Simple Ways To Strengthen Your Teeth

If you want to strengthen your teeth there are some things you can do to help. Having strong teeth is just as important as strong bones.

According to CTNow.com’s “Best Dentist - Hartford,” Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD,  many of her patients, who are themselves doctors and dentists,  know how important it is to keep teeth clean and healthy. Their healthy smiles are kept that way with a wholesome diet, good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups.

Tooth Enamel

The enamel on your teeth needs to be strong and healthy in order to protect the inner layers of your teeth from bacteria, acid and tooth decay. Watching your diet can help strengthen your teeth and help prevent against enamel erosion.

At first glance, teeth that are white and bright may appear healthy, but weak enamel can still wreak havoc for your oral health. Weak enamel isn’t determined by the color of your smile.

No Regeneration

Unfortunately, once the enamel is gone, there’s not much you can do about it. Enamel can weaken because of illness and genetics and of course, poor oral hygiene habits. Brushing too hard will eventually cause the enamel on your teeth to break down as well. Your bones contain regenerative cells, but the enamel on your teeth doesn’t. Keeping your teeth healthy and strong is important if you want to stop additional erosion.

Demineralizing Foods and Beverages

Fermentable carbohydrates, which are found in breakfast cereals, crackers, breads, bananas, soft drinks, candy, cookies and other starchy foods form harmful and dangerous acids on your teeth. When combined with bacteria, those acids will start to break down the enamel. Dr. Basil explains that this, “demineralization,” literally eats away at the naturally produced minerals in your enamel. In other words, highly processed foods, and sweet treats will demineralize the enamel over time.

Brush and Floss Correctly

Brushing twice and flossing once each day is vital if you want to strengthen your teeth. Be careful not to brush too hard and always brush at a 45-degree angle with a soft bristled toothbrush using short and decisive strokes. Brush for at least two minutes and don’t forget your tongue as bacteria loves to linger in places that your toothbrush misses.

The saliva that you produce after you brush can also help with demineralization as it contains proteins and minerals that will safeguard the enamel on your teeth. Saliva is constantly washing off the germs on your teeth.

Remineralize your Diet

Choosing a diet that is healthy for the enamel on your teeth isn’t that difficult, especially when you consider that weakened tooth enamel was not a huge problem for your ancestors. Ancient humans show very little signs of weakened tooth enamel—think foods in their natural states, light on the sugar and the processing.

Demineralizing Foods and Beverages

Fermentable carbohydrates, which are found in breakfast cereals, crackers, breads, bananas, soft drinks, candy, cookies and other starchy foods form harmful and dangerous acids on your teeth. When combined with bacteria, those acids will start to break down the enamel. Dr. Basil explains that this literally eats away at the naturally produced minerals in your enamel. In other words, highly processed foods, and sweet treats will demineralize the enamel over time.

Remineralize

One of the best ways to strengthen your teeth is with remineralizing products. Talk to Dr. Basil about mineral fluoride. If you don’t drink your tap water, or if your cities water isn’t fluoridated, ask Dr. Basil for some supplement suggestions to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Since the Industrial Revolution, modern diets have increased tooth decay and gum disease. However, according to top Dentist, Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, some foods can help the enamel on your teeth.

The American Dental Association recommends a balanced diet using these food groups for healthy teeth and gums.

• Whole Grains
• Lean Proteins
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Low-Fat Dairy

Certain foods, such as cheese are known to prevent demineralization as it helps promote the flow of saliva. Saliva maintains the pH levels in your mouth, which also reduce acid production. Celery, Mother Nature’s dental floss, is high in water and can also help remineralize your teeth.

If you would like to learn how to strengthen your teeth, call or click and schedule an appointment today with Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil at her West Hartford Center office, or her Downtown New Britain office.

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

Diabetes: Teeth and Gum Problems to Look Out For

Diabetes can lead to a whole host of health problems, but did you know that it can also put you at risk for dental issues? The implications of high blood sugar extend to every part of the body — including teeth and gums. When it comes to diabetes, teeth and gum problems are something you need to be aware of.

