Ozempic, Zepbound, and Oral Health: Side Effects Dentists Are Watching

monroe2025-05-30T00:10:06+00:00May 30th, 2025|Adam Brown DDS, Dental Trends, Oral Health|

Are your weight loss medications affecting your smile?

Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have become household names in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. But while these GLP-1 receptor agonists offer impressive results for weight loss and blood sugar control, their impact on oral health is less discussed—yet potentially significant.

Zepbound, Ozempic, or Mounjaro and your oral health.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Dry mouth is not an officially listed side effect for all GLP-1 drugs, but many users—especially those on tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)—report this uncomfortable symptom.

Why it happens: GLP-1 medications can reduce saliva production by altering hormone regulation. Nausea, vomiting, and decreased fluid intake (due to suppressed appetite) can also contribute to dehydration.
Oral impact: A dry mouth increases the risk for tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and oral infections such as candidiasis.
(Sources: Drugs.com, Well Wisp, Drugs Coverage)

Nausea and Vomiting

These are among the most common side effects of GLP-1 drugs, particularly during the first few weeks or dose increases.

Oral impact: Frequent vomiting exposes teeth to stomach acid, which can erode enamel, increasing the risk for cavities, sensitivity, and enamel thinning.

Altered Taste Sensation (Dysgeusia)

Some patients on Zepbound and similar medications report a persistent metallic or bitter taste, even when not eating.

Possible cause: It’s believed that the drug may circulate in saliva and interact with taste receptors.
Oral impact: Changes in taste can make eating less enjoyable and may lead to decreased food variety or poor oral intake.

Tooth Damage and Loss

There have been anecdotal reports of significant dental issues from users of tirzepatide, including chipped, cracked, or lost teeth.

Suspected link: Rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies (especially calcium or vitamin D), and possible changes in bone density could compromise oral structures.
Note: These cases are rare and not conclusively proven to be caused by the medication, but they warrant attention.
(Sources: Drugs.com, The Sun)

Mouth Ulcers

Though not commonly reported, some users of Zepbound and Mounjaro have noted painful mouth sores or ulcers.

Possible mechanism: Reduced saliva flow can make the oral environment more prone to irritation and tissue breakdown.
(Source: Drugs Coverage)

Diet-Related Effects

GLP-1 drugs significantly alter appetite and often reduce intake of sugar and processed foods.

Oral benefit: Less sugar means lower cavity risk.
Potential drawback: If nutrient intake becomes too restricted—especially calcium, vitamin D, and protein—this could negatively affect jawbone health, gums, and healing capacity.

Acid Reflux or GERD

GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying, which can worsen acid reflux in some individuals.

Oral impact: Stomach acid reaching the mouth can erode tooth enamel and contribute to increased sensitivity and decay over time.

What This Means for Patients

If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication like Zepbound and noticing changes in your mouth—such as dryness, bad taste, tooth sensitivity, or ulcers—don’t ignore them. These effects may seem mild but can lead to serious dental problems if left unaddressed.

Recommendations for Protecting Oral Health While Taking GLP-1 Medications

If you’re using a GLP-1 drug like Zepbound, Ozempic, or Mounjaro and are concerned about your oral health, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your teeth and gums:

Stay Well-Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help relieve dry mouth and support saliva production.
Stimulate Saliva Naturally: Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free lozenges to keep your mouth moist.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and consider using a fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse to help strengthen enamel.
Be Gentle After Vomiting: If nausea leads to vomiting, avoid brushing immediately afterward. Instead, rinse your mouth with water or a baking soda solution to neutralize stomach acid and protect your enamel.
Monitor for Symptoms: Watch for changes in taste, increased sensitivity, mouth sores, or visible tooth damage—and don’t ignore subtle warning signs.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Make sure to keep up with cleanings and checkups. Let your dentist know you’re taking a GLP-1 medication so they can look for related issues.
Talk to Your Healthcare Team: If you notice any new or worsening oral symptoms, discuss them with both your dentist and your prescribing physician. Adjustments to your treatment plan or additional support may be helpful.

While clinical research on the oral side effects of GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide (Zepbound) is still emerging, these real-world experiences emphasize the importance of staying proactive about your dental care during treatment.

