Hall About Health - Fall 2023

Hall HEALTH about

THE DENTAL ISSUE

FALL 23

BGW Dental Group

A practice who knows the impact good dental health can make on your overall wellbeing L-R: Dr. Richard Bennett, Dr. Ryan Wood, Dr. Matthew Vaughn, Dr. Cindy Fulenwider Greene

A SUPPLEMENT OF

START THEM OUT RIGHT

Dental hygiene is an important component of a healthy lifestyle, but it's an element youngsters rarely embrace with open arms. Parents know that getting kids, especially young children, to brush their teeth is not always so easy. In recognition of that, the American Dental Association suggests the following strategies to make brushing teeth something kids will look forward to. ·

Make it fun

Brushing teeth may not be considered a fun activity, but who's to say it can't benefit from a little levity? The ADA recommends turning tooth brushing sessions into dance parties and/or sing-alongs. Youngsters might be so busy cutting a rug or listening to mom and dad belt out a few hits that they don't even realize they're cleaning their teeth at the same time. If singing and dancing aren't cutting it, then incorporate another fun activity, like reading a child his or her favorite story, into daily brushing sessions. The ADA advises adults and children to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day, so activities need not be too advanced. But a fun activity that allows kids to do something other than brush their teeth can be a great way to help them meet the "two minutes, two times" guideline.

· Reward good behavior Parents can reward youngsters who brush their teeth without incident by offering praise or allowing them to pick a bedtime book when brushing at night.

· Put kids' favorite characters to work

The ADA notes that many popular children's television shows and books have stories about brushing teeth.

Watch these stories with your children, then reference the stories and characters if kids are reluctant to brush their teeth. Parents also can find toothbrushes and/or toothpaste that feature kids' favorite characters to get youngsters more excited to brush.

· Become a storyteller

Parents also can make up their own stories, explaining to kids how they can be superheroes who brush away the bad guys that cause cavities.

· Brush alongside your children Kids love to mimic their parents, so moms and dads can brush alongside their youngsters in the hopes they'll follow suit.

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Fall 2023 C O N T E N T S

2 Brushing... start them out right dental hygiene 4 What does for overall health causes 6 9ofcommon toothaches

12 Dental Stages your pet has 14 Signs dental issues HALL ABOUT HEALTH, A PRODUCT OF THE TIMES 345 Green St. | Gainesville, GA 30501 770-532-1234 A Metro Market Media Inc. property Manuscripts, artwork, photography, inquiries and submitted materials are welcome. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Metro Market Media Inc. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Metro Market Media cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. Healthy Hall reserves the right to refuse advertisements for any reason. Acceptance of advertising does not mean or imply the services or product is endorsed or recommended by Hall About Health.

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e n e i g y h dental

WHAT DOES FOR OVERALL HEALTH Brushing and flossing your teeth may save you extra sessions in the dentist's chair each year, but the benefits of dental hygiene do not end with pearly whites.

In fact, there's a direct correlation between oral hygiene and overall health.

Oral health offers clues about overall health, advises the Mayo Clinic.

When a dentist or hygienist checks a person's mouth, he or she is getting a window into that person's overall wellness - including if something is amiss.

Dental hygiene matters because, without proper brushing and flossing, bacteria in the mouth can grow unchecked. Over time, that bacteria can infiltrate and break down the soft tissues in the gums and teeth, eventually leading to decay and gum disease. Greenwood Dental Care in Illinois states that the bacteria from the mouth could travel into the bloodstream and elsewhere, causing a host of issues.

There's a high correlation between an unhealthy mouth and systemic diseases. The United Kingdom-based dental group Fulham Road Dental indicates that gum disease is linked to heart problems, kidney diseases and certain types of cancer. Dentists who notice problems in their patients' mouths may be able to predict potential illnesses elsewhere in the body, advising those patients to seek consultations with other healthcare providers.

Here's a deeper look at some of the correlations between oral health and overall health, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic.

· Endocarditis: When bacteria or other germs from the mouth or another part of the body spread through the bloodstream, they can attach to certain areas of the heart. This causes an infection in the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves.

It's a two-way street with health and the mouth. Individuals should make oral health a priority, as it has a significant effect on their overall health and well-being.

