Why Electric Toothbrushes are a Good Choice for the Elderly

Why Electric Toothbrushes are a Good Choice for the ElderlyNo matter your age, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. But as you get older and lose muscle dexterity, it can be difficult to brush as well as you used to. That’s why it is recommended for the elderly to use electric toothbrushes.

If you brush properly with a manual toothbrush, you perform 300 strokes per minute, so over your two-minute brushing time, your teeth are hit with only 600 strokes. But electric toothbrushes have 3,000 to 7,500 rotating motions a minute that are powered to replicate the motion of your hand by doing the muscle work for you. The bristles on these toothbrushes either rotate or move back and forth to help remove plaque and reduce gingivitis.

Electric toothbrushes are not only helpful for the elderly, but also for children and those with chronic illness. To get the most out of your electric toothbrush, here are some tips:

  • Change out the head of your toothbrush every three months or as soon as the bristles start to fray.
  • Use a soft bristled toothbrush to avoid brushing too hard and damaging your gums.
  • Divide your mouth into quadrants and spend at least 30 seconds in each area, brushing at a 45 degree angle pointed up toward your gums.
  • Don’t forget to brush your tongue, which helps you avoid bad breath.

To maintain great dental hygiene, you should also visit your dentist for bi-annual professional teeth cleanings. If you are in need of a dental check-up, contact Austin Dental Implants today and set-up your appointment.

Caffeine in Your Toothbrush?

Caffeine in Your Toothbrush?If it’s hard for you to get going in the mornings, soon you might have one more way to jumpstart your day—at your bathroom sink. Inventors at Colgate-Palmolive have recently filed a patent technology for a toothbrush that would have chemicals embedded on a patch into the heads of standard toothbrushes, and would slowly release the chemicals during use. The chemicals would have a variety of benefits, such as:

  • Caffeine
  • Flavors such as apple and lemon
  • Capsaicin, which would evoke a warming sensation, or warm massage
  • Cooling sensation
  • Benzocaine, for pain relief from teething for infants
  • Appetite suppressants for weight loss treatment
  • Painkillers

The patches would be different shapes to represent their flavor, such as the warming sensation would be a flame, and the cooling sensation a snowflake. Each patch would last for about three months.

The Federal Drug Administration has been cracking down on caffeinated products recently such as caffeinated gum and caffeinated waffles because of caffeine’s effects on children, so many wonder if they will approve the caffeinated toothbrush.

While we wait to see if this innovative toothbrush will hit the market, it’s important to remember to always brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time—whether you have a toothbrush that releases caffeine or not. Don’t forget to also floss daily and visit your dentist for a bi-annual check-up.

If you would like to learn more about the dental services offered at Austin Dental Implants, contact us today and set-up your appointment.

How to Prepare for Dental Implants

How to Prepare for Dental ImplantsIf you are thinking of getting dental implants as an alternative to your dentures or a way to enhance your smile, you might be wondering what to do next. It is a simple process to get dental implants, and here are some tips on how to prepare for your new smile:

  • Make an appointment for a comprehensive dental exam: During your visit with the dentist, you will have dental X-rays taken of your teeth and mouth or even a 3-D scan of your jaw.
  • Your dentist will discuss your dental implant treatment plan with you: After analyzing your X-rays, your dentist will share with you how many teeth you need replaced and the condition of your jawbone. If your jawbone isn’t strong enough to support dental implants, your dentist will likely recommend a simple bone grafting procedure before getting dental implants.
  • Share your medical history with your dentist: Before getting dental implants, it’s important to tell your dentist about any medical conditions you have and any prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs and supplements you take. If you have certain heart conditions or orthopedic implants, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection.
  • Discuss your anesthesia preference: Your anesthesia options during surgery usually include local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia. Share with your dentist about which option you prefer. If you choose general anesthesia, make sure you have someone who can drive you home after you receive your dental implants.
  • Stop excessive drinking and smoking: If you don’t stop drinking excessively and smoking before getting dental implants, your implants will likely not perform as they should. Through choosing to stop smoking and drinking, you will improve not only your overall health, but also your oral health.

Dental implant surgery is a simple and effective way to restore your smile and self-confidence. If you would like to learn more about getting dental implants, contact Austin Dental Implants today and set-up your appointment.

Will electric toothbrushes harm my dental implants?

Will electric toothbrushes harm my dental implants?If you are thinking of getting dental implants, you might be wondering how you would care for them. Maybe you’ve heard that if you use an electric toothbrush on your dental implants that the mini-vibrations will interfere with the bone growth around your implant. But don’t worry, this dental rumor isn’t true.

