By Dr. Carol Lybrook, DDS

Looking for a New Year’s resolution for 2011? How about rededicating yourself to taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums? It’s a resolution that will pay dividends for your health and your smile for a lifetime. According to the American Dental Association, one out of 10 individuals who make a resolution will carry through with the promise. This is a resolution you can’t afford to let slip.

Here are a few ways to get started:
Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach.
Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
Antimicrobial mouth rinses and toothpastes reduce the bacterial count and inhibit bacterial activity in dental plaque, which can cause gingivitis, an early, reversible form of periodontal disease.
Fluoride mouth rinses help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Clinical studies have demonstrated that using a fluoride mouth rinse and fluoride toothpaste can provide extra protection against tooth decay over that provided by fluoride toothpaste alone.
Fluoride mouth rinse is not recommended for children age six or younger because they may swallow the rinse. Always check the manufacturer’s label for precautions and age recommendations and consult with your dentist about the use of fluoride mouth rinse and any other oral health care product.

According to the American Dental Association, you should plan on visiting your dentist twice a year. A few people can get away with fewer visits; others may need more frequent visits. People with high risk of periodontal disease(because of current gum disease, a weak immune response to bacterial infection or a predisposition to plaque buildup or cavities) might need to see the dentist every three or four months, or even more frequently, for the best care. The schedule for any person may change during a lifetime. If you take good care of your teeth and gums at home and your dentist doesn’t find any cavities or gum disease for a few years, he or she may choose to lengthen the time between visits.

Start off the New Year with healthy resolutions that will make you smile and create healthy dental habits that can last a lifetime for you and your family. Happy New Year from all of us at Lybrook Dental Center.

By Dr. Carol Lybrook, DDS

Editor’s Note: The author, Dr. Carol Lybrook and her husband, Dr. Scott Lybrook, operate Lybrook Dental Center in the Kokopelli Professional Plaza in Fruita

The holiday season reminds us of our faith, our families and our blessings.

It also gives us a chance to step back and think about the things that truly matter the most. While our children may conclude an Ipod and the newest cell phone at the top of their list, you and I would probably put good health as the most important “gift” of all. And an essential part of good general health is oral or dental health. In fact, the American Dental Association has recently released a new report on oral health. Many of the findings underscore the vital importance of oral health as well as its relationship to overall health and well-being.

The findings show serious oral disorders may undermine self-image and self-esteem, discourage normal social interaction, and lead to chronic stress and depression as well as incurring great financial cost. They also may interfere with vital functions such as breathing, eating, swallowing and speaking. The burden of disease restricts activities in school, work, and home, and often significantly diminishes the quality of life.

The three primary goals of dental treatment are to eliminate pain, improve function, and restore or improve the appearance of teeth. To alleviate pain, the dentist must routinely treat infections of the teeth and gums. An infected tooth can be treated by removal of the tiny nerves and blood vessels (root canal) or by having the tooth removed.

A gum infection is relieved by careful removal of bacterial plaque and debris or other methods, including the selective use of antibiotics. The function of the teeth (chewing and speaking) is improved by replacing missing teeth and restoring damaged ones. Missing teeth can be replaced by dental implants, a fixed bridge (a series of joined caps or crowns), and by full or partial dentures. Damaged teeth can be restored by fillings, crowns (caps), or in other ways. Cosmetic dentistry can improve the appearance of teeth with tooth whitening, tooth shaping, white resin fillings, or porcelain veneers.

The gift of oral health is something to think about during the holidays.

Many people may still have unused dental insurance that can be applied towards their dental health before the New Year. As you well know, dental insurance is not cumulative- if you don’t use it you lose it. Fortunately most dental insurance plans renew in January with replenished funds for the year. Improved oral health is a wonderful goal for the New Year, and can give you and your family one more thing to be thankful for.

By Dr. Carol Lybrook, DDS

Editor’s Note: The author, Dr. Carol Lybrook and her husband, Dr. Scott Lybrook, operate Lybrook Dental Center in the Kokopelli Professional Plaza in Fruita.

