Navigating Healthcare: A Guide to Modern Medicine and Wellness

Yearly Archives: 2014

Dental Implants vs. Dentures

Dentures
Dentures

Dentures or dental implants? It’s almost as hotly a debated subject these days as the chicken and the egg. Of course, if you’re someone who’s facing the decision of how best to replace teeth you’ve lost, it’s infinitely more important. And, since most people have encountered this situation at one time or other in their life, it is a far-reaching dilemma indeed. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, well over half of all Americans ages 35 to 45 have had one or more missing teeth in their lives, meaning that the question of whether to opt for dentures or dental implants is one that is faced by thousands of patients daily, in Morristown and throughout the country. If you find yourself in this group, here’s some information that will help you to arrive at the best and most informed decision that is right for your situation.

How to Care for Dental Implants

Dental Implants
Dental Implants

For millions of patients through the country who have lost one or more teeth, dental implants are an effective and attractive alternative to dentures. Dental implants are a popular choice by patients because they look and perform like natural teeth, which is something that dentures can’t proclaim. Additionally, unlike dentures, dental implants are permanently integrated into the mouth by being anchored into the jawbone with screws. Like being fitted for dentures, the fitting procedure and time period for dental implants can be a bit long and involved, but dental patients typically agree that the wait is well worth it. Whether you’re considering dental implants, or you’ve already had your implant procedure performed by a quality dentist in Clearwater, it’s important to know how to properly care for your implants in order to keep them looking and functioning optimally.

What Is Good Dental Hygiene?

Dental Hygiene
Dental Hygiene

There was a time when your smile was the first thing people noticed about you. And you know what? That hasn’t changed at all! In a recent poll, more than half of the people surveyed put smile at the top of the list as the first thing they notice when they meet someone. Of course, that also means that the lack of smile is also the first thing they notice. If you’re not smiling as much as you should, your dental hygiene routine may be to blame. Good dental hygiene is a must, especially in today’s highly social world. You never know when you’ll be walking around  and suddenly run into an old high school buddy, a future business associate, or the love of your life! But that’s only part of the reason for maintaining a good dental hygiene routine. Recent studies have shown a link between oral health and disease, including heart disease and diabetes. That’s why it’s vital to adopt a regular dental hygiene routine early on and carry it through every stage of life.

Common Treatments for Back Pain

Treatments for Back Pain
Treatments for Back Pain

Most adults in New Jersey and throughout the country have suffered from back pain at one time or another. If you’ve experienced back pain, you likely have searched high and low for back pain treatment to make it go away. Many types of back pain will relent within a few hours to a day, while others can continue for much longer and even become chronic. Thankfully, there are several effective back pain treatments, and the type of treatment depends on several factors, including the region of the pain, the level of pain, and the personal preference of the patient. Below is information regarding some of the more common treatments for back pain, including exercise and strength building, medications, physical therapy, injections, surgery, and sometimes, just plain rest is the key.

How to Avoid Back Pain

Avoid Back Pain
Avoid Back Pain

Back pain has become the most prevalent type of pain plaguing Americans. More than 100 million people throughout the country report having experienced back pain, with nearly half of those stating their pain occurs on a chronic basis. And back pain treatment in New Jersey has risen to the top of the list of all medical therapy. Some back pain is unavoidable, such as pain that comes with an accident or illness. However, other types of back pain can be alleviated, eliminated, or even avoided altogether. Measures taken such as exercising, correct lifting techniques, and using the proper chair can help stop back pain before it starts. Here are some steps you can take to ward off back pain, even if you’ve experienced it in the past.

What Is Laser Dentistry?

Laser DentistryLaser dentistry is more popular today than it’s ever been since its first uses more than 20 years ago. With new innovations in laser dental procedures and their safety, laser dentistry is fast becoming a booming part of the dental industry, and for very good reason. Lasers used in dentistry create a more precise procedure, which makes that dental procedure even more effective. A highly skilled, top dentist who is experienced in laser dentistry can perform laser dental procedures that can reduce pain and minimize recovery times. And with the ever-expanding number of procedures that can be performed using lasers, the list of benefits of laser dentistry continues to grow. But just what is laser dentistry? What are the benefits of laser dentistry? And which dental procedures can be performed with lasers?

Does Soda Cause Cavities?

CavitiesYou’ve probably heard all sorts of horror stories about sugar. It packs on weight; it’s bad for your teeth; it causes health problems. And you know what? They’re all true. Okay, most people like to have a little sugar in their diet. After all, a spoonful of it makes the medicine go down, right? Remember though … that’s a spoonful of sugar. But do you know how many spoonfuls of sugar there are in just one can of non-diet soda? Are you ready for this? The answer is … ten! That’s right, there are ten teaspoons of sugar in every single 12-ounce can of soda! Recent studies show that the average American teenager drinks upwards of a can and a half cans of soda per day. That equals the consumption of more than four pounds of sugar per month in soda alone! And all that sugar is wreaking havoc on teeth.

What Is Oral Cancer?

oral cancer screeningMost people know that cancers are on the rise in the United States, but did you know that oral cancer is fast becoming one of the most prevalent and quickly rising cancers over many others? According to NewsMax Health, medical researchers at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit report that oropharyngeal cancers (which are cancers that affect that tongue, soft palate, tonsils, and back of the throat) have increased by 60 percent in the past 40 years (since 1973) in people who are age 44 and younger. The same report adds that oral cancers have risen by a staggering 113 percent in whites. Additionally, regardless of the fact that the rate of oral cancers has declined significantly for African Americans, the five-year survival rate of this group of Americans has become worse. All statistics are pointing to the fact that oral cancer is dangerous and deadly, and Americans must begin taking serious steps to preventing this horrible disease.