What Every Diabetic Needs to Know

Do you, or does someone you love, have Diabetes?  If so, you should read this article because you should know how impactful it is to your oral health—and how your oral health affects your Diabetes.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), DM has been increasing worldwide so abruptly that it is declared as an epidemic. The prevalence of Diabetes for all age groups in the United States is nearly ten percent!

Why Diabetes Affects your Oral Health

Diabetes is one of the diseases that is systemic, meaning that it affects the entire body.  Most people know that it can cause loss of vision, nerve damage, and reduction in blood flow and increases in infection that can result in amputations.  

Because it affects the entire body, Diabetes affects your oral health in several ways.  Among these are:

• Inadequate saliva flow and composition

• High numbers of cavity-causing bacteria (which feed off high glucose levels)

• Elevated plaque and calculus levels

• Blood-flow deficiencies

• A lowering of pH levels in the mouth

• A weakened immune system

How Diabetes Affects your Oral Health

Because of these factors, compared to healthy people, patients with DM are liable to have:

• Higher presence of (and more severe) cavities

• Gum diseases including deep bacteria-collecting pockets

• Dry mouth

• Burning mouth syndrome

• Impaired or slower healing

• Increased severity and frequency of infections

• Fungal infections

• Salivary gland enlargement

• Bone loss

• Tooth Loss

Many studies have also shown that the bacteria related to gum diseases, if left untreated, will travel through your body and cause a worsening of your Diabetes, with a vicious spiraling effect.

What You Can Do

Now for the good news: even with diabetes, good oral health is within reach. Even better: keeping your teeth and gums healthy will also make the diabetes easier to manage.  Make sure to brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, floss daily or use a water flosser or interdental brush, use a non-alcoholic mouthwash, and don’t smoke. Carefully regulating your sugar intake is a major factor as well.

The Dentist’s Role

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, the standard two dental exams per year may not be enough. To stay on the safe side, we recommend that you increase the number of yearly visits to three or four. It is also crucial for us to know how you and your doctor are working together to get it under control. Likewise, your doctor needs to know how we are working with you to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

If you ignore your oral health when you have diabetes, not only will you have major issues with your mouth, you may even increase the severity of your Diabetes—and decrease your quality of life, and even your lifespan.  

Let us help you win the fight for your dental health!

Keep smiling,

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

With Gratitude, Dr. Basil

For Thanksgiving I really want to express my gratitude for everything that makes my professional career great.

To my Patients:  You are the people in my professional career for whom I am most grateful.  Without you, there would be no practice.  Throughout the years, you have been reliable, loyal partners, and I try my best every day to give you my very best. It has been a delight to work with you, and nothing makes me happier than when I hear “I love my smile,” or “I look forward to coming to your office,” or “I am not afraid of the dentist anymore”.   You have nominated me for awards, and you have given me outstanding reviews. You have referred me many of your friends and family members, who have also become great and loyal patients.  I look forward to each of my visits with each of my patients.  I feel like you’re my big, extended family. You make my job worth doing.  Thanks for everything! 

To my Staff: You are also at the top of my list! I appreciate the opportunity to be in business with you. That's because of your positive attitudes and willingness to try new ideas to get the job done. I also appreciate that you listen to and really care about our patients. You make my job doable.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

To the West Hartford and New Britain Communities:  I have received tremendous support from the beautiful communities of West Hartford and New Britain, CT, where my offices are located.  You have been welcoming to me as an immigrant from Poland, judging me only by my performance and results, and not by my demographic heritage.  I love West Hartford, my home, and New Britain, my first US home, and you have loved me back.  I am grateful.

To my Mentors and Teachers and Referring Dentists: If it weren't for your guidance and wisdom, I never would have experienced so much success and the consistently positive feedback.  It has been a pleasure to work with you in providing skillful collaboration for our patients’ best possible results.  I am grateful for your intelligence and generosity, and I may even owe some of you for style advice. Thank you! 

To my Family and Friends:  You’ve made my somewhat busy life bearable and lovable.  You’ve given me tremendous support and understanding when emergencies arise from time to time.  You are my tribe, my loved ones, my family.  Thank you for always being there for me.

