There’s an old joke that goes, “You brush your teeth at night to keep your teeth, you brush your teeth in the morning to keep your friends.” Humor aside, the morning cleaning ritual for many people underscores cosmetic concerns. They’ve just eaten breakfast, perhaps had some coffee, and now they’re en route to interact with colleagues and clients at work. Who wouldn’t want a shiny smile to start the day? But even with the best intentions, our brushing habits may be causing more harm than health. Abrasive pastes, hard bristles, and antiseptic rinses can be more problematic than productive.

Oral Health Has Not Improved Much for Many People

Despite all of the advances in dentistry, including at-home care products, oral heath hasn’t significantly improved in over 30 years. The pandemic made matters worse. During the outbreaks and quarantines, teeth grinding and other dental damage increased. New data from practicing dental professionals and the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute indicate nation-wide spikes in dental conditions such as chipped teeth, cavities, and grinding, technically called bruxism. Yet as we wrote in April, the situation today appears to have worsened, with a majority of Americans reporting high-stress levels due to financial concerns, inflation, the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 variants, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to a poll from the American Psychological Association. Although people may not realize it, depression correlates to poor oral health.

Recent situations like the pandemic, however, can’t be viewed as the sole culprits in substandard oral hygiene. Roughly half of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease. That figure climbs to 70% for seniors over the age of 65, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The real issue is one of extremes: people either neglect their teeth and gums or swing to the opposite end of the spectrum by disinfecting and sterilizing their mouths to such lengths that they disrupt the balance of the oral microbiome. Although it may sound counterintuitive, using products that eradicate all the bacteria in one’s mouth will have negative consequences.

Practicing Healthy Habits

Antiseptic mouthwash is usually advertised as killing 99% of, well, everything. And it’s true; the products actually live up to their claims. That’s not necessarily a good thing. Stringent antiseptic rinses leave behind tough, hardy, and detrimental microbes. Without others to keep them in check, they begin to repopulate the mouth and take over. This leads to myriad problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and more.

So what should you do? Stick with the tried and true basic best practices.

• Clean your teeth before breakfast or 30 minutes after. The mouth becomes acidic when eating, in order to break down food. Brushing immediately after can damage your enamel.
• Choose an non-alcoholic mouthwash and rinse after waking. This will restore the pH of the mouth and loosen any plaque or particles that accumulated during sleep.
• Floss. Yes, floss. Any floss is better than no floss at all. String-based flosses tend to work the best.
• Use a soft bristled toothbrush (electric or manual) and don’t apply too much pressure.
• Clean your tongue with the brush or a tongue scraper made for that purpose.
• Use toothpaste from a reputable brand that’s fluoridated, effective, and bears the ADA seal of approval.

And, as we always advise, make sure to visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA), Oral Health Month is a reminder about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. Every June, we celebrate the pioneering advances that have been made since the early 20th century in the field of dentistry.  And because Oral Health Month also marks the beginning of summer, it’s a perfect time to visit the dentist before hitting the beaches and resorts.

Oral Health Month Is a Celebration of History

People may not associate the evolution of dentistry with the march of history, but oral health has played its part in the progress of our nation. In 1906, a Connecticut dentist named Alfred Fones trained his cousin to assist in cleaning his patients’ teeth and performing preventative treatments. He coined the term “dental hygienist,” and Irene Newman, his cousin and assistant, became the world’s first person to hold that title.

Newman’s training consisted in large part in learning to clean teeth under Fones’ guidance. For teaching aids, Fones took the many extracted teeth from his practice, mounted them in a modeling compound and painted plaster of Paris around the neck of each tooth to represent calculus and stains. Newman started performing oral prophylaxis for the public in 1907. Seeing the success of the program and the position, Fones established the first school of dental hygiene in 1913.

Newman later received the world’s first license as a dental hygienist in Connecticut in 1917, and she became the first president of the Connecticut Dental Hygienists Association. Fones forged ahead in his efforts and eventually formed the American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA). Shortly after the organization’s creation, all 50 U.S. states had licensed dental hygienists.

The ADHA continued to influence not only oral health standards in America but contributed to its social progress, as well. During the Civil Rights era of the 1950s and 1960s, the ADHA played a part. The ADHA lifted previous restrictions for admissions based on race, color, and creed. The association also struck the word “female” from the ADHA constitution, allowing males to graduate in dental hygiene. Jack Orio became the first male student to do so. 

The Importance of Oral Health

Most of us know the basic steps of keeping our mouths healthy: brushing at least twice a day, flossing, regular dental checkups, and cleanings. What people may not understand is how oral hygiene contributes to better overall health.

Compared to other parts of the body, people are more likely to ignore problems that manifest in the mouth.  Bleeding gums, pain, and infections are common problems that negatively impact physical health and quality of life.  They affect how a person speaks, eats, and socializes. There are also more serious risks.

As we wrote previously, an estimated 54,000 cases of oral cancer were diagnosed last year. About 43% of those individuals were not expected to survive beyond the five-year mark. Unlike other cancers, this disease is less frequently discussed in the media. And with only 35% of adults attending routine dental screenings, the risks are high.

Ways to Honor Oral Health Month

Maintaining oral hygiene is not difficult, but it does require a little diligence. Here are some best practices to incorporate into your daily routine.

• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, covering all four quadrants for 30 seconds
• Don’t forget to brush your tongue
• Alcohol-free mouthwashes can reduce plaque formation, curb infection, and eliminate bad breath
• Eating healthy foods goes far in helping the body fight or prevent infection
• Avoid acidic beverages like orange juice and carbonated beverages, which can erode the enamel on your teeth 
• Sugary foods, as we all know, cause cavities
• Check your mouth for any warning signs of oral cancer, such as red or white discolorations, bleeding, sores, or bumps

Most importantly, be sure to schedule regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist. Over 116 years ago, the first dental hygienist began practicing critical work that continues to advance in effectiveness. So schedule a visit and be a part of the rich dental history we celebrate every June.

June 1 marks the first day of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Equality, inclusion, acceptance, and support for friends and loved ones in the community are critical to the advancement of our society. We talk a lot about these issues during Pride, but the subject of health is often pushed aside. It shouldn’t be. The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities identifies the LGBTQ+ community as a “health disparity population” due to lowered access to health coverage – including dental care. Clinical research shows that sexual and gender minorities who live among high levels of prejudice will die sooner – 12 years on average – than those residing in more accepting environments. Because oral health affects physical and mental health, the issue is too important to discount.

A Growing Community

The number of people in the LGBTQ+ community has risen steadily over the years. According to the most recent Gallup Poll on the topic, published in February 2021, 5.6% of U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ – up from 4.5% in the 2017 survey. Within the ranks of Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2002), the number climbs to 15.9%. Given these facts, combined with the problem of “health disparity,” providing LGBTQ+ people with access to safe, comfortable, and compassionate oral health care is vital.

LGBTQ+ Dental Issues

Risks Associated with HIV and Hepatitis

Academic research data indicate that bisexual, lesbian, and gay individuals are more likely to rate their oral health unfavorably when compared to their straight peers. Because oral and physical health are intrinsically linked, dentists must be open to discussing concerns beyond oral health to support the needs of this patient group.

Although LGBT people experience higher rates of HIV and hepatitis, these diseases do not represent the singular causes of health risks for the population. They persist, however, as serious risk factors. HIV lowers the body’s immune system and ability to fight infection, which includes infections in the mouth or gums. Some HIV medications also produce side effects that lead to oral health problems.

Substance Abuse and Homelessness

As a result of systemic discrimination and disadvantage, LGBTQ+ people often succumb to higher rates of homelessness and substance abuse than the general population. These circumstances make routine oral hygiene challenging, with dental avoidance leading to tooth decay and other dental complications. For transgender people undergoing hormone therapy, there are additional risks of osteoporosis, changes in bone density, and gum disease.

Mental Health

LGBTQ+ people experience unique hurdles and different stresses than other underrepresented groups, which can contribute to poor mental health. What patients may not realize is the impact of mental health challenges on dental care. For example, people living with anxiety or depression are less likely to maintain a regular oral hygiene regimen. They’re also less prone to scheduling routine dental checkups and cleanings. In certain cases, mental health issues can result in eating disorders, which propel the onset of dental problems.

Communication

Facing ongoing and widespread discrimination, LGBTQ+ are naturally reluctant to divulge their gender identities or orientations openly, but this lack of transparency complicates treatment. Failing to disclose relevant health conditions, medications, hormone therapy, and even lifestyle behaviors will likely jeopardize favorable treatment outcomes.

Dental teams must know and understand their patients’ medical histories along with any medications they are taking. This includes medicines prescribed by physicians for HIV or Hormone Replacement Therapy. If a patient has HIV or hepatitis, the dentist must also know about that. Openness is critical to good results and effective treatment.

Dentists are dedicated to improving your oral health, not judging your life or identity. That said, finding a dentist that instills comfort, ease, a sense of security, and trust is imperative. LGBTQ+ people should do their research, seek referrals from other members in the community, and schedule consultations to find a dentist whom they consider ideally situated to care for their unique needs. And with that, we would like to offer a very special case study to demonstrate our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

New Smile, New Beginning

Damon Fassett, a courageous young man, was referred to the Blende Dental Group by Western Dental for treatment beyond their dentists’ skill sets.

Damon endured a difficult childhood, underscored by bullying and ostracization. As a transgender male, his early adult years were equally frightening. He developed bulimia and anorexia, causing dental decay, pain, and abscess.

For Damon, who never felt a real sense of belonging or self-confidence growing up, correcting the issues with his teeth and having a beautiful smile became important aspects of his transition to a new life, where he could finally embrace his genuine identity. But the importance of restoring his oral health extended far beyond cosmetics. In order to secure approval for his gender affirmation surgery, he needed to gain back enough weight to undergo testosterone treatment. His oral health complications made eating difficult.

The level of treatment involved would typically require long hours and multiple visits. Dr. Blende accomplished all aspects of his treatment in two sessions. Damon was first seen at Sutter Hospital where he underwent general anesthesia, allowing our team to comfortably and safely complete his dental work. His second visit included the cementations of crowns and bridges in the office using nitrous sedation.

Because of the costly procedure, Damon had initially feared that he wouldn’t be able to move forward with the treatment. Given Damon’s unique and sympathetic circumstances, Dr. Blende’s team performed the procedure at no cost. Damon’s gratitude for the exceptional care and generosity of Dr. Blende brought him to tears. He described Dr. Blende’s attitude and approach as “inspiring.”

Damon has since focused the next stage of his journey on helping others in need by training service animals to assist people suffering from emotional, behavioral, and physical distress. He credited Dr. Blende as a primary impetus for encouraging him to realize his dream.