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Posts for: July, 2018

Managing Gum Disease Could Benefit Other Conditions You May Have

By Smile Designers
July 23, 2018
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral health   gum disease  
ManagingGumDiseaseCouldBenefitOtherConditionsYouMayHave

Nearly half of all Americans have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. Without proper daily hygiene and treatment, this aggressive disease can ultimately cause tooth loss. It also appears the effects of gum disease reach beyond the mouth, as researchers have found relationships between it and other systemic diseases.

Inflammation, the body’s response to infection, is at the center of these relationships. In the case of gum disease, periodontal tissues become inflamed as the body attempts to isolate and fight the infection. If the inflammation becomes chronic, however, it will begin to damage gum tissues.

Inflammation is also a major feature of diabetes, a condition in which the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Without enough of this hormone that transforms sugar into usable energy for the body, the sugar accumulates in the blood stream; as a result, the patient becomes more susceptible to an exaggerated inflammatory response when the body encounters an infection. This is especially true for periodontal infections: the resulting inflammation can be greater and harder to control in diabetic patients. What’s more, uncontrolled gum disease may worsen their blood sugar levels.

Although not as prominent as with diabetes, cardiovascular disease also seems to share a connection with gum disease. This collection of chronic conditions like high blood pressure or restricted blood vessel flow raises the risk of heart attack or stroke. Like gum disease, inflammation is a major component in the progression of cardiovascular disease — in fact, both diseases leave similar chemical “markers” in the blood that indicate their early development.

Ongoing research has also produced some promising treatment findings for both gum disease and inflammatory diseases, which also include osteoporosis, respiratory disease and rheumatoid arthritis. We’re now finding in many cases that treating one side of the disease connection can have positive effects on the other side. For example, diabetics who receive professional treatment for gum disease may see better blood sugar control.

With this in mind, the best approach is to practice effective, daily oral hygiene to reduce the risk of gum disease, coupled with regular office cleanings and checkups. Not only will this help you maintain optimum oral health, it may also contribute to better management of other conditions you may have.

If you would like more information on the relationship between periodontal (gum) disease and other diseases, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Good Oral Health Leads to Better Health Overall.”


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4 Diet Changes You Should Make for Better Oral Health

By Smile Designers
July 13, 2018
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral health   nutrition  
4DietChangesYouShouldMakeforBetterOralHealth

One of the most popular subjects in books, magazines and social media is food — the things we should or should not eat (or at least not too much). While losing weight is a popular focus, it's only one part of the whole — a balanced diet that supplies the nutrients we need to be healthy.

What you eat can also make a difference in your oral health. Here are 4 changes you should make to your dietary habits to cut down on the risk of dental disease.

Adopt a nutritionally sound diet plan. When we say diet, we're not talking about the latest weight-loss sensation — we mean a planned way of eating for life. For most people, that's a balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, protein and dairy. Your teeth and gums have the best chance of remaining strong and healthy with a nutrient-rich diet.

Manage your sugar intake. Sugar and similar carbohydrates are a rich food source for bacteria that cause dental disease. It's important then that you keep your sugar consumption within limits: don't eat more than six teaspoons of processed sugar a day (or three for a child); avoid sugary snacks between meals; and try to satisfy your sweet tooth with the natural sugars found in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Cut back on acidic beverages. Sodas, juices, sports and energy drinks are all the rage. They're also high in acid, which at chronic levels can soften and erode tooth enamel. So, try to drink them only at meal times and avoid sipping on them over long periods. And, if you're hydrating yourself after moderate work or exercise, try nature's perfect hydrator — water.

Avoid eating before bedtime. A good portion of the acid in our mouths after we eat can be neutralized by saliva. As we sleep, though, our saliva flow slows down and doesn't have the same buffering power as it does during the day. So, try not to eat as least an hour before you turn in for the night, especially foods with added sugar.

If you would like more information on nutrition and oral health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Nutrition & Oral Health.”


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How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss

By Smile Designers
July 03, 2018
Category: Oral Health
Tags: celebrity smiles   oral hygiene  
HowBigBangTheoryActressMayimBialikGetsHerKidstoFloss

How many actresses have portrayed a neuroscientist on a wildly successful TV comedy while actually holding an advanced degree in neuroscience? As far as we know, exactly one: Mayim Bialik, who plays the lovably geeky Amy Farrah Fowler on CBS' The Big Bang Theory… and earned her PhD from UCLA.

