Integrative Health Blog

We all have heard the reasons for wearing a mask or not wearing a mask, however are you aware of the oral side effects from wearing a mask for an extended time? 

When wearing a mask, the dryness in your mouth increases which makes your mouth a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses to grow. This dryness, which prevents your saliva from doing its job as a protective barrier can also lead to other problems in the mouth such as:

Increase in Tooth Decay- without saliva to bathe the teeth there is a higher risk of getting cavities.

Gingivitis, or Inflamed Gums- an increase in bacteria in the mouth sends your immune system into action, which may cause inflammation.

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February is Children's Dental Health Month!

Starting your child out with good habits and dental care will help to ensure that they have the best chance for a healthy mouth that will last a lifetime. 

When Should My Child First See the Dentist?

Baby teeth have an important role and beginning to care for your child’s teeth before they erupt should not be overlooked.  The first tooth may appear at around 6 months and as soon as it starts to erupt it is at risk for decay.  This is why the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that your child have their first visit to the dentist within 6 months of the first tooth coming in (erupting), or by about 12 months of age. By the time your child reaches his third birthday they will have all 20 of their primary teeth.

The First Dental Happy Visit

At Holistic Family Dentistry we recommend you schedule a pediatric dentistry  “Happy Visit” to acquaint your child with our staff.  They will meet our dentist,  take a ride in the chair, meet "Mr. Thirsty,"  get their teeth checked and begin to establish a level of comfort with the dentist's office. 

The first dental visit  is for young children and is a brief visit. Some children may be anxious, and it may take more than one “Happy Visit” before they are comfortable. In order to prepare for this visit there are a few things to consider:

 

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The health of the mouth is intricately connected to the overall health of the body.

Recent studies show that plaque in the mouth from periodontal disease may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. There is a lot of information about the gut microbiome, but the oral microbiome greatly influences the GI tract as well as systemic health.  The mouth can be a reservoir for healthy as well as unhealthy bacteria.   The immune system in the mouth is similar to the small intestine.  The tonsils help determine if the bacteria that enters the mouth is good or bad.

As a dental hygienist in a holistic & biological dentistry practice, part of the preventive dental appointment may include a sample of the bacteria in your mouth which you can see on the microscope. Any areas of concern can then be evaluated by the dentist and monitored.  We are able to check your mouth for the types of bacteria that can cause inflammation and give you suggestions on changing your dental routine if needed.

What's in Your Mouth?

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Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the major cause of tooth loss.

The foundation of biological dentistry is to promote a healthy mouth. When the mouth is in a healthy state the gums are pink and attached to the roots.  The roots are strong and completely surrounded by bone.  There is no inflammation and rarely is there bleeding; imagine a sturdy new fence post that has just been placed in the ground.   If you are following a daily regimen that involves brushing and plaque removal from the area around and in between the teeth there is a good chance that your mouth is in a healthy state.

However, if you notice swollen gums or bleeding gums, that may be a sign that the mouth is not healthy. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can build up if left untreated. Plaque can produce toxins that can cause bleeding, inflammation and eventual bone loss.  If left untreated the gum tissue and bone can break down- and now that fence post is loose, making you vulnerable to tooth loss and serious periodontal disease.

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Oral Cancer....Not Just for Smokers

More than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year.  According to the National Cancer Institute, oral cancer is more common than leukemia, skin melanoma, and cancers of the brain, liver, bone, thyroid, ovaries, and cervix.  It is a major cause of disfigurement and death in the United States.

Oral cancer  includes cancers found in the mouth, and on the tongue, lips, throat, parts of the nose, and larynx.  Seventy five percent of these cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol use but anyone can get oral cancer. Also, human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant risk factor for the development of cancers in the tonsils and the back of the throat.

Your mouth is one of your body’s most important early warning systems.

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Dry mouth (also called xerostomia) is what happens when saliva flow is reduced or absent. It may be a symptom of your medical condition or medications. It is not a disease and is quite common.  While it may seem like a minor condition, moist saliva is critical to the health of the mouth and has protective benefits for oral tissues and to prevent tooth decay. Extreme dry mouth may contribute to permanent mouth or throat disorders.

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What's in your Mouth?

There are over 500 species of microorganisms in your mouth!
Most of them are harmless, but some can cause gum disease and tooth decay, and also increase your potential for systemic infections by entering your bloodstream.

At Holistic Family Dentistry we use a microscope because it is a simple, inexpensive, non-invasive, but extremely effective tool to evaluate the health of your mouth and to educate you in good preventive techniques.

This video gives a good illustration of what may be seen in the mouth:

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When we sleep, we heal. 

We know that getting enough sleep is important for good health, but many times it is the first thing we let slide when our “to do” list gets too long.   Optimal sleep allows us to be at our best both physically and mentally. Our performance can be affected both mentally and physically with getting just two to three hours less of what is optimal sleep for us per night. Many bodily functions such as brain activity, secretion of hormones and blood pressure rely on our ability to get optimal sleep.

When we talk about sleep we have to look at both the quantity and the quality of sleep.   While some sleep issues (sleep apnea, snoring) are more complicated, there are some easy things that we can pay attention to now that will help us get the optimal sleep that we need.

1. Keep it dark

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April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month 

More than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. According to the National Cancer Institute, oral cancer is more common than leukemia, skin melanoma, and cancers of the brain, liver, bone, thyroid, ovaries, and cervix. It is a major cause of disfigurement and death in the United States.

Oral cancer includes cancers found in the mouth, on the tongue, lips, throat, parts of the nose, and larynx. Seventy five percent of these cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol. Infection with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) has been linked to a subset of oral cancers.

Current Statistics on Oral Cancer

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