Aspen Dental dentist, Dr. James Maurer, talks to Spotlight 5 in Cleveland about the best ways to care for your teeth, the best dentist payment options, and how oral health effects overall health.

Dr. Arnow gives tips on how to keep up good oral health and to keep your dentures their best.

Aspen Dental dentist, Dr. Katherine Leyes, discusses dental health as part of May’s Older American’s Month with Living with Amy host, Amy Hanten, on Green Bay’s FOX 11. Dr. May covers when to replace dentures and good oral hygiene practices.

Aspen Dental dentist, Dr. Chedley Vincent, disusses dental care, affordable dentures, and denture design with the hosts of Connecticut Style.

 “The importance of establishing good oral health habits in children has long been recognized, but it is equally important for older adults,” said Dr. Arwinder Judge, vice president of clinical support at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. “For example, receding gum tissue, a condition that can expose the roots of teeth and make them more vulnerable to decay and infection, is a common problem associated with aging. That means that regular oral health care becomes even more critical.”

Dr. Judge added, “Dentists can also detect problems that go far beyond the mouth, including early signals of heart disease, diabetes and vitamin deficiencies. Think of the dentist as an essential part of your larger health care team.”

General Oral Health Advice for Older Adults

• Visit your dentist for regular hygiene checkups. The dentist doesn’t just look at your teeth, but at your whole mouth. That means that even patients who have no natural teeth and wear full dentures should have their mouth examined not only for signs of gum disease or oral cancer, but also for proper denture fit. A change in the fit of dentures could indicate gum disease or underlying bone loss.
• Remember that cavities don’t just happen in kids. Among the 95 percent of older adults who still have teeth, more than nine out of 10 have cavities. This includes about one-fourth who haven’t received treatment for their decay.
• Tell your dentist about any medical conditions, recent operations, allergies, and medications you may be taking, or changes to your medications. This will avoid any potential adverse interactions with the medications that your dentist may prescribe. Plus, more than 400 commonly used medications for common conditions like high blood pressure and depression can be the cause of dry mouth. A reduction of the flow of saliva increases the risk for oral disease.

  Oral Care Advice for Denture-Wearers

• Think about how your dentures fit.  The tissues in the mouth change over time, and bone and gum ridges shrink. This can result in ill-fitting dentures that make eating uncomfortable or downright painful. Nearly 50 million Americans wear dentures; the average denture-wearer gets his or her first set of dentures in their mid-50s. But while the American Dental Association recommends that dentures be replaced every five to seven years, many people keep the same set of dentures for much longer. So talk to your dentist about denture fit.
• Use the correct amount of denture cream.  If you experience discomfort or if you are using more than one tube of denture cream every three weeks, your dentures may not fit properly and should be evaluated. Your dentist can tell you if they need to be adjusted or replaced.
• Consider your diet and nutrition. Wearing poorly fitted dentures can not only cause sores or pain in the mouth — it can also prevent healthy eating. Research indicates that people with ill-fitting dentures have poorer nutrition than those with well-fitted dentures or natural teeth due to the difficulty they have in chewing foods, especially certain fruits and vegetables.

To learn more about special offers and discounts at Aspen Dental, visit www.aspendental.com/appointment.dental.offers.php.

About Aspen Dental

With nearly 300 practices in 22 states, Aspen Dental is one of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the U.S. Dentists and staff at Aspen Dental are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care. All Aspen Dental locations are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which signals a commitment to meeting certain standards of service and making a good faith effort to resolve consumer complaints.

In 2010, Aspen Dental practices recorded nearly 1.9 million patient visits, including visits from more than 422,000 new patients. Patients can learn what to expect during their first visit at www.aspendental.com/appointment.first.visit.html.

For more information about Aspen Dental or to make an appointment, visit www.aspendental.com or call 800-ASPEN DENTAL (800-277-3633). To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, visit www.aspendentaljobs.com. 

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Leading Network of Dental Care Providers to Make Donation to Oral Cancer Foundation for Advance Screenings Conducted During Oral Cancer Awareness Screening Week (April 11-15)

Syracuse, NY – Aspen Dental, one of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the U.S., is reminding patients about the importance of oral cancer screening and early detection in recognition of Oral Cancer Awareness Month (April).

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, close to 37,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year, which is responsible for approximately 8,000 deaths annually. Common risk factors for oral cancer include use of tobacco products (smoked and smokeless), excessive alcohol consumption, and HPV infection.

As a commitment to oral cancer detection, more than 285 Aspen Dental practices in 22 states will donate $5 from every Vizilite Plus screening conducted during Oral Cancer Awareness Screening Week (April 11-15, 2011) to the Oral Cancer Foundation. Vizilite Plus is a specially designed light technology that can help detect oral cancer.

