The quality of your oral health is connected to your physical wellness. The oral-systemic health connection impacts your body, medical costs, and quality of life.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, oral health and physical health are interdependent. Existing health conditions can increase the risk of oral disease. Conversely, poor oral health can result in the development of health conditions.

Fortunately, with proper care and attention, you can prevent oral-systemic health issues.

How does poor oral health cause other health problems?

Nutrition enters your body through your mouth. And your mouth happens to be teeming with bacteria. Some of the bacteria are good. They are the first step in the digestive process. Other bacteria can be harmful to your health.

If you’re not diligent about keeping your mouth clean, bad bacteria can proliferate. This can lead to tooth decay and periodontitis or gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can cause some serious health conditions. In fact, gum disease can be linked to three of the four pillars of chronic disease including heart disease, Alzheimer’s and autoimmune problems.

Health conditions that can be caused by poor oral health

The following serious health conditions can be the result of poor dental health:

Cardiovascular disease
Research suggests infections and inflammation caused by oral bacteria can result in heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.

Endocarditis
This bacterial infection that enters your body through the mouth or other areas affects the proper functioning of your heart.

Birth complications
Gum disease can cause premature births and low birth weight.

Pneumonia
Respiratory diseases and pneumonia are caused by bacteria in your mouth that has been pulled into your lungs.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Some studies suggest that bacteria that develops into gum disease also caused neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and senile plaque formation. These in turn can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Certain diseases themselves can lower the body’s resistance to infection and compromise oral health.

Diabetes
Studies show a reciprocal relationship between gum disease and diabetes. Diabetes makes it hard for the body to fight infections, which can cause gum disease. And people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. So, treating periodontal disease reduces the need for insulin.

Osteoporosis
This bone-weakening disease also causes tooth loss.

Protect your oral health to improve your overall health

It’s not hard to maintain your oral health. By following a few simple oral care tips, you can support good oral-systemic health for the long haul.

1. Brush your teeth, gently, twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride. toothpaste. Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
2. Floss daily.
3. Rinse with therapeutic mouthwash to wash away any excess bacteria.
4. Visit Dr. Frahm for regular dental checkups, your oral cancer screening, and cleanings.

If any oral health problems arise, contact Dr. Frahm. By taking care of your oral health, you’re making a worthwhile investment in your overall health. Click below to learn more. 

Dr. Sarah Frahm

Now that clear aligners are available as an alternative, a mouth full of metal braces has become a last resort. If you or a family member have decided it’s time to straighten those pearly whites, there are many advantages to clear aligners. Are clear aligners better than braces?Everyone’s teeth are different. So are the solutions for teeth straightening. However, there is an easy rule of thumb for teeth straightening: For severely crooked teeth, metal braces are usually best for repairing difficult alignments and straightening. For everybody else, there are clear aligners. Here at Dr. Frahm’s office, we are partial to Invisalign® clear aligners. Invisalign does an incredible job of straightening your teeth, closing gaps, and aligning your bite, all while enhancing the function and health of your mouth.For people who require minor teeth straightening, clear aligners are usually the best option. Clear aligners are good for your mouthClear aligners are more comfortable than braces. That’s because clear aligners don’t have brackets and wires that can irritate your gums and mouth tissue like braces do. Clear aligners are aesthetically pleasingClear aligners like Invisalign are nearly invisible (hence the name). They are made of clear plastic and molded to fit your teeth. They may be mostly inconspicuous, but they are still effective. Clear aligners can straighten teeth as well as bracesClear aligners are highly effective at straightening mildly crooked teeth. Aligners work by repositioning your teeth into place by applying gentle pressure. And clear aligners provide long-lasting results.Clear aligners make it easier to maintain good oral hygieneAlthough good oral hygiene is a must for all patients, it’s easy to keep teeth clean if you wear clear aligners. Clear aligners can simply be removed before brushing and flossing. Braces, on the other hand, can trap food and plaque and flossing between the metal wires takes special care.Clear aligners work quicklyInvisalign treatment works to straighten mildly crooked teeth more quickly than braces. This is due to the all-around force of the aligners across the whole tooth. However, it’s important to wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day for the quickest results. And, depending upon the amount of correction you need, you can expect your treatment to last anywhere from three to 24 months. Want to learn more? Find out How Invisalign Works.Consult with Dr. Frahm to find out if Invisalign clear aligners are right for you. For more information about clear aligners and braces, visit the link below. Dr. Sarah Frahm | Alternative to Metal Braces

