Understanding How Mold Can Affect The Health Of Your Gums

Changing your oral hygiene may be your first thought if you have gums that are swollen, sore, and bleeding. While poor practices can contribute to the development of these symptoms, there are other possibilities. Conversations about black mold have been common in the news, and its effects are broad-reaching. One potential consequence of a black mold infestation can be oral health concerns. The development of gingivitis-like symptoms is a common side-effect and one your dentist may miss.

Understanding How Mold Can Affect The Health Of Your Gums

Learning the life cycle of mold is necessary to understanding how mold infestations can impact your oral health. Like all fungi, black mold uses spores to reproduce. However, black mold doesn’t typically spread its spores through the air unless disturbed. Unlike many fungal spores, black mold spores tend to be sticky. They’ll remain in place even if the mold colony has dried. When the surface they’re on is disturbed, they cling to other particles in the air until settling elsewhere.

One place they can settle is in your lungs and on your gums. A condition known as bleeding lung syndrome can occur if it enters your lungs. If these mold spores should land on your gums, they can cause irritation similar to gingivitis. This irritation isn’t the only way they can impact your oral health, however.

• Dry Mouth – One symptom of being exposed to mold is congestion. When our nose and sinuses become congested, we may breathe through our mouths. This excess airflow through the mouth can result in dry mouth. Saliva plays a vital role in defending us from tooth decay. When dry mouth occurs, we are deprived of its protective effects. Dry mouth can also aggravate gum disease and cause halitosis.
• Amalgams – One little-known fact about molds is that they can consume certain metals. Mercury is one such metal they can consume and is a primary component of amalgam fillings. The dark, warm, moist interior of our mouths thus becomes a perfect breeding ground.
• Mycotoxins – In addition to the spores produced by mold, you also have to consider mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxic substances that our bodies react to when inhaled. Gum bleeds, nose bleeds, and even bleeding lungs can result from inhaling these substances.

These three points are the primary concerns to consider when dealing with black mold. If you suspect that your home has a black mold infestation, take action. The first step will be removing your family from the home until you can clear it. The second step involves speaking to your health professionals, including your dentist.

Seek Dental Guidance On Mold Related Oral Health Concerns

Alert your dentist as soon as you’re aware of a black mold infestation in your home. They’ll be able to provide appropriate steps to protect your oral health. Among these steps will be taking special care with your oral health routine. Black mold is a serious concern with dangerous health risks related to it. You may need to replace your toothbrushes and thoroughly sterilize any dishes (such as cups) you use as part of your routine.  

The study of periodontal disease has been an ongoing project for the dental industry. In addition to studying how to prevent it, these researchers also search for connections. Many of the connections the researchers find are surprising and even worrying. Gum disease has been known to be able to be life-threatening. Pus from abscesses can enter the bloodstream and cause life-threatening consequences. The same bacteria that cause gum periodontitis has been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Recently research has revealed that there’s a link between gingivitis and cancer.

How Oral Health Concerns Can Increase Risk For Cancer

Research done by the Oral Cancer Foundation has revealed that 54,000 new cases appear each year. Of these cases nearly 20% will die, a rate of about one person each hour, every day. These significant rates of death are often the result of a late diagnosis. This lateness can be the result of a lack of regular dental visits, or mistaken symptoms. Oral cancer appears in multiple forms, with the most prevalent listed below:

• Gum Cancer
• Lip Cancer
• Tongue Cancer
• Mouth Cancer

So how are these conditions tied to your oral health? This mechanism isn’t well understood, and research is ongoing. What is known is that half of all adults over 30 experience complications with gum disease. Among these patients those with late-stage periodontal disease have a nearly 20% higher risk of oral cancer. Those without any teeth at all had a risk nearly 30% as high. In addition, men with gum disease were shown to have reduced instances of inflammation in the prostate. This reduction, in turn, reduced their risk of prostate cancer.

An important point to recall in all this is that gum disease has not been shown to cause cancer. Rather, having gum disease increases your risk of developing it. The best method of reducing your risks is a solid oral hygiene routine combined with regular dental visits. If you’re wondering if you’re experiencing periodontal disease, look for the following symptoms:

• Tender gums
• Blood on your toothbrush
• Halitosis or bad breath
• Teeth that are loose
• Pain while chewing
• Gum lines that are receding
• Teeth that appear longer than usual
• Issues with bite, such as overbite, crossbite, etc

All of these can indicate that you’re harboring a case of periodontitis or gingivitis. Speaking to your dentist is the best way to get help overcoming these afflictions.

