The Human Papillomavirus

     The Human Papillomavirus can cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in females and genital warts in both sexes. This will affect up to 75-80% of the human race in their lifetime. Many people, especially men carry the virus but are unaware of it if there are no signs or symptoms. You can pass it on to other people as well without even knowing it and they can spread it on to their partners as well. It is transmitted through any kind of genital contact at all including oral sex. For the majority of people that get this virus, it will usually clear up on its own but when it does not, the effects of it are disastrous. There are almost 6 million cases of genital HPV a year in the United States alone and around 75% are in the age range of 15-24. Sex and Oral sex is so rampant now that it is spreading rather quickly compared to how it would be 20 years ago.
     There are different types of HPV to be aware of. Types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital warts in both sexes. Types 16 and 18 can cause up to 75% of cervical cancer in females and can also cause about 70% of vaginal cancer and up to 50% of vulvar cancer in females only. Any HPV types that affect the genital area can cause abnormal Pap tests in females. You can also get an HPV vaccination as well. There is not treatment for HPV but there are treatments for the diseases that it can cause. This virus is common and most people that have it are not even aware of that. If you do have it, is is best to follow up with your doctor on a regular basis and keep up with all recommended appointments and tests.

Ways to protect yourself against the virus and the diseases it can lead to:

1. Having regular Pap tests is one of the best ways to help protect against cervical cancer. A Pap test cannot diagnose HPV but looks for abnormal cells that can become precancerous.
2. Gardasil helps guard 9-26 year old, both male and female, against certain diseases that cause cancer and genital warts.
3. Also not being sexually active with your partner until you get tested for this will help you decrease your odds as well. If you are sexually active with more than one person and they are as well, your odds just jumped to a lot higher than normal. 

You cannot get HPV from: 

• Toilet seats
• kissing on the mouth or hugging, holding hands
• bad hygiene
• sharing food or utensils
• swimming in pools or hot tubs
• family history

Benefits of Smiling and Laughing!

     So many people nowadays don't smile or laugh as often as they used to. Many of us are stressed about financial obligations, health related issues, work, or relationships. Negativity spreads way too fast in my opinion and I believe that we need to reverse that effect in our own lives and let positivity flow out of us. "Be the change you wish to see in the world." It takes a little bit of effort but I have a solution that I use a lot if I notice I am feeling uneasy or negative about something. Smile.         Smiling takes anywhere from 5-53 muscles in your body to smile. If you are upset about something, force yourself to smile and feel your spirits lift. It is also very good for your health and especially helps to build a stronger immune system. When you smile at someone, it is contagious. Smile at the next person you see and 99% of them will smile right back and pass it on. A smile is the universal sign of happiness and acceptance. Smiling also helps your appearance, and studies show that people who smile more get promoted over those that do not smile.

     In the hard times, even when you look at your life and feel like you have nothing to smile about or laugh at, start forcing yourself to smile and your perspective on your life will begin to change. You will start seeing the more positive side of your life, the stress slowly melts away leaving room for enjoyment and excitement about things once again. People hate being around Debbie Downers all day but love being around happy positive people much more.

     Studies show that people who smile and laugh throughout the day live longer, healthier, happier lives than those that rarely laugh. Start today and even if it is extremely hard, go to the bathroom mirror at work or in your cubicle and smile. Tomorrow, add in a laugh and for the next two weeks do the same thing everyday. See what happens and feel free to leave a comment on our blog!

Scaling and Root Planing

   When you went in to your dentist, have you ever been told that you need a "deeper cleaning"? If so, did you understand what it is, why you need it, and what it involves? The term we commonly refer to is SRP's, short for Scaling and Root Planing. If you need scaling and root planing, you have periodontal disease which you can read more about on our blog as well. Scaling and Root planing is how we treat periodontal disease to ensure that you keep your teeth.

Scaling: a procedure that meticulously removes contaminations, plaque, and tartar that is around, below and under the gum line down to the bottom of the pocket. 

Root Planing: involves cleaning and smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth so gum tissue can more firmly attach to the roots that are clean and smooth.

     At your appointment, our registered dental hygienists use a periodontal probe, it is not as scary as it sounds, to measure the gum and bone levels in your mouth. 1-3 millimeters is healthy, 4 millimeters is considered gingivitis, the beginning of periodontal disease, and 5 millimeters and higher is periodontal disease. We then diagnose what teeth need to have a deeper cleaning done on them based on the readings and the x-rays we take. We treat the disease with Scaling and Root Planing and many times we also place an antibiotic to kill the infection while the gums are healing after this procedure. We then place you on a 3-4 month cleaning schedule to ensure that we help you keep your mouth clean and healthy from then on. When you brush and floss at home, you are only able to clean as deep as 3 millimeters and we have special instruments to go deeper which is why we want you to come in sooner than every 6 months if you have periodontal disease. 

Periodontal Disease

  What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. The beginning of periodontal disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis can often be found with people that do not floss regularly and only brush. Your gums will become swollen and red and will bleed often especially if you brush too hard or start flossing. Most people think that when you floss and see blood, they need to stop flossing. NOT TRUE. When there is infection anywhere in your body, blood immediately rushes to the area to fight the infection. The more you floss and brush regularly, the sooner your gums will stop bleeding. If your gums are red and puffy, start by gently and I repeat, gently, brushing your gums and flossing. You do not want your mouth to look like someone just punched you in the mouth and you cannot stop bleeding. It will also hurt at first but continue to brush and within a few days, you will see improvement.
     How it happens: Whatever you eat stays in between your teeth until you get it out and the bristles of your toothbrush cannot get in between your teeth to the bone. Over time, the food, bacteria, and infection eat away at the bone causing it to disinegrate. Without any bone structure, the gums retreat down the tooth and soon you are left with loose teeth. Untreated periodontal disease results in painful chewing, bad breath, sensitive teeth, tooth loss, and you having to get dentures if you want to eat anything other than smoothies and soups. The good news is that by seeing your dentist and having them check your gums and bone levels while coming in regularly for cleanings, you can prevent this from happening to you.
    Periodontal disease increases your odds of getting other diseases as well such as:

• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Arthritis
• Alzheimer's
• Stroke
• Lack of interest by the opposite sex
• Halitosis (horrendous breath)
• Pregnancy Problems
• Osteoporosis
• Respiratory Disease
• Blood Disease

     We treat periodontal disease by Scaling and Root Planing. A procedure that you can learn more about here. The same plaque and tartar that we clean off your teeth is found to be the same plaque and tartar that builds up in your arteries causing heart problems. Coincidence? I think not. 

Invisalign

Invisalign: a removable set of clear retainers that is the alternative to braces. 

     There are many benefits to getting Invisalign and many people are so excited to learn that they are candidates for it. You may have severe crowding, minimal crowding in the front that is just enough to irritate you every time you floss or look in the mirror, or spacing between teeth. Invisalign can create spaces in the mouth so that your teeth are aligned properly and when you bite and chew food, it is even on both sides and a comfortable fit. You can also close the gaps with Invisalign and through the process of Invisalign, you can create and achieve the smile you have always wanted. 

     It is important to make sure that you are caring for your teeth and retainers properly. You wear your Invisalign retainers 24/7 except when you are eating. After you are done eating, you want to preferably floss as well as brush your teeth before putting the trays back in. What is left in your mouth will not get out after you put the trays in as they will be holding it there. If there is food left in your mouth, it will sit there and start to cause decay in your teeth and bacteria and  infection in your gums. While wearing your Invisalign, it is best to stay away from drinking anything other than clear liquids as the liquid will get inside the trays and cause your teeth to appear brown or yellow. If you notice that your trays are becoming dirty or "gross", take a soft bristle toothbrush and brush gently till the stain goes away. You can also rinse them with baking soda and water as well to get rid of any staining. 

     Another fun benefit of Invisalign is that we get many reports from our patients that they have lost weight and gotten healthier as they have not wanted to keep taking their retainers out of their mouth throughout the day which has allowed them to cut out many munching and snacking. 

Staying Hydrated!

     How many glasses of water do you drink each day? Do you know how much you are supposed to drink? These are some of the common answers that are asked by a lot of people, especially here in Arizona. For each person, the answer is different. For example, a 200 pound 25 year old male will need more water than a 10 year old 100 pound girl. Some experts say that you should take your body weight and divide it in half. You are supposed to drink that amount of water in ounces. Example: if you weigh 100 pounds, you should be drinking 50 ounces of water daily. There are differences and variables to be considered though such as exercising, environment, illnesses, or health conditions, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Dehydration can be fatal and here are symptoms to watch for:

• Dizziness or Fainting
• Constipation
• Dry Skin
• Headache
• Nausea
• Thirst
• Dry or Sticky Mouth
• Exhaustion, fatigue, and sleepiness

     If you are dehydrated and not in need of medical attention, the first remedy is to drink a lot of water, preferably the kind with electrolytes, such as Smart Water or Vitamin Water. It is important that if you are working out or exercising to keep a record of how much water you are drinking a day and during your workout so you can keep hydrated. Also eating fruits that contain water can help you stay hydrated and provide a healthy snack as well. Watermelon, grapes, strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi's mixed together create a delicious fruit salad and hydration kit.