This body-mouth connection is a growing concern for general dentistry practices, especially since many dentists have begun to take a holistic approach to their patients’ oral health treatments.

Oral bacteria can get out of control for a number of reasons, including your daily oral health habits that may become neglected over time.

“When bacteria builds up, it makes gums susceptible to infection,” said Dr. Vincent Mariano, one of the East Longmeadow and Northampton dentists at EMA Dental. “The bacteria eventually eat away at teeth and gums, causing periodontitis or gum disease.”

Gum disease can cause a number of health complications. For example, more than 90 percent of heart disease patients are found to have gum disease, according to WebMD.

Also, mothers-to-be with gum disease are as much as seven times more likely to give birth before their due date, according to the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Risk factors for oral cancer and gum disease are similar, so preventive steps toward avoiding one may help you steer clear of the other, as well.

Periodontitis has also been found as a cause and consequence of diabetes. Ninety-five percent of diabetes patients also have gum disease, according to the ADHA. Many of those people often have a harder time controlling their blood sugar level than if they did not suffer from gum disease.

The bacteria that enter your blood stream as a result of gum disease can cause infection in other parts of your body, such as the endocardium, or innermost layer of your heart’s tissues.

Bacteria-ridden blood that enters that bloodstream can cause cardiovascular disease, according to Woman’s Day. This can often lead to stroke.

Through their National Stroke Awareness Month in May, the National Stroke Association offers stroke prevention tips. While some causes of stroke are uncontrollable, there are many simple ways, such as developing good brushing and flossing habits, that may help you to avoid this dangerous condition.

There are several other ways your oral health can help you know more about your overall health. For example, oral lesions may be a sign of HIV/AIDS. Tooth loss, which can be caused by gum disease, is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease if it occurs before age 35. The good news is that any teeth you lose due to decay can be replaced by dental implants.

Simple, daily habits such as brushing and flossing can have a positive impact, based on how well and how often you do them.

It is especially important to attend to oral health habits if you have Invisalign or any other types of braces because orthodontic hardware can make it more difficult for you to properly care for your teeth.

Your general dentistry expert can help you by identifying gum disease and other bacteria-related problems before they wreak havoc not only on your mouth, but also your entire body. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about the state of your oral health and steps you can take toward improving your oral hygiene habits.

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This event is a day for people, non-government and government organizations, to educate the public on the effects of tobacco use. Some activities include public marches and educational programs aimed at education and encouragement to stop smoking. The theme for this year is “tobacco industry interference.”

All forms of tobacco are dangerous to your health. These include cigarettes and cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff.

Medical research made it clear during the 1900s that tobacco use increased the likelihood of many illnesses including heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema and many types of cancer, according to the Time and Date website.

The Northampton dentists at EMA Dental use this day to educate patients of the effects of tobacco use.

Tobacco may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of gum disease, which is an inflammation of the gums and bones surrounding the teeth. The gums begin to pull away from the tooth, bone begins to deteriorate and the tooth may fall out.

“Smokers tend to lose more teeth than non-smokers,” says prosthodontist Dr. Vincent J. Mariano of EMA Dental, a multi-service family dentistry practice. “Also, it can take longer for a smoker to heal from periodontal treatment.”

These effects can be reversed if the patient quits the habit before treatment begins, according the American Academy of Periodontology website.

Other consequences of tobacco use include:

• Discoloration of the teeth
• Halitosis
• Increased buildup of plaque
• Higher chance of bone loss within the jaw
• Higher risk of leukoplakia, which is white patches in the mouth
• Increased risk of oral cancer

If tooth loss occurs, a dental implant can be an option. However, it is best to kick the habit before signs of trouble appear.

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These screenings are a regular part of dental appointments, so it is important for you to see your family dentist regularly. Typically, routine appointments are twice a year.

The Oral Cancer Foundation invites dentists to participate in Oral Cancer Awareness Month to stress the importance of early detection. This foundation is a non-profit organization designed to reduce suffering and save lives through prevention, education, research, advocacy and patient support activities, according to The Oral Cancer Foundation website.

