According to Dr. Arwinder Judge, vice president of clinical support at Aspen Dental Management, Inc., “There’s widespread awareness of the importance of good oral health in children, but it is equally important for adults. Receding gum tissue is a common problem as we age, a condition that can expose the roots of teeth and make them more vulnerable to decay and infection.”

So given that May is Older Americans Month, we are offering a couple of posts about the importance for adults and caregivers of older adults to maintain good oral health by visiting the dentist for regular check-ups — including denture wearers.

Just how many people wear dentures in America?

Statistics from the American Dental Hygienists’ Association say an estimated 75% of Americans reportedly have some form of periodontal (gum) disease — making it the leading cause of tooth loss among those age 35 and older. The average denture-wearer gets their first set of dentures in their mid-50s, and nearly 50 million Americans wear full or partial dentures.

Is it difficult to adjust to living with dentures?

Dentures may feel strange at first, but it is a normal part of the adjustment process. Once your facial muscles and oral tissues adapt, your dentures should feel very comfortable. Some people adjust to dentures in a week, while others take longer.

You should talk to your dentist about any concerns you have — oftentimes patients need a number of adjustments before the fit is just right.

Read more FAQs about living with dentures here.

If I wear dentures, how often should I replace them?

While the American Dental Association recommends that dentures be replaced every five to seven years, many people keep the same set of dentures for much longer.

Read more about denture myths and facts here.

But that’s not always the best idea. Dr. Judge notes, “The tissues in the mouth change over time, and bone and gum ridges shrink, which can result in ill-fitting dentures that make eating uncomfortable or downright painful.”

So if your current dentures are uncomfortable, or if you find yourself using more and more denture adhesive to keep them in place, it may be time to visit your dentist for an adjustment or evaluation.

In our next blog post, Dr. Judge will share tips about what you can do to maintain good oral health in “Adult Oral Care Tips for Older Americans Month (Part II).”

© 2012, Kasey P.. All rights reserved.

That’s why we are excited to donate $16,255 to the Oral Cancer Foundation in recognition of Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Each of the 340 Aspen Dental practices in 22 states donated $5 from every Vizilite Plus screening conducted during the month of April, for a total of 3,251 screenings that were conducted throughout the month.

Check out the full details of the great turnout and support of our initiative. You can also learn more about possible signs and symptoms of oral cancer and screenings.

© 2012, Kasey P.. All rights reserved.

Click here to see Dr. Christopher Arena’s interview with CBS on oral cancer awareness tips and screenings, and don’t hesitate to visit your local Aspen Dental practice with any questions.

As part of our commitment to oral cancer detection, all 340 Aspen Dental practices in 22 states will donate $5 from every Vizilite Plus screening conducted during the month of April to the Oral Cancer Foundation.

© 2012, Kasey P.. All rights reserved.

On Wednesday, a new report published in Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association, found that there is no convincing evidence proving that gum disease causes heart disease or stroke, or that treating gum disease reduces the risk of those diseases. The report was based on an extensive review conducted by a panel of cardiologists, dentists and infectious disease specialists, who looked more than 500 journal articles and studies.

The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs agreed with the conclusion, saying, “Although there is a body of research showing that gum disease is associated with several health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes;  just because two conditions are associated with each other does not mean that one causes the other. Both heart disease and gum disease share common risk factors, such as smoking and diabetes, which play a role in the development of both diseases.” 

However, it is important to note that this new report does not discount or minimize the importance of maintaining good oral health. Despite the fact that the committee found no causal link between gum disease and heart disease, the fact remains that keeping your teeth and gums healthy is important for your overall health.

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. To avoid gum disease and maintain good oral health (including prevention of tooth decay or cavities),  the ADA recommends the following:

•  Brush teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
• Eat a balanced diet, limit between-meal snacks.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams

© 2012, Arwinder Judge, DDS. All rights reserved.

Possible signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:

• A sore in the throat or mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal within two weeks;
• A lump or thickening in the cheek;
• A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil or lining of the mouth; 
• A sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat;
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing;
• Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue; or
• Numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth.

Denture patients may experience swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, don’t wait — call a dentist right away and ask about an oral cancer screening. The waiting game is a dangerous one — when found early, the survival rate for oral cancers is around 80 percent. But the majority of oral cancers aren’t discovered until late-stage, which accounts for the very high death rate of about 45% at five years from diagnosis.

As part of our commitment to oral cancer detection, 340 Aspen Dental practices in 22 states will donate $5 from every Vizilite Plus screening conducted during the month of April to the Oral Cancer Foundation.

© 2012, Maureen Howes, RDH, MS. All rights reserved.

Watch Ryan Newman Celebrate in Victory Lane!

Showcasing Bethany’s face on the car is all about celebrating smiles – Aspen Dental practices from across the country receive letters, phone calls and online reviews from patients like Bethany every day about how getting the right dental care hasn’t just changed their smile, but their life.

