What are the best foods to help you lead a longer, healthier (periodontal) life?

Improving your diet: the secret to longevity

One of the things you should do to maintain your health is to eat well. The difficulty is, nobody really knows what eating well means because each of us has different nutritional needs and eating well to one person could mean eating poorly to another. However, I believe eating well should mean eating in moderation, both in the quantity and quality of the foods we eat. It means reading the nutritional labels describing the contents of what’s in the food you purchase.

I tell my patients that if it’s something that you don’t know or recognize, then don’t buy it. Many prepackaged foods have fillers and dyes to make them feel good or look good. The food and drug administration doesn’t do long term testing of these products. Instead, they only ask the manufacturers to prove that the products are digestible. A good example of a filler in foods is propylene glycol. It’s a major ingredient of antifreeze- now you tell me what nutritional value this has for our long term health. Does it mean that if I eat a lot of diet ice cream (often contains propylene glycol as an ingredient) and I happen to fall asleep in the artic circle, I won’t freeze beacause I’ve got antifreeze in my body? No, I’ll still freeze, but nutritionally I didn’t help myself at all either.

One of the real misleading misconceptions is that if a food is labeled as “diet” or “light” that it means it good for me. The marketers (the people who make up the ads that entice us to buy products) have done a superb job of convincing the public that the word “diet” on a food label implies health for you, the consumer. Wrong, wrong, wrong! It just means less calories, but not necessarily better for you nutritionally. Just eat less of the good stuff. If you like real ice cream (with none of the preservatives and fillers) just eat half a scoop instead of the whole scoop and you’ve just cut 50% of your calorie intake. Another example is diet colas versus regular colas. They both contain food coloring, acid, and secret ingredients- now what part of this can be good for you? The manufacturers purposely make the ingredient labels very small so they are much less noticeable and hopefully you won’t even read them.

 

Foods that are good for you and your body

When you have infection, pus, and or bleeding in your gums, your body is trying to heal, and the healing comes from within our bodies. The treatment that we perform, as health care providers, only provides one avenue for the body to  heal from within. Exercise and a healthy diet play crucial roles in your body’s daily functions, including infection control and self repair. Your diet can certainly play a role in your overall dental health, and according to Dana Ellis Hunnes, a dietitian with the UCLA Health System, the top 10 foods to live a longer, healthier life are:

1. Almonds 
• packed with nutrients such as fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron, and calcium.
• one serving provides half of your body’s Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of vitamin E
2. Apples
• great source of pectin, a soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol and glucose levels
• lots of vitamin C- acts as antioxidant to protect your body’s cells from damage
• helps form the connective tissue collagen
• keeps capillaries and blood vessels healthy
• aids in iron absorption
3. Bananas
• great source of potassium, phytonutrients
• full of resistance starch, which helps you feel full, aids digestion, and promotes GI health
4. Blueberries
• source of phytonutrients which may prevent urinary tract infections
• may improve short-term memory and promote healthy aging
• low calorie source of fiber and vitamin C
5. Broccoli
• source of calcium, potassium, folate, and fiber
• vitamins A and C
• may prevent heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers
6. Beans
• good source of iron magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and thiamin
• excellent low-fat, low calorie fiber source
7. Beets
• betacyanin gives beets their rich, purple-crimson color and is a powerful cancer fighting agent
• source of B vitamin folate, maganese, dietary fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, copper, and potassium
8. Spinach
• great source of vitamins A & C, folate, riboflavin, calcium, iron, and magnesium
• may help boost immune system and keep hair and skin healthy
9. Sweet potatoes
• orange-yellow color due to antioxidant beta carotene
• source of fiber, vitamins B6, C, and E, folate, potassium
• fat-free, low cal
10. Wheat Germ
• part of the seed responsible for development and growth of new plant sprouts
• highly concentrated source of nutrients including niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin E, folate, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, iron, and zinc

It is recommended to look for fresh, and if possible, organic versions of these foods to avoid problems with pesticides and additives. However, if something is out of season, frozen fruits and vegetables are a great way to eat healthy all year long. So the take home message here: read the labels (before you buy), eat the good stuff (but only half as much- share the rest with a loved one), and drink lots of good water.

