Diabetes - Reducing the Risk

Diabetes - Lowering the risk

You may have noticed sugar has recently received a lot of media attention. Rightly so.

Access to sugar and our food choices - be that in cola, cakes, biscuits or hidden away in sauces, soups, dressings, baked beans etc. have sky rocketed our risk of developing Type-2 Diabetes.

Did you know the health of your mouth also has a direct link to your diabetes risk?

What is Type-2 Diabetes?

It usually starts in middle age and is linked to a sedentary lifestyle, worryingly; it is now affecting younger patients too. Diabetes is becoming a ‘global epidemic’.

Type-2 Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin hormone, or the insulin hormone is ineffective in removing glucose from your blood stream.

Those with uncontrolled Type-2 diabetes are more likely to develop conditions such as heart and kidney disease, leading in turn to a lower life expectancy.

Staggeringly, Diabetes UK reveal that 58% of cases of Type-2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight, eating well and being active.

How does my gum health affect my diabetes risk?

The British society of Periodontology recognise “in people with diabetes, those who have severe gum disease have higher blood sugar levels (measured by a test called HbA1c), compared with those with healthier gums”.

When you have severe gum disease your body’s control of blood sugar levels is not as good as it should be.

Reducing the risk

The good news is you can reduce your risk of getting type-2 diabetes by eating for health, keeping active & looking after your gum health. The signs of Type-2 diabetes are not obvious to start with and can take up to 10 years before you learn you have it. Prevention is better than cure.

Use interdental brushes or floss before you brush to remove all plaque thoroughly from every tooth. It is important to see your dental professional as often as they recommend so they can monitor your gum health and check your home care regime is working for you.

“Eat for long-term goals, not short term satisfaction”

Diabetes UK agrees that reducing your sugar intake is the way forward:

“Sugar is a type of carbohydrate and because all carbohydrates affect blood glucose levels, reducing your sugar intake can help to keep blood glucose levels under control. As sugar contributes no nutritive value, apart from carbohydrates and calories, it has ‘empty calories’. This doesn’t mean that people with diabetes should have a sugar-free diet. In fact, it’s almost impossible to have a sugar-free diet in the long term.”

 Reducing refined sugar from your diet also reduces risk of tooth decay.

 

Ready to eat for better health? Here’s how to get started:

-          Preparation! Create a list of go-to recipes & fill your cupboards and fridge with wholesome ingredients.

-          Remove temptation.

-          Treat yourself. A local organic seasonal vegetable box can inspire new recipes. Or celebrate a better health milestone with a new kitchen gadget to keep things exciting (spiralized vegetables are beautiful!)

To keep the nutritious recipe ideas flowing ‘JamiesFoodRevolution.org’ promises big things this year, or try searching for ‘paleo’ recipes (no refined sugar or refined flour).

 Here’s to a healthier, happier you.

 Christina.

Don't Let Gum Disease Wipe The Smile off Your Face!

The British Society of Periodontology is running a significant UK campaign in support of European Gum Health Awareness Day – official launch date 12 May 2016.

Why are we doing it?
Gum disease (periodontitis) is a major public health problem affecting quality of life.

                  More than 45% of UK adults are affected.

                  It has known links to other serious conditions.

                  Gum disease is preventable and treatable if caught early.

Take the educational quiz at http://www.bsperio.org.uk/howsyoursmile/index.html to find out if you are likely to be suffering from gum disease and find out how to make your smile more healthy!

The key message is "Don't Let Gum Disease Wipe the Smile Off Your Face"  #howsyoursmile

 

Cancer plays dirty - but so can we! Absolute Dental getting Pretty Muddy!

 

This July the Absolute team will be taking part in the Pretty Muddy Race for Life in Exeter to raise money for Cancer Research. Pretty Muddy® isn’t like any other fundraising event. It is a 5K muddy obstacle course that women of any ability can climb over, crawl under, and charge through to show cancer that hell hath no fury like a woman in pink.

The Absolute Angels (as we like to call ourselves) signed up to this event in January after receiving news that Maureen, one of our hygienists was to undergo some Chemotherapy and an operation for her third episode of this awful disease.

