Individuals that suffer from Multiple Sclerosis need to be careful because of the impact on their oral health. Want to learn about the negative effects that medication may have on their oral health? Here are few reasons on the importance of oral health and MS.

According to an article at mstrust.org, “Multiple Sclerosis”

“Oral health is defined as a standard of health of the oral and related tissues, which enables an individual to eat, speak, and socialize without active disease, discomfort or embarrassment and which contributes to general well-being. 1 Poor oral health can result in a negative response from others and lead to poorer social functioning in general regardless of health status.

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are not more susceptible to dental decay than the general population. However, they do have special needs in relation to dental care3because they often face difficulties in maintaining oral health and accessing care due to their symptoms. 4, 5 It is these difficulties that place them at greater risk of developing oral health problems. 6 Their symptoms may also impact on their ability to endure even simple dental treatment. The nature of a condition such as MS will mean that problems maintaining oral health may only be present during a relapse or become a problem as the severity of symptoms increase. It is particularly important for people with MS to avoid dental infection and trauma in view of the possible trigger to relapse this may represent. 7, 8

Many patients with MS are taking long-term medication such as steroids and diuretics to control their symptoms, which can have a significant impact on their oral health by causing a dry mouth. Having a dry mouth can make eating, talking and wearing dentures more difficult. People with a dry mouth are also more at risk of tooth decay, infection and gum disease. The frequent intake of sugar through drinks and mints to relieve the symptoms of a dry mouth also increases the risk of dental decay.

Their need for oral health care often goes unmet and as a consequence they are at risk of unavoidable dental pain. Dental care for people with MS has been poorly co-ordinated which is probably related to the fact that both those who care for them and the wider NHS has failed to perceive their dental needs as being important.

Recent studies in Leicestershire9 highlighted the fact that oral health was very important to the overall quality of life of people with MS (Box 1). The main barrier was a lack of information on services available and a lack of awareness of the impact that having MS might have on their oral health. It is this lack of awareness that has resulted in the oral health of people with MS being overlooked by health professionals with the belief that it is someone else’s responsibility. The significance of this is greatest when the individual is dependent on someone else to make decisions about their health.”

If you have a loved one that suffers from MS make sure that their dental visits are consistent. Need a dentist in the Reno area? Visit Dr. McElhinney at RenoLaserDentistry.com for more information on appointment availability.

Are you searching for the right dental insurance? What should you look for when choosing a dental plan? Here are a few tips to consider when choosing dental insurance.

“You’ve heard time and again that dental insurance can protect you and your family from dental and financial catastrophe. Even cheap insurance with minimal coverage will most likely save you big bucks over the course of your lifetime. A quick Web search will show that insurance is big business, and your options are becoming more expansive – and complicated – by the day. Not sure where to begin? Here are five things to consider when selecting family dental plans or an individual dental insurance plan that works for you!

1. Shop around! Finding a plan that works can be quite a feat. Even when employers offer dental insurance benefits to their employees and their families, it often isn’t enough. This means you’ll need to shop high and low until you find the best plan for your budget and lifestyle. The Internet has made all of this much easier – you have access to informational materials on a multitude of companies right at your finger tips. Be sure to read all the fine print; when it comes to your health, surprises are rarely a good thing.

2. Know your limits. All insurance plans have maximums – some good, others bad. A low maximum on your total benefits is never a good thing. That means if something major (and expensive) comes up, you may have to delve into your own pockets. A second maximum applies to your yearly deductible, which is the most amount of money you’d be expected to pay for your own care. A low maximum on your deductible is a great thing, so be sure to do the math when comparing policies.

3. Maintain control over your health. A dental insurance company may or may not have your best interests at heart, but, either way, they’re somewhat removed from the situation. It’s important that you have a say in your dental health. For starters, shouldn’t you be able to choose your dentist, or at least have a plethora of options should one provider not work out? It’s also important that you and your dentist have a lot of pull when it comes to making important decisions – an insurance company should never put unreasonable restrictions on the type of care you can receive.