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· Pregnancy and birth complications: Periodontitis has been linked to low birth weight and premature birth. · Cardiovascular disease: While it's not fully understood why, clogged arteries, stroke and heart disease may be linked to inflammation and infection caused by oral bacteria.

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· Pneumonia: Bacteria in the mouth may be pulled into the lungs, where it can lead to respiratory illness, such as pneumonia.

Certain diseases can lead to issues in the mouth. HIV/ AIDS may cause mucosal lesions in the mouth; those with osteoporosis may have weakened periodontal bone and tooth loss; and research has shown that diabetes puts gum health at risk.

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MAKE THE DENTIST A FUN EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS

stages

D E N TA L

Many people are unaware that children should visit the dentist early in their lives. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child should visit the dentist by age one or within six months of the eruption of his or her first tooth. However, many parents wait until much later - age two or three - to take kids to the dentist. Hesitance to visit the dentist may stem from personal fears or perceived reactions by children.

Children who witness their parents putting off going to the dentist or being apprehensive about visiting the dentist may develop their own fears.

Lead by example by always painting the dentist in a positive light and keep appointments.

SIMPLE WAYS TO MAINTAIN BRACES While patients' specific needs will determine how long braces must be worn, the average time spent in braces is anywhere from 18 months to three years. During that time, patients must maintain optimal oral health.

Avoid certain foods. Hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods should be avoided. The AAO specifically mentions foods such as caramel, gummies, licorice, jelly beans, and even soft drinks among the foods to avoid when wearing orthodontic braces.

CARING FOR

DENTURES

IMPROVES ORAL HEALTH Proper dental care and oral hygiene is essential at all stages in life, even for people who have dentures, partials or implants.

People with dentures must recognize that oral hygiene protects their dentures as well as their mouths.

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 35 million Americans do not have any teeth, while 11 percent of the population requires the use of a complete denture. In addition, 5 percent of the U.S. population wears a partial denture.

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Be extra cautious around Halloween. The days surrounding Halloween can be an especially difficult time to maintain braces. Candy is everywhere come the end of October, but people with braces must be diligent in avoiding hardshelled peanut candies and nut-filled candies.

Brush twice per day, but be careful. Plaque bacteria can be easily trapped inside and around braces, so it's especially important that people with braces carefully brush each day.

Clean each tooth individually in a circular motion, tilting the brush as necessary to reach small front teeth.

Continue regular visits to your orthodontist as well as your dentist. These visits are necessary so braces can be adjusted and orthodontists can make sure there are no signs of gum disease.

Focus on the good aspects of going by talking up all the benefits of going to the dentist, such as having a squeaky clean and fresh mouth. Many hygienists will hand out small toys after a successful visit, or at the least a great new toothbrush and other fun products to try.

It is also possible to ask the staff if your child can get a special tour of the office with explanations of all the tools and equipment. Understanding what to expect the next time around in a no-pressure situation can make the process much easier for everyone involved. The dentist may be able to also give a test ride on the exam chair, moving it up and down, as well as showing off the water fountain and oral irrigator.

Over time, dental visits can become an easy routine with children, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy mouths and teeth.

MAKE DENTAL HEALTH AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF YOUR LIFE

DAILY

Dental health is an important component of daily life. Although clean teeth and gums make for a healthy mouth, oral health also is tied to general health throughout the body. Guardian Insurance indicates that, if left unaddressed, bacteria in the mouth can multiply and spread elsewhere through the bloodstream. Gum disease has been linked to diabetes, respiratory ailments, heart disease, and even Alzheimer's disease. As a result, it is essential to maintain proper dental hygiene.

Best practices for maintaining healthy teeth and gums involve various techniques. Here's how to brush up on maintaining a healthy mouth.

Brush at least twice per day Utilizing toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, be sure to brush teeth each morning and night. Be sure to brush all tooth surfaces, including the backs and the sides. Brushing after every meal also can be done to keep teeth even cleaner.

Brush correctly Position the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gums. This will help sweep away plaque and bacteria at the gum line, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Do not use a medium- or hard-bristled brush, which can damage the gums and tooth enamel.

Move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque.

Don't neglect your tongue

Bacteria also can build up on the tongue, leading to bad mouth odor and additional oral health problems. Gently brush the tongue along with the teeth.

Use toothpaste with fluoride

Fluoride has come under scrutiny due to its potential effects on overall health. However, fluoride is a leading defender against tooth decay. It fights the germs that can lead to decay and provides a barrier for the teeth.