Bethany had this to say about her experience at Aspen Dental:

My teeth had gone from bad to worse since I was a teen, and I was increasingly petrified of going to the dentist, which made matters even worse. As a single mom who has never had dental coverage, it was always more important to make sure my kids were taken care of first… I was in tears at the mere thought of finally having my teeth replaced.

Every single person I deal with in this office clearly has my best interests at heart, though. They are so gentle and accommodating in every way – everything from my tight budget to clenched knuckles were eased in minutes.

I could go on forever about how much I love my new teeth, and the awesome people who helped me get my smile back, but the truth is I would like nothing more than for someone like the old me to finish reading this, and set a date to get their smile back, too! Thank you, Aspen!

You can read Bethany’s full story here.  

Before the race, Newman said, “I think it’s pretty cool that Bethany will be with me during Sunday’s race, and hope that the two of us make it to victory lane.”

Congrats to Ryan Newman and the Stewart-Haas Racing team for pulling off a great win! We’re so proud that Aspen Dental and Bethany were able to come along for the ride.

Aspen Dental was an associate sponsor for this race, and will be the primary sponsor of SHR’s No. 39 team with driver Ryan Newman at the July Sprint Cup race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway and the September event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. A new Aspen Dental patient will be featured on the No. 39 car each month throughout the Sprint Cup season.

© 2012, Kasey P.. All rights reserved.

Why is this so important? Because research shows that poor oral health can impact a child’s ability to learn. Research has shown that poor oral health and dental-related pain can negatively impact a student’s academic performance, distracting them from their studies or causing them to miss class altogether.

“Our parents are very appreciative because they want the best for their children,” said Wayne O’Connor, executive director of Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection. “Sometimes they’re not able to take their children to get their teeth taken care of, and a lot of the times it’s a money situation… Aspen has been supportive of us financially, and more importantly on days like today, students are able to get these direct services which are helping them become healthy, young adolescents. We’re very excited about our partnership with Aspen Dental.”

As I mention in the video (click here to check it out), nothing makes me happier than to give back to the community and show that Aspen Dental cares.  Our primary focus is always “patient first.”

This is our third year partnering with the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, and we look forward to continuing our work with them, with a mission of educating our students on the long-term benefits of healthy oral care!

© 2012, Scott Dickinson, DMD. All rights reserved.

An OHA survey, sponsored by Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait and Plackers, discovered that 35% of those who regularly visit the dentist, often those from low income, less educated, and minority households, have cut back on dental care.

In this difficult economic environment, it’s not too hard to understand why regular dental visits sometimes fall by the wayside.

At Aspen Dental, dental health professionals recognize that it may be difficult for Americans to pursue the dental care they need, especially those with limited resources. In fact, the Aspen Dental model is centered around creating access to care for patients who have traditionally been neglected, from offering convenient locations and extended hours to giving patients options to pay for their dental care to make it manageable on their household finances.

Partnering with organizations that share our goal of improved access to care is a critical. That’s why we’re a proud supporter of Oral Health America’s Fall for Smiles® initiative. On September 1, OHA launched the second annual Fall for Smiles® campaign in order to remind policymakers and the public about the importance of dental care, including making healthy food choices, regular dental visits and regular at-home dental care regimen.

© 2011, Kasey P.. All rights reserved.

Maureen has been director of hygiene services at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. since 2006 and is a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Maureen has more than 25 years of experience in the dental industry and is an expert on all aspects of dental hygiene. Not only does she serve as a dental hygiene examiner with the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners, Maureen also provides continuing education to dental professionals. She is passionate about educating individuals about the benefits of consistent, daily routine of oral health care.

We sat down with Maureen to ask her some questions about how she got her start in dentistry.

Q: What is your earliest dentist memory?

A: Like most patients of “my generation,” as a kid I recall my dental office smelling like a mixture of “clove gum and Listerine”. Fortunately dentistry has progressed a lot since those days.

Q: How did you pick dental hygiene as your career?

A: I had braces as a teenager, and I found myself fascinated by my surroundings at each orthodontic appointment. I was intrigued by the science of dentistry and attracted to a profession where I could help people every day.

Q: What’s the one thing you wish all dental patients would know?

A: I wish patients would know how important it is to be proactive with their dental health and not wait until “something hurts” to seek care.

Q: What’s the one thing you wish you had known as a dental student?

A: I wish I had known how difficult economic times would create such an enormous barrier to care for so many patients.

Q: There are so many toothpastes on the market today, each claiming to do something different. What kind of toothpaste should people look for?

A: The most important ingredient is fluoride.  Foods, beverages and plaque create an acidic environment in our mouths and we need fluoride to protect against the decay that this acid causes. Beyond that, it is most important that the patient likes the taste- so they will brush for a full two minutes in the morning and especially before bed at night.

Q: Are there special dental hygiene rules for denture wearers?

