When you come in for your dental visit, you may notice that we do a lot more than examine your teeth and gums.
One of the most important parts of your visit is when we ask you questions about your general health. Many people have said to us:
"What does that have to do with my dental check-up?"
The answer - "A lot!"
More and more research is being published linking dental health to overall health. At McMullin Dental Care we are concerned about both!
Did you know that diabetes, especially when it is undiagnosed, can be a huge factor in gum disease, eventually causing tooth loss?
A recent study by Columbia University concluded:
"Gum disease is an early complication of diabetes." It continues:
"Since 70% of adults see a dentist at lease once per year" this is a perfect opportunity to screen for diabetes and other diseases.
According to a recent article in The British Dental Journal, it works the other way around too, as gum disease can be a contributing factor in heart disease, oral cancer, and other illnesses.
Are you taking any medications, either prescription or over-the-counter? Many of these can lead to dry mouth, gum inflammation, and other dental problems.
It's even more complicated for women, as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and oral contraceptives can cause many changes in dental health.
The good news is, unlike a visit to your physician - you get to keep your clothes on and won't be poked and prodded anywhere other than your mouth! As you can see, it is important that we know about your total physical health and any medications you are taking. Not only can we save your teeth - we may actually save your life!
If you want to know more about your dental health and how it relates to your overall health, please let us know. If you have any questions or want to schedule your next appointment, just give us a call at 734-241-5115. We are here for you!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Football Season Can Be A Penalty For Your Teeth!
Football Season Can Be A Penalty For Your Teeth!
Nothing says football season like a big tub of Gatorade being dumped on the winning coach at the end of a game. But for you and your kids it could be offsides and holding on your dental health.
Originally developed at The University of Florida in 1965 (and named after their sports teams – “The Gators”) Gatorade was intended for athletes such as ...football players who endured rigorous workouts in the hot sun. But somehow this potent drink has become a staple of our popular culture, and its combination of sugars, salt and electrolytes can be anything but healthy for all but the most strenuous exercisers. The fact is, for just about all of us, including children, water remains the healthiest drink either with meals or during and after exercise.
"For most children engaging in routine physical activity, plain water is best," said Holly J. Benjamin, M.D., a member of the executive committee of the AAP Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. "Sports drinks contain extra calories that children don't need, and could contribute to obesity and tooth decay. It's better for children to drink water during and after exercise, and to have the recommended intake of juice and low-fat milk with meals. Sports drinks are not recommended as beverages to have with meals."
Even worse are “energy drinks” –which contain huge amounts of stimulants including caffeine, guarana and taurine. Some of these drinks contain more than 500 mg of caffeine – the equivalent of 14 cans of soda!! Combine that with huge amounts of tooth rotting and obesity causing sugar, and you’ve got a formula for health disaster. To make things worse, some schools actually have “pouring contracts” where they are paid to promote and serve unhealthy sodas and sports drinks.
Good old fashioned tap water, fortified with fluoride, not only remains the healthiest drink but it's the least expensive as well.
So please enjoy football season, but remember not to let energy drinks and sports drinks blitz the dental and overall health of you and your children.
Nothing says football season like a big tub of Gatorade being dumped on the winning coach at the end of a game. But for you and your kids it could be offsides and holding on your dental health.
Originally developed at The University of Florida in 1965 (and named after their sports teams – “The Gators”) Gatorade was intended for athletes such as ...football players who endured rigorous workouts in the hot sun. But somehow this potent drink has become a staple of our popular culture, and its combination of sugars, salt and electrolytes can be anything but healthy for all but the most strenuous exercisers. The fact is, for just about all of us, including children, water remains the healthiest drink either with meals or during and after exercise.
"For most children engaging in routine physical activity, plain water is best," said Holly J. Benjamin, M.D., a member of the executive committee of the AAP Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. "Sports drinks contain extra calories that children don't need, and could contribute to obesity and tooth decay. It's better for children to drink water during and after exercise, and to have the recommended intake of juice and low-fat milk with meals. Sports drinks are not recommended as beverages to have with meals."
Even worse are “energy drinks” –which contain huge amounts of stimulants including caffeine, guarana and taurine. Some of these drinks contain more than 500 mg of caffeine – the equivalent of 14 cans of soda!! Combine that with huge amounts of tooth rotting and obesity causing sugar, and you’ve got a formula for health disaster. To make things worse, some schools actually have “pouring contracts” where they are paid to promote and serve unhealthy sodas and sports drinks.
