NUTRITION for healthy teeth

With nutrition you can create balance in the oral microbiome. Proper nutrition allows the cells in the teeth called odontoblasts to both protect and repair. 

Key nutrients for healthy teeth are vitamin A, D and K2.

Vitamin A is best in retinol form, which is from animal sources. This promotes support of both bone development as well as the immune system and also activates development and growth of genes.

Vitamin D assists in calcium absorption and gene activation. Our bodies synthesize vitamin D when we are exposed to UVB rays from sunlight.

Vitamin K2 is important in both MK-4 (from animal sources) and MK-7 (from fermented foods). It activates proteins to direct calcium to the appropriate locations and keeping it out of your blood vessels and other soft tissues.

Other important supporting nutrients for healthy teeth:

• Calcium -leafy greens, dairy, broths, almonds, whole fish

• Magnesium -leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate

• Zinc -flaxseed, kidney beans, shrimp, mushrooms, cashews

• Fats -well sourced meats, butter, olive oil, avocado, fish, walnuts, liver, eggs

• Gelatin -soups and broths made from meat cooked on the bone

• Fiber -(aka Prebiotics) organic vegetables

• Probiotics -fermented foods such as sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, ciders, kimchi, kefir, active cultured yogurt

Sources for the Key Nutrients: How do I get these nutrients in my daily meals?

• Whole, full fat, grass fed, organic local animal products

• Beef, chicken, lamb, duck - including organ meats (especially beef liver)

• Wild caught whole fish and shellfish

• Pasture raised chicken and eggs

• Full fat, grass fed, organic dairy products (butter, milk, cheese and yogurt)

• Traditional Fats such as grass fed, cold pressed, organic butter, olive oil and coconut oil

• Organic, local and seasonal vegetables and fruit

• Bone broth made from organic grass fed sources

Foods to Eliminate when you’re struggling with cavities:

• Sugar -read labels because it’s everywhere!

• High Fructose Corn Syrup

• White Flour -breads, pasta, cereal, crackers, etc

• Processed Foods

• Refined Vegetable Oils -canola, soybean, peanut, sunflower, etc

• Sugary Drinks -soda, juice

• GMO Foods

• Processed Dairy

Supplements: Our goal is to get all of the nutrients from the food we eat. In some cases where there is an immediate issue with tooth decay and/or gum inflammation, supplements may be a helpful short-term option. Many people in this situation could be dealing with nutrient deficiencies and most likely gut bacteria imbalances, which is what leads to oral microbiome imbalances. Consider supplementing the key nutrients (vitamin A, D and K2), zinc, magnesium and probiotics (spore based are my choice).

Health & Wellness tips: tip #5 Tongue scraping

Tongue scraping is possibly a less known part of a healthy oral healthcare regiment but can be helpful in reducing bacteria and freshening breath. The tongue can give you insight into a number of systems in your body, including your digestive health as well as your immune function. The coating on the tongue can be a good hiding spot for bacteria as well as food debris. Daily tongue scraping removes this layer and can help improve overall oral health and improve your ability to taste food. In order to clean your tongue you can purchase a quality metal tongue scraper (copper, stainless steel or silver) or you can simply use a teaspoon. I recommend doing this first thing when you wake up, prior to brushing, rinsing, eating or drinking. Start at the back of the tongue, using gentle pressure scrape forward in the center of your tongue. Repeat this on the right and left sides. Several repetitions of this should be sufficient. Rinse off your tongue scraper with hot water. 

KC DENTAL WORKS IS PLEASED TO BE OPEN FOR ALL CARE!

To Our KC Dental Works Family

We hope this finds you and your families in excellent health! We are thrilled to get back to our normal schedule and routines as I am sure you all are as well. Over the past two months we have been taking care of our patients’ emergent dental needs, both in person as well as through teledentistry. On May 26th we will begin seeing patients for all levels of care, including dental cleaning appointments.