Use an antibacterial mouthwash

Use an antibacterial mouthwash each day to help reduce oral bacteria. This helps wash away food and debris, and also can help reduce the buildup of plaque.

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Orthodontic appliances: A common cause of discomfort, orthodontic devices can cause toothaches. The pain is most noticeable immediately after an adjustment, but it may ease as the mouth grows accustomed to the wires or pressure.

Tooth sensitivity: Despite being hard, teeth actually are porous. Certain conditions may cause the enamel on the outside of teeth to wear away.

Exposure of the inner layer of the tooth, called dentin, to the air or foods and beverages may result in pain.

Sinus congestion: Sometimes teeth aren't to blame for mouth pain. Pain that persists in the upper teeth only on both sides of the face may occur due to sinusitis. It often is preceded by nasal congestion.

TMJ: Temporomandibular disorders can cause tooth pain. TMJ may result from injury or trauma to the jaw. Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, can cause tooth pain.

Impacted wisdom teeth:

9 common causes of

Wisdom teeth are a dental milestone that takes place between the ages of 17 and 21. Wisdom teeth actually are third molars, and are given the name because they come in at a mature age, according to the American Dental Association. If there isn't enough space for them, wisdom teeth can cause crowding and pain. When molars do not fully erupt, the result is impacted wisdom teeth, which can be very painful.

s e h c a h t o to

No matter how smoothly past visits have gone, many individuals still want to avoid a trip to their dentist's office. But should a toothache arise, only a dentist can get to the root of the issue.

Toothaches run the gamut from mild to throbbing to unbearably painful.

Toothaches may be temporary, but many persist for some time. Here's a look at nine reasons for toothaches.

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Damaged fillings or dental sealants: When fillings or sealants come out, vulnerable parts of the teeth become exposed. This can result in pain.

Tooth damage: Dental caries, or cavities, can cause toothache, as can tooth abscesses and tooth fractures.

Gum disease: Gum disease may start with mild inflammation and then become more severe if it is left untreated. The inflammation also may affect the ligament that attaches teeth to the socket in the jaw.

This ligament has many nerve fibers. When inflamed, the nerves can get fired up and cause pain.

Food: A kernel of popcorn wedged between teeth or a sharp piece of pizza crust that gets lodged behind a molar can cause pain if not addressed.

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While certain actions, such as a vigorously wagging tail signaling that a dog is quite happy, are easy to read, it's not always so easy to determine how a pet is feeling.

Signs your pet has dental issues

Pets use body language and other cues to let their owners know how they are feeling.

ping food from the mouth also are signs that things are awry.

5. Less grooming Cats spend around 10 to 15 percent of their days grooming. Dental pain can make grooming challenging. Therefore, if your cat is grooming less or looks unkempt, it may be due to dental problems. Great Vet says 85 percent of cats over the age of three have some form of dental disease.

1. Halitosis Bad breath is a strong indicator of a dental problem. Halitosis may stem from tooth decay and gum issues, as well as gastrointestinal problems. In either case, it's best to address a pet's bad breath with a veterinarian.

2. Visible problems Take a peek inside of the pet's mouth. Animal Wellness magazine says that if there's a significant accumulation of tartar (yellow or brown patches on the tops of teeth along the gum line), or if the gums are inflamed and red, periodontal disease may be to blame. Traces of blood in the mouth also can indicate that there is a problem.

Pets don't always like their mouths touched, so if your pet is being difficult, have a vet conduct a comprehensive oral health and treatment appointment (COHAT).

3. Refusing to eat There are many reasons a pet may not want to eat, and a dental problem may be one of them.

Painful teeth and gums can make eating challenging, so the animal may avoid food. Refusing to eat can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, so it's best to nip this issue in the bud.

4. Sensitive mouth Your pet may yelp, bite or scratch if you touch around the mouth area when there is a dental problem at play. Drooling excessively or drop14 | FALL 2023

6. Overgrowth Rodents' incisors (front, gnawing teeth) grow continuously throughout their lives. Typically the incisors receive continuous wear as the upper and lower incisors contact each other. However, if incisors are misaligned, they may not wear down effectively. Some incisors can grow out of control, piercing the roof of the mouth and into the nasal cavity. If a rodent's teeth look long, that could warrant a vet check.

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