Here are few of the ways diabetes can wreak havoc on your mouth, and how you can prevent this damage from occurring if you are one of the 21.9 million people in the U.S. who suffer from diabetes.

Gum Disease

Diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums, which increases the risk for gum disease. This risk is amplified if you had poor dental health prior to being diagnosed with diabetes. 

Gum disease takes two forms: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is less serious, but can develop into periodontitis if left untreated. In addition to cutting off blood to the gums, diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, putting the gums at risk for gingivitis, an inflammation caused by the bacteria in the form of plaque. The longer plaque remains on your teeth, the more it irritates the gingiva — the part of your gums around the base of your teeth.

The main symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It is important to contact your dentist as soon as these symptoms develop so the problem can be addressed.

Untreated gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which affects the tissue and bones that support your teeth. In addition to red bleeding gums, other symptoms include bad breath that won’t go away and changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.

Eventually, periodontitis causes your gums and jawbone to pull away from your teeth. This in turn causes your teeth to loosen and potentially fall out.

To further complicate matters, periodontitis and diabetes can lead to a catch-22 situation. Diabetes slows your body’s ability to heal and fight bacteria, so the infection takes longer to go away. Additionally, periodontitis raises blood sugar, which makes diabetes more difficult to manage.

Dry Mouth

If you have diabetes, or know someone who does, you know that one of its chief symptoms is dry mouth and a constant feeling of thirst. This is an annoyance for sure, but can also lead to more serious dental issues.

Diabetes reduces your mouth’s saliva production, which makes your teeth more vulnerable to decay and can also contribute to gum disease. Saliva helps wash away plaque and tartar from teeth; the less saliva in your mouth, the more likely plaque and tartar are to stick around.

Symptoms accompanying dry mouth include a dry tongue and dry, cracked lips. It can also lead to difficulty chewing, swallowing, or talking.

Your dentist can prescribe a fluoride rinse to keep your mouth moisturized and prevent tooth decay. Sugar free gum and mints are also good for stimulating saliva flow and keeping the mouth moist.

Dry mouth associated with diabetes is worsened by caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, as well as spicy and salty foods. Avoiding these foods will help prevent the problem from becoming worse.

Oral Care for Diabetes Patients

The risks for diabetes make good dental hygiene non-negotiable. Dental care and diabetes care must be practiced in tandem to effectively combat issues like gum disease and dry mouth.

Start the process by following these tips:

                                                 

1. Brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss once per day. This will help keep plaque buildup at bay and remove food particles that can lead to tooth decay. Consider an electric toothbrush for the best brushing results.

2. Manage your diet. Avoiding foods that are high in sugar will help control your diabetes and your oral health.

3. Tell your dentist about diabetes. This will ensure that you receive the best care possible for your specific needs.

4. Schedule regular dental visits. Consider going beyond the minimum recommended two visits per year so your dentist can monitor progress and watch for new developments in your mouth related to diabetes.

If you or a loved one has diabetes, and has questions about diabetic oral care, I have extensive expertise in treating patients with diabetes.

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

The Key to Good Oral Health is in Your Kitchen

March is National Nutrition Month as designated by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, so it’s a particularly good time to talk about the link between the foods you eat and your oral health.  Everyone knows that diet and nutrition are critical to general health.   

Scientific and epidemiological data suggest there is a lifelong interrelationship between diet, nutrition and integrity of the oral cavity in health and in disease. Oral health and nutrition are connected in multiple ways.  Oral infectious diseases, as well as rapid onset, chronic, and systemic diseases with oral symptoms, impact a person’s functional ability to eat and therefore their nutritional status. Likewise, nutrition and diet can affect the development and integrity of your mouth, as well as affecting the progression of many oral diseases. 

The fact of the matter is your oral health is in equal parts dependent on and affected by your nutrition. Of course there are foods to limit for the sake of your oral health, like those that are loaded with sugar or highly acidic--but you already know that. What you might not know is there are also foods, specifically certain fruits and vegetables, which are good for your teeth and gums. And with National Nutrition Month upon us, this seems like the time to offer worthwhile tips for your oral health.