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, filled with joy, love, and appreciation for all of your blessings.

With Gratitude,

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

The Holidays are Coming: 5 Fast Ways to Improve Your Smile

Are you looking forward to the upcoming holiday season?  Do you have a special event coming up, like family gatherings, a wedding, or graduation?  If you want make your best impression, let Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD help. 

These celebrations usually involve a lot of photographs and, of course, you want to look amazing. We can work with you to transform your smile with cosmetic dentistry.  Cosmetic dentistry is an investment that will bless you with increased morale every day. We look forward to getting your smile ready for all those hugs, laughs, and, of course, pictures.

Let’s discuss five cosmetic dental procedures that can usually be performed in one office visit.

1. Veneers

We never fail to be amazed by the remarkable results that our team can furnish with porcelain veneers. A veneer is a super-thin layer of porcelain that we bond permanently to the tooth. We use veneers to cover a chip, hide a crack, make discoloration disappear, or fix a misshapen tooth.

2. Gum Reshaping

Perhaps your teeth are remarkable and healthy but you have a gumline that is too low or too high and detracts from the presentation. Gum reshaping can contour the gumline and transform your smile. Book a consultation with our team today for an intensive examination and experienced counsel regarding your gumline.

3. Enamel Shaping

Just one slightly misshapen tooth can downgrade the features of a smile even if all the other teeth have a pleasing appearance. (Your mouth is no place for a sore thumb, right?) Let our team reshape the tooth so it blends in seamlessly.

4. Bonding

Dental bonding just gets better and better as additional cutting-edge materials are developed. Bonding is used in a multitude of applications to correct teeth with cosmetic and structural troubles. The newest prep processes are minimally invasive – leaving you with more of your own tooth structure.

5. Teeth Whitening

Make your smile pop with professional in-office teeth whitening. There is nothing like a fantastic white smile to give you maximum confidence.

You can get treatment for the whole family all in one convenient location at Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD's offices in West Hartford Center and New Britain, CT.  Helping our dental patients maintain ideal dental health is important for our team, and so is helping them achieve the smile they want through cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, teeth whitening and complete smile makeovers.

Contact information for Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD:

West Hartford Office: 10 North Main Street, Ste. 220, West Hartford, CT 06107
Tel. 860-561-2121

New Britain Office: 411 Osgood Avenue, New Britain, CT 06053                       
Tel. 860-225-2121

As You Age, Your Mouth is a Mirror of Your Body

Oral health is a critical component to overall health for all ages, but vigilance is especially critical for the elderly.

In a review article by dental and medical experts from UConn Health,  recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the authors outline the potential complications that can arise from poor oral hygiene in older adults and cite the role of all health care professionals in working to promote good oral hygiene in this population.

The authors concluded that all health care professionals should work to promote good oral hygiene for their older patients.  Specifically, medical doctors should consider an oral examination during an annual wellness visit, especially for those patients who are not receiving regular dental care.

The need is evident. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics indicates that the prevalence of cavities is more than twice as high in older adults than younger adults. The prevalence of periodontitis -- a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth -- also increases with age. As many as 64% of older adults in the U.S. have periodontitis.

Periodontitis is associated with a variety of medical conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Patients with replacement heart valves and prosthetic joints should be particularly careful regarding their oral hygiene.

This is primarily because it is well recognized that manipulation of teeth and their support structures can result in bacteria present in the oral cavity being released into the bloodstream, which may lead to infections in parts of the body far removed from the oral cavity.  Even tooth brushing for those who have poor oral hygiene can cause bacteria to be released into the blood stream and these bacteria can potentially cause joint infections and heart valve infections.

Without good oral hygiene, the use of fluoride, and regular dental care, older adults are more prone to damage to the oral cavity and the extension of infection into surrounding tissues.  Tooth loss, for instance, can affect a person's ability to chew, which can lead to malnutrition. Chronic oral infection is a recognized risk factor for heart disease, and can also lead to the spread of infection to artificial joints and endocardial implants.

