Month: May 2014

May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month. Many people are unaware that there is a strong relationship between your oral health and cardiovascular health. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, approximately 30 percent of Americans have high blood pressure. Less than half of that 30 percent are able to keep their high blood pressure under control with medication, diet and exercise. Blood pressure has been nicknamed the “silent killer” because it is possible to have high blood pressure and no symptoms at all.

Always let your dentist know if you have high blood pressure, even if you are managing it with medication. Your dentist needs to be aware of the problem in order to monitor you. Chances are if your blood pressure is controlled and you have no other medical condition, it will not affect your treatment. However, there are times when the dentist may not be able to treat you because your blood pressure is too high.

After you inform your dentist that your doctor has diagnosed you with high blood pressure, he may take your blood pressure several times to establish a baseline. That is because some treatments and medications can raise your heart rate significantly. When the dentist has a baseline, he can tell if your treatment is negatively affecting your blood pressure in any way.

Local anesthetics containing epinephrine, a drug known for causing a rapid rise in heart rate, can be dangerous if you have high blood pressure. In fact, epinephrine can raise your risk of having a heart attack. Fortunately, most people with high blood pressure can receive local anesthesia as long as it does not contain epinephrine. However, your dentist needs as much information as possible in order to make a safe decision.

Most dentists prefer patients to have a blood pressure below 120/80, the normal reading according to American Heart Association guidelines, but a slight elevation won’t usually cause a problem. Sometimes blood pressure can become elevated due to an oral infection, especially when there is pain involved. Removing the abscess usually brings it back down to normal. Your dentist will make a decision based on all of the factors.

Some high blood pressure medications, such as calcium channel blockers, cause gingival hyperplasia, or gum overgrowth. If you have a problem with gum overgrowth the dentist will show you how to brush properly and probably ask you to come in more frequently for cleanings. In rare cases, patients require gum surgery to remove excess tissue.

Other high blood pressure medications make things taste funny or cause dry mouth, or xerostomia. Your mouth needs saliva to keep your teeth strong and resistant to decay. If your medication affects saliva production, you must be particularly vigilant about brushing and flossing to prevent cavities.

There’s no reason you can’t have a healthy smile even if you have high blood pressure. It is simply a matter of being proactive and partnering with your dentist to make the best decisions.

Image Source: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blood_pressure_measurement_%282009%29.jpg

Original Source: https://www.craigarmstrongdds.com/cleanings-and-prevention/blood-pressure-affect-dental-health

As tax season wraps up, the IRS is reportedly processing 12 million returns a week. That means a lot of smiling faces, as the average taxpayer refund is up by 6 percent from last year at a whopping $3,211! One great way to take advantage of your tax refund and keep smiling all year long is to invest in your family’s dental health.

The benefit of using your tax refund on dental services is that you actually get double the results. Not only do you improve your appearance, you take care of your body at the same time – or as the American Dental Association (ADA) likes to say: Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body. Researchers have linked chronic inflammation from periodontitis to cardiovascular problems and other diseases.

If you are expecting a refund this year, you have many different dental treatment options to choose from. Here are several popular suggestions:

Dental Implants

For individuals with missing teeth who have been putting off dental implants, this is a terrific time to start treatment. Replacing missing teeth will restore function so that you can chew properly again. In addition, dental implants will close any gaps that affect the way your jaw opens and closes. The longer you wait to get dental implants, the more damage is done as the jawbone deteriorates.

There are a few steps involved in getting dental implants. First, the dentist takes x-rays and impressions of your jaw and teeth to evaluate the bone and gum tissue. Then he surgically places the implants into your gums where they will fuse to the bone over the next several months. When you return, he will attach artificial teeth (or crowns) to your implants so that you end up with the beautiful smile you have been dreaming about.

Porcelain Veneers

A second option for spending your tax refund is cosmetic dentistry. Porcelain veneers are a popular dental solution for correcting a wide range of issues, including gaps, misaligned teeth, and chips or cracks. The results are natural because the dentist chooses the size, shape and color of the veneers to closely match your existing teeth. It typically takes two dental visits to complete treatment.

During your first visit, the dentist will take X-rays. Then he will give you an anesthetic before preparing your teeth for the porcelain veneers. He will also take an impression of your mouth to be used for making the veneers. Sometimes he will apply temporary veneers with a low-strength adhesive until you return.

At your follow-up visit a few weeks later, the dentist will bond the porcelain veneers to your teeth. He will set them with a special light, ensuring they are strong enough to last a long time. After he checks your bite you are all finished, but it is up to you to take care of them properly by brushing and flossing at least twice a day.

Braces

A third option for spending your tax refund is to invest in your child’s dental health. Perhaps you have been postponing braces while you decide how to finance them. Putting off braces can lead to speech problems and abnormal wear on tooth enamel. Why not take advantage of your tax refund?

There are two types of braces:

Traditional braces: Small metal or colored brackets cemented to the teeth and connected by wires. They require tightening every so often as the teeth and jaw gradually shift into place.

Invisalign aligning trays: Removable custom-made trays that the patient switches out as the teeth and jaw gradually shift into place. Each patient usually receives 20-29 aligners per arch.

Set up an appointment with your dentist to find out what treatments you would benefit from. Whether it is dental implants, braces for your children or another procedure, invest your tax refund wisely in a way that results in smiles all year long.

Image Source: TaxCredits.net

Information Source: Forbes.com

Original Source: https://www.craigarmstrongdds.com/cosmetic-dentistry/tax-refund-can-really-make-smile