And here’s an interesting fact: People with 25 or more teeth tend to eat more nutritiously!  Not sure how many you have?  Take a break and count them. 

So what foods do I recommend for your oral health?  Here are a few good ones to chew on:

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, pineapples and tomatoes, are chock full of vitamin C, which is critical for the health of your gums. Ever heard of “scurvy”?  Historically many sailors who were deprived of vitamin C started getting sick and suffering the effects of this disease.  Without enough vitamin C, gums might become unhealthy and even bleed, an early sign of gum disease. Eventually, unhealthy gums may lead to tooth loss, so be sure to include lots of fresh citrus fruits for healthy gums and stable teeth.  They say it’s why British ships started carrying lots of limes around (giving rise to the term “Limey”).  But lemons have far more vitamin C than limes!

Fiber Rich Fruits

When you chew fruits that are high in fiber, salivation increases to help wash away food debris and bacteria that can be harmful to teeth and gums. Some of these fresh fruits are apples, oranges, pears, and watermelons. This increase in saliva reduces the acid level in your mouth and helps avert dry mouth, which makes teeth more vulnerable to decay. In addition, as you chew fiber-rich fruits, you’re also massaging your gums.

Hard Fruits and Vegetables to Build Strong Teeth

Eating hard and fibrous vegetables, such as carrots and celery, provide your body with a good source of beta carotene. Your body needs beta carotene to make vitamin A, which is a nutrient that is vital to building strong teeth. These and other hard vegetables also massage your gums as you chew. And the water content in these vegetables cleans your teeth and gums.  For these purposes, nothing beats apples (my favorite).

Onions

Onions are great for your oral health, because they contain antibacterial sulfur compounds. These antibacterial compounds help kill the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. And, of course, they are strongest when eaten fresh and uncooked, so be sure to brush your teeth or rinse with a refreshing mouthwash after boosting your oral health with onions!

Cheese

In your mouth, a pH level lower than 5.5 puts a person at risk of tooth erosion, which is a process that wears away tooth enamel. The higher the pH level is above 5.5, the lower the chance of developing cavities. Recently, scientists performed an experiment where they ate different foods, and then the pH levels were measured in the mouth.  The pH levels for those who ate cheese increased rapidly at each interval, suggesting that cheese has anti-cavity properties.  But use moderation—you still have to think about your waistline and your heart.

Probiotics

Probiotics may help to decrease gingivitis and plaque; bacteria in fermented foods might suppress the growth of pathogens in the oral cavity. One study showed that consuming fermented dairy was associated with less periodontal diseases. Probiotics from any source could be helpful in a similar way.

Cranberries

Cranberries and other plant foods rich in anthocyanins (such as blueberries, red cabbage, eggplant peel, black rice, and raspberries) may prevent the attachment and colonization of pathogens on host tissues (including teeth). Some studies even show that cranberry extract-infused mouthwash improves dental health! Sure, we all knew about blueberries’ superpowers, but who knew that the humble bog berry could give you healthy teeth?

                                                

Green tea

Polyphenols have been known to reduce bacteria and toxic products of bacteria in the mouth. Tea also tends to be rich in fluoride, possibly the most well-known tooth strengthener.

So, here’s to your health… your oral 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

How the Dentist Can Help with your Sleep Disorder

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you might not know a dentist can help you.  Sleep is so very important, but sadly so many people deal with sleeping problems that make it difficult to fall or stay asleep.  My husband is one of them.  He snores often, and has a history of diagnosed sleep apnea.  He’s even been awakened from his sleep by his apneas, which can be a very scary thing. 

While CPAP therapy is often the most common and recommended treatment for handling sleep apnea, not everyone is successful with this treatment option. Some people experience issues and irritation wearing the mask at night. Some people may accidentally even lose the mask while moving around in their sleep, which obviously negates having the equipment in the first place if it isn’t actually helping.   And, like my husband, many people just don’t want to wear a CPAP.

