Denture care, prevention of loosing teeth and the current trends

November 30, 2009 by ·

Dentures: How to prevent getting dentures, taking care of them and their current trends.

There are so many topics in dentistry that I can write about in this column since research is exposing more advanced techniques, materials and objectives in the field.  This month I wanted the Shelby Township, Macomb, Sterling Heights and Clinton Township readership to become aware of the state of edentulous (without teeth) patient and the struggles they go through.  It is also important to know that the percentage of  people who have lost their teeth is increasing even though research is advancing.  The problem with tooth loss is that the skeletal bone actually shrinks over time where the teeth have been extracted.  Since dentures rest on the gums people who have dentures only can bite down 15-20% as hard as they could when they had teeth.  This means that they have a limited assortment of soft foods they can comfortably eat which tends to not be as nutritious as harder foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Demographics:

According to an Academy of General Dentistry article there are around 35 million Americans who have either 1 or 2 jaws of missing teeth and this number is expected to increase to 38 million by 2020.  26% of the US population between the ages of 65-74 do not have teeth.  According to David Felton DDS, the demographic most at risk for dentures are lower education, smokers, females and a population who does not take daily vitamins or supplements. 

Tooth Loss

Once thought that dentures were a normal age related event we now know it has a lot to do with genetics, nutrition, and oral hygiene.  Those who are prone to tooth loss at an early age from cavities and periodontal disease are at a much higher risk for complete tooth loss and eventual dentures.  Once a tooth is removed, the adjacent teeth move into the space creating gaps where food gets lodged, creating more problems and more tooth loss.  This is why it is best to save teeth with root canal treatment if a tooth is infected rather than have it extracted.  Having fillings done at an early enough stage prevents root canals or extractions.

 

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.  This bacterial induced disease is not painful and has little symptoms so it must be diagnosed and treated by a dentist before it is too late.  If your gums bleed when brushing or flossing, if you have bad breath, if your teeth are loose, if there is swelling around the gums or you have tarter buildup then you more than likely have periodontal disease.  Ignoring your problem won’t make it go away, in fact the sooner you are treated the better the outcome. 

Denture Care

For those who have had their teeth already removed and have dentures there is hope for you.  First of all, dentures have to be replaced or relined every 5-8 years.  Because the bone that supports the denture continually shrinks it is very important that you maintain the best fit possible.  When dentures are too loose they irritate the soft tissues and bone underlying the denture.  With less biting pressure the diet only permits for softer foods to be eaten.  Another factor not addressed much is the potential for an embarrassment moment when laughing with a denture and having it drop or even pop out of your mouth. With a good fit dentures provide confidence to be yourself and to smile and laugh without concern.

 

Assuming the dentures are made properly and fit relatively well, mini implants can be placed in one visit to provide a snap fit so the dentures are stabilized.  These implant supported dentures continue to rest on the ridge, but since they hold tightly to the gums without adhesive, they don’t move.  You can bite, chew and laugh without worrying that the denture will jump or fall out of place. 

 

Here are some pointers on how to take care of your dentures:

  1. Don’t use tooth paste to clean them-This can scratch the surface and potentially promote staining and tarter build up.
  2. Make sure you remove them when sleeping.  When removing the dentures at night the soft tissues to get access to body’s healing saliva of the mouth.  When leaving in place thrush can develop.  This reddish yeast infection can also be seen on the corners of the mouth. 
  3. Soak your denture at night in Efferdent, Polident or other soaks.
  4. See your dentist every year for a denture fit analysis.  The exam we do also provides for a cancer screening in addition to an analysis on your denture’s fit.
  5. Clean your dentures with a brush and a denture cleaning paste such as Denture Cream every day. 
  6. Use a wash cloth to rub and stimulate the roof of the mouth, tongue and lower ridge.  This prevents the build up of bacteria and yeast in the mouth.  It is also prudent to rinse the mouth with a mouthwash such as Listerine or Crest Pro Health.
  7. If you don’t currently have a dentist you can contact our office at (586)247-3500 for a Free Denture Consultation.  I will give you an honest opinion of your status.  If you have dental insurance you should give us a call as soon as possible to take advantage of this benefit before year end.

 

I want to wish you and your family a Joyous Christmas and remember the reason for the season is the birth of Christ the King.  He came to this earth because He cares so much for you and me that He gave His life for us on the Cross.  May 2010 be Joy filled as we all go through these tough times together.  We will prevail.

 

If you have questions please call the office at (586)247-3500, email me at DrAntolak@TheGentleDentist.com, write at 15055 22 Mile #2, Shelby Twp. MI 48315 or fax (586)247-1211.  The more questions I receive the more I know what you are interested in as a topic.    Thank You, Robert V. Antolak DDS

 

We at The Gentle Dentist provide Cosmetic, Implant and General dentistry.  Our motto is “Relax while we take care of your smile”.  For more information please visit our web site at www.TheGentleDentist.com

Filed Under: Dental Hygiene, Dental Implants, Dentures, General Dentistry, Health Implications, Mouth pain, Nutrition, Tooth replacement Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Why is Oral Health Important for Men?

June 26, 2008 by ·

This article is from the Academy of General Dentistry newsletter that I get and thought it was valuable for men.

Now to answer the question—-Men are less likely than women to take care of their physical health and, according to surveys and studies, their oral health is equally ignored. Good oral health recently has been linked with longevity. Yet, one of the most common factors associated with infrequent dental checkups is just being male. Men are less likely than women to seek preventive dental care and often neglect their oral health for years, visiting a dentist only when a problem arises. When it comes to oral health, statistics show that 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 plan on losing 12 teeth by age 72. Men are also more likely to develop oral and throat cancer and periodontal (gum) disease 

Why is periodontal disease a problem?