Researchers noted several populations of older adults who are at increased risk for oral health problems, including patients with diabetes, patients with dementia, and those in long-term care settings.  Patients with dementia -- particularly those with advanced dementia -- may neglect their oral health and may be reluctant to see a dental hygienist.  And, many residents in nursing homes also do not receive adequate dental care, despite federal requirements for nursing homes to provide both routine and emergency dental care. Nursing home facilities, the experts say, should adopt risk assessment tools to identify patients at high risk for poor oral hygiene and educate staff on the importance of good oral hygiene and how to provide it.

The article recommended that all older adults should have biannual dental cleaning performed by a hygientist and a biannual oral health assessment by their dentist.  But keeping ahead of problems in seniors is a very complex situation involving a lot of players -- the insurers, Medicare, the medical profession, the dental profession, and the families and caretakers of seniors.  I know from my own experience that as they age, many people need help from their adult children or caretakers in making health care decisions, or even getting to the office of a practitioner.

Anecdotally, I’ve had many patients who had come to me for years, but as they aged and became more frail, I would see them less because their children didn’t think they’d need to see the dentist unless they had a complaint.  They simply don’t realize that this can have traumatic impact on the dental health of their parent, who may have a spiraling of oral disease and other systemic disease, which can feed off each the inflammatory bacteria present in both.  

Moreover, older adults are usually on many medications, a lot of which can have the side effect of drying the mouth, which makes the prospect of oral disease increase dramatically.

If you’re the child or caretaker of an older person who hasn’t had a dental appointment in the past six months, you should remind them to make one, help them make one and/or drive them to one.   It’s important for their good health, their appearance, their confidence, and quality of life. 

Both our West Hartford Center office and our New Britain office is fully ADA compliant, with free off-street handicapped parking, an elevator in West Hartford, a ramp in New Britain, and they are easy in and out of.  Contact us to set up an appointment, or give us a call at 860-561-2121 today!

Keep smiling,

Dr.Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

What Vaping Does to Your Mouth

Note: The safety and long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes or other vaping products still aren’t well known. In September 2019, federal and state health authorities began investigating an outbreak of a severe lung disease associated with e-cigarettes and other vaping products. This article has nothing to do with the lung disease aspect of vaping—only studies on the dental health issues involved in vaping.

Vaping and e-cigarette devices have become increasingly popular in the past decade, but research hasn’t quite caught up. Although studies are ongoing, there’s still a lot we don’t know about its long-term effects. 

According to the research studies that do exist on the subject, clearly vaping can have a negative effect on your teeth and overall oral health. With that said, all current research indicates that vaping does appear to pose fewer oral health risks than smoking cigarettes.

Current research suggests vaping can have a variety of negative effects on your teeth and gums. Some of these effects include:

Excess bacteria

One 2018 study funded by the American Dental Association found that teeth that had been exposed to sweet e-cigarette aerosol had more bacteria than those that hadn’t. This difference was greater in the pits and crevices of teeth. The sugary film that vaping sweet e-cigarette aerosol left behind was similar to high-sucrose candy and drinks and might increase the risk of cavities. This resulted in the type of excess bacteria is associated with tooth decay, cavities, and gum diseases.

Dry mouth

Some e-cigarette base liquids, particularly propylene glycol, can cause mouth dryness. Chronic mouth dryness is associated with bad breath, mouth sores, and tooth decay.

Inflamed gums

One 2016 study reported in the journal, ONCOTARGET, suggests e-cig use triggers an inflammatory response in gum tissues. Ongoing gum inflammation is associated with various periodontal diseases.

Overall irritation

A 2014 review reported that vaping can cause mouth and throat irritation. Gum symptoms may include tenderness, swelling, and redness.

Cell death

According to a 2018 review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine , studies of live cells from human gums suggest vaping aerosols can increase inflammation and DNA damage. This can lead cells to lose their power to divide and grow, which can speed up cell aging and result in cell death. This may play a role in oral health issues such as:

• Periodontal diseases
• Bone loss
• Tooth loss
• Dry mouth
• Bad breath
• Tooth decay

Of course, results from in vitro studies aren’t necessarily generalizable to real-life scenarios, as these cells have been removed from their natural environment. More long-term research is needed to truly understand how vaping-related cell death can affect your overall oral health.