Next Steps In Your Oral Health Care Plan

It’s essential to take proper care of your teeth and gums. In addition to keeping your smile looking fantastic, it’s clear it could save your life. Checking your mouth for oral cancer is another reason your dentist sees you regularly. If you haven’t been to yours in a while, it’s time to schedule another visit. As studies continue, the importance of regular oral care is increasingly evident. Don’t let your health be threatened by improper oral hygiene and dental care. See your dentist and get an exam. It’s a sure way to ensure a great smile for years to come.

One of the biggest concerns of patients visiting their dentist is the possibility that new cavities will be discovered. For some, this concept is so stressful that they do the worst thing possible; they avoid seeing their dentist. If you’re one of the 61% of people in the world that experience dental anxiety, this announcement will give you hope for the future. A recent breakthrough has revealed the existence of a molecule that could spell the end of our concerns about cavities and bring about a future where fillings are a thing of the past.

How Two Discoveries Came Together To Create One Potential Breakthrough

Some time ago, a molecule was discovered in our saliva known as peptide histamine 5. This peptide had demonstrated strong antimicrobial properties that specifically targeted problem bacteria in the oral cavity. Another study had revealed that phosphoserine, a chemical compound, was capable of stimulating remineralization in teeth. These two studies resulted in another one that was published in January of 2020, where the effect of combining these two agents was explored. The results of that study were promising and showed that using the combined substances produced the following results:

• The created molecule bonded strongly with tooth enamel
• Teeth that had bonded with this molecule showed high decay suppression
• Reconstruction of enamel that had been damaged by oral bacteria occurred
• Plaque buildup was reduced in those subjects using this substance

The process began by combining the two substances, peptide histamine 5 and phosphoserine, into one new peptide. Peptides are similar to proteins, being constructed of numerous amino acids. However, they are generally smaller than proteins and have less well-defined structures. They also tend to serve very different functions.

So how effective was this new molecule? When administered to patients who had plaque and tartar on their teeth, the majority of these substances were destroyed within 24 hours. This effectively removed the ability of harmful bacteria to grow on the teeth and produce the acids that weaken enamel. Further testing is going to be necessary, so we’re actively watching for more studies like these coming out of the ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces journal.

Maintaining Dental Hygiene Continues To Be Necessary

While this new substance promises great things for the future of dentistry, it’s still necessary to maintain a dedicated oral hygiene routine. At present, this is the only way to guarantee protection from gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems. Maintain the following practices to ensure that your smile remains strong and healthy for years to come:

• Two minutes of brushing every day
• Consistent flossing between all your teeth at each brushing
• Using mouthwash at each brushing
• Twice yearly visits to your dental care provider

Until further studies are conducted, and the ability of this molecule to change our dental future is confirmed, these steps will protect your smile. You should also make sure to schedule your next regular dental checkup! Your dentist remains your best ally in the fight against oral health concerns. Together you can keep that smile healthy and beautiful!

If you find yourself motivated to live life sustainably, then one of the best places to start is with your routines. If you brush and floss regularly, you know that using this routine daily matters for your oral health. However, the products surrounding our lives are often filled with non-renewable resources, including plastic and latex, that harm our landfills and pollute our oceans. Plastic toothbrushes have become one of our highest commodities, but it’s also one of the biggest polluters we have today.

So, how change you change this problem? Start by changing what toothbrush you use. Over 50 million lbs of plastic toothbrushes are thrown away each year, accounting for a significant portion of the world’s overall waste production. Many businesses have responded to this issue by innovating new toothbrushes that are made using ethical sources. Here’s our short guide for choosing the best toothbrush for your needs.

Convenience, Sustainability, and the ADA

Because plastic has such a huge impact on our environment, changing your toothbrush sounds like an excellent way to start. However, one of the biggest issues with choosing toothbrushes is whether or not they meet ADA standards. While many of those bamboo toothbrushes are great choices for the environment, it doesn’t mean that the design and construction of the toothbrush are considered safe. So, where do you find a balance between finding sustainable sources and safety measures from the ADA and FDA?

Our suggestion? Always look for toothbrushes that have the ADA seal of acceptance. This seal is given to products that meet ADA’s guidelines and establish healthy measures for brushing one’s teeth. However, many of these products don’t always address the sustainability issue, so it’s important to find a balance between meeting these guidelines and paying attention to the companies you purchase from that incorporate sustainable sources.