 

Periodontal disease is a result of plaque, which hardens into a rough, porous substance called tartar. The acids produced and released by bacteria found in tartar irritate gums. These acids cause the breakdown of fibers that anchor the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets that fill with even more bacteria. Researchers have found a connection between gum disease and cardiovascular disease, which can place people at risk for heart attacks and strokes. See your dentist if you have any of these symptoms:

 

  • Bleeding gums during brushing
  • Red, swollen or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Loose or separating teeth

 

Do you take medications?

 

Since men are more likely to suffer from heart attacks, they also are more likely to be on medications that can cause dry mouth. If you take medication for the heart or blood pressure, or if you take antidepressants, your salivary flow could be inhibited, increasing the risk for cavities. Saliva helps to reduce the cavity-causing bacteria found in your mouth.

 

Do you use tobacco?

 

If you smoke or chew, you have a greater risk for gum disease and oral cancer. Men are affected twice as often as women, and 95 percent of oral cancers occur in those over 40 years of age.

 

The most frequent oral cancer sites are the tongue, the floor of the mouth, soft palate tissues in back of the tongue, lips and gums. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement following surgery and even death. More than 8,000 people die each year from oral and pharyngeal diseases. If you use tobacco, it is important to see a dentist frequently for cleanings and to ensure your mouth remains healthy. Your general dentist can perform a thorough screening for oral cancer.

 

Do you play sports?

 

If you participate in sports, you have a greater potential for trauma to your mouth and teeth. If you play contact sports, such as football, soccer, basketball and even baseball, it is important to use a mouthguard, which is a flexible appliance made of plastic that protects teeth from trauma. If you ride bicycles or motorcycles, wear a helmet.

 

Taking care of your teeth

 

To take better care of your oral health, it is important to floss daily, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily and visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings. Here are some tips to better dental health:

 

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach every surface of each tooth. If the bristles on your toothbrush are bent or frayed, buy a new one.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three months or after you’ve been sick.
  • Choose a toothpaste with fluoride. This can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40 percent.
  • Brush properly. To clean the outside surfaces of your teeth, position the brush at a 45-degree angle where your gums and teeth meet. Gently move the brush in a circular motion using short, gentle strokes. To clean the inside surfaces of the upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically. Make several gentle strokes over each tooth and its surrounding gum tissue. Spend at least three minutes brushing.
  • Floss properly. Gently insert floss between teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or snap it into place. Curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and then the other.

Dr. Antolak treats his dental patients in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you are treated like a guest in the home.  His motto is to “relax while we take care of your smile”. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and general dentistry using sedation dentistry if necessary for his high fear patients. He has been treating patients for the past 21 years and is located in Shelby Township, Macomb county Michigan

 

Filed Under: Dental Emergencies, Drug Concerns, General Dentistry, Mouth pain, Nutrition, Oral Cancer, Oral Conditions, Periodontal Disease Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What to look for when choosing a long term care facility in Oakland and Macomb Michigan

June 9, 2008 by ·

Question: I am looking for a nursing facility to keep my father at since his care is failing. I live in Macomb county and have questions about what to ask in reference to his total health care.   By reading your monthly Ask the Dentist article I do know that dental care is important when it comes to total overall care. Please Advise Mary P. Clinton Twp. Michigan.

Answer: Elderly people who live in nursing homes in the Macomb and Oakland county area of Michigan are at greater risk for oral health problems compared to elderly people who live independently, according to a study published in the July/August 2002 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

Thanks in part to widespread fluoridation, more people than ever before are keeping their teeth throughout their lives. But as people age, medical complications and other factors can negatively affect oral health. Evidence shows that older Americans are at risk for greater oral health problems than other groups because of age and the inability to get to a dentist’s office due to an existing medical condition or lack of transportation.

Oral health of frail elders residing in long-term care facilities is very poor, and most of the care at nursing homes is medical care and nursing care. Often oral care is overlooked and ignored for the homebound. We at Portable Dental Services have found that nurses and other health care providers haven’t been trained or aren’t willing to take the extra step in enhancing ones oral care. In fact I have found that there is an attitude of disgust when it comes to the mouth of other people. I have had some very positive experiences when it comes to their effort in providing oral care. You just have to really research and ask some important questions to the nursing staff.

Children or other relatives should take an active role in the oral health needs of elderly people residing in nursing homes. Assisting with brushing, flossing and general oral care must be promoted by the family members since no one else will advocate for the elderly patient than a relative or friend of a loved one. If there are questions about need our mobile, in the home dental care service is available for those who reside in Oakland and Macomb counties Michigan by visiting www.PortableDentalServices.com. or calling (586)873-5567.

According to the report, greater awareness among health care providers and caregivers can do much to ensure the elderly receive good oral health care, primarily through assessments of the patient’s mouth.

Before choosing a nursing home for an elderly person, relatives and loved ones should inquire about the quality and consistency of dental care at the facility. Questions one should ask are:

  • Does the home have on-call dentists?
  • Is nursing-home staff trained in basic mouth care?
  • Is the staff trained to recognize oral problems?
  • Does nursing home staff emphasize mouth care at least once a day?

If the staff or home administrator can’t say ‘yes’ to each of these questions, then a red flag should go up

Dr. Antolak treats his dental patients in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you are treated like a guest in the home. His motto is to “relax while we take care of your smile”. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and general dentistry using sedation dentistry if necessary for his high fear patients. He has been treating patients for the past 21 years and is located in Shelby Township, Macomb County Michigan. For more information visit our Shelby Dentist website or call at 586-247-3500

Filed Under: Dentures, General Dentistry, Mobile Dentistry, Mouth pain, Periodontal Disease, Portable Dentistry Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,