Women and Oral Health

As a woman, you know that your health needs are unique, including your oral health needs. And because your needs are unique, you need to take extra care of yourself.  The hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life affect many tissues, including gum tissue.  These fluctuations occur when you mature and change, as you do during puberty or menopause, or other times when you have special health needs, particularly during menstruation and pregnancy.

According to the Journal of Periodontology[1] at least 23 percent of women between the ages 30 to 54 have periodontitis.[2]  And, 44 percent of women ages 55 to 90 who still have their teeth have periodontitis.  Yet many women do not realize they have it until it reaches an advanced state, which is why regular hygiene check-ups are so important.

What Should You Do?

See us for cleaning at least twice a year – you need to monitor your oral health.

Keep us informed about any medications you are taking and any changes in your health history.

Brush and floss properly every day.  Review your techniques with a dental professional.

If there any questions that you might have, please call us to discuss them.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

• Dentist Sandy Springs: 8 Windows your overall health sees through dentistry. (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist East Cobb: Top 4 Reasons Not to play hooky from Your Dental Cleanings (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Dunwoody: How Often Should I See the Dentist? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Roswell: Brush and Floss if you want to keep ’em. (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Sandy Springs: Healthy smile, healthy you! (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

[1] January 1999 issue of the Journal of Periodontology

[2] Periodontitis is an advanced state of periodontal disease in which there is active destruction of the periodontal supporting tissues.

Healthy smile, healthy you! | Sandy Springs Dentist

Health smile, healthy you!

Regular dental visits can tell a dentist a lot about your overall health.  Recent research indicates that your oral health is a reflection of your global health.  Meaning, if your mouth is healthy, chances are your overall health is also healthy.  Those with poor oral health, this may be sending signals of other health issues.

Additionally, a healthy smile may actually prevent certain diseases from occurring, such as gum precipitated heart infections.  As of late, a lot of orthopedic surgeons are requesting a blessing from your dentist before they operate.  According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there is a relationship between gum disease and health complications such as a stroke and heart disease.[1]   Women, in particular with gum disease  show higher incidences of pre-term, low birth-weight babies.

Recent studies have shown that there are microbiologic and immunological findings that  support the association.  These studies indicate that periodontal infection can lead to placental-fetal exposure and, when coupled with a fetal inflammatory response, can lead to preterm delivery.[2]

Further research shows that more than 80 percent of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and/or excessive gum problems. Such systemic diseases include:

• diabetes
• leukemia
• cancer
• heart disease
• kidney disease

Since most people have regular oral examinations their dentist may be the first line of defense to diagnose a health problem in its early stages.

Failing to take care of your teeth and can actually lead to other health problems, including:

• Oral and facial pain. According to the Office of the Surgeon General, this pain may be largely due to infections of the gums that support the teeth and can lead to tooth loss. Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, and advanced gum disease affect more than 75 percent of the U.S. population.
• Problems with the heart and other major organs. Mouth infections can affect major organs. For example, the heart and heart valves can become inflamed by bacterial endocarditis, a condition that affects people with heart disease or anyone with damaged heart tissue.
• Oral cancer. Poor oral care can contribute to oral cancer, which now takes more lives annually than cervical or skin cancer.
• Digestion problems. Digestion begins with physical and chemical processes in the mouth, and problems here can lead to intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestion disorders.

Seeing a dentist regularly keeps your mouth healthy and allows your dentist opportunities to examine developments that may point to other health issues.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our office in Sandy Springs or Chamblee for a consultation.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DME

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

• Dentistry Sandy Springs – New directions in oral health care (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Sandy Springs: Some Perceptions Never Change (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Sandy Springs – Older patients have special dental needs (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Roswell: Dental Advice for Moms-To-Be (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Serving Roswell: Wisdom Teeth Removal (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

[1]  “Gum Disease Links to Heart Disease and Stroke.” American Academy of Periodontology, May 8, 2008. www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.heart.htm