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Understanding the Metallic Taste: Common Causes

monroe2025-03-17T13:31:48+00:00March 15th, 2025|Adam Brown DDS, Oral Health, Tooth Infection|

Experiencing a metallic taste in your mouth, medically known as dysgeusia, can be both perplexing and unpleasant. This condition can affect your enjoyment of food and overall quality of life. Understanding the potential causes and exploring effective home remedies and preventive measures can help alleviate this issue.

A metallic taste in your mouth

Understanding the Metallic Taste: Common Causes

A metallic taste can arise from various factors, ranging from lifestyle habits to underlying medical conditions. Here are some prevalent causes:

Poor Oral Hygiene

Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to dental problems such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth infections. These conditions can contribute to a metallic taste in the mouth. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent such issues.

Medical News Today

Medications

Certain medications are known to cause a metallic taste as a side effect. These include antibiotics like clarithromycin and metronidazole, blood pressure medications such as captopril, and medications like metformin used to treat diabetes. The body absorbs these drugs, and they can be excreted into the saliva, leading to taste disturbances.

Over-the-Counter Vitamins and Supplements

Multivitamins containing heavy metals like chromium, copper, and zinc, as well as prenatal vitamins and iron or calcium supplements, can cause a metallic taste. This typically occurs as the body processes these substances.

Infections

Upper respiratory infections, colds, and sinusitis can alter your sense of taste, resulting in a metallic sensation. These changes are usually temporary and resolve once the infection clears.

Cancer Treatments

Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, especially for head and neck cancers, may experience taste changes, including a metallic taste. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as “chemo mouth.”

Pregnancy

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can lead to dysgeusia, causing expectant mothers to experience a metallic or sour taste. This symptom is typically most pronounced during the first trimester and often diminishes as the pregnancy progresses.

Neurological Conditions

Neurological disorders, such as dementia, can affect taste perception, potentially leading to a metallic taste. This occurs due to the degeneration of taste buds and changes in the way the brain interprets taste signals.

Home Remedies to Alleviate Metallic Taste

If you’re experiencing a metallic taste, several home remedies may help mitigate the sensation:

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day and floss daily. This practice helps remove food particles and bacteria that can contribute to taste disturbances.

Rinse with Baking Soda Solution

Rinsing your mouth with a solution of half a teaspoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in one cup of warm water before meals can neutralize acids and reduce a metallic taste.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth moist and can wash away substances that might be causing a metallic taste.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies can stimulate saliva production, which may help wash away the metallic taste.

Use Plastic Utensils

Using plastic utensils instead of metal ones can help reduce the metallic taste, especially if it’s triggered by contact with metal cutlery.

Adjust Your Diet

Incorporate naturally sweet foods, such as citrus fruits, to help mask a metallic taste. For example, adding a spritz of orange to foods and drinks can be beneficial.

Quit Smoking

Smoking can dull your sense of taste and contribute to a metallic sensation. Quitting smoking can improve your overall oral health and taste perception.

Avoid Metal Cookware

Cooking with glass or ceramic cookware instead of metal pots and pans can help prevent a metallic taste in your food.

Marinate Meats

Marinating meats in sweet fruit juices or sweet wines, or cooking with plenty of herbs and spices, can help mask a metallic taste.

Preventive Measures

To reduce the likelihood of developing a metallic taste in your mouth, consider the following preventive strategies:

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Addressing dental issues promptly can prevent infections that might lead to taste disturbances.

Manage Medications

If you suspect a medication is causing a metallic taste, consult your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage or suggest an alternative medication.

Address Underlying Health Conditions

Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease can help prevent taste disturbances associated with these illnesses.

References:

Medical News Today – www.medicalnewstoday.com (Covers oral hygiene and its link to taste disturbances)
WebMD – www.webmd.com (Discusses causes, home remedies, and preventive measures for metallic taste)
Sendhil Dental – www.sendhildental.com (Explains hydration’s role in reducing metallic taste)
Harvard Health – www.health.harvard.edu (Provides dietary recommendations for managing taste disturbances)
Oral-B – www.oralb.co.uk (Covers the impact of smoking on taste perception)

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Coconut Oil for Tooth Decay and Good Breath

Alex Watson2025-03-17T13:33:14+00:00February 28th, 2025|Adam Brown DDS, Oral Health, Preventative Dentistry, Teeth Cleaning, Tooth Infection|

Coconut Oil Pulling for Dental Hygiene

It is essential to maintain standard dental hygiene practices and consult with a dental professional for personalized advice. Past that standard, there are many natural remedies and supplemental regimens that you may want to consider adding to your dental hygiene routine. One of the best, and oldest natural remedies is coconut oil pulling.

