Mar
23rd

Evidences Linking Oral Health and Overall Physical Health

Posted by brian in Oral health,     March 23rd, 2012 – 06:03 pm

oral health

More and more studies have shown the correlation between maintaining oral health to overall physical health. As a result, most employees now demand proper dental benefits from employers. Employers, on the other hand, are now carefully evaluating dental programs that will benefit the employees more and, in the long run, the company.

Maintaining oral health is essential in keeping an employee’s overall physical health. Various studies have shown significant links between oral and cardiovascular health. Certain bacteria that reside on the teeth have been discovered to cause blood clotting once they enter the blood stream.

This is basically the reason why dental benefits have become an integral part in health insurance. Most dental insurance cover only a portion of the costs for dental care. However, there are different qualifications of this type of insurance. Dental insurance plans are commonly categorized into three. These are Indemnity, PPO or Preferred Provide Network dental plans, and DHMO or Dental Health Managed Organization. In most cases, dental clinics have a loose schedule. They may also provide a list of dental practices that they offer.

Proper oral care does not end with regular brushing and flossing. Visiting the dentist at least twice a year for check-up and cleaning is a very good habit. It is also important for children to acquire this habit from their parents. Acquiring dental insurance may be a good idea to avoid very high bills.

Most dental procedures these days are quite expensive. Fillings, extractions, and root canals are among these procedures. While they are expensive, delaying the procedure because of financial constraints may be detrimental to one’s health. An employee with dental benefits may be fully or partially covered from the expenses.

Generally, people without dental insurance are less likely to visit their dentists for check up and cleaning. Regular check-ups are preventive in the sense that it helps avoid complications. As mentioned earlier, certain bacteria from the teeth’s plaque have been found to cause problems particularly on the heart valve. Regular cleaning on top of brushing and flossing everyday lessens the risk of developing complications due to bacteria from the teeth. At the same time, bigger dental problems are prevented from developing.

Some employers offer subsidized part of full dental insurance. This is usually the best way to save money on dental health bills. In most cases, employees have access to better coverage since they are considered to be part of group insurance plans. Member associations like the AARP provide discounts on dental insurance.

For people who are self employed, getting dental insurance coverage is still possible. A little bit of research via the Internet will help compare insurance plans and quotes. Cheaper insurance plans usually have lesser coverage. However, this is still better compared to nothing at all.

The journey to oral health does not end in finding the best insurance plan. At the end of the day, finding the right dentist will make the big difference. Creative Smiles Dental is one of the most efficient dental clinics in Louisiana. You can contact them through the following information.
Creative Smiles Dental
4432 Chastant St.
Metairie, LA 70006
Phone:
Fax: 504-885-0468
Email: [email protected]

 

Mar
21st

Treatment for Type2 Diabetes May Cure Premalignant Lesions in Oral Cavity

Posted by brian in Oral health,     March 21st, 2012 – 05:03 pm

9. metformin

New studies reveal that metformin could be the most effective cure to oral cancer. Clinical findings published in the journal called the American Association for Cancer Research revealed that mice with premalignant lesions reacted positively to metformin. Metformin targets the virus that contributes to the formation of oral cancer in mice and with that, there is a strong chance that the same treatment could work on humans too.

Current Use of Metformin
At present, metformin is commonly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Patients who have been exposed to the drug also experienced cancer reduction in a number of organ sites. This discovery fueled the more intensive research on metformin as a possible cure for oral cancer.

How does it work?
Metformin, if administered to mice, is known to reduce the number and size of carcinogen-induced oral lesions that are precancerous. What metformin does is that is inhibits the base layer of the cancer cells and prevents their further development. This stops cancer from its roots; thus, making it a lot more effective than any other cure for oral cancer known today.

Another notable use of metformin is that it significantly reduces the development of squamous cell carcinomas by almost 90 percent. Carcinoma is the most common cancer in humans. It is one of the most major forms of skin cancer as well as cancers in other tissues like the urinary bladder, vagina, lung, cervix, lips and esophagus and many others.

