Patient Newsletter
Did you know?
According to a study by the Gallup Organization
and Consumer Reports, dentists are among the top five most trusted
professionals.
What do powdered fruit, talc, honey, dried
flowers, mice and lizard livers have in common? They have all
been ingredients in ancient toothpaste and powder. Yum.
Attention Chocolate Lovers…Many dentists
agree raisins can cause more tooth decay than chocolate. Sticky
foods such as raisins and dried fruits can stay on the teeth
longer and develop more decay.
According to a study at the University of
Connecticut, too much toothpaste early in life is responsible
for more than 70% of fluorosis cases (staining or mottling of
tooth enamel that develops when children swallow fluoridated
toothpaste). Although this problem is only cosmetic, it is recommended
children under six only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste
and be reminded to spit it out after brushing. |
Wondering about the latest in dentistry?
We're working very hard to make sure your visits are convenient, comfortable
and gentle. To that end, we continually investigate dental technologies and
techniques. Click on the desired topic to learn more:
Something to Smile About
Caring for your oral health includes regular teeth care and gum care.
Neglecting your gums can eventually lead to periodontal disease, also
known as gum disease, which is a culprit for the deterioration of your
overall oral health. Periodontal disease affects 75% of adults over 35
years of age and is responsible for approximately 70% of all adult tooth
loss. Since symptoms of periodontal disease oftentimes are unnoticeable,
people never realize their mouth is under bacterial attack.
Highly recognized as a greatly progressive disorder, periodontal disease
is triggered by preventable factors like plaque build-up, tobacco use,
certain medications and stress, as well as unpreventable measures like
systemic disease and fluctuating hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy
or menopause. Research proves up to 30% of the population may be genetically
susceptible to gum disease.
Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria in the sticky film which
forms on the tooth surface, or plaque, causes gum inflammation. If the
irritation is ignored, plaque will release toxins breaking down the natural
fibers which hold your gums to your teeth, permitting even more bacteria
and toxins to invade. Plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or
tartar, which is a rough, porous substance not removable with brushing.
Over time, this progression can lead to severe inflammation, bone loss,
gum recession and tooth loss.
 Symptoms
and signs include:
- Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums
- Gum recession, or gums pulling away from teeth
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between the gum and tooth
- Persistent bad breath
- Bite changes
- Change in the fit of partial dentures
If you have noticed any of the above signs or symptoms,
please make an appointment promptly! Together, we can win the battle
against periodontal disease and maintain your wonderful, dazzling smile:
gums and all. Now that’s something to smile about.
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