Balanced Blog

What Is Ozone Dentistry

Ever wonder if there’s a more natural way to approach dental care? Look no further than ozone dentistry! Discover how ozone dentistry can complement your current dental routine and explore a more holistic approach to a healthy smile. You can come in and meet Dr. Jackson and learn more about how Ozone works to activate the immune system, improve circulation, and eliminate pathogens. This gentle treatment encourages antioxidant use and oxygen metabolism in the body, thus killing bad bacteria and restoring your teeth and gums. Read on!

How Brushing Your Teeth Can Impact Your Lungs

Brushing your teeth twice daily is a well-established habit for maintaining good oral health. But did you know that this simple routine might also benefit your lungs? Strange but true! Recent research suggests a surprising connection between oral hygiene practices and reduced risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia.

One more reason to brush your teeth

Maybe we should add toothbrushes to the bouquet of flowers we bring to friends and family members in the hospital — and make sure to pack one if we wind up there ourselves.

New Harvard-led research published online in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests seriously ill hospitalized patients are far less likely to develop hospital-acquired pneumonia if their teeth are brushed twice daily. They also need ventilators for less time, are able to leave the intensive care unit (ICU) more quickly, and are less likely to die in the ICU than patients without a similar toothbrushing regimen.

Why would toothbrushing make any difference?

“It makes sense that toothbrushing removes the bacteria that can lead to so many bad outcomes,” says Dr. Tien Jiang, an instructor in oral health policy and epidemiology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, who wasn’t involved in the new research. “Plaque on teeth is so sticky that rinsing alone can’t effectively dislodge the bacteria. Only toothbrushing can.”

Pneumonia consistently falls among the leading infections patients develop while hospitalized. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, each year more than 633,000 Americans who go to the hospital for other health issues wind up getting pneumonia. Air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs fill with fluid or pus, causing coughing, fever, chills, and trouble breathing. Nearly 8% of those who develop hospital-acquired pneumonia die from it.

How was the study done?

The researchers reviewed 15 randomized trials encompassing nearly 2,800 patients. All of the studies compared outcomes among seriously ill hospitalized patients who had daily toothbrushing to those who did not.

  • 14 of the studies were conducted in ICUs
  • 13 involved patients who needed to be on a ventilator
  • 11 used an antiseptic rinse called chlorhexidine gluconate for all patients: those who underwent toothbrushing and those who didn’t.

What were the findings?

The findings were compelling and should spur efforts to standardize twice-daily toothbrushing for all hospitalized patients, Dr. Jiang says.

Study participants who were randomly assigned to receive twice-daily toothbrushing were 33% less likely to develop hospital-acquired pneumonia. Those effects were magnified for people on ventilators, who needed this invasive breathing assistance for less time if their teeth were brushed.

Overall, study participants were 19% less likely to die in the ICU — and able to graduate from intensive care faster — with the twice-daily oral regimen.

How long patients stayed in the hospital or whether they were treated with antibiotics while there didn’t seem to influence pneumonia rates. Also, toothbrushing three or more times daily didn’t translate into additional benefits over brushing twice a day.

What were the study’s strengths and limitations?

One major strength was compiling years of smaller studies into one larger analysis — something particularly unusual in dentistry, Dr. Jiang says. “From a dental point of view, having 15 randomized controlled trials is huge. It’s very hard to amass that big of a population in dentistry at this high a level of evidence,” she says.

But toothbrushing techniques may have varied among hospitals participating in the research. And while the study was randomized, it couldn’t be blinded — a tactic that would reduce the chance of skewed results. Because there was no way to conceal toothbrushing regimens, clinicians involved in the study likely knew their efforts were being tracked, which may have changed their behavior.

“Perhaps they were more vigilant because of it,” Dr. Jiang says.

How exactly can toothbrushing prevent hospital-acquired pneumonia?

It’s not complicated. Pneumonia in hospitalized patients often stems from breathing germs into the mouth — germs which number more than 700 different species, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes.

This prospect looms larger for ventilated patients, since the breathing tube inserted into the throat can carry bacteria farther down the airway. “Ventilated patients lose the normal way of removing some of this bacteria,” Dr. Jiang says. “Without that ventilator, we can sweep it out of our upper airways.”

How much does toothbrushing matter if you’re not hospitalized?

In case you think the study findings only pertain to people in the hospital, think again. Rather, this drives home how vital it is for everyone to take care of their teeth and gums.

About 300 diseases and conditions are linked in some way to oral health. Poor oral health triggers some health problems and worsens others. People with gum disease and tooth loss, for example, have higher rates of heart attacks. And those with uncontrolled gum disease typically have more difficulty controlling blood sugar levels.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia rates lower with twice-daily toothbrushing.