Early Detection is Still the Most Effective Means of Controlling Oral Cancer
Notice that the study on metformin reaction to oral cancer is based on premalignant lesions. There is no indication of metformin’s encouraging reaction to advanced cases of oral cancer. Therefore, early detection is still the best way of controlling the disease. Regular trips to the dentist should not be disregarded because doing so could still save your life.

Traditionally, your family dentist has the skills to know if lesions can be potentially cancerous upon physically inspection of your oral cavity. The high risk group for these cases includes those that use any form of tobacco as well as individuals with a history of alcohol abuse and/or too much sun exposure. But your dentist cannot determine its potential for cancer in just one visit, regular dental check-ups is still a must.

If you have sores that need to be rechecked, then your dentist will ask you to come back sooner. A brush test could be done, which is the collection of cells from the suspected lesions in your mouth. Cells collected will be sent to laboratories for analysis and your dentist will just communicate the result to you.

Luckily, the process of knowing whether a lesion is cancerous or benign is no longer difficult and long. There are pieces of modern dental equipment that your dental practitioner can use for this purpose. There’s the VeLscope Oral Cancer Screening. This is a handheld device which uses harmless blue light to evaluate the condition of your oral cavity.

Know that oral cancer affects over 34,630 Americans each year. Of that number, more than 25% will die of the disease. Routine dental check-ups and treatments are essential in preventing this type of oral health problem. Thus, visit Creative Smiles Dental today and experience the latest technology in dentistry.

Creative Smiles Dental is located at 4432 Chastant St., Metairie, LA 70006. For more information, you can e-mail them at [email protected] Or feel free to check out their website at www.creativesmilesdentalcare.com

 

Mar
19th

oral health adults

Recent survey conducted by the American Health Association indicate that only about twelve percent of the adults in the United States practice overall healthy habits on dental care and nutrition. The most common cause for the lack of healthy habits is the lack of time.
On top of the lack of time, the survey also shows that eighty percent of the adult respondents say eating fruits and vegetables is a struggle. Sixty percent of the respondents also note that the recommended level of exercise is difficult to keep up.

Twenty five percent of these respondents admit that they are not practicing healthy dental care. This means they do not floss at least once a day or brush at least two times a day. Most of these respondents do not even see the relationship between healthy oral care and overall health care.

The American Dental Association emphasizes on the medical benefits of taking care of the teeth. As the passageway to the other internal organs, maintaining healthy teeth is essential to the overall health of an individual. Missing out on brushing and flossing can have substantial long term effects.

Maintaining oral health is not difficult. It can be accomplished through a couple steps. The American Dental Association has named the following methods to maintain healthy oral health. Brushing your teeth twice a day remains to be on top. It is important to use fluoride toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association.

It is also important to replace the toothpaste every three to four months. Take note of the bristles and make sure they are not frayed. A worn toothbrush is not only full of bacteria and germs from different sources. It also won’t do a really good job at cleaning the teeth.

Aside from brushing, it is also important to floss regularly. There are certain parts of the teeth that only floss or interdental cleaner can reach. Most bacteria that cause tooth decay still linger in hard to reach areas. Using floss or interdental cleaner removes plaque and other particles under the gum line and in between the teeth. Do not use thread or any other thin object in place of an interdental cleaner. Doing so may put you at risk of infection and other diseases.

Dental care does not only mean brushing and flossing. Keeping healthy teeth has a lot to do with diet as well. Limiting junk foods and other sweets intake will help keep the teeth healthy. Eating foods rich in calcium will also help maintain the strength of the teeth.

Regular visits to the dentist are also part of the overall oral health. Having your teeth checked by an expert will guarantee that your teeth and gums are healthy. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year is a good practice.