We’re excited about continued research that suggests tooth health could be improved by using coconut oil.

Coconut oil works as a natural antibiotic in humans if it is ingested. The researchers believe that adding coconut oil to dental products would potentially help lessen tooth decay by helping the body fight bacteria.

Tooth health could be improved by using coconut oil. Research was led by Dr. Damien Brady, whose team set out to find out if the coconut oil would have an effect on the bacteria Streptococcus, which is present in virtually all human mouths. It is the Streptococcus that is responsible for almost all instances of tooth decay in humans. These bacteria break down sugars consumed and produce acid that wears out teeth. The wearing, in turn, becomes decay.

Researchers tested coconut oil in its natural state but also added enzymes that allowed it to be tested during digestion. The digested coconut oil had positive effects on the patients. It managed to stop Streptococcus from reproducing in the mouth.

Dr. Brady was inspired to begin this study after another recent study had shown that enzyme-modified milk could be used to reduce the amount of Streptococcus that would bind to teeth. This milk study made Dr. Brady eager to test the effects of other foods on the production of Streptococcus.

The researchers have plans to extend the study by observing the effects of the coconut oil at a molecular level. There is also some interest in studying the effects of coconut oil on other bacteria to see how other diseases may be combated with coconut oil. Prior to this study researchers had already found that coconut oil completely eradicates the yeast that causes thrush.

“Dental cavities are a commonly overlooked health problem affecting 60-90% of children and the majority of adults in industrialized countries. Incorporating enzyme-modified coconut oil into dental hygiene products would be an attractive alternative to chemical additives, particularly as it works at relatively low concentrations. Also, with increasing antibiotic resistance, it is important that we turn our attention to new ways to combat microbial infection.” Dr. Damien Brady

If you want to learn more about recent research, methods, or oil pulling, see these three recent articles:

Medical News Today

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323757?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Excerpt: Coconut oil has been utilized in traditional oral health practices for centuries, particularly through a method known as oil pulling. Originating in ancient India, oil pulling is a practice rooted in Ayurvedic medicine that involves swishing oil—commonly coconut oil—in the mouth to promote oral hygiene and overall health. This technique is believed to help remove toxins and reduce harmful bacteria in the oral cavity.

Pubmed Central

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7475120/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Excerpt: The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil are primarily attributed to its high lauric acid content, which has been shown to combat bacteria responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Some studies suggest that oil pulling with coconut oil can reduce plaque formation and improve gum health, potentially serving as a beneficial adjunct to regular oral hygiene practices.

Mouth Healthy

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/oil-pulling?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Excerpt: Oil pulling is an ancient, traditional folk remedy that has been practiced for centuries in India and southern Asia. The practice involves placing a tablespoon of an edible oil (e.g., sesame, olive, sunflower, coconut) inside the mouth, and swishing or “pulling” the oil through the teeth and mouth for anywhere from 1-5 minutes to up to 20 minutes or longer.

However, it’s important to note that while oil pulling with coconut oil may offer supplementary benefits, it should not replace conventional dental care routines. The American Dental Association emphasizes that oil pulling is not a substitute for brushing, flossing, and professional dental visits, as there is insufficient scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in reducing cavities, whitening teeth, or improving overall oral health.

If you are worried about problems with tooth decay, don’t hesitate to call Dr. Adam Brown at Adam Brown Dentistry for an appointment (704.289.9579).

Visit the website at https://adambrowndds.com/.

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What is a Cavity? And How to Prevent Cavities

Alex Watson2025-03-17T13:33:43+00:00January 16th, 2025|Adam Brown DDS, Children's Dental Health, Teeth Cleaning, Tooth Infection, Tooth Sensitivity, Toothbrush Hygiene|

How to Keep Chronic Cavities at Bay

Do you feel like you’re constantly getting cavities? You’re not alone. Cavities are incredibly common, and most Americans experience them by their mid-30s.

Several factors contribute to cavity development, including dental hygiene, family history, and diet. The good news is that you can take proactive steps to prevent them. This article will explain cavities in more detail and provide tips for managing them.

What is a Cavity?

What is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by tooth decay. This decay occurs when bacteria in plaque (a sticky film on your teeth) produce acids that erode your tooth enamel.

