Periodontal Disease Could Lead To Dementia

Everyone, including your Fountain Valley Dentist, knows that gum disease can cause serious problems, but recent research is proving that there may be a direct link between Alzheimer’s disease and poor dental health.

A recent study conducted by the University of Central Lancashire in the United Kingdom has discovered that people who have gum disease and poor oral health could be at a much higher risk when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease. When the brains of patients who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia were examined, they discovered Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is a bacteria or bug that has long been associated with people who suffer from periodontal disease.

The study took 10 brain samples from dementia patients and 10 samples from people who did not suffer from the disease. The Porphyromonas gingivalis was only present in the brains of the patients who had been afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.

Your Orange County Dentist is well aware that the bacteria lurking inside your oral cavities will eventually enter your bloodstream from eating, chewing, brushing, and flossing. Every time the Porphyromonas gingivalis enters the brain, it could actually release excess chemicals that could kill your brains neurons. Once that happens it could cause Alzheimer’s symptoms like memory loss and confusion according to the study.

Brushing twice and flossing once a day is essential for healthy teeth and gums as is regularly scheduled appointments with your Dentist in the OC.

During your check-up with Hagen Dental, you will be given a thorough dental exam. The comprehensive exam will include x-rays, oral cancer screening and gum disease evaluation. Your Fountain Valley Dentist will also look for tooth decay and make sure that your restorations are still doing their job.

After your x-rays, your OC Dentist will diagnose your radiographs looking for bone loss, cysts, tumors, and tooth decay. The x-rays will also help your Hagen Dental determine your root and tooth positioning.  

If your Fountain Valley Dentist detects gingivitis or periodontal disease, Dr. Hagen will schedule a professional deep cleaning or scaling and planing.

Gingivitis and Periodontal disease can be hard to detect, especially without a professional examination. If you are experiencing red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, or bleeding gums after brushing and flossing it is time to schedule a thorough dental exam with Hagen Dental. Research is still being conducted and no one knows for sure if poor oral health causes dementia, but are you willing to take that chance? 

Other Foods to Avoid According to Your Fountain Valley Dentist

In the last blog, your Fountain Valley Dentist Peter Hagen from Hagen Dental told you about the dangers of sugary foods. Dr. Hagen also mentioned that there were plenty of other foods that could cause damage to your teeth and gums, but it is not just sugary foods that can wreck havoc with your smile. Other foods that you may not know about could also turn your frown upside down.

According to Readers Digest foods like ketchup and even fruit flavored yogurt are loaded with hidden sugars. If you ever see high fructose corn syrup on an ingredients list do yourself and your family a favor and put it back on the shelf.

Sports and energy drinks may put a zing in your step, but the thick and acidic liquids can stick to your teeth for hours. Energy and sports drinks are just as bad as soda. For a healthier grin, stick to plain old water.  

If you enjoy sucking on a ripe juicy lemon, your OC Dentist says that you could be ruining the enamel on your teeth. Because lemons are so acidic, sucking or chewing on them for long period of time could cause irreversible damage to your teeth.

Starchy foods like soft breads, potato chips, French fries, crackers and pretzels are not just bad for your waistline. Your Fountain Valley Dentist will tell you that starchy foods will get trapped in-between your teeth and if you are not constantly brushing, could lead to plaque build-up.

Dried fruit and raisins are extremely high in sugar, but according to your Dentist in Orange County, raisins and other dried fruits like apricots and prunes can be stuck in your teeth and stay for hours leading to decay. Dried fruits can also cause stress on fillings.

For healthy teeth and gums, your favorite Fountain Valley Dentist recommends eating sugary foods with a meal. Because your mouth produces saliva during mealtime, it can help neutralize the acid production in your mouth rising away food particles.

Dr. Hagen also advises that you limit your snacks. If you must have something to eat, opt for a nutritious snack like a piece of cheese or a handful of nuts. Try to rinse your mouth out after your snack, or chew a stick of sugarless gum.

