Eating Disorders Can Harm Oral Health

The dangers of eating disorders are fairly widely known, but one aspect that is not as well-known is its danger to a person’s oral health. Dental health is highly dependent on the nutrition that the body receives. When a person suffers from an eating disorder, they are not providing their body with the required nutrients, which could result in swollen or bleeding gums, dry gums as a result of a lack of saliva being produced and damaged tooth enamel as a result of chronic vomiting.

It does not matter if you suffer from anorexia or bulimia; your teeth are at risk. In addition to talking to your doctor in order to get help to overcome the disorder, you need to stay in close contact with your Beverly Hills dentist and it is vital that you practice proper oral health. On a regular basis you should be:

• Practicing proper brushing techniques at least twice per day. This includes brushing all areas of your teeth and replacing your brush every couple of months.
• Flossing at least once per day in order to rid your teeth of harmful bacteria that the toothbrush cannot eliminate.
• Rinsing your mouth with baking soda and water after vomiting in order to neutralize the acid from the vomit.

Be sure to maintain your regular dental appointments. In general, you should see Dr. Giri Palani once every six months, but if you are suffering from additional dental problems as a result of your disorder, it is essential to see him more often. 

Your Beautiful Smile - Should You Consider Replacing Amalgam (silver) Fillings?

Recently, the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network conducted a 24-month study to evaluate the long-term effects of amalgam and resin-based composite restorations. For decades, many dentists were leery of using composite resin for restorations, claiming that they often left open contact areas, pits and voids, tooth preparation margins and postoperative tooth sensitivity. However, there were problems with amalgam as well, including “difficulty in making tight contact areas, over-carving potential, overhanging amalgam material and postoperative sensitivity”. (Ref. 1)

Dental amalgam consists of a combination of mercury, silver, tin and copper. As a result, the finished product’s silvery color fails to take on the natural aesthetics of a living tooth. The closer the amalgam is to the front of the mouth, the more noticeable the silver color can be. Although many people have shown concern about the risks in mercury, it poses no threat when combined with the other dental material. (Ref. 2)

In the study, there was no conclusive evidence that favored the longevity of either resin-based composites, which blend in with the natural tooth and are more pleasing to the eye, or amalgam fillings. Instead, the variables that determined restorative longevity include age, sex, number and size of surfaces, and practice workload. Researchers suggest that clinicians should try to recognize risk factors on an individual basis in order to promote longevity. (Ref. 3)

While Dr. Palani would suggest replacing the silver amalgam with the more aesthetically-pleasing composite filling, the most desirable answer is to prevent the need for any fillings with daily brushing, flossing and routine cleanings. Our goal is to help our patients prevent the need for restorative care with professional exams and cleanings; providing you with a true Beautiful Smile!

Reference 1:

Christensen, G. J., D.D.S., M.S.D., PH.D. (1998, December). Amalgam vs. Composite Resin: 1998. American Dental Association. Retrieved June 16, 2013.

Reference 2:

Amalgam - Silver-Colored Dental Fillings. (n.d.). Mouth Healthy -American Dental Association. Retrieved from http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/a/amalgam.aspx

Reference 3:

McCracken, M. S., Gordan, V. V., & Litaker, M. S. (2013). A 24-Month Evaluation of Amalgam and Resin-Based Composite Restorations Findings form The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. JADA, 144(6), 583-593. 

The Sugar Remains!

Consider how the food you eat
affects your dental health!

If you believe that frozen yogurt is better for your health than ice-cream, you may want to think again! While frozen yogurt may be healthier for your diet, it is not good for your teeth. Frozen yogurt contains a variety of sugars that can lead to tooth decay.

Contained within the ingredients of frozen yogurt resides evaporated cane juice. Evaporated cane juice is another form of sugar, and should never be referred to as a "healthy" sugar. Both contain molasses, but evaporated cane juice has a somewhat lower percentage.

Regardless of the types of sugar you eat, when you consume food containing sugar you are putting yourself at risk of getting cavities. Sugar is a leading contributor to dental decay which can lead to other dental diseases. Don't feel like you need to eliminate frozen yogurt all together, but realize that the "health benefits" of frozen yogurt also include risks to your dental health.

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Have you scheduled your next dental cleaning? Visit our exceptional dental office in Beverly Hills, CA. Call Total SmileCare at (310) 894-8301 today and visit Dr. Giri Palani, your cosmetic dental expert.