There is no evidence in dental studies to suggest that you can’t use your electric toothbrush after dental implant surgery. Electric toothbrushes can benefit your dental implants if that is the best way for you to maintain your dental hygiene. For those who have trouble with their dexterity, electric toothbrushes are especially helpful.

The mini-vibrations that could affect bone growth are those that occur if you chomp down on your food extremely forcefully. Also, if you use an “ultrasonic” toothbrush that might also loosen the abutment screws that hold your dental implant in place. If you use this type of toothbrush, ask your dentist for advice.

Your dental implants can last a lifetime if you take care of them well. The best way to maintain them are to give them the same quality care you give the rest of your teeth through following these simple steps:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with whichever toothbrush you like best.
  • Floss every day.
  • Visit your dentist for a bi-annual professional teeth cleaning and checkup.

If you are interested in dental implants, which can restore not only your dental health, but also your radiant smile, contact Austin Dental Implants today and set-up your consultation.

Can I still get an MRI after dental implants?

Can I still get an MRI after dental implants?If you are interested in dental implants, but worry about their impact on medical procedures like MRIs, don’t fear. Even after you get dental implants, you can have an MRI and not be harmed.

MRIs use magnetic forces during the scan. The biggest concern with having an MRI if you have any type of metal implant is that the implant would become displaced during the procedure or that it would heat up.

Most orthopedic and titanium alloy dental implants are not magnetic. Since dental implants are made with non-magnetic alloys, they shouldn’t be harmed during your MRI. The dental implants may distort the image if the area of concern is adjacent to them and the more metal, the more likely some distortion will occur.

Even if your dental implants aren’t magnetic, it’s best to tell the MRI personnel about your implants, so they can be aware if any distortion occurs. If you have a removable dental prosthesis that uses magnets for retention such as dentures or bridges, it is probably best to take it out before an MRI and leave them outside the MRI room.

Most patients prefer dental implants over bridges or dentures because of their convenience and durability. You never have to remove your dental implants, and they can last the rest of your life. They also improve your self-esteem since you never have to worry about them falling out, and they look just like the rest of your teeth.

If you would like to learn more about dental implants and how they can restore your smile, contact Austin Dental Implants today and set-up your appointment.

The Link Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease

The Link Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer's DiseaseOne more reason to take better care of your teeth is that you might have a lower chance of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth most common cause of death in America, and is a progressive condition that involves loss of cognitive function and short-term memory.

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is caused by inflammation of the gums caused by oral bacteria. Studies have shown that gum disease is associated with inflammation in the brain that increases the risk for cognitive dysfunctions linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

In 2005, a group of researchers noticed an increased presence of antibodies and inflammatory chemicals linked to gum disease in patients of Alzheimer’s disease compared to those of healthy individuals. Researchers believe that when the gum disease bacteria multiply, they enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, where they cause infections.

According to an article published in the Journal of American Dental Association, any kind of inflammation in the early stages of life increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later on. Losing teeth at the age of 35 or younger might also increase the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.

Some simple ways to lessen your chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease or any other serious health issues are to:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes
  • Floss daily
  • Eat a nutritious diet and exercise
  • Visit your dentist for a bi-annual checkup and professional dental cleaning

If you struggle with dental health issues and are interested in dental implants to help strengthen your teeth, Austin Dental Implants can help. Contact us today and set-up your appointment.

Natural Tooth Anatomy vs. Dental Implants

The roots of our teeth are embedded in the upper and lower jaws under our gums. Anatomically, from top to bottom, teeth are composed of an enamel covered crown and connected to the gums by roots.

Austin dental implants, tooth loss solutions
Comparing the structure of a dental implant and a natural tooth.

The crown is like a layered cake. The top layer is the highly mineralized tissue, enamel—the visible hard, white part of the tooth. Underneath it is a layer of tissue called dentine which acts as a protective layer and supports the crown.

The dentine is followed by the tooth’s center called pulp. Commonly referred to as the nerve of the tooth, the pulp is filled with soft connective tissue and contains blood vessels and nerves that enter from the root. Lastly cementum is the bone-like substance that covers the tooth’s root and aids in attaching the ligaments to the root for stability.

Much like the anatomy of your natural teeth, dental implants are made of two main components. Metal posts, or screws are secured into the jawbone just underneath the gums mimicking the support structure of the roots. The replacement tooth is a prosthetic crown that is then fixed onto the metal rods almost completely recreating the structure of the tooth both aesthetically and functionally. Unlike bridges or dentures the implant doesn’t simply rest on your gums but it becomes a comfortably functioning part of your mouth.

