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.

Ever have any jaw pain, tenderness, or chewing difficulty with discomfort? Have you heard of the condition temporomandibular joint dysfunction? Want to learn what questions to ask your dentist?

According to an article at everydayhealth.com, “Questions To ask your Dentist”

“Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is a common cause of jaw pain. The temporomandibular joint is in front of the ears where the lower jaw is attached to the upper part of the face. If you put your hands in front of your ears and open your mouth you can feel the temporomandibular joint area move. This joint can develop pain along with difficulty in chewing and biting. Temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction may also present with a clicking sound with jaw movements.

Top Questions to Ask Your Dentist About TMJ

• Are there medications I can take for the pain?
• Do I need a bite guard, and how do I use us it?
• Do I need to have any tests like an x-ray or a CAT scan?
• I grind my teeth during sleep.
• Will that lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction?
• What causes temporomandibular joint dysfunction?
• Are there any jaw exercises you recommend for temporomandibular joint dysfunction?
• Are there types of food that will cause less jaw pain?”

Suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction; Dr. McElhinney of Reno Laser Dentistry can help. Visit renolaserdentistry.com for more information.

Are you a smoker? Worried about the negative effects that smoking has on your oral health? Do you have a need for a healthier lifestyle? How about some tips to help you make healthier decisions about your oral health.

According to an article at ada.org, “Smoking and Oral Health”

“Mark Twain once said, “Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it a thousand times.”

Quitting tobacco is difficult because all forms of it—cigarettes, cigars and spit (chewing) tobacco—contain nicotine and nicotine is the agent in tobacco that’s capable of causing addiction or dependence. However, you can quit once and for all. The reasons for quitting are simple: You’ll lower the chances of having a heart attack, stroke or cancer, including oral cancer. A smoke-free environment is healthier for those around you. If you’re pregnant, you’ll improve your chances of having a healthy baby. And, the money spent on tobacco can be used on other things.

What effects can smoking have on my oral health?

• Oral Cancer
• Periodontal (gum) disease—a leading cause of tooth loss and sensitivity
• Delayed healing after a tooth extraction or other oral surgery
• Few options for some kinds of dental care (smokers can be poor candidates for particular treatments such as implants)
• Bad breath
• Stained teeth and tongue
• Diminished sense of taste and smell

What effects can smokeless tobacco have on my oral health?

Like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products contain a variety of toxins associated with cancer. At least 28 cancer-causing chemicals have been identified in smokeless tobacco products. Smokeless tobacco is known to cause cancers of the mouth, lip, tongue, and pancreas. Users also may be at risk for cancer of the voice box, esophagus, colon and bladder, because they swallow some of the toxins in the juice created by using smokeless tobacco.

Smokeless tobacco can irritate your gum tissue, causing periodontal (gum) disease. Sugar is often added to enhance the flavor of smokeless tobacco, increasing the risk for tooth decay. Smokeless tobacco also typically contains sand and grit, which can wear down your teeth.”

Need help overcoming the effects of smoking, contact Dr. McElhinney of RenoLaserDentistry.com for more information on how Dr. McElhinney can help.

Are you a new mom and wondering why your baby is irritable, crying, and  has swollen gums? Your baby is going through a common dental problem, teething. Want a couple of tips of what to look for and how to handle this common oral care problem?

According to an article at aquafresh.com, “Common Children’s Oral Care-Teething”

"Let’s be honest — it’s not an easy time for either of you. As the baby teeth start to push their way through the gum line, they can cause your baby some discomfort — commonly known as teething. Some children suffer more than others. The good news is that the pain from each tooth should stop as soon as it’s visible.

You’ll notice the symptoms even before the teeth come through those little gums.

Here are some of the things to look for:

• Even more of a desire to chew on things than usual!
• Swollen gums
• Hot red cheeks
• More dribbling than usual
• Irritability

If your child has other symptoms, such as a fever, it’s probably not due to teething. Consult your doctor as usual.

There are several things you can do to help your children cope with teething:

• Extra cuddles and TLC are the best place to start.
• Giving them a chilled (but not frozen hard) teething ring to chew on may help to soothe the gums.
• Ask your doctor or dentist to recommend a sugar-free infant teething gel. You should always consult a doctor before giving your children any kind of medication —particularly when they are young.
• Never rub alcohol on your children’s gums or place an aspirin against the tooth or gum.”

Are you looking for a dentist to care for your child’s dental needs? Dr. McElhinney of Reno Laser Dentistry has more than 30 years of experience, click here to learn more about Dr. McElhinney dental practice at renolaserdentsitry.com.

Do you have a child that suffers from acute otitis also known as middle ear infections? Did you know that sugar free gum with xylitol may help decrease their middle ear infection? Want to read more about the study involving children that received xylitol?

According to an article at colgate.com, “Sugar free gum may decrease middle ear infection”

“Having your child chew sugar free gum with xylitol several times a day may not only help protect her from getting cavities—it may also be a useful strategy to help prevent acute middle ear infections.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that is usually painful and may improve with antibiotic treatment. Symptoms can include pain, redness of the eardrum, pus in the ear and fever.

The Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group examined three Finnish studies from 1998 through 2007. More than 3,000 healthy children in day care settings received the natural non-sugar sweetener xylitol in gum, lozenges or syrup. The children who received xylitol in the studies had 25 percent fewer ear infections.

Those receiving the xylitol gum chewed it five times a day for at least five minutes.

“In the United States, AOM accounted for almost 16 million office visits in 2000 and costs almost $3.8 billion annually in direct and indirect health care costs,” researchers said. “Antibiotic treatment of AOM is costly and raises concerns regarding the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Surgery is invasive and costly and because of these factors, effective measures for preventing AOM are sought.”

A fourth study followed children with upper respiratory infections who received xylitol. In those children there was no reduction in the number of ear infections with the xylitol treatments.

Xylitol has been shown to inhibit growth and acid production of a variety of bacteria related to cavities and upper respiratory infections, so the researchers theorized that it would also be useful for preventing middle ear infections.”

Need a dentist that treats the whole family? Dr. McElhinney of Reno Laser Dentistry is the best in town. Click here to contact Dr. McElhinney for more information.