Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Dental Sealants

A. What are they?
      a. A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that is bonded into the pits and grooves of a tooth. They are typically applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often. 

B. How long have sealants been around?
     b.) There's nothing new about the use of sealants. Dentists have been placing them since the late 1960's. 

C. Why are they needed?
     c.) Thorough brushing and flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into deep grooves of the teeth to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food. 

D. When should sealants be applied?
      d.) Typically children get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in; before any sign of a cavity has had a chance to form. 

E. Are sealants only for children?
     e.) The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates, but adults can benefit from sealants as well. 

F. Should sealants always be placed?
     f.) Not all teeth require the protection that dental sealants can provide. After an examination, your dentist can let you know what they think is necessary. 

G. How long do dental sealants last?
     g1.) Most dentists would consider any sealant that remained intact for 3 to 5 years to be a success. One study's review of dental literature (Feigal, 1998) estimated a sealant loss rate (including partial loss) on the order of 5 to 10% per year. 
      g2.) They can, however, last much longer than that. 10 years might be considered the upper limit for one, although it's somewhat common that a dentist will see sealants that were placed during childhood still intact on adult patient's teeth. 

H. How are sealants placed? 
      h.) Below is a diagram showing the steps used in the process of sealant placement: 

Sources:
http://www.animated-teeth.com/tooth_sealants/t1_sealing_teeth.htm
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sealants

Understanding the Effects of Sports and Energy Drinks

YOU ALREADY SUSPECT THAT ENERGY DRINKS contain a lot of sugar, but at least they’re not as bad as soda pop, right? You wouldn’t be alone if you’ve thought that sports drinks, thanks to their supplement arsenal, are good for growing bodies. But the truth is energy and sports drinks can be even worse for your teeth than soft drinks.

A One-Two Punch

Energy and sports drinks launch a twofold attack on your teeth: sugar and acid.Drinks like Gatorade and Powerade have about half the sugar of sodas, but popular energy drinks like Monster or Fuel often have the same amount of sugar as soda (or more). In addition, both sports and energy drinks are loaded with acid—enough to do ten times more damage to tooth enamel than soda.

In a study conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry on tooth enamel and beverages, researchers immersed tooth enamel in a variety of popular sports and energy drinks for 15 minutes and then transferred it to artificial saliva to imitate the effects of consuming energy drinks a couple times a day. Significant enamel damage only took five days.

Today, Half Of Teens Drink One (or more) Sports Drinks Or Energy Drinks Daily

The market for energy drinks has almost tripled in the past few years, targeting teens and young adults. Considering their popularity, it’s important to know about the dangers. .

Four Helpful Tips

Here are some tips & tricks to minimize damage caused by sports and energy drinks:

1. Rinse out your mouth with water or chew some sugar-free gum after having energy drinks. This rebalances the pH level in your mouth to counteract the acid.Don’t brush for a while after drinking—your enamel is still soft and brushing can damage it even more.
2. Drink sports drinks before you get dehydrated, not after. That way, you’ll have the saliva you need to protect your teeth.
3. Drink it all at once Your mouth takes time to recover after each sip, so drinking continuously prevents teeth from regaining their protection.
4. Stick to healthier options when NOT working out. Sports drinks are meant to rehydrate and replenish when you’re working out hard. So, if you’re just “active”, consider alternatives like water or electrolyte drops in water.

Source: 

http://martinandshengdentalblog.com/2012/05/understand-the-effects-of-sports-and-energy-drinks/#body 

The Hard Truth About Hard Candy

Sugar Stash

Placing a piece of hard candy in your mouth means (unless it is sugar-free) that your mouth will be filled with sugar. Lots of it. For a long while. Sounds delicious for you, maybe, but even more delicious for the bacteria in your mouth. While your saliva production is increased (good), so is the sugar level (not good). Putting your teeth and gums in contact with a piece of candy for an extended period of time is a great way to encourage cavities to set up shop in your mouth and the concentrated sugars can easily erode the liner of the mouth and tongue and cause mouth sores. 

Chip Off The Old Block

Hard candy is exactly what its name says it is: hard. You may not have the patience to find out how many licks it takes to get to the center of the Tootsie Pop, and instead find yourself cracking away and chewing hard candy instead of sucking on it. As far as candy names go, Jaw Breakers isn’t too far off.