4. Look for the 3 R’s (sort of): PRevention, Restoration and EmeRgency Care. Having access to these three types of dental care is critical for lifelong oral health. Preventive care reduces the likelihood that you’ll develop a dental condition that could have been avoided. Restorative care ensures that things that do go wrong, such as damaged or decayed teeth, will be fixed. Finally, emergency care you’ll receive the proper care when you need it immediately, such as if your tooth is knocked out. Some family dental plans cover other specialty care, like orthodontics, so consider your needs and go from there.

5. The waiting game. Some insurance companies make you wait a certain period of time before they will cover certain procedures. If you need immediate attention, find a policy that supports it. If everything’s in order, however, a minor wait may not be a major issue for you.

A carefully selected family or individual dental insurance plan could not only save you in a pinch, but ensure good oral health for life. It’s critical, however, to do your research and read the fine print. Don’t let your dental insurance company take you for a ride!”

Now, that you have all the right tools to find an insurance plan that's best for you. Want the best dentist in Reno? Dr. McElhinney is the one! To learn more about Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice visit renolaserdentistry.com.

When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? Are you worried about what germs may be taking up residence on your toothbrush? Here’s a few tips on when you need to replace your toothbrush.

According to an article at everydayhealth.com, “Replacing your Toothbrush”

“Do you know how many live bacteria’s are on your toothbrush? Brace yourself! Researchers have found that a single toothbrush can be loaded with as many as 10 million germs and bacteria. In fact, recent studies even found that your toothbrush could be a breeding ground for tiny microorganisms.

But before you swear off brushing, know this: These bacteria aren’t a big threat to your pearly whites. According to Richard Price, DMD, a dentist in Newton, Mass. and a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association, the researchers who discovered those toothbrush-dwelling microorganisms found that they didn’t make people sick — toothpaste has an anti-germ component built into it, and the microbes need moisture to survive. So as long as your toothbrush is given time to dry after you use it, it should be safe.

Squeaky-Clean Toothbrush Tips

To take care of your teeth and your toothbrush, it’s important to use your toothbrush the way you’re supposed to, rinse it in tap water, and then let it air dry, Price says.

This starts with storing your toothbrush in an upright position. Most people don’t need to worry about storing it away from other toothbrushes — germs are airborne, but they don’t hopscotch from one brush to another. However, if someone in the household has an immune deficiency, you can’t be too careful, says Price.

If you’re really fastidious about dental care, you can soak your toothbrush in alcohol to kill the germs, Price adds. Mouthwash is also an antiseptic, so it works as a “toothbrush soak,” too, as does a solution of half water and half hydrogen peroxide. Another option is to dip it in boiling water for about five to 10 seconds.

Interestingly enough, toothbrush sanitizers haven’t shown to have much effect. And you should never put your toothbrush in the dishwasher or microwave: You’ll just end up damaging it.

Time for a New Toothbrush?

The American Dental Association recommends getting a new toothbrush (or brush head, if you use anelectric type) about every three months — more because of the wear on the bristles than germs.

And that depends on the brusher and not the brush, Price emphasizes. If you have a heavy hand, the bristles might wear out sooner. Remember that the key determinant is not the calendar but the shape the bristles are in. “You need to replace your toothbrush when the bristles spew in different directions,” Price says. Check your children’s toothbrushes regularly because they probably will need to be replaced more frequently.

Should you replace your toothbrush after an illness, like a cold? No, says Price. Just be sure it dries out between uses so that germs can’t survive."

Remember just like you need to change your toothbrush every couple of months, you still need to maintain your regular dental check-ups. Dr. McElhinney of Reno Laser Dentistry has perfected thousands of smiles and he can help you. Visit renolaserdentistry.com for more information.

Visit your dentist regularly? Did you know that gum disease is also known as periodontal disease, want to learn more about the stages of the disease? Make sure that you consult your dentist if you any concerns.

According to an article at naturalnews.com, “Periodontal Disease”

“Gum disease is also referred to as periodontal disease and encompasses the various stages of the disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal literally translates to “around the tooth”. Interestingly, as the disease progresses it manages to burrow itself more completely around the affected tooth or teeth.

