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How Nutrition Affects Oral Health

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You are what you eat. Meaning that your diet will affect all aspects of your life. Nowhere is it more evident than when it comes to oral health. The two most commonly affected oral health issues are cavities and periodontal (gum) disease.

Nutrition and Cavities

It is a well-known fact that there are bacteria in the human mouth. It is also known that these bacteria help to break down the sugars in our food. However, it is not as widely known how this process can cause cavities in your teeth.

When ingesting foodstuff that is rich in sugars, acid is inadvertently released into your mouth by bacteria that break down the sugars in your food. These release acid, which can eat through the enamel outer layer of the teeth. Using a toothpaste containing fluoride or drinking water with fluoride can help to make your teeth more resistant to this process.

Nutrition and Periodontal Disease

While there is no scientific evidence directly linking nutrition and gum disease, there is strong evidence that the speed and severity of the disease is increased when the patient has poor nutrition. The immune system is in charge of fighting all diseases in the body, thus it is fortified by one’s nutrition. Bad nutrition can affect the body’s ability to fight off periodontal disease.

Balanced Diet for Oral Health

First and foremost keep hydrated and drink lots of water. Make sure to balance your diets among the five major food groups. Do not forget to eat in moderation. You should avoid any diet that may lead to a mineral or vitamin deficiency. Avoid food that sticks to your teeth as these will stimulate more tooth decay.

Conclusion

If you are not sure how your diet is affecting your oral health you should speak to a professional. Dr. Civin is always ready to help you with oral health issues.

Charity Gleaning Event -Mark L. Civin DDS - Palm Beach gardens, FL

Dr. Civin Participates in Gleaning in Jupiter, Florida

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They say that charity begins at home. Gleaning is an excellent way to not only show your community spirit but to also pay it forward. Apart from that, it is also just a lot of fun.

What is gleaning, and how is it a means of paying it forward to your community? The practice of gleaning, stems from the amount of food that goes to waste annually, because it is not picked and given to those in need.

This tradition of gleaning is encountered in the bible in the book of Ruth where those in need were allowed to pick up leftover grain, when the harvest was ready. Instead of using everything for themselves, those who were rich and owned fields could contribute to the plight of the needy.

Dr. Civin took part this year, and also present was the president of Ohio State University. The event took place in the fields of western Jupiter where they picked green peppers.

With the help of the volunteers, they picked fruits and vegetables to donate to the local community food shelters and programs. In the past, the activity of gleaning was used as a teaching moment for parents, as well as a fun activity for the whole family.

They picked a bunch, as much as they could! This will all be passed on to those in need. The last couple of years has seen up to 20,000 pounds of food picked and paid forward.

Conclusion

Dr. Civin gave back to the community, and you can too! You and your family can start a new tradition, helping those around you, while rubbing shoulders with your friendly neighborhood dentist. Look out for notifications on our Facebook page for info on next year’s event!

osteoperosis and oral health - Mark L. Civin, DDS - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Osteoporosis and Oral Health in Palm Beach Gardens, FL

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What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is the result of hormonal changes or a deficiency in calcium or vitamin D. This condition can cause the bone in your body to become fragile and weakened because of tissue loss. This condition typically affects middle-aged or older people and can affect many areas of an individual’s well-being.

How does osteoporosis affect your oral health?

Because it is characterized by a decrease in bone mass, osteoporosis can have an influence on a person’s oral health. Oral health conditions of someone with osteoporosis can take the form of reduced jaw bone density, periodontal disease, and tooth loss.

Reduced bone mass of body ridges that usually holds dentures can result in poor fitting dentures. Poor oral health typically affects more women than men. Women who are already in their menopausal phase by the time they are confronted by the ripple effects of osteoporosis.

How can you improve your oral health?

As someone that is suffering from osteoporosis, you can prolong your oral health by increasing your visits to the dentist and addressing problems with your teeth and gums before they develop into complications. Make sure that you take good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing them at least twice per day.

Make sure that you follow a balanced diet with high levels of vitamin c and calcium. Follow an exercise program that you enjoy. Hard as this may be if you are a smoker try to stop and reduce your alcohol intake.

Conclusion

Just like everybody else, you have to make sure that your teeth are in the best shape possible. High sugar intake can be bad for the enamel that protects your teeth from decay, so it is best to stay away from soft drinks and sweets. Keep an eye out for products that can make it easier for you to take care of your teeth, for example, an air floss. Remember that if you make it a priority, your oral health can remain in good shape for time to come.

sleep apnea - dentist in Palm Beach Gardens - Mark L. Civin, D.D.S.

Your Dentist- The First Line of Defense Against Sleep Apnea

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According to the CDC,  more than one third Americans don’t get enough sleep. This means that a whopping 83.6 million adults in the United States are sleep deprived- effecting mood, workplace productivity, and long-term health.

One of the primary causes of sleep disturbance is sleep apnea, a condition defined by interrupted breathing that occurs during sleep. It is estimated that up to 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, the majority of which remain undiagnosed. Sleep apnea not only causes the fatigue attributed to lack of sleep, but is highly correlated with diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and sometimes sudden night-time death. Now, what if you were told the first step in improving your sleep may be a visit to your dentist?