[2] JADA, 2006, Exploring the relationship between periodontal disease and pregnancy complications

Yiorgos A. Bobetsis, DDS, PhD, Silvana P. Barros, DDS, PhD and Steven Offenbacher, DDS, PhD, MMSc

Older patients have special dental needs

Mouths, like other body parts, are affected by years and by genes. Older Americans are fast becoming the largest segment of our population and at the same time suffer disproportionately from oral diseases. The problem particularly acute for individuals in long term care facilities.  We saw a patient yesterday in our Sandy Springs office and had to pull another tooth.  Our dilemma is how to get the facilities to do a better job.  The patient is usually on multiple medications and common side effects of normally reduce salivary flow.^[1]   This adversely affects their quality of life, the ability to chew, and leads to significant problems of the teeth and their supporting structures.

Quite honestly, a lot of senior care patients suffer from neglect, which results in terrible oral health.  These elderly patients have difficulty performing routine oral hygiene procedures because of physical limitations, such as Parkinson’s or rheumatoid arthritis or in the worst case, Alzheimer’s.  The further compounding of these issues is neglect.

They shouldn’t have to.  And it pains us to see it happening.

Together, you two can make an unbeatable team!  We can lead the horse to water but the elderly need better care between dental visits.

Specializing in Geriatric Patients, Dr. Scheinfeld was trained in prosthodontics at Emory University School of Dentistry. Dr. Oland and Dr. ZoAnna Scheinfeld devote a considerable amount of time actually traveling to nursing homes to treat the elderly.  If we can be of help to your and parents, please call us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

Hanna Scheinfeld Orland, DMD

ZoAnna Scheinfeld Bock, MS, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

Related articles

• Dentist serving Dunwoody: 8 Windows your overall health sees through dentistry. (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Serving Dunwoody – 4 Steps to Promoting Good Oral Health (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Dunwoody: How Often Should I See the Dentist? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Serving Dunwoody: Georgia’s free dental clinics? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Serving Dunwoody: Success Rates of Dental Implants (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
• Dentist Atlanta: How Much Do Dentures Cost? (therightsmile.wordpress.com)

[1] Fox PC, Eversole LR. Diseases of the salivary glands. In: Silverman S, Eversole LR, Truelove EL, eds. Essentials of Oral Medicine. Ontario, Canada: BC Decker; 2002:260–276.

 

Bacteria Responsible for Gum Disease Facilitates Rheumatoid Arthritis

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130912203327.htm

Bacteria responsible for gum

disease facilitates rheumatoid

arthritis

Source:

University of Louisville

Summary:

A research team has uncovered how the bacterium responsible for periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis, worsens rheumatoid arthritis by leading to earlier onset, faster progression and greater severity of the disease, including increased bone and cartilage destruction.

 

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna ScheinfeldOrland, 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

Cavities – the mouth is connected to the body

It is not merely semantics, but rather a paradigm shift in thinking to consider dental caries (cavities) as a ‘complex disease caused by an imbalance in physiologic equilibrium between tooth mineral and biofilm fluid’.[1]  A consequence of dental caries being a complex disease is that on a population basis we may have success with a particular preventive oral program in one select segment of population in our country, but not necessarily in another segment with different cultural and behavioral habits.

Moreover, society and the dental community may need to organize our dental health care very differently in neighboring counties, and apply fluorides, tooth brushing protocols and flossing in very different ways (mouth rinsing, toothpaste, water fluoridation and supervised brushing etc.) to obtain rather similar caries reductions from one locale to another.

Contrary to urban lore, the mouth is connected to the body.  So, whatever directions caries research should take from here it will require a multidisciplinary approach to solving complex problems and should be included in a well-planned healthcare approach. More than ever, well-educated clinical dentists set the stage and should be included in collaboration with colleagues trained in the multitude of new fields in the basic sciences (biophysics, functional genomics, proteomics, chemical biology, nano-technology, etc.) to address clinically relevant questions.

