Acid Indigestion and Dental Health

Robert D. Follweiler D.D.S., P.A.

Periodontology and Laser Technology

901 East Ocean Boulevard

Stuart,  Florida    34994  772-283-1400

Please visit our Web Site @ Follweilerperio.com 

      

 

From time to time most people experience indigestion in one form or another. Heartburn or acid indigestion is usually treated successfully with antacids such as Tums or Rolaids. However there are some people that suffer more severe frequent heartburn and indigestion leading to a condition called GERD or Gastro- esophageal Reflux Disease.

With GERD stomach acids come up into the esophagus irritating the lining. These same stomach acids may come into the mouth as well. Some symptoms of reflux disease are: an acidic taste in the mouth, bad breath, inflamed gum tissue, problems swallowing, a feeling of hoarseness in the voice, a burning tongue, or burning belches after eating. Untreated GERD may lead to more serious problems, even esophageal cancer.

When tooth enamel is exposed to acidic conditions over time the enamel may etch and wear away. This etching makes teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet and sour foods. Exposure to acidic secretions may decalcify the teeth making them more prone to decay. This is especially true in areas of exposed root structures due to gum recession caused by periodontal disease. 

 

 

 Many patients who clean their teeth faithfully are frustrated by the fact that they frequently develop tooth decay. They are mystified that even with their best efforts they still are getting cavities. One explanation may be that acid reflux is making them more susceptible to dental decay. Twenty percent of patients with GERD are unaware they have a problem.

 

 Dental hygienists are often the first member of the dental team to notice that teeth are being decalcified. Frequent dental examinations, diet changes, night guards, small frequent meals and not eating at least two to three hours before bed may help. There are many medications to control GERD and a physician referral may be necessary if GERD is going untreated. Protect you periodontal health and prevent dental decay by understanding GERD.

 

Cavities… Not Just Kid Stuff !!!!!

Robert D. Follweiler D.D.S.

                         Periodontology                                

901 East Ocean Boulevard Stuart, Florida 34994

772-283-1400                772-283-1401  FAX

 Visit us on the web at www.Follweilerperio.com        

                             Cavities…

When children are growing up a certain amount of dental decay is a fairly regular occurrence.  As we become adults and have better oral hygiene cavities should become less of a problem.  Believe it or not there is a period of time when there is a reoccurrence of the “cavity prone years”.  According to the American Dental Association “ Dental decay is the most prevalent decease affecting humanity. Teeth  decay due to a combination of causes that include bad oral hygiene, stagnation of food on or around the teeth, presence of plaque on the tooth structure and the presence of caries causing microorganisms.” A large percent of dental caries in adults start on root surfaces and at the gum line.

Two primary causes of adult dental decay in people who perform basic oral hygiene techniques at home are the presence of gum recession and changes in a person’s saliva. Gum recession may occur because of periodontal disease, improper brushing or bruxism (excessive tooth grinding and clenching).

When gum tissues recede plaque collects along the root surfaces. These root surfaces are made of dentin, a material much softer than enamel. This erosion of the root surface is where the decay occurs. In any location  of the mouth where gum recession has occurred a tooth’s root will be exposed. It is difficult to keep these areas clean and plaque free without special instructions  and equipment  from your periodontist  or dentist.

Changes in saliva may also contribute to dental decay in adults. Saliva contains a buffering agent that can neutralize the acid created by the bacteria that  cause tooth demineralization (tooth decay). Saliva also contains antibacterial agents that can inhibit the proliferation of oral bacteria.

Any alterations in the quantity and quality of one’s saliva will reduce the benefits saliva provides. Reduction in saliva or dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia) may be caused by the aging process, medications or illness. To prevent cavities in the presence of reduced saliva one should: chew sugarless gum, take extra care with oral hygiene before bed when saliva flow is the lowest, drink plenty of fluids on a frequent basis and check with your physician regarding the possible side effects of your medications.

Tooth decay  affects young and old alike. To keep your teeth cavity free see your dental professional on a regular basis and be prepared to take extra measures as you mature.

 Cavities are not just kids stuff.

For more information please call our office or visit our web site.