Toothbrush Options For Sustainable Oral Care

No matter what you choose, always choose toothbrushes that work with your needs and your health. Here are our recommendations for toothbrushes:

• RADIUS Brand Toothbrushes: The RADIUS brand has a unique design that’s safe for children with large handles and wide brush heads. It’s made from cellulose sourced from yield trees.
• Electric Toothbrushes: Electric toothbrushes replace the grind with manual brushing and reduce the amount of plastic used. However, the trade-off is that the batteries that need to be replaced also cause significant waste.
• Bamboo Toothbrushes: Even though bamboo toothbrushes don’t have an ADA seal of acceptance, these toothbrushes are made from ethically sourced materials.

The best place to find more resources about toothbrush options is to speak with your dentist. You can also recycle your plastic toothbrushes if you intend on using them to reduce plastic waste throughout the world. Your dentist can provide you with the resources you need to make more ethical choices regarding your oral care and help you make lifelong choices to improve both your oral health and the environment.

Respiratory diseases have a huge impact on our daily lives. Those who constantly handle respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, and shortness of breath can be incredibly troublesome. However, our oral health is also influenced by many respiratory diseases, and having asthma can contribute to the development of various oral diseases. Asthma occurs within 8% of the US population, and while the connection between these two issues doesn’t appear to have connections, they most certainly do if you think about how our breathing affects our way of life.

Asthma-Related Oral Health Problems

Asthma causes the airways throughout the lungs to constrict, contributing to many other health problems throughout a person’s life. Asthma can create problems with maintaining exercise, lead someone to become more prone to respiratory infections, contribute to depressive thoughts because of the limited airways, and often limit a person’s ability to interact with the world more fully. For their oral health, asthma can contribute to other health problems, including:

• Oral Sores: Many oral sores, or ulcers, are often experienced by asthma patients because of the limits that asthma has with breathing. This creates a higher chance of developing these sores over time, leading to a higher risk of infection.
• Dry mouth: Dry mouth occurs when there is a lack of saliva production. Those who have difficulties breathing may result in having a dry mouth. A dry mouth prevents the mouth and tongue from washing away harmful bacteria, leading to an increased risk of cavities.
• Thrush: Thrush is the least common condition to occur, but it is a fungal infection caused by the growth of yeast along the inside of the mouth and tongue.
• Cavities: Those who have asthma may also have an increased cavity risk due to the risk of dry mouth and ulcers. Cavities develop when bacteria from the mouth feed on the tooth’s enamel.
• Gum Disease: With an increased risk of cavities and dry mouth, the growth of bacteria can also lead to gum disease.

Among these risks, there is also an increased risk of halitosis, tooth decay, and other various oral issues. Many of these oral conditions can be treated, but some studies have looked further into this increased connection between asthma and oral health issues. According to studies from the Clinical and Molecular Allergy Journal, medications such as bronchodilators and steroids can contribute to oral health problems.

Preventing Oral Health Problems With Proper Care

If you have asthma, we highly recommend that you should see your dentist and if you believe that your medications may be contributing to any oral health problems you may have, speak to your primary care doctor about your prescriptions. Arranging an appointment with your dentist will allow your dentist to design treatment plans that meet your oral health needs and take your condition into account during treatment.

We’re raised being told that Vitamin D is essential to building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. As we get older, we hear about the important role it plays in holding off osteoporosis and keeping us active long into our golden years. Did you know that Vitamin D has another role to play in our oral health as well? This important nutrient is essential to the ongoing health of our gums and has been shown to be a critical component of preventing gum disease.

How Vitamin D Serves To Protect Against Periodontal Disease

It’s almost certain that, during our lives, we’ll become subject to gum disease. Recognizable by its tell-tale signs, puffy, tender gums that bleed when brushed, gingivitis is something we’ll all face. Studies into the dental health of patients over the age of 30 revealed that nearly half of all study participants showed the presence of some degree of gum disease. While gingivitis is clearly a common struggle, periodontal disease is what happens when gingivitis is allowed to worsen. Multiple strains of bacteria have a role to play in periodontal disease, many of which have the potential to cause damage to the jawbone and teeth. It also has the potential to cause reabsorption of the minerals in the jawbone, causing it to shrink and resulting in lost teeth.

So, where does Vitamin D come into play in this pageantry of decay? The Medicina peer-reviewed scientific journal printed a study that gives some important insight into this process. During the development of advanced gum disease, Vitamin D can come to our defense by reinvigorating the immune system and pushing back the conditions onslaught. It also plays an important part in the recovery process, helping to rebuild bone and fighting off disease. It doesn’t end there, though; Vitamin D can also:

• Vitamin D is part of the first line of defense against the microbes that cause periodontal disease. The gingival tissue is defended by Vitamin D’s ability to block the toxins that the bacterial cells release, eliminating their ability to harm nearby cells.
• The bacteria responsible for gum disease come under attack by Vitamin D in the bloodstream, where it can eliminate them when present in sufficient quantities.
• Of the four tissues that play a part in your oral health, Vitamin D is essential to the health of each of them. It also plays a central role in suppressing the loss of bone density.