Social security is an important part of retirement planning and yet, few people don’t understand how the benefits are calculated or what factors determine the amount received monthly or over its lifetime. Even when using a Social Security benefits calculator, not understanding the different aspects that go into determining the number can give you the wrong result and likely unnecessary worry. To better understand how social security benefits are calculated, read below and learn the different areas that contribute to your retirement benefits. AIME and PIA: Essential Retirement Benefits FactorsUnderstanding the calculation of your social security benefits means diving deep into two primary concepts: Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) and the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA):Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME)AIME plays a key role in calculating Social Security benefits, but what exactly is it? AIME represents an average of your monthly earnings over your highest-earning 35 years, adjusted for inflation. The Social Security Administration doesn’t only look at your raw earnings; instead, it indexes them. This means that earnings from earlier years in your career are adjusted to account for inflation and wage growth over time, providing a more accurate reflection of your earnings in today’s dollars.To arrive at the AIME, the SSA takes your annual earnings for each year (up to a particular maximum that might change annually), indexes those for inflation, and then identifies the 35 years in which you earned the most. By adding those highest-earning years together and then dividing by the total number of months in those 35 years (420 months), the AIME is figured out.Primary Insurance Amount (PIA)Once the AIME is calculated, it’s time to determine the PIA. The PIA is essentially the baseline amount you would receive at full retirement age.To calculate the amount, the SSA uses a progressive formula that breaks the AIME into portions and then multiplies each segment by a specified percentage. For instance, the first segment of your AIME could be multiplied by 90%, the next by 32%, and any remaining amount by 15%. The sum of these results is your PIA.What’s crucial to understand is that PIA is central to the benefits you’ll receive. While factors like choosing to take benefits before or after your full retirement age can influence the final amount, the PIA sets the groundwork.Solving the SSA’s Approach: From Earnings to BenefitsAt the heart of social security payments is a comprehensive process that is based on your earnings history and age. This formula recalculates your benefit annually, ensuring accuracy and fairness by tallying up the earned income you made in your top earning years and applying specific adjustments. The benefits also depend on other factors besides AIME and PIA: Factors That Can Influence Your Social Security BenefitsThe other factors that can influence the amount of social security benefits an individual might receive include. Understanding the other factors that influence the amount of social security benefits received is essential to making informed decisions about when and how to claim benefits:Claiming Age: As mentioned earlier, the age at which you start claiming benefits can impact the monthly amount. Claiming before your full retirement age will result in a reduced monthly benefit, while delaying can lead to increased monthly payouts, up to age 70.Work While Claiming: If you claim benefits before reaching full retirement age and continue to work, there’s a limit to how much you can earn before the amount is temporarily reduced.Lifetime Earnings: The more you’ve earned, and therefore paid into the Social Security system, the higher your benefit will be, up to a point. Social Security is designed to replace a percentage of your pre-retirement income rather than it being your only source.Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs): The SSA may adjust benefits to account for inflation to ensure that the purchasing power of your benefits doesn’t decline over time due to inflation.Taxes: Depending on your overall income, a portion of your Social Security benefits might be taxable.Government Pensions: If you receive a pension from a job where you didn’t pay Social Security taxes (such as some government positions), it could affect the amount of your Social Security benefits.Family Benefits: If you have children or a spouse who are eligible for benefits based on your work record, it could mean a higher total family benefit, though individual benefits might be reduced.Understanding Retirement is Crucial Navigating social security benefits can be daunting, but with the right knowledge, understanding, and professional guidance it becomes much easier. Here at Marken Law Group, we are extensively experienced with social security, having represented hundreds of claimants in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and California to obtain what is rightfully theirs. We focus on your individual needs rather than treat all clients as the same, bringing our comprehensive experience to help guide you through. Whether you’re years away from claiming Social Security or on the brink of retirement, understanding these terms and how they factor into your benefits can make a significant difference in your financial planning.Marken Law Group

