In honor of National Psoriasis Awareness Month, we explore the often overlooked connection between psoriasis and gum disease. Like many other ailments, one can worsen the other.

What Does Psoriasis Have to Do With Your Gums?

Recent studies show that people with psoriasis are 4.4 times more likely to have gum disease than people without it. The results of a Norwegian study showed that 24 percent of patients in the study had moderate or severe gum disease.

The leading factors explaining the connection are bone loss, inflammation, and lifestyle behaviors.

Bone Loss

Both people with psoriasis and people with gum disease struggle with bone loss. In fact, 36 percent of people with psoriasis had one or more sites of bone loss compared with 13 percent of people without the condition. In turn, people suffering from gum disease exhibit bone loss. This is because bacteria eats at the underlying jaw bone and the ligaments which connect the tooth and bone.  This combination of bone loss creates further complications and leads to other conditions.

Inflammation

Dr. Rasa Skudutyte-Rysstad, the author of the study on psoriasis and gum disease, explained that the two diseases work similarly in the body. They are both chronic, inflammatory diseases related to the body’s immune system. So the inflammation from psoriasis increases the risk of gum disease and vice versa.

Lifestyle Behaviors

Smoking plays a major role in the relationship between psoriasis and gum disease. A study shows that people with psoriasis who also smoked cigarettes were 24.3 times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Researchers estimate that cigarette smoke causes the body to increase the usage of certain immune-cell receptors that are already overused in people with psoriasis. Ultimately, this up-usage leads to an immune or inflammatory response that can result in psoriatic lesions and periodontal disease.

Other elements of a person’s lifestyle impact their likeliness of developing psoriasis or gum disease – or both. Studies show that people with psoriasis have impaired health-related quality of life, which leads to behaviors like smoking, alcohol consumption, decreased physical activity, and obesity. This is true in cases of people with gum disease as well.

Prevention

Although both conditions are chronic, there are several ways you can combat them or lessen the impact on your life.

• Eat right – Maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet can benefit both your mouth and your skin. Excess weight can cause psoriasis “flare-ups” and can also point to over-consumption of sugar, which can lead to gum disease.
• Limit alcohol consumption – Excessive drinking can exacerbate both conditions and can cause complications when taking medications.
• Maintain a strict oral health care regime – It goes without saying that brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly results in a healthy mouth and body. However, even so, some patients are predisposed to conditions like gum disease. Visiting Farber Center is a way to make sure you’re doing everything possible to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

At Farber Center, we are consistently informing our patients about the “mouth-body connection.” For more information about how gum disease is connected to other conditions check out our past blogs in the archive and consider making an appointment today.

 

The Farber Center for Periodontics and Dental Implants in Medford and Hauppauge, NY,  understands the challenges associated with aging and the effect it can have on tooth loss. As most requested providers of All-on-4 Long Island has available, we are a leading resource for seniors to replace entire rows of missing teeth. Implant-supported dentures like the ones we offer have significant advantages.

Our holistic dental practice is patient-centered and calming for people who may have anxiety about visiting the dentist. State-of-the-art treatment options, including All-on-4, are less invasive, more comfortable for patients, and reduce recovery times compared to other methods.

Causes of Tooth Loss for Senior Citizens

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that 27.27% of seniors over the age of 65 have no remaining teeth. Out of the remaining 72.72%who still have teeth, the Institute statistics show they retain an average of 18.90 out of 32 teeth.  The causes of tooth loss vary greatly:

• Gum Disease
• Oral health concerns developing undetected
• Wear and tear of dental work (e.g., fillings, crowns, etc.)
• A Poor Diet

The main reason for tooth loss is neglected teeth, usually due to poor oral hygiene. That is why it is so essential to maintain an oral health care routine and cleaning plan to avoid loss of teeth, especially if you are over the age of 65. Seniors need to take specific steps in their oral health routine to avoid losing teeth.

Methods to Avoid Tooth Loss:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Floss at least once a day
• Eat healthier food
• Visit Your Doctor Regularly
• See your dentist every six months

Listen to your body so you can identify and treat any oral health issues early.

Aging does come with unfortunate side-effects that can make previously easy tasks much more complicated. If you have arthritis, brushing can become difficult. If you have arthritis read our blog post on the advantages of an electric toothbrush here: Arthritis and the Electric Toothbrush. Healthy eating can also become difficult as many of the foods beneficial to your health are crunchy or difficult to chew while missing teeth.

