Diabetes and Dental Health

People with diabetes are more prone to periodontal disease and likely to suffer from severe cases of this destroyer of dental health. Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss because it destroys the jawbone that supports teeth, and may ultimately loosen the teeth.
Blood-glucose levels in a diabetic are strongly connected to the patients likelihood of suffering from complications of periodontal disease. The mouth of a diabetic will be a more conducive environment to the bacteria that cause gum disease, and diabetics are more susceptible to infection. Likewise, the presence of an infection will make blood-glucose levels more difficult to control.
Diabetics tend to have a reduced salivary flow. Because saliva plays an important role in washing away food debris and bacteria in the mouth, a lack of saliva can contribute to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Keeping bacteria at bay in the mouth of a diabetic requires a coordinated effort between the patient and his or her dentist. Controlling blood-glucose levels and careful home care, including brushing after each meal and flossing daily, are things the patient can do to help. Often, a special appointment schedule is necessary to help keep the dental health of a diabetic patient the best it can be.
Most adult patients should see the dentist 3 to 4 times a year. Every 6 months just doesn't to the job. So keep your self healthy see the dentist on a regular basis. The more often the better.

Sugar and Summer Foods

Watermelon, apple pies, lemonade, soft drinks and rich foods. They are all part of a normal summer for most. So, how has your summer diet been? Most of us have been enjoying the summer with family and friend, vacations and special times with the young ones, which can mean a lot of sweet and rich foods. There is nothing wrong with indulging in fun foods now and then. And, when you do so, you should take a little extra care of your teeth and gums.

Extra soft drinks and sweet treats means more sugar. And, if you do not brush following eating or drinking high sugar and high carbohydrate foods, you are inviting trouble. Brushing cleans away any remaining sugars left deposited on your teeth. And flossing daily keeps these remnants from building up between your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth will consume these sugars, creating an acid that can weaken and erode your teeth.

So, what easy rules should you follow? Brush following every meal and snack. Floss daily as well. And, watch out for some foods and treats that can fly under the radar. Mints such as tic-tacs and fruits are often refreshing for your palate and they taste good but both are high in sugars and can undermine your dental health plan.

So, have fun the rest of the summer and keep brushing.

What do you see in Facebook conversations?

Remember, one power of social networking is to help people by sharing your knowledge, experience and advice. On Facebook and on Twitter, it is not unusual for some one to complain or ask questions about a symptom. For instance, recently a friend told me about how one of his Facebook friends went in for an inconclusive MRI because of persistent headaches. The friend’s doctor has suggested it as a diagnostic measure because the headaches had been unexplainable.

My friend posted on their wall the question: “Do you also have jaw pain or grinding teeth at night?” My friend was wondering if the cause of her headaches may have been neuromuscular, a TMJ joint disorder. They knew about it from knowing a neuromuscular dentist… me.

This is why I think it is important to reach out to everyone I know and remind them of some important points. They are:

1) TMJ is hard to diagnose, especially for general practitioners. It is easy to prescribe pain pills for pain with diagnosis or order expensive testing which, as in this case, was inconclusive.

2) TMJ is a jaw joint disorder and pain is common in that area, but symptoms can range from migraine headaches, to shoulder pain, to back pain and more. If a head, neck or upper back pain cannot be identified, it very well might be linked to TMJ.

3) Neuromuscular dentists treat TMJ non-invasively.

4) Ask a friend who is showing symptoms to consider a visit me for an TMJ consultation. Worst case, we rule it out!

So, I encourage you to listen to what your friends are saying on social media and know the symptoms of TMJ. If you see someone suffering and frustrated because their doctors can’t figure it out or they are struggling with unnecessary pain medications, please refer them to me. At the very least, we can rule out TMJ for them.

Welcome to our Team Dr Hunt!

