Got Teeth? A Survivor's Guide

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CoQ10 and Periodontal Disease
2008-02-28 15:52:00
Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is an antioxident dietary supplement originally recommended for the treatment of gum disease, cardiovascular conditions, and a wide range of other conditions.Normally, when something is recommended for everything, I know that it cannot do a good job on one thing. CoQ10 is now primarily marketed as being beneficial for our gums and hearts.I learned about it when I was interviewed by Dr. Meg Jordan on NPR, May 23, 2007. A listener called in asking about it and I hadn’t heard of it at that time. Dr. Jordan challenged me to research and blog about it, so I did some research and began to take it, hoping for healthier gums and a healthier heart.Information is everywhere now. People are blogging about it, vitamin stores are pitching it, and it’s on the vitamin supplement list my periodontist hands out to his patients with a recommendation of 30MG, 3 times a day.I began with 30MG once a day and cut down to every other day because it’s expensive. I ad...
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February is American Heart Month
2008-02-17 23:05:00
Heart disease is as related to periodontal disease as it is to obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Over 40 years ago, Congress declared February to be American Heart Month . Heart disease and periodontal disease are preventable, so make an appointment with your doctor and your dental professional now.Studies by the American Academy of Periodontology, the National Institute of Health (NIH), and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research show that people with adult periodontitis may have an increased risk of having a fatal heart attack. They are more likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease caused by bacteria from the mouth increasing clotting problems in the cardiovascular system.The February 7, 2002, issue of the Journal of Periodontology announced a study linking periodontal disease and heart disease via high levels of bacteria pumped from diseased gums into the bloodstream. This finding was confirmed by researchers at the University of Buffalo who suggest...
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Recognize periodontal disease.
2008-02-15 00:59:00
Dentists and periodontists are trained to recognize periodontal disease when they see it, which means you have to see them to have your teeth checked at least twice a year.Get dental check-ups every three months if you’re prone to periodontal disease, alternating between your dentist and periodontist.What I know for sure is that it’s all connected.Saundra GoodmanGot Teeth? A Survivor’s GuideHow to keep your teeth or live without them.www.gotteethguide.com
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Think you don't need a dentist?
2008-02-12 23:01:00
You know when you need a dentist. Something feels wrong, maybe a little tender, and then you see blood (pink in the sink) when you brush or floss your teeth.And as soon as you walk out of the bathroom, you put it right out of your mind and pretend it didn’t happen or that it will go away by itself. Dental problems never go away by themselves.Avoiding the dentist and hoping periodontal disease will go away by itself is a vicious and damaging cycle. When you begin to lose your teeth, nothing else will be as important to you as the time you spend trying to save them.What I know for sure is that it’s all connected.Saundra GoodmanGot Teeth? A Survivor’s GuideHow to keep your teeth or live without them.www.gotteethguide.com
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February is National Children's Dental Health Month
2008-02-09 23:02:00
Take your kids to the dentist, and make an appointment for yourself while you're there.What I know for sure is that it's all connected.SaundraGot Teeth? A Survivor's GuideHow to keep your teeth or live withouth them.http://www.gotteethguide.com/
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Hate going to the dentist?
2008-02-08 00:51:00
Don’t put off going to the dentist because you hate going. You know you do. Going to the dentist takes too much time, you have more important things to do, it costs too much, it will hurt, or the problem will go away by itself.People are afraid of the dentist, they’re not aware of their oral health problems (so many others have the same problems they think their problems are normal), and most people don’t realize how important their oral health is to their general health.I see my periodontist every three months. See your dental professional at least once a year because dental problems do not go away by themselves.Saundra GoodmanGot Teeth? A Survivor’s GuideHow to keep your teeth or live without them.www.gotteethguide.comwww.gotteeth.bl ogspot.com
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Nobody talks about periodontal disease and tooth loss.
2008-02-06 18:40:00
My heart goes out to everyone suffering from periodontal disease, the fear of tooth loss, the experience of tooth loss and denture gain, and the accompanying self-esteem issues.I was terrified while experiencing the dizzying vortex of periodontal hell with deep root planings and scalings, periodontal surgeries, bone grafts, and a bone transplant. I searched bookstores and libraries for information looking for someone to tell me how to live through it with my self-esteem intact.There were no books written about it from a patient’s perspective, and certainly not from a woman’s point of view. Nobody talked about it.Now I’m talking about it and you are not alone. You are welcome to post your questions, concerns, and comments here and begin your own support community. I swear, I’ve been there and I’ll be here with you.What I know for sure is that it’s all connected.SaundraSaundra GoodmanGot Teeth? A Survivor’s GuideHow to keep your teeth or live without them.www.gotteethgui...