Dental implants’ natural yet very simple and accurate structure, make them a perfect solution to tooth loss due to decay, gum disease or accidental trauma to the mouth. To learn more about dental implants, or to set up a free consultations to see if they are the right solution for you, contact Austin Dental Implants today.

Can Oral Piercings Harm Teeth?

Although they might look cool, lip and tongue piercings can have detrimental effects on your oral health.  Below are some common consequences that result from oral piercings.

Chipping and Cracking of Teeth

With tongue rings, biting the metal can occur accidentally if not out of habit, and can damage your teeth. In fact studies found 47 percent of individuals who had worn tongue piercings for at least four years had chipped teeth. For lip piercings, the larger the jewelry on the ring, the more likely you are to damage your teeth. Most commonly, it gets caught between your teeth when you chew.

oral piercings harm teeth, tongue lip piercings effects

Gum Recession

Research has found that 35 percent of young people who wore tongue rings for at least four years had suffered gum recession. Half of the individuals who wore barbells (the metal bar that goes through the tongue) with long stems for at least two years also had their gums recede. This is because a longer bar gives a piecing a greater chance of rubbing across your gums regularly. Lip piercings with flat back jewelry or in an incorrect location can also contribute to gum recession.

The American Dental Association opposes the practice of oral piercing due to the risks it poses to individuals. If you are going to get an oral piercing, make sure the piercing studio is licensed and has experienced piercers. Avoid those that use piercing guns.  Also make sure sterile instruments and disposable needles are used to protect yourself from diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B. The Association of Professional Piercers also provides the public with resources online to find member studios that practice safe piercing.

If you have any questions regarding oral piercings or wish to set up an appointment, contact Austin Dental Implants today.

Does Smoking Affect my Implants?

Your dental implants are at a greater risk of failure if you smoke. Studies have found the failure rate of implants in smokers to be about 16 percent, in contrast to a 1.4 percent rate of failure seen with non-smokers. For those who smoke over 20 cigarettes in a single day, the failure rate jumps to over 30 percent.

Dental implants smoking affects, impact of smoking on implants

Implants need consistent blood flow to the tissue and bone surrounding it to properly fuse. Nicotine from tobacco has been shown to reduce blood flow to the oral cavity, making this fusion more likely to be unsuccessful.

If you smoke a pipe instead of the traditional cigarette, then you expose your implants to even greater danger. Pipes result in elevated temperatures within the upper jaw, which contributes to implant failure.

Smoking in general should be stopped if not refrained from once you have implants. This is especially crucial during the healing process after receiving your implants. Smoking causes your tissue to heal more slowly, and prevents antibiotics from helping the bone around your teeth from healing faster. Smokers more often experience infections after surgery, and require more time for the healing process. As a result, smokers are also at a greater risk of periodontal disease, in which both gum and bone around the teeth are attacked.

As difficult as it is to quit smoking, the benefits of not having to spend money on replacement implants or face potential infections can make it worth it.

If you have any questions regarding the way smoking affects your dental implants, or wish to make an appointment, contact Austin Dental Implants today.

Dental Tips to People With Asthma and COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma make dental care tough, from medications’ effects on teeth to making lying down on a dental chair hazardous. But there are plenty of steps you can take to mitigate these difficulties.

dentist patient COPD, dentist asthma implants

Inhaler medication contributes to cavities, gingivitis, and many other oral disorders for asthma patients. Rinsing with water or a fluoride-based mouthwash after using your inhaler can help prevent the cavities caused by asthma medication.

Pre-dental anxiety can also precipitate asthma attacks at the dentist’s office. If you’re nervous about a visit, avoid caffeine, eat high-protein foods and, most importantly, bring your inhaler. Try and pick low-stress days for appointments such as weekends or holidays.

With COPD medications, often steroids, you can be more vulnerable to thrush or candidiasis (fungal or yeast infections in the mouth). Inform your dentist of steroids or other medications you may be taking. You may receive more steroid treatment prior to a dental procedure.

COPD may also prevent you from lying back horizontally, so work with your dentist to find a position comfortable for you. Your dentist should also prepare an oxygen supply for use just in case during the visit. If you already take oxygen at home, be sure to bring it with you to your appointment.

Regardless of any condition you may have, setting up a “stop” signal with your dentist during procedures will help let your dentist know when you need to sit up, cough, or are having any problems breathing. Effective communication makes a big difference in safety during your dental treatment.

If you have any questions regarding a respiratory condition affecting your dental treatment or implants, contact Austin Dental Implants today.