ALCOHOL AND ORAL HEALTH

  Robert D. Follweiler, D.D.S.

  Periodontology and Laser Technology

  901 East Ocean Boulevard   Stuart, Florida 34994

  772-283-1400

 Please visit us on the web  FollweilerPerio.com        

 

 

ALCOHOL AND ORAL HEALTH

 

 

Believe it or not alcohol abuse is often first detected in the dental office. Many adults are “closet drinkers” and even close friends and family members are unaware that their loved one or friend is abusing alcohol. These individuals have perfected ways of hiding their problem and seem to function, hold down jobs and care for their family adequately enough to hide their secret. Alcohol abuse in older adults often goes unnoticed by health care professionals because the natural aging process hides the symptoms.

 

 The United States Center for Disease Control defines” heavy” drinking as more than two drinks per day for men and more than one drink per day for women. “Moderate” drinking is defined as less than that per day. Alcohol abuse affects every system in the body. Excessive alcohol intake may be responsible for pancreatic and liver disease, weakened immune system resulting in frequent infections, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, nutritional deficiencies and increased risk of cancer.

 

Dental care professionals are often the first line of defense in the early detection of oral cancer, which affects approximately 34,000 people in the United States every year, resulting in approximately 6,900 deaths. Men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with oral cancer than women, and the average age of diagnosis is 62 years. More than 50% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the later stages resulting in poor survival rates. Only 50% of individuals with oral cancer survive longer than 5 years.

 

Some of the symptoms dentists see in patients with alcohol abuse problems are reduced salivary flow, (dry mouth leading to rampant decay) nutritional deficiencies, frequent infections and abscesses, painful, burning or swollen tongue. Additionally symptoms such as cracks and sores at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis) and oral candidiasis (thick white coating on tongue and cheeks) as well as red and inflamed gum tissues are often a very obvious signs of alcohol problems.  Psychological effects include cognitive problems, depression and dementia. Alcoholism is the third leading life-style related cause of death in the US and causes 79,000 deaths each year. 

Don’t be surprised or offended if your dental professional asks questions about your drinking habits.

 

They may be saving your teeth as well as your life.

Pregnancy and Oral Health

According to the Journal of Clinical Periodontology women experience more gingival inflammation in the second and third trimester of pregnancy as compared to the first trimester. This finding indicates that pregnant women should be aware of their dental health especially in the last trimesters of pregnancy. This in turn may reduce the bacterial load that can cause elevated inflammation and possible pre-term delivery.

 

Call our office and get your periodontal examination. Prevent preterm delivery! 772-283-1400

 

Get the Facts!

Periodontal Disease Fact Sheet

The Prevalence of Periodontal Disease

According to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of Americans aged 30 or older have periodontitis, the more advanced form of periodontal disease. This equals approximately 64.7 million Americans.

The Causes & Symptoms

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the soft and hard structures that support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums become swollen and red due to inflammation, which is the body’s natural response to the presence of harmful bacteria. In the more serious form of periodontal disease called periodontitis, the gums pull away from the tooth and supporting gum tissues are destroyed. Bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or eventually fall out.
Chronic periodontitis, the most advanced form of the disease, progresses relatively slowly in most people and is typically more evident in adulthood. Although inflammation as a result of a bacterial infection is behind all forms of periodontal disease, a variety of factors can influence the severity of the disease. Important risk factors include inherited or genetic susceptibility, smoking, lack of adequate home care, age, diet, health history, and medications.

The Perio-Systemic Connection

Several research studies have suggested that periodontal disease is connected to variety of other diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists believe that inflammation may be the basis for the link between these systemic diseases. While periodontists are experts in treating oral inflammation, additional research is needed to better understand how treating periodontal disease may reduce the risk of developing other inflammatory diseases.

Diagnosing Periodontal Disease

Periodontists typically rely on a visual assessment of the patient’s overall oral condition in addition to charting pocket depths with a periodontal probe. This visual/mechanical method of assessing periodontal disease status can only tell whether or not disease is present. There are other tests currently available that go beyond basic and subjective visual assessment to provide dental professionals with the detailed genetic and biological information required to better determine the appropriate treatment regimen for each individual patient. This information includes evaluating the inflammatory burden that is causing periodontal disease, as well as looking at the patient’s unique genetic susceptibility to periodontal disease.

