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Tooth loss is a risk factor for Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

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With an increasing number of people, especially the elderly, having cognitive impairment (CI) and dementia, there is a strong need to narrow down the cues that lead to these debilitating diseases. In the United States alone, there are around 6 million people living with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, and the number is predicted to touch a staggering 14 million by 2060. On the other hand, cognitive impairment or subjective cognitive decline is quite common, especially in people who live by themselves, with some states having up to 50% population with some symptoms.

One of the surprising associations of both dementia (mostly associated with Alzheimer’s) and cognitive impairment is tooth loss. While it might sound absurd that losing teeth can cause someone to develop dementia or CI, research has shown a positive relationship between the two. There are multiple studies that have shown this resemblance. For instance, research led by NYU concluded that people who had tooth loss had a 1.48% higher chance of getting these diseases, especially in their late ages. The study also hinted that the early use of dentures has a somewhat protective effect on people who have tooth loss. Other studies carried out in Japan and Saudi Arabia also suggested similar findings.

You might be thinking what is the relationship between the two? Well as for now we don’t know the exact mechanism but it is partly associated with the stress of losing teeth. Teeth along with other facial features like tongue, lips, and facial skin are important aspects of a person’s appearance. Having some problems with teeth, especially being edentulous denotes the loss of sexual characteristics, increasing the feeling of growing old, and looking unattractive.

These feelings have various adverse psychological effects on a person, with some people even having brain loss. A 2018 research showed that people with teeth loss or edentulous people have decreased gray matter (type of brain tissue) in their brains, especially in the hippocampus, caudate nucleus, and temporal lobe of the right hemisphere. These areas of the brain are thought to have a crucial role in developing and retrieving memories. The caudate nucleus is especially associated with cognitive development while the hippocampus mainly functions as the memory maker of our brain

It does make intuitive sense that damage to these areas can lead to dementia and cognitive impairment. One of the reasons is the psychological trauma that is caused by the loss of teeth. While more studies are needed to make certain connections between tooth loss, dementia, and CI, it is evident that tooth loss in adults should be properly taken care of by a dentist to avoid these devastating conditions.

We are passionate about caring for our patients. To reduce your risk of dementia contact us today at (702) 257-9090 and learn about our tooth loss solutions.

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New Year, New Smile!

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For some, a New Year is turning a new leaf and making positive, impactful changes.  Make 2021 a new year for maintaining a healthy, stunning smile – which is as easy as 1,2,3! And 4. And 5.

Number 1 – Brushing – Simple and effective, even preschoolers know the amazing benefits of maintaining a schedule for brushing teeth. Make sure to use teeth whitening toothpaste to keep those teeth bright. Also, always have a toothbrush on hand that isn’t flayed or too old. Getting a new toothbrush is recommended after about 3 months or after an illness. This reduces the amount of bacteria on the brush while also ensuring bristles that can effectively brush away plaque and bacteria.

Number 2 – Flossing – Flossing works the same as brushing but it gets where a toothbrush simply cannot. Food is notorious for getting stuck between teeth and flossing is a great way to get food unstuck as well as scraping away plaque on smaller, tighter corners of the tooth.

Number 3 – Brace Yourself – Braces / Invisalign help straighten teeth which can make flossing and brushing easier along with making a smile simply look nicer. Contact us today to learn more about effective, affordable teeth straightening options.

Number 4 – Making Healthier Choices – Things like sugar and tobacco are the enemy of good oral health as they cause tooth decay and can stain teeth. On the other hand, calcium-rich dairy foods that strengthen teeth are always a safer choice. After a meal or snack, chewing gum with Xylitol can help keep teeth healthy and bright by discouraging plaque build up and bacterial growth while also neutralizing acids. Just be sure to keep track of what comes into contact with that smile!

Number 5 – Routine Dental Visits – Even with a dedicated schedule and extra care to things like reducing sugar intake, routine dental visits with a dentist at Sahara Dental Las Vegas are still key to maintaining good oral health.   X-Rays and professional knowledge of oral care help ensure that overall dental health is kept at the highest standard possible.

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Top Benefits of Dental Checkups – Schedule Your Dentist Visit

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Many people may procrastinate when it comes to scheduling a dental checkup  or had to cancel their routine dental check-up because of Covid-19.  Understand the long list of benefits of healthy teeth, gums, and overall well-being, a visit to the dentists at Sahara Dental Las Vegas may top the list of things to do. For everything from a basic cleaning to dental procedures for specific problems, the sooner you get in to see the dentist, the better.

Fix Existing Dental Issues and Prevent Future Ones
Toothaches, gum soreness, and other painful problems need attention as soon as possible so that they do not get worse. Even a seemingly healthy mouth may have hidden issues between or behind the teeth even though it may not appear in a mirror. Dental checkups allow a professional to fully examine the mouth and stop problems from getting worse.

Prevent Discoloration, Tooth Breakage, and Tooth Loss
The last thing anyone wants is to lose their teeth, have one break or crack, or look extremely attractive. These are all serious signs of dental issues that need attention quickly. When you schedule a dental visit, you help to ensure that these problems do not happen.

Fight Gum Disease and Receding Gum-lines
Accumulation of plaque and tartar at the gum line can irritate those delicate tissues and introduce harmful bacteria that cause infection. Over time, this leads not only to cavities and other tooth issues but also to gum disease. Gingivitis and other issues need prompt attention from a skilled dentist at the next checkup.

