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REPORT THE WELLNESS
MARCH/APRIL 2024
770-965-3048
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www.JonesSmiles.com
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SENIOR HEALTH SERIES: Gum Recession and Aging
Symptoms of Gum Recession Individuals experiencing gum recession may notice the following symptoms: • Visible Tooth Roots: The teeth may appear longer as the gum tissue recedes, exposing the roots. • Sensitivity: Exposed tooth roots can lead to increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. • Bleeding Gums: Receding gums may bleed during brushing or flossing. • Gum Discomfort: Excessive tenderness or discomfort along the gumline can occur. • Changes in Tooth Alignment: Advanced gum recession can cause teeth to shift or become loose. Preventive Measures for Gum Recession While gum recession is a common issue among seniors especially, there are steps to prevent or minimize its progression: 1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice daily with a soft- bristled toothbrush and flossing daily can help remove plaque and prevent gum disease. 2. Regular Dental Checkups: Recession should be monitored for intervention over time, and individuals with recession should visit their dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and comprehensive oral exams to detect and address any signs of gum recession or periodontal disease. 3. Quit Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease and recession. Seniors who smoke should consider quitting to protect their oral health. 4. Address Teeth Grinding: Seniors who grind their teeth (bruxism) should speak
While the expression “long in the tooth” actually referred to the fact that horses’ teeth continue to grow as they age, we humans may notice a similar phenomenon — though our teeth are not actually growing longer! As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and oral health is no exception. One common issue seniors may face is gum recession, a condition where the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing a tooth’s roots. Gum recession can lead to discomfort, sensitivity, and even tooth loss in some cases. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures for gum recession in seniors. Causes of Gum Recession Several factors contribute to gum recession including: • Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can allow plaque and tartar to build up along the gumline, leading to gum recession. • Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease: Untreated gum inflammation (gingivitis) can progress to periodontal disease, causing bone loss, and eventual gum recession. • Aging: As we age, our gum tissue naturally becomes thinner and more fragile, increasing the risk of recession.
mouthguard, to prevent gum recession and other dental problems. 5. Surgical Correction: While the thought of “gum grafting” or any kind of surgery may sound scary at first, modern micro-surgical grafting techniques have allowed for a much less invasive repair of recession should it be indicated. While many cases of recession may not require surgical intervention, those that do can rest assured modern advancements have allowed for a much easier recovery and better results than ever before. In conclusion, gum recession is a common dental concern for seniors, but it can be managed with proper oral care and regular dental checkups. By adopting preventive measures and addressing risk factors early on, seniors can maintain healthy gums and preserve their smiles for years to come. For cases requiring repair or correction, timely intervention can relieve significant symptoms and prevent tooth loss as well as repair old damage. If you have any concerns or questions about gum recession, please schedule an appointment with our team. You can even do so online now by visiting JonesSmiles.com/schedule or calling 770‑965-3048.
• Genetics: Some individuals may
be genetically predisposed to gum recession, regardless of their oral hygiene habits or age. Thin tissue phenotypes often result in recession, even in individuals in their late teens or early 20s.
• Bruxism: Habitual teeth grinding or clenching can exert excessive
pressure on the gums, contributing to recession over time.
Stay healthy and keep smiling!
with their dentist about treatment options, such as a custom-fitted
–Dr. Jones
770-965-3048 • 1
What Your Skin Says About Your Liver Health
You can’t live without your liver. Livers help clean blood, ensuring your body is free from toxins. It also produces bile, an acid that digests waste. Unfortunately, livers can be damaged in a myriad of ways. Catching liver disease early allows doctors to treat it quickly, so it’s crucial to check for any symptoms of liver problems, especially if you are at risk. Yellow Skin Commonly called “jaundice,” a yellowing of the skin and eyes is a telltale sign of liver disease. The liver’s inability to filter out bilirubin causes this unseemly syndrome. This important yellow substance is made during the breakdown of blood cells and used by the body to help digest food. A healthy, functioning liver filters out most bilirubin. Itching Besides jaundice, a common symptom of bilirubin buildup is itchy skin. Bilirubin
creates “bile salts” that are deposited into the skin. The result is intense itchiness. Note that itching can be from a variety of causes, including allergies. Spider Angioma These superficial red marks appear as a mass of tendrils centering around one point and look like a spider. While they are relatively common, an excess of spider angioma can indicate liver problems. Having three or more at a time can be a sign of a more significant issue, including hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or cirrhosis. Red Palms Rashy red palms — or palmer erythema — can point to many problems. Excess estrogen causes this symptom, so hormonal changes are often the culprit. Nonetheless, liver disease makes it difficult for the body to break down estrogen.
Easy Bruising
Clotting proteins, which help the body repair injuries, are produced in the liver. If the liver is diseased or damaged, it may produce fewer proteins. In addition, liver disease lowers the amount of blood platelets. This also can cause easy bruising. No one can live without a functioning liver, so protect the health of your liver. Drinking in moderation, taking vitamin B, and getting regular exercise can promote a healthy liver.
