Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts

Hello Friends!

Here’s some more valuable information from Delta Dental’s Mouth Matters Information Series:

Taking good care of your teeth and gums may be a key factor to good heart health.  Studies have shown that both periodontal (gum) disease and heart disease have similar underlying causes including age, tobacco use, genetics, stress, medications, poor nutrition and obesity.*

However, another casual factor is the build up of dental plaque over time.  Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, occurs when bacteria in the mouth grow into plaque, causing inflammation and bleeding in the gums.*  When left untreated, the plaque can spread below the gum line, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream.  Due to the inflammation and the spread to the bloodstream, it’s believed that there is an increased risk for other systemic diseases such as heart disease.**

But here’s the good news!  you can reduce your risk of heart disease and periodontal disease by simply practicing good oral health habits every day.  Regular brushing, flossing and dental visits are more important than ever for your mouth, heart and general overall wellness.

Do you or someone you know have dental concerns?  Have you noticed any of the following?

– Gums that bleed easily

– Red, swollen, tender gums

– Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

– Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

– Permanent teeth that are loose or separating

– Any change in the way the teeth are biting together

– Any change in the fit of partial dentures

Did you know?

More than 70% of Americans 65 and older have periodontitis 9an advanced stage of gingivitis).*

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your dental health, please give us a call or visit us at http://www.brunnerfamilydental.com.  We’d be happy to help.

Sincerely,

Your friends at Brunner Family Dental

* American Academy of Periodontology. Gum disease and Heart Disease, http://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease.htm, accessed June 2013

** Van Dyke TE, van Winkelhoff AJ: Infection and Inflammatory mechanisms. J Periodontol 84, S1-S7 (2013)

Delta Dental of Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee

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Questions about Dentures?

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	Hello Friends!      Do you or someone you know need dentures?  Have you ever wondered what is involved in the process?  Below is the latest info shared in our October patient newsletter. Benefits of Dentures Is your smile missing some teeth? If so, you’re not alone! Almost 70 percent of American adults between the ages of 35 and 55 have lost at least one of their natural teeth. Tooth loss can be due to an accident, tooth decay, injury or gum disease. The good news though, is that there are affordable, aesthetically pleasing options available to replace missing teeth. There are different types of dentures, but ultimately we will decide between partial and full dentures to restore your smile. Partial dentures are used to replace groups of teeth or a few teeth across the lower or upper jaw. These dentures attach to remaining teeth and have a gum-colored portion meant to blend into the existing gum. Full dentures are used for total tooth replacement for either upper or lower teeth and, in some cases, both. Who needs dentures? Dentures are not just for elderly patients. Patients of any age may lose some or all of their teeth and may require a denture of some sort. If your jawbone is unhealthy, or you have extensive gum disease, full or partial dentures may be your best choice. Full dentures are typically placed about 12 weeks after unhealthy teeth have been removed. People who wear dentures enjoy the following advantages: Dentures are often covered by dental insurance Dentures are a safer option for those with unstable jawbones or other medical conditions No surgery = No risk! Dentures are adjustable and can be altered if needed How are dentures made? The denture process takes about one to two months to complete. Once our team determines what type of appliance fits you best, we will complete the following steps: Create a series of impressions of the jaw and take measurements of how the jaws relate to one another Create models, wax forms and/or plastic patterns in the same shape and position of the denture to be made Cast a final denture Fit the denture in the patient’s mouth and make adjustments If you have suffered the loss of your teeth, it is important to consider the many benefits of dentures. If you are concerned that you might need dentures in the future, there are preventative steps you can take by visiting the dentist and receiving regular preventative dental care while also practicing proper oral hygiene techniques at home. As always, if you have any questions about your health care you would like more information, visit our website at http://www.brunnerfamilydental.com or call 734.878.3167 to schedule a complimentary consultation with the doctor. Sincerely Your friends at Brunner Family Dental This newsletter/website is not intended to replace the services of a doctor. It does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information in this newsletter/website is for informational purposes only & is not a substitute for professional advice. Please do not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating any condition.