 

 

 

 

Bad Breath: Causes, Concerns and Possible Cures

  Robert D. Follweiler D.D.S., P.A. Periodontology and Laser Technology

  Creating and Maintaining Foundations of Oral Health

   901 East Ocean Boulevard

   Stuart, Florida 34994  772-283-1400-      

   Please visit our web site www.Follweilerperio.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________    

There are several causes of bad breath, an embarrassing condition that troubles everyone from time to time. However constant and unrelenting bad breath or halitosis may be more of a concern. Bad breath may be caused by eating certain foods, poor dental hygiene, smoking, dry mouth, medications, sinus conditions and periodontal disease. It may also be caused by certain other systemic illnesses such as kidney and liver disease, pulmonary or bronchial problems and intestinal disorders.  

For the majority of people, 80-90% of those who have bad breath, the single most frequent cause are bacteria that live in the mouth. The waste products produced by some oral bacteria are sulfur compounds and it is these sulfur compounds that often cause breath problems.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection located in the tissues surrounding the teeth. Advanced forms of periodontal disease typically result in serious damage to the bone that holds the teeth in place. As this bone damage occurs, deep spaces form between the teeth and gums (termed periodontal pockets). These pockets provide an ideal location in which bacteria thrive and multiply and this is the cause of a person’s smelly breath.  Periodontal disease frequently produces a very strong distinctive foul odor that often discloses gum disease before a patient has actually been examined. Researchers have also found that the amount of volatile sulfur coating on the tongue of a person with periodontal disease is 4X greater than in people who do not have gum disease. Once deep gum pockets have formed a periodontist or other dental professional is needed to remove the bacterial infection that cannot be effectively treated with tooth brushing and flossing at home. 

There are new and exciting methods of treating periodontal disease that do not involve surgery. A revolutionary alternative to traditional gum surgery is the Millennium PerioLase which is the NO CUT/ NO SEW /NO FEAR approach to treating gum disease.

 

 

Scientist are also now suggesting that ORAL PROBIOTICS may be the greatest weapon against bad breath since the invention of the tooth brush.  These “Good Guy” bacteria control the growth of the bad bacteria living in the mouth and may reduce the risk of everything from gingivitis to full blown periodontal disease.

 

Continual bad breath may be an indication of a larger more involved dental or systemic problem. It makes sense to go to the dentist and find a solution before a minor problem becomes a major concern.

 

 

 Please call the office for more information.

 

Periodontal Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease – Is There a Connection?

Robert D. Follweiler  D.D.S.,P.A. Periodontology and Laser Technology

Creating and Maintaining  Foundations of Oral Health

901 East Ocean Boulevard  Stuart Florida 34994  772-283-1400        

                                                                       

                                                       Please visit our web site www.Follweilerperio.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________

                     

According to studies at New York University published in August of 2010 periodontal disease may signal a risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive dysfunction refers to the brains diminished ability to process information.

Study leader Dr. Angela Kamer and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis involving 20 years of data that supports a possible causal link between periodontal disease, or gum inflammation, and Alzheimer's disease, which involves brain inflammation. "The research suggests that cognitively normal subjects with periodontal inflammation are at an increased risk of lower cognitive function compared to cognitively normal subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation," Kamer said in a statement.

Kamer's team then compared cognitive function at ages 50 and 70, using the Digit Symbol Test, a part of the standard measurement of adult IQ. The researchers did an analysis of periodontal inflammation and cognitive function in 152 subjects in the Glistered Aging Study, involving Danish men and women over a 20-year period ending in 1984, when the subjects were all age 70.

The study found that periodontal inflammation at age 70 was strongly associated with lower Digit Symbol Test scores at age 70. Subjects with periodontal inflammation were nine times more likely to test in the lower range of the Digit Symbol test compared to subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation.

 Periodontal or gum disease leads to loss of bone and other supporting structures in the mouth. This bone loss accounts for the great majority of tooth loss in adults.  Tooth loss is a significant predictor of mortality independent of health factors, socio-economic status, and lifestyle in older adults, with a stronger association in females.

