Yearly Archives: 2010

How Diabetes Can Affect Your Oral Health Part 2

Continuation of Part 1

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A visit to the dentist

Every dental office will treat anyone having diabetes mellitus (DM). On your first visit, you will be asked to fill out a personal medical and dental history for the use of the dentist. Any critical information pertaining to diabetes should be added to the medical and dental history record, which would include information on dosage, time schedules, method of administration, previous adverse experiences with insulin control, number of hospitalizations, and physician recommendations. A good rapport with your dentist is necessary to treat any complications in your mouth.
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How Diabetes Can Affect Your Oral Health Part 1

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Diabetes mellitus (DM), one of the most widespread diseases, is a common endocrine disorder that affects an estimated 16 million Americans and these numbers are increasing substantially. Individuals with diabetes face shortened life spans and have the probability of developing acute and chronic health complications. Only heart disease and cancer kill more Americans than diabetes and its complications.

Probably at least 50% of diabetics with mild or early disease pass unrecognised and this proves most unfortunate since early and continued treatment can help prevent some of the disastrous consequences of DM. These consequences can range from blindness, to amputations of limbs, gum disease, kidney failure, high blood pressure, nerves disorders, heart disease and a large reduction in the quality of life. The mouth is also part of the many parts of the organs of the body affected by DM.

Before we continue on to the main topic on how diabetes can affect your oral health, let us lay down some facts about the endocrine disorder. Continue reading →

Oral health Pt 1: Why is it so important?

Diagram of the palatine tonsils from U.S. Nati...

Structures of the oral cavity

Oral health is defined as the health of all oral structures and while the usual focus lies on teeth, it is important to not neglect other oral structures such as the lips, tongue, inside lining of the mouth, roof of mouth or palate, soft palate, throat, and tonsils. Periodontal health should also be taken into consideration, as they are the supporting structures of the teeth which is crucial for adequate retention of teeth. All these play an important role in the functioning of the mouth hence need to be maintained at a satisfactory level in order to prevent problems. Continue reading →

Infectious Mononucleosis: The Kissing Disease

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Viral infections are very common and readily transmitted through saliva and other body fluids. When there is close contact with other persons or their secretions and general hygiene is poor, viral infections mainly affect young children. However in developed countries, adults are non-immune and therefore, these infections are now being seen in adolescents and adults.

Infectious mononucleosis or glandular fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpes group (human herpesvirus 4). It is transmitted by contact with saliva, especially by kissing, either from an infected person or a healthy carrier and occurs predominantly in teenagers and young adults. Continue reading →

Cost and Care of Dental Crowns

dental crowns cost , dental crownsHow Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?

Dental crown cost vary depending on what part of the United States you live in and the type of crown that is chosen. All porcelain crown cost are more expensive than porcelain fused metal crowns. Nowadays, with the price of gold skyrocketing, an all gold metal crown cost can be very expensive depending on the market price of gold. Generally, dental crowns can range in cost from US 500 to US 1,500 or more per crown. Sometimes a  portion of the cost of crowns can be covered by the insurance company. Continue reading →

What happens after orthodontic braces treatment?

Maintaining straight teeth

There is a common misconception that orthodontic braces treatment is completed once it is removed. This is not true because like any other treatment, it requires maintenance. Just as how patients would care for their braces during treatment, they still need to carry that on after treatment. In fact, patients play the most important role in caring for their teeth after orthodontic braces due to ceased visits to their orthodontists.

Retention after braces

After the completion of orthodontic braces treatment, it is essential to follow it up with orthodontic retainers to ensure longevity and stability of the results. This is because during orthodontic treatment, crooked teeth are straightened by stretching and compressing the fibres around teeth. Continue reading →

Interested in the different types of Porcelain Dental Crowns?

porcelain fused metal crowns, dental crowns, porcelain crownsTypes of Porcelain Dental Crowns

Porcelain crowns refers to a dental crown which are made up of porcelain or silica material just like vases and clay pots. Dental porcelain crowns are mainly divided into two types. The first being  a porcelain fused metal crown (PFM) that uses metal as a base and porcelain covering the metal . The second type is an all porcelain crown , this type of crown only uses porcelain as the main material. Continue reading →

What are Dental Crowns ?

Dental crowns, gold crownsDental Crowns

A  dental crown as a cap which is shaped like a tooth that is placed over a naturally prepared tooth to cover the tooth and  restore its shape and size, strength and to improve its appearance.

The main aim of dental crowns are to protect damaged, cracked or broken down teeth. A crown strengthens your existing, damaged tooth so as to preserve its functionality and its existence in our mouth. Continue reading →

Why is Oral Health so Important?

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Don’t you enjoy the refreshing feeling in your mouth after you have brushed your teeth? Sure, cleaning your teeth keep your smile bright and your breath fresh but a proper oral hygiene does more than you think it does.

Why should I have good oral health?

Having a good oral health can be defined as having comfortable and functional teeth that allows you to continue your social role. For those who think in terms of economic benefits and enjoyment of life, prevention pays. How so? If preventive programs are started early (preferably in young children), being free from plaque diseases for a long period is possible. Does it not make a sound cost-benefit investment?  After all, you need your teeth over a lifetime for eating which also contribute to providing good nutrition to the body for all ages. The presence of teeth greatly improves your speech and a pleasant smile enhances expression of your personality. At rare times, you can even use your teeth as a means of self-defense. On the other hand, the missing or broken-down teeth often results in a loss of self-esteem, minimizes employment possibilities and often affects your social interaction. Continue reading →

Deciding for ceramic dental implants

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When you hear the word “dental implants”, an image of a metal screw automatically comes to mind but did you know that there are few types of dental implants? Dental implants are constructed from a range of materials such as titanium, stainless steel, titanium alloy and zirconium oxide ceramics.

Ceramic tooth implants, specifically known as zirconium or zirconia dental implants, are one of the newer forms of dental implants. Tooth-colored, compatible with our tissues, and made of the hardest stuff next to diamonds, it is of no surprise to hear that all ceramic dental implants are making their way to the U.S. after establishing themselves in the European market. Continue reading →