If your appointment was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will be reaching out to you in the coming weeks to reschedule. If you are experiencing any symptoms of any contagious illness, we ask that you let us know so we can take that into consideration when we are scheduling your visit.

As a holistic and biological dental practice, we have always been extremely focused on your health and safety and in many ways, this has put us ahead of the curve with many of the new recommendations being put out by the governing bodies. With that in mind we have been working hard researching the latest and greatest technologies in infection control and we have implemented some new protocols and strategies to take our care to the next level. Our decisions have been solidly grounded in science and research rather than grasping at fear-based models to give an appearance of safety. As always, we strive daily to make choices that are wise and keep your safety and the safety of our team as a top priority. I do ask for your patience and understanding along the way, keeping in mind our goal is to provide the best possible care in the safest environment possible.

You will notice some changes at your next visit, some might be short term, but most will be long term as we desire to implement protocols that are proactive rather than reactive. Our reception lounge is open to our patients. We ask that you arrive 10 minutes early for your visit and we ask that you do the following when you arrive:

Minors may be accompanied parents or caregivers. We know it is challenging when parents are taking care of multiple children, but we are asking that siblings who are not receiving dental care stay with another parent or caregiver. Siblings that may be receiving care the same day will need to stay out of the treatment room as this will allow our providers to be able to give the best possible care to their current patient. Again, we know this is a new protocol and can be challenging for parents, but this is especially important in order to be able to focus on each of our patient’s needs and treatment.

We look forward to seeing you all and are more than happy to answer any questions you might have. It has always been our goal to provide an environment where cleanliness and safety of our patients and our team is paramount. Please visit our website (www.kcdentalworks.com) or call us at (913)432-9414.

Sincerely,

John Humphrey Jr DDS & The KC Dental Works Team

Health & wellness tips: tip #4 floss

Let’s talk flossing! It’s another good habit, as often as everyday, but I am well aware that it’s not always a fan favorite. I would encourage you to try Cocofloss and see if your opinion of flossing changes. We have several flavors of Cocofloss available and have had huge success converting the anti-flossers! Flossing is an important part of a heart-healthy lifestyle, especially in an age where cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide by a very large margin. The connection between your periodontal (gum tissue) health and your cardiovascular (heart) health has been well developed in the scientific research. Basically, if your gums are bleeding and unhealthy (gingivitis all the way to periodontitis) you are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, among many other health conditions. Flossing is an important tool that helps decrease inflammation of your gum tissue, especially when you’re doing it correctly. Think of shaping the floss like a “C” around each tooth as you gently guide the floss against the sides of the teeth. Sounds exciting, I know!!! When you’re ready to invest in some new floss, look for 1) floss you like and will use (this could mean trying a number of options), 2) floss that has ingredients that are good for you (look for natural options, less petroleum-based, chemical-free, dye-free, etc.), and 3) floss that treats our planet well (is the floss and/or packaging biodegradable/compostable, cruelty-free, etc.). So if you’re already flossing everyday, congrats! If not, start with a small step and aim at flossing 3 times a week, as this small step can lead to greater health!

Teledentistry is here!

Kansas City Dental Works is honored to offer TeleDentistry for NEW PATIENTS! Whether you live in the KC Metro or are out of town, you can now start your journey in holistic/biological/functional dentistry from the comfort of your home. If you would like to meet with Dr. Humphrey to discuss your health and how biological dentistry can play an integral part give us a call to get the details! We would love to help. 913.432.9414

