Foods and drinks to avoid if you have tooth sensitivity

Foods and drinks to avoid if you have tooth sensitivity

by | Jan 29, 2018 | Oral Health Education, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

Here are the “worst of the worst” foods and drinks for food sensitivity:

Soft drinks (including alcohol and sugar-free, artificially sweetened drinks).

The biggest culprit of them all. When you drink them, you effectively bathe your teeth in a highly acidic sweet and sticky liquid. The acid content erodes your teeth, and it can penetrate quickly through to exposed nerves. The sticky residue it leaves behind is perfect for bacterial plaque formation. Avoid at all costs, or use a straw at the very least!

Hot sweetened coffee.

Coffee is highly acidic on its own, but if you add two heaped spoons of sugar, then you have a hot, highly-acidic and sweetened solution that can cause tooth sensitivity issues – not to mention tooth stains. Try adding milk to decrease temperature and acidity, and cut out the sugar altogether to savour the natural taste and aroma of your coffee.

Hard, gummy or chewy candy.

Candy might not be hot or cold, but it has all the damaging acid and sticky sugars that erode teeth and cause plaque and decay – with one big difference. You might suck or chew on them for several minutes at a time. This lowers PH and dissolves your tooth enamel for longer periods before your saliva can manage to neutralise all the acids. Additionally, when chewing gummy or chewy candy, strong suction forces may develop that can pluck out fillings, crowns and loose teeth.

Ice cream.

You would think that since ice-cream has the protective effects of a typical dairy product, it’s ok. Too bad it’s super sweet and sticky, like soft drink. And with the temperature of ice cream nudging 0˚, a freezing lump of ice cream snagged on a sensitive tooth can trigger a nerve event that will have you gasping and wincing in pain.

Frozen drinks or slushies.

These beverages combine the effects of soft drink and ice cream into one convenient drink, with or without the dairy. They are even sweeter and colder than ice cream, and can erode your tooth enamel faster – and chill your tooth nerves to the bone! If you let one of these drinks warm up a little, all you are doing, is allowing the frozen sugars to melt and stick to your tooth surfaces – like glue.

Foods and drinks to avoid if you have tooth sensitivity

Citrus fruits and fruit juices (incl. tomatoes).

Citrus fruits are a natural food, and do not contribute to plaque formation nor tooth decay. However, they are right at the top end of highly acidic foods. The most acidic fruits/fruit juices include lemon juice, limes, grapefruits, grapes and cranberry juice. While they are invaluable alkalising foods once digested, keeping them in the mouth for too long will soften your enamel. Never suck on or put your teeth in direct contact with these fruits for long periods. Use a straw to drink juice.

The effects of diabetes on oral health

The effects of diabetes on oral health

by | Oct 13, 2016 | Oral Conditions and Issues, Oral Links to General Health, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

The effects of diabetes on oral health

There are many well-known complications associated with diabetes and untreated high blood sugar levels. They include kidney disease (nephropathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), heart disease, eye damage (retinopathy) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). But one overlooked health condition in the top ten list of possible complications of diabetes is oral health. If left untreated, diabetes can gradually affect your oral health in many ways.

When you have the condition, you are at higher risk for certain oral health conditions. High blood sugar and the side effects of some diabetes medication can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth is the result of a decrease in the saliva production in your mouth. Without the cleansing and protective effects of saliva, bacteria thrive, and gum tissue can become irritated and inflamed. A dry mouth condition can lead to its own set of oral health complications such as tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, dental bleeding, salivary gland infections, oral thrush and mouth sores.

Uncontrolled diabetes can affect white blood cells also. White blood cells are the main defence against oral infections. (Diabetics with a haemoglobin A1C levels above 8% indicate poor control) In turn, as oral inflammation and infection develops, the body’s blood sugar levels may increase. Consequently, diabetics with severe gum disease (periodontitis) may find it even harder to keep their blood sugar levels under control.

There are several warning signs of oral health problems that may be diabetes related:

  • Redness, swelling or tenderness in the gums
  • Pain or soreness in the mouth
  • Teeth that are loose or have shifted
  • Constant bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
  • Loss of taste
  • A dry, sticky sensation in your mouth
  • Unusual colour of your tongue
The effects of diabetes on oral health

While your dentist can not diagnose diabetes, they are often one of the first health care professionals to recognise a group of oral health symptoms – that are not within the scope of typical dental health issues.

It is important to take the right steps to keep your mouth healthy if you have diabetes:

  1. Control and manage your blood glucose levels
  2. Brush and floss twice daily
  3. Use a tongue scrapper and an antibacterial mouthwash
  4. Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans
  5. Keep your dentist informed about your diabetes and your medication
  6. Consult your dentist or doctor about any unusual symptoms and health concerns

With better management of your diabetes, careful attention to your diet, and good oral health and hygiene, you can work toward achieving better overall health and well-being.

Gum disease linked to faster cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients

Gum disease linked to faster cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients

by | Oct 5, 2016 | Gum disease, News and Research, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

Gum disease linked to faster cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients Numerous studies have shown that seniors with Alzheimer’s disease have an increased risk of developing gum disease (Periodontitis). Alzheimer’s patients are also at higher risk of health problems including infections, aspirations, loss of balance, malnutrition and dehydration. The main reason why Alzheimer’s patients are more vulnerable to gum disease is because of their reduced ability to take care of their own oral health and hygiene. If you lose your memory, you may simply forget to brush your teeth. But the arrow linking Alzheimer’s and gum disease may point in both directions. 

According to researchers at King’s College London and the University of Southampton, Alzheimer’s patients with gum disease declined at a rate six times faster than those without it. Professor Clive Holmes, senior researcher from the University of Southampton, said the results from their study (2016), showed that chronic inflammatory conditions, associated with gum disease, were detrimental to the progression of Alzheimer’s. “In just six months you could see the patients going downhill – it’s really quite scary.” When gum inflammation occurs, immune cells produce more antibodies.

Gum disease linked to faster cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients
This increases the overall levels of inflammation in the brain, which researchers have identified as the driving force behind the development of Alzheimer’s. And then there are the bacteria. In an earlier study (2013) from the University of Central Lancashire (UK), researchers identified a anaerobic bacterium called Porphyromonas gingivalis present in the brain tissue of Alzheimer’s patients – but not in the brains of healthy patients without the disease. This bug is usually found in chronic oral infections. When chronic inflammation factors compromise the impermeable blood-brain barrier, this type of oral bacteria can enter and travel freely within the brain. Once the bacteria has set up inside your brain, further inflammatory responses occur, which contribute to the formation of beta-amyloid plaques between the brain’s nerve cells (neurons). As this insoluble plaque hardens and accumulates, it binds strongly to the nerve cells, and affects their relay signals and your overall brain function – in other words, your ability to remember. 

The findings of the study showed that if gum disease can be controlled, it may help to slow down the development and impact of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in patients. And what are the best ways to prevent gum disease? Brushing your teeth, flossing and using a mouthwash regularly are recommended. Carers also need to ensure that Alzheimer’s patients lead a healthy lifestyle, and follow a good oral health and hygiene routine. However, if you already have gum disease, everyday activities, such as eating and brushing your teeth, may actually inject harmful bacteria into your bloodstream towards other parts of your body – including your brain.

In this case, it is advisable to seek professional treatment, guidance and support from your dentist or hygienist. There needs to be more research undertaken to fully understand and pinpoint the links between poor oral health and Alzheimer’s disease. But by maintaining good hygiene and controlling gum disease, you are taking steps in the right direction for a healthy mind and body – now and in the future. Sources: University of Southampton. (2016, March 10).” Link between gum disease and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s.” PLOS/ONE University of Central Lancashire. (2013). “Determining the Presence of Periodontopathic Virulence Factors in Short-Term Postmortem Alzheimer’s Disease Brain Tissue”. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2013, DOI: 10.3233/JAD-121918.

Does your child have a dental home?

Does your child have a dental home?

by | Jul 1, 2016 | Dental Treatment, Oral Health Children, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

Firstly, what is a dental home? A dental home is a concept in oral health care for children supported by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Primarily, a dental home is about establishing a life-long relationship or partnership with a skilled dentist, who can manage and meet the comprehensive oral health care needs that you require for your child. A good dental home and its staff must look, listen, learn and earn your trust. They should make you and your child feel welcomed, ‘at home’ and safe. Medical, educational and therapeutical factors all need to be considered in a comprehensive oral health care plan for your child. This set of needs is compromised if your child only visits a dentist out of necessity (or an emergency) and/or if your child’s dentist changes with each visit (through public health care). A revolving door of different dentists denies your child the consistency of dental management and treatment by a trusted, long-term and well-informed dental practitioner. 

So when should you find a dental home for your child? Typically, a dental home is synonymous with your child’s first visit to a dentist at six months of age. At this age, your child’s dental relationship with his or her dentist starts with the dentist identifying feeding issues and changing oral structures, as well as preparing for future oral development. What should I expect from good dental home for my child? You should expect numerous benefits from a good dental home. Here are the main characteristics:

  • Comprehensive dental assessment and care from a dentist who specialises (or is experienced) in pediatric dental care, including preventative and emergency dental services.
  • An individualised preventative oral health care plan that considers and addresses specific oral health issues and concerns, including medical and behavioural factors.
  • Anticipatory awareness and guidance of your child’s changing needs as they grow.
  • 24/7 availability for acute trauma and other dental emergencies.
  • Education and training from the dentist to optimise oral health care at home.
  • Dietary counselling and instruction on special dietary needs and their associated oral health implications.
  • Referrals to other relevant health professionals via a well-established referral network.
  • Transitional services that anticipate and accommodate the oral health care needs of ‘emerging adult’ children.

