Diabetes and Tooth Loss

Our mission at the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin is to restore the teeth of people who have lost them. But we also care about prevention, and we don’t want to see our patients have relapses of gum disease. People with diabetes are particularly at risk for gum disease-related tooth loss, so it’s important for them to understand how closely oral health and the rest of the body are linked.

Gingivitis is inflammation of gum tissue. It occurs when there is an infection in a gum pocket, which triggers the immune system’s inflammatory response. Inflammation limits the spread of disease and makes cells more permeable to chemicals that white blood cells rely on, but it is painful and can damage tissues if it is prolonged. People with diabetes get inflammation more often and have more difficulty fighting infections. It is unknown exactly why this is, but high blood sugar is known to cause arteries to thicken.

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into periodontal disease. At this point, the gum and jaw bone tissues are receding, leaving teeth vulnerable to coming loose. While we can replace teeth, implants need jaw bone tissue to fuse with. It is important for people with diabetes to get regular cleanings and periodontal therapy for tissue loss they have incurred. Fortunately, there is evidence that following treatment for gum disease, people with diabetes have an easier time regulating blood sugar.

Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38^th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit Frederick Shaw DDS and fill out a contact form.

 

Avoid Tooth Decay during the Holidays

We’ve given a lot of people new teeth at the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin’s Rosedale neighborhood. Hopefully, our patients will be able to enjoy their implants and dentures for the rest of their lives. But prosthetic teeth are still vulnerable to tooth decay, and sticky, sugary treats abound during the holidays. We thought we should recommend how to enjoy food and drink safely.

Tooth decay is caused by acid that oral bacteria produce as a waste product. The materials of implants and dentures are not immune from acid, and food debris can get caught in them, just as with regular teeth. Sticky sweets like toffee and cranberry sauce are obviously likely to get stuck, but the residue from hard candies can also remain on teeth for an extended period.  Another common source of sugary residue is from drinks. Apple cider, eggnog, wine, and hot chocolate all tend to be drunk slowly, giving bacteria lots of time to metabolize them. Bacteria can metabolize starches, too, so debris from crackers, potatoes, and squash can fuel decay if it gets stuck in dental indentations.

Saliva washes away sugary residue, so it’s best to limit treats to full-sized meals when you’re producing more of it. If this isn’t realistic, you could also try chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production and remove some debris. While enjoying sugary drinks, alternate them with sips of water to remove residue. You can protect your natural teeth by drinking fluoridated water, so bring some bottles with you if you’re traveling to a house without it.

Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38^th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit Frederick Shaw DDS and fill out a contact form.

 

Sedation Dentistry

Dr. Fredrick Shaw, DDS utilizes sedation dentistry to provide a relaxing and anxiety-free dental experience. If you struggle with anxiety or are too afraid to visit the dentist, we have sedation options that might ease you back into the dental chair. There are different types of sedation that will vary between mild to moderate and we can discuss which option is best for you during an initial consultation.  

Levels of sedation range from mild, to moderate, to deep, and are achieved through different types of sedatives. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, sedation is safe, but it’s important to discuss your questions and concerns with Dr. Shaw before your dental procedure. The most common form of sedation includes a sedative (nitrous oxide) that allows patients to drive themselves home after a procedure, but if you decide on oral conscious sedation, you may need to be accompanied to your appointment by a friend or a relative.

If you have questions or concerns about sedation dentistry, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Smoking with Sleep Apnea

Smoking will exacerbate any respiratory condition.  It is proven to cause snoring and lead to obstructive sleep apnea.  Patients struggling with sleep apnea should see the doctors at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group for evaluation. We can help patients find relief from sleep apnea, but quitting smoking is up to you!  Smoking causes upper airway inflammation, meaning the swelling causes the airway to narrow and disrupts the nasal passage and throat.  This causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  Cigarettes are highly addictive, and some smokers seek treatment for sleep apnea but continue to smoke. Smoking with sleep apnea not only puts more stress on the heart every day, but negates any treatment a sleep apnea patient is undergoing.

Habitual smokers may feel relaxed by one last cigarette for the day, but it actually creates more complications for restful sleep. Smokers can experience nicotine withdrawal overnight, causing more waking up and restlessness.  Quitting smoking cold turkey is very difficult, but even lessening the amount of cigarettes or avoiding smoking at nighttime can help you achieve more restful sleep.  Most smokers cannot quit on their own or on their first attempt, so don’t get discouraged!

If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep disorders, please give us a call. To learn more about sleep apnea treatments we offer, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.