These two factors alone show how constant inflammation and infection in the mouth may affect the entire body. Stop periodontal disease at the earliest stages and protect your entire body.

 

Care During Cancer

 Robert Follweiler D.D.S

 Periodontology on the Treasure Coast

 

    How to Maintain Your Oral Health During Cancer Therapy

                                                                From the American Academy of Periodontology

 

According to the National Institute of dental and Craniofacial Research  (NIDCR) of the 1.2 million people diagnosed with cancer each year, approximately 400,000 will develop oral complications from their treatments. Unfortunately, many patients do not receive oral care until serious, painful complications develop.

Common side effects of cancer treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation can wreak havoc on your overall health and quality of life. During radiation and chemotherapy not only are the cancer cells destroyed but also normal cells, including the ones in your mouth can be affected. The type of treatment, the intensity and duration can be reduced or discontinued altogether if the side effects become too significant.  Proper nutrition and hydration (liquid intake) are critical as you progress in your cancer treatment and a painful mouth can make eating and drinking adequately very difficult.

 

Oral Complications of Cancer Treatments:

1. Inflamed gums, mouth ulcers and infection
2. Dry mouth
3. Difficulty speaking, chewing and swallowing
4. Dental decay or erosion of the tooth’s enamel and root
5. Loss of taste sensation
6. Jaw stiffness
7. Delayed healing

 

How You Can Help Yourself?

Prior to starting your cancer treatment it is very important that you go to a periodontist or other dental professional to evaluate your existing oral health. Because tissues take longer to heal during cancer therapy, oral surgery is not recommended during cancer therapy. By having an evaluation before cancer therapy begins you will eliminate any problems that could intensify or interfere with your cancer treatment.

 

       Daily Oral Hygiene Routine During Cancer Treatment

Your periodontist or dentist will likely suggest an oral hygiene routine for you to follow at home that is designed to reduce periodontal bacteria and minimize the complications that cancer treatments may cause. Adequate oral hygiene may prevent problems that cause pain and discomfort in your mouth. The following suggestions may keep you as healthy and comfortable as possible: 

1. Using warm water and a soft toothbrush, gently brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after every meal and before bed. If using a toothbrush is too uncomfortable moistened a cotton swab and go along the areas where food may become trapped. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Floss teeth gently every day and temporarily avoid areas if gums are sore or bleeding. Go back to those tender areas as they improve.
3. Your dentist may prescribe topical fluoride rinses to help your teeth resist dental decay. The susceptibility to dental decay may increase due to a “dry mouth” or lack of saliva caused by radiation and some chemotherapy agents. Avoid any mouthwashes that contain alcohol as well as carbonated or caffeinated beverages because these contain chemicals that dry the mouth.
4. If your mouth becomes sore rinse a few times a day with ¼ teaspoon baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth with this solution and follow this with a plain warm water rinse.
5. Avoid candy, soft drinks, and food that contain sugar. Also avoid toothpicks, tobacco products and alcohol. 

Taking Special Care of Yourself

At this challenging time it is vital that you make every effort to stay as comfortable as possible. For instance if dry mouth is a persistent problem you should try sipping cool water often or allow ice chips to melt in your mouth You may also chew sugarless gum or candy and apply lip balm frequently. Use a humidifier in your bedroom to lessen nighttime dryness and ask your periodontist about a prescription saliva substitute or medications that can stimulate saliva.  As mentioned before, proper nutrition is a must during your treatment. Eat foods that are east-to-chew and that are lukewarm not hot. You can use sauces, milk and yogurt or a blender to soften your food and make swallowing easier. If nausea and vomiting are problems be sure to rinse every time you vomit with ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to one cup of warm water.  This will keep the stomach acids from wearing away the enamel of your teeth. If your diet is compromised vitamins and other nutritional supplements are often needed.

 

Finally, establish a close relationship with a periodontist or other dental professional so that you will be able to access the help you need before and after your cancer treatment. Prompt answers to your questions offer great relief when you are facing medical treatment of any kind. 

 

We are here to help you get through your cancer treatments with as few complications as possible. Please allow us to participate in your care.