Your teeth are in danger of being chipped or cracked as your hard-candy impatience grows. Any orthodontic or dental work is in danger of damage for the same reason.

The Usual Suspects

When you have a cold, he might seem like your friend, but watch out for Cough Drop. He might soothe your cough but he’s wreaking havoc on your teeth. Had a full meal with garlic and onions? Peppermint Lozenge sounds like a wise choice, but unless he’s sugar-free, he’s busily making a full meal of your teeth. Remember that the Jolly Rancher, and his many relatives, don’t make your teeth so jolly. The steady delivery of bacteria-feeding sugar from hard candy is incredibly hard on your teeth.

Avoid hard candy if you can, and choose sugar-free if you must have it. Whatever you do, don’t chew and crack it. Hard candy is just too hard on your teeth.


Source: Dr. Aaron Johnson- The Smile Center
 http://thesmilecenter.com/the-hard-truth-about-hard-candy/

Tips For Your Child's First Visit to the Dentist

1. NO Negative Comments:
If you absolutely hate the dentist and have been traumatized for life, now is not the time to start blabbing detailed stories to your kids. Sometimes parents can do more damage than the dentist ever could!

Make sure to avoid sentences like these:

• “If you don’t behave the dentist will give you a shot”
• “The hygienist will poke your gums if you make her mad.”
• “Brush your teeth or I’ll tell the dentist to pull them out.”
• “The dentist enjoys torturing people for fun.”

2. Find a Dentist You Love:
There are too many great dentists and hygienists out there to be stuck with someone you don’t love! Take the time to find someone you and your kids will feel comfortable with.


3. Make the First Visit a Happy One:

The dental hygienist will be more than happy to give your child a ride in the chair and take a peak in their mouth. Often times they’ll let them see and touch all the fun dental gadgets we use too. If not… let me refer you back to #2!

Another way to create a happy visit is to  bring your child with you to one of your appointments. This is a great way to introduce them to what the dentist is all about!

4. Attend a Dental Presentation:
February is National Children's Dental Health Month. This often includes dental health presentations at schools and around the community. Find one to attend, or even get a group together and ask your dental office if they will do one for you. This is a great way to introduce kids to the dentist without them feeling pressured or worrying about getting work done. 


5. Dental Themed Activities: 
This is a great way to get kids excited about the dentist and learn about oral hygiene at the same time!

Here are a couple activities you can try with everyday items found around the house:

Supplies:

1. Large Lego block
2. Play Dough
3. Yarn

• Pack the Play Dough in between the pegs of a large Lego block and have your child wiggle the yarn in a "C" shaped motion in between the pegs until the Play Dough is gone. 
• This provides an easy visual for kids to learn how to floss before they try it in their own mouths.

Supplies:

1. 3 hard-boiled eggs
2. Water
3. Coke 
4. Vinegar 

• Take the eggs and put them each in separate glasses filled with water, coke, & vinegar and then check them in a few days. Compare each egg to the one that was in the water and you will see how the outer shell of the egg is like the enamel of our teeth. The longer the egg (or teeth) is exposed to sugar, or acidic substances, it starts to eat it away. It will cause pitting and softening of the egg shell, similar to what happens to the enamel of our teeth after being exposed to similar acidic substances.
• This will show your child the importance of brushing their teeth and having the dentist check for "sugar bugs."

6. Books and Videos:

There are tons of  great dental books and videos out there. Here are a couple examples: 

 "Geena's Tremendous Tooth Adventure"  

                             and

 “The Tooth Fairy” by Audrey Wood

7. Don't Scar Them For Life:

If they scream bloody murder when you take them to the dentist  maybe wait a few months before bringing them in again. As long as they’re not in pain or having serious dental issues, wait until they can at least sit in the chair and open their mouth by themselves. Forcing them to sit and pry open their mouth just leaves them hating us and probably you too. The more positive experiences they have, the better and easier it gets.

Source: http://oneshetwoshe.com/2014/02/going-to-the-dentist-with-kids.html 

What is Dental Fluorosis and What Treatment Options Do I Have?

