Dentist Sandy Springs: Reduce Heart Risks

Hygiene and Oral Exams

Researchers at Columbia University in New York suggest that if you look after your gums, you could also be reducing your risk of heart disease.[1] They claim that improving dental care slows the speed with which plaque builds up in the arteries.

Writing in a recent online issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association, they report a prospective study that shows how improving gum health is linked to a clinically significant slower progression of atherosclerosis, the process where plaque builds up in arteries and increases a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke and death.[2]

The long and the short is this suggests that periodontal disease should not be ignored because it most likely will lead to other global health issues.  We recommend seeing your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and oral exams.  If we can be of assistance please do not hesitate to give us a call.

 

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health news release 1 November 2013.

[2] Changes in Clinical and Microbiological Periodontal Profiles Relate to Progression of Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness: The Oral Infections and Vascular Disease Epidemiology Study; Moïse Desvarieux, Ryan T. Demmer, David R. Jacobs, Panos N. Papapanou, Ralph L. Sacco, and Tatjana Rundek; J Am Heart Assoc. Published online 28 October 2013; DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.113.000254

Dentist Sandy Springs: Cutting Your Sugar Intake

Current guidelines from the World Health Organization, set in 2002, recommend that free sugars should make up less than 10% of total energy intake each day.  And while the new draft guidelines offer the same recommendation, the WHO also suggest that reducing sugar intake to less than 5% of total energy intake each day – the equivalent to 6 teaspoons for an adult of normal body mass index (BMI) – would offer additional benefits.

Notably, the WHO is concerned about how the consumption of free sugars contributing to the prevalence of dental diseases.  Recent figures show that worldwide, 60-90% of school children and almost 100% of adults have dental cavities.

In the US, consumption of sugary drinks is high.  Data from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey show that 50% of the population consumes sugary drinks on any given day, while 5% consume at least 567 kcal from sugary drinks on any given day – the equivalent to four cans of cola.   Less than 5% of daily calorie intake from sugar would offer additional benefits to the consuming population.

While we can’t help you with your dietary intake, we can give you guidance concerning your oral health condition.  Contact us in our Sandy Springs office for your complimentary consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related article

• Multiple Dentistry Disciplines under One Roof: Serving Dunwoody (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Roswell: The Right Bite for a Great Smile (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Sandy Springs: Complete Dentistry without Warm Towels (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

Dunwoody Dentist Teeth Cleaning

Professional Cleanings maintain your health smile

Professional cleanings are the key to a healthy smile.  And a healthy smile starts with health gums.  If you or your family have not had a professional cleaning recently, please consider the importance of regular cleanings and maintenance of your dental and global health. Regular cleanings will keep you healthy and save your smile in the long run.  While skipping your cleanings costs money and your health.[1]

The ADA recommends the following for good oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay-causing bacteria lingers between teeth where brush bristles can’t reach.
• Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.  While some study results[2] indicate the use of a mouth rinse can be as effective as flossing for reducing plaque between the teeth, the ADA recommends brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss or interdental cleaners once each day to remove plaque from all tooth surfaces. Plaque is responsible for both tooth decay and gum disease.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Visit us regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
• Talk with us about what types of oral care products are most effective for you. The ADA Seal on a product is your assurance that it has met ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness. Look for the ADA Seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners, oral irrigators, mouth rinses and other oral hygiene products.
• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months (or sooner) if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush will not do a good job of cleaning your teeth[3].

 It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs, which is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease.

Schedule dental visits for you and your family today by calling The Right Smile Center in Sandy Springs at 404-256-3620. Our dental office is conveniently located on Carpenter Drive in Sandy Springs, and we serve patients from Sandy Springs, Roswell, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Buckhead, Marietta, East Cobb and surrounding Atlanta communities. We welcome new patients and will be happy to answer all of your questions with a complimentary visit. Our team includes in-house periodontal specialists.  We look forward to making you, and your loved ones, smile!

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

and

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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• Warning signs of Periodontal Disease : Sandy Springs Periodontist (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Alpharetta: How Much Do Teeth Cleanings Cost? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

[1] http://therightsmilecenter.blogspot.com/2013/07/dentist-sandy-springs-skipping-your.html

[2] Sharma, et. al., Am. J. Dent. 15:351-355, 2002. Bauroth, et.al., J. Am. Dent. Assn. 134:359-365, Mar 2003

[3] Children’s toothbrushes often need replacing more frequently than adults because they can wear out sooner.