Health & Wellness Tips: Tip #3 Brush

We know this one seems a bit obvious, but it’s still super easy and super important for both your mouth and total body health. As with so many things in life, brushing is something that we tend to rush through and do with the least amount of attention possible. I would encourage you to slow down and take your time. Stand in front of your mirror and look at what you’re doing. Brush your teeth and your gums with the same intention that you had with your last instagram selfie. If you’re using a traditional (non-electric) toothbrush, make sure you are using a soft bristle brush. Also look for a brush head that is small as this is much easier to maneuver in your mouth, even if you think you have a big mouth! Finding a brush that is made of a recyclable or sustainable material is also something I would encourage. Try a bamboo brush or a brush with a reusable handle to reduce the waste. Approximately 1 billion toothbrushes were thrown away in the US last year! If you choose to use an electric brush, I recommend a sonic option as this makes a big difference in the reach of the bristles. The sonic technology actually extends how far under the tissue the bristles can clean, sending sonic vibrations through the fluid an extra 2-3mm past where the toothbrush can reach. I absolutely love the @burstoralcare sonic toothbrush, with its super soft charcoal infused bristles, long battery life, 33,000 sonic vibrations per minute, quadrant time and lifetime warranty. You just can’t go wrong! What do you use for toothpaste you ask...feel free to use anything from just fresh water, home-made baking soda concoctions, clay-based pastes and powders or even some of the new nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes (@boka and @risewell). We don’t recommend using fluoride-containing toothpastes due to it’s neurotoxicity, bio-accumulation, and interference with numerous bodily chemistries. Even some of the essential oils can be a bit harsh on the oral microbiome, so just keep it simple, less ingredients is usually better! The key take-away is that you just need to brush your teeth, at least twice a day. Another thing to consider is that what you’re putting into your body (nutrients from food) is much more of a factor in creating optimal oral health than the products you put on your teeth, we’ll get into nutrition in Tip #7 so stay tuned! Feel free to reach out with questions about any of my recommendations on toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Health & Wellness tips: Tip #2 Salt Water rinse

Rinsing with salt water is a wonderful way to greatly reduce bad bacteria in the mouth as well as create a more alkaline environment. This is a great thing to do first thing in the morning or right after a meal or acidic snack such as citrus. Salt water rinsing is an easy way to neutralize the oral pH. This is important because an acidic oral environment lends to more “bad” bacteria that can lead to cavities, bad breath and inflammation of your gum tissue. Start with a glass container with a tight fitting lid (we’re gonna be shaking this up everyday). I use a recycled juice glass container from @unbakery, just make sure it’s 16oz or larger. Mix 1 tbsp pink Himalayan sea salt and 16 ounces of almost boiling water (spring water, non-fluoridated, non-chlorinated). This makes a good amount that will last you a while and I like to keep it in my bathroom for easy daily use.

Health & Wellness tips: tip #1 Nasal Breathing

As we breathe through our nose we not only filter the air we’re bringing into our bodies (our first line of defense against airborne viruses) but we are also activating potential benefits of Nitric Oxide. Nitric Oxide (NO) is a gas that is produced in the paranasal sinuses and has been shown to have anti-viral properties, specifically inhibiting the replication cycle of viruses (such as SARS) as well as increasing viral clearance. Research also has shown that humming and holding your breath can increase NO production. One of the known concerns with COVID-19 is that it attacks type-2 pneumocytes, a cell that produces surfactant. Surfactant is important because it helps with the elasticity of air sacs in the lungs, helps get oxygen to the blood and keeps the lungs from collapsing and/or swelling. Without surfactant the respiratory system will not function. It would make sense that increasing the amount of nitric oxide present in the airways will increase the anti-viral effects and support our natural resistance to infection. There are so many other benefits to nasal breathing and we will be digging in to this topic much more in the future!

A message to our patient family

Based on recent CDC/Kansas Dental Board recommendations in response to COVID-19, we will be reducing our services to urgent/emergent dental care only through the end of March at which time we will re-evaluate. Please reach out if you need us! We will also be available for phone/FaceTime consults as needed. (913)432-9414

We are grateful for your trust and support along the way and we would encourage you all to keep smiling, even when it’s hard. We look forward to seeing you all soon. Stay strong KC!

John Humphrey Jr DDS

& the KC Dental Works Team

A Message To Our Patients - COVID-19

At Kansas City Dental Works our number one goal is the health and wellness of our patients and team. With this in mind we are continuing to serve the community as we uphold a constant commitment to safety.