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Chew on This. Caring for our teeth and gums.
2008-01-14 22:32:00
I am pleased to announce that an excerpt from my book is featured in the January/February issue of Me* the Menopause Musical Magazine. Go to http://www.memagazine4u.com/ and click on Articles. Scroll down to Chew on This to read more and take the quizz.If you see the musical, please be sure to pick up the magazine. The article begins on Page 15.What I know for sure is that it's all connected.Saundra GoodmanGot Teeth ? A Survivor's GuideHow to keep your teeth or live without them.http://www.gotteethguide.com/
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Periodontal disease and tooth loss are not sexy.
2008-01-03 18:36:00
Each tooth has one root. When your gums deteriorate, there’s nothing left to hold your teeth in place.Most people do not take action until not taking action is too painful. If you are experiencing gum disease and beginning to lose your teeth there are three action steps to take:1. Go to your periodontist for a periodontal cleaning.2. Be aggressive taking care of your oral health.3. Buy my book.One-half million people get dentures each year. My book will help you get through the experience with laughter and hope. A great smile, even with replacement teeth, is sexy.What I know for sure is that it’s all connected.Saundra GoodmanGot Teeth? A Survivor’s GuideHow to keep your teeth or live without them.http://www.gotteethguide.com/
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Flossing all the way.
2007-12-24 03:03:00
Flossing at least twice a day is one of the best ways to repair your oral health and remove harmful plaque that can cause tooth loss.G-U-M, Equate, Crest, Johnson & Johnson, and other brands constantly offer new choices of dental floss to gain our business dollars. Experiment until you find the one you like best or use different floss daily to keep it interesting.I own the following ten (10) types of floss, many of which were donated by my periodontist:waxed, fine waxed, unwaxed, fine unwaxed, mint waxed, fine mint waxed, fine mint unwaxed, better weave waxed, better weave unwaxed, comfort plus mint, menthol for extra comfort, and the new Fluoride woven floss in the classic colors, blue and white. The woven floss is like yarn, so if you don’t like it, you can knit something useful.My hygienist told me that unwaxed floss has the best “drag.”Cost has nothing to do with quality and trial sizes are available for tryouts. Use what feels best.What I know for sure is that it’s ...

Missing teeth affect your smile.
2007-12-21 04:13:00
Missing teeth can detract from your appearance, make chewing and speaking difficult, and place stress on your bite.Missing teeth can also cause your mouth to sink and your lips and cheeks to collapse. Your chewing ability can decrease and your face can acquire more than normal aging lines and wrinkles.Without necessary replacement teeth, teeth with open spaces beside them can drift causing your bite to change, your remaining teeth to become loose, and your jawbone to be sore. With drifting, you may have additional decay and possible gum and jawbone problems that necessitate extractions.Replacement teeth improve your appearance, maintain the shape of your face, make chewing easier, and preserve your remaining teeth and a correct bite.Bridges, dentures, and implants are designed to replace missing teeth for health and cosmetic reasons. They keep your remaining teeth in their original position, redistribute chewing pressure, and help maintain the natural shape of your face while suppor...
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Is your smile good enough?
2007-12-15 19:14:00
"Three out of four Americans believe an unattractive smile can hurt one's chances for career success, and only half of all adults are satisfied with their smiles."US News & World ReportMedicine: The Cosmetic Dentist You want to look your best. If you have periodontal disease and will soon or have already lost some or all of your teeth, your smile and oral health can be improved.Don't let marketing fool you. Your natural smile is good enough unless you have poor oral health.1. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.2. Get your teeth cleaned for a naturally bright smile.3. Your dental professional will tell you if you have periodontal disease.What I know for sure is that it's all connected.Saundra Good manGot Teeth? A Survivor’s GuideHow to keep your teeth or live without them.http://www.gotteethguide.com/http:// www.gotteeth.blogspot.com/
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Teeth are the consumer accessories of the 21st century.