Many people think dental fluorosis is a disease, but it’s not; it’s a condition that affects the appearance of your tooth’s enamel, not the function or health of the teeth. These changes may vary from tiny, white, barely noticeable spots to very noticeable staining, discoloration, and brown markings. The spots and stains left by fluorosis are permanent and may darken over time.

Dental fluorosis occurs in children who are hypersensitive to, or exposed to fluoride between 20 and 30 months of age. Only children ages eight years and younger can develop dental fluorosis. Why? That is the period when permanent teeth are still developing under the gums. For kids, fluorosis can cause significant embarrassment and anxiety about the appearance of their teeth. No matter how much they might brush and floss, the fluorosis stains do not go away.

Many well-known sources of fluoride may contribute to overexposure, including:

• Fluoridated mouth rinse, which young children may swallow
• Bottled water which is not tested for fluoride content
• Inappropriate use of fluoride supplements
• Exposure to water that is naturally or unnaturally fluoridated to levels well above the recommended levels

One way to reduce the risk for enamel fluorosis is to teach your children not to swallow topical fluoride products, such as toothpaste that contains fluoride. In fact, kids should use no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing, and children under the age of two shouldn't use fluoride toothpaste at all.

http://www.southcenterdental.com/blog/page/2/ 

If you already have fluorosis there are a number of treatment options such as crowns, veneers, or composites but the least invasive procedure uses a product called MI Paste. Results vary depending on the individual and severity of the condition but in some cases individuals have seen dramatic results with this method. 

Here are the treatment results from one of our own dental assistants who tried this procedure: 

Before

After 4 Treatments

Painless Parker's Dental Circus

Before local anesthesia could manage the pain, one early 20th century dentist distracted his patients with showgirls and brass bands.

Born in Canada in 1871 Edgar Randolph Parker was perhaps the most eccentric dentist in American history. Parker attended Philadelphia Dental College and two years later graduated with a DDS degree. After graduation Parker set up shop in his hometown of New Brunswick, but there were other dentists nearby and he only had one patient in the first 90 days, this was no way to run a business. While the dental college had taught dignity in dealing with this profession, Edgar soon learned that dignity did not pay the bills. He needed a gimmick. He decided to call himself “Painless Parker.” Other dentists accused him of false advertising and he was told he could no longer call himself “Painless Parker.”  He answered to this issue by legally changing his name from “Edgar” to “Painless.” Believe it or not, this is one of the least controversial things he did.   

Having no luck in his hometown, he decided to become the “P.T. Barnum of dentistry” and moved to the United States. He even hired one of  Barnum’s ex-managers to help him take his practice on the road. He created a traveling medicine show called the Parker Dental Circus.

The first thing he did was to buy a horse and wagon and install a dental chair in the bed of this “travelling office.” Patients would not have to go to him, he would bring his practice to them. Next as a true entertainer, he hired showgirls who would sing and dance to the sounds of a band blasting away. In the middle of this entourage was Painless Parker dressed in his trademark spotless white coat, sporting his grey beaver top hat. Needless to say, this would draw a crowd. The band and showgirls distracted the patient, the noise would silence any painful noise coming from the patient, and of course it promoted his business.  

 Parker promised that he would painlessly extract a rotten tooth for 50 cents. And if the extraction wasn’t painless, he would give the customer $5.00, the equivalent of roughly $115 today. Parker used an aqueous cocaine solution which called “Hydrocaine” or a cup of whiskey to keep the patient as comfortable as possible.

To help advertise his booming business of tooth pulling, a bucket full of teeth he had personally pulled sat by his feet as he lectured to the crowds on the importance of dental hygiene. At one point he claimed to have pulled 357 teeth in one day, which he strung on a necklace.

Naturally like most showman-practitioners his shameless advertising was looked down upon in the medical community. The American Dental Association described him as “a menace to the dignity of the profession.” But despite all his theatrics, Parker was an active supporter of preventative care before it was widely promoted, as well as local anesthesia. He believed in bringing oral education and affordable services to all walks of life.

Sources:

http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2010/07/painless-parker%E2%80%99s-dental-circus/

http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/curious-fact-of-the-week-painless-parker

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painless_Parker

TAKE MY WHAT?!?