Luckily, there are procedures like All-on-4 dental implants available to you to replace a lost row of teeth. The Farber Center can provide natural-looking implants that will preserve your facial contour. Our offices offer a range of options, and for Long Island, All-on-4 implant-supported dentures are an increasingly popular option. You’ll have new functioning teeth on the same day as the implant procedure. To see what Farber Center for Periodontics & Dental Implants can do to fix your smile, give us a call today at (631) 265-4442 for our Hauppauge office or 631-758-3700 for our Medford Office!

 

Tooth Sensitivity: What Can I Do?

Picture it: You’re sitting poolside on a beautiful 80-degree July day. You’ve made a batch of smoothies for you and the kids as an afternoon snack. Settled in your lounge chair you take a sip and boom – that zinging sensation overwhelms your mouth.  Bam – tooth sensitivity.

This experience describes tooth sensitivity, which can be triggered by sweet, cold or hot food and beverages. Not only can this condition get in the way of enjoying your summer to the fullest, but it can also predict an even greater concern – gum disease.

Both gingivitis and the more advanced condition periodontitis can result in tooth sensitivity. Additional symptoms include:

• Bleeding gum tissue
• Swollen and/or inflamed gums
• Loose feeling teeth or gum tissue that appears to be separating from teeth
• Chronic bad breath

It is vital to begin treating gum disease early so symptoms can be managed and reduced. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity you should stay on top of your regular cleanings, maintain a strict and efficient brushing and flossing regimen and consider visiting a periodontist to further evaluate your case.

Additionally, here are some tips for reducing tooth sensitivity:

• Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth – While using a specialized toothpaste will not guarantee results, it is a good place to start for minor tooth sensitivity. Experts say it is important to use it regularly to see results. We recommend Oral-B/Crest products for the best results.
• Avoid acidic food and drinks – Drinks like red wine, soda, fruit juices and foods like oranges and pickles put your enamel under attack. Enamel loss is irreversible so it is important to limit these acidic foods and beverages. Ask your Farber Center dental hygienist about a varnish to further protect your teeth from enamel loss.
• Defend yourself against grinding – Grinding your teeth wears away enamel and can lead to a sensitivity problem. People often grind their teeth without realizing it, especially in their sleep, so wearing a mouthguard at night can help.
• Treat your receding gums – Gum recession is one of the leading causes of tooth sensitivity. Luckily Farber Center offers a variety of services that rebuild or restore receding gums.

There is no definite explanation for sensitive teeth, but proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive tooth pain.

We should probably start off by letting you know that “bruxism” is actually a fancy term used to describe excessive grinding of the teeth, usually at night—but it can also occur during the day. It can be difficult to know if you are grinding your teeth while you are asleep because…well, you are asleep. Visiting your dentist regularly will help with detection. We will be able to detect, based on tooth wear or even breakage, if you are clenching your teeth at night. There are also a few symptoms you should be aware of so you can keep an eye out for bruxism too:

• Headaches—Research shows that people with bruxism are three times more likely to suffer from headaches. Because of their close proximity to the jaw, these headaches typically start around the temple.
• Facial myalgia—which is an aching jaw or facial tissue
• Ear Aches
• Tightness or stiffness of the shoulders
• Limitations of mouth opening
• Sleep disruption
• Excessive tooth movement within the gums
• Inflamed and receding gums

If you have Temporomandibular Joint Disorder—TMJ for short—you might recognize a lot of these symptoms. Bruxism can actually cause TMJ, and if you have TMJ you are more than likely also grinding your teeth.

The medical community does not yet fully understand all the causes of bruxism, but there is a statistical connection between stress, alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. Some of these factors may be a lot easier to stay away from than others. As always, we are going to suggest that if you smoke you should stop (we should probably put “Don’t smoke” in every blog we write). Limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake will help you sleep more soundly, which in turn can help minimize grinding. Stress is a hard one. Who wouldn’t want to lessen their stress? Self-care techniques like meditation and breathing exercises can help, or you can take a quick walk before going to bed.

If you are unable to cut coffee or stress out of your life, or if you just want some added protection, Farber Center can help! When visiting your hygienist or dentist mention if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. We would be able to create an occlusal splint made specifically for the alignment of your teeth. Occlusal splints go by many names—such as bite guards or bite plates—but are most commonly referred to as night guards. Much like a sports mouth guard protects your teeth from breaking, a night guard will stop the contact between your teeth.

It can be difficult to stop grinding your teeth. That doesn’t mean it is a lost cause. Protect your teeth, your smile, and your gums with a night guard crafted specifically for your teeth!

With summer on the horizon, we are looking forward to seeing more sunshine – and not just for beach days! Studies have shown that Vitamin D, which your body naturally produces when exposed to sunlight, can aid your oral health.