2007-11-30 00:19:00
Thanks to Hollywood and advertising, our teeth have the power of totems and are worthy of our respect. In his book "The Excruciating History of Dentistry," James Wynbrandt wrote, “Focus has turned to glorification of the tooth…symbols of power and glamour, and the mouth itself, the ultimate consumer accessory.”For all of you who may be losing the battle against periodontal disease, it’s time to begin discussing the affects of tooth loss and denture replacement; an emotional crisis for millions of people.What I know for sure is that it’s all connected.SaundraGot Teeth ? A Survivor’s GuideHow to keep your teeth or live without them.http://www.gotteethguide.com/
More About: Accessories , Consumer , Century

Be thankful for your teeth.
2007-11-23 01:35:00
Happy Thanksgiving.I wish you a blessed holiday with good family, good friends, good food, and good health.What I know for sure is that it's all connected.SaundraGot Teeth ? A Survivor's GuideHow to keep your teeth or live withouth them.www.gotteethguide.com

The Secret to Flossing and Heart Health.
2007-11-17 00:46:00
You can lessen the risk of heart attacks and periodontal disease by flossing your teeth correctly.Sally Cram, D.D.S. a periodontist in Washington, D.C. and a spokesperson for the American Dental Association says, “After brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush, hold the brush against your gums at a 45-degree angle and lightly massage with short, circular strokes. For the best protection, go the full two minutes; most people brush for fewer than 30 seconds. Mouthwash isn’t necessary, but if you like to use it, look for products that contain menthol, thymol, and eucalyptol."And you thought you knew how to floss…Learn more at http://www.aarpmagazine.org/health/9_Secr ets_Better_Health .htmlWhat I know for sure is that it’s all connected.Saundra GoodmanGot Teeth? A Survivor’s GuideHow to keep your teeth or live without them.www.gotteethguide.com
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Effective use of dental insurance forms.
2007-11-13 01:42:00
If you are fortunate enough to have dental insurance, call your insurance company to find out if your policy covers regular cleanings, periodontal treatment, extractions, dentures, etc., and how often annually.If the procedure you need is covered by your dental policy, bring a dental claim form to your next appointment so the dental office can submit it. It takes weeks, and sometimes months, for a claim to be reviewed and processed by insurance companies.Never sign a blank insurance paper in a dentist’s office before the work has begun. Only after your dental examination has been completed will it be possible to set a fee for your treatment. You want to see everything your dentist is submitting to your insurance company before you sign the form. Ask for a copy. Get everything in writing.If your paperwork has been completed properly, you will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company after your dental visit. The EOB lists the type of service(s) received, ...
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New AHA guidelines for antibiotics and dental procedures.
2007-11-07 22:24:00
The American Heart Association (AHA) believed for decades that dental patients with heart disease should premedicate with antibiotics before dental procedures. It was determined that premedication would prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream and creating an infection in the heart’s lining or valves.New research shows that the risks of preventive antibiotics outweigh the benefits for most patients because our hearts are exposed to bacteria from our mouths through daily brushing and flossing, which are more likely to cause IE (infective endocarditis) than a dental procedure.The AHA’s new guidelines recommend that, “most of these patients no longer need short-term antibiotics as a preventive measure before their dental treatment.”The following people who routinely took prophylactic antibiotics in the past no longer need to:1. Mitral valve prolapse2. Rheumatic heart disease3. Bicuspid valve disease4. Calcified aortic stenosis5. Congenital heart conditions: ventricular se...
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Shameless promotion for periodontal disease.
2007-11-04 13:38:00
Since approxmately 75% of the population suffers from some form of periodontal disease, there is a 75% chance that the recipient of my book will find it useful, even if he or she won't admit it.Christmas and Chanukah will soon be upon us. Give a gift that keeps on giving.What I know for sure is that it's all connected.Saundra GoodmanGot Teeth? A Survivor's GuideHow to keep your teeth or live without them.http://www.gotteethguide.com/
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Control periodontal disease with laser surgery.