A higher standard of oral healthcare well planned.  Get the facts, ask the Right Smile Center.  If we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-404-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

[1] Fejerskov O, Nyvad B: Is dental caries an infectious disease? Diagnostic and treatment consequences for the practitioner; in Schou L (ed): Nordic Dentistry 2003 Yearbook. Copenhagen, Quintessence Publishing, 2003, pp 141– 151.

Oral healthcare and the cancer patient

Sandy Springs Dentist – A higher standard through healthcare well planned

Management of a patient being treated for cancer, particularly where the cancer treatment is located near the head and neck should involve your oral healthcare provider, i.e. your dentist.  Unfortunately, there are very few published studies or guidelines on how to manage the cancer patient during therapy.  Accordingly, there is considerable variation across the medical community relative to specific non-medicated approaches to baseline oral care.

Oral-facial complications are common after radiotherapy to the head and neck, and after chemo-therapy for malignant diseases. Oral Mucositis, also called stomatitis is the most frequent and debilitating complication of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy, occurring in about 40% of patients. Oral mucositis is inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth which ranges from redness to severe ulceration. Symptoms of mucositis vary from pain and discomfort to an inability to tolerate food or fluids.[1]

All patients at risk should receive a standardized oral care regime as an ongoing component of their cancer therapy.  Additional interventions may include dental brushing with toothpaste, dental flossing, ice chips, and sodium bicarbonate rinses. These regimens typically include dental work to eliminate caries and existing gum disease before beginning cancer treatment, followed by thorough and frequent cleaning of the oral cavity with a variety of products, some form of pain relief, anti-inflammatory treatment as required and aggressive antimicrobial treatment for any new mouth infections.[2] Patient compliance with these agents can be maximized by comprehensive overseeing by the oral healthcare professional.

Get the facts, ask the Right Smile Center.  If we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC.

ZoAnna Scheinfeld Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

[1] http://oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/pdf/mucositis.pdf

[2] Ibid.

Periodontal disease and Alcohol

In a recent study in the Journal of Periodontology, Brazilian researchers found the consumption of alcoholic beverages to have adverse effects on the health of a person’s gums, aggravating existing cases of severe periodontal disease or increasing periodontal disease risk factors.   Moreover, other research indicates that poor oral hygiene is a common trait in alcohol users, thus increasing the drinkers’ susceptibility to developing periodontal disease.

“Although the topic of alcohol use and its effect on periodontal health requires further research, this report offers valuable insight on why our patients should care for their gums and teeth, especially if they enjoy the occasional drink,” remarked Joan Otomo-Corgel, DDS, MPH, president of the American Academy of Periodontology.

In the study researchers assessed a sample of 542 regular alcohol users, occasional drinkers, and non-drinkers both with and without periodontitis.[1]  Some key findings noted in the study include:

· The severity of a regular alcohol user’s existing periodontitis correlated incrementally with the frequency of his or her alcohol consumption.
· Drinkers without periodontitis saw an increased incidence of gums that bled with gentle manipulation.
· More frequently than the non-drinkers in the study, drinkers who did not have periodontitis presented clinical attachment levels of four millimeters or greater.[2]
· Drinkers without periodontitis exhibited a higher presence of plaque than their non-drinking counterparts.

Apparently, the consumption of alcohol slows the production of saliva, which neutralizes the acids produced by plaque, and an accumulation of these acids can lead to the early stages of periodontal disease.  Thus it is important to determine whether or not the patient is consuming alcohol in order to determine appropriate treatment solution.

Our in-house periodontal services (gum treatments) may be a necessary part of your oral health care. More than 50% of the adult population has some level of gum disease, which generally occurs when bacteria are caught between the tooth and gum. These bacteria without proper treatment slowly destroy the structure that supports your teeth and will eventually lead to a loss of the affected teeth and continued periodontitis if already present.