Prevent or Improve Chronic Bad Breath
Although eating onions or other strong foods can cause bad breath for a little while, people with chronic halitosis cannot escape this embarrassing problem. A dental checkup can help. A deep cleaning, solution for any oral infections, and instruction about better hygiene habits can keep breath fresher on a long-term basis.

Stop Harmful Infections Before They Happen
Surprising research shows that oral infections and poor dental health have a correlation to serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. The whole body works as an interconnected system, and optimum health depends on keeping every part of it in good order.  Regularly scheduled checkup with a dentist helps not only the teeth and gums but the entire body.

Look and Feel Better Every Day
An open smile helps make a good impression and sharing it with others can make a person feel good about themselves every day. Keeping teeth and gums healthy, bright, and attractive can boost personal and professional relationships, give confidence to share more with others, and help connect with individuals and opportunities in life.

These benefits of regular dental checkups should outweigh most reasons of putting off scheduling a visit to the dentist. Even if being nervous, worried about the expense, or have a very busy schedule, ignoring overall dental health will make things worse in the long run. Look and feel better, avoid expensive procedures in the future, and take care of the whole body health in the best way possible.

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Teeth Sensitivity Treatments

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Ever get a painful jolt from that special treat, hot or cold? It could be due to any number of causes including worn fillings or cavities, worn down tooth enamel or fractured teeth, gum disease or the roots of the tooth being exposed due to receded gums.

Usually, our teeth have a protective layer called enamel. This is the part of the tooth that should be most familiar as it is usually the only part of the tooth exposed. The top part of the tooth that sticks out of the gum, which is referred to as the ‘crown’, has a nice thick layer of enamel protecting the more sensitive parts of the tooth. While the decay of enamel can lead to sensitivity and generally unattractive teeth, the sensitive parts are more exposed under the gums.

When the gums are inflamed or receded, a very sensitive part of the tooth called dentin is vulnerable to abuse from heat, cold or even the pressure of the gums themselves pressing on the sensitive roots. Teeth sensitivity can be treated and treatment options will be explained by a Sahara Dental Dentist.

A common treatment is the use of desensitizing toothpaste. This toothpaste is designed to protect sensitive parts of the tooth while restoring enamel.

Another common treatment practiced by many professionals is the application of fluoride gel. Despite the name, this treatment can be in many different forms and relies on the distinction of the doctor.

On the more surgical side, we have gum grafts and root canals. Gum grafts are as they sound; the doctor will take a small bit of skin from the gums or palette also known as the roof of the mouth and move it to the exposed root. Root canals have more steps but are also simple. These procedures are done when there is something wrong with the tissue around the roots of the tooth. The damaged parts of the tooth are removed to get to the damaged area then refilled and topped with a crown.

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Metal-Free Dentistry

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Benefits of Metal-Free Dentistry

Due to advancements in the dental industry, metal-free restorations for dental work safely restores smiles and delivers a natural look without the amalgams that contain metal elements such as mercury. There are now alternative solutions to conventional metal-based materials in the market.  These include lithium di-silicates, ceramics and zirconia.  Metal-free solutions have greatly improved over the last decade, expanding the variety of metal-free options.

Natural Look

The new science of ceramics and the physical and optical properties of zirconia have allowed for detailed customization for all patients. These new solutions are lighter in color than their metallic counterparts, making it easier to adjust the shade to match any tooth.  They are very appealing and look like the real deal but feel like natural teeth too. 

Improved Durability

The lasting quality and strength of metal-free materials present an optimally durable restoration, and also provide safety and reinforcement for the natural tooth.  While wear and tear of the teeth is normal and inevitable, solutions such as all-ceramics for patients are in higher demand due to its fraction toughness, friction resistance, and strength when compared with traditional materials.

Biocompatibility

Advantages such as their realistic presence and erosive-resilience alone make metal-free restorations desirable to patients, but it is the safety of metal-free restorations that is among the main consideration of dentists and patients alike. Metal-free remedies are exceptionally biocompatible, ensuring a positive interaction with the patient’s body.

Metal-free solutions are safer for individual patients and the environment as well. According to the EPA, high levels of mercury in the bloodstream can cause brain damage and neurological problems. If released into the environment, it can enter the food chain and make it into our bloodstream. With the reduction or removal of mercury from labs and practices, we can help mitigate risks to the environment and people.

Versatility

The elimination of relying on mercury-based metal restorations enables the safest solution for all patients of all types and is especially important for pregnant women. For those who have experienced oral trauma, an all-ceramic crown placed alongside an implant is an exceptional alternative to prevent resorption of bone tissue.

Choosing the Best Metal-Free Option

It is important to pick the proper metal-free material based on the need of the patient. 

Zirconia, the hardest ceramic in the world of dentistry, is sintered then refined to procure a coping, substructure, or full-contour crown.  On top of its use in crowns, it can also be utilized for implants and implant abutments.  Well-known for outstanding durability and natural look, Zirconia is a leading pick in metal-free options.

Composite Fillings are made of a resin, a compound of plastic and ceramic materials. This resin also mimics the natural look that teeth have, and blend right in. Proving good resistance to fracture in up to medium-sized fillings, and good durability, they are good for front or back teeth.

How We Can Help

Our dentists in Las Vegas, NV can restore a patient’s smile the metal-free way with any of the products that Sahara Dental has to offer.  Whether it be restorative or cosmetic, there are numerous benefits for both oral health and aesthetics that all-ceramic alternatives offer. Call or email us today for more details, scheduling, and pricing.