As we got into full swing with our fundraising, Maureen became more and more unwell and in March 2016 we were finally told the devastating news that there was no more they could do for her. She had become too unwell and the Chemotherapy was not going to work.

Our beloved Maureen passed away in April 2016, peacefully at home, and so whilst we started this fund raising journey in support of her, we now continue it in her memory, as well as all our other friends and family we have lost or are currently fighting this.  We will work even harder to raise as much money as we can for Cancer Research in the hope that one day they will find a cure and we can once and for all kick Cancers butt!

If you would like to sponsor us there are sponsor forms available in the practice or alternatively you can sponsor us online at www.justgiving.com/teams/absolute-angels.

Gemma.

DENTAL CARE FOR CARDIAC HEALTH

Most people do not know that the health of their mouth is connected to the health of their heart. At Absolute Dental, we are committed to helping our patients understand how proper dental care can impact cardiac health. Several medical studies have shown that severe oral conditions including periodontal disease (gum disease) result in an increased risk for a heart attack or stroke. Therefore, when you get dental treatment,  you are caring for your cardiac health and your oral health at once.

Dentists have long known that gum disease is associated with the transfer of bacteria into the blood and that is why antibiotics were once used as a preventive measure prior to dental treatment for patients with heart murmurs and valve problems. Now, we know more. Studies suggest that periodontal disease (gum disease) is associated with evidence of risk factors for heart attacks and strokes, including: inflammation and pathogens leading to thrombosis (formation of blood clots) and atherosclerosis (thickening of arterial blood vessel walls).

Recent evidence also shows the relationship between gum disease and heart disease by demonstrating the presence of a pathogen called LPS in the gums and plaque build up in blood vessels around the heart. The pathogen Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is present in the gums of patients with periodontal disease. You can combat the harmful bacteria  that live in both your mouth and your heart with proper dental hygiene routine.

Of course, good oral hygiene does not just help with heart health, it helps with many common conditions such as diabetes.

At Absolute Dental we are committed to looking after the health of your mouth but also to your general health.

Please speak to you dentist if you have any concerns regarding any aspect of your health and how we could help you.

Our wonderful hygiene team is always on hand to help you not only to remove inflammation causing deposits in your mouth but also to ensure that you have a very solid home care routine that helps you care for your mouth but also for your heart.

Melanie

An interview with Rhodri John, Clinical Director at Absolute Dental on Facial Aesthetics here at Absolute.

Dr Rhodri John has been the clinical director at Absolute Dental for Dental Practice for over 14 years. Alongside dentistry he has also been offering facial rejuvenation treatments for several years at the practice.

Not many people realise but dentists have an exceptional in-depth knowledge about the face and it’s muscles and structure, which is really important when carrying out Facial Aesthetic Treatments.

Dr John offers Botox and Dermal Filler treatments to his existing patients at Absolute Dental  but the news of his talents spread rapidly and had many of his patients recommending their friends and family so now offers the treatments are offered to everyone.

Here we interview Rhodri about the facial treatments he offers.

What treatments do you offer?

I offer Botox treatments to help reduce frown lines, forehead lines and  laughter lines.

I also offer a range of treatments using Dermal Fillers;  these include redefining lips, lip enhancement.

Which treatment is the most popular?

Botox treatments are the most popular as patients can look refreshed and rejuvenated pretty quickly and there is minimal recovery time, e.g. People will pop in their lunchtimes to have their Botox treatments and will go straight back to work!

Has a treatment ever gone wrong for you?

I can’t say it has. I feel the secret to this is that have a detailed conversation with the patient finding out what their concerns are and what they would like to improve. This eliminates any surprise for the patients! I may also take before and after photos so patients can see the changes and improvements that have occurred.  I am a great believer when I see a new client that I would rather undertreat as you can also add more at a later date allowing the result to always look fresh and natural.

On the other hand, I have seen a few patients that have been treated by unqualified people, such as beauticians, and are unhappy with the results. It has been very difficult to correct the mistakes. I always reiterate to my patients the importance of checking out the qualifications of anyone that comes close to them with a needle.