Your visits to pur dentist are as important as your visits to your physician which is why in our Sandy Springs or Chamblee office we recommend our patients see us at least 2 times per year.  If we can be of assistance please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta, GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30041

770-455-6076

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

[1] “Alcohol Consumption and Periodontitis: Quantification of Periodontal Pathogens and Cytokines”,
[2] 4mm or deeper pocket depths requires addition periodontal treatment.

 

Dentist Sandy Springs: Dental Plaque Cancer Indicator?

New research suggests that people who have more plaque on their teeth and gums are more likely to die prematurely from cancer.  According to the June 11 edition of BMJ[1] Open findings this is only a correlation, not a cause and effect relationship.

In the study, nearly 1,400 Swedish adults were followed for 24 years.  During this time, 58 of the subjects died, 35 from cancer.[2]  Specifically, people with high amounts of dental plaque were 79 percent more likely to die prematurely.  That said, the absolute risk of any person with dental plaque dying early of cancer was low.[3]

Although the study did not examine the causal connection, underlying inflammation may be the common denominator.  Calling the new findings “interesting,” Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society, said they raise more questions than they answer.

 “This study does not answer the question of whether or not dental plaque leads to cancer death,” he said. “We only know how many people died, so we don’t know if there is an increase in the incidence of cancer among people with plaque, or if, perhaps, it renders them more susceptible to treatment-associated infection.”[4]

While insurance companies only pay for two visits, we think the growing evidence of how your oral health care relates to your global health indicates that you should have your teeth cleaned at least 3, if not 4 times per year.  As long as I have been practicing, I have been ethically driven to inform you of your needs.  Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t take an oath of professionalism.  Learn more about healthy teeth and gums at the American Dental Association.  If we can be of service or answer any of your oral health questions, please do not hesitate to contact us or schedule a complementary consultations.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

 

[1] Formerly the British Medical Journal

[2] June 11, 2012, BMJ Open

[3] http://news.health.com/2012/06/12/does-more-dental-plaque-mean-higher-chances-of-dying-from-cancer/

[4] Len Lichtenfeld, M.D., deputy chief medical officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta

Overcoming Dental Fears – Dentist Sandy Springs

Experts on Webmd share tips to help you overcome your fear of the dental chair.

Don’t Fear the Dentist

Fortunately, our dentists are specially trained in handling fearful patients; a variety of methods and treatments are available to reduce pain and alleviate fear in the dentist’s chair.

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/dont-fear-the-dentist

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Scheinfeld 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

http://www.rightsmilecenter.com

 

Oral Health in America – Dentist Sandy Springs

For too long, the perception that oral health is in some way less important than and separate from general health has been deeply ingrained in American consciousness.  Most adults show signs of periodontal or gingival diseases.  Severe periodontal disease (measured as 6 millimeters of periodontal attachment loss) affects about 14 percent of adults aged 45-54.

A Report of the Surgeon General[1]:

• Oral health is more than healthy teeth.
• Oral diseases and disorders in and of themselves affect health and well-being throughout life.
• The mouth reflects general health and well-being.
• Oral diseases and conditions are associated with other health problems.
• Lifestyle behaviors that affect general health such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, and poor dietary choices affect oral and craniofacial health as well.
• Safe and effective measures exist to prevent the most common dental diseases—dental caries and periodontal diseases.
• There are profound and consequential oral health disparities within the U.S. population.
• More information is needed to improve America’s oral health and eliminate health disparities.
• Scientific research is key to further reduction in the burden of diseases and disorders that affect the face, mouth, and teeth.

Oral diseases are progressive and cumulative and become more complex over time.  They can affect your ability to eat, the foods we choose, how we look, and the way we communicate.  These diseases can affect economic productivity and compromise your ability to work at home, at school, or on the job.  Health disparities exist across population groups at all ages and incomes.

Oral health is essential to general health and well-being and can be achieved.  However, a number of barriers hinder the ability of some Americans from attaining optimal oral health. If we can be of service and eliminate some of these barriers, we’d like to help.  Our goals are to promote oral health, improve the quality of your life and eliminate oral health disparities.  Please contact us.

 Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 290A

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

[1] Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, 2000.