As we work to keep our patients, team, families and community healthy we would ask that you review this information prior to visiting our office. If for any reason you fit into a higher risk category, such as older age, heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, we ask that you touch base with us in advance in order to discuss options.

If you or anyone in your family have experienced fever, cough, shortness of breath or flu-like symptoms we ask that you not come in to the office and instead call to reschedule.

Thank you of your thoughtfulness and understanding.

John Humphrey Jr DDS & the KC Dental Works Team

Holistic dentistry

A new year is here and I would like to focus on using this space to provide education and information about oral health and our holistic philosophy of care. My hope is that this will be a helpful tool for all of you out there, especially those seeking out different avenues for health and wellness. Let’s start with a breakdown of the philosophy of care that we provide at Kansas City Dental Works. We consider our office a holistic and biological dental office. So, what does this mean and why have I chosen this path? 

Holistic defined: Relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts.

In medicine it is defined as “characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.”

As a holistic and biological dentist, I am concerned with the whole body effects of the materials, procedures and techniques that I am using with my clients. By combining a wide range of modalities beyond conventional options with the best that traditional dentistry has to offer we are able to provide an extremely high level of care. With this level of care there is a strong appreciation for the complex and dynamic relationship between systemic health and oral health.

To me, providing holistic dental care is not merely a trendy marketing gimmick but it is a true passion that directs the type of dentistry and personal care I provide each and every day. The philosophy of care that we provide at Kansas City Dental Works begins with the belief that the health of the mouth is directly connected to the health of the entire body. We also believe that what is happening in the mouth can be affected by and affect what happens in other parts of the body. 

We recognize the importance of using clean and biocompatible products and we intentionally consider conditions occurring in the systems of the body as we work with our patients. We also hold a value for removing heavy metals and other toxic materials from our patients’ systems. I decided a number of years ago that it was important for us to remove mercury amalgam fillings, also known as “silver fillings”, in a specific way to limit the exposure of mercury to our patients as well as our team. With this in mind we became SMART certified by the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology) for their safe mercury amalgam removal technique. We also prefer our patients work with a functional medicine provider during the process of removing these mercury-containing restorations in order to get the body functioning at a high level for detoxification. 

Along with removing toxic materials, we take care to use materials and products that are compatible with our patients on an individual basis. We are able to order a simple blood test to determine which materials are most suitable for each patient. This helps prevent future sensitivity issues on both a systemic level as well as a local (tooth and mouth) level. We also encourage the use of dental ozone therapy, this is a powerful yet non-toxic treatment option for a wide variety of dental and systemic issues.

Other important concepts that fall within the holistic and biological dental philosophies include proper nutrition, lifestyle choices, exercise, mental and emotional health, jaw structure development, sleep habits and proper breathing (airway evaluation) to name a few. We will be diving into these topics in the future to see why they are important and how we can help you optimize each area. The human body is an amazing integrated system and I look forward to providing some food for thought as you navigate your own wellness journey.

Hopefully this gives you a better understanding of what holistic dentistry is and how it could be a great option for you and your family. We are here to serve you and we will continue to be a resource for you as you work through your wellness journey. We would love to answer your questions so feel free to reach out!

Could your mouth charge your iPhone?

Have you ever had a metallic taste in your mouth, like you just took a bite of aluminum foil? Maybe it only lasts a short time, or maybe it appears for no apparent reason and sticks around. This is something quite a few people experience and something we get asked about on a regular basis.  This abnormal taste in the mouth is considered a condition, not a disease or disorder and it is called “dysgeusia”. As with many things in the human body, there are several reasons why dysgeusia could occur.

Some of the causes for this condition include: side-effect of some medications (this happens to be the #1 cause!), nutrient deficiencies or excesses (such as Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Zinc, and Calcium), periodontal disease, allergens, dry mouth, pregnancy, systemic disease, hyperparathyroidism, diabetes, and renal failure to name a few. Another cause, which we will go into more detail about, is oral galvanism. 

