The Importance of Men’s Oral Health
According to recent surveys and studies, men are less likely than women to take care of their physical health. Their oral health is no exception. Men are less likely to schedule regular dental checkups and at times can neglect their oral health for years, only seeing a dentist when a problem occurs. The current statistics also indicate that men lose 5.4 teeth, on average, by the age of 72 with the statistic increasing to 12 if they smoke. Men are also statistically more likely to develop periodontal disease and oral/throat cancer.
Recent studies have also indicated that having increased periodontal (gum) disease leads to an increased risk for heart attacks and strokes. Because men are already more likely to suffer from heart attacks, many are also on medications that cause dry mouth. Dry mouth is not only uncomfortable but can lead to an increase in decay. Playing sports and smoking are also factors that influence men’s oral health as those who play sports tend to have more trauma to their teeth and mouth and those who smoke are at an even greater risk for gum disease and oral cancers.
There are a few things men can do to help prevent these from occurring, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Scheduling regular checkups with Smile Station Dental at least twice a year will help keep your oral health on track as well as allow us the opportunity watch for the warning signs of these problems before they become painful or need more expensive restorations.
Source: http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=m&iid=312&aid=1266
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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Thursday, August 2, 2012
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Dental Did You Know
The History of False Teeth
Presently, false teeth in the form of bridges or dentures are generally indistinguishable from real teeth. Modern technology has allowed dentists to offer an aesthetically pleasing alternative to tooth loss. This wasn't always the case, though, as many of us have heard of the famous wooden teeth worn by President George Washington. His teeth were not actually made of wood because the corrosive properties of saliva would almost immediately begin to breakdown the wood. In fact, his denture consisted of mostly teeth extracted from human and animal corpses.
Even before George Washington's time, dentists began attempting aesthetic restorations. Various ancient civilizations used ivory or bone to carve new teeth. This procedure fell out of practice until the mid 1800's. Damaged teeth were just extracted and gaps were left untouched. If the tooth was necessary, silk threads or coiled wire were used to hold the new tooth in place. Generally, old extracted teeth that were placed in the mouth rotted quickly. Those of a higher class tended to opt for teeth made of gold, silver, or ivory.
Finally, in 1774, two Frenchman (a dentist and a pharmacist) designed a set of porcelain teeth. This procedure was improved upon by an Italian dentist who created a porcelain tooth with a platinum pin (not unlike today's modern implants). These teeth made it to America in 1822 where they were continually toyed with until the modern technology was invented which includes teeth made of plastic or ceramic.
Source:http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=h&iid=305&aid=1256
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Presently, false teeth in the form of bridges or dentures are generally indistinguishable from real teeth. Modern technology has allowed dentists to offer an aesthetically pleasing alternative to tooth loss. This wasn't always the case, though, as many of us have heard of the famous wooden teeth worn by President George Washington. His teeth were not actually made of wood because the corrosive properties of saliva would almost immediately begin to breakdown the wood. In fact, his denture consisted of mostly teeth extracted from human and animal corpses.
George Washington's False Teeth
Even before George Washington's time, dentists began attempting aesthetic restorations. Various ancient civilizations used ivory or bone to carve new teeth. This procedure fell out of practice until the mid 1800's. Damaged teeth were just extracted and gaps were left untouched. If the tooth was necessary, silk threads or coiled wire were used to hold the new tooth in place. Generally, old extracted teeth that were placed in the mouth rotted quickly. Those of a higher class tended to opt for teeth made of gold, silver, or ivory.
Finally, in 1774, two Frenchman (a dentist and a pharmacist) designed a set of porcelain teeth. This procedure was improved upon by an Italian dentist who created a porcelain tooth with a platinum pin (not unlike today's modern implants). These teeth made it to America in 1822 where they were continually toyed with until the modern technology was invented which includes teeth made of plastic or ceramic.
Source:http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=h&iid=305&aid=1256
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Monday, July 30, 2012
News You Can Use
Diabetes and Dental Health
Diabetes is a disease in which the body has difficulty processing sugar. It is relatively well-known that diabetes can effect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart as well as lower the bodies resistance to infection. How diabetes can affect a person's oral health is not as well-known but equally important.
People with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing several oral health problems. The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes include but are not limited to:
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Diabetes is a disease in which the body has difficulty processing sugar. It is relatively well-known that diabetes can effect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart as well as lower the bodies resistance to infection. How diabetes can affect a person's oral health is not as well-known but equally important.