Vaping vs. Cigarettes

The same 2018 review from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine concluded that research suggests vaping poses fewer oral health risks than smoking cigarettes. However, this conclusion was based on the limited research available. As has been reported all over the news lately, research is ongoing, and this stance may change over time.

About Nicotine in Vaping Fluids

According to a 2010 study in the Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology, using a vape juice that contains nicotine may cause additional side effects. Most research into the oral effects of nicotine focuses on nicotine delivered through cigarette smoke. More research needs to be done to understand the unique effects of nicotine from vaping devices on oral health.

The study found the following side effects may occur as a result of vaping itself or vaping a fluid that contains nicotine:

• Dry mouth
• Plaque accumulation
• Gum inflammation

The same study said that vaping a fluid that contains nicotine may also cause one or more of the following side effects:

• Teeth stains and discoloration
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Receding gums

When to see a dentist or other healthcare provider

Certain symptoms may be a sign of an underlying oral health condition. Make an appointment with a dentist or other oral healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

• Bleeding or swollen gums
• Changes in sensitivity to temperature
• Frequent dry mouth
• Loose teeth
• Mouth ulcers or sores that don’t seem to heal
• Toothache or mouth pain
• Receding gums

Seek emergency medical treatment if you experience any of the above symptoms alongside a fever or swelling in your face or neck.

If you or your loved one vapes, and you have some of oral health concerns, schedule an appointment with Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD at her West Hartford Center Office or her New Britain, CT Office by contacing the officeonline, or calling 860-561-2121.

Keep smiling,

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and  New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

Study: Athletes have Increased Oral Health Risk

Are you, or is someone you love, a serious athlete or committed to working out? If so, according to a recent study from University College London, it’s especially important to stay on top of your dental health.

The UCL Eastman Dental Institute research team surveyed 352 Olympic and professional athletes across 11 sports, including cycling, swimming, rugby, football, rowing, hockey, sailing and athletics, when they provided dental check-ups for male and female athletes measuring tooth decay, gum health and acid erosion.

The dental check-ups revealed substantial amounts of oral disease as reported in a 2018 paper, finding that nearly half (49.1%) had untreated tooth decay, the large majority showed early signs of gum inflammation, and almost a third (32%) reported that their oral health had a negative impact on their training and performance.

The researchers also asked athletes what they did to keep their mouth, teeth and gums healthy. Elite athletes have poor oral health despite their efforts to care for their teeth: this new study found that 94% reported brushing their teeth at least twice a day, and 44% reported regularly cleaning between their teeth (flossing) -- substantially higher figures than for the general population (75% for twice-daily brushing and 21% for flossing).

Despite the good health habits, and the fact that they didn’t smoke and had a healthy general diet, researchers found that the athletes regularly use sports drinks (87%), energy bars (59%) and energy gels (70%), which are known to damage teeth. The sugar in these products increases the risk of tooth decay and the acidity of them increases the risk of erosion.

The study builds on research carried out by UCL since the London 2012 Olympics. Previous findings have suggested that elite athletes may also face an elevated risk of oral disease from a dry mouth during intensive training—a situation that exacerbates the environment in which bad bacteria thrive.

Encouragingly, the surveyed athletes said they would consider adopting even better oral hygiene habits to tackle this and an intervention study has already been piloted.

What would behaviors I suggest for a serious athlete?

Get Your Teeth Cleaned Every 3 Months: I regularly recommend more frequent cleanings for patients with gum disease, or those who are prone to cavities. This keeps their oral environment in the best state, within reason, and lets us know what we should watch, or what we can prevent from happening.

Choose Beverages and Supplements that are Low in Sugar and Acid: Many supplements are rich in sugar and acid, which promote bacterial growth and tooth erosion. Be careful which ones you select. And if you need the sugar, use a straw to bypass your teeth as much as possible, and rinse with water.

Use a Flouride Rinse: Adding a fluoride rinse to your routine will help remineralize your tooth surfaces and help to protect you against cavities.