Maybe we should add toothbrushes to the bouquet of flowers we bring to friends and family members in the hospital — and make sure to pack one if we wind up there ourselves.

New Harvard-led research published online in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests seriously ill hospitalized patients are far less likely to develop hospital-acquired pneumonia if their teeth are brushed twice daily. They also need ventilators for less time, are able to leave the intensive care unit (ICU) more quickly, and are less likely to die in the ICU than patients without a similar toothbrushing regimen.

Why would toothbrushing make any difference?

“It makes sense that toothbrushing removes the bacteria that can lead to so many bad outcomes,” says Dr. Tien Jiang, an instructor in oral health policy and epidemiology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, who wasn’t involved in the new research. “Plaque on teeth is so sticky that rinsing alone can’t effectively dislodge the bacteria. Only toothbrushing can.”

Pneumonia consistently falls among the leading infections patients develop while hospitalized. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, each year more than 633,000 Americans who go to the hospital for other health issues wind up getting pneumonia. Air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs fill with fluid or pus, causing coughing, fever, chills, and trouble breathing. Nearly 8% of those who develop hospital-acquired pneumonia die from it.

How was the study done?

The researchers reviewed 15 randomized trials encompassing nearly 2,800 patients. All of the studies compared outcomes among seriously ill hospitalized patients who had daily toothbrushing to those who did not.

  • 14 of the studies were conducted in ICUs
  • 13 involved patients who needed to be on a ventilator
  • 11 used an antiseptic rinse called chlorhexidine gluconate for all patients: those who underwent toothbrushing and those who didn’t.

What were the findings?

The findings were compelling and should spur efforts to standardize twice-daily toothbrushing for all hospitalized patients, Dr. Jiang says.

Study participants who were randomly assigned to receive twice-daily toothbrushing were 33% less likely to develop hospital-acquired pneumonia. Those effects were magnified for people on ventilators, who needed this invasive breathing assistance for less time if their teeth were brushed.

Overall, study participants were 19% less likely to die in the ICU — and able to graduate from intensive care faster — with the twice-daily oral regimen.

How long patients stayed in the hospital or whether they were treated with antibiotics while there didn’t seem to influence pneumonia rates. Also, toothbrushing three or more times daily didn’t translate into additional benefits over brushing twice a day.

What were the study’s strengths and limitations?

One major strength was compiling years of smaller studies into one larger analysis — something particularly unusual in dentistry, Dr. Jiang says. “From a dental point of view, having 15 randomized controlled trials is huge. It’s very hard to amass that big of a population in dentistry at this high a level of evidence,” she says.

But toothbrushing techniques may have varied among hospitals participating in the research. And while the study was randomized, it couldn’t be blinded — a tactic that would reduce the chance of skewed results. Because there was no way to conceal toothbrushing regimens, clinicians involved in the study likely knew their efforts were being tracked, which may have changed their behavior.

“Perhaps they were more vigilant because of it,” Dr. Jiang says.

How exactly can toothbrushing prevent hospital-acquired pneumonia?

It’s not complicated. Pneumonia in hospitalized patients often stems from breathing germs into the mouth — germs which number more than 700 different species, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes.

This prospect looms larger for ventilated patients, since the breathing tube inserted into the throat can carry bacteria farther down the airway. “Ventilated patients lose the normal way of removing some of this bacteria,” Dr. Jiang says. “Without that ventilator, we can sweep it out of our upper airways.”

How much does toothbrushing matter if you’re not hospitalized?

In case you think the study findings only pertain to people in the hospital, think again. Rather, this drives home how vital it is for everyone to take care of their teeth and gums.

About 300 diseases and conditions are linked in some way to oral health. Poor oral health triggers some health problems and worsens others. People with gum disease and tooth loss, for example, have higher rates of heart attacks. And those with uncontrolled gum disease typically have more difficulty controlling blood sugar levels.

Invest in your overall health! Speak to your dentist about personalized oral hygiene recommendations. Schedule your next dental checkup today at 772.247.2407. Follow our Instagram for more dental tips.


Reference: [ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/one-more-reason-to-brush-your-teeth-202402263019 ]

Conquering Cavity Monsters: A Parent’s Guide to Healthy Smiles

Do you sometimes worry about sneaky sugar fiends hiding in your child’s precious smile? Those pesky cavities can be unwelcome visitors, causing discomfort and disrupting the adventures of growing up. This guide will equip you with the tools to navigate tooth care and keep your kid’s pearly whites shining bright.

Cavities in Children: What to Do

Cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, are common among children. Left untreated your child can experience pain and infection. This can lead to problems with speaking, eating, and learning.

