Causes of Filling Failure

Previously on our blog, we’ve discussed warning signs of a failing dental filling. Patients at the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Center in Austin receive high-quality care, but fillings have a limited lifespan and sometimes need to be replaced. This week, we’re discussing what factors could cause a filling to fail.

According to newly published research, some of the most common factors in filling failure are smoking, alcohol, and genetics. While there’s nothing that can be done about genetics except increasing vigilance, alcohol, and smoking are two factors which cause a variety of oral health problems and are linked to the failure of other prosthodontics. Smoking is associated with higher rates of implant failure, and although the study only examined smoking in men, alcohol was found to increase the risk in both sexes. Of course, continued tooth decay was already known to contribute to filling failure. Another interesting result of the study was that white fillings do not have a higher rate of failure than old amalgam fillings, meaning that they are an aesthetically-pleasing alternative with little risk.

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.

 

Gum Disease and Stomach Cancer

We hope that all of our patients at the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin are taking good care of their oral hygiene, but in case they aren’t, researchers have given them a new reason. According to a recent study, people with periodontal disease are at increased risk for stomach cancer.

There are many factors which raise the likelihood of gum disease and stomach cancer, with smoking being one of the most obvious. We also know that factors in the stomach, such as acid reflux, can have a negative effect on oral health. But this study provides evidence of a causative relationship between oral pathogens and precancerous stomach lesions. Research subjects who had stomach lesions also had higher rates of gingivitis and harmful bacteria and were frequently people who didn’t floss. Scientists believe that gum disease may help to explain the presence of stomach cancer in some people who don’t exhibit other known risk factors.  Given how deadly stomach cancer is, maintaining regular oral hygiene is a small price to pay to reduce the odds of contracting it. If you need help with gum inflammation, contact our office so we can help restore the health of your mouth, and hopefully, your stomach.

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.

 

Alcohol and Oral Cancer

Among the people needing dental reconstructive surgery at the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group are those battling oral cancer. Many people are aware that tobacco use is a major risk factor for oral cancer, and there is growing awareness that HPV is linked to cancer in the oropharynx. But the American Society of Clinical Oncology recently made news by announcing that alcohol on its own is also a potent risk factor.

The exact mechanism by which alcohol leads to oral cancer has long been debated. One theory holds that its chemical composition breaks down mouth tissue, and when the tissue rebuilds, its DNA may be compromised, causing tumors to develop. It is known with certainty, however, that smoking and drinking alcohol together massively increase the risk of oral cancer. But the new study from the ASCO found that even moderate or light alcohol use alone increases the risk. This is true regardless of the type of alcohol consumed, although people who drink heavily are still at much greater risk than moderate and light drinkers.

The good news is that the ASCO also found that ceasing use of alcohol lowers the risk of oral cancer in the upper aerodigestive tract (which includes the mouth and throat). In the long term, the risk of oral cancer in people who quit drinking declined to the level of people who never drank.

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 FrederickShawDDS.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Can People with Diabetes Get Implants?

November is American Diabetes Month, and at the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, we’re dedicated to helping our patients manage how these diseases affect their oral health. People with diabetes have higher rates of periodontal disease than other people, which means they may wind up needing prosthetic teeth.

Gingivitis and its advanced form, periodontal disease, result from bacteria eating sugar stuck to the teeth. People with elevated blood sugar are at worse risk of developing gingivitis, and people with periodontal disease tend to experience more bouts of uncontrolled blood sugar. In the worst cases, they lose teeth as a result, but doctors historically questioned whether they were good candidates for implants. Diabetes causes wounds, including the surgical incisions necessary for implant placement, to heal more slowly, and inflammation was believed to harm implants. However, newly collected data published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that people with uncontrolled diabetes do not suffer unusually high rates of implant failure. They may take longer to heal from incisions and case-by-case consultations are always necessary, but it looks like people with diabetes can benefit from prosthodontics.

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 FrederickShawDDS.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Foods That Promote a Healthy Smile

Once tooth enamel is lost, it doesn’t return. To keep it strong, our eating patterns need to reflect healthy choices. Fruits and vegetables that have high water content, such as apples, celery, and strawberries, increase saliva flow. Saliva is our mouth’s primary defense against dry mouth and tooth decay. Dr. Fredrick Shaw is dedicated to keeping patient’s mouth’s healthy as possible, and that begins with a nutritious diet.

To maintain a balanced diet, it’s important to eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups. It’s necessary to avoid sugars and added sugars as they provide no nutritional benefit to the teeth and gums. Avoid sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks by replacing them with milk or water. Milk contains calcium that keeps enamel strong and water cleans the mouth with every sip, fighting against periodontal disease and decay.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about our sedation options and all 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.

Thank You for Your Continuous Reviews!

At Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, our staff appreciates feedback because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Brittney for this 5-star review but would like to thank her for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“I took my kids to see Dr. Shaw for their first dental exam. All I can say is what a wonderful experience it was for both of my children. The staff was amazing! Regina cleaned their teeth and was very gentle and friendly, she helped put my kids at ease. All of my billing questions were answered ahead of time so I knew what to expect when I went for our appointment. Keep up the great work Shoal Creek; we will definitely come back for our 6-month cleanings.” - Brittney

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning 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.

Cavities in Adults

When we think of cavities, we often think of dental educational materials aimed at children. This makes sense since children are the demographic most likely to suffer from cavities (which scientific literature usually refers to as “caries” or dental lesions). However, the second-most likely demographic to get cavities is seniors, which is why the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group wants adult patients to be aware of this issue.

According to information from the Centers for Disease Control in 2011, about one in five American adults had untreated tooth decay. Doctors debate why exactly cavities become more common in patients who had maintained good oral hygiene in middle age. It could be due to changes in diet, worsening dexterity, or loss of access to dental care. Other compounding issues are medication side effects, such as dry mouth, which reduce the body’s ability to fight off oral infections. Part of it could also be generational: people who are in the older age bracket now may not have had fluoridated water when their teeth were emerging, putting them more at risk when their oral care is compromised.

Regardless, it is especially important for seniors to maintain good oral hygiene. Toothpaste with extra fluoridation can be a big help to them, as can dental sealants, which reduce the area in which food debris can get trapped and become fuel for bacteria growth.

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 FrederickShawDDS.com and fill out a contact form.