Diabetes and Gum Disease

If you have gum inflammation, diabetes may be to blame. We strive to meet all our patients’ unique oral health needs at Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental practice. Since uncontrolled blood sugar correlates with gum infections, we want our patients to have a better understanding of how this process works and how we can help them to avoid gum recession.

Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of acid-producing bacteria in the gum pockets. Infections trigger the body’s inflammatory response, which helps to keep pathogens from spreading. Unfortunately, inflammation also is painful and weakens the walls of cells. This is particularly problematic for people with diabetes, who have higher rates of inflammation and whose arteries have hardened in response to excessive blood sugar. People with diabetes are more severely impacted by infections in general, and they have higher rates of gum disease and its advanced form, periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease causes gum and bone recession to the point where teeth are in danger of falling out. But if people see us in time, we can help them to avoid this by providing deep cleanings of the gum pockets. Gum infections make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar, producing a feedback loop. But treating gum disease leads to an improvement in diabetic symptoms, so we hope anybody with diabetes and bleeding gums will not delay seeking treatment.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Avoiding Tooth Decay During the Holidays

There are lots of sugary drinks and snacks available in the fall. With Thanksgiving fast approaching and the winter holidays right around the corner, we at Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental practice want our patients to enjoy the festivities without the risk of tooth decay. We thought it would be a good idea to point out some common sources of sugar and how to maintain good hygiene while indulging in them.

The longer sugar is in contact with teeth, the longer bacteria will be feeding on it and producing acid. Sticky, sugary foods such as cranberry sauce can fuel tooth decay, as can caramels and hard candy, which remains in contact with the teeth for an extended period and tends to dry out the mouth. Other major sources of sugary residue are sweet or creamy beverages such as apple cider, lattes, hot chocolate, and wine. People should also keep a watch on debris from starchy snacks such as crackers, since starch is also food for bacteria.

Substituting sugary hard candies with xylitol-flavored ones will remove a source of tooth decay and stimulate saliva production. Chewing sugar-free gum between meals will also dislodge food debris if a person isn’t able to brush and floss right away. You can mitigate the residue from sugary drinks by interspersing sips of water while consuming them. If you won’t have access to fluoridated tap water, you can carry fluoridated water in bottles. And while crackers may leave a lot of debris, cheese contains vital minerals for strengthening enamel.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Oral Care with Dental Implants

Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge.  Although they are not natural teeth, they still require conscientious at-home oral care and regular dental visits. This is why Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS can provide patients with a dental implant maintenance routine after the implants are placed and healed.

Cleaning implant-supported tooth replacements are just as important as cleaning natural teeth, as both depend on healthy surrounding tissues for support. If the titanium oxide layer of the dental implant is disrupted during oral hygiene procedures, the soft tissues may be exposed to titanium metallic ions that can cause potential cytotoxic reactions compromising the dental implant. Unless instructed differently by Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, aim for brushing the teeth at least twice a day and floss between them at least once a day to eliminate bacteria in the mouth and prevent implant failure.

If you have questions or concerns about dental implants or restorative dentistry, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180.

Benefits of a Custom-Fitted Mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard is an important precaution for athletes of all ages and abilities, helping to protect against chipped or broken teeth, root and bone damage, and tooth loss. For a small cost, a properly fitted mouthguard can prevent anxiety, risk, injury, pain, suffering, and can even prevent years of dental treatment. Whether you’re on the court, on the rink, or on the field, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, can prepare a custom-fitted mouthguard for her athletic patients.

Not only do mouthguards protect the teeth, but they also protect the head against a blow to the jaw that can result in a concussion and/or loss of consciousness. For the highest level of comfort and protection, you should always visit a dentist for a custom mouthguard fitting. Custom mouthguards are made from exact and precise models of an individual’s own teeth and are made of resilient and tear resistant materials to ensure a proper fit.

If you have questions or concerns regarding custom-made mouthguards, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180.