How Apples are Good for Your Teeth

People have been asserting that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” since the 19 th century. While it may not necessarily be true that those who eat apples never have to see a doctor, apples certainly have great health benefits for our bodies! Did you know they can even be good for our teeth? Let’s take a look at what the research says …

It’s widely thought that chewing a crisp, fresh apple can help brush away plaque on our teeth. We’re not too sure on this one, as some studies show a higher plaque content on teeth after eating an apple. At the same time, there is evidence to suggest some polyphenols in apples can lower the ability of cavity-causing bacteria to adhere to teeth. Further, some studies have shown that the antioxidants in apples can help prevent periodontal disease.

Apples even contain a (very) small amount of fluoride. This is worth noting, as fluoride is so important in helping prevent cavities.

Lastly, the act of chewing an apple stimulates saliva production. Saliva helps wash away food debris and bacteria. Remember, though, apples contain sugar and acid so it’s best not to go overboard with them. You can even swish with water after eating one to wash away some of the sugar left behind.

As the science continues to look into how apples affect our teeth, one thing we know is true: regular dental visits, along with daily tooth brushing and flossing, is your best defense against tooth decay!

Olympians Face Big Hurdle

We are really enjoying watching the Olympics! Whether it is swimming, weightlifting, or volleyball Dr. Nijjar & Dr. Ruchi and their family is watching EVERYTHING!

We all know how hard Olympians must work to reach the Olympics. But that training can play a toll on their teeth. Think about it...what effect can energy drinks, gels, bars, and frequent snacking have on athletes’ teeth? 

The dental director for the International Olympic Committee reveals that a great many Olympic athletes have broken teeth, abscesses, decay, and other dental issues. The problem is that many of them consume acidic, sugary drinks and energy bars that attack teeth while their dehydrated bodies do not produce enough saliva to remineralize their tooth enamel. In addition, most Olympic athletes are ages 16 to 25 years old, which is a group at high risk for tooth decay. As these young adults fly the family nest and focus on only qualifying for the Olympics, they become more susceptible to tooth decay. 

Athletes and exercisers take careful note. 

Many competitive athletes grind their teeth at night, probably in response to the competitive pressures they face. 

7 Oral Health Concerns for Those Over 50

When they say “age is all in your head,” they’re probably right. But then, your teeth ARE in your head -- so you likely can’t escape having to pay a little more attention to them after the age of 50. Although some oral health concerns are seen as common as we age, if you adopt a proactive mindset and educate yourself, these concerns do not have to be common for you. Anticipating and recognizing changes in your mouth can help you be on top of your health in this area -- so let’s take a look at the main ones you have to watch out for.

1. Dry Mouth: The most common oral health concern you’re likely to experience as you age is dry mouth. In the medical world, dry mouth goes by the name xerostomia, and can be brought on by a number of contributing factors, including the over-consumption of drying beverages like coffee and alcohol, as well as the frequent consumption of salty foods. Another big offender is the medication we take over a lifetime to treat various illness. And the list isn’t a short one – there are at least 400 medications that can contribute to xerostomia, including medications for high blood pressure and depression. 
2. Ill-fitting Dentures: First off, it’s important to note that the need for dentures is not a must as we age. Today, healthier living and better access to dental care has reduced the percentage of seniors wearing dentures to 27% from nearly 50% just a few decades ago. That said, should dentures be a part of your life, or that of a loved one, wearing properly-fitting dentures is critical.Sometimes, all that’s needed is a denture reline. Call Dr. Nijjar & Dr. Ruchi at 510-794-7058 to see if we can help. Dentures that cause pain or shift in the mouth tend to alter a person’s eating habits, which can lead to nutrition deficits if healthy, but hard-to-chew, foods are avoided. Ill-fitting dentures can also cause thrush.
3. Physical Obstacles to Good Oral Care: As we age, we sometimes find ourselves having to contend with physical ailments that limit our desire to maintain good oral care. Arthritis, vision loss, or injuries are a few of the most common. To combat these concerns, using a floss pick to get between teeth can be helpful, and the regular use of oral rinses can assist in dislodging difficult-to-remove food debris, while adding to the overall health of one’s mouth and gum tissue. Here’s how to choose the best mouth rinse for your needs!
4. Naturally Receding Gums: The old expression “long in the tooth” isn’t just a quaint idiom about how one accumulates wisdom with age – it also refers to how our teeth appear to “lengthen” as we age. In other words, it’s a fancy way of saying our gums are receding. While some degree of gum recession is indeed natural as we get up in years, this predisposes us to cavities along the root structure of the tooth where enamel doesn’t exist. So, as one ages, flossing, brushing and rinses are more important than ever.
5. Gum Disease: Natural gum recession is one thing, and a part of “growing up,” if you will. Gum disease, however, is preventable. So, if it’s been longer than six months since you’ve seen us, please do give us a call at 510-794-7058. Each of the above items in this list can contribute to gum disease, and good oral care can prevent it. Failing to do so can lead to a need for dentures at its most extreme, and pain and swollen gums at its least. We’d prefer you experience neither concern!
6. Tooth Loss: If a tooth is lost due to trauma or decay, and not replaced with an implant or other prosthetic, it can have serious complications for the health of the jawbone. Teeth can shift out of place and fall out, and bone tissue can be resorbed back into the body. Not a good thing.
7. Loss of Insurance Coverage: Retirees without dental coverage can sometimes cover the expense of dental care on their own; sometimes they cannot. But a lack of funds to take care of one’s teeth can be devastating to the health of our mouths, and our overall health. So we need to plan for two things: a care routine that allows us to take care of our teeth as much as humanly possible and some sort of financial backup plan for when problems do arise.