Sandy Springs: Dental health a marker for heart disease?

Regular hygiene exams are important to your global health.

More than 15,000 patients with chronic coronary heart disease provided information on their dental health, with results showing that indicators of periodontal disease (fewer remaining teeth, gum bleeding) were common in this patient group and associated with numerous cardiovascular and socioeconomic risk factors.[1]  Conversely, a lower prevalence of tooth loss was associated with lower levels of cardio vascular disease risk factors, including lower glucose levels, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, systolic blood pressure, and waist circumference.[2] Diabetes and smoking were also less prevalent among patients with more teeth, while the likelihood of higher education, alcohol consumption and work stress was greater.

Results showed a high overall prevalence of tooth loss: 16% reported having no teeth, and 41% reported having fewer than 15 remaining teeth.[3] Approximately one-quarter of the patients (26%) reported gum bleeding when brushing teeth.[4] However, there was some variation in these results depending on region, country and ethnic group, with the highest rates of tooth loss and gum bleeding found in Eastern Europe. Overall, almost 70% of participants were current or former smokers.

However, Dr. Ola Vedin from the University of Sweden added, the observation that poor dental health among chronic coronary patients is linked to a heavier cardiovascular risk burden does not prove a causal link between the two conditions.[5]  But it may prove to be a marker or indicator of heart disease.  As a result we would not go so far as to advocate rigorous dental hygiene measures as a strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk.  What might be examined is the need to refer patients to a physician for further examination of their global health.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related Articles

https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2014/03/25/dentist-sandy-springs-reduce-heart-risks/

https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/tag/heart-disease/

http://therightsmilecenter.blogspot.com/2012/08/dentist-roswell-gum-disease-linked-to.html

 

[1] The European Journal of Preventive Cardiology: a journal of the European Society of Cardiology

[2] Ibid.

[3] Vedin O, Hagstro¨m E, Gallup D, et al. Periodontal disease in patients with chronic coronary heart disease: Prevalence and association with cardiovascular risk factors. Eur J Prevent Cardiol 2014; DOI: 10.1177/2047487314530660.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

Dentist Sandy Springs: Tooth Loss linked to Depression and Anxiety

Fear and unwarranted, but real anxiety.

Dr. R. Constance Wiener, a clinical scientist from West Virginia University, recently presented a research study titled “Association of Tooth Loss and Depression and Anxiety.”  Analysis involved frequency, Chi square analysis, and complex survey logistic regression.  Participants included 19 years or older, and had complete data on depression, anxiety and tooth loss.

Because of the complexity of factors related to periodontal disease and caries, individuals reporting dental anxiety may avoid seeing the dentist and those with depression may be neglecting their own care.  In this study, researchers examined a potential association of tooth loss with depression and anxiety.  At the conclusion of this study, the researchers found that tooth loss can be an outcome of chronic illnesses like depression and anxiety.

Our experience is that we can overcome a lot of your anxiety and turn around many of its detrimental effects on your oral health care.  If we can be of service or help mitigate your dental anxiety, please contact us for an appointment.

Resource: R. Constance, MA, DMD, Phd. West Virginia University, Morgantown.  “Association of Tooth Loss and Depression and Anxiety” International & American Associations for Dental Research

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related Articles:

https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/tag/dental-anxiety/

https://therightsmile.wordpress.com/2011/06/15/dentist-sandy-springs-some-perceptions-never-change/

Antibiotic Effectiveness? – Dentist Sandy Springs

Premedication before your teeth cleanings?

Do you still need to pre-medicate from that knee surgery?

In its recent report, “Antimicrobial Resistance: Global Report on Surveillance,” the World Health Organization (WHO) cautions about the overwhelming consequences of antibiotics losing their effectiveness to fight disease, as the risk of diseases that have been controlled could surface again.

Apparently, there is an ongoing debate about the use of antibiotics post surgery that is unsettled.  The professionals are still trying to work out the recommendations to the patient.  While there may be a link between periodontal disease, bacteria freed from cleanings, the risk of infection appears suspect after a year or two.  We are no longer recommending or requiring that you pre-medicate before treatment and are deferring to your physician for that judgment call.

http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2014/09/antibiotics-losing-effectiveness-around-the-globe.html

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

http://www.rightsmilecenter.com

 

Periodontics Sandy Springs: How much does Periodontal Treatment Cost

And will insurance cover it?