Creative Smiles Dental is one of the best institutions to go to when it comes to dental care services. You can visit their clinic and meet their friendly staff at Chastant St. Metairie, LA 70006 Chastant St. Metairie, LA 70006. You can also call them through 504-885-0468 or email them at [email protected]

 

Mar
17th

Glass Ceramics: The Future of Dental Care

Posted by brian in Cosmetic Dentist,     March 17th, 2012 – 05:03 pm

ceramic false teeth

About 10% of the American population, or over 36 million people, wear dentures. Now most of these people rely on a solution that is designed to hold their false teeth and therefore end up oftentimes restricted in the food they eat. After all, false teeth will never be as strong as your real teeth. This is one of the major drawbacks of wearing dentures. The industry of dentistry relies so much on ceramics, and these have been found to be not suitable for bridges. The great news is, all the groundwork has been laid out for stronger and better false teeth that are made of tough glass ceramic with a nanocrystalline structure.

At present, the average denture prosthetic can only last for 16 years of daily use. Remember that your false teeth will endure the same wearing and tearing as your real teeth because they will be used just as much. Whenever you bite at something hard, the muscles on the surface of your teeth get worked out. So to prolong the life of your dentures, scientists have come up with dental plans that will be about five times stronger than the currently-used ceramics.

The Future of Dentures
A team of scientists from the Friedrich Schiller University has successfully worked on the use of nanocystalline structures on glass ceramic. The newly produced glass ceramic has superior strength that closely mimics that of real teeth and optical characteristics ideally suited for dentistry applications. The optical properties provide new false teeth with shade similar with your real teeth. The results of this study were published in the science magazine called the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research.

According to the team from Friedrich Schiller University, the dentures must be cooked at an exactly specific temperature to achieve the characteristics desired. First, dentures must be molded from the combination of materials like magnesium, aluminum and silicon oxide. Then the basic materials need to be melted at exactly 1.500 degrees Celcius before they are cooled down for cutting. A second round of melting and cooling will happen next; followed by the production of nanocrystals achieved by controlled heating to about 1,000 degrees Celcius.

It is during this long and complex process that failure becomes a possibility. This is because nanocrystals that have been exposed to too much heat can become too strongly crystallized that it ends up looking a lot like plaster. Thus, the nanocrystals need to be consistent at a size of at most 100 nanometers.

With groundwork laid out, glass ceramic will soon be used in dentistry as well as in other related fields. The glass ceramic dentures are not yet released for mass reproduction but it is an impending possibility. Soon, your dentist would have these long lasting dentures that might even replace the good, old ceramics used today. There are just a few other requirements which should be complied with for mass production.

Although the innovation is not yet widely available, you can still experience the most innovative dental services on the market today. Simply visit Creative Smiles Dental, which is located at 4432 Chastant St., Metairie, LA 70006. You may also send an email to [email protected] or visit www.creativesmilesdentalcare.com.

 

Mar
15th

Innovative Technologies in Cosmetic Dentistry

Posted by brian in Cosmetic Dentist,     March 15th, 2012 – 04:03 pm

dental technology

The introduction of new lasers, veneers and other dental technologies in the field of cosmetic dentistry does not only promise to speed up dental work but also aims to make cosmetic procedures less invasive for patients.

At the 28th annual scientific session of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry to be held this May in Washington, D.C., dental professionals will definitely gain new information as several experts convene in this event to share their knowledge about the latest technologies, new procedures and trends in cosmetic dentistry through general sessions, lectures and workshops.

Digital imaging in cosmetic dentistry
Dentists have seen rapid developments when it comes to the use of digital imaging technologies. One of these developments is the use of 3D laser design software. With this application, dental experts can easily make adjustments to 3D scans of wax-ups and convert digital data into real dental restorations. Moreover, a computer application has been introduced in the market that can enable dentists to create dental crowns immediately, enabling patients to receive the crowns by just a single visit to the dentist’s office.

