December 24th, 2010 amogell
In the US more than $50 billion is spent each year on the treatment of cavities and tooth decay is a major public health problem worldwide. Prevention of cavities has made great strides over the past several decades. Fluoride added to toothpaste, mouthwash and municipal water supplies has proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent decay.
The fact that fluoride makes tooth enamel more resistant to decay has been known by scientists for a long time – but new research has shown that the protective shield that fluoride helps form on teeth is 100 times thinner than previously believed. The scientists are now questioning whether a layer that is so thin and which can be easily worn away by chewing, can really shield teeth from decay or if there is some other effect on the teeth enamel that is not yet understood. A new study is planned that will search for the answer.
In the meantime, we do understand that good home care, including brushing and flossing properly, combined with regular professional dental cleanings and check-ups can reduce cavity formation. Regular dental care actually saves money in the long-run! If cavities can be prevented, or detected when very small, fewer and smaller dental restorations are required. Leaving you with a healthier smile!
Preventative care is important at any age. Fluoride is not just for children and regular dental cleanings should be standard for all members of your family. Some people feel anxious or fearful about dental appointments and avoid this needed preventive care. There is a solution to this problem.
If you or a family member suffers from anxiety or fear about dental appointments please ask us about your options for sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry offers you a safe, effective way of managing your anxiety and receiving the dental care you need in a calm relaxed state.
In the Columbus, Ohio area please contact Dr. Mark Levy at 614-476-6696 and ask about your options for sedation dentistry.
Posted in Oral Heath Care, sedation dentistry | No Comments »
November 6th, 2010 amogell
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have found that dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as fish oil, may be effective for treatment and prevention of periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when gum infection such as gingivitis is left untreated. The infection spreads from the gums to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. The teeth eventually become loose and fall out. Periodontitis is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.
The study showed that people who had the highest amount of polyunsaturated fats as a part of their diet were approximately 20% less likely to have periodontitis. Foods that contain significant amounts of the good fats include fatty fish like salmon, peanut butter and nuts.
Dr. Elizabeth Kaye of the Boston University School of Dental Medicine noted three interesting results emerged from this study. One was that the odds of developing periodontal disease were significantly reduced even when the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids was modest. She notes that the study also showed that more is not better in this case – higher intake did not create any further reduction in the odds of having the disease. Thirdly, the results did not change when dietary sources plus supplements were studied. This means that getting a moderate dose of these good fats through diet seem to work just as well as adding pills.
What does this mean for our patients? At this time we know that eating good fats such as salmon and nuts a few times per week are good for lots of things in our bodies – now we are adding gum health to the list. Popping fish oil pills won’t cure your periodontal disease however. Treatment by a dental professional is required to reverse the damage done by infection and inflammation.
If you have any of the following symptoms you have a type of gum disease and should seek treatment as soon as possible. The disease does not go away on its own and will only worsen over time.
- Bad Breath
- Bright red or reddish purple gums
- Shiny or swollen gums
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Gums that are tender to the touch
- Loose teeth
Please contact StoneRidge Dental Care at 614-476-6696 as soon as possible to arrange your appointment. If you have avoided dental care due to fear or anxiety please ask about your options for sedation dentistry. At StoneRidge Dental Care you can get the care that you need without worry.
Posted in Oral Heath Care, sedation dentistry | No Comments »
October 19th, 2010 amogell
As many as 20% of patients who don’t make regular trips to the dentist cite the fear of dentists as the primary reason why they don’t seek regular dental treatment.
Since it is so important for patients to receive regular dental care for overall health, here at StoneRidge Dental we try to encourage our patients to keep their regular dental appointments by making visits as comfortable and stress free as possible. In addition to the early detection of dental problems like oral bone loss, infection, and gum disease, poor dental hygiene can also lead to an increased risk of strokes and heart disease. Part of your comprehensive examination also includes a regular check for oral cancer, which may otherwise go undetected.
The fear of dentists can be the result of numerous situations, but is frequently the result of the anticipation of pain, either involving the procedure itself or the needles that are associated with the numbing process. Many older patients may have endured dental treatments that were unduly painful prior to modern pain free dental techniques.
A feeling of not being in control may also result in a fear of dentists and in some rare cases, a phobia of dental care.