Drink more water as fluoridated water can help with tooth decay. If you are drinking bottled water, be sure and check your labels for fluoride.

Finally your OC Dentist recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy and don’t forget to schedule an appointment for a check-up with Hagen Dental if you haven’t seen your Dentist in Orange County for a few months. 

Sugary Foods to Avoid With the Help of Your Fountain Valley Dentist

Dr. Peter Hagen has been helping people all over Orange County, and although Dr. Hagen and Hagen Dental can provide you with the most comprehensive dental care on the planet, there are some things that you can do to prevent cavities.

According to Men’s Health Magazine, the average American will consume about 140 pounds of sugars and sweeteners. Life is sweet, but it can cause real problems for your teeth.

Even if you don’t think you have a sweet tooth, you could be eating the equivalent to nearly 6,050 Reese’s chocolaty peanut butter cups over the coming year. It may sound ludicrous to you, but Dr. Hagen and his Orange County Dentists office will tell you that there are dozens of foods loaded with hidden sugars.

According to the bestselling book, Eat This, Not That, some of the most sugar packed foods in the US are ones that you would never suspect. You may love visiting with Dr. Hagen and his Fountain Valley Dentist office, but if you want to spend less time in the chair with a drill in your mouth, it’s best to avoid the following sugary foods.

The Baskin-Robbins Oreo Layered Sundae is the most sugar packed menu item in the US and has 146 grams of sugar and a whopping 1,330 calories. Skip the Sundae and try a couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream instead. 

Everyone loves Dr. Hagen and his dental practice in the OC, but if you would rather stop by for a friendly visit than a couple of fillings, Hagen Dental recommends that you avoid Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. The Venti size with whipped cream and low fat milk is loaded with 81 grams of sugar, and 19 grams of fat. Instead of drinking 560 calories, opt for a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino with non-fat milk.

Smoothies are supposed to be healthy, but if you think you are helping your teeth with a Jamba Juice Banana Berry Smoothie think again. Packed with 82 grams of sugar and 1.5 grams of fat you would be better off ordering a Berry Fulfilling Smoothie. With only 230 calories, it is a much better option than the Banana Berry Smoothie with 400 calories.

Granola can be good for you, but if you are trying to avoid a trip to the dentists office in the OC, skip the Quaker Oats Natural Granola with Honey and Raisins. With 420 calories, 10 grams of fat and 26 grams of sugar it’s like eating a sugary dessert for breakfast. Go for a bowl of Post Shredded wheat instead as it has 0 grams of sugar and 160 calories.

Of course, there are many sugary foods to avoid. Stay tuned and we’ll fill you in on the rest of the list next time with the help of the best Fountain Valley Dentist in Orange County Dr. Peter Hagen and the team from Hagen Dental.

Remember to smile, because you never know who's falling in love with your smile.

Feel free to call HagenDental with any dental questions or concerns you may have.  Our entire team looks forward to meeting you.

Contact our Fountain Valley Dental office with any questions.

http://www.peterhagendds.com/ (714) 965-5255

With over 27 years of serving Orange County, our new, state-of-the-art facility offers both the very latest in dental technology, combined with the comfortable feeling of the Hawaiian Islands. Relax as our experienced team of doctors provide the very best in today's dental techniques while you enjoy your own private television, complete with headphones if needed. Wireless internet service is available so you can keep your busy schedule on track, and our commitment to same-day dentistry using the very latest in CAD-CAM dentistry gets you back to your daily life without the need for temporary crowns or return visits!

HagenDental

18426 Brookhurst St Ste.101

Valley Garden (Coco's) Shopping Center

Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Phone: (714) 965-5255

http://www.hagen-dental.com

What Your Fountain Valley Dentist Wants You To Know

Dr. Peter Hagen of Fountain Valley sees a lot of people and consequently, a lot of teeth throughout the day. As such, there are a few things he wants his patients to know a few things about their oral health they may not be aware of.