So, what is oral galvanism you might be asking? It is the generation of electrical currents in the mouth caused by electro-chemical differences between various types of metal restorations (such as mercury-amalgam fillings, crowns, inlays, onlays and partial dentures). Oral galvanism can also be caused by the corrosion of mercury-amalgam fillings. In more simple terms, different metals in your dental restorations have different voltage numbers, and when they are connected by saliva (an electrolyte) they can create a battery with an electrical current that can then pass through your oral anatomical structures.

Let’s consider a possible scenario where someone has a gold crown on one tooth and a titanium implant replacing another tooth. Gold has a voltage of 1.69 and titanium has a voltage of -1.63. With these two metals connected through the saliva there is potential to create a battery of over three volts! Our nervous system works on membrane potentials of 0.140 volts and can be easily effected by the electrical current produced from the dental metals.  So, could the electrical charges in your mouth charge your phone…maybe not, but you definitely want to consider making a change if you have metal restorations!

As an office that practices holistic dentistry we look closely at the systemic concerns that could result from oral galvanism. These concerns include chronic fatigue, temporal headaches, jaw tension and loss of memory. We know that not everyone will experience oral galvanism but being aware of the potential and having the knowledge as to why it can happen is very helpful as we walk with our patients on their wellness journeys. We do consider oral galvanism to be a road block in achieving total health. Our goal is always to find root causes, help remove them and see our patients health restored. We hope you learned something helpful. Let us know what other questions you may have about oral health or holistic dentistry. Cheers to wellness!

2016 Battle of the Brands

Thanks for the support and votes to get KC Dental Works into the first round of the 2016 Kansas City Battle of the Brands! This is such a fun way to celebrate home-grown KC businesses! We would love to keep moving into the next round, so please head on over to www.kcsourcelink.com/kc-battle and cast your vote! Voting for round 1 ends on March 4th!

Put Your Dental Health on Your Resolution List

Have you started thinking about your New Year’s resolutions yet? I know I have. As hard as they are to make and stick to, it is a tradition that I think helps us look toward the new year as an opportunity for change and improvement. That’s why I often encourage my patients to make their smiles part of their New Year’s resolutions. Here's how:

Four Tips to Get Your Smile Healthy and Keep it That Way

• Keep up on your dental visits. Not only do cleanings keep your teeth and gums feeling good, it gives my Lenexa dental team more chances to keep an eye on your oral health and stop problems before they get serious. That saves both your teeth and your wallet.

• Get serious about your oral hygiene routine. Your smile doesn’t only allow you to talk and chew. We sometimes forget that it is directly connected to the rest of your body. That means that your mouth is an easy way for bacteria to get into your bloodstream. In fact, if you have gum disease, your risk for everything from heart attacks and cancers to low birth weight babies and tooth loss goes through the roof.
• Don’t just eat for your body, eat for your smile! You know that sugary foods or refined carbs can be bad for your overall health. They can also be bad for your smile. Acidic drinks like sodas and sports drinks can too. Try eating more crunchy fruits and vegetables, drinking green tea and coconut water, and eating foods high in  calcium and phosphorus to protect tooth enamel and even help remineralize them.
• Feel self conscious about your smile? Do something about it this year! The truth is, even elective procedures like whitening or veneers can have health benefits. Feeling confident helps you move through the world with more power – and that can make you smile more, release more endorphins, and even stick to your New Year’s resolutions more effectively!  

Why not schedule a checkup and cleaning with my Lenexa dental office today? We’ll look at what is going on in your mouth and we can discuss your needs. Then all you have to do is sit down and plan how to keep the rest of your resolutions! I’d love to help my Lenexa, Overland Park, and Kansas City neighbors feel better about themselves in 2016!