Plaque builds up more quickly when you consume sugary foods and drinks. This acid can damage your enamel and eventually create a cavity. Cavities often form in hard-to-reach areas like:

Between teeth
On the surface of molars
Along the gumline
Around fillings and bridges

Untreated cavities can lead to:

Tooth sensitivity
Gum disease
Infection
Tooth loss

Are There Different Types of Cavities?

Yes, there are several types of cavities, each with varying severity:

Root Decay: Common in older adults with receding gums, this type of decay affects the exposed root of the tooth.
Pit and Fissure Decay: Occurs on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, often affecting teenagers.
Smooth Surface Decay: Develops slowly on the smooth surfaces of teeth, typically seen in young adults.

Are Chronic Cavities Genetic?

Genetics can play a role in cavity susceptibility. Factors like enamel strength, saliva composition, and tooth shape can be influenced by your genes.

How Do You Catch the Signs?

Cavities may not always be easy to spot, but common symptoms include:

Tooth pain
Increased tooth sensitivity
Gum swelling
Bleeding gums
Redness in the mouth
Bad breath

How to Be Proactive

The best way to prevent cavities is to maintain excellent oral hygiene:

Brush twice daily: Brush for at least two minutes each time, ensuring you reach all surfaces of your teeth.
Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque from between your teeth.
Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel.

Dietary Tips:

Limit sugary foods and drinks.
Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods in your diet.

Regular Dental Checkups:

Schedule checkups and cleanings with your dentist every six months.

To schedule your appointment with Adam Brown DDS, please contact the office today.

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Symptoms, Management, and Treatment of Oral Thrush – How to Reduce Your Risk- Naturally

Mary Sturk2025-01-01T18:16:02+00:00December 31st, 2024|Adam Brown DDS, Dentist Office Monroe NC, Oral Health|

What is thrush?

Thrush is a fungal (yeast) infection that grows in mouths, throats and other parts of the body. Oral thrush presents symptoms including white, raised lesions (looking a bit like cottage cheese) on tongues and cheeks. This condition can become irritated and soon cause redness and mouth pain.

The Cleveland Clinic shares, “Candida albicans is a fungus that lives on your body in small amounts, located in your mouth, skin and intestines. Candida is a yeast that is responsible for infections like thrush if it is off-balance with healthy bacteria in your body. Infections are common and treated with antifungal medications.”

Many new parents have been concerned and confused over the diagnosis that their baby has thrush. Babies under 1 month old and toddlers (as well as adults over 65 and those with weakened immune systems) are at a higher risk of getting thrush. Babies’ and toddlers’ immune systems are still developing, thus the higher risk. St. Louis (MO) Children’s Hospital reports 5% of infants develop thrush. See your child’s pediatrician if you see symptoms of thrush.

The Mayo Clinic offers, “If you’re breastfeeding and your infant has oral thrush, you and your baby could pass the infection back and forth. Your doctor may prescribe a mild antifungal medication for your baby and an antifungal cream for your breasts.”

Symptoms, Management, and Treatment of Oral Thrush - Dr. Adam Brown DDS

Symptoms

Thrush can happen fast with a sudden development of symptoms. Most commonly: the presence of creamy white, slightly raised lesions in your mouth (usually on your tongue and inner cheeks), you might also have lesions on the roof of your mouth, gums, tonsils or the back of your throat.

Some patients report soreness and redness inside and at the corners of the mouth, loss of taste and a “cottony” feeling (dry mouth).

Lesions may hurt and bleed a bit when you brush your teeth or rub against them. In severe cases, lesions can spread into the esophagus and cause painful swallowing, or fever.

Cleveland Clinic warns, “Thrush can spread to other parts of your body, including your lungs, liver and skin. This happens more often in people with cancer, HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system.”

It’s important to act when symptoms appear.

What can cause thrush in adults?

“Most people have small amounts of the Candida fungus in their mouth, digestive tract and skin. When illnesses, stress or medications disturb this balance, the fungus grows out of control and causes thrush” shares the Cleveland Clinic. Medications that can make yeast flourish and cause infection include: corticosteroids, antibiotics, and birth control pills.

While thrush can be contagious for those with at-risk conditions, like weakened immune systems, for people with healthy immune systems, it’s rare to pass thrush along via kissing or close contact. If you are worried about catching it, avoid the infected person’s saliva. And with most illnesses, it’s always wise to wash your hands properly and often.

Some risk factors for developing thrush include diabetes, anemia, HIV/AIDS, cancer, dry mouth (xerostomia), pregnancy, smoking and ill-fitting dentures.

