Effects of Osteoporosis on your Oral Health

Osteoporosis isn’t a new discovery, or a disease unheard of by many. That being said, many people don’t realize how closely tied to your oral health it can actually be.
In short, osteoporosis is caused by an insufficient consumption of calcium and vitamin D. It affects the bones, making them less dense and thus more likely to break. Osteoporosis is directly tied to your long-term dental health as this weakening of the bones may heavily compromise the jaw bone.  A weakened jawbone can have a host of detrimental consequences for your teeth, including increased tooth mobility, or complete tooth loss.
The best cure for the degradation of the jawbone is avoiding it all together with a balanced diet high in vitamin D and calcium, and getting a sufficient amount of exercise. Barring that, be sure to attend your dental appointments regularly so that way the structure and health of your mouth can be monitored, and any problems that may develop are addressed immediately and not permitted to deteriorate.
As it is, due to hormone imbalances and changes over life, women are most at risk to developing osteoporosis, but it can absolutely develop in either gender depending on a host of lifestyle variables, not limited to diet and exercise.
Symptoms to pay attention to that may be indicative of osteoporosis affecting the jaw include: pain and/or swelling in the gums or jaw, as well as infection; injured gums not healing in a timely fashion; teeth that become loose for no reason or after only minor strain; numbness or discomfort in the jaw; or at worst, exposed bone. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate contacting your dentist to prevent exacerbating the issue.

39 Tips and Alternative Uses for Everyday Dental Hygiene Items #LifeHack

Life Hacks – The Dental Edition!

Today we’re sharing our office’s best tips, tricks and secrets to making difficult tasks easy and fixes for the most annoying problems. Get ready to have your mind blown because ALL of these use dental related items!

Denture Tabs

Did you know they can also be used to help clean common household items? Here are six alternative uses for denture cleanser tablets:

1.      Put them in with a diamond to spruce up that sparkle

2.      Remove mineral deposits from glass

3.      Pop a denture tablet into your coffee pot, run the water through and then rinse. Cleans up stains in a snap! BONUS: also great at removing coffee and tea stains in mugs

4.      Toss a tab in to a full toilet or bathtub and watch the grime dissipate

5.      Use to clean enamel based cookware

6.      Great for unclogging drains

Dental Floss

Be sure to use the dental floss that is flavorless, otherwise you are going to have some unsatisfactory results for some of these hacks.

7.      When your shoelace breaks and you need a fix in a pinch— lace up with floss until you can get a replacement!

8.      Got long hair? When your ponytail’s elastic band snaps off, wrap some floss to create a new hair tie

9.      Sentimental pictures stuck to your scrapbook page? Or cookies stuck to the baking sheet?  Wiggle some floss gently in between to release

10.    Slice clean pieces of bread, cheese or cakes by holding the floss taunt and gliding down the soft item you are wanting to “cut”

11.    Are you travelling and you need to “lock” you luggage? Wind some floss through the zippers to secure  

12.    Create a makeshift clothes line out of floss

13.    Use as string for crafts and jewelry making

14.    Leaky faucet? Tie floss around the spout and let the rest hang into the drain to eliminate the dripping sound

Toothpaste

The miracle worker!

15.    Remove scratches from DVD’s and CD’s by applying a little white toothpaste and gently rubbing over the surface

16.    Ring Around the Collar: take some toothpaste on a toothbrush (double dental life hack!) and scrub in a circular motion over the stain before normal washing

17.    Got Kids? Do they have crayons? Use toothpaste as an abrasive to scrub the crayon right off the walls

18.    Scuffs happen. Shoes, furniture, other surface areas, etc.  Put some toothpaste on a toothbrush and scrub away to watch the scuffs vanish

19.    Did someone forget to use a coaster? Rub toothpaste over the ring and wipe clean with a damp cloth

20.    Use as a deodorizer for baby bottles. Remember to rinse thoroughly after soaking!

21.    Rub toothpaste over mirrors, glass, and water goggles then wipe clean to create a fog deterrent

22.    Make your sink and faucets shine by polishing with toothpaste!

23.    Ink and lipstick stains are no longer a problem with the help of toothpaste

24.    Helps remedy stubborn pimples: dab a little toothpaste on the problem area before bed and wash your face in the morning.

25.    Foul scents lingering? Wipe some toothpaste over the area and rinse thoroughly

26.    Remove carpet stains by using the paste with a scrubber

Mouthwash

Mouthwash can help out with more than just bacteria in your mouth and odorous breath!