The Nightly Grind - Battling Bruxism While You Sleep

As the holidays approach, so can major stress. I mean, really, we are all stressed enough as it is, so the stress of preparing for the holidays can put us right over the top. I often see more patients in these high-stress times than ever. Why? Bruxism.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is just a fancy word for clenching and grinding of teeth. And if you have a tendency to clench, you do it more in times of stress. Of course, there are other reasons people clench and grind, but stress is a big one. If your stress is off the charts, call my Lenexa dental office. You may want a nightguard to protect your teeth!

Do I Really Grind my Teeth?

Many people who grind and clench their teeth don’t realize that they do it. Often it takes a broken tooth, an observer, or a dentist to realize it is happening.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from bruxism:

• Worn, chipped, broken teeth

• Flattened tooth surfaces

• Exposure of tooth layers and loss of enamel

• Tooth sensitivity

• Jaw pain

• Headache and facial pain

• Earache from jaw muscle tension and contraction

• A scalloped tongue or irregular tongue edges

• Damaged mouth tissue

What Causes Tooth Grinding and Clenching?

We already mentioned stress, but there are other things that could compound your risk or cause tooth grinding and clenching even if you are a super-relaxed person. These causes include:

• Sleep disorders

• Stress, tension, or anxiety

• Misaligned jaw or poor bite alignment

• Acid reflux

• As a result of some diseases such as Parkinson's disease

• As a side effect of some medications

What Can I do to Protect my Teeth?

At my dental office in Lenexa, we want to help protect your smile. We offer comfortable, custom-fitted mouthguards to ease the pain of clenching and grinding and keep your teeth – and your precious restorations – strong and intact. Give us a call today and find relief!

Serving teeth clenchers and grinders in Lenexa, Overland Park, and Kansas City.

Dos and Don’ts of Denture Care

Many of our patients experience tooth loss, and while dentures can provide a solid solution for missing teeth, there’s still a maintenance routine that needs to be done to extend the life of dentures and protect overall oral health. At my Lenexa dental office we want all of our patients to get the most out of their dentures, so we’re here to talk about the dos and don’ts of proper denture care.

Why is Proper Care Important ?

Not only does proper denture care protect your investment in a tooth replacement option, but it also helps keep your mouth and any remaining teeth healthy. If dentures are not well taken care of, it could lead to an uncomfortable fit and even some serious oral health concerns. When a proper denture care routine isn’t followed, plaque particles can collect and lead to chronic bad breath, gum disease, and tooth loss of any remaining teeth.

How to Extend the Life of Your Denture

There are some common dos and don’ts of denture care that can either prolong the life of your denture or cause complications.

Dos

• DO rinse dentures after every meal to eliminate as many food particles as possible. If foodstuffs aren’t removed, they’ll begin to decompose and result in bad breath or gum disease.

• DO brush your dentures daily. Similarly to rinsing, brushing takes cleaning away food one step further. Brush gently at a 45 degree angle, just like you would your natural teeth.

• DO soak your dentures every night in water or a denture solution. Dentures need to remain hydrated, and soaking is the way to do it. Make sure you’re using a solution recommended by your doctor.

• DO visit your Lenexa dentist regularly. Regular checkups are important to ensure a proper fit and to monitor any possible signs of a problem.

Don’ts

• DON’T use harsh or abrasive paste or bristles. They can damage the denture.

• DON’T try to adjust or fix your own dentures.

• DON’T drop them. They’re very delicate and can break easily.

• DON’T let them dry out. Whenever you’re not wearing them, make sure they’re soaking.

For additional information on denture care, or to see if they’re a solution for you, give my dental office in Lenexa a call. We’ll work with you to see if dentures are right for you and discuss any and all treatments available.

Accepting patients from Lenexa, Overland Park, and Kansas City.

Healthier Mouth, Healthier You

We’re always talking to our patients about the importance of a proper oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting my dental office in Lenexa regularly.  But did you know these guidelines can do more than just ensure a healthy mouth? They can also provide insight to other whole-body problems.