   

  Taking a blood pressure reading is one of the first things our clinical staff does when a patient comes in for a dental visit. This may seem insignificant but there can be serious consequences if certain dental procedures are done on a patient with high blood pressure. Consequences may include excessive bleeding and increased risk of heart attack or stroke. 

    Normal blood pressure readings for healthy individuals 20 years and older should be 120/80 mmHg. If blood pressure readings are consistently higher than 120/80 it means that individual is most likely suffering from hypertension. According to Heart.org, the website of the American Heart Association, "Untreated high blood pressure damages and scars your arteries." High blood pressure increases the risk of blood clots, organ damage, heart attacks and strokes. High blood pressure also results in increased plaque build-up and weakening of blood vessels. 

    Since most people see their dentist on a more consistent basis than their general physician, dentists can provide valuable information to patients by checking their blood pressure regularly and informing them when the measurements are suggestive of Hypertension. If blood pressure readings are higher than normal, the dentist will likely refer the patient to a physician for further testing before any dental work is done. Even if an individual is taking medication for hypertension, blood pressure should still be monitored. A blood pressure screening at the dentist's office is just too good an opportunity to pass up. It takes only a few minutes and the information is potentially life-saving. 

The History of Dental Floss

 

 

 

During Ancient Times

Over the years, anthropologists have found evidence that ancient people used various implements such as pointed sticks for interdental cleaning.

 

 The Beginning

But according to most sources, credit for the invention of dental floss as we know it goes to a New Orleans dentist, who in 1815 began advising his patients to use a thin silk thread to clean between their teeth.

 

 The Evolution Of Dental Floss (1882-1896)

The idea caught on, and in 1882 a company called the Codman and Shurtleft Company, based in Randolph, Massachusetts, began marketing an unwaxed silk dental floss. This was followed in 1896 by the first dental floss from Johnson & Johnson. The New Jersey-based J&J took out a patent for dental floss in 1898 that was made from the same silk material used by doctors for silk stitches.

 

 The Evolution of Dental Floss (1940-1950)

During the 1940s, nylon replaced silk as the material for dental floss-its consistent texture and resistance to shredding were an improvement over the silk versions. The use of nylon also allowed for the development of waxed floss in the 1940s, and for the development of dental tape in the 1950s.

 

 Today

Since then, the variety of types of dental floss has expanded to include newer materials such as Gore-Tex, and different textures such as spongy floss and soft floss. And today's floss has other features to make flossing easier. For example, floss with stiffened ends to help with flossing around braces or other dental appliances. 

 

 

 

Source: http://www.oralb.com/topics/history-of-dental-floss.aspx 

 

The Twilight Zone

      Choosing a toothbrush sounds like an easy task but taking a stroll down the toothbrush isle can sometimes be overwhelming! They each promise something different, fresh breath, deep cleaning, or tooth whitening. So how do you know what toothbrush is best for you? Well, here are a few easy guidelines to follow when choosing the proper toothbrush:

1)Electric vs. manual
      a. Studies show there is no significant difference between electric and manual toohbrushes in their ability to remove plaque and prevent gum disease. Choose the one you are most likely to use.

2)Bristle flexibility
     a. Choose a brush with soft bristles. Stiff bristles can cause gum recession and sensitivity.
 
3)Size
     a. The size of the toothbrush head is important too. Bigger is not always better. Smaller heads can get into difficult to reach areas more easily than large heads can. Pick a brush that compliments the size of your mouth.

4)Handle
      a. Look for a toothbrush that has a handle that fits comfortably in your hand and is easy to maneuver. (electric toothbrush handles can sometimes be easier to use for individuals with limited dexterity)

5)Safety
      a. Make sure to choose a brush with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval on the package.

Diabetes & Oral Health

November is American Diabetes Month ®. In addition to complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, the 26 million Americans living with diabetes also have to deal with the unexpected risk of gum disease.          

Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk for Periodontitis (serious gum disease) because in general they are more susceptible to bacterial infections, and have a decreased ability to fight off bacteria that invade the gums.

 Periodontitis may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.

So what can be done to help prevent dental problems associated with diabetes?