 If you’re a woman, your hormones can have a big effect on your oral health at different times in your life — puberty, menses, pregnancy, and menopause all have an impact. According to the American Dental Association, 23 percent of women ages 30 to 54 have gum disease, and that number nearly doubles, to 44 percent, among older women. As women get older, loss of calcium can contribute to problems with oral health. Women over 50, especially if they are not taking calcium, can develop bone loss. This osteopenia or osteoporosis can result in loss of bone around the teeth, which can lead to tooth loss.

Here are other key concerns for women and their oral health:

Bleeding Gums

During puberty, increased levels of female hormones cause an increase in blood supply to your gums and can affect your gum health. This can lead to greater sensitivity and more inflammation from food particles and plaque. Similar responses can occur during menstruation, when taking oral contraceptives and during pregnancy. Gums may become swollen and bleed easily.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Gum disease is also more common during periods of high female hormone exposure. Up to 75 percent of women get gingivitis during pregnancy, usually between the third and eighth months. Research indicates that gum disease is also somehow related to more serious health problems, like obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. There is evidence that if you have advanced gum disease, a condition called periodontitis, you may be twice as likely to have a heart attack.

Canker Sores

Women are more likely to have recurrent canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers. Female sex hormones, along with stress, play a role in the occurrence of canker sores. Many women experience canker sores at certain times during their periods; conversely, the incidence of canker sores may decrease during pregnancy.

Salivary Gland Problems

Swelling of the salivary glands can occur in an autoimmune disease called Sjögren’s Syndrome in which white blood cells attack the cells that normally produce saliva. Loss of saliva, which helps protect your mouth from infection, can lead to gum disease and cavities. In addition to dryness of the mouth, other symptoms can include dry eyes, arthritis, and chronic fatigue.

All women should follow these basic guidelines to maintain the health of their teeth and gums:

• Brush your teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride at least twice a day.
• Floss at least once a day.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• See your dentist regularly.
• Ask your dentist to recommend a good antimicrobial mouth rinse.

Also, you should also remember that smoking is bad for oral health at any time and the combination of smoking and drinking is a proven risk for oral cancer, according to the American Dental Association.

Knowing about the oral health problems that women often face can help you take steps to protect yourself. See your dentist sooner if you develop any symptoms of gum disease. And remember that good oral health is important not just for your mouth, but also in helping to lower your risk for conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Halloween will be here before we know it and we all know that Halloween, to most children, means candy. According to the American Dental Association, 90% of children will go trick or treating this year and return home with bags full of sugary candy that can turn anyone’s mouth into a nightmare. Be sure to treat and don’t trick your kid’s oral health this Halloween by taking a few preventive steps:

Fight cavities with healthier treats

Since sugar-free gum is one treat that actually helps prevent cavities, it is a smart choice to give on Halloween.  Parents can also give it to their children to help neutralize the effects of sugary snacks after eating. Chewing sugar-free gum containing the artificial sweeteners sorbitol or xylitol actually helps reduce cavities. These sweetening agents are effective in combating the bacteria in plaque and fighting the acid that eats away at enamel.  In addition, the chewing motion stimulates the flow of saliva, which helps cleanse the teeth.

Remember that all foods should be consumed in moderation

Certain foods, such as sweets and soda, are easily linked to tooth decay.  However all foods can promote tooth decay if eaten in excess. The key is to teach kids to eat in moderation and make sure that they take proper care of their teeth. While healthy alternatives to candy such as fruit and nuts are great, these foods are sticky and can get caught in the pits and grooves of teeth, also causing decay. Reading nutrition labels and being sensible about the foods you and your children eat on a daily basis helps as well.

Brush teeth immediately after candy consumption

The excitement of Halloween night can distract your kids from everyday habits like brushing their teeth before heading to bed.  Sweets can be especially harmful to their teeth, since damaging acids form in the mouth every time they eat a sugary snack, and continue to affect the teeth for at least 20 minutes before they are neutralized Make sure your child brushes his or her teeth thoroughly before going to bed after a long night of trick or treating. The use of mouthwash is also recommended.

To learn more about preventive dental care, consult with your dentist and learn ways to keep your trick or treaters out of oral nightmares this Halloween. All of us at Lybrook Dental Center remind you to have a fun and safe Halloween.