People with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing several oral health problems. The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes include but are not limited to:
Periodonal (Gum) Disease
Oral Candidiasis (Fungal Infection)
Infection and Delayed Healing
Dry Mouth
While gum disease is not that uncommon in people who do not suffer from diabetes, it tends to be worse in those with diabetes due to their decreased healing ability and lowered resistance. Periodontal disease appears more often and more severe in those with diabetes. Good home care, including daily brushing and flossing, may help to lessen the chances of periodontal disease.
Diabetes has also been associated with oral candidiasis. Due to the lowered resistance, people with diabetes have a higher chance of getting a fungal infection (typically in the form of a yeast infection) in the mouth. The symptoms include painful sores and difficulty swallowing. It also may be accompanied by a metallic taste in the mouth and the feeling of a burning tongue. If you suffer from these symptoms, call the office. An antifungal medicine may be perscribed.
Those who have diabetes may also have instances of dry mouth. Uncontrolled diabetes occasionally appears with decreased levels of saliva. As with all appearances of dry mouth, the chances for decay may increase. Good home care is recommended along with the implementation of fluoride rinses or gels. If the dryness persist, call the office as an artificial saliva or other means to moistening the mouth may be suggested.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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Thursday, July 26, 2012
News You Can Use
Tooth Discoloration
Occasionally, teeth can become discolored by stains on the surface or by changes to the material of the teeth. There are three main types of tooth discoloration, each with a different cause and treatment option.
Extrinsic Discoloration
This type of discoloration occurs on the outer layer of the tooth (known as the enamel). It occurs when the foods we eat and drink stain the outer layer. Beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine are known for staining. Smoking is another cause for staining.
Intrinsic Discoloration
This type of discoloration occurs when the inner structure of the tooth (called dentin) becomes discolored. The tooth tends to appear yellow or brown in color. There are several instances during which this type of discoloration occurs. The main reasons include overexposure to too much fluoride as a child, your mother used tetracycline antibiotics during the second half of pregnancy, you ingested tetracycline antibiotics before the age of 8 years old, you had trauma to the tooth in the form of a fall when you were little creating damage to the permanent tooth, you had trauma to the permanent tooth causing internal bleeding, or you were born with a rare condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta.
Age-Related Discoloration
This type is a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic discolorations. The dentin naturally yellows with age as the enamel thins. The enamel thinning allows the yellow dentin to show through. Staining also tends to get worse as we age, making the effects of coffee, tea, red wine and other staining foods increase.
There are several ways to prevent extrinsic discoloration. Refraining from drinking and eating staining foods will aid some. Brushing after every meal and flossing once a day will also decrease the amount of staining that occurs. Regular cleanings from a hygienist may remove some of the deeper staining. Intrinsic discoloration may be avoided in children by avoiding overexposure to fluoride and not administered tetracycline antibiotics before the age of 8. In adults, an intrinsically discolored tooth may be due to damage to the root of the tooth. A visit to the office for a dental radiograph of the tooth may give a more definitive diagnosis.
One of the most popular ways for removing extrinsic discoloration is the implementation of bleaching products. This will only help extrinsically discolored teeth as it removes stains on the enamel and will not affect the dentin. Smile Station Dental offers a reward program for patients who keep up with their regular hygiene appointments called the White for Life program. Patients that come in at regular intervals receive free whitening trays specifically made for their teeth and free bleach tubes to whiten to their desired shade in the comfort of their own home. Ask your hygienist on your next visit for more information on this reward program.
R. Eric Emery, DDS
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
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Tuesday, July 24, 2012
News You Can Use
July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month!
July supports a spotlight for the awareness and prevention of cleft and craniofacial defects and conditions. A cleft lip is a birth defect in which the parts of the face that normally seal together before birth remain separated. This cleft can also occur in the palate, called a cleft palate. A cleft lip and palate can occur individually or in unison in the same person. They normally occur early on in pregnancy and can be genetic as well as due to maternal environmental exposure.
A cleft lip or palate can influence the appearance of the face and create difficulties in speech and eating. Due to the connection between the ear and throat, a cleft lip or palate can cause ear infections. Both can be corrected through surgery, which is normally done between three and six months of age.
During July, National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention month is observed by an alliance of organizations that offer education and support services related to cleft and craniofacial conditions. More information on this observance can be found at the link below:
Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/cleft-lip-palate.aspx
Source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/ADA/2012/article/ADA-07-Cleft-craniofacial-conditions-focus-of-July-observation.cvsp
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
July supports a spotlight for the awareness and prevention of cleft and craniofacial defects and conditions. A cleft lip is a birth defect in which the parts of the face that normally seal together before birth remain separated. This cleft can also occur in the palate, called a cleft palate. A cleft lip and palate can occur individually or in unison in the same person. They normally occur early on in pregnancy and can be genetic as well as due to maternal environmental exposure.
