How to get rid of tonsil stones
The tonsils are located in the back of the throat and serve as part of the body's lymphatic and immune systems. Tonsil stones are small stones that form there. They can cause infection and symptoms such as bad breath.
Ideally, the tonsils capture and catch bacteria before they can go deeper into a person's oral cavity.
However, the tonsils have small folds, in which bacteria and food can collect to form small, stone-like substances that doctors call tonsil stones or tonsilloliths.
In addition to bad breath, these stones can cause a sore throat, painful swallowing, hoarseness, and inflamed, red tonsils.
In this article, learn how to get rid of tonsil stones at home, as well as when to see a doctor.
See the full article at Medical News Today
The tonsils are located in the back of the throat and serve as part of the body's lymphatic and immune systems. Tonsil stones are small stones that form there. They can cause infection and symptoms such as bad breath.
Ideally, the tonsils capture and catch bacteria before they can go deeper into a person's oral cavity.
However, the tonsils have small folds, in which bacteria and food can collect to form small, stone-like substances that doctors call tonsil stones or tonsilloliths.
In addition to bad breath, these stones can cause a sore throat, painful swallowing, hoarseness, and inflamed, red tonsils.
In this article, learn how to get rid of tonsil stones at home, as well as when to see a doctor.
See the full article at Medical News Today
Case of the Month: Traditional Bridge
Sometimes traditional bridges are the best restorative options for patients that need cosmetic reconstruction. It’s always important to consider all restorative options prior to completing any dental work. If you have any questions regarding how we can help you improve your smile give us a call!
Sometimes traditional bridges are the best restorative options for patients that need cosmetic reconstruction. It’s always important to consider all restorative options prior to completing any dental work. If you have any questions regarding how we can help you improve your smile give us a call!
Can’t get numb at the Dentist?
Some people are resistant to local anaesthetic, meaning they must endure dental and medical procedures without such pain relief. And we’re only beginning to understand why.
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170106-the-people-who-cant-go-numb-at-the-dentists
Medieval skeleton found with rare, expensive blue ink embedded in teeth, could rewrite women's history
USA Today reports that small flecks of blue inside of the mouth of a medieval skeleton are raising big questions about women's role in ancient religious manuscripts.
See the link below to read more.
The lower jaw of a medieval skeleton reveals entrapped lapis lazuli pigment, a rare blue dye that was used in luxury and religious documents ofthe time. What's remarkable is that the jaw belonged to a woman -- and women were not known to author such illustrations.
Replacing Missing Teeth
Your smile is often the first thing that people will notice about you. It is not unusual for people to feel extremely self-conscious about their smile, especially if they have missing front teeth. How can we help you smile?
Your smile is often the first thing that people will notice about you. It is not unusual for people to feel extremely self-conscious about their smile, especially if they have missing front teeth.
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
A bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap. These two or more anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth -- and a false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or dental implants.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Bridges can:
- Restore your smile
- Restore the ability to properly chew and speak
- Maintain the shape of your face
- Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
- Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
Patient Opens Ocean Reef Pet Store in Neptune Beach
We have the most amazing patients in Jacksonville! One of them has recently opened a salt water aquarium store in Neptune Beach. Please stop by and check out all of the tropical fish and aquariums with hundreds of beautiful saltwater pet displays from seahorses to live coral and everything in between.
We have the most amazing patients in Jacksonville! One of them has recently opened a fresh and salt water aquarium store in Neptune Beach. Please stop by and check out all of the tropical fish and aquariums with hundreds of beautiful saltwater pet displays from seahorses to live coral and everything in between on our showroom floor.
Beyond tooth decay: why good dental hygiene is important
Most of us are aware that poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath - but not brushing your teeth could also have consequences for more serious illnesses.
Alzheimer's disease
In 2010, researchers from New York University (NYU) concluded that there is a link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer's disease, after reviewing 20 years of data on the association.
The American Dental Hygienists' Association recommend that we should brush for 2 minutes, twice daily. However, the number of participants in the NYU study was fairly small. The researchers analyzed data from 152 subjects enrolled in the Glostrop Aging Study - a study looking at psychological, medical and oral health in Danish men and women. The study spanned a 20-year period and ended in 1984, when the subjects were all over the age of 70.
Comparing cognitive function at ages 50 and 70, the NYU team found that gum disease at the age of 70 was strongly associated with low scores for cognitive function. Study participants were nine times more likely to have a score in the lower range of the cognitive test - the "digit symbol test" (DST) - if they had inflammation of the gums. Although this study took into account potentially confounding factors like obesity, cigarette smoking and tooth loss unrelated to gum inflammation, there was still a strong association between low DST score and gum inflammation.