We would like to Welcome Dr Dennis Hunt to our team. He is a highly trained periodontist, graduated from UCLA in 1994. He was the periodontist for the "Swan Show" on the Fox network. Dr. Hunt has been in private practice since 1997 and has been treating a majority of his periodontal affected patients since 2000 with soft tissue management systems in large volume practices. Dr Hunt is also very experienced in placing titanium dental implants and bone graphs. He has published many articles in the area of bone regeneration for dental implants. His current work involves the use of stem cells to rapidly regenerate bone. We are very glad he's joined our team. We've had many patients opting for dental implants instead of bridge work. Its a great option in replacing a missing tooth. Though,there are a few options a dental implant is always the best option (if you are a candidate). Dr.Rose has added him to our team to make it convenient for his patients to have there implants placed here at our practice. Dr Rose has always had a highly trained team and his practice is equipped with the best technology, giving his patients multiple options to have there dentistry done. This is one more way to help our patients get the smile they deserve. So for more information on implants, and replacing a missing tooth give us a call 866-76-SMILE. Lets set up a visit with Dr Hunt.

Healthy Snack under 200 Calories!

Staying healthy is very important, and sometimes are snacks aren't so healthy. Here's a few ideas of some healthy snacks you can try at home, at work or on the go.

* 2oz Applegate honey and maple turkey wrapped around 2 bread and butter pickles (80 cals)
* 1 Laughing Cow light swiss, 3 pieces Kavli crispy thins (85 cals)
* 50 Eden's vegetable chips (130 cals)
* 1/4 cups Trader Joes chili con queso, 18 baked tortilla chips (140 cals)
* 1 Subway turkey breast wrap (190 cals)
* 1 bag Cheetos mini bites (100 cals)
* 1/4 cup hummus, 3 carrot sticks (80 cals)
* 1 pack Back to Nature honey graham sticks (120 cals)
* 2 tbsp peanut butter, 4 stalks celery (124 cals)
* 1 McDonalds fruit n yogurt parfait (160 cals)
Well these are a few tasty snacks, What are your favorites under 200 calories? Facebook or Tweet your ideas, we would love to add to the list.

Beware of those Cavity Culprits!

Sugar and sweets are a no-no for your waistline, but could they be wasting away your smile, too? Absolutely. In fact, your food choices affect your dental health just as significantly as they do your overall health.
The bacteria in your mouth are loving your sweet tooth, too! These bacteria feed on the sugar in candy and produce acids that attack you enamel for up to 20 minutes after each bite. So if you're snacking on candy throughout the day (and not brushing your teeth constantly at the same time), your teeth are constantly bombarded with the acids those bacteria create. Choose snacks such as cheese, yogurt and raw vegetables, or try one of these sweets that are actually good for your teeth.
Lets keep are teeth healthy and brite.

ViziLite Plus-Oral Cancer Screening

The American Dental Association encourage people to take part in Oral Cancer Awareness Month in April by seeing your dentist an having an exam. Although many dentist's perform oral cancer screenings as a routine part of your exam, but for those of you who may not visit a dentists regularly its very important you schedule soon. In 2010 36,540 people were diagnosed with oral cancer and approximately 7,880 people died of this. Early detection is very important. Virtually everyone is at risk for oral cancer. ViziLite Plus makes it simple. ViziLite helps your dentist identify oral lesions a their earliest stage of development. When premalignant lesions or early stage oral cancer is found, treatment is simpler, less invasive and more than 90% successful. One American dies every hour from oral cancer, that's news you cant ignore. So the next time your at the dentist ask him about ViziLite, your life depends on it.
Come see Dr. Rose or call us a 866-76-SMILE, Schedule you exam today!

TMJ and Inflammation

This time of year, a lot of people suffer from allergies. With all the pollen of spring in the air, there are a lot of irritated sinuses and general inflammation. This is seasonal and often controlled with over the counter medication. However, if this sort of discomfort in the head and neck area is only made worse by the allergy season, it may be time to be evaluated for TMJ.

TMJ or tempromandibular joint disorder manifests itself with both pain and irritation in and around the head and neck. The jaw joint is not properly aligned causing inflammation in the surrounding connective tissues. This can lead to all kinds of irritation beyond the standard jaw pain and jaw clicking and popping. TMJ can cause ringing in the ears, waxy build up in the ears and general inflammation and discomfort in the face and neck area.