If you have a cavity or an old filling due for a replacement, you may wonder whether to opt for a composite or amalgam filing. How do you decide which is material is right for you?The difference between composite and amalgamComposite fillings are made of a mixture of liquid acrylic resin. They are reinforced with finely ground ceramic. Composite has many benefits. It’s a non-toxic material that naturally bonds to your tooth structure. Composite makes teeth strong, durable, and less prone to breakage. Composite also provides a natural appearance, matched to the color of your teeth.Amalgam fillings are also known as silver fillings. But they aren’t made of pure silver. Amalgam is a mix of metals including mercury, silver, tin, and copper. They are very strong and can last years. Amalgam fillings create two risks to your health. First, mercury can leak if an amalgam filling is compromised., amalgam expands and contracts. Overtime it will fail. And as the name implies, these fillings are silver in color Amalgam does not match your natural teeth.Which type of filling material should you choose?Both composite and amalgam fillings are used to fill cavities. Choosing which material is right for you comes down to four considerations.Aesthetics. For a beautiful set of teeth composite fillings, are the right choice. They are matched to your tooth color and are indistinguishable from your existing teeth. Composite is always used for front teeth and other visible teeth. It is the best choice if you want all your teeth to be uniform in appearance.Durability. Both amalgam and composite are extremely strong materials. In recent years resins used in composite fillings have become stronger. Now a days composites and amalgam are equally durable.Biocompatibility. The body has natural reactions to materials that cause allergies and toxicities. Amalgam fillings contain mercury. According to the FDA, people with multiple amalgam fillings may have higher mercury levels. But the level is considered safe. Composite fillings, on the other hand are made of biocompatible materials. Biocompatible materials are non-reactive. These materials naturally adhere to the body’s DNA. The result is teeth that are five times stronger than natural teeth. For more information, read the report from the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the NIH.Cost. The cost of any dental treatment varies depending on insurance coverage. Both amalgam and composite fillings are usually covered by insurance plans. Always check with your insurance company when in doubt. And don’t forget, our practice offers financing and cash discounts.If you are looking to replace old amalgam fillings, or would like a more aesthetically-pleasing, natural-looking smile, we’re available to talk about your options. Dr. Sarah Frahm

Sinus Infection Tooth Pain: How They Are LinkedSinuses are spaces in your skull. They warm and moisten the air so that they are fit for you to breathe in. The largest sinuses, called the maxillary sinuses, are above your upper molar teeth. When the maxillary sinuses are infected, they can also affect the closest areas, such as your upper molars. Sinusitis causes tooth pain in two ways:Referred pain from sinuses, teeth, and gums share the same pain-transmitting nerves. Congestion puts pressure on the root of the upper molars, causing discomfort. Can Sinus Infection Cause Tooth Infection?No, a sinus infection cannot cause tooth infection. However, a tooth infection can spread to the sinuses and cause sinusitis. Dental infections can cause 40% of chronic sinus infections.Can Sinus Infection Cause Tooth Pain in Front Teeth?The maxillary sinuses are above the upper molars, making them less likely to cause tooth pain in the front teeth if the sinuses are infected. We advised that you schedule an appointment with your doctor to learn more. How do I Know if My Toothache is a Sinus Infection? Causes and SymptomsSinuses produce mucus to keep the air moist and prevent the inside of your nose from drying out. If the sinuses are irritated or infected, they can swell and get congested, causing pain in the upper molars.What are the Most Common Symptoms of Sinus Infection Tooth PainTogether with sinusitis signs and symptoms, the most common symptom of sinusitis tooth pain is toothache on more than one adjoining upper molars. The pain is not localized on one tooth. Another common symptom is pain aggravated by movement. Movement like jumping up and down can aggravate sinus tooth pain. Pain can also be aggravated by bending over or lying down. The motions can cause congested sinuses to press on the roots of the molars with more force. Meanwhile, lying down can lessen the pain.How Long Does Tooth Pain Last with Sinus Infection?It would depend on the severity of your sinusitis. Since sinus tooth pain appears more in acute sinus infection, said symptom can last up to ten days. Effective Remedies to Relieve Sinus Pressure in Your TeethSinusitis Home RemediesSince the congested mucus promotes germs that cause sinusitis, the goal is to decongest. Here are remedies you can try at home:HydrateDrinking fluids can help thin the mucus and promote drainage to the nasal cavity.Warm CompressA warm compress over the sides of the nose can warm the sinuses and loosen mucus.SteamingBreathing in the steam of a bowl of hot water or a hot shower can loosen mucus. The warm, moist steam can soothe irritated nasal passages and make breathing easier.Sinus FlushingFlushing your sinuses with warm or room-temperature saline solution can help moisturize the lining of your sinuses. It can also loosen mucus and clear nasal cavities. DecongestantsDecongestants can help relieve symptoms. Topical decongestants shouldn’t be used for more than seven days as they can cause symptoms to worsen. The same can happen when using decongestant nasal sprays for over three days.Toothache Home RemediesCold compressA cold compress on the painful area for 10-15 minutes several times daily can numb tooth pain. Over-the-counter Pain RelieversYou can take OTC pain medications such as acetaminophen or numbing gels to treat sinusitis dental pain. Do I Need Antibiotics for a Sinus Infection?Since most sinus infections get better without antibiotics, antibiotics are only prescribed by the doctor if other treatments don’t work, and they suspect bacterial infections. Antibiotics are only prescribed when other medications don’t work because they can cause mild to rash side effects, from rashes to severe allergic reactions.When to Seek Professional Dental and Sinus CareWhile you may need to consult your dentist to confirm if you have sinus or dental-related tooth pain, please schedule an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms:Tooth pain that persists after the sinusitis has disappearedSevere painFever that lasts more than three daysSymptoms that persist for more than ten days without improvementSymptoms that got better then got worseInability to eat or drink due to dental or facial pain.If you’re looking for sinus relief or interested in learning more about sinus surgery, click the link below!Explore Sinus Surgeries