How To Use Vitamin D To Hold Off Periodontal Disease

Consuming dairy is a central part of getting the right amount of Vitamin D in your diet, but be sure to spend a little time in the sun as well. Just an hour a few times a week with your face, hands, and palms exposed can help your body produce over 10,000IU of Vitamin D. This meets your body’s requirements of 2,000IU in spades. Your physician or dietitian can also provide a subscription for a supplement if needed.

In spite of the amount we hear about it in news and media, mental health is one of the most neglected areas of medical science. Access to affordable, comprehensive treatment that produces results is notoriously difficult to get. Patients suffering from oral health concerns are more likely to present with health and dental problems resulting from neglect, and evidence suggests that this relationship may go both ways. Studies of periodontal disease and gingivitis suggest that our mental health can be impacted by infection and by the self-esteem issues that result from dental concerns.

An Overlook of “No Mental Health Without Oral Health

Patients with mental health concerns have been showing physical health concerns with greater frequency with every passing year. The various methods used by patients to address mental illness, especially when they lack access to proper care, often have ancillary negative effects on oral health. Proper oral health care requires that both the patient and dentist be able to maintain active awareness to prevent and treat concerns as they appear. Without taking mental illness into account their task becomes immeasurably harder, and patients may not be getting the care they need.

The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry published studies observing a range of dental health conditions faced by th ose with mental illness, and observed connections between them. Researchers looked through multiple references and determined that depression and other mental health concerns can lead to neglect of health concerns, including oral health. However, neglect isn’t the only source of concern. Other patients have actually damaged their teeth as part of manic episodes resulting in overaggressive dental care routines. Concerns like these make it clear that mental health is an important aspect of our oral health.

How Dentists Can Help Patients With Mental Health Concerns

There are several steps both patient and dentist can take to address oral health concerns stemming from mental health concerns. It’s essential to find a dental office that understands the impact these concerns can have and that provides a stigma free environment. Other steps that can be taken by both patient and dentist include:

• Communicate Clearly: Patients should seek information about their care, and dentists should be certain they’re receiving informed consent about their care. This includes ensuring that the dentist understands the medication the patient is on, and the patient providing a complete medical history.
• Relaxation Techniques: Many patients with mental health concerns may need help managing their anxiety or panic. In some cases, mild sedation may be needed to help keep the patient calm in the chair. Even aromatherapy has proven successful in soothing patients.

• Informed Awareness: If both sides are proactive, the dentist can ensure that they are educated about their patients condition, and the patient can learn everything they can about their care. Advice about managing oral care routines structured around this understanding can provide effect resolutions for all involved.

These simple approaches will help eliminate the stigma around mental health and ensure that proper oral health is maintained.

Of all the changes mothers undergo during their pregnancy, one of the least considered is related to dental health. With everything you have to think about with your impending delivery date, it may have skipped your mind that your oral health may need extra attention. The changes in hormone levels that cause sleep, hunger, and even mood to go haywire can have additional consequences for your teeth. Thankfully there are opportunities before you reach the third trimester to take action for your oral health.

A study published by the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research demonstrated that the oral health of women during pregnancy is a serious consideration. They found that the immense changes that the patient’s body undergoes during pregnancy can have serious impacts on the health of the mother’s teeth and gums. Boosted levels of estrogen and progesterone lead to a rise in blood flow, which can result in the blood vessels in the gums expanding, making them more sensitive to pressure. Many women experience gingivitis during the early stages of their pregnancy due to these hormonal changes.

• Erosion of the Enamel: Complications that comes with morning sickness, such as vomiting and nausea, boost the levels of acid in the mouth. This can result in higher levels of erosion and consequentially damage to the enamels.
• Dental Cavities: Poor hygiene, damage to the enamel, and dietary changes.
• Tooth Loss: Increased sensitivity of the gums and erosion of the enamel can lead to a risk of tooth loss. This occurs when the decay has caused the gums to separate from the tooth and decay from plaque formation.

Protecting Your Teeth While Waiting For Baby

Consistent appointments with your dentist are essential during your pregnancy to maintain good oral health. The majority of treatments and care that you’ll receive from your dentist are perfectly safe for the baby. While x-ray imaging is avoided with pregnant patients, the level of radiation used is perfectly safe for both the mother and child. Periodontal disease has also been associated with higher risks of preterm birth and preeclampsia, as well as disease and infection in the newborn.

