Living Mouth-Healthy with Calcium

Did you know that calcium is mostly stored (about 99%) in teeth and bones, yet it plays a vital role in many body functions outside of teeth and bones?

To name some, calcium is essential for a healthy cardiovascular system, it helps in muscular function, and aids in transmission of nerve impulses. Overall, it is the most abundant mineral in your body. And how’s your oral health? Are you getting enough of calcium in your diet?

Your teeth enamel is the strongest, hardest substance in your body, even stronger than bone itself. It is the teeth’s first line of defense. Composed of amorphous calcium phosphate providing structural support, enamel does not break down easily and can repair itself because its calcium content stimulates recalcification and prevents tooth sensitivity. Hence, the mineral is also vital in the formation of young dentition and continuously necessary to maintain adult teeth enamel throughout its lifetime.

Calcium also attracts fluoride, increasing the amounts that get absorbed by the enamel. As we know, fluoride increases tooth enamel resistance to bacterial attacks that lead to cavities and decay. Fluoride also strengthens teeth by replacing some of the phosphorus in enamel. Calcium is better absorbed alongside vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium while boosting teeth and bone mineral density.

Your jaw is also calcium-rich and depends on calcium for its constant remodeling – resorption and deposition of bone. A strong and healthy jaw is necessary to support children’s and adult teeth and prevents early loss of teeth. As we age, the more we need calcium to support teeth and bones.

Osteoporosis, arthritis and other conditions affecting bone, such as lifestyle, should be a concern for you. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, a diet rich in calcium can help healthy teeth and bone longevity.

Children need calcium to develop strong teeth and bones while adults need calcium to maintain them. There are many foods abundant with calcium. Cheese, yogurt, and milk are dairy products and are most of the best sources of calcium. Dairy products neutralize damaging acids that eat away teeth and are rich in casein, an enamel-protecting substance.

How to Increase Calcium Intake by our Bellevue Dentist

Leafy green vegetables like kale, broccoli and bok choy are also healthy sources of calcium. Adults can get their calcium similarly but you can also have this beneficial mineral from dietary supplements and multivitamins.

Know more about calcium’s benefits from your Bellevue dentist. It is one mineral you cannot do without if you want to have healthy teeth and bones.

Approaching the Anxious and Fearful Patient

Nitrous oxide has been proven an effective and safe anesthetic used in hospital based procedures but more popular in dental practise. Administered by inhalation, this odorless, tasteless gas has analgesic, anxiolytic, and amnestic properties. It can be considered the right approach for the anxious dental patient.

With various methods and levels of sedation available, nitrous oxide use is a form of conscious sedation. The patient does not fall asleep and can still talk with the dental staff , though he might not remember everything about the procedure done to him.

Some dentists administer IV or IM sedation for deep sedation in which highly fearful patients will benefit in order to have dental work completed. Relaxed patients are less likely to gag or move during procedures. It also becomes easier for the dentist to work.

Nitrous oxide affects the brain by blocking pain-signaling neurons. It also increases the activity of GABA receptors, which leads to decreased anxiety. Also, patients feel content and even euphoric with release of dopamine, a nitrous oxide effect.

However, nitrous oxide effects differ from patient to patient. Some patients feel giddy and even laugh. Others feel relaxed and light-headed. Some patients’ arms and legs feel heavy while others experience tingling in their arms and legs.

The gas is used during basic dental procedures such as dental fillings, occasionally used for routine cleanings for patients with severe dental anxiety. Nitrous oxide isn’t as strong as other sedatives; though not for major surgeries, it is used in hospital settings. It can be initially given to patients in preparation for heavier sedation. It is especially helpful for children and those patients with special needs. Well tolerated, it does not cause allergic reactions and does not have any lingering effects.

There are a few situations contraindicated for nitrous oxide sedation, such as pregnant women in the first trimester, COPD patients and those with upper respiratory tract infections, those with middle ear issues, those with psychological disturbances, and current or recovering drug addicts.

Nitrous oxide is a proven an asset to a dental office. With right usage and precautions, right administration, appropriate candidates and proper consent, it can be considered indispensable in dental practice.

Anxious and Fearful No More in Bellevue

Nitrous oxide can be safely used in both children and adults here at Overlake Dental. If you have such anxieties, you need not worry. Your procedure will be as safe, smooth and anxiety-free. Only in Bellevue.

The Adult Side of Fluoride Benefits

We’ve known always about fluoride’s benefits. Fluoride is the agent that strengthens young developing teeth by fighting decay-causing bacteria and, hence, is mainly for children’s benefit. New research, however, uncovered that topical application of fluoride can fight tooth decay in people of all ages – from children to adults.

If your drinking water is fluoridated, then brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste is sufficient for most adults with healthy teeth. However, some people with certain conditions may be at increased risk of tooth decay, so additional fluoride treatment can be beneficial.

These adults should have fluoride treatments: Those who suffer from Dry Mouth Syndrome, a condition caused by certain diseases, certain medications (such as allergy medications, antihistamines, antianxiety drugs, and high blood pressure drugs), and those who’ve had head and neck radiation. Their dry mouths, resulting from lack of saliva, make them prone to tooth decay.

Those who have gingivitis and its more severe form, periodontitis, carry the increased risk of attracting bacteria to exposed root surfaces leading to tooth decay. In periodontitis, gums tend to recede and expose the gum line or may create pockets for lodging of bacteria. These situations need fluoride treatments to decrease the chances of attacks and decay.

Those who wear crowns, bridges, or braces create small hiding places where food debris can lodge and form cavities. The appliances also make it harder to keep teeth always clean even with brushing. These adults need regular fluoride exposures.

Fluoride forms are available as fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses. While over-the-counter products have weaker fluoride content, a dentist’s prescription can get you a stronger one. You can also apply fluoride to the teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish. Your dentist should know just what form is suitable to your needs and just how strong it needs to be for you.

Fluoride for Everyone in Bellevue

Ask your Bellevue dentist about fluoride treatments if you have these conditions – dry mouth, gum disease or are wearing crowns and other dental appliances. You might be just a another regular guy without these setbacks, but you can still benefit from fluoride experience.