Things That Can Ruin Your Smile: Beware of Sports Drinks

Sports drinks might a good source of hydration and electrolytes for athletes on the field, but they also damage your teeth. According to a study published in the journal General Dentistry, the acidity in most sports drinks erodes the tooth’s enamel and

So should you choose water or a sport drink on your next bike ride? The answer is… it depends. Sports drinks provide electrolytes, carbohydrates and water – all of which are important if you are going to be doing intense exercise, for an extended period of time. A simple guideline that most people can use is, if you plan on exercising for less than 60 minutes, drink water. If you’re going to be exercising for longer than that you should consider a sports drink.

Do you have a mouth as dry as a desert?

Sometimes patients ask us why their mouths are dry and lacking in saliva production. Many times dry mouth can be a side effect of certain medications patients take. It is important for patients to know and understand all the possible side effects that the medications they are taking have, even those that are available over the counter. Sometimes, if you are taking multiple medications they can potentially act synergistically, resulting in more potent effects when taken together rather than separately. If left untreated, dry mouth can cause serious dental problems, the most common being tooth decay (cavities) and bad breath. Don’t forget, the purpose of saliva is not only lubrication but also the neutralization of acids and aiding in the fight against bacteria.

So, what do you do if you have dry mouth? First of all, make sure you are practicing a good routine of home oral care and make sure you keep your gums and teeth exceptionally clean three times a day. The proper use of floss, a toothbrush, and a waterpik is a must. Between meals, chew sugar free gum to help stimulate the production of saliva and promote a clean oral environment. Have us prescribe an extra strength fluoride gel or liquid (works much better than over the counter products) to make teeth more resistant to decay. Avoid any acidic foods and drinks if possible (such as citrus, sodas, etc.). 

For on the go comfort, a soothing mouth spray is useful and at night a gel can be applied to your mouth for relief. Have more frequent professional dental cleanings (every one to three months) depending on the severity of your  problem. Also, check with your prescribing physician to see if alternative medications can be used that have less severe side effects. Many times, once the mechanism of saliva formation is shut down, it won’t start up naturally again on its own. Call us if your mouth is excessively dry and we will be happy to discuss recommendations to help remedy your situation.

Is bone grafting the same as sinus lifting?

In dentistry, bone grafting refers to the rebuilding of lost bone. When our adult tooth grows and develops it brings a certain amount of bone with it to support it in the jaw. Technically, we call this bone alveolar bone. The maximum amount of supporting bone is present when the tooth is completely erupted (in its final position) and the root of the tooth is fully formed. As time goes on and if an infection develops around a tooth (typically from periodontal disease, root end abscess, or tooth decay), the tooth is often extracted. 

Once a tooth is lost (for any reason), the bone that developed with that tooth is resorbed (removed) by the body. There is now a void or defect left by the missing tooth. This defect can many times be corrected by rebuilding the lost bone in the jaw with either your own bone taken from another area, or a bone substitute. When bone is grafted in the sinus, the membrane that lines the sinus must first be gently pushed up to make room for the bone graft, thus the name sinus lifting.

When the upper back teeth are lost, the bone that supports those teeth is also lost, allowing the sinus to expand. The expansion of the sinus (now that the sinus is not contained by teeth) also  causes a resorption of bone. The result of this resorption is that a thin shelf of bone remains. In order to regain the bone lost in the upper molar area, an opening must be made in the sinus membrane. The membrane must be lifted (pushed) upward and sideways creating a space where bone can be grafted, thereby regaining the lost alveolar bone. Once the grafted bone matures, usually in around six months, the procedure of placing a dental implant in the newly formed bone can begin.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Wellness

The study looked at almost 350,000 patients with gum disease and discovered after treatment ongoing costs for those with type 2 diabetes, strokes, heart problems and pregnancy decreased by 40.2%, 40.9%, 10.7%, and 73.7%.