The beginning stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which occurs when plaque buildup begins to inflame the gums causing them to redden, swell and easily bleed. Typically there is little to no discomfort during this stage. Because of this, gingivitis is generally detected during a regular dentist visit. If diagnosed and treated, gingivitis is completely reversible.

If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to periodontitis, which occurs when plaque spreads below the gumline. The bacteria associated with plaque produces toxins, which trigger further inflammation. Over time, this heightened inflammatory response will ultimately deteriorate the bones and tissue that support the affected teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. Once periodontitis sets in, treatment is crucial to manage the inflammation and minimize damage.

It is estimated that 80% of all American adults have some form of gum disease. Smoking, genetics, stress, medications (including oral contraceptives, anti-depressants and certain heart medications), pregnancy, clenching or grinding your teeth, poor nutrition, diabetes and other systemic diseases have all been implicated as risk factors for the disease.

The link between gum disease and systemic disease is at the center of a number of on going studies. What we currently know is that definitive links do exists between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes and pregnancy complications. Currently researchers are examining the possibilities that either inflammation, bacteria or a combination of the two are at the heart of the link between gum disease and other health problems.”

The good news is you can receive treatment for gum disease. Need the best dentist in Reno then Dr. McElhinney is the one? If you have any questions visit renolaserdentistry.com.

Have you heard of a condition called “black hairy tongue”? Well, it’s actually a painless oral health condition which the tongue appears black. Want to learn more about this oral condition?

According to an article at dentist.net, “An Overview of Black Hairy Tongue”

“The name — black hairy tongue — may sound scary, but the condition is actually harmless. Black hairy tongue is caused by bacteria or fungi in the mouth, which make the tongue, appear black and hairy. It’s easily remedied by good old-fashioned oral hygiene.

What causes black hairy tongue?

A black hairy tongue is caused by too much bacteria or yeast growth in the mouth. The bacteria build up on tiny rounded projections called papillae. These lie along the surface of the tongue. Instead of shedding as they normally do, the papillae start to grow and lengthen, creating hair-like projections. They can grow to 15 times their normal length.

Normally, the papillae are pinkish-white. But as they grow, pigments from food, drinks, and possibly the bacteria or yeast themselves get caught in the papillae, dyeing the tongue a color. Most often that color is black, hence the name. But the tongue can also turn brown, yellow, green, or a variety of other colors.

Certain lifestyle habits and conditions can make people more likely to develop black hairy tongue. They include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking tobacco
• Drinking a lot of coffee or tea
• Using antibiotics (which may disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the mouth)
• Being dehydrated
• Taking medications that contain the chemical bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol for upset stomach)
• Not producing enough saliva
• Regularly using mouthwash that contains peroxide, witch hazel, or menthol
• Getting radiation therapy to the head and neck

Black hairy tongue is more common in men, people who use intravenous drugs, and those who are HIV-positive.

What are the symptoms of hairy tongue?

Other than the appearance of the tongue, most people with black hairy tongue don’t have any symptoms or feel any discomfort. The exception is when there is too much growth of the yeast Candida albicans, which can cause a burning sensation on the tongue. This burning sensation is called glossopyrosis.

Some people complain of a tickling feeling in the back of the roof of the mouth, a nasty metallic taste in their mouth, or nausea. In more severe cases, the condition may lead to a gagging feeling. Sometimes, food getting caught inside the extra-long papillae can cause bad breath.

How can I get rid of black hairy tongue?

Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to treat black hairy tongue. Gently brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush. Also, brush your tongue. You can use a tongue scraper to make sure you’re thoroughly cleaning the area. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your mouth clean.

Other tips include:

If you smoke, quit.

Add more roughage to your diet. Soft foods won’t clean off the tongue effectively.”

Do you have an oral condition that needs the attention of a dental professional? Dr. McElhinney of Reno Laser Dentistry can be contacted at renolaserdentsitry.com for more information on appointment availability.