So, I made him a sleep apnea dental appliance, and he loves it.  It looks like the one on the right.  If you are someone for whom CPAP equipment just isn’t cutting it when it comes to managing your sleep apnea symptoms then it might be time to start talking to an experienced general dentist, like myself, about whether oral appliance therapy is right for you. We can work with you to help determine whether this is a great way to manage your symptoms and finally help you sleep more soundly.

This custom-made oral appliance can treat patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea but can often be used in conjunction with your CPAP equipment for those with more severe cases. The appliance is designed to fit over your upper and lower teeth to shift the jaws forward and prevent the muscles of the throat from collapsing and obstructing the airways while you sleep. 

There are many benefits to oral appliance therapy for those with milder forms of sleep apnea. Most people find that wearing this retainer-like appliance fits easily into their lifestyle. Patients like oral appliance therapy because it is:

• Comfortable
• Easy to wear
• Quiet
• Portable
• Convenient for travel
• Easy to care for

Those who suffer from sinus issues due to the drying CPAP mask won’t have these same issues when they wear this dental appliance. Also, there is much less of a chance of this appliance being removed or knocked out in the middle of the night and can be a great option for someone who tends to toss and turn a lot while they sleep.

And, yes, when medically indicated, it is covered by most insurances.

Here at the dental office of Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD with offices in West Hartford Center, and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut, we understand the importance of sleep. If you are ready to finally have quality sleep, then it’s time to call us and let us know that you are looking for a way to manage your sleep apnea symptoms once and for all.

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

Pregnancy and Dentistry: 5 Things You Need to Know

It can be a very busy time in your life if you’re pregnant, but between trips to the doctor, birthing classes and setting up the nursery, don’t let visiting the dentist fall off your pregnancy to-do list. Dr. ElzbietaW. Basil, DMD, who practices Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut says getting a checkup during pregnancy is safe and important for your dental health.

The American Dental Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics all encourage women to get dental care while pregnant. Dr. Basil says, “It is an important period of time in a woman’s life and preserving good oral health is directly linked with good overall health.”

Here are five things you need to know about going to the dentist during pregnancy.

1.  Do I need to Tell My Dentist I’m Pregnant?

Even if you only think you might be pregnant, Dr. Basil says let your dental office know.  Tell them how far along you are when you make your appointment. Also you should tell your dentist about the medications you are taking or if you have received any special advice from your physician. While uncommon, if your pregnancy is high-risk or if you have certain medical conditions,  Dr. Basil says your dentist and your physician may recommend that some treatments be postponed.

2.  Can Pregnancy Affect My Mouth?

Although many women make it nine months with no dental discomfort, pregnancy can make some conditions worse – or create new ones.  According to Dr. Basil, regular checkups and good dental health habits can help keep you and your baby healthy.

Pregnancy Gingivitis
Your mouth can be affected by the hormonal changes you will experience during pregnancy. For example, some women develop a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis,” an inflammation of the gums that can cause swelling and tenderness. Your gums also may bleed a little when you brush or floss. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious forms of gum disease. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to prevent this.

Increased Risk of Tooth Decay
Pregnant women may be more prone to cavities for a number of reasons. If you’re eating more carbohydrates than usual, this can cause decay. Morning sickness can increase the amount of acid your mouth is exposed to, which can eat away at the outer covering of your tooth (enamel).   Brushing twice a day and flossing once can also fall by the wayside during pregnancy for many reasons, including morning sickness, a more sensitive gag reflex, tender gums and exhaustion. It’s especially important to keep up your routine, as poor habits during pregnancy have been associated with premature delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Pregnancy Tumors
In some women, overgrowths of tissue called “pregnancy tumors” appear on the gums, most often during the second trimester. It is not cancer but rather just swelling that happens most often between teeth. They may be related to excess plaque. They bleed easily and have a red, raw-looking raspberry-like appearance. They usually disappear after your baby is born, but if you are concerned, talk to your dentist about removing them.

3.  Is it Safe for me to Take Medications My Dentist Prescribes?

Dr. Basil says it is important to tell your dentist what, if any, prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs you are taking. This information will help your dentist determine what type of prescription, if any, to write for you.  If you need medicines like painkillers or antibiotics, your dentist and physician can consult to determine which are safe for you during the pregnancy.

