Request Request Appointment Like Us Like us on Facebook Reviews Read Our Reviews Call Give us a Call Map View our Map

Will Stress Impact My Smile?

June 24, 2013

In our last post, we talked about a topic that isn’t discussed too often—the relationship between hormones and oral health. Today we’d like to highlight a similar issue, which is the relationship between stress, the immune system, and your smile.

Our society seems to be more stressed today than ever before. With busy schedules and the need to always be “connected” it’s easy for your nerves to run high. But all that stress will negatively impact your health, and not just your overall health—your oral health, too.

How? Through inflammation.

Inflammation is a part of the body’s immune response. When it’s working the way it’s supposed to, it can be beneficial. But when the body can no longer regulate it properly, as happens when stress levels are high, the body can actually use inflammation—which is one of the symptoms of gum disease—against itself. On top of this, the AGD reported last year that stress-induced immune system issues can have an impact on a patient’s smile.

For patients of Dr. S John Salivonchik, that means learning how to manage stress, and it means making regular care a priority. To keep your smile healthy in between visits, follow a thorough brushing and flossing routine. Also, be sure your family visits our Coplay dental office twice a year. During a regular checkup with Dr. Salivonchik, our team will look for changes in your health that might be indicate a need for advanced care.

Is it time for your next regular visit? Call our office today to reserve an appointment with Dr. Salivonchik. We serve patients from Whitehall, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, The Poconos, and beyond.

Do Hormones Affect Oral Health?

June 10, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — S. John salivonchik @ 8:42 pm

It’s common to think of oral and overall health as belonging to completely separate spheres. The truth is, though, they’re intricately linked. A condition like gum disease not only impacts the health of your smile but has been connected to health problems in the rest of the body, including preterm birth, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease.

The connection for these has been thoroughly discussed but not as much the connection between hormone levels and oral health. Women are especially vulnerable because of the hormone changes that occur at puberty, during pregnancy, and at menopause. Woman who are taking birth control or who are about to start their next period are also more vulnerable.

What does this mean for Dr. S John Salivonchik’s Coplay-area patients? It means that all patients, but women especially, need to make regular care a priority. During a regular checkup, Dr. Salivonchik will look for signs of gum disease and make a treatment recommendation if he finds any. Symptoms of gum disease include swollen or bleeding gums and discoloration.

To keep your teeth clean between appointments, we recommend that you brush at least twice a day, floss at least once, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. You should also let Dr. Salivonchik know if you’re pregnant or have any other risk factors we should be aware of.

Is it time for your next checkup and professional cleaning? Call Dr. Salivonchik’s office today. Our practice is located in Lehigh Valley and serves patients from Coplay, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, The Poconos, and beyond.