Monday, November 30, 2015
Dental Cleaning*, Exam & X-rays: Adult - $89 / Kids up to 12 years old - $69
Osteoporosis and Oral Health
Let’s examine the relationship between osteoporosis and
oral health, since 40 million Americans have osteoporosis or are at high risk.
Osteoporosis entails less density in bones, so they become easier to fracture.
Research suggests a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw, which
supports and anchors the teeth. Tooth loss affects one third of adults 65 and
older.
Bone density and dental concerns
·
Women with osteoporosis are three
times more likely to experience tooth loss than those without it.
·
Low bone density results in other
dental issues.
·
Osteoporosis is linked to less
positive outcomes from oral surgery.
Ill-fitting dentures in post-menopausal women
Studies
indicate that women over 50 with osteoporosis need new dentures up to three
times more often than women who don’t have the disease. It can be so severe
that it becomes impossible to fit dentures correctly, leading to nutritive
losses.
Role of dental X-rays in osteoporosis
The
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
released research that suggest dental X-rays may be used as a screening tool
for osteoporosis. Researchers found that dental X-rays could separate people
with osteoporosis from those with normal bone density. As dental professionals,
our team at Dr. Alina Bergan’s office
is in a unique position to screen people and refer them to the appropriate
doctor for specialized care.
Effects of osteoporosis medications on oral health
A
recent study showed that a rare disease, osteonecrosis, is caused by
biophosphenates, a drug taken by people for treatment of osteoporosis. In most cases,
the cause was linked to those who take IV biophosphenates for treatment of
cancer, but in six percent of cases, the cause was oral biophosphenates. If you
are taking a biophosphenate drug, let Dr.
Alina Bergan know.
Symptoms of osteonecrosis
Some
symptoms you may see are pain, swelling, or infection of the gums or jaw.
Additionally, injured or recently treated gums may not heal: teeth will be
loose, jaws may feel heavy and numb, or there may be exposed bone. Some of the
steps you can take for healthy bones are to eat a healthy diet rich in calcium
and vitamin D, regular physical exercise with weight-bearing activities, no
smoking and limited use of alcohol, and report problems with teeth to our
office, such as teeth that are loose, receding gums or detached gums, and
dentures that don’t fit properly.
For more information about the
connection between osteoporosis and oral health, or to schedule an appointment
with Dr. Alina Bergan, at her
convenient Cedarhurst, NY office call
800-223-0801. You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
The Secret to Keeping Your Teeth for Life
The secret to keeping your teeth for life
involves more than one secret. The first is that there is no secret; and in
fact, there really is no difficulty involved. Follow this simple four-step
process – brush, floss, rinse, and visit our Cedarhurst, NY office regularly –
and you will have healthy teeth for life!
Brush
You should brush your teeth twice a day,
preferably once in the morning and once at night. Three times a day is optimal
as you should brush after each meal. Use
a soft-bristled toothbrush and light pressure; you do not want to scrub away
your gums or tooth enamel.
Brush for a minimum of two minutes, and
carefully clean all tooth surfaces. Three minutes is better. Use quality toothpaste;
Dr. Alina Bergan and staff can
recommend the best type for your needs. Keep your toothbrush clean and replace
it about every three months.
Floss
Make flossing part of your daily routine, at
least once a day. Flossing is important for more than just removing food
particles between your teeth. The process also helps to remove bacteria that
you cannot see. Bacterial build-up turns into plaque, or calculus: a
cement-like substance that cannot be removed by brushing alone.
Use floss gently; you do not want to cut your
gums. There are many different types of flosses and flossing tools. Dr. Alina Bergan and staff will be
happy to help you find the style that works best for you.
Rinse
Mouthwash does more than just freshen your
breath, it helps to kill the bacteria that lead to plaque formation and gum
disease. This extra step can go a long way toward having healthy teeth for
life.
Keep your appointments
You should have a professional cleaning with Dr. Alina Bergan twice a year. Some
patients benefit from more frequent cleanings. Your hygienist will remove any
plaque build-up to prevent gingivitis, which left untreated becomes full-blown
gum disease. Periodontitis leads to tooth loss.
When you see Dr. Alina Bergan twice a year for
a teeth and mouth exam, she can find problems such as cavities, and treat them
before the situation becomes critical. Come see us today at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office!
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