Four critical things Diabetic Patients should know regarding their Dental Care

Current research is showing that there is a 2-way relationship between Diabetes and Gum Disease.  With Diabetes affecting up to 10% of the adult population, it is one of the more common disease found in patients with periodontal disease. As a matter of fact, periodontal disease is the sixth most common long-term complication of diabetes.

30% of the diabetic patients have severe periodontal disease. This shows up as bleeding gums, loose teeth and bone loss. If a person doesn’t take the necessary precautions with diet or medication, and adds to this risk, smoking and high blood pressure – they are almost guaranteed to have serious dental problems before age 50.

10-15% of the population are pre-diabetic. The disease often is slow developing and asymptomatic (no signs of disease) for up to ten years! Certain things can push the disease along, including pregnancy, pancreatic disease, drugs, being overweight, stress, and poor diet.

If a person notices that they are chronically thirsty, have unusual weight loss, any type of blurred vision or regular tiredness – they may want to have a diabetes screening done.  More advanced stages we tend to see vascular diseases occurring including poor circulation to the peripheral parts of the body such as the hands and the feet, as well as the joints.

In addition to taking recommended medications, or modifying your diet and losing weight, people who may be in the diabetic or pre-diabetic category should monitor their sugar intake, give their doctor or dentist a comprehensive Medical History, and perhaps have morning appointments so they don’t miss meals and allow consistent intake of glucose throughout the day to avoid becoming hypoglycemic.

These concerns are especially important for patients undergoing long procedures, complicated procedures or implant surgery, since these stress the body and the diabetes can affect the healing rate of the surgery.

Dr. LaFrom in Cupertino, has been practicing 27 years and has been trained in medical evaluation of dental patients. He has a program specifically for DIABETIC patients who wish to radically lower their RISK for both tooth and gum disease. More information can be found on the website or by calling the office (408-996-8595) and asking for a consultation. Don’t take a risk with your life or your health.

As Teresa O. of San Jose states, “Dr. LaFrom was recommended to me by a colleague. The genuine interest in the patients dental health and the truly positive attitude of everyone in the office is refreshing. I feel confident leaving my smile in the capable hands of Dr. LaFrom and staff”.

Why you need to monitor your child’s fluoride intake?

You need to monitor your child’s fluoride intake as regular fluoride intake in children, more than the optimal amounts can often lead to fluorosis. According to one of the popular dentists in Cupertino – Dr. LaFrom, addition of fluoridated water to your child’s baby formula may increase the chances of the development of dental fluorosis, which is a harmless cosmetic condition that can be noted by the appearance of brown, discolored or spotted enamel.   

Dr. LaFrom says that parents should be careful while diluting formula concentrations, as wells or community water sources often have fluoride levels that are higher than 1.2 ppm, the highest quantity that is beneficial for preventing tooth decay. He also says that parents should take their children to the dentist if they find brown spots on their kid’s teeth.  

If your child’s first primary teeth develop some fluorosis problem, you should correct it so that your child has lower risks of having a problem when his/her permanent teeth erupt at the age of 5 or 6.   

It is also a good idea to check the fluoride levels in your water source. You may either take the water sample to your local water or health department, or ask your dentist to test the same with his colorimeter. 

To know more about this matter or for making an appointment with Dr. LaFrom, please visit www.dentist-cupertino.com.

Why should you use floss and mouthwash?

Though most of the people have all the necessary tooth tools like toothbrush, mouthwash and floss to keep their teeth healthy, many only make use of the toothbrush on a regular basis. If the same is applicable to you, it is time to start using your mouthwash and floss – says Dr. LaFrom, one of the leading dentists in Cupertino. 

Stressing the need for flossing, Dr. LaFrom says that since your toothbrush can’t remove particles stuck in between your teeth, you need to use flossing for the job. However, he cautions, that you need to be aware of the proper flossing techniques and ensure that you are doing it the right way. He also supports the use of mouthwash, which he believes can give a clean feel to your mouth. 

Choosing the proper mouthwash is an important thing. You will mainly get two types of categories, namely cosmetic mouthwashes and therapeutic mouthwashes. Though cosmetic mouthwashes can hide bad breath and even get rid of some mouth bacteria, their overall influence on your dental health is limited. On the other hand, therapeutic mouthwashes can help fight cavities and periodontal diseases, along with building tooth enamel. So, you should consult your dentist to know which type of mouthwash will suit you best. 

You can pay a visit to www.dentist-cupertino.com to know more about various tooth tools and the correct procedures of using them on your teeth. 