Acknowledging her nerdy side, Bialik recently told Dear Doctor magazine, “I'm different, and I can't not be different.” Yet when it comes to her family's oral health, she wants the same things we all want: good checkups and great-looking smiles. “We're big on teeth and oral care,” she said. “Flossing is really a pleasure in our house.”

How does she get her two young sons to do it?

Bialik uses convenient pre-loaded floss holders that come complete with floss and a handle. “I just keep them in a little glass right next to the toothbrushes so they're open, no one has to reach, they're just right there,” she said. “It's really become such a routine, I don't even have to ask them anymore.”

As many parents have discovered, establishing healthy routines is one of the best things you can do to maintain your family's oral health. Here are some other oral hygiene tips you can try at home:

Brush to the music — Plenty of pop songs are about two minutes long… and that's the length of time you should brush your teeth. If brushing in silence gets boring, add a soundtrack. When the music's over — you're done!

Flossing can be fun — If standard dental floss doesn't appeal, there are many different styles of floss holders, from functional ones to cartoon characters… even some with a martial-arts theme! Find the one that your kids like best, and encourage them to use it.

The eyes don't lie — To show your kids how well (or not) they are cleaning their teeth, try using an over-the-counter disclosing solution. This harmless product will temporarily stain any plaque or debris that got left behind after brushing, so they can immediately see where they missed, and how to improve their hygiene technique — which will lead to better health.

Have regular dental exams & cleanings — When kids see you're enthusiastic about going to the dental office, it helps them feel the same way… and afterward, you can point out how great it feels to have a clean, sparkling smile.

For more information about oral hygiene, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can read the interview with Mayim Bialik in the latest issue of Dear Doctor magazine.


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Archive:

  • 2019
      • December (1)
        • Dakota Johnson and Her Missing Tooth Gap Sparks Online Debate
      • November (3)
        • Pros and Cons for Flossing Before Brushing and Vice-Versa
        • The Major Benefits of Early Childhood Dental Visits
        • 3 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Crown Restoration
      • October (3)
        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
        • See How Well You're Removing Daily Plaque with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
        • Here's What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening
      • September (3)
        • Know the Facts Before you Go Abroad for Dental Care
        • How Shawn Mendes and Miley Cyrus Got Their Stellar Smiles
        • That Painful, Irritating Feeling Could be Burning Mouth Syndrome
      • August (3)
        • See Your Dentist if You Have one of these Top 3 Oral Problems
        • Cleaning Around Implants Crucial to Protecting Them from Loss
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
      • July (3)
        • Advancing Gum Disease Requires Thorough Treatment to Control it
        • Baby Your Teeth and Gums During Pregnancy
        • 4 Affordable Ways to Transform Your Smile for a Once-In-A-Lifetime Moment
      • June (3)
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • 3 Things to Watch Out for to Protect Your Oral Appliance
        • Consider an Effective and Affordable RPD for Teeth Replacement
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        • Stop Wearing Your Dentures While You Sleep!
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • Your Teenager not Ready for an Implant? Here's What We Can Do Instead
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        • Why Bear a Chipped Tooth?
        • A Dental Exam Could Uncover an Eating Disorder
        • Lady Gaga Wasn't "Born This Way?"
      • March (3)
        • We can Fix a Smile Marred by Absent Front Teeth
        • A Low Sugar, High Fiber Diet will Help Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
        • Preventing Dental Disease Starts with Assessing Your Unique Risk
      • February (3)
        • NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
        • Implant-Supported Dentures Provide Better Fit and may Stop Bone Loss
        • Timing is Everything When Replacing a Teenager's Missing Tooth
      • January (3)
        • Flossing Daily Around Implants will Help Prevent Losing Your Bridge
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
        • Practice the Dental Care Basics to Ensure a Healthy Smile
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Stop Smoking to Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease
        • Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
      • November (3)
        • Cleaning Your Oral Appliance Extends its Life and Ensures Good Health
        • What Athletes Have to Tell Us About Oral Health
        • Consider a Removable Partial Denture as a Temporary Solution After Tooth Loss
      • October (4)
        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
        • Good Oral Hygiene Isn't Just for Teeth
        • Certain Factors May Raise Your Risk and the Intensity of Gum Disease
        • Composite Resin Could Transform Your Tooth's Appearance in Just one Visit
      • September (3)
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
        • Regular Screenings Could Help With Early Oral Cancer Detection
        • The Type of Tooth Pain You Have Could be Telling You What's Wrong
      • August (3)
        • Partial Dentures: an Affordable Alternative to More Expensive Restorations
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
        • 3 Reasons for Blood Pressure Checks During Dental Visits
      • July (3)
        • Managing Gum Disease Could Benefit Other Conditions You May Have
        • 4 Diet Changes You Should Make for Better Oral Health
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
      • June (3)
        • Put an End to Uncomfortable and Embarrassing Cracked Mouth Corners
        • Dental Offices Hold to the Highest Standards to Protect Patients from Infection
        • How to Clean Your Oral Appliance
      • May (3)
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
        • Local Anesthesia Provides a More Pleasant and Thorough Dental Experience
        • Implant-Supported Dentures Could Contribute to Better Bone Health
      • April (2)
        • Don't Let Sports or Energy Drinks Rob you of Your Teeth's Enamel
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
      • March (2)
        • Only a Dental Exam can Identify the Root Cause of Your Tooth Pain
        • What Is A Baby Tooth Worth?
      • February (3)
        • Your teeth and jaws under pressure
        • Teens with Missing Teeth may need a Temporary Fix Until They're Older
        • How Teeth Whitening Brings Out Tara Lipinski's Winning Smile
      • January (3)
        • A Healthy Diet Could Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer
        • Root Decay in Your Later Years Could Endanger Your Teeth
        • Dentures Still an Effective Restoration for Total Tooth Loss
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
        • Give Yourself the Gift of a New Smile
      • November (3)
        • Treatment Options to Keep Stress From Causing Dental Problems
        • Be Thankful for Good Oral Health
        • Fix Your Smile Discreetly
      • October (3)
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • Oral Health Can Prove Challenging in Your Senior Years
        • Why Dental Care is Even More Important When You're Pregnant
      • September (2)
        • Is Your Smile Too Gummy? Here's How We Might Be Able to Improve it
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
      • August (3)
        • Find and Treat the Actual Source of Tooth Pain to Relieve it
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • The Benefits Of Same Day Crowns
      • July (3)
        • You Don't have to Suffer from Irritating Canker Sores
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • A Mouthguard for NBA Star Isaiah Thomas
      • June (3)
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
        • The Importance of Having a Family Dentist
        • Plan Ahead to Make Your Smile the Best it can be for Your Big Day!
      • May (2)
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
        • Encourage Your College-Bound Child to Practice Good Oral Health Habits
      • April (2)
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Word Quiz on Oral Hygiene
      • March (2)
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • Dental Implants: a Durable, Life-Like Solution for your Tooth Loss
      • February (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
        • Restore a Flawed Tooth in as Little as One Visit with Composite Resin
      • January (3)
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
        • That Odd Looking Sore in Your Mouth is No Cause for Alarm
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
  • 2016
      • December (1)
        • Non-Prescription Pain Medication can Manage Most Post-Procedure Discomfort
      • November (3)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Eat Your Greens
        • Don't Let an Eating Disorder Wreck Oral Health
      • October (2)
        • Wellness Dentistry
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
      • July (18)
        • Dental Veneers and Smile Makeovers
        • The Purpose of Sports Drinks Are Being Misunderstood And Our Children Are At Risk
        • 5 symptoms that shouldn’t wait for your next scheduled check-up
        • Wednesday Morning Meal Ritual
        • Tooth Whitening with Sinsational Smile
        • It’s Not Just Dental Cleaning
        • A Healthy Recipes for Kids Dental Care
        • Chisel Your Way to Beauty
        • Needles Cure Phobia of Needles
        • Worst Food for Your Teeth
        • Healthy Recipes for Kids Dental Care
        • Cosmetic Dentistry is not just for Vanity
        • Essential Oils
        • Prenatal Dairy Consumption
        • Dental Treatment for Sleep Apnea & Snoring
        • Floss or be Flaccid
        • The Benefits of Straight Teeth
        • How You Can Benefit from New Dental Technology

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Gresham, OR Cosmetic & Family Dentist
Smile Designers
1867 NW Civic Drive Gresham, OR 97030
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