 

Can men have treatment?

Yes, men love it too. Men have stronger facial muscles than women and so facial lines forms quicker and are deeper. A little bit of Botox can help men look refreshed and less tired without looking ‘false’.

How old are the people that come to see you?

My patients range from 19 -70 years old. The younger patients just want simple treatments such as lip enhancements and a small amount of Botox. Whereas, the older patients want a combination of both Botox and Dermal Fillers.

Why Xylitol may be the biggest advance in dentistry since fluoride!

Some of you will have seen the Peppersmith mints on sale in the practice, and often ask why we are selling them ("Sweets! At the dentist!"), so we thought we would explain a little bit about them. They contain a sugar substitute called Xylitol - sources from beech trees, with a taste similar to sugar but with 40% fewer calories, and more importantly it has ACTIVE DENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS! Clinical studies have shown that habitual xylitol consumption decreases tooth decay. products containing xylitol are now endorsed by over 15 dental associations worldwide.

Why do I need xylitol?

It takes more than just brushing to look after your teeth. Most damage happens during the day after eating and drinking. Regular use of 100% xylitol mints and gum helps reduce this damage and prevents problems before they start.

How does it work?
Tooth decay starts with harmful bacteria in the mouth. Sugary foods give these bacteria energy to multiply and produce acids that dissolve the enamel of the tooth and cause decay. Xylitol has the opposite effect; reducing this bacteria (they can fall by as much as 90%) and preventing acid attacks. It also reduces the bacteria’s ability to stick to your teeth so plaque is easier to remove.

How do I get these benefits?
Xylitol isn’t a magic bullet and you have to use it regularly to make the most of its benefits. Dentists recommend you should have 5g (or more) a day.  That’s about 9 mints or 5 pieces of gum a day. Split this into several servings, ideally after every snack or meal when there’s a risk of acid attack (when sugars in food and drink react with the bacteria in your mouth to produce harmful acids that dissolve the enamel of the tooth).

Who is xylitol suitable for?
Xylitol is a great tool for anyone looking to take extra care of their teeth. Peppersmith mints and gum are particularly useful for anyone who:

• – Has a history of cavities and plaque build up
• – Has a high sugar diet and snacks during the day
• – Suffers from dry mouth conditions

Safe Tooth Whitening at Absolute Dental

You may have seen in the news over the weekend there was a "call for action" on rogue tooth whitening providers, who are not qualified to provide such treatments and therefore run the risk of causing damage to your teeth.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35948256

We thought you might like to know that we at Absolute Dental take tooth whitening very seriously, and our ethos is very much one of providing you with treatment and advice that only improve the health of your teeth and gums, and not have a detrimental effect.

Therefore, we thought you might like to read our advice on the tooth whitening we provide here:

whitening at absolute dental

You are probably aware that teeth begin to darken as we grow older and the staining from coffee, tea and red wine also take their toll. This can be easily remedied by the use of a home whitening kit. Quite simply, your absolute dentist will take models of your teeth from which we will have trays tailor-made for you - together with the rest of the kit and simple instructions you will be able to lighten your teeth several shades and be able to maintain them too.

what is tooth whitening? Tooth whitening using whitening gels, is a highly effective way to lighten the natural colour of teeth or to restore the colour of teeth that have become discoloured and stained.
is tooth whitening safe? Yes!
It is an established procedure in cosmetic dentistry to restore a bright white healthy smile! Under the supervision of a dentist it is safe for teeth and gums.
how does it work? As the active ingredient in the whitening gel (Carbamide peroxide or Hydrogen peroxide) breaks down , oxygen enters the enamel and the tooth becomes lighter. The structure of the tooth remains unchanged.
at home tray whitening
Highly effective and cost effective. Carried out at home (under the supervision of your dentist) using custom made close fitting Whitening Trays. Duration of the treatment depends on the amount of whitening you require - some teeth lighten after a few days. Maximum results generally occur when the process is continued for approximately 2 weeks. Some patients may require longer to achieve the desired result - your dentist can advise you.

If you would like any more information on this, or any of the other services we provide, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01548 852165 or email info@absolute-dental.co.uk