If you have concerns about your dentures fitting correctly, reach out to the Adam Brown, DDS team.

Beware of Complications.

Though thrush rarely causes complications in those with healthy immune systems, those with weakened immune systems can potentially get infections from Candida entering the bloodstream. It can spread to other areas of your body including the heart, brain, and eyes or lead to septic shock. If you are in a high-risk group, see your physician as soon as possible.

How is thrush diagnosed?

From the Cleveland Clinic, “A healthcare provider can usually tell right away if you have thrush by looking for the distinctive white lesions on your mouth, tongue or cheeks. Lightly brushing the lesions away reveals a reddened, tender area that may bleed slightly. A microscopic exam of tissue from a lesion can confirm whether or not you have thrush.”

If thrush extends into your esophagus, your healthcare provider might:

Take a throat culture (swab the back of your throat with sterile cotton and study microorganisms under a microscope).
Perform an endoscopy of your esophagus, stomach and small intestine (examine the lining of these areas with a lighted camera mounted on the tip of a flexible tube).
Take X-rays of your esophagus.

Management and Treatment

The typical treatment for thrush is antifungal medications prescribed by your healthcare provider. These medications are available in tablets, lozenges and sometimes liquids that are “swished” around before swallowing. The typical length of treatment is 10-14 days. The type of treatment recommended will be specific to your age and the cause of the infection.

Kids and adults with healthy immune systems typically respond well to antifungal treatment. But thrush symptoms may be more severe and harder to treat in those with weakened immune systems. Refer to the potential complications listed earlier. For most, thrush will clear up in 1-2 weeks.

If you’ve already taken antifungals for thrush but your symptoms return, call your healthcare provider right away. It could indicate a more serious infection.

Tips for Prevention: Crush Thrush!

You can do these things to reduce your risk for thrush:

Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. If you have any questions about this, our team is a quick call away at 704-289-9519.
Avoid certain mouthwashes or sprays. Some of these products can destroy the normal balance of microorganisms in your mouth. Talk to Adam Brown, DDS or your doctor about which ones are safe to use.
See your dentist regularly. This is especially important if you have diabetes or wear dentures. At Adam Brown, DDS, we want you to know that our goal is to keep your mouth healthy! If you need to make an appointment, our team is ready to help at 704-289-9519 or use our convenient “schedule an appointment” option and we’ll call you to set up a time to come in for a check-up or whatever else you may need.
Limit the amount of sugar and yeast-containing foods you eat. Foods such as bread, beer and wine encourage Candida growth.
Avoid smoking and other tobacco use. Ask your healthcare provider about ways to help you quit smoking (and vaping). Smoking tobacco can be very damaging to your oral health, people who smoke are at higher risk of developing oral (mouth) cancer, tooth loss, root decay and complications after procedures.

Home Remedies

Ultimately, you’ll need antifungal medication to clear up thrush. These come in the form of mouthwashes, pills or lozenges.

Mild cases of oral thrush may go away on their own.

The following is a selection of home remedies that, when used in addition to antifungal medications, may help relieve symptoms of the infection (shared from www.healthline.com).

Salt water

Salt has antiseptic, cleansing, and soothing properties, making it a common home remedy for many oral problems.

Rinsing your mouth with salt water could help relieve symptoms of oral thrush.

To use:

Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water.
Swish the solution throughout your mouth.
Spit out the salt solution.

Baking soda

Rinsing your mouth with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) may help treat oral thrush.

In 2021, research focused on the use of sodium bicarbonate to treat thrush.

To use:

Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup warm water.
Swish the rinse throughout your mouth.
Spit out the rinse.

Yogurt

Probiotic yogurt contains live, “good” bacteria cultures that may treat oral thrush.

The cultures don’t kill Candida. Instead, they stop its growth. They may also help restore the proper balance of good to bad bacteria in the mouth.

Since it’s soft, yogurt is also a great food to eat if you’re having trouble swallowing due to painful mouth and throat lesions.

To use:

Eat yogurt a couple times daily at the first sign of oral thrush.
Choose unsweetened varieties of yogurt since Candida thrives on sugar.
If you don’t like yogurt, you can get the same benefits by taking a daily probiotic supplement.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is thought to have antiseptic and antifungal abilities that help it fight against the fungus that causes thrush.

Lemon juice was found to be an effective treatment for oral thrush.

To use:

Add the juice of half a lemon to 1 cup warm or cool water.
Drink the mixture or use it as a mouth rinse.