I am trained in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ and I make a point of mentioning it frequently because many people tend to just live with TMJ pain or simply get pain medications diagnosed to deal with the discomfort and pain. If you have any persistent head, neck or jaw pain, including migraine headaches, please contact me today to be checked out for TMJ.

The Hidden Dangers of Sleep Apnea and Snoring

What is Sleep Anpea?
Apnea means to stop breathing. Sleep apnea refers to a condition wherin you stop breathing during sleep. Most of us know someone who snores during sleep. You may also know someone who has commented that their partner has stopped breathing during sleep for seemingly long periods-long enough to be frightening. While snoring is often made the subject of jokes or teasing, it could be an indication of a serious health problem.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
*snoring *waking up tired
*dry mouth/throat *difficulty concentrating
*fatigue *weight gain
*sleepiness *irritability

Sometimes there can be an obstruction in the airway that causes the apnea. It could be soft tissue at the back of the throat that collapses, jaw is to small to accommodate tongue and this constriction impedes airflow. When breathing stops, blood oxygen levels fall forcing the heart to work harder, causing blood pressure to rise.
Some of the conditions associated is high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, gastric reflux, depression, diabetes and impotence in men.
What is the Dentist's role in Treatment?
Properly trained dentists can make custom fitted oral appliances that are worn over the teeth at sleep, keeping the airway open. If you or someone you know exhibits any of the symptoms bring it to you dentists attention.

Oral HPV ans Oral Cancer: Are you at risk?

Human Papillomavirus is one of the most common virus groups in the world. There are many different types of HPV, and the health risk varies depending upon the type of virus. While some types of HPV are low-risk and may cause skin lesions such as warts, there are other HPV types that are classified as high-risk. Recent studies show that these same high-risk types cause cancers of the mouth, tongue, tonsils, and throat areas. Along with excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, specific types of oral HPV are now considered to be a separate and serious risk factor for developing cancer in the head and neck regions. HPV transmission of the most common types can be quite simple. With just close contact between people, the infection can be spread. These types of HPV are considered to be low-risk. However, the more serious types of HPV that may lead to cervical cancer or oral cancer are known to be sexually transmitted. Other avenues of transmission may also occur. Studies are ongoing to further understand how, in addition to sexual transmission, these virus are transmitted. Both males and females are at risk when intimate contact is made with HPV-infected individuals. Individuals at greatest risk are those that are in intimate relationship with HPV-infected partner.
Clinical sign of oral HPV infections vary depending on the type of HPV that is present in the infection. Low-risk oral HPV types lead to a wart, or papilloma. High-risk oral HPV may present as a sore that wont heal, which is a worrisome sign of potential cancer.
An HPV test can be taken at a dental office and is very simple. Dr Rose and his team provide the greatest care and has this test available if needed. Please ask at your next dental visit if you have further question. Or you may go to there website at www.OralDna.com

Cut the Carbs

Your tush and your teeth will thank you if you just step away from the carbs. Foods that contain sugars and starches--aka carbohydrates-fuel the bacteria that live inside your mouth. Like we said before, these bacteria produce acids that destroy tooth enamel, which ultimately results in tooth decay and cavities. You don't have to quit the carbs altogether, though: just brush after you eat sugary and starchy foods, and limit snacking between meals.

Juice isn't the Foolproof soda Alternative

Sports drinks, energy drinks and juices seem to provide at least some nutritional benefits and are often the alternative to sugary sodas; however these drinks are loaded with sugar, too, which eventually causes tooth decay.
Children are especially susceptible to tooth decay caused by sugary drinks, depending on their sippy cup usage. The spout of the cup places drinks in close contact with tooth enamel, and children often "nurse" a cup in such a way that their teeth are constantly bathed with the sugary drink. Even 100% pure juice is advisable only in limited quantities because of its naturally high sugar content.
Some parents often give their children fruit juice, milk or fruit snacks before bed. The sugars coat the teeth overnight and can cause a condition called baby bottle tooth decay, which is early childhood tooth rot. Prevent this overnight decay by always brushing your teeth and your kids teeth before bed.