Veneers
Dentists have been using veneers for decades now as they try to improve the appearance of discolored teeth or to safeguard damaged tooth from further deterioration. Today, veneers can last for up to 30 years as manufacturers seek new ways to improve the quality of bonding agents and cements. Most dentists, for instance, prefer to use veneers that are made of porcelain because they are more likely to withstand wear and tear and less likely to undergo discoloration.

In addition to these developments, experts in cosmetic dentistry are now introducing new techniques designed to achieve the best results in veneer restorations, such as improving the performance of resin cements and adhesives. These developments do not only aim to avoid problems in placing these veneers, but also let patients bring out the best smile they deserve.

Dental Lasers
Soft-tissue lasers play a key role in dental procedures. This type of laser technology has allowed dental professionals to treat patients who are suffering from cold and denture sores. Aside from that, soft-tissue lasers have let dentists to painlessly seal blood vessels or nerve endings on the gums.

Dental lasers can be a sound investment for dental practices that seek to entice and retain patients, as well as achieve significant return on investment.

To get optimized results from this technology, some aesthetic dental experts are sharing new techniques to help dentists be more confident in using this technology in patients who want to undergo a smile makeover.

With these abovementioned technologies and trends, it only means that the demand for cosmetic dental procedures will continue to increase as more patients seek to have pearly white teeth and wear the perfect smile they’ve always wanted.

If you are on the prowl for a specialist in cosmetic dentistry that offers some of these technologies in Louisiana, Creative Smiles Dental is the best place for you. We at Creative Smiles guarantee to give you quality service with the help of our experienced cosmetic dentists. Book an appointment now by calling us at 504-885-0467 or by visiting http://www.creativesmilesdentalcare.com/contact.htm to make an inquiry.

 

 

Mar
13th

How to Choose the Best Dental Clinic in Your Area

Posted by brian in Dental Clinic,     March 13th, 2012 – 04:03 pm

best dental clinic

Oral hygiene is very important. Thus, this calls for a patient to look for a trusted dental clinic that is capable of providing its clients with personalized dental care service. Customizing dental care to the needs of an individual patient can help encourage patients to play a role in preventive dental care.

If you are living in the New Orleans area, for instance, look for a Louisiana dental clinic that offers quality services both in general and cosmetic dentistry. If you don’t have any idea on how to find the best dental practice in your area, below are some of the tips that can help you.

Internet Search
If you are on the prowl for a dental clinic nearest you that guarantees to give high quality service, try a quick Google search by typing your county or state and certain keywords related to dental care. With this approach, you can quickly get results, visit the websites of your prospective dental clinics and compare their fees, services and expertise.

Comprehensive Dental Services
When looking for the best dental practice, try choosing a clinic that offers comprehensive dental services or serves as a one-stop-shop for all your dental health needs. Some Louisiana dental clinics offer a lot of procedures in cosmetic and general industry, such as the placement of dental lumineers, sapphire whitening, dental bonding, application of dental veneers and porcelain crowns, non-surgical treatment of gums, dental implants, dentures and resin fillings.

Clients’ Testimonials
Taking into consideration the reputation of the dental clinic is also vital. Reading patients’ testimonials about the service of a particular clinic will enable prospective clients to make a sound decision. In addition, asking recommendations or referral from family, colleagues and friends about a specific dental clinic may also be done.

Payment Options
When it comes to financial aspect, it is also essential to have a local dental clinic that can accommodate numerous insurance plans. Determine which types of dental services that are usually covered by patient payment plans by making an inquiry through phone or email. Aside from that, find out if the dental clinic accepts payments from major credit cards or through personal checks.

Experience of Dental Staff
When selecting the best dental clinic, it is also important to read the profile of its dentists and other staff. Reading their profiles will help clients find out their involvement in continuing education, years of experience, specialties and affiliations, among others.