There is good news and bad news about dentistry for our nation’s older adults.  The good news is the effort to promote preventive dentistry has worked so well that people in their 80s and 90s still have most of their teeth. The bad news is that our elderly population has unique challenges caring for their teeth if they become mentally or physically debilitated.  According the American Dental Association, medical conditions such as cancer, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, hypertension and depression take a toll on all aspects of an elderly patient’s health, including oral health.  Here are some common elderly oral health problems and methods to maintain good oral hygiene.

“Dry Mouth”

It has long been thought that dry mouth was caused by age. But new studies show dry mouth actually is most often caused by medications for other medical problems experienced by older individuals such as depression or hypertension, or radiation to treat oral cancers.  Dry mouth makes the gums dehydrate and shrink, increasing the incidence of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, and causing problems with speaking, chewing and swallowing. To combat a dry mouth, a preventive program often includes more frequent dental examinations and cleanings, daily use of prescriptive fluorides, a modified diet (stay away from refined sugars) and the use of artificial lubricating agents.

Physical Limitations

Older patients who may be mentally capable of taking care of themselves may not brush their teeth because physical limitations from arthritis or stroke, makes it difficult or frustrating for them to do so.  When this is the case, the best solution is an electric toothbrush. The larger handle can be held more easily and the mechanical movement of the brush compensates for limited arm and hand movement.  Two other useful tools are water irrigators and interdental cleaners. Water irrigators are also useful at removing particles from between teeth and gums, but if used improperly can force food particles into gum pockets and cause irritation. Interdental cleaners look like small brushes and are helpful to clean between teeth, especially when the gums have receded and created large spaces between the teeth.

Mental Limitations and Physical Confinement

One of the most complicated situations to address in elderly oral health care is when an elderly individual is infirm and lives in a long-term care facility.  In many nursing homes, staffing is a challenge and simple tasks such as ensuring that patients brush their teeth twice a day can be difficult.  If your elderly family member lives in a care facility, there are three basic steps you can take to maintain his or her good oral hygiene. Ideally, make sure the elderly patient brushes twice a day.  A prescription-strength, concentrated fluoride toothpaste used nightly would protect soft roots and strengthen teeth against bacteria and sugars.  Ask the nursing staff to avoid giving the elderly patient refined sugars found in candy or ice cream before bed. 

 Fear of Pain and Cost

Perhaps the biggest factor deterring many older adults from using dental services is cost.  Many elderly, because of their low fixed income, feel that they cannot afford dental care.  However, the cost of a regular check-up, tooth cleaning and repair of cavities or cracked teeth is much less expensive than major dental work that would be required due to long-term neglect. Fear of pain often associated with dental procedures may prevent some older adults from seeking dental care.  Many dental procedures for elderly patients, with the exception of surgery, can be performed without anesthesia.

For more information about any of the dental aids or cleaning procedures outlined here, please consult your dentist, who can help establish a routine to provide the quality of life all of us deserve in our golden years.

By Dr. Carol Lybrook

Editor’s Note: The author, Dr. Carol Lybrook, along with husband Dr. Scott Lybrook, operate Lybrook Dental Center in Fruita.

With the 2010-2011 school year upon us, dentists across the Grand Valley are advising parents to encourage healthier drinking and snacking.

According to the American Dental Association, more and more children are consuming large amounts of soft drinks that could increase their risk for obesity and dental disease. As dentists, we are recommending that parents urge children to consume nutritious drinks in school and at home.

Children age 6 to 19 consume significantly more ounces of soft drinks each day than milk or juice. Teenage boys and girls are drinking twice as much soft drink as milk and one-third of teenage boys drink at least three cans a day. Consumption of milk, the principle source of calcium in the typical American diet, decreases as soft drinks become a favorite choice for children.

When teeth come in frequent contact with sweetened soft drinks and other sugar-containing substances, the risk of tooth decay, which is the most common childhood disease, is increased as is the potential for erosion of tooth enamel.