A: It is very important for denture wearers to remove their dentures every night and clean all underlying the tissues in their mouth. They should clean their dentures with a denture brush and keep their dentures moist with a fresh supply of water in a covered denture bath each night.

Q: How do you interact with hygienists in Aspen Dental practices across the country?

A: At Aspen we have an intranet page designed specifically for dental hygienists. I post announcements and provide links to keep my team abreast of current dental research, products, continuing education opportunities, etc. They also have a blog site where they can share ideas with more than 300 colleagues across the United States.

 Check out more of Maureen’ blog posts here!

© 2011, Mark F.. All rights reserved.

An article earlier this year in The New York Times, “The Claim: Dental Cavities Can Be Contagious”, found that like the flu, you can “catch a cavity.” Research studies show that caregivers may pass cavity-causing bacteria to children and oral bacteria can be passed between couples.

Dr. Margaret Mitchell, a cosmetic dentist in Chicago, mentions in the article:
“In one instance, a patient in her 40s who had never had a cavity suddenly developed two cavities and was starting to get some gum disease,” she said. She learned the woman had started dating a man who hadn’t been to a dentist in 18 years and had gum disease.”

Needless to say, we thought it would be a good idea to clear up a couple of the common myths surrounding dental hygiene and cavities. Here’s what Maureen Howes, RDH, MS, has to say and offers as a review of dental tips:

1. I won’t get cavities if I brush and floss my teeth twice every day.
Myth, but…
There are no guarantees in life but brushing and flossing twice a day will certainly go a long way, especially if you do so at night. That’s because during sleep, the mouth produces less saliva, which allows bacteria to proliferate on teeth and gums.

2. Chewing gum is always bad.
Myth.
Actually, chewing certain sugarless gums can prevent cavities by increasing the flow of saliva in the mouth. In 2007, the American Dental Association awarded its Seal of Acceptance to Wrigley’s Orbit, Eclipse and Extra chewing gums for helping to prevent cavities.

3. I’ve gotten cavities in the past, but probably because I have a sweet tooth and love sugary foods.
Myth.
Sugary foods are usually blamed for cavities but the real reason is bacteria. That’s because they live on food particles left in your mouth. The acid they produce eats away teeth. To prevent cavities from starting, avoid eating sticky candies and foods and drinking acidic beverages like soda and juice. Instead, drink water throughout the day to flush away plaque and bacteria – and make sure to floss.

4. I need to replace my fillings regularly.
Fact. Fillings can degrade over time and become leaky.
Your dentist will monitor your fillings and will let you know if they need to be replaced.

5. Once I go to the dentist and get treatment for a cavity, the decaying stops.
Myth.
You still need to practice great oral hygiene at home and watch what you eat.

6. Lots of acidic food can lead to cavities.
Fact.
Proper nutrition plays an important role in good dental health. Eating nutritional snacks and limiting the amount of sugary drinks will help to prevent plaque from forming on teeth. This includes sugary food, such as cookies, cakes, soft drinks and candy, but also includes pretzels, crackers, bananas, potato chips and breakfast cereals. Bacteria in your mouth turn the sugars in these foods into acids. The more frequently you eat each day, the more frequently your teeth are exposed to acids.

7. A sensitive tooth means I probably have a cavity.
Sometimes.
Hygienists and dentists often hear complaints about sensitive teeth. That’s why so it’s important to visit a dentist. Many cavities can only be detected by a dentist or a dental x-ray. Visiting a dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings is a key factor in preventing cavities and your dental team may be able to offer specialized rinses, pastes, and toothbrushes to combat tooth sensitivity.

8. Kids are more likely to get cavities than adults.
Myth.
Many people think cavities only affect children, but changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too. Many older adults may have missed out on the benefits of fluoride and modern preventive dental care when they were growing up and often have a number of dental fillings. Over time, these fillings may weaken and can fracture, allowing bacteria to accumulate in the tiny crevices, causing tooth decay. Many adults also take multiple medications that cause a decrease in the flow of saliva. This dry mouth means “less rinsing action” and increased likelihood of cavities.

How can I best prevent cavities?
A regular routine of oral care at home, everyday, will go a long way to prevent cavities. That means brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste and flossing at least twice a day, especially before you go to bed.

So, can I get cavities by kissing someone?
Rather than answer that directly, I’ll leave you with a quote from Fares Elias, DDS, president of the Academy of General Dentistry. (Yahoo! Health – June 7, 2011)

Saliva and the mouth are full of viruses and bacteria, including some that cause cavities. Kissing a partner who is actively infected with cavity-causing bacteria can cause a person who previously had a low concentration of these bacteria to ‘catch’ a cavity, due to the extra dose of bacteria from kissing—particularly if that person has poor oral habits that set the stage for tooth decay

For more, check out the Florida Today article posted on our Aspen Dental Facebook page, which discusses how dental visits can detect more than just cavities. Additionally, here are further cavity prevention tips from the American Dental Association.

© 2011, Maureen Howes, RDH, MS. All rights reserved.