Bethesda Dentist

Taiwanese researchers found that yearly teeth cleanings at the dentist's office may cut the risk of heart attack by as much as 24 percent compared with those who avoid the treatment.  The research was presented to the American Heart Association in Orlando, Floriday in November 2011.

The study found that those who had their teeth scraped and polished by a dentist or dental hygienist also had a 13 percent lower risk of stroke than those who never had their teeth cleaned.  Having your teeth cleaned lowers bacteria in the mouth that can cause chronic inflammation.  Inflammation is associated with the formation of plaque in the blood vessels and hardening of the arteries that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Regular checkups and oral hygiene are very important to maintaining your dental and overall health.  Visit our website www.bestbethesdasmile.com to schedule an appoinment.

Many patients are concerned about infections causing osteonecrosis of the jaw after taking osteorporosis medications such as Fosomax and Boniva (Biphosphonates).

A recent summary by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs did an extensive review of the medical literature published May 2008 through February 2011, as well as a panel of expert opinions that relate to dentistry.

The panel concluded that the highest reliable estimate of osteonecrosis induced by taking antiresorptive agents to prevent osteoporosis was 0.10 percent, which is extremely low.  The osteonecrosis usually occurred on cancer patients that were medically compromised and taking IV biphosphonates.  The benefit of antiresorptive therapy far outweighs the low risk of osteoporosis for most patients.

To prevent any potential problems it is recommended to have a good oral health program consisting of sound oral hygiene practices and regular dental care.  Whe extensive work such as extractions need to be performed, we will consult with your physician to minimize any risk factors.

If you have any questions about osteonecrosis discuss this with our staff.  Further information can be found on the article in Journal of American Dental Association, Nov. 2011 p. 1243-1251.

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy, dazzling smile.  And while brushing and flossing are key, new research shows that eating these five foods can also help keep your gums in the pink. 

1. Salmon: This fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation all over the body, including the gums.  A study found that people who ate the most omega-3's slashed their risk of gingivitis by up to 20 percent.

2. Strawberries: They're bursting with vitamin C, which builds collagen, an important component of healthy gum tissue.  In fact, people who consume less than 60mg of C each day (the amount in six large strawberries) are 150 percent more likely to develop gingivitis.  But stay away from fizzy vitamin supplement drinks; they have been shown to erode tooth enamel.

3. Whole-grain bread: Whole grains contain iron and B vitamins-nutrients essential to gum health.  One large study found that eating three servings daily reduced the risk of gum disease by 23 percent. Barley, oatmeal, and brown rice count, too.

4. Green tea: Hot or iced, this brew is brimming with antioxidants that kill the bacteria that lead to gingivitis.  Bonus:  The beverage also wipes out the germs that cause bad breath.

5. Pistachios:  These nuts are rich in the antioxidant CoQ10, shown to fight gum inflammation.

Remember, brushing and flossing is key but a healthy diet also aids in maintaining a healthy, bright smile.

Accidents can happen during any physical activity.  A properly fitted mouthguard can help prevent broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw.  It will stay in place while you are wearing it, making it easy for you to talk and breath.  Visit our website www.bestbethesdasmile.com and learn more about having a custom mouthguard made specifically for you.  This will fit well and offer the best protection for your smile.

April is Oral Cancer Awarness Month.  The benefit of detecting any abnormal growth which could be oral cancer at an early stage greatly increases survival rates. 

In 2010, the National Cancer Institute estimated that 36,540 people were diagnosed with oral cancer, resulting in 7,880 deaths.  The five year survival rate for those diagnosed early is 75% compared to 20% survival rate in those whose cancer has spread.

Dr. Schlobohm routinely does an oral cancer screeing during your hygiene visit.  Check out my website at www.bestbethesdasmile.com to learn about some of the services we offer.

Mini implants can be a simple and cost effective solution for patients that experience problems with dentures.  Many patients have lost bone making it difficult to have a denture that is stable and retentive.  Often patients try denture adhesives but this does not always provide the comfort and retention needed. 

A patient recently had 4 mini implants placed and the new denture has attachements that "click" into these implants making a very stable and retentive denture.

This patient was very pleased with the outcome.  After going through a few sets of dentures from other dentists she was very pleased to finally have a comfortable and stable set of dentures.

Please visit our website at www.bestbethesdasmile.com to learn about some of the services we offer.

Fluoridated water has been shown to be effective at reducing the incidence of caries by 30-40% since adding it to public drinking water systems in the 1940's.  Today many children drink bottled or filtered water, and the incidence of cavities seems to be on the rise again.  At our office we recommend topical application of fluoride either as a gel or varnish when getting a dental prophylaxis.  We do not recommend fluoride tablets or drops as this may cause fluorosis, which manifests itself in discolored teeth.  Please go to the Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/17/AR2011011702905.html to read  more about this topic in a recent article.  Also learn more about dental services we offer at our website http://www.bestbethesdasmile.com.

Once a patient decides they want to take care of their oral health the results can be dramatic.  This patient had neglected to seek dental care for many years.  Note the excessive amounts of tartar (calculus) and gingival tissue irritation and redness.  Our non-surgical periodontal treatment regimen consists of the following:

• Oral hygiene intructions
• Removing calculus and tartar with hand scaling and ultrasonic scalers
• Micro laser to remove unhealthy tissue in the pockets around the teeth
• Special rinses to help the tissue heal and reduce bacteria around the gums

The results are a great improvement in this patient's oral health.  Some teeth that were loose and originally had a poor prognosis have rebounded well and this patient was able to keep all of their teeth!

Interesting case yesterday of how far we have advanced in implant dentistry.  A patient had a tooth with a fracture that needed to be extracted.   The tooth was extracted and an implant was placed immediately into the extraction socket.  Impressions were made and the very next day a fixed temporary crown was placed onto the new implant.  Conventionally the patient would have to wait 3-6 months before having a tooth on a new implant.  The patient was very pleased that she did not have to have a temporary removable appliance while the implant heals.  Note from the pictures the healthy tissue response.

It is becoming more common for children 7-10 years old to start with orthodontic treatment rather than waiting until the established teenager years.  The theory is that with early interceptive treatment the cost and the amount of time that braces are worn would be reduced.

Early orthodontic treatment makes sense for an underbite or a narrow upper arch, problems that are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing.  Treating patients as young as 7-8 years old with a palatal expander widens the upper jaw, so the upper teeth align better with the lower jaw.  This may make the second round of treatment when the patient is a teenager quicker and easier.  Crossbites may also benefit from early treatment.

One of the most common conditions is a class 2 malocclusion, where the overbite looks like "buck teeth".  Studies have indicated that early orthodontic interceptive treatment does not have any measurable benefit.  For these conditions a second phase of orthodontic treatment is often necessary during the teenage years, meaning longer exposure to braces and a higher overall cost.

To read more about this see the Wall Street Journal, November 16, 2010 page D1.

Our office prides itself on providing the best information to our patients, and will continue to work closely with our local orthodontists.

Please visit our website, http://bestbethesdasmile.com