Book an Appointment
Scheduling appointments with several prospective dentists can also help patients to choose the best clinic for them. Through these appointments, an individual patient looking for a Louisiana dental clinic, for instance, may be able to get to know the clinic hours, dental professionals’ expertise, dental fees, as well as determine the look and feel of a dental office.

For all your dental health needs, a Louisiana dental clinic like Creative Smiles Dental is the best place for you. We at Creative Smiles promise to give you quality service that you deserve. To schedule an appointment, call us now at 504-885-0467 or visit creativesmilesdentalcare.com.

 

Mar
11th

Bovine Collagen: An Ideal Treatment for Receding Gums with No Tissue Donor

Posted by brian in Healthy Gums,     March 11th, 2012 – 04:03 pm

Bovine colagen

When you smile, it’s not just your teeth that get exposed. Smiling also exposes your gums, and its healthy gums and teeth that make your smile beautiful. However, not everyone is gifted with a healthy mouth because unfortunately, receding gums have become a common concern for both the young and the old. Receding gums are visible and easy to spot. Aside from being ugly to look at, they are also strong indicators that you have been suffering from gum disease for quite some time.

There are two major causes for receding gums. The first one is the progression of gum diseases. Basically, the bacteria causing gum diseases become more and more active and their activity irritates your gums; thereby forcing your tissues to pull away from infection. It’s a common form of defense but it does not stop the progression of receding gums.

The second reason for receding gums is the improper brushing of your teeth. When brushing your teeth, imagine brushing a ripe tomato. You cannot brush too hard because the tomato’s skin would become dented and its juices would flow out. This is the same thing that happens to your gums when you brush too roughly. It would take years of improper brushing before you see any distinct signs of receding gums, though.

Treatments for Receding Gums
Since receding gums lead to tooth sensitivity, cavities and a host of other dental problems, it would be best that you seek help the soonest possible time. If you have mild gum recession, deep cleaning of the affected area, coupled with some antibiotics, could end the problem.

However, if the problem cannot be addressed by deep cleaning, here are some other options that your dentist may recommend:

• Pocket depth reduction – a procedure wherein a periodontist folds back the affected gum tissues. He/she would then remove the harmful bacteria from the gum pockets before securing the gum back into place.
• Soft tissue graft – this a procedure wherein your periodontist would transfer a flap of skin from the roof of your mouth and tissue from under the flap to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root.
• Regeneration – is the process of regenerating lost bone and tissue by applying a regenerative material to the affected gums. This procedure will only be recommended if there has been a significant bone loss noted.
• Collagen Matrix – the most recent addition to the line of treatments available for receding gums is called the collagen matrix. During this procedure, your periodontist will inject collagen, which is harvested from Bovine Pericardium, to the affected gums. The process would enhance gum healing and would save you from the pains of having to go through corrective surgery. One thing to note though is that prior to the introduction of collagen, the affected gums would have to be cleaned out first.

The constant evolution of treatments that promise to correct dental problems without causing too much pain and discomfort is very encouraging. In fact, although Collagen Matrix is still relatively new; it is becoming a growing trend in some of the best dental clinics especially in Louisiana.
If you are in Louisiana and are suffering from receding gums, book an appointment with any of the experts at Creative Smiles Dental Care. They are located at 4432 Chastant St., Metairie, LA 70006 with phone number 504-885-0468. You may also visit their website at www.creativesmilesdentalcare.com or email them at [email protected]

Mar
9th

3. massaging teeth

Studies suggest that how you brush your teeth determines how effectively you avoid cavities. But a new study in the field of dentistry has revealed that massaging your teeth with high-fluoride toothpaste after lunch is as effective as brushing your teeth three times. Consistent massaging of any high-fluoride toothpaste is likely to increase your teeth’s fluoride protection by as much as 400%.

Initial tests conducted involved the participation of 16 volunteers who went through the different brushing methods. Half of the volunteers were called the core group and they were exposed to regular brushing techniques while the other half was exposed to the newly discovered technique. The result was that the group who massaged their teeth with high-fluoride toothpaste had stronger teeth with fewer cavities.