The Mouth/Body Connection

Many systemic diseases (whole-body diseases) have oral manifestations and often first show signs in the mouth. Some of these overall health problems are incredibly serious, such as:

• Heart disease

• Pancreatic cancer

• Leukemia

• Diabetes

Notice Any of These Signs?

If you see any of these symptoms, it’s important to call your Lenexa dentist as soon as possible. Early detection is key for the most successful treatment, so don’t wait. Serious signs include:

• Swollen, red, or bleeding gums

• Gums that have pulled away from teeth

• Chronic bad breath

• Ulcers

Steps to Better Health

In addition to a proper, at-home hygiene routine and regular dental visits, there are several ways you can help protect your smile against dangerous bacteria, and your body against serious disease.

• Water, water, water. When it comes to choosing your beverage of choice, select water whenever possible. It helps rinse away bacteria and acid in the mouth and hydrates your body.

• Say no to tobacco. Besides the effects smoking or chewing tobacco can have on your smile, using any form of tobacco can lead to overall health complications.

• Practice proper nutrition. Eating well-balanced meals is important for proper body function as well as optimal oral health. Avoid snacking throughout the day, especially sticky, sugary foods.

Your dentist could be the first line of defense against many serious diseases. If you’re experiencing any of the signs above, or if you haven’t seen a dentist in awhile, give my Lenexa dental office a call. We’ll perform a thorough exam, talk with you about any potential problems we find, and stand with you through your individualized treatment plan. Your health is the most important thing to us, and we’ll help any way we can.

Welcoming patients from Lenexa, Overland Park, and Kansas Cit.

Sleeping and Your Oral Health

Your teeth are at risk all the time--even while you sleep! Here at my Lenexa dental office, we help our patients protect their teeth day and night with treatment and care tips. We believe a little education can go a long way toward keeping your teeth strong and healthy day or night.

Here are a  two night time habits or issues, and the solutions that may save your teeth:

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Not only is snoring a possible sign of sleep apnea, a potentially deadly disorder that disrupts your sleep, it’s also a common cause of dry mouth.  Everyone needs saliva to keep their mouths healthy. Saliva works to:

• Lubricate the tissues of your mouth

• Cleanse and rinse the oral cavity and teeth, minimizing plaque build-up, washing away trapped food particles, and removing dead cells that can lead to bad breath, infections, and sores.

• Neutralize the acids plaque produces to stop enamel erosion.

If you snore or wonder if you have sleep apnea, please call us or talk to your physician or dentist right away. Sleep apnea won't just dry your mouth out, it can lead to all kinds of health problems from extreme fatigue to an increased risk for strokes and heart attacks.

Grinding or Bruxism

Stress, certain medications, and dental problems can all cause people to grind and clench their teeth during sleep, a disorder called bruxism. Bruxism seems pretty self explanatory in the fact that it can cause your teeth to break, chip, crack, and even decay because of enamel erosion, but did you know it can also lead to a variety of other problems?

Problems caused by bruxism may include:

• Headaches, especially in the morning

• Toothaches

• Facial pain

• Jaw pain and dysfunction sometimes known as TMJ disorder

• Gum disease

• Facial aging due to shortening of teeth

• Tooth damage

If you or someone you know grinds or clenches their teeth at night, please call my dental office in Lenexa. We’ll work with you to diagnose what’s going on in your mouth and recommend the best solution for you so you can get back to oral health and back to a good night’s sleep.

Welcoming patients from Lenexa, Overland Park, and Kansas City.

Dentistry Through The Ages

Just as with all medicine, dentistry is an ever-evolving field. At my dental office in Lenexa, we’re constantly updating technology and improving our knowledge to better serve patients just like you.

But imagine if you lived 200 hundred years ago. What was dentistry like then? How about during the middle ages? Would the dentists of those times have been able to replace your lost tooth? Would they have been able to fill a cavity? What would they have recommended you do for a toothache?

Let's take a look.

