OPEN WIDE....Part Three

THE MESSAGE: STRESS AFFECTS THE MOUTH

The protective enamel coating on our teeth is formed between birth and age 16. "After that, it's subject to the insults we deliver - stress, grinding and acidic food and drinks," Tomkin says. Acid erosion is starting to show up in younger patients, says Veisan. She wonders if new diets, bad habits or acidic drinks like juice, pop and coffee are to blame. "When I think about those sugary coffee drinks, it's like a double whammy," she says. "You're getting plaque-inducing sugar from the flavoured syrup and acid from the coffee." Acid wear causes sensitivity in the short-term and may put teeth at risk for greater damage.

THE LESSON:

While it's impossible to completely avoid acidic food and drinks, there are a few tricks to minimize its damaging effects: avoid brushing teeth for at least 20 minutes after acidic offenders like coffee and citrus fruit. "Otherwise you're accelerating the danage by rubbing the acid directly into the teeth," Tomkins says. Instead, rinse the mouth with water. "In Italy, they always serve espresso with a glass of water - they must know something," Veisman says.

OPEN WIDE......Part Two

THE MESSAGE....STRESS AFFECTS THE MOUTH

Most people are unaware of their teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) until their sleeping partner reports hearing that characteristic sound at night. While stress - and grinding - may come and go, it can have a lasting effect on teeth: wear patterns over the biting surfaces, chipping and cracks in the enamel are signs only your dentist will see. Grinders may notice an unexplained sore jaw or earache. The solution: to stop the grinding, which can only be achieved with a night guard. "It cushions jaw joints and protects the enamel from further breakdown," Veisman says. Just be sure it's customized by your dentist, Tompkins warns - a poor fit may cause teeth to shift.

THE LESSON....

If your dentist suspects grinding, your jaw is sore or your spouse just can't take it anymore, consider a night guard. It's also important to address your stress, by including exercise, relaxation and meditation.


To be cont.....

OPEN WIDE..... Part One

4 things to know about your mouth right now:

Beyond your nightly floss-and-brush routine and regular dentist visits, does your mouth get much attention? It should! "The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body." says Dr. Andrea Veisman, a Toronto dentist. "Chinese medicine practioners check inside the mouth before evaluating anything else - overall health is tied to oral health." Need more reasons to pay attention to your teeth? Sink your pearly whites into these important morsels.

THE MESSAGE:

Periodontal disease is linked to other disease. The relationship between periodontal disease - a chronic bacterial infection of the teeth, gums and supporting bones - and other illnesses, has long been studied. "The Universities of Toronto and Western Ontario have uncovered links with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, low birth weight and pre-term delivery in pregnant women," says Dr. Lyon Tomkins, President of the Ontario Dental Association. While we don't fully understand how one influences the other, "the by-products of this serious and insidious inflammation are circulated through the bloodstream, causing other problems," she says. A recent study at New York University has found a correlational link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer's; those with periodontal disease were at increased risk of lower cognitive function. "There is some thought that the inflammation in the mouth can somehow cause inflammation in the brain." Veisman says.

THE LESSON:

Only your dentist can diagnose periodontal disease; although it may appear similar, it is far more serious than gingivitis (mild inflammation of the gums), Tomkins says. For patients with diabetes or heart conditions, Veisman advises visits every three to four months, "And of course, you have to be vigilant in keeping the mouth extremely clean," she says.


....cont.

A MISSING TOOTH......

Losing a tooth by accident or by extraction is not the end of the matter. When a tooth is missing, the resulting gap will allow nearby teeth to tilt or drift from their normal position, and the teeth above the the gap will move downward. Aside from the obvious cosmetic problem, the changed positions of these teeth can lead to severe bite problems causing jaw pain and headaches.

Missing teeth should be replaced to keep other teeth in their normal position. This can be done by means of a fixed bridge or a dental implant. Both of these treatments offer a good functional and cosmetic result.

Please call our office with any questions you may have about the benefits of replacing missing teeth with bridges or dental implants