A cleft lip or palate can influence the appearance of the face and create difficulties in speech and eating. Due to the connection between the ear and throat, a cleft lip or palate can cause ear infections. Both can be corrected through surgery, which is normally done between three and six months of age.
During July, National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention month is observed by an alliance of organizations that offer education and support services related to cleft and craniofacial conditions. More information on this observance can be found at the link below:
Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/cleft-lip-palate.aspx
Source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/ADA/2012/article/ADA-07-Cleft-craniofacial-conditions-focus-of-July-observation.cvsp
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Monday, July 23, 2012
News You Can Use
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
Stress is a common occurrence in our society. Few people know that stress can manifest itself physically through teeth grinding, called bruxism, and occurs generally while we sleep. Not only can it be caused by stress, but can occur as a result of a sleep disorder, an abnormal bite, or missing/crooked teeth.
When a person is a bruxer, they grind their teeth or clench their jaw while sleeping. The symptoms of this include headaches and a sore jaw. Bruxism can have adverse effects for oral health. Grinding the teeth can break the teeth down, creating painful and/or loose teeth. It also degrades the enamel on the teeth, opening them up to decay and possible fracture.
Smile Station Dental can have a night guard created specifically for your mouth that will protect your teeth while you sleep. This mouth guard cannot stop the bruxing and stress management may be suggested to approach the overarching issue from a different angle.
Source: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) - American Dental Association - ADA.org
R. Eric Emery
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)-821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Stress is a common occurrence in our society. Few people know that stress can manifest itself physically through teeth grinding, called bruxism, and occurs generally while we sleep. Not only can it be caused by stress, but can occur as a result of a sleep disorder, an abnormal bite, or missing/crooked teeth.
When a person is a bruxer, they grind their teeth or clench their jaw while sleeping. The symptoms of this include headaches and a sore jaw. Bruxism can have adverse effects for oral health. Grinding the teeth can break the teeth down, creating painful and/or loose teeth. It also degrades the enamel on the teeth, opening them up to decay and possible fracture.
Smile Station Dental can have a night guard created specifically for your mouth that will protect your teeth while you sleep. This mouth guard cannot stop the bruxing and stress management may be suggested to approach the overarching issue from a different angle.
Source: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) - American Dental Association - ADA.org
R. Eric Emery
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)-821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Dental Did You Know
Fun Uses for Floss!
Although traditionally floss is utilized to clean between teeth, there are many other useful applications for this durable thread. I've listed a few below:
1. Fishing line - the tough fiber of the floss is resistant to breaking
2. String popcorn for Holiday decorations
3. Reattach a broken bra strap
4. A belt for pants in a pinch
5. Silence a leaky faucet - tie a string around the top and the water drops will follow the floss to the sink, eliminating the annoying drip sound
6. Support climbing plants - use floss to tie the plant to the trellis
7. Cut soft cheese or cake - be sure to use the unflavored floss!
8. Make homemade jewelry
9. Use it as a hair tie - if you don't have a rubber band, floss makes a great hair tie in an emergency
10. Improvised ruler - measure out 12 inches of floss for a handy and flexible ruler
Of course, the best use for floss is including it daily in your oral health routine but these are a few reasons it might be handy to keep floss around the house. For more fun uses for floss, follow the link below!
http://voices.yahoo.com/useful-things-dental-floss-3075314.html?cat=6
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
Although traditionally floss is utilized to clean between teeth, there are many other useful applications for this durable thread. I've listed a few below:
1. Fishing line - the tough fiber of the floss is resistant to breaking
2. String popcorn for Holiday decorations
3. Reattach a broken bra strap
4. A belt for pants in a pinch
5. Silence a leaky faucet - tie a string around the top and the water drops will follow the floss to the sink, eliminating the annoying drip sound
6. Support climbing plants - use floss to tie the plant to the trellis
7. Cut soft cheese or cake - be sure to use the unflavored floss!
8. Make homemade jewelry
9. Use it as a hair tie - if you don't have a rubber band, floss makes a great hair tie in an emergency
10. Improvised ruler - measure out 12 inches of floss for a handy and flexible ruler
Of course, the best use for floss is including it daily in your oral health routine but these are a few reasons it might be handy to keep floss around the house. For more fun uses for floss, follow the link below!
http://voices.yahoo.com/useful-things-dental-floss-3075314.html?cat=6
R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!
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