Some people apply lemon juice directly to thrush lesions, but the lemon’s acidity may cause burning and irritation.

Apple cider vinegar

People with dentures have a higher risk of oral thrush. Dentures that don’t fit properly or that aren’t cleaned well provide the ideal environment for Candida to thrive. This may cause a condition similar to thrush called denture stomatitis. Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties.

Please contact the team at Adam Brown, DDS if you have any concerns about the proper fit of your dentures.

To use:

Add 1 teaspoon raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to 1 cup water.
Swish the rinse throughout your mouth for at least 15 seconds.
Spit out the mixture.

If you rinse with undiluted apple cider vinegar, be aware that this may cause a painful burning sensation in your mouth.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid) is necessary for proper immune system function. It does this by encouraging white blood cell production, which helps protect your body against infection.

It also helps these cells function more effectively and protects them against harmful molecules.

A healthy immune system helps bring balance back to your body. Increasing your intake of vitamin C if you’re deficient may help boost your body’s immune system to fight the infection.

Questions or concerns about being diagnosed with thrush? Contact Adam Brown, DDS or your healthcare provider. Together, we can “crush thrush” and you’ll be feeling better so

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Microplastics in Teeth Aligners – Should We be Concerned?

monroe2024-10-09T00:20:04+00:00October 9th, 2024|Adam Brown DDS, Invisalign|

Almost One Billion Teeth Aligners End Up in Landfills Each Year

Now that you’ve thrown out your plastic containers and parted with your much-loved collection of vintage Tupperware, there’s another plastic to consider. While there’s little to no evidence that wearing teeth aligners is harmful during the corrective phase, there may be some issues with the disposal of these convenient dental tools. They are favorites of patients, dentists, and dental hygienists. No one is volunteering to go back to the metal, wax, and rubber bands, but there are some concerns about proper disposal due to the microplastics that are released as the aligners start to decompose.

Microplastics released from discarded aligners

For more information read this recent article Published on: 12 Sep 2024, 2:33 am by Vineeta Sharma

Discarded aligners often end up in landfills where they take decades to decompose, releasing microplastics into the environment.

Microplastics have been declared a global emergency thanks to their ubiquitous presence in all aspects of life: air, soil, food and now, human organs.

These particles can enter the human body by swallowing contaminated food and water or inhaling airborne particles, potentially leading to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems and even cancer.

Their pervasive use raises concerns about their impact on ecosystems and human health.

The lack of information around potential threats of microplastic leaching into everyday items is concerning. A case in point is orthodontic aligners.

These clear, custom-made devices help straighten teeth discreetly and effectively and are a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional metal braces.

Aligners are typically designed to be changed every two weeks to ensure optimal alignment progress. However, the leaching of microplastics from these devices when discarded has emerged as a significant health and environmental concern.

And, with around 728 million units being produced each year, it is becoming a significant problem.

Microplastics explained

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters in diameter. There are two main types: Primary and secondary.

Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured to be small, such as microbeads in personal care products and plastic pellets used in industrial processes.

Secondary microplastics result from the breakup of larger plastic items due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, mechanical wear and chemical processes.

Microplastics have been found in oceans, rivers, soils and even the air.

The environmental impact of microplastics is equally troubling. Marine and terrestrial animals can ingest these particles, leading to injury, digestive issues and exposure to toxins. This contamination poses a threat to entire ecosystems by disrupting biodiversity and food chains. It’s through the food chain that they can end up in humans.

The problem with dental aligners

Orthodontic aligners are commonly made from thermoplastic materials designed for durability and flexibility, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyurethane.

These materials are subjected to a rigorous regimen, as aligners are typically worn for 20 to 22 hours a day and are changed every two weeks to ensure continuous alignment.

Despite their intended durability, these materials can contribute to microplastic pollution in several ways.

The primary concern is degradation. Aligners are exposed to saliva, temperature variations from hot or cold food and drink and mechanical stress from chewing. This constant exposure can cause the aligner materials to degrade over time.

Initial studies indicate that this degradation could take place as early as one week of wearing.

The PET and polyurethane in aligners are susceptible to degradation through hydrolysis, where water interacts with the polymer structure, leading to its breakdown into smaller particles.

The physical stresses of daily use, including chewing and speaking, also contribute to this fragmentation.