The Perfect Road Map For Your Child’s Oral Health

On July 3^rd, 1806, two years into their journey to chart the uncharted west of America, pioneer explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark reached a challenge of epic proportion – the Rocky Mountains. What next, they wondered? Without a map, they were forced to do what explorers do – explore, and hope for the best. So, that got us thinking. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a handy map you could use to chart your own dental health? With that in mind, and in honor of our “Dog Days of Summer” explorers, we at Dr. Nijjar & Dr. Ruchi's office wanted to share with you a few mile markers you can use to stay on top of your child’s health today, next year, and for years to come!
 

6 to 24 months
 

When you’re a new parent, life is a whirlwind, and the dental care of your newborn may not be top of mind when you look in their mouths and see no teeth! Here are some things to keep in mind: 

Schedule a visit: As soon as that first tooth comes in, you’ll want to give us a call at 510-794-7058 to schedule a visit and set up a periodic exam schedule. Also, be aware the ADA recommends fluoridated toothpaste now for all children under the age of three. Don’t wait!

Ask us about:

• Home hygiene basics: Things like, tips and tricks on brushing and other care. There’s nothing better than having our hygienists give brushing tutorials – they’re experts!
• Preventative dentistry: The possible need for fluoride supplements
• Dietary strategies: Achieving a balanced diet early in life for good oral health later
• Feeding practice awareness: Bottle, breastfeeding, and no-spill training cups
• Non-nutritive oral habits: Thumb sucking, pacifiers

2 to 12 years old
 

Ah, the little ones are growing up. Teeth are coming in at all sorts of crazy angles, and you’re going crazy from the rise in obligations. Here’s a quick list of what to consider during this time frame:

• Preventative dentistry: Pit and fissure sealants can do wonders for keeping your child’s dental bills down, and their teeth in their head until they’re ready to fall out naturally. Ask us about them. They’re affordable AND useful. And, super-fast, you’ll be in and out in no time.
• Orthodontic Consultation: Visiting an orthodontist for an early consultation is best done around your child’s seventh birthday. With today’s technology, early intervention can reduce the cost and duration of braces when your child gets older. 

The Teen Years
 

The years “everything” happens! As children start to come into their own, new habits and desires begin to unfold as well. You’ll have to address every imaginable concern during these years, from piercings, to calls for whitening, braces, and the need to refer yourself away from your pediatric dentist and to a general dentist for continuing oral care. So, speak with us about: 

• Cosmetic Dentistry: What solutions are advisable now, and what things should be avoided.
• Teen social pressures: Smoking, alcohol, intraoral/perioral piercings and the like. Believe it or not, we can help a lot with this. We might be able to arrange for that person to help when your teen comes in so they can address these concerns with an intermediary they trust. Give us a call at 510-794-7058 to see how we can help!
• Orthodontics: Options for minimizing appearance and health problems later in life.
• Home hygiene tips: Brushing, flossing, choosing the right mouthwash.
• Craniofacial injury prevention: With your children’s possible participation in sports, you’ll want to get them a mouthguard. Hands down it’ll be one of your best investments in a healthy mouth. And we make great ones at Dr. Nijjar & Dr. Ruchi's office!