Despite the nature of fearful symptoms in some patients, there are numerous options that are available to provide successful dental treatment.
Sedation dentistry uses a range of medications and most anxious patients respond well to it. While local anesthetics may also be needed during a potentially painful procedure, the injection is usually given following the administration of a sedative. Before appointments, oral sedatives may be given to patients inducing a feeling of relaxation. Another tool that is used in sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide which gives the patient a calm and relaxed feeling when it is inhaled.
Please contact my Columbus, Ohio full-service dental office today to discuss your options for anxiety-free dental treatment. Get the care you need without the stress by calling 614-476-6696 today.
Posted in Oral Heath Care, sedation dentistry | No Comments »
October 12th, 2010 amogell
Halloween is almost here with the cute kids in costumes and the not-so-cute bowl of Halloween goodies lurking by the front door. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has provided recommendations to help preserve children’ s teeth in October and throughout the year. These suggestions work for everyone – not just the kids!
- Avoid chewy treats that stick to teeth and cause more damage
- Monitor candy consumption – allow treats in moderation
- Mix in healthy snacks. Have some cheese or yogurt along with that piece of candy.
- Floss after snacking – teach your children the proper technique (if you are unsure ask your dentist)
- Make tooth brushing fun – Seasonal tooth brushes can get kids excited about brushing.
- Schedule a visit to the dentist.
According to Dr. John R. Liu, President of the AAPD “Let’s face it, Halloween is a holiday that every child looks forward to and embraces each year. Rather than denying children the option to trick or treat, we advise that parents maintain their regular routine.” He suggests “Choose each child’s favorite treat and allow them to enjoy one piece after a meal. The remainder of the candy can be given to a local homeless shelter or a food bank in order to prevent overindulgence.”
Candy is no more likely to cause cavities than most other foods but children, and adults, who snack frequently are at the greatest risk for cavities. Reduce the risk of cavities for you and your family by contacting StoneRidge Dental Care today at 614-476-6696 and scheduling your appointment. Unlike Halloween ghosts and goblins, there is nothing to be afraid of at StoneRidge Dental Care where you have options for anxiety-free dental care. Ask about your sedation dentistry options when you call.
Posted in Oral Heath Care, sedation dentistry | No Comments »
October 6th, 2010 amogell
Based on a new survey conducted by Waterpik a clean mouth is a turn-on. The survey suggested that partners preferred good oral hygiene over date night standards such as dimming the lights, candles, wearing perfume or listening to mood music. According to Kelton Research “the results of this study reinforced some of what we already knew- that most consumers simply don’t like to floss with string – but we were surprised at how important oral hygiene was in order to be attractive to your significant other.”
The survey also found that despite valuing good flossing habits in others, Americans have a complicated relationship with floss.
Survey shows – Americans are most likely to floss when food is stuck in their teeth (64%) or right before going to the dentist(51%).
Survey shows – Almost 60% say they deserve a barely passing grade (C or lower) for their efforts to floss every day.
Survey shows – Almost the same percentage (57%) says that floss makes their gums bleed or that the floss gets stuck between their teeth.
The last part of the survey is the most disturbing – if your gums bleed when you brush or floss it means that gum disease is present. Gum disease not only affects your oral health, causing bad breath, sore gums and potential tooth loss – the oral bacteria involved have been linked to illness such as diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and stroke.
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss please contact my Columbus area dental practice today at 614-476-6696. Gum disease is treatable and new advances have made treatment much simpler than in the past. If fear or anxiety are the reasons you have avoided dental treatment please ask about your sedation dentistry, an anxiety-free, relaxing way to get the treatment you need.
Posted in Oral Heath Care, sedation dentistry | No Comments »
September 23rd, 2010 amogell
Kentucky has long been a state with poor dental health – in 2002 it had the worst rate of toothlessness in adults 65 or older. That may be starting to change. A new law requires proof of a dental exam or screening by January 1st of the first year children enter school.