Hospital admissions for those with diabetes and heart problems were also significantly reduced after gum disease treatment.

Lead researcher Marjorie Jeffcoat, professor and dean emeritus at the Univeristy of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, commented: ‘Although the magnitude of the effect was surprising, the results stress the importance of giving patients dental care as part of total care.’

Those figures give the clearest indication yet that the cost of prevention far outweighs the costs involved with restorative and emergency care.

Reach those hard to get areas of your mouth – use a handy wipe!

Certain areas are hard to clean with floss– the backs of the last tooth in an arch, when there is a wide space between teeth, or when there is a space bordered by two teeth. I’d like to show you how to use the handy wipe in these areas to clean them effectively and prevent problem areas.

You can find handy wipes in grocery stores and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. I recommend tearing many strips at once and saving them for future use to save time. When combined with regular brushing and flossing, they can effectively clean hard to reach areas and to maintain a healthy oral environment to prevent periodontal disease and other problems.

Make Your Teeth Last For A Long, Long Time

In the last decade, dental technology has advance by leaps and bounds. New materials and methods help dental work last longer. However, there is still a chance that many patients will eventually have to have additional procedures to repair crowns, implants, and other dental appliances. But data isn’t destiny. There are some simple methods that can employ that will allow you to maintain your dental work for 2 or 3 decades with no problem.

 

Regular Dental Visits

For most people, dentist recommend a visit to your dentist and hygienist at least every 6 months. However, given that most of our patients see us for periodontitis or receding gums, we urge our patients to visit every 3 or 4 months. That allows Dr. Berdy to identify potential complications in your treatment and our hygienists to make sure your mouth stays clean and free from infection.

Bridges 

Loose bridgework can be caused by periodontal disease or cavities. It can make your bite feel unstable and make your bridge feel sensitive to temperature changes.

Dentures & Partials

As your jaw, gums, and underlying bone structure change, you may notice that your dental appliance may begin to fit differently. To avoid discomfort and further bone loss, denture wearers should schedule more frequent visits to their dentists to monitor and respond to changes.

Crowns & Implants

Because they aren’t made of enamel and dentin like regular teeth, they are not vulnerable to cavities and decay. However, proper oral hygiene is even more important for this group because gum and bone can become infected and weaken support for your implant. Smoking and diabetes also exacerbate implant failure.

Digital x-rays….what they mean for you?

X-rays are a crucial diagnostic tool that allows us to see potential problems below the gum line and other areas we can’t easily see. We have been using digital x-rays in our office for several years. Many of our patients have commented that having a set digital x-rays is more comfortable for them than back when we had traditional film x-rays. The real advantage to the patient is that they are exposed to 80% less radiation! 

Digital x-rays are more user friendly, faster to take and develop, and from an environmental point of view are non-polluting. There are no more messy, harmful chemicals to get rid of and no more physical film which could ultimately wind up in a landfill. We have an instant picture of the area we are examining (therefore, no waiting) and we can send copies of these x-rays via email, thereby saving duplication time, stamps and envelopes. Best of all, the image quality is now better than traditional film based x-rays! Digital films are much clearer and can easily be magnified instantly on a computer monitor.

What’s the deal with fluoride?

A new study in the Journal of Dental Research examined the levels of fluoride in the body. As you may know, fluorides have been added to our drinking water supplies and toothpastes to reduce the incidence of decay. We also use fluorides following your periodontal cleaning to prevent decay and relieve tooth sensitivity to hot and cold. Rinses and gels that have more fluoride than over the counter products can also be prescribed in certain cases. This study adds on to the already strong base of scientific evidence that fluoride is safe and effective in the prevention of cavities (decay). 