“Unfortunately, oral cancer is often discovered late in its development, which means that the death rate is higher than that of other cancers,” said Maureen Howes, RDH, MS, director of hygiene services at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. “It’s important to identify any abnormalities as early as possible, when the cancer is most treatable, which means that regular dental care and oral cancer screenings are critically important.”

Possible signs and symptoms of oral cancer include: a sore in the throat or mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal within two weeks; a lump or thickening in the cheek; a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil or lining of the mouth; a sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat; difficulty chewing or swallowing; difficulty moving the jaw or tongue; or numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth. Denture patients may experience swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.

To learn more about what to expect during an oral cancer screening, please visit the Oral Cancer Foundation website at http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/how_do_you_know.html.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental doctors and their staff are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care. All Aspen Dental locations are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which signals a commitment to meeting certain standards of service and making a good faith effort to resolve consumer complaints.

In 2010, Aspen Dental practices recorded nearly 1.9 million patient visits, including visits from more than 422,000 new patients. Patients can learn what to expect during their first visit at www.aspendental.com/appointment.first.visit.html.

For more information about Aspen Dental or to make an appointment, visit www.aspendental.com or call 800-ASPEN DENTAL (800-277-3633). To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

“Between barbeques and amusement park fare, summertime eating can be synonymous with sugary, sticky foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay if patients don’t practice good oral care,” said Maureen Howes, RDH, MS, director of hygiene services at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. “Maintaining your oral health at home and getting regular care is essential to help prevent dental problems.”

Since enjoying the occasional s’more or other sweet snack is part of the American tradition, Howes reminds patients to brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, which helps remove food and plaque. You should also floss to remove plaque between teeth and below the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach.

If you’re not able to brush your teeth immediately after consuming a sugary food or drink, rinse your mouth with water to help wash it away.

Another tip is to minimize snacking, which creates a constant supply of acid in the mouth. Avoid constant sipping of sugary drinks or frequent sucking on candy and mints. In addition to soda, other beverages that may be high in sugar are certain juices and sports drinks — check the label to see how much sugar you’re drinking.

Advice for Denture Wearers

For the nearly 50 million Americans who wear dentures, following a good oral care routine is just as important. Denture-wearers should clean their gums to avoid plaque build-up that can irritate the tissue under dentures, and thoroughly clean dentures at night to avoid bacteria growth.

And if your dentures no longer fit as well as they once did, consult your dentist about an adjustment or replacement — the tissues in the mouth change over time, and bone and gum ridges shrink, which can result in ill-fitting dentures that make eating uncomfortable or downright painful. While the American Dental Association recommends that dentures be replaced every five to seven years, many people keep the same set of dentures for much longer.

One sign that it might be time for a replacement is the overuse denture adhesive cream. If you are using more than one tube of denture cream every three weeks, your dentures may not fit properly and should be evaluated. Visit your dentist to see if they need to be adjusted.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network currently has more than 250 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com : www.aspendent.com/ . To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com. : www.aspendentaljobs.com./

“The current economic environment has forced many Americans to delay seeking dental care, cutting back on everything from cleanings to dentures to treatment of gum disease,” said Dr. Arwinder Judge, vice president of clinical support at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. “Considering the link between gum disease and certain health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke, patients should try to make regular visits to the dentist just as much of a priority as regular visits to their primary care physician.”

Adds Dr. Judge, “Ultimately, seeking preventative care and taking care of small dental problems before they become big problems pays off.”

According to a report by Oral Health America, early dental treatment is cost effective. In fact, the cost of providing preventive dental treatment is estimated to be 10 times less than the cost of managing symptoms of dental disease in a hospital emergency room. Moreover, the report notes that improving oral health by multiple preventative approaches, including periodontal (gum) disease management, saves more than $4 billion per year in treatment costs.

Advice for Denture Patients

Regular oral care is just as important for the nearly 50 million Americans who wear full or partial dentures. Even patients who have no natural teeth should have their mouth examined annually not only for signs of oral cancer, but also for proper denture fit. The tissues in the mouth change over time, and bone and gum ridges shrink, which can result in ill-fitting dentures that make eating uncomfortable or downright painful. While the American Dental Association recommends that dentures be replaced every five to seven years, many people keep the same set of dentures for much longer.

Another key concern for people with dentures is the use of denture adhesives. While adhesives can help dentures feel more stable and secure, long-term excessive use can potentially pose health risks. Patients should closely follow labeling instructions for denture adhesive products. If dentures feel loose or cause discomfort, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible about an adjustment or replacement.