Dr. Ann Greenwell of the University of Louisville dental school said “Teeth start coming in around age 6 months, and that’s when the cavity process starts if parents aren’t cleaning the teeth and the diet is high in sugar. We’ve had 12-month-olds that have had abscessed, infected teeth.” Poor dental health in children affects their eating habits, nutrition and can lead to absenteeism and lack of focus in school. “A child who is sitting in class in pain cannot be focusing on what they are supposed to be learning.” says Dr. Charlotte Haney of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry.
Dr. Haney goes on to explain that having neglected, decayed teeth “can affect your health and your ability to make money, present yourself well, eat well, be healthy, so we need to learn to value our teeth.”
At StoneRidge Dental Care we can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. As Dr. Haney mentioned, a healthy smile affects all parts of your life, from your overall health to the type of job you are hired for. Since your smile is the first thing people notice when meeting you for the first time – shouldn’t your smile reflect youthful energy and good health no matter your age? Please contact+ my Columbus, Ohio office today at 614-476-6696 at to schedule your appointment.
If you have been avoiding dental care because of anxiety or fear please ask about dentistry with the “little pill”. You can have years of neglect corrected without anxiety. Ask about your options when you call! You deserve a healthy smile!
Posted in Oral Heath Care, sedation dentistry | 1 Comment »
August 16th, 2010 amogell
The majority of patients suffering from periodontal disease do not realize they have the condition. If you don’t get a dental checkup twice a year you may be well on your way to losing your teeth and increasing the odds that you will suffer from heart disease, stroke or diabetes. Since gum disease is preventable and easily treatable in the early stages it is important to know the signs.
The first noticeable symptom of periodontal disease is usually bad breath. This is not your typical “onions for lunch” bad breath. This is a chronic, foul odor that won’t go away even after brushing and flossing. If you have chronic bad breath you should also visit your physician to rule out diseases such as diabetes but since the majority of our population suffers from undiagnosed gum disease it is the most likely cause of the problem.
Healthy gums are a nice shade of pink. If your gums are red or purple and they appear to be swollen around your teeth you probably have periodontal disease.
Gums that are tender or sore and bleed easily are another sign. It is not normal for gums to bleed when brushing or flossing. Bleeding, sore gums are a sure sign of infection and you should seek treatment as soon as possible.
Pain when chewing can be another sign that periodontal disease is advancing. Pain that is felt only in one tooth can signal a cracked tooth or the need or a root canal. Pain that is spread throughout your mouth is more likely a sign of serious gum disease.
What happens if gum disease is not treated? Several things – the teeth will become loose, this causes the bone in the jaw to begin to deteriorate leading to eventual tooth and bone loss. Beyond your mouth, the chronic inflammation and infection spreads bacteria to other organs including the heart. If you are a woman of child-bearing age you should be aware that bacteria from infected gums have been found in amniotic fluid and linked to premature births.
Now that you know the signs of periodontal disease and how important healthy gums are for your smile and for the rest of your body it is time to to schedule your appointment. If the reason that you have been putting off treatment is due to fear or anxiety – don’t worry. Anxiety free care is available – just ask about it when you make your appointment. Please call my Gahanna, Ohio office at 614-476-6696 today to schedule your consultation.
Posted in Oral Heath Care, sedation dentistry | No Comments »
August 5th, 2010 amogell
New York University College of Dentistry researchers have found long-term evidence that periodontal disease may increase the risk of brain inflammation, neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. The research team looked at 20 years of data and what they found supports the idea of a possible link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
According to Dr. Angela Kamer, lead researcher “The research suggests that cognitively normal subjects with periodontal inflammation are at an increased risk of lower cognitive function compared to cognitively normal subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation.” Dr. Kamer found that subjects at age 70 with periodontal disease were nine times more likely to test in the lower range on a standardized test as compared to subjects with healthy gum tissue.
What does all this mean for us? This study is one more piece of information that links the importance of healthy gums and teeth to our overall well-being. Previous studies have confirmed the links between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes and even low birth-weight babies. This study adds brain function to that list.
The best advice for maintaining your overall health is to maintain a healthy mouth.
The reasons that patients use to avoid dealing with their gum disease vary but often include the following:
- Taking care of my gums is expensive. Prevention of, or treatment for, your gum disease is much less costly than the treatment of other illnesses that it can cause.
- It doesn’t hurt so it can’t really be that big a problem. If you had a large infected sore anywhere else on your body you would get it treated immediately – because gum disease is not obvious does not mean you can safely ignore it.