CONTINUING TO KEEP YOU SAFE AND HEALTHY Enhanced Sterilization Protocols and Controls
Hand-sanitizing stations are located throughout the office.
Beverages will be served safely only upon request.
There will be additional time between patients for enhanced sterilization.
Curbside check-in from your vehicle is now available.
Please reschedule if you have a fever or a sick family member.
Medical-grade air filtration is used in all operatories.
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THE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF MOUTH BREATHING HOW YOU BREATHE MATTERS:
For most people, how you breathe isn’t a decision. You don’t choose whether or not you breathe out of your nose or mouth while sleeping. But it matters. Mouth breathing can be harmful, affecting your sleep quality and oral hygiene. And many don’t know it can permanently affect a child’s facial shape and appearance. Humans can only breathe one of two ways — through the nose or mouth. The human body itself implies that noses are the better option, and most people breathe through their noses (barring the occasional stuffed nose). The nasal cavity has various filtering mechanisms (nose hairs) that clean the air of allergens and other particles. Bone structures called “turbinates” moisturize and regulate air temperature as well. Meanwhile, mouth breathing lacks these
safeguards, which can lead to various health problems, including jaw malformation, gingivitis, etc.
One of the surprising effects of mouth breathing as a child is a change in bone structure during childhood development. Faces can elongate and narrow, causing teeth to become overcrowded. The upper lip elongates as well, often leading to a gummy grin. Also, the lower jaw doesn’t come forward like it should, which can constrict airways, resulting in sleep apnea and other problems. These bone structure alterations result from force produced by the tongue. When mouth breathing, the tongue spends time in the palate space (the area between your teeth). This creates an upward pressure, encouraging forward jawbone growth. It also leads to a more pronounced forehead, and these face changes last into adulthood. Those who begin mouth breathing as adults will not experience face changes. If you’re worried about mouth breathing or your child’s, you have options. First, try to find and treat the cause, like reducing nasal congestion by treating allergies, asthma, or a sinus infection. Practicing breathing techniques using your diaphragm can be effective, but yoga also helps. While overcoming mouth breathing can be difficult, everyone can do it with knowledge, time, and practice.
SMILE-FRIENDLY RECIPES
BRAIN BREAK!
CHIPOTLE-INSPIRED CHICKEN BURRITO BOWL
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp chili pepper • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 avocado, cubed • 1/4 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup shredded cheese For Salsa • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro • 1/2 tomato, chopped • 1/2 onion, chopped • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 4 tbsp lime juice • Salt, to taste
• 1 cup white or brown rice, cooked • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce • 1 cup canned corn • 1 cup canned black beans
Directions
1. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. In a medium-size bowl, add chicken, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until chicken is evenly coated. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for 7 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside on a plate. 3. In a large bowl, layer the rice, lettuce, corn, beans, and cooked chicken. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together salsa ingredients, then pour over the chicken mixture. 5. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
Inspired by EasyChickenRecipes.com
770-965-3048 • 3
2333 SPARTA WAY • BUFORD, GA 30519 www.JonesSmiles.com 770-965-3048
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Senior Health Series: Gum Recession and Aging PAGE 1
Skin Signals of Liver Disease You Can’t Ignore PAGE 2
The Problems With Mouth Breathing Explained Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl PAGE 3
Exploring Sintra, Portugal PAGE 4
This Beautiful City Is Straight Out of a Fairy Tale
As spring break nears, you might already have plans to travel to Punta Cana, London, Key West, Paris, or a similar destination city. One more to add to your travel checklist is Sintra, Portugal. This beautiful town rests on the hills of Serra de Sintra, just outside the capital, Lisbon. The two castles within the city are the main draws, and it’s easy to see why. Pena Palace and Gardens The National Pena Palace and Gardens are absolutely stunning. The palace is adorned in primary colors, with intricately carved yellow, red, and blue buildings. It’ll cost you 10 euros to explore the grounds and a couple of extra euros to go inside, but it’s worth it! The carvings
include many styles, including Neo-Islamic and Neo-Renaissance. Everything is opulent, and you’ll have a great time as you take in the extravagance. Some rooms are painted as an optical illusion, with doors and hallways looking three-dimensional when they’re just flat. Once you head back outside, the rest of the grounds are just as lovely. The enormous gardens have many trails, marked and unmarked. You can get lost in the beautiful oasis, and we encourage you to put aside at least half a day to explore the gardens. Quinta da Regaleira Quinta da Regaleira is the city’s second significant castle boasting beautiful gardens, but its main draw is the initiation well. This 80-foot-deep well is a wonder as it sinks into the earth with mossy walls. We suggest you go early, as this is another big attraction for those visiting the city, and officials try to keep people moving as they arrive, mainly as it’s one-way traffic on the steps themselves. Once on the grounds, you can explore many grottos by following their main paths. The castle itself isn’t as opulent as Pena Palace, but it’s still a lovely location to visit. Sintra is perfect for any vacation, and though these are the main draws for the city, by no means are they the only ones. We encourage you to check out this city and see if it fits your travel plans.
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