“This type of cancer is the largest group among head and neck cancers,” says Dr. Vincent J. Mariano, an expert in prosthodontics.

Some common names for oral cancer include mouth cancer, tongue cancer, tonsil cancer and throat cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimated that 36,540 people were diagnosed with oral cancer in 2010, resulting in 7,880 deaths, according to the American Dental Association website.

“Screenings aid in early diagnosis, resulting in a higher chance of survival,” says Dr. Mariano, the Springfield MA Lumineers expert.

During the screening, the dentist will look for red or white patches or mouth sores. With gloved hands, your dentist will feel the tissues of your mouth for lumps or abnormalities. The presence of lumps and sores doesn’t necessarily mean you have oral cancer. Further testing will determine if any abnormalities are cancerous.

Typically, a thorough oral, head and neck examination is done in less than five minutes. We will talk you through the entire process to create a more comfortable environment. We will use this time to educate you about signs and symptoms of oral, head and neck cancer and how to find it at an early stage.

Education and early detection are the keys to raising the survival rate of oral cancer. Take a mouth mirror and a light and inspect your mouth once a month. If you spot something suspicious, call your dentist.

“A biopsy is the only definite way to determine if you have oral cancer,” says Dr. Mariano who is a Springfield iBraces provider. “The suspicious cells are removed and tested.”

High risk patients are more likely to benefit from oral cancer screenings. Different factors that put a patient at risk are:

1. Tobacco use of any kind
2. Excessive alcohol use
3. History of oral cancer

Oral cancer is a preventable disease if caught early. To help prevent your risk of oral cancer, limit your consumption of alcohol, stop tobacco use, stay out of the sun, wear lip balm with SPF and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

If by chance you are diagnosed with oral cancer, treatment may include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. These different methods can be used alone or in combination to kill the cancer cells.

Oral cancer screenings are routine. It doesn’t mean your dentist thinks you have oral cancer if he/she suggests a screening. The goal is for you to live a healthy and happy life.

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1. Weak teeth that are not stable enough for Lumineers or porcelain veneers
2. Restoring broken or worn down teeth
3. Covering a tooth with a large filling for support
4. To anchor a dental bridge
5. Severely discolored teeth that don’t respond to teeth whitening procedures
6. To cover a dental implant

The creation of a dental crown typically takes two visits.

The First Appointment

The first appointment in the process of getting a dental crown involves shaping, or preparing,  the tooth, taking an impression and  constructing a temporary crown. Before this process begins, the tooth and surrounding tissues need to be anesthetized with local anesthetic to make the process comfortable and pain-free.

Once the anesthesia takes effect, the tooth is prepared to accommodate the crown. Reducing the size of your tooth allows the crown to slip on with ease. Next, an impression is made of your teeth. A temporary crown is created in the office from this impression. The impression is then sent to a dental laboratory, and a plaster cast of your mouth is created.

A temporary crown is placed on the tooth while the permanent crown is being made. Typically, this process takes two weeks. The final step of the first appointment is deciding the type of crown you want. The crowns are usually made from gold, porcelain-fused-to-gold, resin or the new generation of all ceramic crowns.

The Second Appointment

Before the prosthodontist seats the permanent crown, he needs to make sure that it fits and is aesthetically acceptable. The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is fitted and cemented.

The inspection process includes the use of floss to make sure that all sides contact the other teeth properly. The contact paper is then used to see how the teeth meet when you bite down with the opposing dentition. Typically, the paper is red on one side, and blue on the other. Solid contact with opposing teeth is the goal.

After you and the dentist agree on the fit, the crown is cemented. Once the cement sets, the dentist removes any excess that may have exited the crown around the gumline.

Once you are complete with the entire process, a dental assistant will go over any precautions that you should take. Any questions you may have can also be answered at this time. For the first day you may want to chew and function cautiously until you are comfortable with your new crowned tooth.