2007-10-31 22:14:00
My Halloween highlight was Laser Period ontal Therapy™ surgery at 9:00 AM, October 31, 2007 to save and restore two hopeless teeth and the gums that surround them.The laser-based surgery is new in town and is cutting edge (no pun intended). It offers no cutting and no stitches, which means less pain, less bleeding, less swelling, less tissue removal, less down time, and less recovery time.This was my first laser surgery and I was so nervous walking through the parking lot into the dental office, I think I developed an eye twitch.The staff smiled and helped me relax while the vanilla-scented nose cone was attached to the Nitrous Oxide hook-up. My periodontist administered numerous Novocaine injections and I was given goggles with green lenses to wear, which would protect my eyes from the laser. It was the ultimate Halloween experience.My periodontist and his team have the newest equipment and training to control periodontal (gum) disease. If you’ve been told you need periodontal s...
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Gum disease for women only.
2007-10-29 23:41:00
Menstruation gingivitis. Who knew?Before and after their menstrual periods, some women experience bleeding gums, bright red and swollen gums, and sores inside their cheeks. Seek help from your dental professional if only to put your mind (and your gums) at ease.Someone has to talk about it.SaundraGot Teeth? A Survivor's GuideHow to keep your teeth or live without them.http://www.gotteethguide.com/
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Menopausal women, postmenopausal women and gum disease.
2007-10-25 15:47:00
It just never stops.Dry mouth, pain, burning sensations, and changes in taste (peppery, salty, sour) are mild compared to the risk factors that include poor diet and low calcium intake, diabetes, cavities, and poor oral hygiene.Menopause can cause gums to be sore and sensitive. A small percentage of women are affected by menopausal gingivitis, when gums might look shiny or dry, bleed, and range in color from pale to deep red.Postmenopausal women can acquire something that is not clearly understood or easily pronounceable called desquamative gingivitis. This disease causes layers of the gums to shed and leaves the gum tissue raw and the nerves exposed.What does this mean to you?Debate continues among professionals regarding hormone replacement therapy. Some say it can cause gums to redden, bleed, and swell, and some say it will relieve the symptoms. So give us a break already.Prevention is the key. Speak to your dental and health professionals and do your own research if you are meno...
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Pregnancy, hormones and your baby's health.
2007-10-18 13:42:00
Congratulations! You or someone you know is having a baby. You probably know that pregnancy causes hormones to increase. What you may not know is that pregnancy causes the risk of gingivitis (the mildest form of periodontal disease) to increase.The American Academy of Periodontology reports that surges of estrogen and progesterone can increase inflammation in the gums of pregnant women in the second or third month of their pregnancies, and can become more severe through the eighth month.Periodontal monitoring should be part of prenatal care. If a pregnant woman has red, puffy, tender, or bleeding gums, she should see her dental professional immediately. Oral microbes can cross the placental barrier and expose the fetus to infection causing pre-term, low-birth weight babies.1. Women planning to become pregnant should have a periodontal evaluation.2. Pregnant women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby born too early and too small.3. All pregnant women...
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Health, hormones and gum disease.
2007-10-18 02:19:00
Hormonal changes in girls and young women can affect their oral health.We all know our sex hormone levels increase in surges during puberty. What you may not know is that the increased circulation affects girls and young women’s gums and may cause increased sensitivity, swollen gums, and irritability making it easier for gingivitis to develop.And I thought we had enough problems with our hormones.SaundraSaundra GoodmanGot Teeth? A Survivor's GuideHow to keep your teeth or live without them.www.gotteethguide.com
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Gum Disease Increases Tooth Loss Risk for Women.
2007-10-12 00:06:00
The American Academy of General Dentistry reports that more than half of all women who reached the age of 50 in 2000 will live to be at least 80 years old. The average 65-year old woman will live another 17.3 years.One out of three women in the United States will have none of her original teeth by the age of 65.The January 1999 issue of the Journal of Periodontology reported, "At least 23 percent of women ages 30 to 54 have periodontitis (an advanced state of periodontal disease in which there is active destruction of the supporting tissues). Forty-four percent of women ages 55 to 90 who still have their teeth will have periodontitis."These statistics are consistent with 2005 data.Although most women take better care of their health than most men do, women’s oral health isn’t noticeably better than men’s. It is vital that women take care of their oral health, especially during times of increased hormonal production.What I know for sure is that it's all connected.Saundra Goodm...
More About: Women , For Women , Disease , Risk , Loss

Got Teeth? A Survivor's Guide Book Review
2007-10-10 01:58:00
I’m proud to announce that I received a wonderful review from Apex Review s (NY), which includes a print interview. Please visit the following link to read my review:http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm? fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=2076556 45&blogID=299721854What I know for sure is that it’s all connected.Saundra GoodmanGot Teeth ? A Survivor's Guide How to keep your teeth or live withouth them.