This new study is considered by researchers to be the best science to date because a more accurate and reliable scientific method was used to measure exposure from all sources of fluoride. The take home message: when properly used, fluorides are safe and effective when properly used, but using fluoride does not alleviate the need to properly clean your teeth by brushing and flossing in a regular routine after every meal (when possible). As always, if you have questions about home care techniques, don’t hesitate to ask myself or  your hygienist!

Soft Tissue Graft

Periodontal procedures are available to stop further dental problems and gum recession, and to improve the aesthetics of your gum line.

Why do I need a tissue graft?

Do you have…

• An uneven gum line?
• Extremely sensitive teeth?
• Gum recession?

A soft tissue graft may be the answer to your dental problems. Soft tissue grafting is recommended when you have gum recession that has left the root of a tooth exposed, or you’re at risk of root exposure due to recession. It is a common procedure intended to recreate your gum line and prevent further deterioration, while at the same time enhancing the appearance of your smile.

Exposed tooth toots are the result of gum recession. Perhaps you wish to enhance your smile by covering one or more of these roots that make your teeth appear too long, or you cringe because the exposed roots are sensitive to hot or cold foods and liquids.

Your gums may have receded for a variety of reasons, including aggressive tooth brushing or periodontal disease. You may not be in control of what caused the recession, but prior to treatment Dr. Berdy will help you identify the factors contributing to the problem. Once these contributing factors are controlled, a soft tissue graft procedure will repair the defect and help to prevent additional recession and bone loss.

Soft tissue grafts can be used to cover roots or develop gum tissue which is absent due to excessive gingival recession. During this procedure, Dr. Berdy takes gum tissue from your palate or another donor source to cover the exposed root. This can be done for one tooth or several teeth to even your gum line and reduce sensitivity.

 

What are the benefits of this procedure?

A soft tissue graft can reduce further recession and bone loss. In some cases, it can cover exposed roots to protect them from decay; this may reduce tooth sensitivity and improve aesthetics of your smile. A beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health are your keys to smiling, eating, and speaking with comfort and confidence!

 

• Prevention or reduction of sensitivity
• Protection from cavities (decay)
• Improved smile by creating symmetry in your gum line
• Creation of a suitable environment for implant placement

Sinus Lift

What is a sinus lift?

A sinus lift is a process that assists your body in rehabilitating a delicate area by restoring lost bone with your own natural bone. Techniques and materials used for this procedure have steadily improved over time, making the sinus lift one of the most successful and predictable bone grafting procedures performed in the mouth. Sinus lifts are not expected to affect your sinuses, breathing, or allergies.

• Reduced chance of damage to the sinuses during implant placement
• Regrowth of your own new bone to restore lost bone
• Creation of a suitable environment for implant placement

 

Why do I need a sinus lift procedure?

A sinus lift is often required as a first step when placing a dental implant in the back of your upper jaw. When upper back teeth are lost, bone in that area naturally shrinks or resorbs over time. Consequently, your sinuses expand to occupy the empty space where the bone used to be. Because there is insufficient bone available to securely place the dental implant, the sinuses must be lifted in order to create space for placing additional bone in that area.

Oral Cancer Screening

Identafi® Multi-Spectral Oral Cancer Screening

Quick facts about oral cancer:

• Kills more in the U.S. than well known cancers such as skin, lymphatic, thyroid, & cervical
• Almost 37,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year in the U.S
• 66% of these individuals will be diagnosed as late stage cancers, only 43% of them will survive five years
• Early detection (stages 1 or 2) increases survival rates up to 80-90%
• Late detection of oral cancer is the primary cause that both the incidence and mortality rates of oral cancer continue to increase
• Prolonged sun exposure, tobacco, & alcohol use are major contributing factors
• HPV16, the same virus that causes a majority of cervical cancers, was the primary causative factor in 63% of diagnosis in early 2011

 

The test is simple, painless, & fast.