The beverages we recommend for good oral health include:

• Fruit Juice with No Sweeteners
• Low-Fat and Non-Fat White or Flavored Milk
• Vegetable Juice
• Water

In promoting good health, parents are also encouraged to make dental exams a regular part of the back-to-school routine, including completion of all health examinations and necessary immunizations in time for the new school year.  Seeing the dentist isn’t the only step to keeping your children’s teeth healthy through the school year:

• Have kids brush their teeth at least twice a day.
• Kids should floss at least once a day.
• Limit sugar intake and provide healthier snacks less often.
• Talk to your dentist about whether your child should have dental sealants.

To learn more about a healthier, smarter 2010-2011 school year, visit with your dentist today and take action for healthier lifestyles for our students.

Over 90 percent of Americans at some time or another during their lives have had it. Strikes most often during puberty, when hormonal changes lead to conditions which create the disease. Poor brushing habits and negligence of flossing and professional cleaning can lead to it. It’s the early stages of periodontal disease called gingivitis.

According to the American Dental Association, gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and is the initial stage of gum disease and the easiest to treat. The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque – the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on the teeth and gums.

If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can become periodontitis and cause permanent damage to your teeth and jaw.

How do I know if I have gingivitis?
Classic signs and symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, tender gums that may bleed when you brush. Another sign of gum disease is gums that have receded or pulled away from your teeth, giving your teeth an elongated appearance. Gum disease can cause pockets to form between the teeth and gums, where plaque and food debris collect. Some people may experience recurring bad breath or a bad taste in their mouth, even if the disease is not advanced.

How do I treat gingivitis?

Gingivitis treatment usually starts by thoroughly cleaning your teeth. This includes removing all traces of plaque and tartar — a procedure known as scaling. The cleaning may be uncomfortable, especially if your gums are already sensitive or you have extensive plaque and tartar buildup. Your dentist may also recommend using an antiseptic mouth rinse to clear away bacteria. Your dentist will also review brushing and flossing techniques to make sure you’re doing these effectively.

How can I prevent gingivitis?
Good oral hygiene is essential. Professional cleanings are also extremely important because once plaque has hardened and built up, or become tartar, only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it.

You can help stop gingivitis before it develops by:

• Proper brushing and flossing to remove plaque and debris and control tartar buildup
• Eating right to ensure proper nutrition for your jawbone and teeth
• Avoiding cigarettes and other forms of tobacco
• Scheduling regular checkups with your dentist

Gingivitis can be prevented with a good oral health habits. Talk to your dentist during your next visit to ensure your taking the proper steps to prevent the early stages of periodontal disease called gingivitis.

Most people are unaware of the fact that they have bad breath, or “halitosis” as dental professionals refer to it. According to the American Dental Association, one in four people have bad breath and some studies have reported that approximately 50 percent of the adult population does have. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 60 million people will suffer from chronic halitosis in the United States.

Certain foods, health conditions and habits are among the causes of bad breath. In many cases, you can improve bad breath with proper dental hygiene.

If simple self-care techniques don’t solve the problem, you may want to see your dentist or doctor to rule out a more serious condition that may be causing your bad breath.

Causes of Bad Breath Bad breath can be caused by external and internal factors. External factors can be the types of foods that we eat such as spicy or odorous in nature (certain spices used in cooking, garlic, onions even tuna or tacos). If you think your bad breath is related to the foods that you are consuming, consider recording the food you are eating to determine if this is the reason. People who use tobacco and alcohol can also experience bad breath.

Internal factors include oral factors that can affect the body systemically. The tongue provides a place for bacteria to attach and grow. Most odor-causing bacteria produce compounds that cause bad breath called volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). These primary VSCs that cause bad breath are hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan. Most of these odor-causing bacteria reside in the posterior area of the tongue.

Other causes of bad breath can include the following:

• Dental issues (poor oral hygiene, gingivitis and periodontal disease)
• Dentures (plaque and food can develop on dentures)
• Dry mouth (lack of saliva flow)
• Mouth, , nose and throat issues (sinus or throat infections and cryptic tonsillitis)
• Systemic diseases (diabetes, lung infections or abscesses, kidney/liver failure, gastrointestinal conditions)
• Patients who are dieting on a regular basis

Please see your dentist for a dental appointment to determine why you are experiencing bad breath and continue to properly clean your mouth with an antibacterial fluoride toothpaste, floss daily and clean your tongue with a tongue brush or scraper.

By Dr. Carol Lybrook, DDS
Editor’s Note: The author, Dr. Carol Lybrook and her husband, Dr. Scott Lybrook, operate Lybrook Dental Center in Fruita.

You’re sound asleep, pleasant dreams dancing across your subconscious. You snuggle down into your pillow — and suddenly you’re awakened by a horrible sound. Your spouse is grinding his/her teeth. What an irritating sound. As bad as fingernails scratching across the black board. And far more dangerous.

According to the American Dental Association, this is nocturnal bruxism – grinding of the teeth in the night – and it can have far-reaching implications, like loosening and loss of teeth. It can also cause another condition – temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ.) TMJ occurs when the muscles, joints and ligaments of the jaw move out of alignment. Symptoms of this are headache, earache and pain in the face, neck or shoulder.  While no hard figures on the frequency of bruxism are available, at the very least, one out of twenty Americans brux. Most likely, one in four Americans brux. Over 80 percent of all bruxers maybe unaware of the habit, so they may dismiss evidence that they do in fact engage in this self-destructive behavior.

Bruxism is also closely associated with some sleep disorders. Research has discovered that people who brux are more likely to snore, suffer from breathing pauses during sleep and be victims of sleep apnea.  As is the case in many sleeping problems, stress is a major cause of bruxism. Even during the day, it’s not unusual to clench or grind the teeth when angry or nervous. The use of tobacco, alcohol or caffeine tends to aggravate the problem.

It’s a disorder that can affect people of all ages, men and women. It does seem to decrease with age, and the worst cases occur in the 19 to 44 year age group.

What Can I Do to Stop Grinding My Teeth?

Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep. If stress is causing you to grind your teeth, ask your doctor about options to reduce your stress. Attending stress counseling, starting an exercise program, seeing a physical therapist or obtaining a prescription for muscle relaxants are among some of the options that may be offered.

Other tips to stop teeth grinding include:

• Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as colas, chocolate, and coffee.
• Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption.
• Do not chew on pencils or pens or anything that is not food. Avoid chewing gum as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind your teeth.
• Train yourself not to clench or grind your teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax.
• Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.

If you think that you have bruxism, one solution is visit your dentist and find a solution for not just better oral health but also for a better nights rest. To learn more about bruxism, talk to your dentist during your next regular check-up. It might save you some sleep!

By Dr. Carol Lybrook
Editor’s Note: This article is the final in a 2-part series on dental health in recognition of the American Dental Association’s National Oral Health Month. The author, Dr. Carol Lybrook, along with husband Dr. Scott Lybrook, operate Lybrook Dental Center in Fruita.

You have heard it many times:  see your dentist every six months to get your teethed cleaned and overall oral health screened. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Regular check-ups and cleanings can prevent these problems as well as provide you with good oral hygiene.

1) To Prevent Oral Cancer
According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer every hour of every day in the United States alone. When you have your dental cleaning, your dentist is also screening you for oral cancer, which is highly curable if diagnosed early.

2) To Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place and is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. If diagnosed early, it can be treated and reversed. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage of gum disease may follow. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups, flossing daily and brushing twice a day are key factors in preventing gum disease.

3) To Help Maintain Good Physical Health
Recent studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease, resulting from poor oral hygiene. A dental cleaning every six months helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and could possibly reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

4) To Keep Your Teeth
Since gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, regular dental check-ups and cleanings, brushing and flossing are vital to keeping as many teeth as you can. Keeping your teeth means better chewing function and ultimately, better health.

5) To Detect Dental Problems Early
Your dentist and hygienist will be able to detect any early signs of problems with your teeth or gums. Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. If these problems go untreated, root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth could become the only treatment options available.

6) To Maintain Good Oral Health and Bright Smile
Your dental hygienist will help ensure that you are maintaining your good oral health through visual examination and comparing your previous dental check-ups. If you are falling off track with your oral hygiene he / she will help put you back on the right path.