You may have heard about crown lengthening as an emerging trend in dentistry. Crown lengthening is a procedure performed by dentists and periodontists to increase your tooth surface. This is done by recontouring gum tissue to expose more of your tooth. Thereby it lengthens how much tooth is visible. Reasons for crown lengtheningCrown lengthening is often recommended for the proper placement of crowns or bridges. It’s also used to enhance the aesthetic beauty of your smile. For some patients Dr. Frahm recommends crown lengthening prior to the placement of veneers.Crown lengthening for tooth replacement: Crowns, bridgesTo properly place crowns and bridges, you must have enough of a healthy tooth to support them. But what happens if you don’t have enough of your original tooth left due to either decay, a weak tooth structure, or because your tooth is broken? By sculpting your gumline, more of your tooth’s surface Is exposed to accommodate a crown or a bridge. Crown lengthening for aesthetics: Veneers and smile enhancementVeneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that improves the appearance of your smile. As we saw with crowns and bridges, veneers also require a stable tooth surface.  Crown lengthening can add surface and allow for a beautifully proportioned smile and gumline. But, the most common reason for crown lengthening is to correct a “gummy smile.” This term describes gums that are visible above the teeth when you smile. A gummy smiles can make you feel self-conscious. Crown lengthening sculpts your gums.  This enhances your smile so more of teeth show. Dental professionals refer to the golden ratio which allows for balanced proportions of your facial features, gumline, and teeth.You may have heard to the golden proportion in relation to art and nature. Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man was drawn with ideal body proportions. A peacock’s feather contains a natural golden ratio. So too can dentists sculpt gums to bring a symmetry, dominance, and proportion for a beautiful smile. How is crown lengthening performed?There are a few different techniques for crown lengthening. Reshaping gums is usually done with either a laser or scalpel.  Dr. Frahm prefers to use lasers. They are less invasive and result in less downtime and discomfort than scalpels. Gum reshaping is a one- to two-hour treatment. It can be done right in the dentist chair. The procedure feels familiar. Just like when a cavity is filled, Dr. Frahm numbs your gums. You’ll remain awake. The treatment consists of:A soft tissue laser to remove a few millimeters of gum tissue.Resculpting the gum line to expose more of tooth surface.  Whether you are looking for crown lengthening to restore dental health or give you the smile you want, it’s a wonderful option to discuss with Dr. Frahm. Click the link below to get started!Restore Your Smile Today

