Wellesley Dental Group Blog

Each February many of us are reminded to focus on our heart health as  American Heart Month sheds light on all things related to the heart. Love is truly in the air all of February and our hearts require a lot of love when trying to maintain its health. Heart disease is a general term that covers many heart problems. One of the most commonly known heart diseases is Coronary Artery Disease, which occurs when the arteries connecting to the heart become blocked by plaque build-up.

Many of us have heard the benefits of probiotics, but did you know those benefits extend to your oral health? Probiotics, found in certain supplements and foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, may help you control dental tarter and bacterial plaque.

Probiotics are comprised of “good” bacteria and yeasts. These good microorganisms help fight off the body’s “bad “bacteria. Many individuals have heard about probiotics when referring to improving digestive issues, but research also has shown that they can help benefit your skin, lungs, urinary tract, and oral cavity. Researchers have suggested that probiotics may help combat gum disease, dental plaque, bad breath, and potentially cancer.

Has your dentist suggested that you be sedated for an upcoming treatment? If you have never been sedated before, you may be curious about what to expect. What does dental sedation feel like? How can you be sure that it is right for you? This blog post provides helpful information to prepare you for the road ahead.

Vaping is becoming increasingly popular, but so are it’s damaging health effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 9.1 million American adults and 2 million teenagers use vaping products containing tobacco. Previous researchers have linked vaping to the development of lung disease and gum disease. Researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine have now reported a potential link between patients using vaping devices and having an increased risk of developing dental cavities.

We all know how influential bacteria can be on our health. A new study, published in the Journal of Dentistry, discovered break through research on bacteria and our brains. Researchers from the University of Plymouth and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust examined brain abscesses and their link to bacteria known to cause oral infections. They looked at 87 patient records who were admitted to the hospital with brain abscesses and analyzed the microbiology data from their abscess samples. Only 35 of the patients had an exact cause of the abscess identified. They found that of the 52 patients where a cause of the abscess had not been found, they were approximately 3 times as likely to have oral bacteria present in their samples. They also identified a higher presence of Streptococcus anginosus, which is a bacteria often associated with pharyngitis, bacteremia, internal organs infections, and even dental abscesses. Although the incidence of this type of brain abscess is rare, it can be life-threatening, according to the researchers.

Regular dental care is vital throughout all stages of life, and pregnancy is no exception. The hormonal changes that occur during this special time can have an impact on a woman’s oral health, increasing the risk of gingivitis, enamel erosion, and other issues. Your dentist can help you manage these problems.

However, if you are a bit nervous about treatment, you might hesitate to book an appointment. You might be extra-reluctant because you are unsure if the methods used to help patients relax are safe for a developing infant. Is dental sedation safe during pregnancy? Read on below to discover the answer to that important question.

One of the nation’s pressing issues is blood shortages. The month of January was deemed National Blood Donor Month (NBDM) by President Richard Nixon to help address this issue and honor voluntary blood donors across America. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the U.S. requires blood and or platelets every 2 seconds! 

College is an exciting time, but can be a super busy time, too. With navigating through different classes and trying to balance a social life, it can be easy to slip up on oral hygiene practices. However, it’s important to prioritize staying on top of your regular dental check-ups and your oral care at home.

Dental implants can seamlessly replace missing teeth, providing a natural look, a strong bite, and many other benefits. Still, they cost quite a bit of money, so it is only natural to wonder if they are a good long-term value. How long do they last? With proper care, they can endure for decades! Read on below to learn more about their life expectancy and how you can make your replacement teeth stand the test of time.

Did you know, lung cancer takes the lead for causing the most cancer deaths among both men and women in the United States. November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month, in which many organizations help encourage lung health and educate the public on lung diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends annual lung cancer screenings for individuals who have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, and are between the ages of 50 and 80 years old.