Thinking about cosmetic dentistry

There is something about this time of year that makes people get motivated. Spring cleaning is a few weeks away but the motivators seem to start now. The holidays are behind up and the summer is only a few months away. And, a lot of people are either waiting on their tax refund or know what the damage is there, so the pressure is off. In general, as we swing into March, it‘s a time when people start thinking about doing what’s next.

If you have considered cosmetic dentistry in the past, you might be thinking about it now. There are many great reasons to improve your smile. Sure, you can look at it from the viewpoint that a perfect smile can help with your career or give you an added edge socially. Or you can look at cosmetic dentistry as a way of giving yourself something long lasting, like the confidence to express your true self.

A lot of people have healthy teeth but they just do not like how they look. These people tend to shy away from smiling or being too expressive. And, it’s a shame when we don’t get to see their full personality because of this inhibition.

Cosmetic dentistry changes all that. The most common comment we hear following cosmetic dentistry is that the patient feels a new sense of confidence. They feel like they are free to smile because they know their teeth and smile are beautiful. And, when that happens, they let their whole personality out.

If you have ever felt this way, why not contact me today to discuss what cosmetic dentistry can do for you?

Soda and Cavities

Dentists can usually spot a soda drinker because they are often prone to cavities and white spots on their teeth known as decalcification, which are actually the start of new cavities. Sweetened soda contains a high amount of sugar, a carbohydrates that can promote cavities. Soda may even be more damaging to the teeth than other sugar containing beverages because it is also acidic. This in itself erodes tooth enamel. When the bacteria in our mouths are exposed to sugar they metabolize and produce acid. As "sugary foods" are eaten (candy, sugar frosted cereal, ice cream, soda)and other carbohydrates this acid begins to dissolve the hard enamel coating on the outer surface of your teeth. Every exposure to these foods allows an acid attack on the teeth for about 20 minutes! Several studies were done on sweetened soda and mineral water. Teeth exposed to cola, orange and lime soda had significantly more decalcification than those exposed to mineral water. Of all sodas tested, cola caused the most. The easiest way to prevent cavities is by brushing your teeth at least three times a day, especially after eating or drinking your favorite foods. And its always important to brush before bed. Also using a straw with your favorite drinks helps sugar pass you teeth. So have fun eat and drink you favorite foods and soda "just brush"!

Watch your mouth! For health warning signs that is.

As we head into the New Year, here is a list of general health-related conditions that show warning signs in your mouth. Sure you want to keep your dental health strong and many people know that gum disease is connected with heart disease. I encourage you to have more awareness of your dental health in the new year and that includes these warning signs.

Flat, worn teeth and headaches are signs of stress and TMJ. People often grind their teeth in their sleep when they are experiencing stress. This stress level, left unchecked, can lead to other physical and emotional issues. And, TMJ… you’ve seen plenty about TMJ treatment on my blog. If you have worn teeth and bruxism, please see me for a TMJ evaluation.

Cracking teeth is a warning sign for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Stomach acid is a major factor in tooth erosion. Of course not brushing away sugars will cause your tooth enamel to erode, too. But if you take good care of your mouth with brushing and flossing and you still have tooth erosion, you may want to look for treatment for GERD.

A mouth sore that don’t heal is a sign of oral cancer. An oral cancer screening is part of your regular checkup and it is a good reason to keep your appointments for cleanings and check ups.

Gums that grow over teeth are a sign of issues with prescription medication. Your medication for seizures, heart disease or autoimmune diseases could be causing this reaction if the medication is not adjusted properly.

And, a dry mouth is a sign of diabetes. There are many early warning signs of diabetes and one small tip that you might need to see a doctor for a diabetes screening is a persistent lack of saliva.

Watch for these warning signs as you manage the home care of your dental health. Please see me regularly for check ups this year as well, so we can make sure your dental health is at its peak.