Livonia Dentist Examines the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Dry Mouth

Posted May 2, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Saliva plays an important role in maintaining good oral health. It washes away food particles, cleans teeth, and neutralizes harmful acids. Without saliva, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases. When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, you suffer from xerostomia or dry mouth.

To determine the cause of dry mouth, your dentist will review your health, habits and medication list. Certain prescription and nonprescription medications can dry out your mouth. Some mouth-drying medications are: anti-depressants, antihistamines, decongestants, diet pills, bronchodilators, and muscle relaxers.

Infections, different diseases, and medical treatments can also lead to dry mouth. People who suffer from diabetes, anemia, HIV, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis may exhibit signs of dry mouth, as well. Chemotherapy and radiation have also been known to damage salivary glands and cause dry mouth. (more…)

Stroke Susceptibility Affected by Sleep Apnea

Posted April 29, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

According to a recent study conducted at Yale University School of Medicine, people with sleep apnea are more likely to suffer strokes and die in their sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked by soft tissue in the mouth or throat. When the blockage restricts oxygen, bloodflow to the brain decreases and blood pressure elevates.

Normally, the brain regulates bloodflow to meet its metabolic needs through a process called cerebral autoregulation. The study showed that repeated decreases in bloodflow and spikes in blood pressure, caused by numerous episodes of apnea, reduced the brain’s ability to regulate these functions.

The study also revealed that people with sleep apnea were three times more likely to suffer a stroke than people who slept normally through the night. “After we found that sleep apnea is a risk factor for stroke and death, independent of other risk factors, we hypothesized that there must be something wrong with the regulation of bloodflow to the brain,” stated Dr. Vahid Moshsenin, one of the leading researchers. (more…)

Small Steps Lead to Huge Success

Posted April 25, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Research shows that maintaining proper diet and exercise can increase your overall well-being and life expectancy. Dentists encourage their patients to eat a healthy diet, not only to prevent cavities and gum disease, but also to promote good overall health. Studies show good oral health contributes to good overall health.

While the road to better health can seem like an uphill battle, the outcome is the prize. Taking small steps towards a healthy lifestyle will allow you a better opportunity for success. Making small changes in your diet will prove more effective than denying yourself of favorite foods completely then binging on sweet and fatty treats. Apply these three diet changes to set you on the path to healthy living:

Decrease alcohol consumption: Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, both for your overall and oral health. Alcohol contains empty calories that add up quickly. It alsocontains sugar and acid, which, combined with natural bacteria in the mouth, leads to a higher risk of tooth decay. Alcohol should be limited to two glasses a day for men and one glass a day for women. (more…)

Healthy Easter Desert Recipe

Posted April 21, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Easter is a great time for family and friends to gather and enjoy a feast. Since Americans are becoming more conscious of their oral and overall health, we look for deserts that are good for our bodies and teeth. Enjoy this low-fat carrot cake recipe for your Easter feast.

Ingredients

Cake

1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple
2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup nonfat buttermilk
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots (4-6 medium)
1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted (more…)

Caring for Aging Teeth

Posted April 18, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Like our bodies, teeth need proper care to last a lifetime. Even though teeth are surprisingly resilient, everyday wear and tear and natural aging can take a toll. Along with following the American Dental Association’s guidelines on proper dental care (brush twice daily, floss once a day, and visit a dentist every six months for thorough cleaning and checkup) here are some tips to keep your pearly whites healthy:

Prevent Acid Erosion: People assume that sugary candy is the biggest stumbling block for good oral health. However, colas harm your teeth worse than candy because carbonation increases acid levels in the mouth. Sports drinks also endanger oral health because they can deteriorate tooth enamel. Limit the amount of sugary foods you consume, including candy, colas, and sports drinks. Avoid frequent snacking, as it causes acid levels to remain high for an extended time. If you need something sweet, consider chewing sugarless gum, especially gum with xylitol as the main ingredient. Gum chewing causes the mouth to produce more saliva, which helps clean the mouth and lower acid levels.