How It Works
Implementation is easy as you would only need to use your finger to rub high-fluoride toothpaste on your teeth at least once a day and don’t rinse the extra layer of toothpaste with water. It’s best that you rub it especially on the front of your teeth as an extra protection. However, you should still continue to brush your teeth as this technique is not enough to take the place of regular brushing.

The above-mentioned technique to fight cavities entails consistency in regular application. If you’re the type of person who easily forgets, it would be best to include this in your daily habit. Since this is a daily routine, it would take months before you can actually see or experience results.

Over-the-counter high fluoride toothpaste is readily available but self-diagnosis is not recommended. This is because the amount of fluoride that your toothpaste should have depends on the existing condition of your teeth. Hence, if you have a problem with cavities, you would need toothpaste with higher fluoride content. The best person to consult regarding this would be your dentist.

Talk with Your Dentist
Despite the rise of this new information, you would still need the expert advice of your trusted dental practitioner. The effects of teeth massaging with high-fluoride toothpaste will only be much appreciated if you do not already have any form of periodontal disease. Otherwise, you would need to have your dental issues corrected first by lasers, tissue grafting and dental implants before you can expect excellent results from this new-found technique.

The world of dental health is evolving primarily because of the proliferation of excellent dental schools that continue to produce great dental practitioners. Be reminded that your teeth are not just elements that you can use to steal the attention but more importantly, they are used to chew your food properly to begin correct digestion. As they say, good health begins with good oral health.

So to begin your journey towards a healthier smile, book an appointment with Creative Smiles Dental Care Clinic. The clinic is composed of topnotch dental practitioners and equipped with the most innovative dental technology to provide the best dental experience. Creative Smiles Dental has been around for 15 years so you can expect quality service. You can reach them at 504-885-0468 or visit their location at 4432 Chastant St., Metairie, LA 7006. Or you may email [email protected]

Mar
7th

Alleviate Dental Anxiety with Conscious Sedation Dentistry

Posted by brian in General Dentist,     March 7th, 2012 – 04:03 pm

sedation dentistry

It’s not a hidden fact that one of the most common reasons why a dental clinic gets a high no-show rate is the fear of dental procedures. Whenever teeth are repaired or pulled out, nerves are involved and that’s why pain is inevitable. But with improved facilities and a newer approach to dental care, your dentist can now perform procedures without the discomfort or pain. Thanks to the availability of conscious sedation dentistry.

Conscious sedation dentistry is the process of prescribing a simple oral medication to make sure that you experience complete comfort while your periodontist gets to work. Compared to plain anesthesia, the conscious sedation dentistry is better because of the following reasons:

1. The traditional means of applying anesthesia is through injection. If you are afraid of needles, this would not help soothe your dental tension. On the other hand, conscious sedation dentistry is all about taking a medication called Triazolam.
2. Even if you’ve had anesthesia, you can still feel the pressure in your mouth as your dentist drills through your teeth or pulls them. Conscious sedation is considered sleep dentistry because you would really be put to sleep all throughout the procedure. In fact, you would become so relaxed that you will eventually forget about the fact that you’re at your dentist.
3. Unlike anesthesia wherein dosage increases as the procedure unexpectedly lengthens, you will only need one Triazolam pill. Hence, sleep dentistry is perfect for extensive dental work or treatments that would otherwise require several visits to your preferred clinic.
4. Even if you’re thinking about going for general anesthesia, the sleep dentistry is still better. This is because you can still breathe on your own and respond to your doctor’s questions even if you would most likely forget about most of that soon.
5. It has no bad aftertaste so it’s basically a pop and forget drug.

Who are candidates for conscious sedation dentistry?
The target markets for the conscious sedation dentistry are those with unpleasant dental experiences. The fear of dentists can be based on first-hand experience of horrors relayed to them through their acquaintances or through media. Thus, even if tooth decay is visible, the patient would still choose not to go to a dentist for help.