4.  What About Numbing Medications During Pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant and need a filling, root canal or tooth pulled, one thing you don’t have to worry about is the safety of the numbing medications your dentist may use during the procedure. They are, in fact, safe for both you and your baby.

A study in the August 2015 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association followed a group of pregnant women who had procedures that used anesthetics like lidocaine shots and a group that did not. The study showed these treatments were safe during pregnancy, as they cause no difference in the rate of miscarriages, birth defects, prematurity or weight of the baby. The study identified no evidence to show that dental treatment with anesthetics is harmful during pregnancy. In fact it was specifically aimed to determine if there was a significant risk associated with dental treatment with anesthesia and pregnancy outcomes. The study did not find any such risk.

5.  Can I Get a Dental X-Ray While Pregnant?

About half of the women in the anesthetic JADA study had X-rays taken while they were pregnant, which were also found to be safe. It’s possible you’ll need an X-ray if you suffer a dental emergency or if there is a need to diagnose a dental problem. Although, radiation from dental X-rays is extremely low, your dentist or hygienist will cover you with a leaded apron that minimizes exposure to the abdomen. Your dental office will also cover your throat with a leaded collar to protect your thyroid from radiation.

If you have more questions about dentistry and pregnancy, ask Dr. Basil.

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

5 Things You Should Know About Dental Insurance

As West Hartford dentist, Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD has written about extensively, receiving proper dental care is important, not just for your teeth and gums; it is essential to a healthy body.

Dentists, like Dr. Basil, with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut, understand that dental care costs money. Even routine, preventive care can have an impact on a family budget — not to mention treatment for disease or injury. As with other healthcare costs, people often turn to dental insurance to help soften this financial impact.

But is dental insurance right for you and your family?  Here are 5 things you should know if you have insurance or are thinking of getting it. 

Dental insurance operates differently than other types of insurance.

We often understand “insurance” as protection against unforeseen expenses. Dental insurance, though, works more like a “discount coupon” to offset dental care costs. It's important, therefore, that you know what your plan pays for (routine care and treatment, orthodontics, cosmetic enhancement, etc.), at what percentage (50%, 80%) of the usual and customary fee. Find out what the plan refers to as the “usual fee” as that can be much less than 2017 costs and any annual deductible, the amount you pay before the policy pays. Also, there is always a cap as to the maximum benefit you can receive in one year. 

You should weigh all the costs if you're the insurance purchaser. 

Employers pay the premiums on many dental plans as an employee benefit. If, however, you're paying the premiums yourself, you need to add that cost to your other out-of-pocket costs for a true picture of what you're actually spending on dental care. It's possible a self-paying policy won't save you money or could even increase what you might otherwise pay for dental care. 

Your policy might limit your options. 

Most plans pay for the “basics”: routine cleanings and checkups, repairs and some restorations. They may or may not pay for orthodontics, certain dental materials for fillings or crowns or restorations like dental implants. Some plans could require you to see a dentist in their network, which may not include the one you prefer. It's important to find out any limitations in your policy and factor them into your cost vs. benefits evaluation. 

If you’re considering an HMO, be aware that many of the better dentists don’t participate.  

HMOs are generally "capitation plans" that will pay the dentist a certain amount of money based on the number of patients the dentist oversees, pretty much no matter what service is offered, and even if no treatment is given.  While this might prevent theoretical up-selling, it may also incentivize lack of any treatment.  Cost-savings incentives, therefore, might lead to inferior treatment. Many of the dentists who participate are just starting out and are trying to start a practice, or are semi-retired and want a little extra income. 

You can ask your dentist for help managing your dental care costs. 

While your plan may seem to you to be written in a “foreign language,” your dentist's staff works with it and other policies on a daily basis. They may be able to help you figure out the best approach for a procedure within your policy or help you arrange payments and financing that fit your family budget.

If you would like more information on managing costs, talk to Dr. Basil. 

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