What is Periodontal Disease? The thought of your hands bleeding when you wash them is enough to make anyone cringe. But, why then, do folks feel it is normal for their gums to bleed when they brush their teeth? Researchers at the National Institute of Health reported that over half of Americans over 30 experienced bleeding gums when they brushed. Periodontal Disease is more prevalent than you probably think. Swollen and bleeding gums are early signs that your gums are infected with bacteria. If left untreated the infection may spread and destroy structures in your jaw bone that support your teeth. In its worst cases, periodontal disease causes teeth to become so loose that they need to be removed. What is periodontal disease? How is it treated? Can it be prevented? We have the answers to these and many other questions about gum disease. What is Periodontal Disease? “Peri” translates
Excellent Tips to Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist There are many reasons people fear going to the dentist. For some, these dental phobias are deep seeded, originating in childhood. Perhaps they had an unpleasant experience while getting the Novocain injection, or they were not completely numb before the dentist started drilling a cavity. Maybe a dental hygienist scrapped gum while scaling tartar buildup. Whatever the reason, it is easy to see why someone may be fearful of the dentist after a distressing procedure. A small percentage of people even swear they will never return to the dentist unless it is an absolute emergency. No one likes to feel pain or anxiety. However, it is paramount that you take proper care of your teeth. Did you know that your oral health affects your overall health? Therefore, we have some excellent tips to overcome your fear of the dentist. Because when
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and the Oral Cancer Foundation has created a national screening campaign with the aim of ending oral cancer. Surprisingly, Oral Cancer awareness among the American public is low. However, approximately 49,750 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year alone, meaning that every day 132 new people in the U.S. discover they have oral cancer. What’s more, one person in every hour of the day dies from a form of oral cancer. In our opinion, these numbers are staggering and unnecessary. What is oral cancer, and why should I be concerned? Oral and pharyngeal cancer is defined as cancer of the mouth and upper throat. It collectively kills nearly one person every hour, of every day, of the year. Furthermore, and sadly, of the people newly diagnosed with these cancers, only about 60%
Botox for Bruxism We have all heard the buzz about Botox as an effective treatment for diminishing wrinkles on the face. However, there are other indications where it is helpful. Medical professionals are reporting success using Botox as a treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or migraines. Research is showing that Botox for bruxism is gaining favor as an effective therapy. Current treatment options include occlusal correction, addressing behavioral changes, and a pharmacological approach (drug therapy). If you have tried any of these without success, or are just looking for an alternative treatment, Botox could be the solution for which you have been searching. What is Bruxism? The simplest explanation is that Bruxism is grinding and clenching your teeth, without a functional purpose. Millions of people suffer due to bruxism. Tooth grinding causes concern for dentists because it may lead to dental restoration breakage, tooth damage, temporal headaches, and temporomandibular (TMJ)
Bad Oral Health Affects Heart Health We are always talking about the importance of good oral health to keep your teeth and gums healthy. But did you know that gum disease may cause heart disease? Many times patients avoid the dentist because their teeth feel fine. Unfortunately, more than 80 percent of Americans are living with some form of periodontal disease. What’s more, many of these folks don’t even know, because they go undiagnosed. So, while you may diligently visit the doctor, if you skip the dentist, you could end up with more than a toothache. You may miss out on an opportunity to ensure your heart stays strong. Here are the startling facts about how bad oral health affects heart health. What are the links? Researchers report that people with periodontal disease may be twice as likely to have heart disease. Furthermore, the risk increases when you add in high
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! This month is meant to raise awareness about the importance of children’s oral health. It is imperative to instill good brushing and flossing habits from an early age. However, despite the fact that it is almost completely preventable, tooth decay is one of the most chronic diseases affecting children. And, what’s more, reports show that American students miss 51 million hours of school every year because of oral health issues. But, this month, and every month forward we can all start making a difference. Here are some tips to get kids excited about taking care of their teeth. A Star Chart While this may seem old-fashioned, nothing shows accomplishment more than actually physically seeing it displayed. Making a start-chart is a fun family craft to get everyone involved. Plus, it lets your youngster know that you all value
Do Old Silver Amalgam Fillings Need to Be Replaced? There seem to be ever-growing public safety concerns regarding mercury. Further, many people are worried about their old silver amalgam fillings, whether mercury can leak from them, and if there are adverse health effects. The fact is that mercury is a highly toxic element. Old silver amalgam fillings are an alloy comprised of a combination of mercury, silver, copper, tin, plus other trace minerals. But can mercury leach out from these fillings? Should you be concerned? Should they be replaced? Here are the answers to those, and other questions about old silver amalgam fillings. Does mercury leak from old silver fillings? The simple answer is, yes. However, the amount of mercury vapors released is well below the FDA recommended intake, or .4 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. While the World Health Organization (WHO) states that “Mercury may have toxic effects
Abscessed Tooth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Have you noticed an unusual aching in your jaw? Or pain while chewing? Unexplained headaches or swollen gum? Or a throbbing toothache? Chances are you may have an abscessed tooth. However, these are only a few symptoms that can occur. If left untreated an abscessed tooth can develop into major health issues. It is best to see your dentist right away to seek treatment. He or she can recognize an abscessed tooth, causes, symptoms, and provide appropriate treatment. What is an Abscessed Tooth? When the pulp, also known as the soft tissue inside the root canal of a tooth dies, it may become inflamed. If the issue goes unnoticed, it may result in an infection in or around the root of the tooth. The tricky thing is that it may or may not be painful. Therefore the ongoing problem may fester. An abscess will
October is National Dental Hygiene Month In our opinion, any day is a good day to think about keeping your teeth and gums healthy. However, the month of October is extra special. October is National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM). The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) has partnered with the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program (WOHP) to create programs in support of the efforts of dental hygienists. The goal is to increase public awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral health. The emphasis for 2017 is on the four components of proper oral health maintenance: brushing teeth twice daily, flossing every day, rinsing with an antimicrobial mouth rinse, and chewing sugar-free gum. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day We may not always be able to brush after every meal, but cleaning at least twice a day is an efficient way to improve dental health and prevent tooth decay. Make sure to chose
When Should I Worry That My Toothache is Serious? Pain from a toothache can be quite intense. And whether it is a sharp intermittent sensation or a dull constant throbbing it can make anyone feel miserable. Trying to figure out what is causing the pain and treating it may seem frustrating. But, when is a toothache serious? It is best to contact your dentist for an evaluation, as tooth pain may be indicative of a looming issue. Allow a professional to create the best course of action that will correct the problem and offer relief. Here are some common reasons for toothaches. Intense, Sharp, Sudden, Random Tooth Sensitivity or Pain If you experience sensitivity when drinking hot or cold foods it could indicate gum recession or enamel loss, usually caused by aggressive brushing. Sensitivity or intense sporadic pain could also signify a cavity, an abscess or a cracked tooth. And,