORAL CANCER AWARENESS

There are roughly over 35,000 cases of oral cancer reported each year in the US. Most common oral cancer sites are the tongue, floor of the mouth, soft palate, tissues in the lips and gums. If oral cancer is not detected early enough it can lead to chronic pain, loss of oral function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement and death. It is important to see your dentist for regular visits in order for them to perform a thorough screening for oral cancer.

How do dentist screen for oral cancer?
During routine check-up the dentist feels for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head, cheeks and oral cavity. They will also examine the soft tissues in your mouth for usually sores or discolored tissue.

What causes oral cancer?
It is unknown the exact cause of oral cancer, however studies have shown that the carcinogens in tobacco products and alcohol as well as excessive sun exposure increases the chances of one to developing oral cancer.

What are the warning signs?
Oral cancer can appear either red, white or discolored lesions/patches or lumps in and around the mouth. They are usually painless in the early stages. When malignant cancer spreads, they destroy health oral tissue causing the lesion or lumps to become painful. If you observe a sore, swelling or usually growth that last longer than two weeks it is important to see the dentist immediately.

How do you prevent oral cancer?
Avoid all forms of tobacco use and abstain for excessive alcohol consumption. It is important that you get regular check up of your mouth for changes in appearances at least every 6 months. Survival rate increase greatly if oral cancer is detected early.

JUNE is NATIONAL MEN'S HEALTH

Why is Oral Health Important?

Men are less likely to take care of their physical health, especially their oral health compared to women. Good oral health has been linked to the length of a male lifespan. Studies have shown that men are less likely to seek preventive oral care than women and often neglect their oral health for years, only visiting the dentist when their is a problem. In fact: the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day and will lose 5.4 teeth by age 72. If he smokes he can lose up to 12 teeth by age 72. Men are also more likely to develop oral/throat cancer and periodontal (gum) disease than women.

Men and medication.

Studies show that men are more likely to suffer from heart attacks than women and they are more likely to be on medications that can cause dry mouth. If you take heart or blood pressure medication or antidepressant, your salivary flow could be inhibited causing an increase in risk for cavities. Salvia helps reduce cavity-causing activity in the mouth.

Men and Tobacco.

If you smoke or chew tobacco, you have a greater risk for gum disease and oral cancer. Men are affected twice as often than women. About 95% of these men can develop oral cancer by age 40 and older. More than 8,000 people die from oral and pharyngeal disease. If you use tobacco, it is important to see the dentist frequently for cleanings and ensure your mouth health.

Men and Playing Sports

If you participate in sports (especially contact sports), you have a greater potential for trauma to your mouth and teeth. It is important to wear a mouthguard (flexible plastic appliance) to protect one’s teeth from trauma.

How often should one visit the dentist?

It is important to visit the dentist twice a year. It is important to inform your dentist of any medications that you are taking as well as tobacco use. In between visits, floss daily and brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste.

Brushing for Two (Mommy and Baby)

If you are expecting or planning on becoming pregnant it’s important that you see your dentist as soon as possible. Pregnancy may cause unexpected oral health changes due to increase hormones level in estrogen and progesterone. It is important to maintain good oral health throughout one’s pregnancy. One way is to visit your dentist. By visiting your dentist, you allow them to assess your current oral condition and help you map out your future dental plan for the duration of your pregnancy.

How does Plaque affect me?

When plaque is not removed, gums can appear red, swollen, tender to the touch and bleed easily. Pregnancy gingivitis can affect most pregnant women at some degree and may appear as early as their second month of pregnancy. If you already have gingivitis, this may worsen during pregnancy. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease-- a serious form of gum disease that includes bone loss.

How does gingivitis affect my baby’s health?

Research have shown a link between pre-term delivery, low birth weight babies and gingivitis. Excessive bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream through your gums and travel to the uterus triggering production of Prostaglandins, that can cause induce premature labor.

How can I prevent gingivitis?

Prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean especially along the gum line. Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and after meals as well as flossing daily. Good nutrition (vitamin C and B12) can keep the oral cavity healthy and strong. Frequent cleanings from the dentist can also help control plaque and prevent gingivitis.

Are there any dental procedures I should avoid?

Routine cleaning and exams can be preformed throughout the pregnancy. Any non-emergency procedures should be performed during the second trimester of pregnancy. Dental emergencies can be done at any stage of the pregnancy but your obstetrician should be consulted during these emergency when anesthesia or medication may be needed. Elective and cosmetic procedures should be postponed until after the baby’s birth. Every woman is different and it is best to talk with your dentist concerning any dental treatment that will be done during your pregnancy.

The Sugar Free Substitute and Cavity Fighter: XYLITOL

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol sweetener found in birch tree bark, beets, corncobs, raspberries, mushrooms and other natural sources. The sweetness is equal to that of sugar but fewer in calories.

How does xylitol prevent cavities?

Xylitol helps prevent Streptococcus mutans- (the primary bacteria associated with dental caries) from attaching to teeth and gum tissues. Because xylitol can not be metabolized by the bacteria, they slow down the acidic properties created by this bacteria from eating through the hard enamel barrier of our teeth. Regular use of xylitol can help reduce dental plaque and promote better oral health.

How often should I use xylitol to be effective?

Xylitol comes in the form of gum or mint. Optimal use of xylitol 3-5 times a day. It is important that the gum be chewed for about 5 minutes and the mints be allowed to dissolve. Xylitol gum or mint should be used immediately after meals and snacks to help reduce plaque and inhibit adhesion of bacteria to the teeth. This reduce the amount of contact time the sugar has on our teeth.

What products contain xylitol?

Xylitol can be found in chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, and other oral care products. Also found in candies and classified broadly as carbohydrate.