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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Periodontal Disease

Finding the Right Toothpaste!

Just the number of options you have when you buy a tube of toothpaste can be overwhelming. When it comes to choosing the best toothpaste for you, it's important to think about your unique oral health needs.

Toothpaste Basics

Toothpaste is available in paste, gel, or powder form. Despite the many types of toothpaste, there are some ingredients common to most varieties. These include:

• Abrasive agents.
• Flavoring.
• Humectants for moisture retention.
• Thickeners
• Detergents.

Fluoride Toothpaste

The most important ingredient to look for when choosing toothpaste is fluoride.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. Its use has been instrumental in the dramatic drop in tooth decay and cavity occurrence that has taken place over the past 50 years. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starches that remain on your teeth after eating. Fluoride helps protect your teeth from the acid that is released when this happens. It does this in two ways. First, fluoride makes your tooth enamel stronger and less likely to suffer acid damage. Second, it can reverse the early stages of acid damage by remineralizing areas that have started to decay.

Tartar Control Toothpaste

There are many tartar control toothpastes on the market, most of which contain fluoride.

Everyone has a layer of bacteria on their teeth called plaque. If plaque isn't removed promptly with proper oral hygiene, it hardens into tartar. This hard-to-remove deposit can build up on your teeth and under your gums, ultimately leading to gum disease.

Certain toothpastes containing multiple anti-plaque agents have been demonstrated to be even more effective at tartar control than varieties with only one plaque fighter.

Toothpastes for Sensitive Teeth

For people who have teeth that are easily irritated -- for instance, by hot or cold temperatures -- there are toothpastes available that are made for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes usually contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. These chemical compounds, which can take up to 4 weeks to offer relief, help tooth sensitivity by blocking pathways through the teeth that attach to nerves inside the teeth.

Whitening Toothpaste

To help people on a quest for pearly whites, many whitening toothpastes are now being marketed for everyday use, says Dr. Cherukuri, from her Chino, California dental practice.

 

Whitening toothpastes do not typically contain bleaches. Instead, they contain abrasive particles or chemicals that effectively polish the teeth or bind to stains and help pull them off the tooth surface.

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Mouth-Health Connection

   Health Links & Periodontal Disease. What’s the Big Deal?

 

    
 Currently Periodontal disease has been linked to other health problems such as: Respiratory problems, Diabetes, Heart Disease, some cancers and low birth-weight babies.

http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/periodontal-disease-heart-health)

         

“The diagnosis of Periodontal disease can be alarming, especially when you learn how other systemic diseases are also linked with Periodontal problems,” says Dr. Vijaya Cherukuri from her Chino, California Dental Practice.www.chinosmiles.com

         

“Not only are there links to health concerns with Periodontal Disease, but in general it is easier to find the manifestations of disease in the mouth,” Dr.Cherukuri www.chinosmiles.com goes on to explain. “Often your dentist is the one who is able to spot and diagnose other conditions as well.” When that happens, your dentist will refer you to your medical provider for follow up blood work. It is why it is important to see your dentist on a regular basis.

         

While the diagnosis of periodontal disease may seem unsettling, the good news is that Periodontal disease is many times controllable and it is good to know your dentist is looking out for more than just your teeth.

Another great reason to see your dentist on a regular basis!

Classification of Periodontal Diseases

Classifications systems are necessary in order to provide  a framework to study the cause, pathogenesis and treatment of diseases in an orderly fashion. The current classification  includes a section on gingival diseases.

I. GINGIVAL DISEASES

A Dental Plaque induced Gingival Diseases

1. Gingivitis associated with plaque only
2. Gingival diseases modified by systemic factors
3.Gingival disease modified by medicatons
4 Gingival disease modified by malnutrition

B Non plaque induced gingival lesions

1. Gingival diseases of bacterial origin
2. Gingival diseases of Viral origin
3.Gingival diseases of fungal origin
4. Gingival lesions of genetic origin
5 Gingival manifestations of systemic conditions and allergic reactions
6.Traumatic lesions
7. foreign body reactions
8. Non specified

II. CHRONIC PERIODONTITIS (replacement of adult periodontitis)
A Localized
B Generalized

III. AGGRESIVE PERIODONTITIS
A Localized
B Generalized

IV.PERIODONTITIS AS A MANIFESTATION OF SYSTEMIC DISEASES
A Associated with hematological disorders
B Associated with genetic disorders
C Non specific

V NECROTIZING PERIODONTAL DISEASES

VI ABCESSES OF THE PERIODONTIUM
A Gingival abscess
B Periodontal abscess
C Pericoronal abscess

VII PERIODONTITIS ASSOCIATED WITH ENDODONTIC LESIONS

VIII DEVELOPMENTAL OR ACQUIRED DEFORMITIES AND CONDITIONS
A.Tooth related deformities
B Mucogingival deformities around teeth
C Mucogingival deformities on edentulous ridges
D Occlusal trauma

Carefully adhering to this classification in assessing a periodontal condition  makes it easy to develop effective treatments for this complex group of infections says Dr. Cherukuri