Most crowns will last 10 years or more depending on each individual’s maintenance schedule and oral environment.

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Specializing in dental crowns, dental implants, dentures, oral reconstruction and dental bridges, a prosthodontist is one of nine dental specialists recognized by the American Dental Association, a prosthodontist is a skilled architect who restores optimum function and the appearance of your smile and can also treat facial deformities due to congenital or birth anomalies to teeth and oral cancer reconstruction. According to Dr. Mariano, “the goal is to reconstruct a beautiful, natural smile for all our patients.”

“Prosthodontists receive three years of additional training beyond dental school,” says Dr. Mariano of EMA Dental, a multi-service practice that offers family dentistry. “We are trained to give the highest level of care in the field of prosthodontics.”

The graduate programs that a prosthodontist takes include classroom lectures, treatment of patients and lab experience with creating restorations. Additional training is earned through a hospital based program, which is accredited by the ADA.

There are approximately 3,000 prosthodontists in the United States. Only 1,000 of those are board certified. Dental specialists, Dr. Mariano is the only board certified prosthodontist in Western Massachusetts and Dr. Thomas Vergo is the only maxillofacial prosthodontist in Western Massachusetts.

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“A majority of stains come from coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco products,” says Dr. Emirzian, an esthetic dentist. “Teeth can also become worn over time, which can cause the yellow dentin color to show through.”

We offer ZOOM! in-office whitening, customized at-home whitening program and BOOST in-office whitening as the best options for extrinsic staining. The ZOOM! in-office whitening is a 90-minute procedure following a doctor exam. A highly trained team member will protect your gums with a rubber dam before placing the whitening agent on your teeth to be activated by the ZOOM! light.
Our customized at-home program is just as effective as ZOOM!; however, it requires more time to get the same results. A lower concentration peroxide gel is safely placed into custom trays and worn for one to two hours per day for two to three weeks.
Lastly, BOOST is another great option and is ideal for those who have whitened in the past and are looking for a “touch-up” or for those who would like an introduction to whitening.  BOOST is a one-hour, in-office procedure.

Beyond whitening, there are many other options available for enhancing your smile, including porcelain veneers. This option is great for those who have severe staining or chipped, crooked teeth. Both of these methods can brighten a smile.

“Many people with badly shaped, stained or crooked teeth can have a lower confidence level,” says Dr. Vincent J. Mariano of EMA Dental, a prosthodontist whose practice also offers esthetic and general dentistry. “They may be afraid to even open their mouths, which could hinder their business careers down the road.”

Veneers are virtually undetectable and resemble healthy tooth enamel. An impression is taken of the teeth and sent to the lab for custom fabrication.  The veneers are then bonded directly to the front and top surfaces of the teeth. Porcelain veneers are often one of the services that produce results that patients refer to as an extreme makeover.

Smiling can uplift our moods, relieve stress and boost the immune system. More importantly, a smile is contagious. Having the confidence to show your beautiful smile can draw people to you and lighten up any room.

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Tooth enamel is the outer surface of your teeth, and it protects against cavities. This layer is considered to be the hardest mineral substance in the body. Although it is strong, acids from food and drinks can put the teeth at risk. Wear and tear can also harm the enamel, according to information on the Crest Pro Health Website.

“Acid attacks on the teeth can cause a softening to the enamel,” says Dr. Vincent J. Mariano of EMA Dental, a multi-service practice that also provides tooth whitening with our cosmetic dentists in Springfield MA. “The loss of enamel can also be attributed to wearing, and once the enamel is gone it can’t be rebuilt.” Dr. Mariano explains a few factors of premature wear:

Attribution
Attribution is known as the tooth-to-tooth friction, which in small amounts is normal with everyday talking and eating. Severe grinding, also called bruxism, can wear the enamel down extensively. This friction happens when the jaw is clenched. Typically, this occurs during sleep when it is involuntary.

