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Can Diabetes Affect Your Smile? | Tyngsboro Dentist

Do you have diabetes? You aren’t alone – Diabetes affects 34.2 million Americans, and that’s just the ones that have been diagnosed. Unfortunately, diabetes doesn’t just affect our bodies, but also our smiles. Diabetic patients with poorly controlled levels are more apt to develop numerous oral complications, such as periodontal disease, salivary gland dysfunction, infection, neuropathy, and poor healing. Because this is American Diabetes Month, let’s take a look at the ways your diabetes can affect your smile:

There are two major forms of diabetes recognized, type-1 and type-2. Both are characterized by inappropriately high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). In type-1 diabetes, the patient cannot produce the hormone insulin, while in type-2 diabetes the patient produces insulin, but it is not used properly.

Oral changes are evident in poorly managed diabetics. These patients are at risk for numerous oral complications, such as periodontal disease, salivary gland dysfunction, infection, neuropathy, and poor healing. Their presence may serve as an early clue to the possible presence of diabetes, prompting your dentist to perform or request further testing.

Periodontal disease is a commonly observed dental problem for patients with diabetes. Nondiabetic patients can obviously develop gum disease, but for those patients with diabetes, the symptoms and progression will develop quicker and more severe.

In conclusion, we can summarize the above by citing the American Dental Association, which states that those with diabetes are more at risk for getting periodontal disease and those with periodontal disease are more likely to contract diabetes. Good hygiene and regular visits to the dentist will lower our risk for gum disease, as well as diabetes and other diseases. Keeping your blood sugar level within the normal range by proper diet and exercise will keep your body healthy and lower the risk of gum disease.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Why Does My Breath Stink? | Tyngsboro Dentist

Keeping your mouth clean is not only good for your health, but it is also good for your breath. As you eat food, chewing breaks food into small particles that can become stuck between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. As bacteria break down that food, the bacteria can release foul odors, which will be exhaled and noticeable to others. Patients with cavities caused by tooth decay are more likely to have food particles and bacterial colonies present – the cavities provide a protected space for bacteria, increasing the likelihood of odor causing bacteria being present. Sure, chewing a bit of gum after eating some garlic will mainly do the trick, but there are also some underlying circumstances that could be making your breath smell. If you find that your breath is less than lovely on a regular basis, consult your dentist – it could mean something more serious.

Like tooth-born bacteria, patients with periodontal disease are likely to have bad breath. Periodontal disease is an infection within the gums, typically caused by poor oral hygiene. As plaque and tartar build up against the gums, bacterial colonies build beneath the surface of the gums, creating large colonies that not only produce foul odors, but also damage gum and bone tissue, and could potentially cause severe dental issues such as tooth loss.

Because the root cause of bad breath is often bacteria, an antiseptic mouthwash can often help mitigate bad breath – at least for a while. However, it’s important to remember that mouthwash doesn’t necessarily remove all bacteria; it only kills some bacteria for a short period of time.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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A Is for Autumn and Apples | Tyngsboro Dentist

Now that we are smack dab in the middle of Autumn, I think that it’s time to talk about one of our mouth’s very best friends – the apple. Autumn is the time of year nit begins to cool down and the apple is the centerpiece of many of our autumnal celebrations. The leaves change from bright, vivid greens to more rust-like, “apple-y” colorations and we trade out our lemonades for apple cider. ’Tis the season of the apple and we are here to help you celebrate this tooth-friendly food properly.

Apples aren’t only a fruit used to sweet talk the teachers or keep away the doctors. They also help keep our smiles strong and bright. Apples are naturally full of vitamins A and C, key to keeping our gums nice and healthy. The small amount of acid and the crunchiness of the skin that acts as an astringent on your teeth when you bite into it. Scrubbing your teeth as you chew, the juiciness of the apple causes you to produce saliva. The more saliva you have going on, the less chance the bacteria has to bury itself in your mouth, wreaking havoc.

Just because the apple is now our favorite go-to snack, please remember that these sweet fruits do have sugar content, so be sure to brush afterwards to make sure you get rid of the loosened plaque left behind by your apple. If you don’t have a toothbrush handy, do a quick rinse with some water.

So, stock up on those amazing apples. Not only are they great at keeping us healthy, they are also great in lots of healthy autumnal recipes!

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Celebrate the Summer with Fresh Fruits and Vegetables | Tyngsboro Dentist

In order to have a relaxing dental checkup, we need to take care of our teeth. But let’s not pretend it isn’t tough to do when we are outside having fun in the summer sun. We are surrounded by delicious frozen confections and sweet treats! Hate to break the news, but if you want to keep your smile healthy and bright, we need to look after our smiles, and that includes what we put into our mouths. So, what are our options to get back the “pearl” back in our pearly whites? Believe it or not, it’s fresh fruits and vegetables. Since this is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month, here are some options you may want to consider:

If you’re looking for a tastier teeth whitener, the crispiness of the apple is helping to strengthen our gums. And the juiciness of the apple produces saliva, which clears out cavity-causing bacteria. If you’re looking for a citrus version, try the orange. Not only is the vitamin C good for you, but citric acid also scours your teeth. Just keep in mind – too much can wear enamel. Even strawberries can benefit our smiles.

Lastly, the vegetables. Correlating an onion as a dental secret seems improbable, but this colorless veggie prevents stains on your teeth, and if you eat anything with onion, you’re much more apt to brush your teeth afterwards. Broccoli is Mother Nature’s most blatant toothbrush, while giving us an iron boost. Carrots and celery are the next in this line of veggies. If you think about it, celery is like nature’s dental floss so grab some peanut butter and celebrate!

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. James Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Not-So-Fun Facts About Gum Recession | Tyngsboro Dentist

periodntal disease

As a dental professional, there are some very common questions asked when patients come in for a check-up: Does gum tissue grow back after they’ve receded? Is it the result of brushing too hard? Do gums recede because of gum disease? And many of them are asked because of a misunderstood oral condition known as gum recession.

The gum tissue is nothing more than a layer of skin that covers the bone tissue of the upper and lower jaws. And, so long as the underlying jawbone stays intact, the gum tissue will stay straight and high on the teeth. Simply put, gums recede only because the bone responsible for supporting the gum tissue has withdrawn. Four reasons you jaw would begin to demineralize would be advanced gum disease, bruxism, trauma and genetics.

Gum disease. If left unchecked, gum disease can progress to the point where it can compromise your jaw bones and your overall health. Advanced forms of gum disease can’t be cured, so make sure to keep your appointments.

Bruxism. Whether it’s caused by stress or sleep apnea, the habitual clenching and grinding of teeth can compromise the strength and structure of the jaws, which can make it prone to gum disease and in turn, gum recession.

Trauma. Your teeth are built to be solid, but not indestructible. If left untreated, a chipped tooth – or in worse cases, a lost tooth or two – can put you at more of a risk for gum disease and subsequently, gum recession.

Genetics. Sometimes, though, the thickness of the facial jaw bones may be determined by genetics. Although it may sound unfortunate, those born with thinner jaw bones are more prone to demineralization and are at a much higher risk for gum recession.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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You Need to Keep Your Dental Appointment | Tyngsboro Dentist

For whatever reason, we have a tough time keeping our dental appointments. Sure, it can cause us some anxiety, but isn’t your smile worth the sacrifice? It’s the first thing strangers see when you introduce yourself. Shouldn’t we be taking care of those pearly whites? Of course we should. But we can’t do it alone…we need to be able to lean on someone to tell us if something is going awry. That person is our dental professional.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Periodontal disease is typically painless, and you may not know you have it, and therein lies the problem. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. Here are some warning signs to keep an eye out for:

  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Red, swollen, tender gums
  • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste
  • Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
  • Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • Any change in the fit of partial dentures

Many factors that can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease including smoking, pregnancy, and diabetes. This is why it is so important to make (and keep) your regular dental appointments. We cannot diagnose ourselves – we don’t have the knowledge or the tools to be able to do so. They are the final word on our mouth’s health. This is why we need to do our best to look after our teeth in between visits as well. The better we do in between visits, the easier our visits will be.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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A New Year and a New Smile | Tyngsboro Dentist

It could be as simple as a new haircut, but any positive change will always bring a smile to our face. And if that makeover is a smile makeover, all the more reason to show it off. It’s a new year – why not get yourself a new smile? After the year we had, you deserve a reason to show off that gorgeous grin. Here are some benefits to consider:

Improved self-esteem and self-confidence. This is, unarguably, one of the many reasons why people are interested in getting a smile makeover in the first place. And, well, there’s no shame in spending money to improve your own look, which may help improve your self-esteem and self-confidence.

Fixed bad bites. In many cases, especially in orthodontics, braces or Invisalign just aren’t fitted just for esthetic reasons. Many times, it is to correct a bad bite, which can help improve or fix the function of one’s teeth and may even help prevent gum disease.

Prevention of jaw atrophy. Those with missing teeth are candidates for implants, which are great for preventing jawbone atrophy, while at the same time, helps in maintaining that youthful and vibrant smile.