Prevent Excessive Wear and Tear: “Contrary to what many people assume, teeth do not become more brittle with age,” states Steven Schonfield, Spokesperson for the ADA. However, teeth with fillings or root canals become more susceptible to chipping and cracking with age. Another cause of structural damage to teeth is bruxism, or the habit of grinding and clenching teeth. Over time, bruxism can wear down teeth and lead to breakage. Stop chewing ice and hard foods, and check for pits in olives, cherries, and other pitted foods. (more…)

Great Vitamins for Women

Posted April 14, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Studies have shown that poor nutrition increases a woman’s risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. When women typically diet, they may deplete their bodies of essential vitamins and minerals. Doctors and dentists recommend women incorporate foods full of vitamins and minerals because the body will use food-sourced vitamins more efficiently than supplements.

Our bodies are like luxury vehicles; you can’t put low-grade nutrients in them and expect them to run well. Consume the following nutrients daily to maintain healthy oral and overall health:

Calcium: Women typically need 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium a day to maintain strong bones and teeth. Good sources of calcium are dairy and soy products. As women age, they need to increase their calcium intake to prevent osteoporis. (more…)

Sleep Impacts Oral Health

Posted April 11, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Lack of sleep worsens periodontal disease. During a study conducted in Japan, 219 factory workers were evaluated to determine the affect their lifestyles had on their oral health. Researchers examined lifestyle habits, including: exercise, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, amount of sleep, nutrition, stress, number of hours worked, and eating breakfast. The study revealed the number-one factor impacting periodontal disease was smoking. However, the number two factor was sleep.

Participants who obtained seven to eight hours of sleep a night exhibited a slower progression of periodontal disease than those who received six or fewer hours a night. Researchers concluded that a shortage of sleep can impair the body’s immune system, which can make periodontal disease progress more rapidly. (more…)

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Posted April 7, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Oral cancer affects approximately 36,500 people yearly, which accounts for about two percent of all cancer diagnoses in the United States. According to recent statistics, of these 36,500 people, approximately 7,900 will die from the disease. The death rate is high due to late detection of the disease. Oral cancer generally metastasizes to the cervical lymph nodes in the neck.
This form of cancer occurs mostly on the tongue or lips, however, the lining of cheeks, gum tissue, and palate can also host cancerous lesions. Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common form of oral cancer.
Tobacco, alcohol, sun, and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) are common risk factors of oral cancer. Tobacco accounts for most cases of oral cancer. People who heavily use tobacco products for numerous years are at increased oral cancer. Men are more likely then woman to develop oral cancer, and the risk increases after the age of 40. (more…)

Sleep Apnea Dangers for Seniors

Posted April 4, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness not only lead to foggy days, but increase the risk of death for people 65 years and older. A recent study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania Health System showed the combination of the two disorders significantly increased the risk.

The study conducted from 1993 through 1998 revealed that suffers of both sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness were two times more likely to die than those who complained of just one of these disorders.

Half of the participants experienced high levels of excessive daytime sleepiness. The problem, believed to be a normal effect of aging, creates a greater chance of falling, cognitive deficits, and functional impairments. (more…)

Livonia Dentist Recommends Moderating Acidic Foods

Posted March 24, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Maintaining a proper pH level in your mouth can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Continual consumption of foods with low pH levels can also lead to irreversible dental erosion. I’m Dr. James Stewart, a dentist in Livonia, MI., and I want to discuss why acidic foods should be consumed in moderation.

Potential of hydrogen (pH) is the standard measure of acidity, and it is measured on a scale of 0-14. A low pH means the solution contains more acid. High pH means the solution rates alkaline. When a solution tests at a 7, it is considered neutral.

Acidic foods cause tooth enamel to weaken for a short period of time. Saliva, an alkaline, normally restores the pH balance in your mouth. Enamel generally rehardens after 30 minutes. However, excessive consumption of acidic foods or drinks causes the pH balance to remain too low for the mouth to heal itself. Thus, you increase your risk of tooth decay. (more…)