In 2013, UK-based researchers from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) built on the findings of this study, by comparing brain samples from 10 living patients with Alzheimer's with 10 brain samples from people who did not have the disease.
Analysis showed that a bacterium - Porphyromonas gingivalis - was present in the Alzheimer's brain samples but not in the samples from the brains of people who did not have Alzheimer's. What was interesting was that P. gingivalis is usually associated with chronic gum disease.
The team followed up this research in 2014 with a new mouse study, the results of which were published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. Medical News Today spoke to co-author Dr. Sim K. Singhrao regarding the findings.
Dr. Singhrao says that there is sufficient scientific evidence to show that two of the three gum disease-causing bacteria are capable of motion (or "motile") and have been consistently found in brain tissue.
"These motile bacteria can leave the mouth and enter the brain via two main routes," he explains. "They can use their movement capability to directly enter the brain. One of the paths taken is to crawl up the nerves that connect the brain and the roots of teeth. The other path is indirect entry into the brain via the blood circulation system."
In a patient who has bleeding gums, says Dr. Singharo, the gum disease-causing bacteria will enter the blood stream every time they clean their mouth and even when they eat food.
He continues: "P. gingivalis is particularly interesting as it has found ways to hitch a lift from red blood cells when in the blood stream and instead of getting 'off the red blood cell bus' in the spleen, they choose to get off in the brain at an area where there are no immune checkpoints. From there, they spread to the brain at their will. In addition, in older individuals, the blood vessels tend to enlarge and become leaky."
"The published work confirmed P. gingivalis placed in the mouths of mice finds its way to the brain once gum disease becomes established first," Dr. Singhrao concludes. "Furthermore, our hypothesis is strengthened by the recent results demonstrating that the chemicals released by the brain's immune system in response to P. gingivalis reaching the brain 'inadvertently' damage functional neurons in the area of the brain related to memory."
Pancreatic cancer
A research team from Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, MA, were the first to report strong evidence on a link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer, back in 2007.
Researchers are unable to prove whether the periodontitis bacteria are a cause or result of pancreatic cancer - current research can only prove that the two are linked. The type of gum inflammation associated with pancreatic cancer in the study was periodontitis, which affects the tissue that support the teeth and can cause loss of bone around the base of the teeth.
The other main kind of gum disease - gingivitis; where the tissue around the teeth becomes inflamed - was not linked to increased cancer risk. However, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis if persistent. Gingivitis happens when bacteria in the plaque around the base of the teeth build up due to bad dental hygiene.
Examining data on gum disease from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, which involved a cohort of more than 51,000 men and began collecting data in 1986, the Harvard researchers found that men with a history of gum disease had a 64% increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared with men who had never had gum disease.
The greatest risk for pancreatic cancer among this group was in men with recent tooth loss. However, the study was unable to find links between other types of oral health problems - such as tooth decay - and pancreatic cancer.
The researchers suggest that there may be a link between high levels of carcinogenic compounds found in the mouths of people with gum disease and pancreatic cancer risk. They argue that these compounds - called nitrosamines - may react to the digestive chemicals in the gut in a way that creates an environment favorable to the development of pancreatic cancer.
However, a follow-up study from the team in 2012 was unable to prove whether the periodontitis bacteria are a cause or result of pancreatic cancer - the study could only prove that the two were linked.
"This is not an established risk factor," admitted author Dominique Michaud. "But I feel more confident that something is going on. It's something we need to understand better."
Heart disease
Perhaps more well established is the association between dental hygiene and heart disease. "The mouth is probably the dirtiest place in the human body," said Dr. Steve Kerrigan.
In 2008, MNT reported on research from joint teams at the University of Bristol in the UK and the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, who found that people with bleeding gums from poor dental hygiene could be increasing their risk of heart disease.
The researchers found that heart disease risk increased because - in people who have bleeding gums - bacteria from the mouth is able to enter the bloodstream and stick to platelets, which can then form blood clots, interrupting the flow of blood to the heart and triggering a heart attack.
"The mouth is probably the dirtiest place in the human body," said Dr. Steve Kerrigan from the Royal College of Surgeons, explaining that there are up to 700 different types of bacteria co-existing in our mouths.
Prof. Howard Jenkinson, from the University of Bristol, added: "Cardiovascular disease is currently the biggest killer in the western world. Oral bacteria such as Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis are common infecting agents, and we now recognise that bacterial infections are an independent risk factor for heart diseases."
The Bristol University researchers investigated how the bacteria interact with platelets by mimicking the pressure inside the blood vessels and the heart. Prof. Jenkinson's team found that the bacteria use the platelets as a defense mechanism.