Improper disposal of aligners exacerbates the problem. They often end up in landfills where they degrade slowly. As the plastic breaks down, it releases microplastics into the soil and groundwater.

The persistence of plastic materials in landfills means that microplastics can remain in the environment for decades, contributing to broader plastic pollution issues.

Incinerating plastic aligners can also release harmful substances and carcinogenic toxins.

Microplastics health risks

Microplastics also pose significant health risks due to their ability to induce inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, which occurs when there are too many free radicals, a type of unstable molecule, and not enough antioxidants to neutralize them, leading to cell damage.

Microplastics can contribute to this stress by releasing chemicals that increase free radicals in the body.

These effects arise from both their physical and chemical properties.

Microplastics, once ingested or inhaled, can cause inflammation. Chronic exposure can provoke respiratory or gastrointestinal inflammation, potentially leading to long-term health issues including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and certain cancers.

Microplastics also contribute to oxidative stress by creating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are unstable molecules that can harm cells. ROS can damage cells by attacking cell membranes, altering proteins and causing changes or breaks in DNA. This damage can disrupt cell function and lead to health problems like disease and cell death.

This damage is linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers and dementia and cancer.

Recycling may help

As more aligners are used and changed more often, the environmental burden of clear aligner therapy grows.

This massive volume of plastic waste means there is an urgent need for effective waste management solutions.

One possible solution is recycling.

An app, designed by researchers at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, helps promote responsible disposal by helping users find recycling centers or drop-off points for used aligners.

The used aligners are recycled into plastic pellets that can then be used as raw material for various plastic products.

AlignTrack offers detailed instructions on preparing the aligners for recycling, ensuring they are processed correctly, and valuable materials are recovered. Users can also report any health issues after using aligners. It also collects user feedback on aligner comfort and design for future design improvements.

A possible improvement is exploring orthodontic options made from sustainable or biodegradable materials to help reduce plastic use and environmental impact.

Research is emerging, such as the use of 4-D aligners to reduce the quantity of aligner use by patients, though its cytotoxicity or effects on human health hasn’t yet been established.

Ensuring not just the safety of materials used in aligners through rigorous testing but also increased research and investment in mitigating the adverse environmental effects of clear aligner therapy is essential for the well-being of both humans and the planet.

Swasti Verma, one of the co-founders of AlignTrack, is pursuing a PhD in biotechnology from Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad.

Vineeta Sharma is Associate Professor at the Department of Biotechnology, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad. She is an epigenetics expert, researching gene secrets amidst climate change.

Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info™.

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Is Teledentistry Around the Corner?

Andrae Bergeron2024-09-30T21:10:30+00:00September 30th, 2024|Adam Brown DDS, General|

As we continue to see rapid technological advancements, we realize how this growth impacts us. Modern artificial intelligence is both exciting and worrisome, simultaneously making our lives easier while also replacing human presence in certain areas of labor. But, some of the less-intrusive technologies are causing us to rethink how we live our day-to-day lives, as there is the potential for them to make our lives less stressful. One area in particular that is beginning to see a unique change, is dentistry. Teledentistry is the movement of dental systems and methodologies from strictly office visits to the convenience of one’s home or a more central location. The hope is that this new, virtual type of dental practice can make office visits easier for those of us who are homebound or always seem to be on the go. Let’s take a closer look at this modern phenomenon.

Dr. Brown does not offer Teledentistry at this time. Please take this information in and let us know your thoughts. Would you like us to offer this service? Dr. Brown continually explores opportunities like Teledentistry to improve the patient experience for his clients in Monroe, NC.

Dr. Brown explores Teledentistry to improve patient experience in Monroe NC

Teledentistry falls under the umbrella of telehealth, which is a broad array of technologies and practices meant to deliver virtual health, medical, and educational services to patients. More specifically, teledentistry is the use of any virtual methodology within dentistry, and we are beginning to see this happening all over the Western world. This collection of means to provide proper oral care is on the rise and before you decide on if and when you might engage in such a practice, you need to know the ins and outs of what it is precisely, and how it works.