27.    Use mouthwash as an antiseptic replacement when you run out

28.    “That’s going to leave a bruise!” Heal up faster by rubbing it with some mouthwash on a cotton ball

29.    Poison ivy itches! Smooth over the affected area and discard the used cotton ball to avoid cross contamination 

30.    Hand sanitizer substitute!

31.    Did you forget deodorant? Swipe a little mouthwash to remove “ripeness”

32.    Great as a disinfectant

33.    Soak nails and toes in mouthwash to help with fungus and athletes foot

34.    Also works as a great for helping to soften and soothe feet

35.    Can be used as a temporary face astringent

36.    Soak smelly containers in mouthwash and rinse. Say goodbye to stink!

Toothbrush

Toothbrushes make excellent cleaning tools and are great scrubbers. Here’s a few of our favorites uses!

37.    If you need to touch up your roots, use a toothbrush to assist in the hair dying process

38.    Works wonders as an exfoliater

39.    Nail brush – work out the dirt under your nails gently

If you carry little travel sizes of mouthwash, a toothbrush, white toothpaste and some denture tabs, you are fit to solve almost any spill, scuff or stain! These items are great to always have on hand.  Next time one of these problems tries to kick you when you’re down, remember these dental life hacks!  Give them a try and let us know how well their magic works for you! 

 Dr. Nicole Ancich

Nicole M. Ancich

2208 North 30th St., Suite 201

Tacoma, WA 98403

7 Serious Health Concerns That Also Affect Your Teeth

Mouth and Body Go Hand-in-Hand

Did you know that poor oral health care can be the cause of many different health issues within your body itself?  There are many connections between taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums and the rest of your body.

People with gum disease have a 40% increased risk of developing a chronic health condition. Bacterial build up on your teeth and gums give you a greater probability of infection which may then spread throughout other areas of your body.

Common Health Issues That Affect Oral Health

• ·         Diabetes: causes oral inflammation and affects the body’s ability to process sugar.
• ·         Heart Disease: about 91% of those with heart disease are also found to have periodontitis.  Inflammation in the mouth corresponds with the inflammation of blood vessels which then leads to less blood flow causing an increase in blood pressure.  There is also a chance of plaque that is attached to the blood vessel itself, breaking off and traveling to the heart and/or brain resulting in a heart attack or stroke.
• ·         Issues during Pregnancy: pregnant women with gum disease run the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and susceptible to developmental issues such as learning disorders, lung and heart conditions.
• ·         Osteoporosis: osteoporosis, like periodontitis, causes bone loss.  It’s common for those with osteoporosis to also have some degree of gum disease.
• ·         Rheumatoid Arthritis: those with rheumatoid arthritis battling gum disease have found gum disease treatment may also reduce overall body pain in regards to their arthritic symptoms.
• ·         Smoking:  bad for your health, both overall and oral.  Nicotine interferes with your gums’ ability to fight infection.  This also extends the recovery period for those gum infection treatments.
• ·         Obesity: those with 20% or higher body fat percentage have been linked to rapid progression of gum disease.

Taking excellent care of your oral health has a positive domino effect for the rest of your body.  Same can be said with your body – taking care of your health and body can positively affect your mouth, teeth and gums.

If you care about your health and yourself, you in-turn need to care about your mouth.  Be true to your teeth, or they will be false to you!

Dr. Nicole Ancich

2208 North 30th St., Suite 201

Tacoma, WA 98403

Phone: (253) 235-3029

How to Help Your Kids Create Good Oral Hygiene Habits Now

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and we’re dedicated to raising awareness! 

In America, 51 million hours of school is missed every year due to oral health issues. Although every month should be important when it comes to a child’s dental health, February is the one dedicated to it. Here are things to keep in mind when helping children become conscious of just how important dental hygiene is and exactly how to start creating good habits right away:

1. Keep the sugar intake to a minimum
2. Floss, floss, floss
3. Brush twice a day
4. When you brush, make sure you hit the 2 minute mark
5. Visit your dentist regularly

Have you ever seen that amazing “magic trick” when you ask your child “Did you brush your teeth?”  And they respond with a “yes” only because their toothbrush is wet?  Then come to find out, there was no brushing going on, they merely stuck their toothbrush under the faucet and wiped their front teeth once, maybe twice. Now is the perfect time to kick this bad habit!  Dental health can be fun for kids (and adults)!

