Dental Health and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that decreases bone density and weakens bones, affects 10 million people. More than one-third of women over age 65 display signs and symptoms of the disease. As the disease progresses, the vertebral bones can become weakened, resulting in a curved backbone. Also, the other bones in the body, such as the hip, will become susceptible to fracture during normal everyday activities.

Some of the risk factors for the disease are: heredity, calcium deficiency, smoking, menopause, excessive caffeine or alcohol and an inactive lifestyle.

Sadly, most individuals inflicted with osteoporosis are not diagnosed until they experience a bone fracture.

What many patients have been grateful to realize is that Dr. Stelmach can help them interpret early signs that they may be dealing with osteoporosis. Oral-health issues such as tooth loss and gum disease, are early signs he has detected that lead him to suspect osteoporosis and recommend follow-up appointments with each patient’s personal physician.

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, it’s more important than ever to continue practicing good oral hygiene. This includes maintaining regular dental checkups for frequent dental cleanings. Other important health practices include consuming calcium and vitamin D and adding weight training to your exercise regimen.

We invite you to let Dr. Stelmach help you continue on the path to living your best, healthiest life. Take action today by making your next regular dental appointment at our leading Beverly Hills Dental Practice.

To your health!

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can strengthen enamel, which in turn makes the teeth resistant to decay. Over the years, it has been the subject of intense dental research. Experts have now proven that fluoridated water alone can reduce the occurrence of tooth decay by up to 40 to 60 percent, and toothpaste with added fluoride has been found to help reduce decay by up to 50 percent.

You may be more aware of fluoride’s critics. This is because the use of fluoride has been challenged again and again. What’s important to realize is that no scientific evidence has been found to prove adverse effects of water fluoridation.

On January 25,1945 - Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first city in the world to adjust the level of fluoride in its water supply. Since then, cities across the country have enhanced their water supplies with fluoridation and it has dramatically improved the oral health of tens of millions of Americans. In fact, the American Dental Association reports that community water fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. And The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has proclaimed community water fluoridation as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. Today, over 72% of the U.S. population is served by public water systems characterized by optimally fluoridated water.

I encourage you to schedule an appointment at my Beverly Hills dental practice to learn more about the benefits of fluoride and a full range of additional healthful dental information. You’ll be welcome to a peaceful, one-on-one consultation in which we can discuss all of your dental needs. Feel free to contact us online, or call us right now at 310.659.5399. To your health!

Take A Day Off from Brushing Your Teeth

Let's make a deal! You come visit our Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dental practice every six months, and on that day, we'll brush your teeth for you. In fact, we'll also floss them, get rid of any tartar buildup, treat any gingivitis problems, and polish your teeth, too. Just call Cami to make your next appointment, and let Lynette and Patti treat you to a day off from brushing.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

 

 

Smoking and Periodontal Disease

Inflammation and Discoloration

Most people are aware of typical medical problems associated with smoking, such as lung disease, cancer, heart disease and low-birth-weight in infants.

But I want you to realize another real and significant threat to smokers: periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is essentially a chronic, open infection in your mouth. Smoking worsens this very serious dental condition by damaging the natural process your body uses to fight the periodontal infection.

Research has shown that smokers are four times more likely to have advanced periodontal disease, and are twice as likely to lose their teeth because of it.

Periodontal disease begins with calculus, which is dental plaque that hardens on your teeth and can only be removed by a professional cleaning. If it isn't removed, it will continue to build up, not only on visible portions of your teeth, but below the gum line, too. 

Once it reaches below the bum line, the bacteria in the calculus can destroy your gum tissue and cause your gums to pull away from your teeth. These spaces are called periodontal "pockets" and they fill with disease-causing bacteria that destroy tissue and supporting bone. At that point, the gums can shrink away from the teeth making them look longer, and left untreated, cause teeth to become loose, painful and even fall out.

And there's more. Cigarette smoke contains over  4000 harsh, damaging chemicals – including formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, ammonia and arsenic – and those chemicals can slow down the healing process. So even if you've had periodontal treatment - or any type of oral surgery – smoking can severely compromise the results.

We hope this information will help you find the strength to stop smoking. But even if you don't stop, please come in for a cleaning as soon as possible. We'll welcome you and develop a treatment plan of frequent cleanings and regular pocket measurements to make certain we protect your health against this serious condition.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Exceptional Cosmetic Dentist. Extraordinary Whole Life Dentist.

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted