Obesity and Tooth Decay Go Hand-in-Hand?

Obesity is truly becoming a plague affecting the entire planet.  It is a condition caused when the body collects too much body fat.  This condition causes a person to be unhealthy which in turn can cause various diseases as well as premature death.  The truth of the matter is obesity is preventable.  One out of every 3 people in the United States is affected with this horrible affliction and the problem continues to grow.

What causes obesity?

• Eating more food than your body can use
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Not getting enough exercise
• Biology

So how does that affect your teeth?

Eating foods with lots of calories tend to have lots of sugar. The combination of bacteria and food causes tooth decay.   The more times you eat, the more bacteria is present in your mouth feeding on your teeth.   As the bacteria feed on the sugars in the food you eat, they make acids. The acids attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more after eating. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.

Researchers from the University of Washington School of Dentistry suggest there may be a connection between a high glycemic diet and dental disease.  In other words, the high amounts of sugar found in processed foods, refined flour, rice and other products produce the bacteria that turns to acid and attack your teeth after eating.  These sugars turn into plaque on your teeth and when not removed contribute to tooth decay, gingivitis, gum disease and periodontitis. 

How do you Prevent this from Happening?

The answer is simple really.  Regular check-ups to the dentist and a healthy balanced diet enriched with water fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins and whole grains.

 

Glasscock Dental Address: 8430 Univ. Exec. Park Drive Suite 610 Charlotte, NC 28262

Telephone: 704-510-1150

Fax: 704-510-1220

 

 

 

 

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Crystal Meth can Destroy your Teeth in a Year

 

Methamphetamine is a  synthetic drug with more rapid and lasting effects than amphetamine. It is used illegally as a stimulant and as a prescription drug to treat narcolepsy and maintain blood pressure.

The use and production of methamphetamine is becoming a huge problem in the U.S. This drug is illegal and highly addictive.  Common names for the drug are ice, meth, speed, crank, quartz, crystal and poor man’s cocaine. Using methamphetamine can cause major health issues as well as serious problems to your mouth and teeth.

The “high” from meth last for about 12 hours.  During that time, your body’s salivary glands diminish causing a dry- mouth feeling.  This state is commonly referred to as “meth mouth”.  Without the aided production from your salivary glands, the acids on your teeth will destroy the tooth enamel which in turn leads to tooth decay.  It is also reported by users, while using meth, it is common to consume high calorie carbonated drinks and foods and tooth grinding and clenching occurs.  This in turn compounds the problems.

A meth user will see serious affects related to their teeth in a short period of time. The ADA stated users can go from having a sparkling smile to one of decay and tooth loss in about a year. 

So what can your dentist do?  Without the user discontinuing the use of the drug, the damage will continue to diminish a person’s teeth.  The damage can not be addressed until that first step is taken. You need the production of your salivary glands to stop the damage and while using, that would be impossible.

Glasscock Dental Address: 8430 Univ. Exec. Park Drive Suite 610 Charlotte, NC 28262

Telephone: 704-510-1150

Fax: 704-510-1220

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methamphetamine