From the American Academy of  Periodontology www.perio.org

 

Now that you know the facts, call our office and get the exam!

772-283-1400

Bad Breath and the Info to Remember!

                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Bad Breath: Things to Remember

 

1. Bad breath does not come from your stomach.

The esophagus prevents this from happening. The source of most bad breath is smelly waste excreted by sulfur-producing bacteria that live in the oral cavity.

 

2.   Everyone gets bad breath at some point.

 

Bad breath does not necessarily indicate poor oral hygiene or sloppy personal grooming. It simply means that there is an excess of sulfur-producing bacteria in a patient’s oral cavity. Dehydration, spicy foods, postnasal drip, some medications or other factors can easily create an environment where bacteria thrive, resulting in breath odor.

 

3. Consistent and careful brushing and flossing alone may not improve bad breath.

 

Sulfur-producing bacteria are anaerobic (they thrive in places where there is little air exchange) and hide in the back of the nasal sinus and under the surface of the tongue where brushing and flossing cannot reach.

 

4. There are products and solutions that can help prevent bad breath such as specific cleaning techniques, mouth rinses and oral probiotics.

 Call our office for more information!

772-283-1400

 

Gum Disease Risk Factors

From the American Academy of Periodontology

 

Gum Disease Risk Factors

The main cause of periodontal (gum) disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums.

Age

Studies indicate that older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that over 70% of Americans 65 and older have periodontitis.

Smoking/Tobacco Use

Tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. Tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. Studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

Genetics

Research has indicated that some people may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early intervention treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.

Stress

Stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. Stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.

Medications

Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.

Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth

Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.

Other Systemic Diseases

Other systemic diseases that interfere with the body's inflammatory system may worsen the condition of the gums. These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Poor Nutrition and Obesity

A diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body's immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Because periodontal disease begins as an infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums. In addition, research has shown that obesity may increase the risk of periodontal disease.

 

Dental Tips for Home Care

 

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

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             Tips  for  “AT HOME” Dental Care

Brushing your teeth is such an ingrained habit that we rarely give it a thought as we are going through the procedure. Like any other habit overtime without realizing it we become sloppy or hurried with our brushing. Maybe it’s time to review our oral hygiene techniques to prevent cavities and gum disease.

 

1.      Size does matter when selecting a tooth brush. If you have to strain to get the brush where it needs to go it is probably too big. Make sure the handle is comfortable to hold especially if you have a problem with gripping utensils.

2.      Electric or Manual? Depends on how thorough you tend to be. Many dentists agree that it’s “not the brush but the brusher”. An electric toothbrush may do a more thorough job and leave your teeth feeling like you just came from a dental hygiene visit but a regular tooth brush is adequate if the technique is good.

3.      Choose the right bristles.  Some people feel that the harder the bristles and the harder you scrub the better job you are doing. Not true.  Dentists recommend a soft bristle tooth brush that is sturdy enough to remove plaque but not so stiff that it damages the teeth and gum tissues.

4.      Brush at least twice daily, three times is better but no more than that. Brush for two minutes.

5.      When you brush remember the inner tooth surfaces or the ones on the tongue side and don’t forget your tongue.

6.      Rinse your tooth brush after each use and let it air dry to keep from putting “old plaque” back on your teeth

7.      Replace your tooth brush regularly.

 

  

           Give these tips a try and prevent cavities and gum disease.

 

Brutal Stats For Us Men to Face

 

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

To change you must do something different!

 

 

Men listen up!!!!

 

 

 

 

Men are less likely than women to take care of their physical health and, according to surveys and studies, their oral health is equally ignored.

 

 

Good oral health recently has been linked with longevity. Yet, one of the most common factors associated with infrequent dental checkups is just being male.

 

 

Men are less likely than women to seek preventive dental care and often neglect their oral health for years, visiting a dentist only when a problem arises.

 

 

When it comes to oral health, statistics show that the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day and will lose 5.4 teeth by age 72. If he smokes, he can plan on losing 12 teeth by age 72. Men are also more likely to develop oral and throat cancer and periodontal (gum) disease.

 

 

Let's change the stats together!                                                              Call our office today!