Use a Mouth-guard: Any sports in which there can be physical contact require a mouth-guard, which should be custom-fitted to you by the dentist, for your best protection.

If you or your loved one is an athlete or serious about working out, schedule an appointment with Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD at her West Hartford Center Office or her New Britain, CT Office by contacting the office online, or calling 860-561-2121.

Keep smiling,

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and  New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

5 Questions to Ask at Your Child's Back-to-School Dental Exam

School is about to start again!  

Some schools require a back-to-school dental exam. Even if your child's school does not, it’s a very good time of year to schedule one of your child’s regular visits. “We can help spot and take care of any issues so your child doesn’t have to miss class once school starts,” says leading family and cosmetic dentist Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, with offices in West Hartford Center and New Britain, CT. “It’s also a great time to help get back on track if some of your child’s dental habits fell away during summer, when normal routines can go out the window and there are a lot more treats around.”

Here are a few questions to ask at your child’s appointment:

How Is My Child’s Overall Dental Health?

The dentist will be looking at the big picture of your child’s mouth, including teeth and gums. “We will check to make sure teeth are lining up correctly, your child’s bite is in good shape and to keep an eye out for any [orthodontic] issues that may show up later,” Dr. Basil says. “We’re also making sure baby teeth are going to the Tooth Fairy like they should.”

Will My Child Get a Cleaning Today?

This is a must, no matter how well your child brushes. “Even if your child—or you, for that matter—brushes twice a day, it’s not possible to get rid of all the bacteria that can lead to cavities,” Dr. Basil says. “And on the other hand, you may have a child who goes off to camp and never opens their toothbrush.” That’s why a professional cleaning goes a long way. “It removes more of the cavity-causing bacteria and helps to keep gum tissue healthy,” she says. “It can also remove most or many stains from teeth.”

Does My Child Need an X-Ray?

X-rays help your dentist see how your child’s teeth are developing and make sure the tooth roots are healthy. They also are used to see if there is any tooth decay between your child’s teeth. “The decay process can move very, very fast, so the earlier we can catch it, the better,” Dr. Basil says. Your child won’t need an x-ray at every visit. “We do them only when necessary, plus we always use low radiation digital radiography,” she says.

Can You Check My Child’s Mouth Guard?

If your child plays sports year-round, make sure you bring his or her mouth guard along so your dentist can check for wear, tear and fit. “If your child is having a growth spurt, losing teeth and getting new ones, the mouth guard might need to be redone,” she says.

What Are Sealants?

Sealants can be another way to keep your child from getting cavities, but they’re no substitute for brushing and flossing. A sealant is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that your dentist can place on the chewing surfaces of your child’s permanent back teeth (called molars). Once they’re on, sealants work to keep cavity-causing bacteria and bits of food from settling into the nooks and crannies your child’s toothbrush can’t reach. This helps keep cavities from forming and tiny existing spots of decay from getting worse.

In fact, having sealants on your permanent molars reduces the risk of cavities by 80%. It’s best to get sealants as soon as your child’s permanent molars come through their gums (usually at age 6, then again at age 12). “It doesn’t hurt to put on or apply a sealant,” Dr. Basil says. “When permanent molars start coming in, parents should ask if sealants are recommended.” Most last for years, and your child’s dentist will make sure they’re holding strong at every regular visit.

Schedule an appointment for your child (or yourself) today, either in our West Hartford Center dental office or New Britain dental office, and we’ll help your kids, and educate them, too.  We can be reached at 860-561-2121.

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and  New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

Excessive Computer Use Linked to Poor Oral Health in Teens

Is there a teen in your life who is deeply into computer gaming; or a coding genius; a hacker; or social media influencer?   Make sure they pay attention to their teeth!