Ways to clean your teeth

It is always a good idea to get your teeth cleaned by a professional. Though brushing and flossing are indispensable parts of keeping your teeth clean; only an expert can help you get rid of the tartar and plaque that are often formed in your teeth, according to Dr. LaFrom, one of the leading dentists in the Cupertino region.

 

Dr. LaFrom says that based on your frequency of visiting the dentist, three types of teeth cleanings can be offered. People having healthy gums and minimal tartar, plaque and debris buildup are usually advised to undergo “prophylaxis” – which is commonly called the regular teeth cleaning procedure.

 

Patients showing signs of gum disease like deep gum pockets, tartar and plaque buildup under the gum line and/or bleeding gums require a more intensive procedure of teeth cleaning and usually go for deep cleaning.

 

The last procedure called the periodontal maintenance treatments are meant for those patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal ailments.

 

You can visit http://www.dentist-cupertino.com/ to know more about various teeth cleaning procedures and also for getting an appointment with Dr. LaFrom.

How to select your toothpaste

 

The brand of your toothpaste does not matter much as long as it contains fluoride. So, you can choose your toothpaste to have any specific flavor, in gel, paste or powder form. According to one of the leading dentists in Cupertino, Dr. LaFrom, all fluoride toothpastes can fight cavities and plaque successfully and keep the tooth enamel clean and polished. However, he says that your toothpaste brand should have the seal of the ADA (American Dental Association), which would act as an evidence of safety and efficacy that the brand has shown during controlled, clinical trials.  

 

You should opt for a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth, in case you have hypersensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain potassium or nitrate strontium chloride, which help in desensitizing the teeth. However, you need to use them for at least a month before you feel any therapeutic effects. 

 

Though toothpastes containing hydrogen peroxide and/or baking soda give a clean and pleasant feeling to the teeth and mouth, it is the fluoride in the toothpaste that acts as the true active ingredient to protect your teeth, says Dr. LaFrom. Some people even prefer to use toothpastes that contain pyrophosphates, which can prevent the formation of tartar deposits on the teeth.

 

To know more about various toothpastes that come with advanced whitening formulas that will help keep your teeth brighter and shinier, visit http://www.dentist-cupertino.com/

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease or otherwise known as gum diseases, are one of the most common dental problems. It not only involves swelling and bleeding of the gums, but in more acute cases, results in loss of bone structure of the teeth. As a result of this, the patient might even loose teeth due to periodontal disease. Dr. LaFrom, one of the popular dentists in Cupertino, says that Gingivitis, and the different stages of periodontitis are the most common type of periodontal diseases.

 

Gingivitis is caused by bacterial infection or plaque attack along the gum line. This results in swelling and bleeding of the gums. If the gum infection continues, it will result in more severe conditions like teeth loss. This mainly happens due to the lack of early detection and proper treatment; hence the gums become a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria.

 

Dr. LaFrom says that periodontal diseases are either hereditary or are caused due to lifestyle related issues like smoking and excessive stress. In any case, an early detection might solve a lot of your gum disease related problems. Periodontal diseases are not as painful as many other dental problems, and hence there is a general tendency to neglect them. If you have noticed regular gum bleedings during brushing, it is time to consult a dentist.

 

The best way to get hold of a specialist periodontist is by first referring your gum disease condition to your regular dentist and then acting on his/her recommendation. To know more about treatments for periodontal diseases, visit www.dentist-cupertino.com to make an appointment with Dr. LaFrom.

What is a Maryland Bridge?

A Maryland bridge is a cost effective way to replace a missing tooth. It is a variant of the dental bridge and can be used in cases where the adjacent teeth to the affected one are healthy and can support the abutments of the Maryland bridge. Dr. LaFrom, one of the esteemed dentists in Cupertino, says that Maryland bridge can pose certain aesthetic problems but is otherwise a successful alternative to the traditional bridge.

 

A Maryland bridge consists of a porcelain tooth that is held together by metallic structures on both the sides. This porcelain tooth is called the pontic. It is placed as a tooth-replacement by attaching the metal structure to the back of the healthy teeth on both the sides of the missing one. Resin cement is often used as the substance for cementing the metal frames. So, it is also called resin bonded bridge. A Maryland bridge is typically used in cases where the front teeth are missing.

 

Dr. LaFrom says that the metal that is used in the Maryland bridge might result in certain aesthetic irregularities like distortion of the natural color of both the adjoining teeth and the porcelain tooth. You need to take proper care of your Maryland bridge to make it last longer. It is essential to follow the regular brushing and flossing routine. A regular dental check up is also necessary in this regard.