Lowered risk for tooth decay and cavities. Chipped and broken teeth, as well as excessive gaps in between and cavities can all eventually lead to worse complications down the line. Fillings aren’t exactly cosmetic but having tooth-colored fillings is still a far better-looking option. And the use of dental crowns and bridges that are made specifically to blend well with the rest of your teeth means that one no longer has to sacrifice esthetic offer function when it comes to preventing further dental complications.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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Dodging the Situation Isn’t Doing You Any Favors | Tyngsboro Dentist

We all do it – but that doesn’t mean it’s the best idea. In fact, skipping out on your dental appointments is only going to cause more issues for you down the road. And what does that mean? Well, longer appointments, that’s for sure. Naturally, it will take longer to examine a mouth that hasn’t seen a dentist in a while. So, what should you expect when you finally keep that appointment? Here are the basics because patients are like snowflakes – each one is different…

You’ll almost certainly start with x-rays. X-rays allow dentists to get an understanding of the state of your mouth, so there will be quite a few. Once the x-rays are complete, the dentist will likely check your teeth manually for anything that they noticed when reviewing the x-ray, and also check the health of gums for signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease.

If you’re complaining of a specific problem – perhaps a toothache – it’s likely the dentist will identify the cause in his examination and possibly treat the problem immediately. Lastly, your dentist or dental hygienist may follow your examination with a thorough professional cleaning. If you haven’t seen a dentist in quite some time, the professional cleaning may be more involved, with techniques such as periodontal scaling, which can take multiple visits.

So, as you can see, the only reason this appointment may be extensive is because you kept putting it off. Don’t worry about it – dental visits aren’t the scary ones you’re thinking of. Today, a dental checkup could almost be as relaxing as a day at the spa. Don’t believe me? Make the appointment and see.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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How Can Plaque Affect My Oral Health? | Tyngsboro Dentist

We are on the cusp of one of the most dangerous times in our mouth’s life – Halloween. Yes, this spooky holiday not only enjoys scaring us, but also scares our smiles if we aren’t careful. Candy is running rampant through the streets and if you aren’t careful, you can invite the cavity creeps into our mouth to wreak havoc. Their first moves? Plaque build-up.

Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless or pale, yellow film that is constantly forming on your teeth. When saliva, food and fluids combine, plaque – which contains bacteria – forms between your teeth and along the gum line. And it starts developing 4-12 hours after brushing.

Plaque is the root cause of many oral health issues. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel causing cavities. The bacteria in plaque can also cause the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis. Plaque can also contribute to bad breath and can make your teeth look dingy and yellow.

If plaque is not regularly removed from your teeth by proper brushing and flossing, it mineralizes into tartar, a hard, yellow or brown deposit that tightly adheres to the teeth and can only be removed by a dental professional. If tartar is not removed it can lead to more serious gum disease.

Now, you may be wondering how you remove plaque from your teeth before it causes harm to your smile. Fighting plaque is the most critical factor in protecting and preserving your teeth, and gums, for a lifetime. The answer is simple – practice proper dental hygiene every single day and visit your dental professional for regular check-ups. They are the only ones that can tell you if you’re developing dental issues.

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.

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An Apple a Day | Tyngsboro Dentist

They come in all sorts of colors and flavors – it’s almost impossible to choose a favorite. Some are used to bake. Some are better off as snacks dipped in peanut butter or caramel and on a stick. Yes, we are talking about apples. From infancy through adulthood, the apple is one sweet treat that we have our entire lives, in all of its various forms. Originally from Central Asia and with 7,500 varieties available around the world, apples have become world-renowned as a go-to fruit. So much so, this Saturday (September 19) is International Eat an Apple Day.

But it isn’t just the sweet snack that has captured our hearts – did you know that apples also have loads of health benefits that range from our bones to our heart, while also improving our smile? It’s true – this crispy fruit is fantastic for producing saliva, which is our natural way of keeping our mouths clean and bacteria free. Additionally, the fibers within the apple play an added role in cleaning our teeth in a way similar to a toothbrush. However, apples are a healthy snack, not a replacement for your daily dental hygiene routine. Just a natural way you can improve your smile while enjoying a tasty treat.

How will you celebrate International Eat an Apple Day? Snack on an apple with a bit of peanut butter or a slice of apple pie. In fact, because this fruit is international, why not try some German apple cake or Polish apple pancakes? Even the French and the English got in on the fun by making a popular fermented drink called cider. With so many options, you may need a week to properly celebrate!

Call Tyngsboro dentist Dr. James Yankowskas for a consultation at 978-649-7773. Also, visit our website at tyngsborocosmeticdentist.com.

Dr. Yankowskas proudly accepts patients from Tyngsboro and all surrounding areas.