The mortality rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high not because of difficulty in diagnosis or discovery, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development. Screenings for oral cancer are crucial in early detection and drastically improve survival rates. An oral cancer screening is a pain free, quick three to five minute procedure that detects external and internal abnormalities. Your head, neck, and jaws will be examined for external abnormalities, followed by a visual screening of the interior of your mouth using a specialized light wand.

 

When found early, oral cancer patients have nearly a 90% survival rate.

Our office uses the Identafi system by Trimera and we recommend that patients are screened once a year for oral cancer. The Identafi® uses Multi-Spectral Fluorescence and Reflectance technology to enhance visualization of mucosal abnormalities such as oral cancer or premalignant dysplasia that may not be apparent to the naked eye.

 

Possible Signs & Symptoms

A primary danger of oral cancer is that in its early stages, it may go unnoticed and can be painless or cause little to no physical change. However, an oral cancer screening performed by a dentist or doctor specifically looks for precursor tissue changes or the actual cancer while it is still very small or in its early stages. It may appear as a white or red patch of tissue in the mouth, or a small ulcer which appears to be a common canker sore. There are many benign tissue changes that occur normally in your mouth, such as a bite on the inside of your cheek, that may mimic the look of a dangerous tissue change. It is important to have any sore or discolored area of your mouth looked at by a professional which does not heal within 14 days. Other symptoms may include:

• lump or mass felt on the inside of the mouth or neck
• pain or difficulty in swallowing, speaking, or chewing
• wart like masses
• hoarseness which persists
• numbness in the oral/facial region
• unilateral persistent ear ache

i-CAT® Cone Beam 3-D Imaging

Detailed digital imaging: Comfortable. Fast. Precise.

 

Blending innovation with patient comfort, the i-CAT® Cone Beam 3-D Imaging System produces immediate three-dimensional images of your critical anatomy, typically in under one minute. The high resolution cat scan images provide unparalleled views of bone structure and tooth organization to optimize dental implant treatment planning and placement, allowing for the selection of optimal size, shape, and location of dental implants prior to any procedure. The i-CAT® provides complete views of all oral and maxillofacial structures in an easy to use in-office system that allows Dr. Berdy to dramatically enhance your care with utmost precision.

• Provides an instant picture of your head, neck, and oral cavities
• Fast – scan takes less than one minute
• Precise measurement of existing bone levels
• 3-D imaging provides unparalleled detail & accuracy for placing dental implants
• Minimal radiation – up to 10x less than traditional CT scan
• Located in office – no need to go somewhere else for a scan

DEXIS Digital X-rays

Typically, the first non-surgical step in the treatment of periodontal disease involves a special cleaning known as scaling and root planing (SRP), or a “deep cleaning.” When pocket depths are 3mm or more, scaling and root planing can be used to treat periodontal disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup found below the gum line. A specialized instrument called a small scaler or an ultrasonic cleaner is used to carefully remove plaque and tartar down to the bottom of each periodontal pocket. Finally, the tooth’s root surfaces are then smoothed or planed, helping gum tissue to heal while shrinking periodontal pockets. This procedure makes it more difficult for the accumulation of plaque along the root surfaces. To alleviate any potential discomfort, a local anesthetic may be given at the beginning of the procedure.

Depending on the extent of periodontal disease present, treatment by scaling and root planing may be recommended for one or more sections (quadrants) of your mouth. In combination with a deep cleaning, a localized antibiotic such as ARESTIN^® may be used to help control infection and promote healing. Once scaling and root planing has been completed, a follow up appointment is usually scheduled several weeks later to examine your gums to see how they have healed and how the periodontal pockets have decreased. Often, many patients do not require further active treatment for periodontal disease and just need proper preventative care.