Up until now, there have been many studies about the excessive use of computers (e.g., Internet and computer games), which can interfere with a person's daily life and may also have a negative impact on their overall health. These studies indicate that the excessive use of computers (>3 hours/day), including video games, might be associated with an unhealthy life‐style such as a sedentary life, irregular meals, junk food habits, and a lack of sleep.(Kim et al., 2010; Peltzer, Pengpid, & Apidechkul, 2014) Such behaviours appear to be associated with many health problems including physiological problems (e.g., childhood obesity and diabetes) and/or psychological problems (e.g., violence, aggressive behaviour, and self‐body image issues).(Mark, Boyce, & Janssen, 2006; Marshall et al., 2004) Problematic computer use has been reported by several authors.(Hawi, 2012; Siomos, Dafouli, Braimiotis, Mouzas, & Angelopoulos, 2008; Tsitsika et al., 2012) In 2006, among Canadian youth, only 41% of girls and 34% of boys spent 2 h/d or less in front of a screen (TV or computer).(Mark et al., 2006) Similar periods of daily computer use have been reported in the United States, where one study found that only 37% of girls and 34% of boys spent 2 h/d or less in front of the screen.(Roberts, Foehr, Rideour, & Brodie, 1999) This means that the majority spent more than 2 h/d in front of the screen.(Roberts et al., 1999)

It is perhaps unsurprising that the American Academy of Pediatrics has released guidelines recommending that “screen time” in front of a television or computer in children and adolescents should be limited to no more than 2 h/d.(American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 2001).

This month, an interesting university study out of Poland (Olczak‐Kowalczyk, Tomczyk, Gozdowski, Kaczmarek, 2019), comprised of nearly 2,000 teens, showed those who spend more time on computers are significantly more likely to neglect their oral health.

Three hours of computer use each day is enough to put a teenager at risk of poor oral health, the study revealed.

Researchers found those that spent longer on a computer were less likely to brush their teeth, floss and visit the dentist. The results are particularly worrying for boys, where twice-daily brushing dropped below 50% for those with excessive computer use.

Further findings discovered that youngsters with excessive computer use are up to 25% more likely to suffer from bleeding gums, and almost twice as likely to be absent from school because of dental pain.

Clearly these results call for education about the dangers excessive computer use. Much of the attention in the past has focused on its relationships with obesity, smoking, drinking and changes in behavior. However, we are now seeing signs that it could affect a person’s oral health as well.

While the internet and computer games can often prove a necessary and important distraction, (I’m publishing this article on the internet) it is important that people, especially teens who are building lifelong habits, prioritize their health.  Brushing for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is the most effective way they can keep their mouth clean and healthy and stay free of dental disease.

Further findings from the study revealed the longer teenagers spend on a computer, the more sugar they consume.  The amount and frequency of fizzy drinks, juices with added sugar and snacking all increased for those with more than three hours of computer time a day.

These adolescents were also more likely to skip breakfast and eat less fruit and vegetables.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease for children in the US and it is caused by having too much sugar.  The harm caused by sugar is clear to see.  It is resulting in thousands of children across the US having fillings, and in the worst cases, rotten teeth removed.  It’s a heart-breaking situation because the reality is that tooth decay is largely preventable.

By cutting out snacking and keeping sugar consumption to mealtimes, teeth are able to recover and are far less prone to tooth decay.  Replacing sugar with healthier options should also be highly encouraged. Fizzy drinks cause a real risk and should be replaced with milk or water as a tooth-friendly alternative.

In addition to educating your teens, encouraging brushing and flossing, and providing healthy foods and beverages for them to consume, we suggest the following:

1. Make sure your teens get a professional teeth cleaning at least every six months.

2. Have a yearly visit with the dentist, who can catch problems before they get out of hand.

3. Consider fluoride varnishes, which might be able to provide added protection.

Schedule an appointment for your teen today, either in our West Hartford Center dental office or New Britain dental office, and we’ll help your teen, and educate them, too.  We can be reached at 860-561-2121.

Keep smiling,

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and  New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

Anti-Aging Dentistry: 6 Ways I Can Make You Look Younger

Do you worry about your looks changing as you age? This is a common concern. Most people might be worried about a new wrinkle, their skin complexion, graying hair or even losing their hair. However, your teeth can be one of the first areas of the body where age really begins to show.