The concept of a dental home has not been widely promoted in Australia. Yet ironically, one of the main advantages of the Australian Government’s Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS) is that it has made it possible for disadvantaged Australian children to enter into the long-term care of a dedicated local family dentist and dental home. However, in a step backwards for the Department of Health, the ultimate closure of the CDBS will remove millions of kids across Australia from their dental homes, and onto public dental waiting lists to see a dentist whom they neither know nor trust.

Dentists to join the fight against heart disease?

Dentists to join the fight against heart disease?

by | Apr 7, 2016 | News and Research, Oral Links to General Health, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

he theme for World Oral Health Day 2016 is “Health Mouth. Healthy Body”. It aims to raise awareness of the link between oral health and other diseases of the body. In today’s post, we continue to spotlight this theme with a focus on the link between gum disease and heart disease. In Australia, heart disease is the single biggest killer of women – with three times as many women dying from it than breast cancer. There is a good community awareness and understanding of heart disease risk factors, such as smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and physical inactivity. That’s because there is a lot of medical-sourced information and press-coverage to increase awareness of this set of risk factors.

Yet the oral health links with heart disease are usually not mentioned in any medical-sourced information about heart disease risk factors – even though there is a lot of scientific  research and evidence to support this link. Why? Because Dentistry is a separate field of study from Medicine. But in 2014, the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry and College of Medicine presented a joint study at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.

Dentists to join the fight against heart disease?
The medical and dental researchers studied mice infected with four specific bacteria that cause gum disease in humans. After the bacteria had spread to the mouse heart and aorta, the researchers detected an increase in cholesterol and inflammation in the test mice – risk factors associated with heart disease. The study was part of a greater study on the links between gum disease and over-all health being conducted by the UFL’s Department of Periodontology Dr. Lakshmyya Kesavalu, an Associate Professor within the department explained, ” The mouth is the gateway to the body and our data provides one more piece of a growing body of research that points to direct connections between oral health and systemic health.”

Dr. Alexandra Lucas, a cardiologist from UFL’s College of Medicine and co-investigator in the research stated, “Our intent is to increase physician awareness of links between oral bacterial infection and heart disease. Understanding the importance of treating gum disease in patients with heart disease will lead to future studies and recommendations for careful attention to oral health in order to protect patients against heart disease,” The American Heart Foundation has since acknowledged the causal links between gum disease and heart disease.

Dentists to join the fight against heart disease?

They list a number of related research articles on their website. To date, the National Heart Foundation of Australia has not raised awareness to help increase public knowledge  about the potential effects of gum disease on heart health. Clearly, the medical and dental fields still need to establish better co-operation, so that gum disease in not overlooked – when treating patients for heart disease.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

Preventing Dental Emergencies

by | Feb 15, 2016 | Dental Emergencies, Oral Safety and First Aid, Prevention, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

What are dental emergencies? Dental emergencies include:

  • Toothaches
  • Abscesses and gum infections
  • Loose or displaced teeth
  • Tongue injuries
  • Broken, fractured or chipped teeth
  • Soft tissue injury (e.g. lips, mouth, gum or jaw)
  • Knocked out teeth

The key to successful emergency treatment is to stay calm and call your dentist immediately for professional advice on your next step. But did you know that most dental emergencies are preventable? You can’t predict when an accident that causes oral injury happens. But you can manage risk by better assessing and preparing for situations with higher risk factors, like contact sports for example. Here are some ways to prevent acute oral injuries and conditions:

  • Mouth-guards – If your sport puts your teeth, tongue, gums, soft tissue and supporting bone at risk, invest in a custom-fitted mouth-guard for better protection, from your dentist. Specialized night mouth-guards can also protect people with a tooth-grinding condition ( Bruxism ).
  • Rules of play – When it comes to children participating in recreational activities, remind them of the rules and conditions of play, that ensure their health and safety. For example, no running around a pool. 
  • Good oral hygiene and care – Dental emergencies occur as a result of poor oral hygiene and care. Toothaches, abscesses and other oral infections can be prevented with good tooth brushing and flossing habits and regular dental check-ups. That way, you can avoid the pain and inconvenience of an acute oral condition. 
  • Healthy diet – Limit eating plaque-forming foods containing high sugar and starches, as snacks. Plaques cause dental decay which can lead to oral infection and gum disease. 
  • Sensible biting and chewing habits – The breaking, fracturing and chipping of teeth can occur from the forceful biting or chewing of sticky or hard food like chewy or hard candy and olive seeds. Non-food objects like glasses, pens and pencils can cause oral injury too. Avoid using your teeth to cut non-food items like tape.

Good common sense, oral care and risk management are key to minimizing the risks of a dental emergency. But if you or your family experience one, contact your dentist immediately.