| Teeth and Sinus Infections |
Maybe you've heard that sinus infections can cause severe tooth pain. You may have even experienced it yourself, and so you know it hurts! However, did you know that a tooth can cause a sinus infection?
'Sinuses'
Your sinuses are hollow air chambers in your skull. As you breathe, air circulates in your sinuses just before passing into your lungs. Your body is designed to keep your sinuses clean, but when bacteria "set up shop," the result is a sinus infection. Sinus infections are frequently caused by colds, but can also be caused by your teeth.
Location is Everything
Everyone knows where their teeth are located, but do you know where your sinuses are located? Your sinuses are found above your eyes, around your nose and around your cheeks. Those that are positioned at the lower part of your nose also sit just above your upper teeth roots. These sinuses are called your maxillary sinuses.
Consequently...
Because they are close together, a tooth infection can spread to your the maxillary sinus. Estimates suggest that 20-25 percent of maxillary sinus infections come from the tooth.
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| Toothy Tid-Bits
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Give Thanks for Healthy Teeth!
November is one of my favorite months because it contains Turkey Day (Thanksgiving)! I love all of the yummy food prepared on this day and, wouldn't ya know, it's good for you, too! Here's a quick breakdown:- Carrots and Celery: These foods are rich in fiber. Besides being excellent for your stomach, fiber also stimulates your gums, which contributes to a healthy mouth.
- Cranberries: Recent studies have shown that cranberry juice hinders bacteria from sticking to your teeth, therefore helping to prevent tooth decay!
- Sweet Potatoes/Mashed Potatoes: These guys are loaded with vitamins and minerals needed for a happy and healthy mouth, and they don't stick to your teeth like other starchy foods.
- Turkey: we all know how turkey makes us drowsy, but did you know stress negatively affects the health of your gums? One of the best ways to fight stress is to get enough sleep….. So don't fight the tryptophan, give in and take a little snooze because your gums will be so much happier.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I'm definitely giving lots of thanks for each and every one of you.-Jocelyn Codington, RDH
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| 5 Reasons to Use Your Dental Insurance Before Year's End |
Our friend, Tammy Davenport, at About.com wrote an excellent article on how you can save money by using your dental insurance benefits before the end of the year.
We have prepared the following summary. For the complete article click the link at the bottom.
1. Yearly Maximum: Most insurances have a year maximum of around $1,000. Unused benefits do not roll over at the end of the year.
2. Deductible: Deductibles vary but usually are around $50 per year. This decutible may reset at the beginning of the year.
3. Premiums: If you are paying monthly premiums you should be using your dental benefits. Regular cleanings can help prevent more serious treatments later.
4. Fee Increases: Health care costs and insurance continue to rise. Most fee adjustments are made at the beginning of the year including increases in copays and deductibles.
5. Dental Problems Can Worsen: By delaying treatment you risk more extensive treatment later. A simple cavity now could be a root canal later.
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| Full Article: 5 Reasons to Use Your Dental Insurance Before the End of the Year
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