 

Please visit www.dentist-cupertino.com for answers to all your queries related to dental problems. You can also opt for an appointment with Dr. LaFrom to get proper advice and guidance on Maryland bridge and other dental problems.

Dental Patient Rights

As a dental patient, you are entitled to certain rights that would ensure a higher standard of dental treatment for you. The American Dental Association (ADA) has been working vociferously to create awareness for these patient rights. They are also lobbying for various legislations that would empower the patients to demand more out of their dental insurances and health care services. Dr. LaFrom, one of the leading dentists in the Cupertino region, says that the rights of the dental patients are an effective means to implement a more alert and caring dental treatment procedure.

 

Most of the dental clinics would advertise in some form or the other the rights that you would enjoy as a patient. Dr. LaFrom says that these rights would typically include your right to visit the dentist of your choice; to know about the cost of the treatment procedure before the treatment actually begins, to know what exactly has happened to you and the possible treatments, in a manner that a non-medical person might understand. These rights would also ensure that you could stop your treatment with a particular dentist whenever you feel like with complete confidentiality of your records.

 

There are various other patient rights and a conscientious dental clinic or a dentist would cooperate with you so that you might actually benefit from them. In case they don’t, you can always take legal help or the help of any local dental association.

 

Dr. LaFrom greatly values dental patient rights and is highly reputed for his concern about his patients. He has a very efficient team of medical professionals and patient coordinators who are always ready to help you with your needs and queries. Please visit www.dentist-cupertino.com to know more about the solutions to your dental problems or to make an appointment with Dr. LaFrom.

Know More About Dental Allergies

Dental allergy is indeed a matter of concern for dentists and patients as it causes various inconveniences in the treatment procedure. Dental allergies can cause significant delay in the treatment and can also take a dangerous turn if you and your dentist are not careful. Dr LaFrom, one of the leading dentists in the Cupertino region, says that dental allergy is a major hindrance in effective dental treatments and hence one needs to be extra careful when dealing with patients, prone to allergy.

 

Dr. LaFrom says that one of the most common types of dental allergy is latex allergy. Latex is a natural rubber like substance and is regularly used in various household products like balloons, bandages, elastics etc. Latex sometimes serves as a component in the gloves used by the dentists. The dental masks and the syringes might also contain latex. The airborne protein particles of the latex can cause allergic reactions like breathing problems or in more damaging cases, may even result in anaphylactic shock.

 

There are other types of dental allergies like allergic reaction to local anesthesia and metal allergies that may lead to problems with dental crowns and dentures. If you have experienced dental allergies before or have an allergic tendency to any of these materials, make sure you convey the information to your dentist. He/She would then be able to take adequate preventive measures.

 

So, if you are looking for effective solutions to all your dental problems including dental allergies, you can visit www.dentist-cupertino.com to make an appointment with Dr. LaFrom. Lauri, a satisfied patient says, “The staff and doctor are wonderful. Make you feel like a friend they care about while maintaining a professional demeanor. Always helpful and the very best dental services and caring staff and doctor. Highly recommend to friends, family and associates.” 

 

 

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns – also called tooth caps, are dental restorations that fit over the teeth. It is used to improve the general health of the teeth, like its shape and size. It is also used as a part of cosmetic dentistry as it improves the appearance of the teeth. Dental crowns are used for teeth that have endured extensive damage due to decay, or those that are discolored or permanently stained. It is also used for teeth that have become brittle after a root canal. Dr. LaFrom, one of the leading dentists in the Cupertino region, says that both crowns and veneers are in use and you should consult your dentist to make sure which one would be suitable for you. 

Dr. LaFrom says that dental crowns can be made out of metal, porcelain, porcelain and metal, resin and ceramic. Metal crowns are durable but the main problem is that the metallic color would make them look unnatural. Resin crowns are cheaper as compared to the other varieties but they are also more prone to the wear off process. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are most natural in color and would not stand out from the rest of the teeth.  

Dental crowns and veneers are more or less used for the same purpose but there are some essential differences that should be kept in mind. Dental veneers are attached to the front part of the teeth, while crowns fit over the teeth. In case of heavy damages, dental crowns are used more often than the dental veneers. Dental crowns also involve removal of more tooth structure. 

You can make an appointment with Dr. LaFrom for CEREC porcelain crowns, which would need only one sitting to be completed. Please visit www.dentist-cupertino.com for relevant details.

Lily sums up the services on offer “Best dentist and front office and staff I’ve ever experienced!!”