Tooth Decay

Dental Health Benefits of Caffeine

Caffeinated drinks are not created equally and each one will have a different impact on a person’s teeth.

• Coffee: Drinking a steaming cup of Joe is a common ritual many Americans follow daily as a way to jump start the day and the great news is, the beverage has been scientifically proven to reduce the odds of developing cavities. That level of protection comes from one of coffee's main ingredients called Trigonelline. Trigonelline is an alkaloid that can negate the effects of acid that is produced as a byproduct of bacteria during their consumption of simple sugars. Consuming black coffee can neutralize the acids and reduce harmful levels of dental plaque.

• Black Tea: Throughout the world, the most popular caffeinated beverage is black tea and the drink is known for having naturally high levels of fluoride

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• Green Tea: Green tea is rich with antioxidants, polyphenols and catechins. The beverage has been proven to fight cancer, prevent heart disease and can improve oral health by fighting gum disease Japanese research has indicated that every one cup of unsweetened green tea consumed can naturally boost the body's response to periodontal bacteria inflammation.

"Drinking caffeinated beverages without any additives such as sugar, artificial sweetener or milk is the key component of reaping the dental benefits. Adding those ingredients may not only negate any health perks, but will contribute to dental disease." adds Dr. Cherukuri from her Chino California dental practice.

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Dental Fear, Phobia and Anxiety

Going to the dentist triggers feelings of anxiety and fear. It is estimated that around 15 percent of Americans, over 45 million people; suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia.     
The causes of dental anxiety and phobia can range from a fear of pain, fear of needles or doctors to past experiences of stress and discomfort.  An individual's predisposition to anxiety can also play a key role.

Dental Fear, Phobia or Dental Anxiety?
Though the phrases dental anxiety, dental fear and dental phobia are often used interchangeably to describe a range of symptoms and reactions to dental practices in general, important distinctions can be drawn between them, which can be useful in finding effective dental treatment options.
Anxiety refers to the sense of unease associated with the unknown. If you suffer from dental anxiety, you may find that working with a dentist who is sensitive to your needs and communicates with you to create a comfortable atmosphere can greatly improve your experience and help you to overcome your anxiety.
A phobia is an intense and possibly irrational reaction to a specific situation or object that is perceived as threatening. If you suffer from dental phobia you may react to the sound of a drill, the expectation of pain or another aspect of dentistry for which you have a strong dislike or fear.
Overcoming dental phobias, especially if they are particularly intense, can be more complicated than dealing with anxieties and may require professional assistance. Dental fear is the term often used for a more mild form of dental phobia.
“Our office has had great success with addressing dental fear by simply spending one on one time with our patients.  This builds trust and confidence quickly abolishing fear and apprehension” says Dr. Cherukuri from her Chino, California dental practice.

Dental Awareness

Sjogren's Syndrome causes Dry Mouth

Sjogren's syndrome ( sho' grins ) is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks its own body.  This attack causes inflammation that may cause destruction of tissues and impair their function.

In Sjogrens, salivary and tear glands are the major targets of attack which results in reduced production or saliva and tears.  The lack of saliva causes difficulties with speech, swallowing, extreme tooth decay, oral sores and fungal infections.

Many Sjogren syndrome sufferers also experience debilitating fatigue.  Blood tests show presence of autoantibodies.  Antibobies are substances produced by the immune system of the body to defend against foreign material including bacteria and viruses

Diagnosis is based on  combination of subjective and objective symptoms including dry mouth, presence of autoantibodies and inflammation infiltrate in the salivary glands.

Sjogrens syndrome impacts 1-4 million in the US and is the most common autoimmune disease after rheumatoid arthritis. Sjogren's syndrome affects people over 50 years  and women affected out number men by 9-1.

"Treatment is generally symptomatic and patients often find a way of working around it by regular hydration, regular dental visits with flouride supplements" says Dr. Cherukuri from her Chino, California dental practice.

Diabetes: Dental Tips

Diabetes can cause serious problems in your mouth.

People with diabetes are at risk for mouth infections, especially periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease can damage the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place and may lead to painful chewing problems. Some people with serious gum disease lose their teeth. Periodontal disease may also make it hard to control your blood glucose (blood sugar).

Other problems diabetes can cause are dry mouth and a fungal infection called thrush. Dry mouth happens when you do not have enough saliva—the fluid that keeps your mouth wet. Diabetes may also cause the glucose level in your saliva to increase. Together, these problems may lead to thrush, which causes painful white patches in your mouth.

Take steps to keep your mouth healthy.

If you have diabetes, follow these steps:

• Control your blood glucose.
• Brush and floss every day.
• Visit dentist regularly. Be sure to tell the dentist that you have diabetes.
• Tell the dentist if your dentures (false teeth) do not fit right, or if your gums are sore.
• Quit smoking. Smoking makes gum disease worse. There are smoking cessation programs that can help quit smoking.

Visit www.mydentistchino.com or Call 909 627 6699 for additional information.

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