Good old fashioned tap water, fortified with fluoride, not only remains the healthiest drink but it's the least expensive as well.
So please enjoy football season, but remember not to let energy drinks and sports drinks blitz the dental and overall health of you and your children.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Why pull a tooth if it doesn't hurt?
Have any of you wondered that very thing? I hear the question from people - They figure if it doesn't hurt then nothing is wrong, or maybe something is wrong, but it isn't that bad...and they can put off taking care of it. Who wouldn't want to avoid having a tooth pulled (or other dental work) if they could? I know you'd rather be out shopping or golfing!
Well, as a dentist it's my job to help you stay healthy. It's also my job to save your teeth. So if a tooth needs to come out, that means it is not able to be fixed. It also means that you are at risk of infection, pain, and swelling. An untreated infection can spread and put you at great risk. Articles published in the Reader's Digest and Washington Post highlight the potential risk.
http://www.dentalplans.com/articles/32813/leaving-dental-infections-untreated-could-be-fatal.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/02/AR2007030201618.html
Sometimes a tooth is infected and there is no pain. Go figure. Teeth and nerves are wierd. I've had some patients come in with a teeny tiny cavity and they are experiencing a lot of discomfort. I have also seen patients with a very large cavity and it does not hurt. The fact of the matter is, pain is only one part of determining if there is a problem. So if your dentist has recommended that a tooth be removed, don't be shy, ask why, find out the risks and the benefits associated with pulling the tooth or leaving it in, and together with your dentist form a plan that will keep you and your mouth healthy.
Here at McMullin Dental Care your total health is our priority. Questions? Give us a call at 734-241-5115.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
The Battle of the Sexes - Dental Style
Is it a "man's world" or are women "smarter"? Who has better dental health?
It turns out, one group is more likely to have healthier gums, less plaque and tartar build-up, less bleeding of the gums, and less gum disease. This group is also twice as likely to schedule regular dental check-ups and is much better at following through with the treatment recommended by their dentist.
To top it off, they have a better understanding of oral health and a more positive attitude about visiting the dentist! So just who are these dental superstars?
According to the Journal of Periodontology, a professional journal which publishes articles on gum disease ~ it's the "fairer sex" that has the upper hand when it comes to dental health.
So does that mean that females are less likely to have cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and stinky breath? Sorry guys - the answer is yes.
The good news is, it seems to have nothing to do with genetics. It is purely because women take better care of their teeth and gums and see their dentists more regularly.
So how about it guys? It's time to "brush up" on your oral health! Start taking better care of your teeth and gums and be sure to give us a call at 734-241-5115 to schedule your next appointment! And women - keep up the good work!
At McMullin Dental Care we care about ALL of our patients - men and women! We are always here for you to answer any questions you may have about your dental health. Give us a call today!
It turns out, one group is more likely to have healthier gums, less plaque and tartar build-up, less bleeding of the gums, and less gum disease. This group is also twice as likely to schedule regular dental check-ups and is much better at following through with the treatment recommended by their dentist.
To top it off, they have a better understanding of oral health and a more positive attitude about visiting the dentist! So just who are these dental superstars?
According to the Journal of Periodontology, a professional journal which publishes articles on gum disease ~ it's the "fairer sex" that has the upper hand when it comes to dental health.
So does that mean that females are less likely to have cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and stinky breath? Sorry guys - the answer is yes.
The good news is, it seems to have nothing to do with genetics. It is purely because women take better care of their teeth and gums and see their dentists more regularly.
So how about it guys? It's time to "brush up" on your oral health! Start taking better care of your teeth and gums and be sure to give us a call at 734-241-5115 to schedule your next appointment! And women - keep up the good work!
At McMullin Dental Care we care about ALL of our patients - men and women! We are always here for you to answer any questions you may have about your dental health. Give us a call today!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Are your teeth in "deep" trouble?
Sometimes tooth damage can be caused by the most unlikely of sources. Recently a man complained to his dentist that his teeth were extremely sensitive, were rapidly picking up stain, and actually losing enamel. After much research, the culprit was found – his swimming pool!
It seemed that he had a daily swimming routine in his backyard pool but didn’t take the time to monitor the chemicals properly. This led to the pool water having a higher than normal acid content, resulting in severe dental damage.