Why Vitamin D?

Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial roles in the oral cavity.

It helps the body naturally destroy bacteria while decreasing inflammation of the gums.

If you’re not taking in enough Vitamin D you’re not just foregoing that summer tan. A deficiency of Vitamin D is proven to put you at risk for gum disease and other conditions.

“We know that supplementation [of Vitamin D] may also improve tooth retention, along with routine dental care and good oral hygiene,” said Elizabeth Krall, MPH, Ph.D., a researcher at Boston University Dental School and Tufts University Nutrition Research Center.

Tips For Getting in Your Vitamin D

• Eat foods rich in Vitamin D like wild-caught fish, egg yolks, shittake mushrooms, milk, yogurt, almond milk, orange juice, breakfast cereals, oatmeal, and cheese.
• Take a supplement: Vitamin D supplements can help you get your proper daily dose. However, too much Vitamin D can be toxic so be sure to talk to your doctor before choosing a dosage.
• If you can’t make it outside, try sitting under ultraviolet lamps and bulbs. But, once again, before to consult your doctor first – too much time under these lamps can put you at risk for skin cancer.

Be sure to visit our social media pages all month long for more tips and information on how you can keep up your oral health!

 

 

As people with arthritis already know, arthritis can make the things we previously took for granted much, much harder.  As simple tasks become increasingly difficult there may be a temptation to stop doing some of the things that help a person lead a fulfilling life.

There is a laundry list of reasons why brushing regularly is beneficial for everyone.  For people suffering from arthritis, it is especially important to maintain healthy teeth and gums. As a previous blog post explained there could be a connection between gum disease and arthritic pain.

Periodontal disease causes chronic inflammation as your body fights the infection. Rheumatoid arthritis is actually an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly triggers inflammation to combat infection even when there is no virus or bacteria to fight. It stands to reason that by lessening the amount of inflammation in your body you can lessen arthritic joint pain.

There are things you can do when brushing to minimize arthritis pain. Which in turn, can help lessen your pain going forward!

• Increasing the size of your toothbrush handle by using a tennis ball or bicycle grip can lessen manual tension.
• Floss picks can be easier to manipulate than traditional dental floss.
• Consider buying a toothpaste dispenser that uses a pump instead of squeezing the tube
• Be sure to receive regular cleanings every 6 months to remove additional plaque and bacteria.

The Farber Center for Periodontics and Dental Implants recommends purchasing an electric toothbrush. An electric toothbrush will have a larger handle making it easier to hold while also lessening the amount of pressure and movement needed to brush effectively. Modern electric toothbrushes also include a pressure sensor that will let you know if you are pushing too hard or brushing too aggressively.

Some people may be reluctant to purchase an electric toothbrush because the initial investment can be pricey when compared to manual toothbrushes. Studies proving the efficacy of electric toothbrushes can be used to justify the cost if you are hesitant:

“The subject group using the powered toothbrush demonstrated clinical and statistical improvement in overall plaque scores. Powered toothbrushes offer an individual the ability to brush the teeth in a way that is optimal in terms of removing plaque and improving gingival health, conferring good brushing technique on all who use them, irrespective of manual dexterity or training.”

Benjamin Franklin is credited with the saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

An electric toothbrush does require a larger initial investment but investing in your oral health is a smart decision.  Lessening the inflammation in your body can aid in the fight against rheumatoid arthritis and make life a little easier!

Conditions like arthritis can have a direct impact on your oral health. Over the last decade doctors have discovered a strong link between oral health and total body health.

According to Sally Cram of the American Dental Association, physicians are taking a holistic approach to their patients’ overall health. The same can be said for the doctors at Farber Center.

What Does Arthritis Have to Do With My Mouth?

The common thread is inflammation. Poor dental hygiene can result in high bacteria build-up on teeth, which make gums prone to infection. The gums then become inflamed as a result of the immune system attacking the infection. If left untreated, a person can develop periodontal disease and tooth loss, and may predict rheumatoid arthritis in its severity.

A recent study showed that people with serious gum disease were 40% more likely to have an additional chronic condition.

A study of early arthritis cemented the correlation between gum disease and arthritis. Participants with one or more swollen joints had significant tooth loss compared with those without swollen joints.

Ultimately, the two conditions have a direct relationship – people with rheumatoid arthritis tended to have more periodontal disease and people with periodontal disease tended to have more rheumatoid arthritis. However, more and more doctors are finding that periodontal disease precedes rheumatoid arthritis.

What Can I Do?