Abrasion
Abrasion is wearing of the enamel by brushing too hard or biting hard objects. Our general dentist would agree that brushing with a soft bristled tooth brush can help prevent abrasion to the enamel. Jewelry in and around the mouth, such as pierced lips and tongue, can also cause abrasion.
“Patients should never bite on pens, fingernails or hard candy,” says Dr. Mariano. “That can lead to severe abrasion and wear.”

Erosion
Erosion is the chemical wear of the tooth enamel. Citric acid, found in lemons, oranges and grapefruit, can wear a tooth down if exposed regularly. Coffee, tea and soft drinks contain a corrosive acid, as well. When consumed occasionally, it is rarely a problem; however it is a good idea to rinse your mouth once finished.
“Some fruit drinks contain acids that can be more erosive to the teeth than battery acid,” says Dr. Mariano. “Diluting the juice with water can help.”

Health problems can also effect enamel erosion. Acid reflux disease and gastrointestinal problems can produce more acid in the stomach, which can filter up into the mouth. Bulimia, an eating disorder that’s associated with self-induced vomiting, can erode the enamel and lead to tooth decay.
Our prosthodontic specialists are uniquely qualified to correct severe dental wear problems.

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The theme this year focuses on healthy habits for a healthy smile. Dr. Vincent J. Mariano and the dentists at EMA Dental, a multi-doctor Pioneer Valley dentistry office, are celebrating by acknowledging their amazing team of registered dental hygienists who have a combined 95 years of dental hygiene experience that enables them to provide services of the highest level to our patients.

“The doctors and hygienists are also happy to announce that our hygienists are now providing BOOST whitening services to their patients,” says Dr. Mariano. “BOOST is our newest whitening technique, and it is a great introductory procedure or a great touch-up option for those who have whitened in the past.”

The fact that it can be done by any of our hygienists or whitening specialists in just about an hour makes it a convenient and efficient option. In recognition of National Dental Hygiene Month, here are a few tips to keeping your mouth healthy.

Visit Dentist Regularly- Visiting your family general dentist routinely can help prevent serious dental issues, such as gum disease, cavities or tooth loss. Brush- Brushing twice a day is critical to maintaining a healthy smile, says Dr. Lisa Emirzian, an extreme makeover specialist.
Floss- Flossing can remove plaque and food debris from places a toothbrush cannot reach. Daily flossing is recommended for the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease.

Mouthwash- Rinsing your mouth is another important step in the prevention of gingivitis. Antiseptic mouthwash can kill germs that brushing leaves behind.
You can incorporate these simple hygiene tips into any busy schedule to maintain good oral health. The result is a beautiful healthy smile.

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“The longer you keep plaque on your teeth, the more harmful it can become,” says a Northampton MA dentist Dr. Vincent J. Mariano. “This bacterium causes an inflammation called gingivitis, where the gums become swollen and bleed easily.”

The dentists at EMA Dental, a Northampton, MA cosmetic dentist and multi-service provider, agree that oral hygiene is key to preventing extensive restorative procedures.Dr. Mariano, a dental implants expert, explains a few tips to help prevent gum disease.

• Brush At Least Twice a Day- Brushing thoroughly removes plaque and tartar from surface areas before it can harden. Using a fluoride toothpaste can help prevent decay, as well.
• Floss Daily- This is the only way to remove plaque from surfaces the toothbrush can’t reach.
• Mouthwash- Antiseptic mouthwash can get rid of the hidden bacteria in the mouth.
• Eat A Well-Balanced Diet- “Be smart about your meal choices; you can’t go wrong with fruits and vegetables,” says Dr. Mariano.
• Visit Your Dentist Regularly- Routine check-ups and professional cleanings will keep you a step ahead in the fight against gum disease. A dentist can intervene if you have any signs of periodontal disease, such as: bad breath, swollen gums, loose teeth or sensitive teeth.

Keeping up with your routine appointments and following proper hygiene protocol can help the fight against gum disease. You can even consider teeth whitening, a cosmetic dentistry service we provide in office, to add to your beautiful healthy smile.

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