According to Dr. Leila Jahangiri, chairwoman of NYU College of Dentistry Department of Prosthodontics, "Improperly maintained pool chlorination can cause rapid and excessive erosion of dental enamel. It is a difficult balance to maintain home pools properly. Proper pool chlorine and pH levels need to be monitored and maintained on a weekly basis."
The fact is, we always need to be careful about things which can negatively affect our dental health. Many foods, including healthy fruits and vegetables, are high in acid content. And of course candies, sweets, sodas and sports drinks are loaded with sugar. These foods are all waiting to do a full out assault on your teeth!
Medications and other factors which can cause dry mouth are also playing peril with your dental health. And now it seems even a swimming pool can do your teeth harm!
At McMullin Dental Care, we care about you, your teeth and gums, and your overall health. Please make sure to brush several times per day. And don’t forget to floss either! (If you are not sure how to use dental floss or can’t do it comfortably, be sure to ask one of our friendly team members for instructions!).
Most importantly, don’t forget that your regular dental visit is not “just a check-up” – it’s a crucial part of your overall health care.
If you have any questions about this or any other issue, we are here for you! Please give us a call at 734-241-5115. And this summer, please enjoy fun outdoor activities like swimming – and remember your pearly whites!
It seemed that he had a daily swimming routine in his backyard pool but didn’t take the time to monitor the chemicals properly. This led to the pool water having a higher than normal acid content, resulting in severe dental damage.
According to Dr. Leila Jahangiri, chairwoman of NYU College of Dentistry Department of Prosthodontics, "Improperly maintained pool chlorination can cause rapid and excessive erosion of dental enamel. It is a difficult balance to maintain home pools properly. Proper pool chlorine and pH levels need to be monitored and maintained on a weekly basis."
The fact is, we always need to be careful about things which can negatively affect our dental health. Many foods, including healthy fruits and vegetables, are high in acid content. And of course candies, sweets, sodas and sports drinks are loaded with sugar. These foods are all waiting to do a full out assault on your teeth!
Medications and other factors which can cause dry mouth are also playing peril with your dental health. And now it seems even a swimming pool can do your teeth harm!
At McMullin Dental Care, we care about you, your teeth and gums, and your overall health. Please make sure to brush several times per day. And don’t forget to floss either! (If you are not sure how to use dental floss or can’t do it comfortably, be sure to ask one of our friendly team members for instructions!).
Most importantly, don’t forget that your regular dental visit is not “just a check-up” – it’s a crucial part of your overall health care.
If you have any questions about this or any other issue, we are here for you! Please give us a call at 734-241-5115. And this summer, please enjoy fun outdoor activities like swimming – and remember your pearly whites!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Are you too sensitive?
We’ve all noticed it from time to time – have some ice cream followed by good hot coffee and OUCH! – your tooth is telling you not to do that! But how do you know if your tooth sensitivity is a sign of (pardon the pun) a deep rooted problem?
Let’s start with a little quiz. What is the hardest substance in the human body?
a) Fingernails
b) The thigh bone, also known as the femur
c) Your hard-headed uncle’s skull
d) Tooth enamel
If you guessed tooth enamel, you’re not only on your way to a winning appearance on Jeopardy but you’re ready to understand tooth sensitivity.
The enamel that covers your teeth is an extremely hard substance and acts as a great protectant. Inside the enamel is something called dentin, which is a bit softer and actually has small hollow tubes leading right into the nerve chamber. Irritate that layer and your tooth will let you know! So if the enamel on your teeth is worn away, sensitivity can set in. The roots of your teeth are in a similar situation, and receding gums which cause the roots to be uncovered can cause sensitivity as well. So what can you do?
First of all, be gentle when you brush and always use a soft toothbrush. Lots of pressure and stiff bristles don’t clean your teeth any better and actually can wear away enamel and gums.
Some people find that acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes can cause sensitivity, so avoid those if you are in that category.
Also, there are over-the-counter products, such as special toothpastes and rinses, that can help. Let us know and we’ll be glad to recommend the right one for you.
Unfortunately, many of the causes of tooth sensitivity are also signs of much larger dental problems. Things such as cavities, defective fillings or crowns, receding gums due to gum disease, grinding, and many other conditions can cause sensitivity and all of these things definitely need attention from a dental professional.
At McMullin Dental Care we want you to be comfortable and have healthy teeth and gums! If tooth sensitivity or any other dental issues are causing you concern, please give us a call at 734-241-5115 and we will be glad to see how we can help. We want to get you comfortable again!
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