Staying on top of your child’s oral health isn’t as hard as you think, and if you keep this schedule handy, you’ll be ahead of most of your neighbor's kids when it comes to a healthy mouth and body. Come to think of it … why not share it with them as well? They’ll thank you for the help.

Does Gum Health Affect the Heart?

While there have been many recent studies showing that people with gum (periodontal) disease are at increased risk for heart disease, a 2012 American Heart Association review cast some doubt on this conclusion. 

However, a more recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association provides proof of a causal link between gum disease and heart disease. In the most recent study, researchers tracked the gum health of 420 people (average age 68) for three years by conducting clinical exams and analyzing certain bacteria that cause gum disease. This information was correlated with changes in narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) in the carotid artery observed via ultrasound. They found that, as gum health improved, carotid narrowing slowed significantly. 

In addition, the study controlled for factors such as smoking, diabetes, age, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol, provides the “most direct evidence yet” that treating gum disease can prevent or slow atherosclerosis. 

Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and see Dr Nijjar and Dr Ruchi regularly to help keep your heart healthy!

When should you replace your toothbrush?

We've all heard the "3 month rule". Do you know what that rule is all about? Why do dentist's usually recommend that you replace your toothbrush after three months?

Experts say that bristles usually wear away in about 200 uses. If bristles are worn away, they may not be cleaning your teeth properly.

You should also replace your toothbrush after you have been sick. Bacteria can stick to the bristles and you do not want those bugs sticking around after you have gotten over being sick!

The most important thing you need to know about your toothbrush is: how to use it!

Check out this video of Dr Ruchi Sahota on www.mouthhealthy.org for some great tips:

How to get rid of your bad breath

There's an app for everything these days... even an app for figuring out why you have bad breath!? That's hard to believe... bad breath is usually a puzzle only a dentist can solve. 

Ridding yourself and those around of you of your bad breath starts with determining the real cause!

Dr. Ruchi has been interviewed about this topic a few times. Check out these articles:

1. Oprah Winfrey OWN 
2. Completely you: The guide to looking and feeling great

According to the American Dental Association, bad breath is usually caused by the following factors: 

• Food. What you eat affects the air you exhale, like garlic or onions. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food can remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.
  
• Gum disease. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can also be one of the warning signs of gum disease; which is caused by plaque.
  
• Dry mouth. This occurs when the flow of saliva decreases and can be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. Without enough saliva, food particles are not cleaned away. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe anartificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy or increase your fluid intake.
  
• Smoking and tobacco. In addition to staining teeth and being bad for overall health, tobacco can add to bad breath. Tobacco reduces your ability to taste foods and irritates gum tissues. Tobacco users are more likely to suffer from gum disease and are at greater risk for developing oral cancer. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.
  
• Medical conditions. Some diseases have symptoms related to bad breath. Sinus or lung infections, bronchitis, diabetes, and some liver or kidney diseases may be associated with bad breath.

Teeth Before Dentists

Have you ever wondered how our distant ancestors managed to maintain healthy teeth and gums  before toothbrushes and dental floss were invented? 

According to recent research involving analysis of plaque (the sticky film that develops naturally on teeth) taken from 34 ancient skeletons, our ancestors’ teeth had more good bacteria than our own teeth have. 

As a result, the ancients’ teeth were better able to fend off bad bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. 

One reason for the healthier bacteria is that our ancestors didn’t eat processed foods. As time progressed and hunters and gatherers turned to farming, teeth took a turn for a worse. The advent of processed sugar and corn syrup has led to further decline of our teeth.

Gum disease linked to Stroke

Over the past few years, there has been increased awareness that periodontal (gum) disease is linked with other health conditions. Much of the problem has to do with the fact that gum disease is fueled by bacteria that cause inflammation. 

Patients may therefore want to note the finding of a study recently published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association, which involved examination of over 500,000 individuals with untreated periodontal disease and over 200,000 without gum problems over a ten-year period. This study linked periodontal disease to an increased risk of stroke. Those study participants who had regular dental cleanings and/or extensive treatment for advanced gum disease (periodontitis) had the lowest risk of stroke.

Are you brushing correctly?

Did you know that two minutes twice a day can save you from bad breath, cavities, and gum disease?

That's right. IF you brush correctly twice a day, you can prevent bacteria from causing all pain, cavities, and infections in your mouth.

Let's learn how to brush from Dr. Ruchi on this video from the American Dental Association

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. 
• Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes. 
• Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.