What Teeth & Gums Say about Your Health; Dental Update
Friday, November 27, 2009
I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with family & friends, filled with laughter & fun! And really hoping you are not feeling like crap from eating way too much. Hey, if your plan was to enjoy, I am all for it. Just hoping the tummy is not yelling back today which sometimes happens when we eat more than are bodies are used to! Just get back to your normal routine. Try to move a bit more than usual to work out the sodium & extra food sitting there & drink lots of water to flush it out as well. 
So, I mentioned that I was back up at UCLA this past Tuesday. Another 3.5 hours BUT lots done while I was there. I met the dental student assigned to me and she already has 6 years of schooling under her belt! She went over my medical history and looked at my xrays & then my teeth to check all the "things" going on. It takes longer because the students do take their time to be sure of their work & they have to write comprehensive notes for the faculty to review. After the first part, the faculty person present checked her notes & my mouth & once again I got the "that is your bite?????" comment!
After the first part, we went to a separate floor where actual work is done & the student measured my gums & did molds of my teeth & bite. Again, I was checked by another faculty member & he commented on my bite too!!!! HOLY CRAP! What was wrong with all the dentists I went to in the past 20++++ years!
This coming Thursday, I will go up again as my dental student representative will present her findings to a panel of faculty. The panel is made up of all heads of departments that might be involved with my work. For example, if I need root canals or bite work or gum work, a faculty member for each of these areas will be there as she presents her findings as to what she feels needs to be done on me.
Although this is time consuming, it is nice to know that so many higher level people are part of this process. So, I will know more by the end of next week. They break for the holiday then so no work will even be done until 2010.
So, I felt the need to share another article on how your teeth & gum health can effect your overall health too! You can read my first post here. Check out this newest one titled:
What Your Teeth & Gums Say About Your Health
Here is the first couple paragraphs: "Research has shown, and experts agree, that there is an association between periodontal diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.
But on the flip side, symptoms of disease may present in the teeth and mouth. The mouth is often used to diagnose, make a prognosis, treat or intervene on a number of diseases. Healthy gums should look pink and firm, not red and swollen–and your teeth should feel solid. If you have problems with your teeth and gums, it’s important to see a dentist, and possibly your general physician. Here is a list of some health problems that can sometimes show up in the teeth or gums: Tooth Loss: Osteoporosis, Pale Gums: Anemia, Eroded Tooth Enamel: Eating Disorders, Thrush: HIV, Diabetes, Gum Disease: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tooth Loss: Kidney Disease, Gum Disease: Premature Birth. You can read more of each of these problems at the link above.
I have read & seen stories on how teeth have shown a person to have an eating disorder & also have seen many stories about dentists that have caught medical issues just based on a dental examine. Have any of you heard stories or have had an actual experience with this?
PS: I want those teeth in the pic!
I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with family & friends, filled with laughter & fun! And really hoping you are not feeling like crap from eating way too much. Hey, if your plan was to enjoy, I am all for it. Just hoping the tummy is not yelling back today which sometimes happens when we eat more than are bodies are used to! Just get back to your normal routine. Try to move a bit more than usual to work out the sodium & extra food sitting there & drink lots of water to flush it out as well. So, I mentioned that I was back up at UCLA this past Tuesday. Another 3.5 hours BUT lots done while I was there. I met the dental student assigned to me and she already has 6 years of schooling under her belt! She went over my medical history and looked at my xrays & then my teeth to check all the "things" going on. It takes longer because the students do take their time to be sure of their work & they have to write comprehensive notes for the faculty to review. After the first part, the faculty person present checked her notes & my mouth & once again I got the "that is your bite?????" comment!
After the first part, we went to a separate floor where actual work is done & the student measured my gums & did molds of my teeth & bite. Again, I was checked by another faculty member & he commented on my bite too!!!! HOLY CRAP! What was wrong with all the dentists I went to in the past 20++++ years!
This coming Thursday, I will go up again as my dental student representative will present her findings to a panel of faculty. The panel is made up of all heads of departments that might be involved with my work. For example, if I need root canals or bite work or gum work, a faculty member for each of these areas will be there as she presents her findings as to what she feels needs to be done on me.
Although this is time consuming, it is nice to know that so many higher level people are part of this process. So, I will know more by the end of next week. They break for the holiday then so no work will even be done until 2010.
So, I felt the need to share another article on how your teeth & gum health can effect your overall health too! You can read my first post here. Check out this newest one titled:
What Your Teeth & Gums Say About Your Health
Here is the first couple paragraphs: "Research has shown, and experts agree, that there is an association between periodontal diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.
But on the flip side, symptoms of disease may present in the teeth and mouth. The mouth is often used to diagnose, make a prognosis, treat or intervene on a number of diseases. Healthy gums should look pink and firm, not red and swollen–and your teeth should feel solid. If you have problems with your teeth and gums, it’s important to see a dentist, and possibly your general physician. Here is a list of some health problems that can sometimes show up in the teeth or gums: Tooth Loss: Osteoporosis, Pale Gums: Anemia, Eroded Tooth Enamel: Eating Disorders, Thrush: HIV, Diabetes, Gum Disease: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tooth Loss: Kidney Disease, Gum Disease: Premature Birth. You can read more of each of these problems at the link above.
I have read & seen stories on how teeth have shown a person to have an eating disorder & also have seen many stories about dentists that have caught medical issues just based on a dental examine. Have any of you heard stories or have had an actual experience with this?
PS: I want those teeth in the pic!
I am a dental hygienist and this is SO true. The health of your teeth and gums is a reflection of the health of your body. It's pretty simple...brush well (all teeth surfaces) twice a day and most importantly...FLOSS. Use of tarter control toothpastes and listerine also is helpful. And of course..visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and check ups.
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Carol, thank you for commenting! I do all the things I should do BUT I have always had teeth probs anyway even when I went every 3 months. I guess some of us just have bad teeth genes. Also, with money issues & no dental insurance, that led to not being able to go so with my teeth & even though I take care of them, it just was not good.
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No weight-related tooth issues here! No tummy issues either. Mine is saying, "We have to wait HOW LONG to have cake again?"
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You are too funny!!!!!!!!!
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What is behind the panel for your teeth? Did you volunteer for something?
My teeth are in pretty good shape, if pretty crooked LOL!
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Lori, I have not had money or insurance to get the teeth done for a while now & I have bad teeth genes to begin with. I finally decided to make the long trip to UCLA dental school where they charge a lot less than a dentist & the students do the work & faculty supervise. Depending on the issues, you may have graduate students or even faculty work on you if the issue is too complex for the student. Any person can go in but they have to accept your case.
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My Mum was a dental nurse and has alway taught us to brush, floss and look after your teeth. It's definately helped and I have good teeth now.
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You just read my mind. I want the teeth in the pic too. Cut & paste maybe?
And yes, it's awesome that so many people are involved in your "teething" process. hehe.
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My teeth are really straight naturally, but super prone to cavities. I hate to tell you how many fillings I have so I won't! I wish I had the teeth in the picture too.
I know all that waiting and examination takes time, but I'm so glad that the dental school is available for you to go to and get things taken care of.
Have a great night Jody!
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Being physically active is a very positive step towards a healthier lifestyle and improved longevity.
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Insightful piece, thanks a lot!
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what is behind the panel of your teeth?
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