Here are 5 ways to incorporate some fun and giggles into children’s daily oral care:  

Toothpaste – a plethora of choices

Let’s start off with toothpaste.  There are gels, pastes, and so many different flavors; such as cinnamon, vanilla, bubble gum, and variety of different mint flavors.  Let your child choose which one they would prefer.  

Flossing – 40% of cleaning your teeth comes from flossing*

Floss comes in different flavors as well and also had a variety of textures.  There are waxed, woven, and even the hand held pick form to name a few.  

Toothbrush – the master tool

Choosing a toothbrush will probably be your child’s favorite thing to do.  Not only are there options as far as handheld or battery operated, there are TONS of different designs now!  Your child can pick their favorite cartoon character or stick to the basics-like their favorite color.  

Brushing Timer – brush 2min 2x a day

While the tiny sand timers you flip upside down are always fun for kids to watch, there are now toothbrushes with built in timers. The brush will alert timer markers with a beep or a vibration for 2 minute duration, some even play a popular song. 

Giving Kids Something to Look Forward To

This is the perfect way to create a morning and nighttime routine to get your child excited about developing healthy habits.  Getting your child involved in the decision making of choosing some cool and fun dental products makes them more apt to look forward to brushing and flossing daily.  

Starting off good oral hygiene practice at a young age will propel your kids into the future for a lifetime of healthy pink gums and bright shining smiles!  A healthy smile is a smile you can be proud of! 

References

http://www.ncohf.org/resources/tooth-decay-facts

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/still-not-flossing-more-reasons-why-you-should

Nicole M. Ancich | (253) 383-5636

2208 N. 30th St., Ste. 201

Tacoma, WA 98403 (map)

Resolve to Improve Your Dental Health

Now that we are trying to adapt to writing “2015”, have you given any thought to a New Year’s Resolution?  If you haven’t, it isn’t too late.  And even if you have, you can never have too many!  Typically, dental hygiene and dental aesthetics aren’t usually considered when it comes to reflecting on self improvement.  More than daily flossing, consider your over all oral health.

Brightening up those pearly whites

Do you avoid smiling or find yourself talking while covering your mouth due to a missing tooth, an unsightly chip, large gap, or another imperfection affecting your teeth? Everyone is aware of teeth whitening; here are more options on how easy it is to improve your smile!

Dental Fillings

We see many patients with those old silver and gold fillings. Those unsightly things are no longer the standard of care. Tooth colored composite fillings ones are crafted to match your natural color and are near invisible to the naked eye.

Bonding

Chipped teeth are often healthy, and like gaps, they too cause uneasiness in social situations. Often making you feel like the center of unwanted attention. Dental bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic procedures, and the color is matched to restore your natural looking smile.

Pain

There are a few different types of tooth pain, all of which should be reported during your dental visit: brief sensitivity to hot and cold foods, sharp pain when biting, dull aches, constant pressure, lingering pain. There is no reason to endure the pain, call so we can help!

Benefits of a Healthy Smile

Enhancing your smile offers huge gains. Not only does it boost a person’s confidence, it can improve a person’s overall health and well being.  It’s like getting a spectacularly wonderful haircut.  You feel better about yourself and notice a new glow surrounding you.  When you have a smile that you are proud of, you naturally show it off to the world! Smiling is known to lower heart rate and reduce stress. Who would say no to that?

This is your year to shine with a healthy smile

Start the year off with your best foot forward and set your mind toward some dental goals.  No matter how big or how small they may be, you will be happy with the results as well as yourself for making it happen!

Prioritize your health and take the first step by calling to schedule an appointment: (253) 383-5636

http://www.aae.org/patients/symptoms/tooth-pain.aspx   http://pss.sagepub.com/content/23/11/1372.short

Nicole M. Ancich | (253) 383-5636

2208 N. 30th St., Ste. 201

Tacoma, WA 98403 (map)

Facts About Dental Myths

With the magnitude of information available to us these days, it’s harder than ever to separate facts from myths; especially when it comes to your health. There are a million dental related myths that might steer you in the wrong direction when it comes to a healthy smile. It’s important to be informed and know the facts. Here are a few common dental myths, followed by the facts.