Teeth don’t get wrinkles, but they definitely show signs of aging. Your smile is the first facial feature people notice about you. People will see your teeth and smile, and make inferences about your diet, health, and age. If your teeth are yellow or damaged, it can make you look much older. If you live with missing teeth, it will age your looks even more by causing a “sunken-in” appearance, adding more wrinkles to your face. So if you want to look younger and healthier, your teeth are a great place to start! 

You already know you should brush after meals, floss daily, and see your dentist every six months for a check up and cleaning. But even the best preventative measures can’t prevent the natural aging process of the teeth – and this is where a dentist can take 10 to 15 years off your appearance.

Here’s how I can work with you to make your entire appearance more youthful. Best of all, it’s cheaper, safer, and looks more realistic than plastic surgery.

Whiten Your Teeth

Just as the whites of your eyes suggest youthfulness, a set of shiny white choppers makes your whole face look younger.

Teeth naturally darken as we age for two reasons. One, teeth darken because they absorb color from food and drinks. This can nearly be arrested by brushing after every meal and drink.

Two, teeth yellow as we age regardless of the color they absorb from foods. This is why the teeth whitening process doesn’t appear “permanent.” The whitening itself is permanent, but as the teeth continue to yellow as they age, whitening needs to be repeated.

Even if you take fantastic care of your teeth, they will yellow. Tooth whitening, either in-office or with custom whitening trays, is the best way to achieve a deep and thorough color change that can take years off your appearance.

Straighten Your Teeth

Even if you start out with perfectly straight teeth, something called mesial drift will cause them to shift over time.

Crowded teeth are an instant giveaway of age and straightening your teeth can sometimes take 10 to 15 years off your appearance.

Crowded teeth also increase the risk of tooth decay, premature tooth loss, and gum recession, all of which guarantee looking old, not to mention requiring costly dental work.

We can use "invisible" aligners to straighten your teeth for your best, youthful smile.

Trade In Your Silver For Plastic or Porcelain

Nothing gives away your age like a mouth full of old school silver amalgam fillings; opt for tooth-colored fillings.

Cosmetic Bonding and Veneers

Cosmetic bonding adds a tooth colored resin to fix imperfections in the appearance of teeth.  Veneers are tooth masks for the teeth in the front of your smile, and can give you a perfect look.  Both of these procedures also can keep your smile looking younger. They can restore the ideal shape, structure, and look of teeth that are damaged, short or otherwise misshapen. These ultra thin layers of porcelain look and feel completely natural. Plus, veneers can be chosen in a lighter color than your natural teeth, giving you a beautiful, Hollywood smile. Since the high-quality dental porcelain of veneers mimics the same light reflecting qualities of your tooth enamel, the results will look completely natural. In as little as two visits, you can have a beautiful smile and look younger.

Use a Night Guard

Old-looking teeth have wear and tear. A night guard is a two-fer in keeping your teeth looking young: it prevents crowding by keeping teeth in place while you wear it at night and it decreases the wear and tear you put on your teeth.

While we sleep, we gnash and grind our teeth. A night guard can protect your teeth from this damage and keep your teeth looking more youthful. A lifetime of wearing a night guard is similar to the effects of sunblock in this regard.

Disease-Proof Your Mouth

Brushing after every meal and flossing daily are your best defense against old-looking teeth. See your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and check up to make sure you are retaining gum height.

Skipping the floss? Flossing is imperative to a youthful smile. Here’s why: neglecting to floss leaves little bits of food in between your teeth. This food causes inflammation of the gums. This inflammation progresses into gingivitis (gum disease), which causes gum recession, premature tooth loss, and even heart disease!

When choosing a dentist to perform cosmetic dental treatments, it is important to choose a dental practice that has experience in cosmetic dentistry, a specialization of the field that requires additional training and uses state-of-the-art technology. Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD can serve any of your general or cosmetic dental needs. Contact our office here, or call us at (860) 561-2121 to schedule a consultation and learn more about the services we offer.

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, is here to serve patients living and working in West Hartford, Connecticut, and the surrounding areas, and has offices located in West Hartford Center, and New Britain, Connecticut.

Keep smiling,

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and  New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121