Please call us @772-283-1400

      

Robert Follweiler D.D.S.   Periodontology & Laser Technology

901 East Ocean Boulevard

Stuart, Florida 34994

 

 

 

 

Wash Away Gum Disease? Why Not?

  Robert D. Follweiler  D.D.S.,P.A. Periodontology and Laser Technology

  Creating and Maintaining  Foundations of Oral Health

   901 East Ocean Boulevard  Stuart Florida 34994  772-283-1400-     Email PerioF1@BellSouth.net 

    Please visit our web site www.Follweilerperio.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

 Oral Irrigators and Oral Health

 Today many patients not concerned with dental decay state that their two main concerns regarding their dental health are bad breath and periodontal disease. The usual culprit  causing  both bad breath and gum disease is the same, plaque and the biofilm it creates.  The bacteria in this biofilm do not like to be disturbed so that they can continue to reproduce sending toxins into the mouth which lead to bad breath and gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and periodontal disease has been linked to many other systemic disease such as heart and lung diseases, pre- term and  low birth weight babies as well as poor glucose control in diabetics. Approximately 95%  of Americans with diabetes also have periodontal disease, due in part to an increased susceptibility to infection. Estimates are that over 50% of the adult population have some form of periodontal disease and don’t know it.

There are several methods of disturbing this biofilm and the most widely practiced  are tooth brushing and flossing. Most people brush their teeth at least once a day but fewer floss. Some folks have a difficult time flossing or they just won’t. An alternative is the water irrigator that has been around since the 1960’s. An oral irrigator is a dental device that uses a pulsating jet of water to flush plaque and food debris from between teeth and below the gum line.  Oral irrigators are especially helpful for people with orthodontic appliances, crown and bridge work, dental implants, are physically challenged and those who have  periodontal disease and  are unable to get floss and other cleaning implements down into their deeper pockets. 

Oral irrigation reduces plaque, biofilm, calculus, gingivitis, bleeding, periodontal pockets and a host of inflammatory processes by lowering the bacterial count in the mouth. Improved oral health may just be a spray away. Give it a try and see the results in a very short time.

Are You Sick of Being Sick?

  Robert D. Follweiler  D.D.S.,P.A. Periodontology and Laser Technology

        Creating and Maintaining  Foundations of Oral Health

           901 East Ocean Boulevard  Stuart Florida 34994  772-283-1400-

          Email-l PerioF1@BellSouth.net    Please visit our web site www.Follweilerperio.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

                                                 Pneumonia and Periodontal Disease 

 

Pneumonia is a potentially fatal disease claiming the lives of many adults. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue caused by several factors and is often caused by infection. This infection can be caused by various micro-organisms- such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites as well as inhaling smoke from a fire or fumes from corrosive chemicals. However, half of all cases are caused by bacteria.   Patients living in congregate situations such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities are especially susceptible to this aggressive disease.

 

Scientist warn that poor dental hygiene and gum disease could be  dangerous precursors to pneumonia and that pneumonia sufferers may be more likely to die from the disease if they already have deep gum pockets caused by periodontal (gum ) disease. Bacterial chest infections are believed to be caused by breathing in fine droplets from the mouth into the throat and lungs. Well documented studies have suggested that the oral cavity, mainly of individuals with periodontal infections and poor oral hygiene, could be considered a reservoir of bacteria and therefore possibly set the stage for developing lung disease.

 

Gum disease is the result of the over growth of “bad bacteria” in the mouth causing infection, pain, bleeding gums and tooth loss. In the earliest stages of gum disease there is often NO pain at all. Patients may just notice bad breath, receding gums or sensitive teeth.  Devastating consequences of poor oral health can include a variety of local and systemic illnesses including gum disease, local abscess formation, rapid spread of infection through the oral tissues and infective endocarditis which is an infection of the heart valve.

 

It therefore makes sense to take great care of your oral health and seek regular dental checkups to prevent serious health consequences from developing. Gum disease in the early stages is controllable and economic to treat. Ignoring the signs and symptoms may cost you more than dollars and cents.

 

 Call our office for more information and a complete periodontal evaluation.