Good dental hygiene can help your child prevent cavities. You can help your child establish healthy dental habits even before their first tooth appears. Knowing what causes cavities in children and how to treat them if they develop can help you and your child prevent them in the future.

Cavities can be caused by bacteria, foods, acids, and saliva. Foods with sugars and starches in them, like candy, soda, cake, juices, milk, and cereals, become acidic from the bacteria in your child’s mouth. The acids break down tooth enamel and cause cavities. If left untreated, cavities can be dangerous for children.

All children are at risk for cavities, but some factors may increase that risk:

  • Higher than average levels of bacteria in your child’s mouth
  • Too many carbohydrates, sugars, and starches in your child’s diet
  • Drinking water with little to no fluoride
  • Little to no oral hygiene
  • Low saliva production

Signs and symptoms of cavities may be different for every child, but common signs include:

  • White spots on the tooth
  • Formation of a light brown color on the tooth
  • Darkening of the tooth
  • A hole in the tooth
  • Reactions to sweets or cold foods

If your child has noticeable signs of a cavity, they’ll need to see a dentist. Your dentist will treat their cavities with a filling, also known as a restoration. There are two types of restorations: direct and indirect. Direct restorations require one visit to fill the cavity holes. Indirect restorations need two visits and involve repairs to the tooth with a customized material.

If your child experiences the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention:

  • Increased pain or swelling
  • Fever and other signs of infection
  • Trouble eating or chewing
  • Pus draining from the tooth

Untreated cavities and tooth decay can cause life-threatening infections that have long-term effects.

It’s time to map your child’s smile. Our friendly team at Balanced Dental can’t wait to help them with a checkup! Schedule your appointment today at 772.247.2407. Follow our Instagram for more dental tips.


Reference: [https://www.webmd.com/children/what-to-do-about-cavities-in-children]

Testimonials

What Our Patients Say

I love Balanced Dental!

When we moved here from out of state I was dreaded looking for a dentist because we had many terrible experiences. I love that Balanced Dental has an integrative approach to dentistry; there weren't a thousand questions about if I'm giving my children fluoride or not, and they respect me as a decision-making advocate for my children. They have been very patient with my son who has a very sensitive gag reflex and has had traumatizing dental experiences. I can honestly say that the cleanings are top-notch! I am confident in Balanced Dental and recommend that my friends see Dr. Jackson and his staff.
Danielle Durand

Overall an Excellent experience!

Balanced Dental is hands down the BEST when it comes to professionalism, cleanliness, accuracy, punctuality, and overall providing an excellent experience! I have been here a few times for my dental needs and I've always had a pleasant visit. The staff is super nice and they even followed up after my first visit with a lovely card sent to my home. Dr. Jackson is truly a nice guy and keeps it real (who really flosses everyday??). Going back soon for a cleaning and already know it’s going to be a smooth visit. If you need your teeth taken care of, this is definitely the place to be!
Ashley Roblero

The doctor and staff were great!

I've been avoiding the dentist. Finally happy since I moved down south. The doctor and staff were great. No need to look any further. Thank you.
Lauren Sasson (Lala)

Both of my children had a great experience!

I would highly recommend this practice to anyone. Both of my children had a great experience, the staff are friendly and courteous. Huge bonus: no long wait!
Michelle Hood

Dr Jackson very good and great!

This is the best dentist and staff I have had in a long long time I highly recommend them ! Dr Jackson very good and great explaining what each procedure entails Office is very soothing especially since I'm a nervous patient !
Jack Corcoran

Thanks to Dr. Jackson's gentle touch!

I am forever grateful that I found Dr. David Jackson as he's kind, patient, empathetic, talented and professional. Thanks to Dr. Jackson's gentle touch, I am no longer (mostly) afraid to visit a dentist. His staff is just as wonderful and always accommodating.
Linda Cahill

Excellent Work!

I’m so grateful I found this dentist's office. Dr. Jackson has a very calm demeanor and does excellent work. His staff is friendly and professional.
Ann Boreman (Annie Girl)

His staff is professional!

Dr. Jackson and his staff are professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. For years, I've been a patient of Dr. Jackson and Alyssa. I'm glad they moved north. Folks in search of a new dentist need to visit Balanced Dental.
Sam Bruning

We all love them!

Dr. Jackson is a great dentist and guy! He treats my entire family and we all love them. I couldn’t recommend them enough to anybody that’s in need of a new dentist.
Spencer Perna

Wonderful Staff!

Dr. Jackson and his staff are very kind and professional. Dr. Jackson has an excellent demeanor and a gentle touch. His staff is wonderful. I highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for a dentist.
Cindy Sellati