This is an up and coming issue as our aged` population continues to grow.  While periodontal treatment is not as costly as replacing teeth due to tooth loss, its cost can vary greatly depending upon your needs.  Quite frankly, there is no way of really telling just how advanced your gum disease is without a proper diagnosis.

It can be as simple as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) or periodontitis (disease of the bone supporting the teeth).  Because periodontal infection grows under your gums, you can have no symptoms at all.  More advanced cases range from red, swollen, tender gums to bad breath to loose or shifting teeth.

As it relates to insurance coverage, the best way to check scaling and root planing or periodontal maintenance is to have us send a pretreatment in for the work that needs to be completed.  Fees for traditional root planing can range from $280 to $385 per quadrant (there are usually 4 quadrants)[1].  Add to this the fees for an antibiotic placed under the gums during treatment.

This antibiotic known as Arestin[2] is charged out at $55-$110 per area.  And if a patient has multiple deep pockets in one quadrant the fees can add up quickly.   Depending on the effectiveness of this approach it may be repeated every few months, annually, or every three years.[3]

If you have dental insurance, they may provide full or partial coverage. Our office is happy to contact your insurance company to learn what they will cover.  We do accept assignment of most insurance benefits. In such cases, your responsibility will be to cover only the remainder. We generally ask that you pay for X-rays, and regular cleanings while we have your statement submitted to your insurance company.

Everyone deserves to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. We feel that finances never should be an obstacle to treatment. So for your convenience, we offer several payment options and payment plans to suit your individual needs. Our staff will be happy to answer any of your financial or insurance questions.  Don’t let the cost deter your need for treatment. Please give us a call for your complimentary consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

Right Smile Center

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30041

770-455-6076

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

[1] However, the cost may be less if less teeth are involved.

[2] ARESTIN is a prescription antibiotic approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is used together with scaling and root planing (SRP) and is placed by your provider for the treatment of periodontal (gum) disease.

[3] http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/rdh/2001/12/journal-of-periodontology-publishes-study-on-effectiveness-of-arestin-on-periodontal-disease.html

How Much Does a Teeth Cleaning Cost? Dentist Sandy Springs

Oral Cancer screening

So you see an offer of $49.95 for an exam & x-ray.  Is it a loss leader used to get you in and pressure you into other dental procedures?  Absolutely, yes.

You need to be careful when you are considering your oral health care.  The teeth ARE CONNECTED are to the rest of your body.  And in our Sandy Springs office we don’t administer oral health care in the hopes of finding something wrong.  Our goal is to keep you in the best health possible.

Generally, if you are not lured to take care of your health based on price, a teeth cleaning charge is going to range somewhere around $65 to $94.[1] Often dental insurance will cover some or all of this cost for a specific number of cleanings per year, usually no more than two.  The doctor’s exam is $45 to $55 and the 4 basic bite wing x-rays are around $59 to $72.  Depending on your insurance this might be covered anywhere from 60 to 100% after a small deductible is met.   Periodic X-rays ($32 -$135) are needed to see if any problems are developing inside the teeth or around the jaw bone, and are generally required before cleaning the teeth of a new patient (which is why some practices offer coupons as a loss-leader for the initial cost of a first visit). These are also often covered by dental insurance.

The main goal is to prevent gum disease, which is the primary cause of tooth loss. Other aspects of your exam are checking for oral cancer signs and, more and more, other global health indicators. But most important, dental hygiene is imperative, and cleaning your teeth is the first step towards preserving them.  In a standard cleaning, a dental hygienist removes soft plaque and hard tartar from above and below the gum line on all the teeth. The process requires one office visit and usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Again, your goal is a healthy mouth which an integral part of your overall health.  Oh, and by the way, just because you had your teeth cleaned professionally, the jobs not done.  You have to do your part by brushing and flossing daily if you want to keep them.   If you have additional questions, feel free to email or call our office.  As a part of our services, we offer additional consultation and oversight by our in-house perio-team.  Our goal here is to create an informed healthy patient.

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] However, depending on how long it’s been since you have been to the dentist and what extent your oral healthcare has been neglected, it can be more if there’s a need to do a full mouth root scaling.