1.      Keep blood glucose levels under control

2.      Take good care of the teeth and gums

This includes:

a.      Regular 6month checkups

b.      Flossing daily

c.       Brushing twice a day

Denture wearers:

d.      Remove and clean dentures daily

3.      Avoid smoking

4.      Make sure to inform your dentist of all current medications

Some prescription medications can cause dry mouth. To counteract this:

a.      Drink water frequently throughout the day

b.      Ask your dentist about special toothpastes and mouth rinses that are specially formulated for dry mouth

This information and much more can be found on the American Diabetes Association website @ www.diabetes.org

Why Halloween Is Really a Scary Holiday: A Dentist's Perspective By: Mark Burhenne DDS

    I see an influx of patients after Halloween, but not for the reason you'd expect. Cavities don't form overnight; it's the parents I see with broken molars from biting down on hard candy, claiming they are saving their kids from the threat in the Halloween bag.

    The problem with Halloween isn't the $1,000 per tooth it costs to rebuild these adult teeth with crowns. It's that these adults grew up with a tradition that perpetuates an unhealthy relationship with food and continue that tradition right to the door of the dentist. This dysfunctional tradition of binging and unbridled indulgence is costing us our health and sending the wrong message to kids.

    I think everyone of us as kids remembers when we first heard that everyone in the neighborhood was giving out free candy, and that all you had to do was a wear a silly costume and disguise your identity to gain access. And we all wore the costumes. And we all amassed the insane amounts of candy. Oh, but "don't take candy from strangers," we were told the rest of the year. What a crazy and confusing childhood, and all in the name of tradition.

    We spend $2 to $4 billion dollars on Halloween candy every year. I wonder what that translates to in dental costs, not to mention child obesity. Halloween is the second largest commercial holiday in America, superseding Valentine's Day with $6.9 billion dollars in commercial sales each year. And it's growing. No wonder it's a scary holiday.

    Parents, listen up: I may have a solution to this madness. I won't be buying back candy from my patients as other dentists do. I think that just confuses kids and gives the candy some artificial value (not to mention artificial coloring). And where in that dental office does that candy end up anyway? If I were a kid, I'd be thinking, "Hey, if the dentist is willing to pay for this stuff, maybe I just better keep it and eat it."

    I suggest that you invoke the spirit of the Great Pumpkin. Okay, I admit, this works only up to a certain age, but it does work. It's been tried and tested by yours truly. My three daughters to this day give the candy up to the Great Pumpkin. They certainly enjoy some of their candy the night of Halloween, but the bulk of it goes into a bag and out onto the front porch to await the arrival of the Great Pumpkin. In all his great wisdom, he brings gifts like books and software, something I'd like to teach my children are real treats.

    Linus and Sally of the Peanuts gang, who sat in the pumpkin patch waiting for the Great Pumpkin, were ridiculed by Snoopy, Lucy and the rest of the gang. They missed out on the trick-or-treating and all the candy, and in the end the Great Pumpkin didn't even come. Linus blames it on his wavering belief in the Great Pumpkin and, with chattering teeth, ends up getting dragged to bed by his sister early the next morning. Linus was a romantic, no doubt, but he had fewer cavities than all the gang except for, perhaps, Snoopy (since candy is even lower quality than dog food -- really).

     If your children eat candy, make sure it's under a controlled environment. Have drinking water available to them (to buffer the huge hit of acids that ensue within minutes of candy consumption) and a toothbrush nearby (for the mandatory tooth brushing session within 20 minutes of the candy consumption).

    Moderation is key. Having fun on Halloween does not have to mean developing lifelong bad habits or dysfunctional relationships with food. Try to break the cycle of stereotypical "candy worship" seen in children by replacing that Halloween candy with a far greater treat from the Great Pumpkin -- a book, a CD, athletic equipment or a new bike or skateboard. And brush, floss, and drink lots of water afterward to minimize the hit to your mouth. For you adults that break a molar on a Worther's Original, I can only help you later in the dental chair.

    So if for you on Halloween the treat is what's it all about, then the trick is really on you. See you next week, in my dental chair. I'm ready!


By: Mark Burhenne DDS
Dr. Burhenne is a dental health expert for CNN, CBS, and Huffington Post, which is where this story was first published.

