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Myth: Dental x-rays are dangerous, so I should avoid them whenever possible.

Truth: Dental x-rays are essential diagnostic tools. Without them, it is impossible to “see” what lies beneath. Even though an x-ray is still a 2-dimensional object, with the digital variety, the software allows the viewer to see teeth in an enhanced capacity, making them invaluable to help decide what is wrong. It is the best tool we have other than the trained and MAGNIFIED eye! Digital x-rays reduce radiation by as much as 80%, thereby making a dental x-ray equivalent to being outside in the sun, without SPF protection, for less than 30 seconds. Speak to your dentist about the frequency of taking them if you have concerns. Unless Superman himself is your dentist, you need x-rays. Without them, well you may just need Superman to help you stay healthy.

Myth: I should have all of my teeth pulled and get dentures and then I don’t have to worry about dental problems.

Truth: Pulling all your teeth will take you off the hook for getting a toothache and give you an extra 4 minutes of free time that you would have spent providing preventive care for yourself. What it won’t do is improve your quality of life! Long term wearing of dentures decreases chewing efficiency and therefore digestion, increases susceptibility to oral fungal infections, and causes the jawbones to shrink over time, thereby, changing facial form and decreasing the potential opportunity to have state-of-the-art dental implants at a future date. So, if you must have all of your teeth removed due to advanced gum disease, do it early and choose a denture or bridge supported by dental implants!

Myth:  If nothing hurts in my mouth, nothing is wrong and I don’t have to worry.

Truth: This is a potentially dangerous myth, especially for anyone who is pain-intolerant. Periodontal disease, (disease of the gums and jawbone around the teeth) is the most common disease in the adult population. When left untreated, in the early stage, it is often pain-free and the person may be totally unaware of it. As the disease progresses, the discomfort can be quite severe and result in the need for surgery or extractions to correct it. Pay attention to the pink bristles on your toothbrush or the tenderness in your gums when you brush or floss. They are your body’s attempt to signal you have at least the beginning stages of the disease–A preemptive visit to the dentist will help you gain control and return your mouth to optimal health. Remember: pain is a signal that things have gone too far!!

Myth: White teeth are healthier than yellow teeth.

Truth: The color of teeth is basically genetically determined. A “yellow” tooth, free of fillings and having good bone support is actually healthier than a “white” tooth that has been restored or has some bone loss from gum disease. Discoloration of the tooth, resulting from nerve damage, poor oral hygiene or aging tooth-colored fillings are exceptions. Some of the healthiest teeth I’ve seen are actually the most severely discolored from tetracycline medications taken during the period the teeth were being formed in the jaws. So, don’t be deceived. We know from life, health and beauty don’t always go hand in hand.

Periodontal disease is a condition characterized by long standing inflammation of the jawbone and supporting gum tissues of the oral cavity. Unfortunately, people with untreated periodontal problems have susceptibility to other serious problems as well. Patients with untreated gum disease, nearly double their risk of coronary artery disease (disease of the blood vessels that feed the heart). In my Manhattan and New Hope, Pa practices, we are constantly stressing the importance of preventive care and timely treatment to help our patients avoid the potentially serious consequences of letting periodontal disease go undiagnosed and therefore, untreated. Understanding this correlation can help you understand the dangers and help you make good and informed decisions about your dental health and overall wellness.

The DENTAL/HEART link

Researchers believe that the bacteria in the mouth affect the heart by entering the blood stream and encouraging blood clots to form in the coronary arteries. These clots are potentially life-threatening because they prevent necessary oxygen and nutrients from reaching the heart muscles, and may thus cause a “heart attack” . Other research shows that plaque build-up (large aggregates of bacteria), resulting from inflammation of the gums, is directly responsible for the swelling of the arteries of the heart, which also leads to the heart being inadequately supplied with oxygen, and, this is what elicits the heart attack. Heart Disease is just one way that untreated gum disease can adversely affect a person’s overall health. Periodontal disease has also been linked to other systemic conditions like stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory illness, and pregnancy complications.

Your DEFENSE

The obvious best defense for a patient who wants to optimize dental and general health is to practice consistent and meticulous prevention. This can be established with following all the protocols given to you by your dental team, and insuring that timely maintenance appointments for oral health be observed. In addition, a really good diet and consistent exercise will also aid your chances of preventing periodontal disease. Also, know what your family history of heart disease is. Patients with a positive family history are genetically pre-disposed, thereby increasing the susceptibility to disease, even with a healthy mouth!!

As the ranks of the un- and underemployed swell, it matters more than ever that one possesses the confidence that prospective employers are seeking. In addition to hiring a professional resume writer, one of the things that can make you stand out in the crowd, is to possess a confident smile. No matter how good you look on paper, it is the perception of success and energy that will ultimately gain the attention and favor of others. A smile that is matched with the inner beauty of confidence, speaks to your aesthetics and practice of self-care. If you are self-conscious about your smile, make a point of telling your dentist. An empathetic professional will want to work with you, to give you the best possible advantage in securing or improving your quality of life. In the workplace, as well as in personal relationships, you can’t give away what you don’t own.  So, own the smile and then share it with others.