Depression and Anxiety Lead to Tooth Loss

People that are depressed or suffer anxiety are more likely to lose a tooth than others.

A recent study from the International & American Associations for Dental Research found depression and anxiety were linked with tooth loss. Participants over 19 years of age were used in a complex telephone survey by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and state health departments called the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) where complete data on depression, anxiety and tooth loss was gathered.

The study concluded that there was a link between those that suffer depression and anxiety with tooth loss. Individuals with anxiety may avoid professional dental care, and those suffering depression neglect to perform home care.  Since cavities and gum disease occur from complex and chronic conditions, neglect and avoidance over time will result in tooth loss.

If tooth loss does occur, there are ways to restore your smile with procedures such as dental implants, dental bridges, dental partials. If you find yourself in need of an emergency dentist for a dental extraction, root canal or emergency dental visit +Verde Pointe Dental Associates can help.  We at +Verde Pointe Dental Associates, Dr.+Suzanna Aguilera and Dr. +Kirk Kimmerling DDS will offer options and associated fees when tooth loss occurs.

Help Avoid Tooth Decay, Gum Disease, Bad Breath, and Stained Teeth

Have you ever wondered what are the basics to maintaining great oral hygiene?  Basic everyday care involves brushing twice daily, flossing, regular professional hygiene cleanings and dental check-ups.  Basic care helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, bad breath or stained teeth. 

Basic nutrition also plays a big factor in great oral health.  Bacteria that is left in the mouth can spread through the body and may lead to other health issues.  

Lets take a look at steps and tools that are necessary...  

1. Its important to brush in the morning and before bed.  Brushing helps remove bacteria filled plaque from teeth and gums.  Brushing gums also keeps them from bleeding and healthy.  Talk to the dentist about what type of tooth brush they recommend.  A Sonicare is generally the recommended toothbrush from Verde Pointe Dental Associates.  The right toothbrush is important considering it will be used everyday.  

2. The AmericanDental Association recommends to use toothpastes with fluoride.  Fluoride helps strengthen teeth to prevent tooth decay.  Some dentist recommend using mouth wash that contains fluoride at night before bed.  Swish the mouthwash all around for about a minute and spit.  Try not to rinse mouth after so the fluoride stays on teeth while asleep.   

3. Flossing is also a key part in removing plaque and bacteria.  There are so many options for flossing so pick one that feels most comfortable.  Some floss contains fluoride which is great to use because brushing alone cant always get between teeth.  

4. Its also important to brush bacteria off the tongue.  The tongue can harvest lots of bacteria which can lead to bad breath.  A tongue scraper can be purchased and works well. Using a soft bristled brush back and forth is ideal to remove bacteria daily.  

5. Avoiding sugary foods also helps keep bacteria and plaque down.  Bacteria feeds off sugar and produces plaque on teeth and gum line.  

Basic oral hygiene can help maintain a great future of oral health.  

Tooth Loss and Dental Implants

Do you suffer from tooth loss?  Many Americans have tooth loss, despite modern improvements in dentistry.  Tooth loss is mostly due to tooth decay, gum disease and tooth injury.  However, there is a popular procedure that can replace missing teeth.

Dental implants are ideal to replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth.   They can be used to anchor a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full denture.  Dental implants replace the missing root or roots of the missing teeth, and then a new crown(s) or denture is anchored.  It’s a strong foundation for replacement teeth that is fused to the bone permanently.  The replacement tooth is made to match and feel like natural teeth.  Implants relieve poor fitting dentures that slip while talking and provide better comfort.  Chewing will be easier and there will be no worries of a denture slipping.  Implants are made to last a lifetime and can, if properly taken care of.  Your dentist will provide you with information on how to properly take care of the implant in your daily routine.  Professional dental cleanings are easier done because the implant leaves space for proper cleaning.  Dental implants are also better for oral health because they leave all the other teeth intact. 

Let’s look at some facts about dental implants.

Dentist and hygienist recommend regular professional cleanings to ensure the implant stays in good oral health.