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October is National Dental Hygiene Month.
2007-10-06 01:03:00
If you haven’t been to the dentist this year, now is the time to begin your oral health regime. Regular check-ups will identify periodontal disease (gum disease) and help you save your teeth and half of your bank account.Gum disease (periodontal disease) is silent and painless when it begins and affects 75% of the population. That’s 3 out of every 4 people. Are you one of them?What I know for sure is that it’s all connected.SaundraGot Teeth? A Survivor’s GuideHow to keep your teeth or live without them.http://www.gotteethguide.com/
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Eating disorders may lead to tooth loss.
2007-09-30 21:16:00
Eating disorders are in the daily news, but rarely in connection with tooth loss.Bingeing and purging can erode tooth enamel, discolor teeth, and cause tooth loss. These disorders can also create red, cracked, and dry lips and sores at the corners of your mouth.One segment of the reality program The Bachelor showed a scene in which a woman ran into a bathroom to purge after eating a meal. We heard the sound of vomiting and the woman crying, "My teeth feel like they’re falling out!"She was right. Stomach acid from vomit can erode your front teeth. How’s that for reality?Dentists may be the first to notice discoloration and loss of tooth enamel on the inside of your teeth caused by bingeing and purging.If you have an eating disorder, please consult your doctor. If someone you know has an eating disorder, please encourage that person to get help.What I know for sure is that it’s all connected.SaundraSaundra GoodmanGot Teeth? A Survivor’s GuideHow to keep your teeth or live with...
More About: Eating Disorders , Loss , Disorders , Eating , Lead

Your Dentist Can Diagnose Diabetes - Save Your Teeth and Your Life.
2007-09-17 21:25:00
Recent research indicates that diabetics have an abnormally high risk for periodontal disease. Diabetes is associated with a higher than normal degree of gum inflammation. Treating periodontal disease and reducing bacteria in the body are important in managing diabetes and saving your teeth.If you don’t see your doctor at least once a year, chances are you’re not seeing your dentist either. Dentist s play an important role in detecting undiagnosed diabetes and managing the dental effects of diabetes and periodontal disease.The American Diabetes Association statistics indicate that 17 million people in the United States have diabetes and more than five million of those people are not aware that they have the disease.1. Diabetics with high blood glucose levels for an extended time can contract periodontal disease.2. People with Type II diabetes are three times as likely to develop periodontal disease as those who do not have diabetes.3. Smokers with diabetes increase their risk of ...
More About: Life , Teeth , Save

Take the After-Earth-Day Challenge: Be a Water Warrior
2007-09-09 02:39:00
Save Water and Your Teeth.If you missed Earth Day 2007, you can still do something to protect Planet Earth. Encourage every one of your family members and friends to turn the water off every time they brush their teeth (at least twice a day). Of course, everyone should be brushing after lunch, too. You can run the water to rinse your mouth.That’s it. That’s all you have to do to be a "Water Warrior " and a good environmental citizen.The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says, "The average bathroom faucet flows at a rate of two gallons per minute. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth in the morning and at bedtime can save up to 8 gallons of water per day, which equals 240 gallons a month!"Applying this practice will equal a saving of 2,880 gallons of water each year for every individual in the United States who takes this simple step.This means that you, your family, and your friends can participate in protecting the future of our nation’s limited water supply and y...
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Calculus Is the Beginning of Gum Disease.
2007-09-07 02:09:00
Calculus Ain't Just a Math Term.In dentistry, calculus relates to gum disease and tooth loss. The word calculus is derived from Latin meaning pebble or little stone. Calculus is a combination of saliva, minerals, oral debris, and dental plaque that hardens and forms calcified deposits that cannot be brushed off.The only source of oral debris is food. Saliva is a disinfectant and a protective element that controls some, but not all of the bacteria that form in your mouth. The plaque on your teeth contains bacteria, which produces chemicals that can cause gum tissue to be infected and to swell, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bone loss, which can lead to tooth loss.Calculus’ rough surface attracts more food debris, causing more calculus formation and buildup, which is a hard, crusty residue that forms on teeth at the gum line and ranges in color from yellow to brown.Calculus is plaque that has mineralized, forming a tough, crusty deposit that can only be removed by ...
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