• Using an electric toothbrush can make brushing easier if you are suffering from arthritis.
• Try using floss picks for flossing to put less stress on your wrists.
• Buy a toothpaste pump to prevent struggling with that tube.
• Stop smoking – smoking is one of the leading causes of gum disease.

To learn more about the connection between oral health and arthritis please visit our Farber Center social media pages all month long for important facts and information.

 

 

There is a pretty good chance that you’ve heard the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” The popular phrase has been around since the 1860s, though it was previously the much wordier “Eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.” While there is no substitute for regular cleanings it is true that some food can help improve your overall health and even improve your teeth!

What Are The Best Foods For Your Oral Health?

Crunchy Fruits:

• Apples
• Carrots
• Celery

Crunchy fruits and vegetables increase the production of saliva. Saliva keeps your mouth moist and contains proteins and minerals that protect tooth enamel. This prevents tooth decay and gum disease. Apples, carrots, and celery are healthy snacks that can help keep you and your mouth in great shape. Additionally, carrots contain vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy tooth enamel.

Dairy

Many of the foods we consume contain high levels of acidity, which eats away at our teeth.  Dairy products like cheese or milk are so close to neutral on the pH scale that they will reduce the acid in your mouth.

Raws Onion and Garlic

Raw onions and garlic contain powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can remove bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Be sure to have a toothbrush, or at least some mouthwash, available if you do decide to take a bite of raw onion or garlic clove though!

Pineapple

An occasional piña colada is not only good for the soul it can also help whiten your teeth! Pineapples are the only naturally grown food that contains an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory that acts as a stain remover and can break up the plaque that builds on your teeth.

Water

Beyond simply being the basis of all life on the planet, and the universe for that matter, there isn’t much that water can’t do to improve your health. With regards to your teeth water encourages saliva production and can also rinse your mouth of loose plaque and debris. Additionally, water can be used as an appetite suppressant, decreasing the chances you start reaching for a sugary snack!

But Don’t Forget…

Eating or drinking any of these foods is no substitute for regular cleanings, however, they can help you in-between visits.  As a favor to all of us here at the Farber Center for Periodontics & Dental Implants, we do ask that you don’t take a bite of raw onion or garlic before your appointment!

 

You may be wondering what exactly bone grafting is and what it has to do with dental implants. Farber Center offers bone grafting as one of its many services. It is a key method to restore your smile through regeneration.

Farber Center periodontist Dr. Chris Chondrogiannis breaks down the procedure and what you need to know about it:

When Do I Need This Procedure?

The best time to perform the bone grafting procedure in the extraction socket is when you lose a tooth. The extraction socket, the location of tooth removal, shrinks by 40% within the first six months.

By grafting bone, we are able to create a stable blood clot in the socket to preserve the majority of the bone volume.

What’s the Next Step?

The ultimate treatment for a removed tooth is a dental implant. Creating proper height and width of bone volume allows the dental implant procedure to be much simpler and more predictable. 

What is “Site Development”?

“Site development” is the method of preserving the socket of the area of extraction. The best opportunity that we have to regenerate bone lost from an infection while we are taking the tooth out. This avoids a second visit and undergoing an additional recovery period before dental implants are added.

How Will I Feel After the Procedure?

There is minimal discomfort and the patient’s medication is the same as if the bone grafting was not done at that same time.

As always, if you have any questions about this procedure or any others please contact us via our contact page at LongIslandPerio.com

 

Farber Center is dedicated to furthering the education of all dentists and hygienists on Long Island through our dental forums.

Moreover, as leaders in periodontology on Long Island, we raise the bar for other dentists and hygienists. We offer a way to learn exciting new dental advancements. Additionally, the clubs provide an opportunity to network. 

Long Island Dental Forum

Long Island Dental Forum, an affiliate of the Seattle Study Club, hosts dentists all across Long Island. The forum meets once a month to enjoy good company from other local dentists and to learn more about the growing advancements in the field of dentistry. 

Past topics include: HIPPA, the mouth-body connection, and new dental technologies.

For more information please email us at studyclub@farbercenter.com

Long Island Dental Hygiene Forum

Long Island Dental Hygiene Forum is a club for dental hygienists to gain experience in the field of dentistry and also obtain CE credits. Moderated by Farber Center for Periodontics & Dental Implants and led by hygienists Nicoles Morales and Kristen Ronaldo, the group maintains a strong presence in the Long Island dental community. The group’s past topics include patient care, laser-surgery procedures, and nutrition. The study group meets three times a year and also holds evening sessions. 

For more information please email farbercenterlidhf@gmail.com