Oral Hygiene Only Affects Your Teeth

Many people hear the phrase “oral hygiene” and they think of the simple act of brushing or flossing. While oral hygiene is important for keeping your teeth healthy, poor oral hygiene can be linked to several other health problems- including heart disease. Taking care of your mouth actually means taking care of a lot of things within your body. Untreated periodontal disease contributes to more low birth weight babies than both drinking and smoking combined.  Having poor oral hygiene can cause a multitude of problems- not all of them related to your teeth.

You Shouldn’t Get Your Wisdom Teeth Out Until They Start to Hurt

Typically, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and your dentist will generally advise you of the same. If you wait for your wisdom teeth to become painful, they might have already done other damage to your gums or teeth. Many people believe that as long as they have no pain, there’s no reason to have an unnecessary surgery. In rare cases, wisdom teeth can stay intact as long as they are not interfering or causing damage. One of the most common reasons to remove wisdom teeth is because they are so difficult to keep clean and rather than incurring costly repairs to those teeth many dentists will suggest having them removed.  Frequent exams are necessary in this case to monitor and maintain your health. It’s generally better to have your wisdom teeth removed before any pain, rather than take the gamble.

White Teeth Are Healthier Teeth

Teeth are actually not meant to be pure white. Tooth color can vary widely, for example, depending on your race, pigmentation varies greatly.  Also, as you get older, your teeth will naturally take on a more faded color as things do with time, however they can still be perfectly healthy. A color beyond a light yellow could be cause for concern, but generally the pinkness of your gums is a better indication of oral health as opposed to how white your teeth are.

If Teeth Look Healthy, and Are Not Hurting, There is No Reason to Visit a Dentist

The most common mistake people make regarding their dental health is skipping regular preventive visits because they do not see or feel any problems. Even in the absence of a visible problem or discomfort, regular visits for x-ray exams, cleaning and necessary restorative care are necessary to maintain your teeth and gums for life. Discovering diseases in the mouth earlier rather than later will typically reduce cost, recovery time and severity of dental treatment that may need to be performed.

It’s important to educate yourself on the facts surrounding whole body health and well-being. Muddled information and common misperceptions can leave people confused. The best way to combat myths and augment dental health is to see and speak with your dentist regularly. Have open dialogue and productive conversations about what is and is not true. Being informed, savvy and educated will keep you and your dentist smiling. 

Nicole M. Ancich | (253) 383-5636

2208 N. 30th St., Ste. 201

Tacoma, WA 98403

National Children's Dental Health Month

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. NCDHM messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the country.

Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

In support of the American Dental Associations Campaign, Dr. Ancich visited Tacoma pre-schoolers, 1st graders and Kindergartners at Commencement Bay Academy, Saint Patrick's and First Presbyterian to talk about the importance of good oral hygiene.

Nicole M. Ancich, DMD, PLLC
General and Esthetic Dentistry
(253) 383-5636 | DrAncich.com
2208 North 30th St., Suite 201
Tacoma, WA 98403


 

 

In Memory of my uncle Dr. Vincent G. Kokich

I wanted to take time to thank my patients and colleagues for your overwhelming sympathy and support in the loss of my uncle, Dr. Vincent G. Kokich.  He was an amazing uncle and world renowned orthodontist who set the standards in his field.  His death is an enormous loss and he will be greatly missed.  I appreciate the support and prayers.

Thank you,
Nicole

• ada.org/news/8849.aspx
• dental.washington.edu/school-mourns-dr-vincent-g-kokich/
• kokichorthodontics.com/remembering-dr-vincent-g-kokich-sr

Photo of my uncle, my cousins and my brother and myself skiing in Vail in 1995

Nicole M. Ancich, DMD, PLLC

General and Esthetic Dentistry

(253) 383-5636 | DrAncich.com

2208 North 30th St., Suite 201

Tacoma, WA 98403

Happy Brushing!

I always find time to brush my teeth! Here is a photo taken of me on my wedding day brushing my teeth in my wedding dress minutes before heading to the church. I got married on February 2! Everything turned out beautiful and the wedding went off without a hiccup. Needless to say, I was in a pinch but found a way to brush my teeth before the "first kiss". It only takes 2 minutes to brush your teeth and they will stay healthy for a life time. I also enjoy brushing with my Sonicare toothbrush with the automatic two minute timer; it's perfect when you are in a hurry. Happy brushing!

Nicole M. Ancich, DMD, PLLC

General and Esthetic Dentistry

(253) 383-5636 | DrAncich.com

2208 North 30th St., Suite 201

Tacoma, WA 98403