ADA's Top 9 Foods That Damage Your Teeth

What you eat matters

While these hard candies seem harmless, eat too many and the constant exposure to sugar can be harmful to your teeth. Hard candies also put your teeth at risk because in addition to being full of sugar, they can also trigger a dental emergency such as a broken or chipped tooth. Better alternative? Chew sugarless gum that carries the ADA Seal.

 

Ice is for chilling, not chewing

You’d be surprised at how many people think ice is good for their teeth. It’s made of water, after all, and doesn’t contain any sugar or other additives. But chewing on hard substances can leave your teeth vulnerable to a dental emergency and damage enamel. Advice: Break the habit and enjoy water in its liquid form.

Watch your citrus intake

The truth is that frequent exposures to acidic foods can erode enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay over time. So even though a squeeze of lemon or lime can turn a simple glass of water into a fun beverage, it's not always the best choice for your mouth. Citric fruits and juices can also irritate mouth sores. Make sure to drink plenty of plain water.

Not all coffee is good for you

In their natural form, coffee and tea can be healthy beverage choices. Unfortunately too many people can’t resist adding sugar. Caffeinated coffee and tea can also dry out your mouth. Frequent drinks of coffee and tea may also stain your teeth. If you do consume, make sure to drink plenty of water and try to keep the add-ons to a minimum.

Sticky foods are your mouth's worst nightmare

When it comes to picking healthy snacks, many people put dried fruit at the top of the list. But many dried fruits are sticky. Sticky foods can damage your teeth since they tend to stay on the teeth longer than other types of food. If you find yourself eating dried fruits or trail mix often, make sure to rinse with water after and to brush and floss carefully.

Beware of things that go "crunch"

Who doesn’t love the nice, satisfying crunch of a potato chip? Unfortunately potato chips are filled with starch, which tends to get trapped in your teeth. If you choose to indulge in snacks like these, take extra care when you floss that day to remove all the food particles that can lead to plaque build-up.

Swap out soda with water

When you eat sugary foods or sip sugary drinks for long periods of time, plaque bacteria use that sugar to produce acids that attack your enamel, the hard surface of your tooth. Most carbonated soft drinks, including diet soda, are acidic and therefore, bad for your teeth. Caffeinated beverages, such as colas can also dry out your mouth. If you do consume soft drinks, try to drink alongside a cup of water.
 

Limit alcohol consumption

Alcohol causes dehydration and dry mouth. People who drink excessively may find their saliva flow is reduced over time, which can lead to tooth decay and other oral infections such as gum disease. Heavy alcohol use also increases your risk for mouth cancer.

Watch out for sports drinks

They sound healthy, don’t they? But for many sports and energy drinks, sugar is a top ingredient. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, while sports drinks can be helpful for young athletes engaged in prolonged, vigorous physical activities, in most cases they are unnecessary. Before your next sip, check the label to make sure your drink of choice is low in sugar. Not sure?     Drink water instead!

The Mouth Body Connection

Oral health affects general health by changing what people eat, their speech, quality of life and overall well-being.

To better understand how the mouth can affect the body, it helps to understand what can go wrong in the first place. Bacteria that build up on teeth make gums prone to infection. The immune system moves in to attack the infection and the gums become inflamed. The inflammation continues unless the infection is brought under control.

Over time, inflammation and the chemicals it releases eat away at the gums and bone structure that hold teeth in place. The result is severe gum disease, known as periodontitis. Inflammation can also cause problems in the rest of the body.

Your oral health might affect, be affected by, or contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:

·         Endocarditis. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of your heart (endocardium). Endocarditis typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in your heart.

·         Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.

·         Pregnancy and birth. Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

·         Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection — putting the gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels.

·         HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.

·         Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis — which causes bones to become weak and brittle — might be linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.

·                                 Because of these potential links, be sure to tell your dentist if you're taking any medications or have had any changes in your overall health — especially if you've had any recent illnesses or you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes.

In addition, certain medications — such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers and diuretics — can reduce saliva flow. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect you from microbial invasion or overgrowth that might lead to disease.

 How can I protect my oral health?

To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene every day. For example:

·         Brush your teeth at least twice a day.

·         Floss daily.

·         Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.

·         Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed.

·         Schedule regular dental checkups.

             Also, contact your dentist as soon as an oral health problem arises. Remember, taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health