Making Dental Care Accessible

Doctors and staff at Aspen Dental work to help break down the barriers that keep patients from getting the oral care they need, offering convenient locations, extended hours including select Saturdays, affordable fees, and a wide range of flexible payment plan options. Aspen Dental practices work with all insurance plans.  Walk-in patients and those with emergencies are welcome.

To help encourage patients to take the first step toward good oral health, Aspen Dental offers free new-patient exams to patients who do not have the benefit of insurance; free denture consultations for all denture patients; special promotions and senior discounts. Patients can learn about what to expect during their first visit to Aspen Dental at www.aspendent.com/appointment.first.visit.html.

To make an appointment, call 800-ASPEN DENTAL or visit www.aspendent.com to schedule online.

About Aspen Dental

One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network currently has more than 250 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental practices and services, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

An estimated 75% of Americans have some form of gum disease and researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from a heart condition as those without. (www.perio.org)

“Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of the connection between your gums and your heart,” said Dr. Irshad Mohammed, lead dentist in Aspen Dental’s Fairfield office in the Black Rock Shopping Center. “In addition to brushing and flossing every day, and visiting your dentist every six months, it’s important to eat foods that promote good oral health.”

Dr. Mohammed’s Tips:
• Try tea. Drinking green tea is an easy way to ward off the bacteria that causes gum disease. It contains antioxidants called catechins that reduce inflammation and inhibit bacteria. Brew some green tea and then chill it for a cool and healthy summer drink.

• Choose fruits high in vitamin C. Depending on its size, a kiwi can give you 100 percent of your daily vitamin C intake. The vitamin C prevents the collagen in your gums from breaking down which can lead to tender gums more susceptible to disease. Blend kiwis and cantaloupe in a food processor to make a chilled summer soup or use as a topping on your favorite yogurt.

• Go with the grain. Eating whole grains is another simple way to keep your gums and heart healthy. Whole grains are digested more slowly than other grains, which means blood glucose levels rise at a steadier rate and mitigate the body’s production of bacteria that can cause gum and heart disease. Try replacing unrefined white pasta with whole wheat noodles in your pasta salad this summer.

For more advice on foods that can keep your mouth and heart in good health, ask your dentist during your next exam.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network currently has more than 245 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

Aspen Dental reminds patients to check their remaining dental insurance benefits before the benefits expire at the end of the year. Most insurance companies offer a certain amount of annual coverage that expires at the end of each year. To receive benefits for 2009 treatment, dental services must be performed before December 31. Ask your dental care provider how to get the most out of your 2009 and 2010 benefits as the New Year begins.

“This is a great time of year to schedule a dental visit,” said Dr. Arwinder Judge, Vice President, Clinical Support for Aspen Dental Management, Inc. “People can visit their dentists before the holiday rush and begin the New Year on the path to excellent oral health. The importance of oral health is often overlooked, but it is a key to our overall health.”

According to Oral Health America, sponsor of The Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait™ campaign, it is imperative that patients realize the importance of a regular oral healthcare routine. Postponing regular dental checkups and recommended treatment will only result in more severe and more costly problems down the road. Although many patients are postponing dental treatment due to economic factors, the fact is that many Americans have dental benefits that they are not taking full advantage of. Aspen Dental can help ensure that patients are taking full advantage of their allotted coverage.

More than 215 Aspen Dental offices from Maine to Oregon and Washington work with all insurance plans to provide patients with a full range of denture and dental services, including hygiene, oral surgery, fillings, whitening and crown and bridge work. Aspen Dental offers free, no obligation denture consultations and is the only authorized provider of eight styles of full and partial hand-crafted ComfiDents® brand dentures.

Aspen Dental offers several programs to assist patients in getting the care they need including pre-payment plan discounts, extended payment plans, up to 24 months interest-free payment options, free new-patient exams and x-rays for new patients without insurance, and 10 percent senior discounts for patients over 65. Aspen Dental accepts cash, personal checks and all major credit cards.

For more information visit Aspen Dental’s redesigned website at www.aspendent.com

ABOUT ASPEN DENTAL:
Aspen Dental is a leading provider of denture and dental care services committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care. Aspen Dental is the only company authorized to provide eight styles of its hand-crafted, full and partial ComfiDents® brand dentures.

Aspen Dental has grown from 13 offices and three states in 1998 to more than 215 locations in 18 states. More than 300 licensed dentists and 200 dental hygienists work with Aspen Dental throughout Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin.

In 2008, Aspen Dental recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 260,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental meets the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The company works with all insurance plans.