First things first, flossing is key. If you don’t floss regularly, you’re missing a lot of debris in the gaps between your teeth. his is where decay and gum disease are most likely to occur. The truth is, brushing just won't effectively reach these areas. And while the floss picks and other flossing devices are good, nothing beats traditional floss for really getting at every crevice.

Second, if your gums are bleeding, you’re doing something wrong. This is not a normal reaction to brushing. In fact, healthy gums don't bleed during proper brushing or flossing. If yours do, talk to your dentist. During a routine cleaning, some bleeding is normal because dental hygienists are doing such a thorough job and using instruments.

And finally, the mouth is a part of the human body. This may seem like an obvious thing to say,  but somehow the mouth is isolated from the rest of the body in many people's minds and even by our health care system. To wit: Why are there separate insurances for medical and dental care? Disease in the mouth affects the rest of the body and vice versa, particularly when it comes to problems like diabetes and gum disease as well as oral cancers. Keeping this fact in mind helps people take better care of their oral health.

Fountain Valley Dentist Discusses: When Hot and Cold Temperatures Really Hurt

Have you ever taken a sip of a cold beverage, expecting refreshment, only to wince in sharp pain? Has a warm cup of tea been the source of unrelenting toothache? If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms when dealing with temperature, it is likely that you suffer from sensitive teeth. Dr. Hagen, a Fountain Valley dentist, wants to help you understand why your mouth is reacting to environmental temperature shifts.

There are numerous reasons why people experience sensitivity in this way. More specifically, and usually the most likely culprit, is that the root is exposed at the base of the tooth. It is there that millions of tiny tubes (called dentin), which are connected to nerve endings, are exposed to the elements. Gum recession, teeth grinding, aggressive brushing techniques, and acidic drinks all contribute to exposed gums and ultimately sensitive teeth.

Dr. Hagen says thats some people don’t realize they’re brushing too hard, thus affecting tooth sensitivity through enamel erosion and gum wear. Your most loved beverage -- coffee, tea, juice, wine, and popular energy drinks -- are also putting the condition of the tooth’s enamel and the dentin in a vulnerable position.

If you’re experiencing severe sensitivity, talk to Fountain Valley dentist, Dr. Hagen about bonding the problematic areas. This is essentially a very fine varnish your dentist applies to the tooth. It's not a permanent fix, though. In the meantime, consider brushing gently, reduce your acidic beverage intake, and be aware of any tooth grinding you may be experiencing.

Fountain Valley Dentist: Energy Drinks Are Bad For Teeth

Many people believe energy drinks are useful consumable items that get them through the day. However, studies are suggesting that although energy drinks give people a short burst of productivity, they actually contribute to declining oral health.  Many people believe that an energy drink is a healthier alternative to soda and other sugary drinks. Specifically, the study shows that ingredients contained in sports drinks can damage tooth enamel which leads to increased risk of developing cavities.

The ABA led the research team, where 13 “sports” drinks (like gatorade) and 9 “energy” drinks (like Red Bull) were tested for their acidity. They tested six drinks for their effects on tooth enamel and found both types caused damage. Energy drinks, however, were twice as bad. Damaged tooth enamel cannot be fixed.  This study was published in the journal, General Dentistry.

The samples of enamel were immersed in the  test drinks for 15 minutes. The samples were then  to artificial saliva for two hours. This process was repeated four times a day for five days. The beverages were replaced with fresh ones every day. This process was developed in order to simulate real life, since people tend to consume these drinks throughout the day. The research shows that enamel loss was evident after five days of exposure!

If you’re an avid energy drink/sports drink user, then it would be wise to dilute the liquid with water in order to minimize the harmful effects to your teeth. Dr. Hagen, a Fountain Valley dentist, suggests discontinuing use of  these beverages as a source of energy and instead, make healthy changes to your sleeping and dietary habits. You’d be surprised to find out that little steps will make you feel healthier, refreshed, and less dependent on stimulants.