(206) 362-5400

Ever Vigilant About The Impact Of Diabetes In Dentistry

Wednesday, January 27th
About 30 million Americans have diabetes, and another 89 million are prediabetic. Diabetes has a significant relationship with periodontal disease. Diabetes lends to a compromised immune function, which becomes a key factor in patients with periodontitis, also known as gum disease. In our office, we’re interested in the optimal treatment of diabetic patients. When we first meet patients, we identify patients at risk for diabetes, even if they do not have a formal diagnosis. On occasion, we may provide an in-office test to assess for diabetes for at-risk patients. We refer patients to local physicians for diabetic control. We continually review… [ Read More ]

Homing In On The Link Between Periodontal Disease And Heart Disease

Wednesday, September 23rd
For years, we have suspected that certain periodontal disease bacteria can clog arteries and blood vessels. Arterial plaques have been discovered to contain bacteria from the oral cavity. Recently, researchers showed that one species of  gum disease bacteria,  P. gingivalis, has been shown to cause and accelerate formation of coronary and aortic atherosclerosis.  It is understood that coronary artery disease is an inflammatory disease. The gene that turns on an inflammatory protein was discovered after P. gingivalis was introduced to the arterial cells.   [ Read More ]

I’ve Got Nothing But Love For You And Your Health

Wednesday, September 23rd
It doesn’t take a degree in rocket science or dentistry to know that people don’t want to come to the dental office for treatment. I can support that with conversations that I have every day with my patients. “I know you’re going to lecture me,” say a few. “Ready for my lashing,” says another. “I know what you’re going to tell me,” say the remainder. Some patients get right to it. “No offense, doc. This is the last place I want to be.” I get it. No one wants to be here. Yet they show up. I have some of… [ Read More ]

Dental Implants Are Possible For Diabetic Patients

Thursday, March 5th
For years, implant dentists and surgeons have frowned on placing implants in diabetic patients that had poor diabetic control. But a recent study has shown that just because patients have diabetes doesn't mean they are not candidates for dental implants. In fact, when it came to the survival of dental implants in the study, there was no statistical difference between patients who had poorly controlled or well-controlled diabetes. The main reason for implant failure in diabetic patients is their relatively high risk for periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can affect the supporting tissues that anchor an implant. And without excellent control… [ Read More ]

Video Stanwood Dentist Dr. Rafoth Discusses Mouthwashes

Tuesday, October 21st
Dr. Rafoth discusses different mouthwashes and the three links are: Tooth & Gums Tonic Natural Dentist Crest Pro Health [ Read More ]

Dentists Help Confirm Osteoporosis

Monday, September 15th
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that affects an estimated 12 million Americans and another 40 million are at risk for developing the disease. One of the troubling things about osteoporosis is that it is rarely detected before a fracture occurs. At that point, the disease is more advanced and bones have already lost much of their density. Luckily, dentists are on the lookout for early signs of osteoporosis. “The first sign of osteoporosis is usually discovered when we do a thorough gum and bone examination,” says Dr. Rafoth. Depending on what the dentist finds in the examination, taking into account… [ Read More ]

Four Leading Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity

Wednesday, September 10th
Sensitive teeth can happen for many reasons. In this post, Dr. Rafoth addresses the 4 main causes of tooth sensitivity he sees in his practice. 1. Diet “Sometimes the diet we choose can make teeth sensitive. Foods and drinks that are higher in acids strip the protective layer of sludge (called the pellicle) from our teeth, exposing our teeth to more sensitivity with sweets or temperatures.” 2. Grinding and Clenching “Tooth grinding or clenching also makes teeth sensitive, because the supporting tissues of the teeth become inflamed. Inflammation can make teeth sensitive to biting, temperatures, sweets, sours, and spicy foods.”… [ Read More ]

Stress And Your Teeth

Monday, September 8th
In times of stress, it may be difficult to add your oral health to your list of things to remember, but is important to know how stress can affect your smile and oral health. Dr. Rafoth speaks to the effects stress can have on your teeth. Immune System Breakdown “Stress can directly cause immune system breakdown, which can be connected to deterioration in dental health,” says Dr. Rafoth. “Prolonged stress needs to be managed for your overall health.” Canker Sores “We most commonly see canker sores (apthous ulcers) emerge in times of stress.” While canker sores are generally harmless in… [ Read More ]

Sun Protection And Periodontal Disease

Thursday, August 14th
Lyons Creek Dental Care offers an effective treatment for periodontal disease that uses Periostat. Periostat is a low-concentration doxycycline, which is an antibiotic used to successfully treat a number of infections. During this time of year especially, it is important to be mindful of the side effects, which can include photosensitivity (a higher risk of sunburn or skin sensitivity to sunlight). If you are being treated for periodontal disease with Periostat, you should be judicious about your time spent in the sun, and make an effort to wear sunglasses, hats, and even long sleeves. You should also, of course, apply… [ Read More ]

Dental Decay: a Treatable Disease

Thursday, July 24th
Tooth decay has reached epidemic proportions around the world, and notably where I practice, it’s never been clearer. I know it’s my livelihood to fix people who have tooth decay, but that’s not the job I signed up for. I signed up to help people eliminate the disease as best as possible.  So take a minute or two to consider what is at stake when you think about your mouth and your risk for tooth decay. You may not like what I have to say, but here goes. People get cavities for 2 main reasons: they decide to, or there… [ Read More ]