How will your dentist diagnose sleep apnea?

A dentist is typically the first health care professional to identify untreated sleep apnea in a patient. Often, the first sign of sleep apnea in a patient is evidence of nighttime tooth grinding- termed Bruxism in the scientific literature. This condition is often diagnosed by worn surfaces on the teeth and inflamed or receding gums- all of which makes teeth susceptible to bacteria that cause cavities. Further indications of sleep apnea are a small jaw, an inflamed tongue, or redness in the throat caused by excessive snoring (a primary sleep apnea indicator).

How will your dentist treat sleep apnea?

A dentist will use his or her extensive training to determine a best course of treatment for each individual case. Often, a mild case can be treated with a change in diet, quitting certain unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, losing weight, or changing sleeping position.  Often, your dentist will fit you with a mouth guard which not only prevents the damage from the nighttime tooth grinding, but opens the jaw and manipulates the tongue to improve airflow to the lungs. More serious cases may require the use of a CPAP machine, which mechanically forces air into the lungs via a mask worn during sleep. In the most serious cases, surgery may be required.

As with many conditions in dentistry, and healthcare more generally, early diagnosis is key to preventing an escalation in the condition. Be candid with you dentist about any problems that may be preventing you from enjoying a full night’s rest and a better, happier, more productive tomorrow.

Oral Hygiene & Blood Glucose Levels

Good Oral Hygiene Helps Keep Your Blood Glucose in Check

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If you are a bit lax when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene and already have type 2 diabetes, you could be worsening the symptoms. A new study, published in The Journal of Clinical Periodontology, reports that good dental hygiene is crucial when it comes to managing blood glucose levels.

According to a report released by the CDC in July 2017, an estimated 30.3 million Americans are living with diabetes. Over 84 million more have ‘prediabetes,’ a condition that could lead to type 2 diabetes within five years if left untreated.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

It is by far the most common form of the condition; only 5-10% of Americans with diabetes have the type 1 variety. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the human body’s cells cease responding to insulin; this is a hormone produced in the pancreas which regulates your blood glucose levels. The process is called ‘insulin resistance,’ and it causes excessively high levels of blood glucose.

Previously, medical researchers have discovered a mutual link between gum disease (periodontitis) and type 2 diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, you’re more likely to have gum disease, and vice versa.

In other words, if you have type 2 diabetes and are not taking care of your teeth with regular brushing and flossing, you are opening the door to gum disease which could have grave repercussions. Failure to properly manage your blood glucose levels could lead to the following medical conditions:

  • Nerve damage
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Skin conditions

If you have diabetes, it is crucial that you pay special attention to your oral hygiene because you’re already at high risk for oral health problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis. As well as brushing twice, a day and flossing regularly, you could schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible if you haven’t visited lately.

cancer and gum disease

Recent Study Shows Connection Between Gum Disease and Cancer

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Gum disease might just be a more serious issue than we give it credit for.

Usually, when we think about gum disease, the focus is on bad breath or an unsightly smile. However, there’s a body of new research that’s beginning to indicate there could be a link between cancer and advanced gum disease.

There was a 1994 study in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention suggesting a connection between oral health and cancer. Unfortunately, the women in this study rather than dental professionals self-reported gum disease which may have compromised results.

Now, though, there is fresh data emerging after the results of a lengthy team study were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Dr Michaud from Tufts University School of medicine and Elizabeth Platz from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg and Kimmel Cancer Center led this collaborative study. It was based on dental exams from over 7000 participants.

Running for over a decade until 2012, follow-up after this study led to 1648 diagnoses of cancer.

Indicators were disturbing:

  • Participants with severe periodontitis showed a 24% increase in cancer risk against those with no periodontitis or only a mild case
  • Participants who had lost all their teeth through periodontitis showed a 28% increase in cancer risk

This exhaustive study lasered in more fully on risk factors with equally unpalatable results…

  • Participants with severe periodontitis showed a 50% increase in the risk of lung cancer
  • Participants edentulous at baseline showed an 80% increase in the risk of colon cancer

Beyond this, study participants with severe periodontitis were very slightly more prone to pancreatic cancer.

On the plus side, no conclusive evidence was found to show an increased likelihood of breast, lymphatic or prostate cancer.

Dr Michaud did not dismiss these findings but stated clearly that new research is necessary in order to start lessening these risks by better preventing periodontal disease.

Other areas of research have pointed toward cancer tissues containing bacteria causing colorectal cancer to proliferate. There is perhaps a link here with periodontal disease but, again, more study is required.

Although smoking is frequently a contributory factor in periodontal disease as well as lung cancer and colon cancer, it’s not exclusively smokers who are at risk.

According to Platz, severe periodontal disease can boost the chance of lung cancer and colon cancer even in non-smokers.

Platz remains positive, though. She states that this new data reinforces the importance of proper dental health and better education about periodontal disease. She also calls out for enhanced dental insurance to guard against neglect through lack of funds for treatment.