Also, there are just some people who do not respond well to anesthesia that’s why they will be forced to sit at the dentist’s chair while enduring the pains of drilling and filling.

Safety Precautions in the Application of Sleep Dentistry
But like all other technological advancements, the conscious sedation dentistry does not come without any disadvantages. Since you will be sedated an hour before you go to the dental clinic of your choice, you will need someone to accompany you to the clinic. Also, these are controlled drugs and must be taken according to the advice of the dental practitioner. Multiple doses can lead to over sedation that would possibly knock you out for hours. That is why you must only go to a dental practitioner who has received sufficient training in sleep dentistry to avoid getting multiple doses. Such a practitioner understands that different people respond to drug differently and thus can give your body enough time to get the drug working.

Creative Smiles Dental has doctors professionally trained in sleep dentistry techniques. You may visit their clinic at 4432 Chastant St., Metairie, LA 70006. To get more information on the services that they offer, visit their website at www.creativesmilesdentalcare.com or send them an email at [email protected]

Mar
5th

Why Smokers Should Find a Reputable Dentist

Posted by brian in General Dentist,     March 5th, 2012 – 03:03 pm

dentist and smokers

Here are the two most well-known facts about smoking: it shortens your life and it causes dental problems. However, there are still approximately 52.7 million smokers in the US as of 2007 despite the intense government campaigns against it. But based on the accumulated data of the Office on Smoking and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the increase in population has decreased the percentage of smokers to the point that smoking prevalence is expected to fall to only 17% by 2020. From now until then, dentists would continue to treat halitosis secondary to smoking.

Smoking Kills Good Bacteria
A healthy person naturally has a balanced ecosystem of good bacteria and that is regardless of the daily disturbance brought about by brushing and flossing. According to new research, the mouth of a smoker is made up of a more chaotic ecosystem that is more susceptible to the invasion of bad bacteria. This chaotic ecosystem kicks out the good bacteria and leaves more than enough room for bad bacteria to flourish. That explains why it is common for smokers to have symptoms of dental and oral diseases.

The implication then, from a dentist’s point of view, is that there is a need for more aggressive forms of treatment over an extensive period of time. Other than that, patients would be advised to quit smoking to restore the balanced oral ecosystem.

To support the anti-smoking campaign, here are some facts as published in the journal Infection and Immunity:

• The mouth of a smoker is devoid of the biofilm, which is where communities of good bacteria thrive.
• During regular cleaning when good bacteria are also scraped away, non-smokers can easily regain a healthy balance. There is also a significantly low level of cytokines, which is a good indication that your body is not treating good bacteria as threats.
• On the other hand, pathogens start dominating the mouth of smokers only 24 hours after deep cleaning. Smokers encourage a pathogen-rich community as indicated by the high level of cytokines noted. Cytokines are the substances released by the body as a defense mechanism against likely pathogen attacks. In dentistry, this early and frequent mounting of defense is characterized by swollen gums or gingivitis and that could lead to the periodontitis.
• What’s worse is that a smoker’s body not only treats pathogens as harmful but the good bacteria too. Speculations surrounding this phenomenon include the possibility of smoking confusing the communication between the body and its bacterial communities.

The Important Role Dentists Play as Health Professionals
Dentists make money whenever patients come in for checkups or treatments, and that could probably be the reason why not all dentists advise patients to stop smoking in order to improve their oral health. Since your dentist holds the records of your oral health, it is his/her responsibility to make sure that you are well-informed of the condition of the good bacteria in your mouth. It is then of utmost importance that you choose a dental practitioner who would be honest and bold enough to tell what you need to do to better your oral health.

If you are looking for a trusted dentist in Louisiana, get in touch with Creative Smiles Dental. Their clinic is located at 4432 Chastant St., Metairie, LA 70006. You may also visit their website at www.creativesmilesdentalcare.com or email them at [email protected]