Dentistry in the middle ages

For the common folk, dentistry consisted mostly of self-care and occasional visits to practitioners or barber surgeons who treated a toothache by pulling the offending tooth and  suggested things like kissing a donkey to cure the toothache. It also wasn’t unheard of to recommend concocting a mixture of newts, lizards, and beetles into a powder and applying it to the painful tooth throughout the day.  

The truth is, in spite of inconsistent professional care, most medieval commoners had clean, white teeth. Why? Their diets were similar to what a modern dentist would recommend for a healthy mouth: One very low in sugar and refined flours and high in calcium.  They also used all kinds of fairly effective tooth cleaners and mouth rinses, including a paste made from crushed peppermint and rock salt.

Dentistry in the 19th Century

Dentistry didn’t begin to resemble what we think of as dentistry today until the early 18th century, and by the 19th century, dentistry began to seem quite modern. European surgeons had begun experimenting with implanting teeth; dentures were being created out of both human teeth, the teeth of animals, and porcelain; and nitrous oxide, the same laughing gas we sometimes use today, was introduced by Humphry Davy around 1800. In 1840, the Baltimore College of Dentistry, the first dental college, was founded by Chapin Harris and Horace Hayden. It was the first step into dentistry as we know it today.

Our Dentistry

At my Lenexa dental office, we’ve continued to adapt and improve our services as the advancements in dental care improve. We always ensure the utmost in comfort, technology, and service. To schedule an appointment and experience the difference, give us a call today!

Welcoming patients from Lenexa, Overland Park, and Kansas City.

Top 3 Solutions to Ease Bad Breath

Whether it was following a particularly garlicky meal, morning coffee, or a few drinks after work, everyone has experienced bad breath at some point in their lives. Usually, it’s nothing to worry about. However, when bad breath becomes an ongoing issue, there’s a possibility your mouth may not be in tip-top shape. At my dental office in Lenexa, we’d like to offer a few solutions to remedy bad breath and provide reasons why it could be pretty serious and should not be ignored.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath is caused by high levels of bacteria in the mouth. When bacteria feed on plaque, they produce hydrogen sulfide. It’s this byproduct that gives breath its stench.

Here’s How to Keep Bad Breath at Bay

1. Brush & Floss. You know brushing and flossing are what helps keep your mouth cavity-free and makes for good dental checkups. But it can also help rid your mouth of bad-breath causing bacteria. Make sure you’re brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time and scrubbing each surface of each tooth. Flossing at least once a day helps to reach those spots a toothbrush can’t.

2. Clear the Tongue. The tongue shouldn’t be ignored when brushing. Due to its texture of bumps and grooves, it makes it a favorite place for bacteria to burrow in and hide. You can help remove the bacteria by gently brushing the tongue each time you brush your teeth. If the brush isn’t an option due to a sensitive gag reflex, try a tongue scraper instead.

3. Drink H₂O. A hydrated mouth is a happy mouth, and a healthy one, too. Drinking plenty of water encourages saliva production. Saliva naturally rinses bacteria away and protects your mouth from bad breath. However, if a mouth becomes dehydrated and dry, it produces less saliva and increases the chance of bacteria lingering around.

Why Is Bad Breath Serious?

While staying hydrated and maintaining excellent oral hygiene can help keep bad breath away, it’s still very important to visit your dentist if it becomes an ongoing problem. Bad breath may be much more than embarrassing. It could actually be a sign of gum disease, which is serious.

If untreated,gum disease may cause increased sensitivity, receding gums, and tooth loss. But that’s not all. Gum disease can also lead to other problems throughout the body like increased risk for heart attack and stroke.

Don’t let something that seems small, like bad breath, create a serious problem for your overall health. If you notice signs of chronic bad breath, schedule an appointment at my Lenexa dental practice. We’re here to help diagnose what’s causing it and work with you to cure it in a judgement-free, caring office. Give us a call today.

Serving patients from Lenexa, Overland Park, and Kansas City.