• Maintaining good oral hygiene at home and continued follow up maintenance cleanings are essential to help prevent periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.
• Periodontitis does not go away by itself- prevention and treatment in early stages is crucial to keeping a healthy smile

Identafi® Multi-Spectral Oral Cancer Screening

Quick facts about oral cancer:

• Kills more in the U.S. than well known cancers such as skin, lymphatic, thyroid, & cervical
• Almost 37,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year in the U.S
• 66% of these individuals will be diagnosed as late stage cancers, only 43% of them will survive five years
• Early detection (stages 1 or 2) increases survival rates up to 80-90%
• Late detection of oral cancer is the primary cause that both the incidence and mortality rates of oral cancer continue to increase
• Prolonged sun exposure, tobacco, & alcohol use are major contributing factors
• HPV16, the same virus that causes a majority of cervical cancers, was the primary causative factor in 63% of diagnosis in early 2011

The test is simple, painless, & fast.

The mortality rate associated with oral cancer is particularly high not because of difficulty in diagnosis or discovery, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development. Screenings for oral cancer are crucial in early detection and drastically improve survival rates. An oral cancer screening is a painfree, quick three to five minute procedure that detects external and internal abnormalities. Your head, neck, and jaws will be examined for external abnormalities, followed by a visual screening of the interior of your mouth using a specialized light wand.

When found early, oral cancer patients have nearly a 90% survival rate.

Our office uses the Identafi system by Trimera and we recommend that patients are screened once a year for oral cancer. The Identafi® uses Multi-Spectral Fluorescence and Reflectance technology to enhance visualization of mucosal abnormalities such as oral cancer or premalignant dysplasia that may not be apparent to the naked eye.

(LANAP®) Laser Gum Surgery in Jacksonville

Is LANAP™ right for you?

• Do you have red, swollen, or tender gums?
• When you floss or brush, do your gums bleed?
• Do you have chronic bad breath?
• Do your teeth move or feel loose?
• Have you been told you suffer from periodontal disease or that you need to see a periodontist?

If you answered yes to any of these questions above, you may be a candidate for an exciting treatment option known as Laser Assisted New Attachement Procedure™ (a.k.a. LANAP™, Laser Periodontal Therapy™). This minimally invasive procedure uses the PerioLase® MVP-7™ by Millenium Dental Technologies, the only dental laser specifically designed for Laser Periodontal Therapy™ for the treatment of gum disease.

 

No scalpels. No stiches. The new treatment for gum disease.

LANAP™ is a new, less traumatic treatment for periodontal disease that selectively removes infected tissue within periodontal pockets. It replaces the traditional use of  a scalpel during periodontal surgery and requires no suturing, which improves patient comfort, minimizes recovery time and reduces post-operative bleeding and swelling.

 

Laser Periodontal Therapy™ – FDA approved laser treatment for gum disease.

The laser based approach for the treatment of gum disease actually helps the bone supporting your teeth to regenerate. By treating and controlling periodontal disease, it is possible to save and restore teeth to health that may otherwise have to be extracted. LANAP™ can help restore your whole mouth to health and reduce your body’s susceptibility to serious health problems associated with gum disease.

Periodontal Examination

During your checkup, Dr. Berdy will examine your mouth to assess the overall health and stability of your teeth, gums, and surrounding areas including the muscles supporting your teeth, jaw joints, and tongue. He will review your current x-rays and then present his findings to you. A screening for oral cancer can also be performed at this time.

When examining your mouth an instrument called a periodontal probe is used to assess the health and quality of your gums and tooth attachments. The periodontal probe is used to measure the pocket depth, or collar of gum tissue that surrounds the tooth. Normal pocket depths are in the range of 1-3mm.

A microscope evaluation using a phase contrast microscope may be done. This enables us to determine the types of bone destroying bacteria that may be present and the extent of your infection to the surrounding areas. A sampling of the bacteria in the area of an infection may be sent off for further analysis to aid in our determination of an appropriate periodontal therapy. A DNA analysis may also be done to assess susceptibility to periodontal diseases.