Cosmetic dentistry often presents itself as a form of dentistry all about aesthetics. While the term cosmetic usually implies that concept, cosmetic dentistry is still a form of dental care that focuses on improving a person’s oral health. Aesthetics play a significant role in this specialty. Yet, for those wondering why cosmetic dentistry is necessary, we’re here to showcase some of the benefits people receive with cosmetic dental care and why it’s an essential specialty here to stay.

Why Cosmetic Dentistry Matters

Among all aspects of dentistry, aesthetic appeal is regarded as a highly essential component to tooth care. For people who continuously struggle with misaligned teeth, missing teeth, and other dental problems, cosmetic dentistry fills the gap where specialties such as periodontists and general dentists lack expertise. Cosmetic dentists, however, also focus on health. Teeth are not just essential for a pretty smile – healthy teeth provide people with a structured jawbone, perfectly shaped gums, and a smile that’s proportionate to a person’s facial structure. The aesthetics of the facial structure and its relation to teeth are highly valued among people. For people who regularly suffer from dental problems, aesthetics can improve oral health by combining traditional dental treatments with an aesthetic, artistic touch.

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, improving a person’s smile doesn’t just focus on attractiveness but combines health benefits in good taste. For those curious about its health benefits, cosmetic dentistry correct the following issues:

Misshapen Teeth: Teeth misshapen due to genetics or traumatic experiences can have a massive impact on dental health. When teeth are misshapen, the teeth and gums can become more vulnerable to bacteria and plaque, creating acids that wear down at the enamel and leave it more susceptible to tooth decay. When shaping teeth, these procedures’ focus is to shape the teeth to help avoid excessive plaque buildup and improve oral health.

Disproportionate Teeth: When teeth appear too big or too small, it isn’t only confidence affected. Teeth too small, also known as microdontia, can lead to hypodontia and orofacial clefting, causing issues with the sinuses and jawbone that can heavily impact a person’s ability to breathe and chew food properly. Correcting these issues with either dentures, implants, or veneers can help improve mouth function.

Puffy Gums: Large, puffy gums may not appear aesthetically pleasing but are often more vulnerable to scrapes and cuts, leading to excessive bleeding and making the gums more vulnerable to plaque buildup. Gum disease can impact a person’s oral health over time and can slowly degrade the teeth and jawbone if not treated. Removing excess gums or replenishing the gum line can help remove these risks and protect the mouth from tooth decay and gum disease.

Among these benefits, cosmetic treatment can also improve the jawbone alignment, help remove discoloration, and help relieve the jaw muscles from clenching to avoid TMJ disorder. For more information about cosmetic procedures and their benefits, contact Dr. Claudia Wood from Danforth Dental Solutions in Toronto, ON, for an appointment.

There are many different types of dental materials that your dentist can use to fabricate dental restorations. One commonly used material is known as composite resin. Composite resin is commonly used to fabricate direct restorations, which are those that can be completed entirely in the mouth and do not require the use of a dental lab. The reason why composite resin is used so often is because it offers many benefits including: 

Preservation of the Natural Tooth

Composite resin has the ability to create strong bonds with tooth enamel. This means that composite restorations can be bonded directly to the natural tooth structure and require minimal modifications. While this helps preserve most of your natural tooth, it also means that you will need to endure less drilling. 

Versatility

Composite resin can also be used to fabricate a variety of restorations. The most common are small to medium sized dental fillings, however composite resin can also be used to fabricate veneers, inlays, and onlays. Using a technique called composite bonding, composite resin can also be used to repair minor chips and cracks, as well as fill gaps between the teeth. 

Quick

Not only can composite resin be used to correct a variety of concerns, but it can do so quickly and in a single dental appointment. Most dental restorations take at least two dental appointments to place since they must be fabricated in a lab before being cemented in place. However, composite resin can be fabricated and cemented into the mouth in a single step. In fact, composite resin restorations are hardened layer by layer in minutes using a special curing light.

Aesthetic

Nowadays, dentists are not only concerned with restoring the function of your teeth, but the look as well. Composite resin is a popular dental material because dentists are able to customize its color and contour so that it blends in with your smile. The final restoration will be indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth. 

Decreases Tooth Sensitivity

Since composite resin can bond to the enamel, it can also be used to decrease tooth sensitivity. This is especially true in cases where the enamel has worn down or become thin. In these cases, composite veneers may be placed to act as a protective shield used to reduce tooth sensitivity. 

Can be Repaired

All dental restorations will eventually wear down over time and are also susceptible to damage. When this happens, they will usually need to be replaced completely. However, composite restorations may be able to be repaired instead of replaced. This will ultimately depend on the extent and severity of the damage.