- I am anxious or afraid of visiting the dentist. Many of our patients fall into this category – we offer several options for making your visit more comfortable. Click here for more information about dentistry with the “little pill”. My team and I specialize in treating anxious patients.
A healthy smile contributes to a healthy life. Please contact us at 614-476-6696 today – conveniently located in Gahanna, Ohio.
Posted in Oral Heath Care, sedation dentistry | No Comments »
July 23rd, 2010 amogell
A new study reported in the British Medical Journal, 2010 reports that regular twice-a-day tooth-brushing is associated with lower risks of heart disease. The study also showed decreased levels of inflammatory markers C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, which are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, when study participants brushed with higher frequency.
The study was designed to discover whether tooth-brushing had an association with C-reactive protein and fibrinogen and the risk of heart attacks. Study participants showed that those who reported less tooth-brushing had a 70% increase in their risk of cardiovascular disease events when compared to those who reported brushing their teeth two times a day.
Researchers also found that people who brushed their teeth less than twice per day had increased levels of both C-reactive protein and fibrinogen. Because periodontal disease is believed to contribute to inflammation, researchers believe that systemic inflammation could be part of the underlying mechanism that links oral health and heart disease. Gum infections may add to the inflammatory burden on the body, which results in higher risks of heart disease.
According to the authors of the study, the results strengthen the link between oral hygiene and heart disease. The study findings also suggest the poor oral hygiene plays a role in increasing the risk of heart disease because of systemic inflammation.
Does all this mean that brushing twice a day will completely protect you from a heart attack? Of course not – the study does prove, once again, the importance of healthy gums and teeth to your overall well-being. My patients report many reasons for avoiding proper dental care – one of the more common reasons is anxiety or fear of dental treatment.
My team and I work with you to alleviate your anxiety and allow you to receive the treatment you need. Sedation dentistry may be a good choice for you. Please contact my Gahanna, Ohio office today at 614-476-6696 and we can discuss your concerns and offer you several options to make your visit more comfortable. Remember, your dental health is reflected in your overall health – please call today.
Posted in Oral Heath Care, sedation dentistry | No Comments »
June 24th, 2010 amogell
Opening your mouth during a dental checkup reveals a great deal about your general health and well-being. Your teeth and gums can tell the story of your overall health to a trained eye. Loose teeth, for example, may point to osteoporosis; cavities and gum disease may signal underlying heart disease or diabetes; a scalloped tongue may point to obstructive sleep apnea. A large number of systemic conditions like heart disease are linked to symptoms in the mouth and since most people only see their physician for a checkup once a year, your dentist may be the one to pick up on new health concerns.
Beyond picking up existing conditions that may affect you, regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments can help prevent many of these problems. Oral bacteria from gum infections have been shown to travel to many parts of the body – affecting the heart and other organs. For pregnant women regular dental checkups and cleanings are a must. The bacteria in the mouth have been found in amniotic fluid and may affect birth weight and pre-term birth.
Diabetes patients are at risk on several levels. Blood sugar levels and oral sugar levels are linked. Oral bacteria thrive on sugar and high levels lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Unfortunately diabetes lowers patients’ resistance to infection so treating gum disease in diabetic patients is more difficult. Blood sugar levels are more easily maintained in patients who do not suffer from active periodontal disease.
While your Columbus cosmetic dentist, Dr. Mark Levy is screening you for new cavities and possible gum problems, he will also be looking for mouth sores, loss of the bone that supports the teeth and signs of oral cancer.
Regular dental checkups and hygiene appointments are an important part of your overall health routine. By preventing problems before they start and through early detection of underlying health issues – regular visits with Dr. Levy can save your health care dollars and save your health.
If regular dental checkups are not already part of your health-care routine please contact us today to schedule your appointment. Columbus, Ohio cosmetic dentist Dr. Mark Levy and his team welcome new patients. Please let us know if you have questions regarding your dental care and any underlying medical issues. If you have been avoiding regular dental care because of fear we offer sedation dentistry that allows you to get the treatment you need without anxiety – ask about your options.
Posted in Oral Heath Care, sedation dentistry, Sleep Apnea | No Comments »