Here are the teledentistry treatment methods on the rise today:

Live Video (Synchronous) Meeting: An in-the-moment, live interaction between the patient, caregiver, and/or provider using audiovisual telecommunications technology. This is as simple as setting up a Zoom meeting with your dental provider that all takes place from the comfort of your home, office, car, or anywhere there is internet.
Asynchronous Meeting: This refers to the sharing of recorded information, including video, photographs, digital impressions, etc. from the patient to the practitioner who uses this info to evaluate the patient’s particular condition. Once the dentist has made a thorough assessment, a response is provided to the patient either through the same recorded methods or a phone call/Zoom meeting, whichever the patient prefers. Clearly, this method might take a bit longer than a live video would, but for less serious oral care issues, this is a viable option.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): Sometimes personal health and medical information is collected from a patient who resides in a different location than the dental provider, and this information is shared via a data processing service or some other electronic means of communication.
Mobile Health (mHealth): This refers to sharing dental and public health practices through mobile communication–cell phones, tablet computers, and personal digital assistants.

Historically, face-to-face examinations and meetings with a dental practitioner have been the most direct way of providing care, but due to the recent boom in technological advancements, we have expanded the ways dentists can communicate detailed information to patients. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), “…examinations performed using teledentistry can be an effective way to extend the reach of dental professionals, increasing access to care by reducing the effect of distance barriers to care.”

Know Your Rights

There is no denying that teledentistry is a viable patient/dentist communication method, but what should a patient expect in the level of care provided through teledentistry? The ADA has a clear set of patients’ rights and expectations, and every dental patient interested in utilizing any method of teledentistry should know the following information:

To quell patient insecurity due to the lack of face-to-face interactions, any dental practice engaging in teledentistry must be licensed in the state where the patient receives dental services. This weeds out the potentiality of malpractice because it ensures that the dentist you are telecommunicating with will be operating a legitimate practice.
All patients engaging in teledentistry have access to the dental practice’s licensure and board certification qualifications and can look over these documents at any time. This is yet another measure set in place to help with transparency–something even more important when you are not conducting in-person communications.
Every service offered through teledentistry technologies must follow evidence-based guidelines, the same as if the patient were visiting the dental practice in-person, as a means of ensuring quality of care, accurate health assessments and outcomes, and patient safety.
Everyone working for the dental provider who evaluates patient information, and/or who provides treatment, must inform the patient of his/her credentials. Additionally, the patient must also be informed of any costs he or she will be responsible for covering in advance of any delivery of services.
All medical, dental, and social history, as well as any relevant demographic and personal information, will be collected before any services using teledentistry technologies and methods are performed. This is to ensure that every service provided via teledentistry is based on a thorough evaluation of the patient (and the patient’s medical history).
Every service provided through teledentistry technologies will be documented properly and all records and documentation gathered will be available upon request of the patient at any time.
All services provided through teledentistry include care coordination to guarantee that the patient’s records will be made available to any entity that is operating as the patient’s home dental office. (Care Coordination, according to the National Library of Medicine, is considered to be “The organization of a patient’s care across multiple healthcare providers.”
Patients who decide to utilize teledentistry will be actively involved in all treatment decisions and will be able to decide how they receive a service that is covered, which includes considerations for urgency, satisfactions, and convenience without any penalty, such as high deductibles, co-payments, or services that a patient pays for after meeting the deductible relative to that of in-person services.
All services performed using teledentistry will be delivered in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations that concern the privacy and security of patients’ private health information, regardless of where the patient and teledentistry service provider are located.

Is Teledentistry Around the Corner?

In short, yes it is. In fact, it’s not around the corner, it’s right in front of us! Teledentistry is presently on the rise across the globe, and we can even see evidence of it here in the Carolinas. Recently, the North Carolina Oral Health Collaborative, “launched a teledentistry fund with support from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. The fund has helped award 20+ grants, including one for Piedmont Health, to purchase annual teledentistry subscriptions.” This is according to their website, and it shows that the growing trend is here, and it’s already thriving.

There are multiple reasons teledentistry is on the rise, but they all have the same thing in common: they all enhance patient care. Here are a few specific ways this new trend in dentistry is beneficial–

Teledentistry allows accessibility to patients in remote, rural, even underserved areas where people might otherwise not have access to such care.
Patients can receive dental counsel and care without extensive travel–or, with no travel at all, as the only thing needed is internet and a device (even one’s phone).
Dentists are able to remotely monitor patient health, which ensures ongoing care without the necessity of regular in-person visits.
Adjustments to treatment plans can be done quickly and timely interventions can take place if a patient were to experience any issues or complications.
Teledentisty technologies can be used to educate patients about necessary oral health practices and preventative care.

Have questions about teledentistry? Come talk to us at Adam Brown, DDS and we can help you decide if/which teledentistry services might benefit you.

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