If you have been denied at your initial hearing, appealed in time (60 days), and then were denied at reconsideration – the road to receiving your Social Security Disability Benefits can look daunting, even impossible. It’s likely, you’ve appealed that decision, have waited multiple months, and the day has finally come to have your hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). What happens now? And importantly, what can you do to prepare?The biggest problems facing claimants who are not represented by an ALJ are not understanding the hearing format and unaware of the medical and other evidence in their file!Ensuring Your Medical File is Ready For ReviewThe single biggest obstacle is the medical file. When unrepresented it is YOUR responsibility to make sure your medical records have been properly submitted to the hearing office and have been placed in your electronic file for the judge to review. This is NOT Social Security’s responsibility. No records, or not an adequate file typically leads to frustration with the judges and a possible unfavorable decision for an otherwise great claim. How do you go about fixing this problem? When the hearing office schedules your hearing (typically more than 75 days out) they will mail you a CD with your file. You need to ACCESS this record and see what Social Security is MISSING from your medical record. Social Security must have records pertaining from your onset date to shortly before your hearing. The ALJ’s tasked to decide your case cannot award benefits if there are no medical records for the time in question. For example if you allege disability from 2016 but only have records beginning 2019, the judge WILL NOT find you disabled prior to the medical records on file! You can request your medical record from your providers at little or no cost to you directly from the provider. This then must be submitted NO LATER than 5 DAYS prior to hearing via fax, mail, etc. Do NOT bring records with you to the hearing unless you HAVE TO (i.e., just received them).The second biggest obstacle for unrepresented claimants is they are unaware of the hearing format. It is NOT to tell the judge what’s wrong and why they should find you disabled. The ALJ will ask you specific questions about your daily activities, where you worked and the reasons behind leaving work. It is not, in other words, an open forum for you to discuss your problems. It is detailed, specific and if you are not prepared the burden is on you, not the administration.Other Tips for Your HearingWe highly recommend you adhere to the following advice as well:Don’t interrupt the judge.Answer the judges specific question. A question about your past work is not a entry to discuss your back problems. The judge knows about your back problems, they want to know about the question they asked.Come prepared with recent medical evidence already submitted well in advance.Arrive early to your hearing. Most offices will screen you for drugs and weapons and have forms to fill out, do NOT BE ON TIME. ON TIME is LATE.Dress comfortably but respectfully; no logos or political statements.Show the judge respect. “Yes your honor” or “No your honor.” They are judges and expect to be treated respectfully. They are the sole decision makers of your claim, so it always helps to show respect.If you’re interested in finding expert representation to claim your Social Security Disability Benefits, Marken Law Group, does not charge a fee unless you get the benefits you deserve. Click the link below for a free consultation!Marken Law Group | No Benefits? No Fee.

New data from the Portland Crash Analysis & Reporting Unit reveals a worrying upward trend in motor vehicle crashes over the past year. Compared to the previous year, Portland saw a rise of 18.76% overall in crashes in 2021, including a 20% rise in fatal crashes and 22.67 percent more non-fatal injury crashes.In raw numbers, Portland recorded 45, 295 crashes in 2021, including over 550 deadly crashes and nearly 24, 000 crashes that resulted in non-fatal injuries. An additional 21, 014 crashes resulted in property damage only. This translates to nearly 125 crashes per day on average in 2021.More Crashes Leading to More Injuries and FatalitiesWith the large increase in crashes, injuries and fatalities also rose significantly. Five hundred ninety-nine people were killed in Portland traffic crashes in 2021, a rise of 18.15% over 2020. Total people injured jumped by over 28% to nearly 36, 000 injured.Drivers accounted for the majority of fatalities and injuries, but vulnerable road users like pedestrians and bicyclists also saw high casualty counts. Eighty-eight pedestrians and eighteen bicyclists were killed in crashes last year, with many more injured.Errors Leading to CrashesDriver errors were the top cause of most crashes in Portland last year. The most common mistakes included:Failing to avoid stopped or parked vehicles aheadFailing to yield right-of-wayDriving too fast for the conditionsInattention/distractionFollowing too closelyFor pedestrians, the top errors were failing to yield right-of-way and crossing between intersections rather than at crosswalks. Bicyclists commonly did not to yield right-of-way or rode inattentively.Young Drivers at High RiskThe data shows young drivers between ages 15-20 were involved in a disproportionate share of fatal and injury crashes compared to their share of drivers. This age group was involved in over 18% of such crashes despite making up a far smaller portion of total drivers.Call for ActionThe alarming rise in crashes and injuries on Portland’s streets presents a major public safety issue. As the data makes clear, more must be done to improve driver awareness and skills, enhance traffic law enforcement, redesign dangerous roads, and protect vulnerable road users.If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle crash, contact Beau Harlan, a personal injury lawyer in Portland, OR, at Harlan Law Firm. They have decades of experience winning compensation for crash victims in Portland and understand the impact these traumatic events have on victims’ lives. Work with a seasoned legal team to recover damages, hold negligent parties accountable, and help make the roadways safer for everyone.