By clumping the platelets together, the bacteria are able to completely surround themselves. This platelet armor shields the bacteria from attack by immune cells and makes them less detectable to antibiotics.
Although some of the associations we have looked at in this spotlight feature are still under investigation, good dental hygiene remains important for lowering risk of a variety of conditions.
The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) recommend that we should brush for 2 minutes, twice daily. The ADHA guidelines also stress the importance of flossing daily and rinsing with mouthwash. You can read the full recommendations on the ADHA website.
Source: Most of us are aware that poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath - but not brushing your teeth could also have consequences for more serious illnesses.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283649.php
Case of the Month: Screw Retained Dentures
A hybrid overdenture is a full denture (including teeth and simulated gum tissue) that completely covers the upper or lower jaw and is firmly anchored to the jawbone with dental implants. This type of denture can only be removed by a dentist. If you currently wear a removable upper or lower complete denture, you will be delighted to know you will be able to chew and smile again with ease. If you wear a removable complete upper denture, you will be happy to know that a maxillary hybrid denture does not cover the roof of the mouth. This means you will be able to fully taste and enjoy all of your favorite foods again.
A hybrid overdenture is a full denture (including teeth and simulated gum tissue) that completely covers the upper or lower jaw and is firmly anchored to the jawbone with dental implants. This type of denture can only be removed by a dentist. If you currently wear a removable upper or lower complete denture, you will be delighted to know you will be able to chew and smile again with ease. If you wear a removable complete upper denture, you will be happy to know that a maxillary hybrid denture does not cover the roof of the mouth. This means you will be able to fully taste and enjoy all of your favorite foods again.
Philadelphia Inquirer: HPV is causing an oral cancer epidemic in men by outwitting natural defenses
Five years ago, when actor Michael Douglas candidly revealed that his throat cancer was linked to having oral sex, two things happened.
He made headlines that mortified his family. And he helped publicize the fact that a pervasive, sexually transmitted virus called HPV was unleashing an epidemic of oral cancer among men.
Compared with women, men are more likely to get infected with HPV — including “high-risk” cancer-causing strains. They also are less able to wipe out infection on their own, and more likely to get reinfected. The reasons are unclear.
Your dentist should play a key role in detecting oral cancer. Having an thorough oral cancer screening is the first step to catching this dangerous cancer early.
Did you know that Dr. Henley is the ONLY general dentist in Jacksonville that serves on the Head and Neck Tumor Board at Baptist MD Anderson? The tumor board is a multi-specialty group that works together using the latest in dentistry and medicine to ensure that cancer patients have the best possible outcomes.
Five years ago, when actor Michael Douglas candidly revealed that his throat cancer was linked to having oral sex, two things happened.
He made headlines that mortified his family. And he helped publicize the fact that a pervasive, sexually transmitted virus called HPV was unleashing an epidemic of oral cancer among men.
Compared with women, men are more likely to get infected with HPV — including “high-risk” cancer-causing strains. They also are less able to wipe out infection on their own, and more likely to get reinfected. The reasons are unclear.
Your dentist should play a key role in detecting oral cancer. Having an thorough oral cancer screening is the first step to catching this dangerous cancer early.
Did you know that Dr. Henley is the ONLY general dentist in Jacksonville that serves on the Head and Neck Tumor Board at Baptist MD Anderson? The tumor board is a multi-specialty group that works together using the latest in dentistry and medicine to ensure that cancer patients have the best possible outcomes.
NYT: An Escape to the Dentist? Parents Confess Their Secret Ways to Get Alone Time
Peter J. Strauss’s life as an attorney, speaker and single father of four children ages 1 to 10 leaves him little time for himself.
He catches a break in a place most people try to avoid: “I love going to the dentist,” says Mr. Strauss, of Hilton Head Island, S.C. “It’s 45 minutes when I know nobody is going to interrupt me. You can’t reach me and you can’t ask for anything,” says Mr. Strauss, author of a book on self-insurance for businesses. Although he has perfect teeth, he gets them cleaned three times a year instead of the usual two. The visits are so dull that he sometimes falls asleep in the chair.
Peter J. Strauss’s life as an attorney, speaker and single father of four children ages 1 to 10 leaves him little time for himself.
He catches a break in a place most people try to avoid: “I love going to the dentist,” says Mr. Strauss, of Hilton Head Island, S.C. “It’s 45 minutes when I know nobody is going to interrupt me. You can’t reach me and you can’t ask for anything,” says Mr. Strauss, author of a book on self-insurance for businesses. Although he has perfect teeth, he gets them cleaned three times a year instead of the usual two. The visits are so dull that he sometimes falls asleep in the chair.