Thursday, March 31, 2016

Stages of Gum Disease


Gingivitis

Gingivitis, an early gum infection, is a reversible disease characterized by tenderness, swelling, and most importantly, bleeding of the gum tissue. In the United States, a majority of youngsters over the age of thirteen already have gingivitis! The normal, healthy pink color darkens from the increase in blood volume, and goes through various shades of red. In more advanced cases, the gums may appear reddish-blue. Gingivitis usually begins gradually and progresses as symptoms become more prominent. It can, however, be a fluctuating disease. For example, inflamed areas develop and then become normal, only for inflammation to reappear at a later date. Bad breath, which frequently accompanies periodontal diseases, may first develop during gingivitis.

The Periodontal Pocket

If plaque accumulation did no more than cause irritation or gingivitis, we might not be so concerned. Unfortunately, because most bleeding is ignored, the advantage is lost of detecting early signs of periodontal disease and receiving prompt and relatively simple care. If the disease progresses, serious consequences can develop.

As noted earlier, the gum reacts to plaque with swelling and inflammation. This condition permits the plaque to approach the normally well-adapted crevice or sulcus between the gingiva and tooth. The infection spreads into the attachment causing the gum to separate from the tooth.

With the gum seal broken, more plaque can bury itself within the newly enlarged gum space. The space created by this separation is called a periodontal pocket and represents the critical pathologic entity of periodontal disease. In general, it is the comparative measurement of these pockets that reveals the extent and seriousness of periodontal disease.

Chronic Periodontitis

As the gum infection advances along the root, the pocket deepens with destruction of bone and attaching fibers. This condition is called periodontitis and the most common type is known as chronic periodontitis. The disease slowly progresses over time.

Pus can develop as supporting bone is destroyed and interacts with the infected gum tissue, usually in the latter stages of the disease. Sometimes so much support is destroyed that the teeth become loose. Periodontitis is serious business. Left untreated, periodontitis has the potential to continue for many years as a chronic, progressive infection, and a true threat to the survival of the teeth.

Aggressive Periodontitis

A very destructive type of periodontal disease, less common than chronic periodontitis, is known as aggressive periodontitis (AgP). Individuals with aggressive periodontitis demonstrate significant and rapid bone loss around their teeth. The disease is particularly disturbing as it is often diagnosed in children and young adults. It can first appear around the time of puberty or even earlier, although it is also diagnosed later in life. A peculiar characteristic often seen with AgP is that destruction of underlying bone can be extensive even though there is only a surprisingly small amount of plaque in the mouth.

AgP patients do not always respond well to routine periodontal therapy. Some systemic diseases or altered mechanisms of the body are thought to contribute to the unpredictability and difficulty in treating AgP. The influence of defective cells in the body's defense mechanism has been suggested as one explanation. Also, this type of periodontal disease is frequently found among family members, supporting the likelihood of a genetic predisposition to AgP.

Dr. Sheldon Dov Sydney is gum specialist and award-winning journalist, a noted Board Certified Periodontist and Associate Professor at the University of Maryland. Dr. Sydney's book, Ignore Your Teeth and They'll Go Away - The Complete Guide to Gum Disease, is the most sold, most professionally reviewed, and most recommended patient's guide to gum disease of all time. In fact, gum specialists have bought thousands of Dr. Sydney's guides for their own patients.
The 4th edition continues a unique publishing tradition. For thirty years, this book has been delivering, in an easy-to read style, authoritative and always up-to-date information on detection, prevention and treatment of gum disease, including a comprehensive chapter on dental implants.

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Monday, March 28, 2016

Teeth Whitening At The Dentist: What You Need to Know


When asked to rate the most attractive physical feature, both men and women consistently agree that the smile outranks the eyes, hair, and even the body! A nice smile has an immediate, often subconscious impact on everyone you meet. It can convey more about you in an instant than your words ever could. Are you a nice, warm, approachable person, or maybe a bit standoffish? Yes, a genuine smile is arguably the most powerful expression in human history. But sometimes things get in the way of what we're trying to say with our smiles.

Even if we take good care of our teeth, brush and floss and gargle as instructed, they often lose their luster as we age. The primary cause of tooth discoloration is the loss of dental enamel, which makes our teeth more absorbent and prone to stain. There are a few things we can do to slow the process, but teeth will eventually become duller and yellower when enamel loss occurs. That is the main reason why tooth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure on the planet!

Does It Work?

No matter how faded or discolored your not-so pearly whites may be, they can almost always be lightened several shades with a simple in-office dental treatment. Because this professional procedure is far more effective than home teeth whitening products and kits, they have become increasingly popular with patients of all ages. In fact, a recent report from the American Dental Association (ADA) estimated that it is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S.

Whitening Systems

As we mentioned, over-the-counter brightening products are widely available in America. According to a study from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, we spend more than $1.4 billion on them each year! Why do we love them? The main reasons are that they're cheap, easy to find, and easy to use. You can pick them up at nearly any supermarket or drugstore in America. They are also fairly effective at brightening choppers a couple of shades in the short term. With that said, no do-it-yourself system can compare with the average results of a professional teeth whitening procedure at the dentist. Why is this?

To begin with, the commercial solutions that are available for sale are not nearly as powerful as the ones a professional will use. Secondly, these kits do not include the expensive tools and dental equipment that is needed to professionally complete the procedure. And thirdly, you aren't a dentist! It is also important to note that whitening strips and gels can cause irritation, even numbness of teeth and gums if they are overused or improperly applied.

Professional Whitening

Much safer, more effective, and longer lasting than anything you might use at home, the only reason professional whitening isn't always used when someone wants to brighten their smile is that it can be expensive. Prices range from around $300 to $800, depending on the dentist and the number of treatments needed.

The Bottom Line

Even if that price seems steep, the truth is that you'll probably end up paying nearly as much if you use high-quality commercial products, since you'll have to use more of them for a much longer period of time. So, if you really want that movie-star smile, it's best to invest in yourself and get what you pay for.


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Friday, March 25, 2016

Dental Care Lets You Smile Without Hesitation


There is a lot of emphasis on a pretty smile as it is one of the easiest ways to spread happiness around you. Just try smiling when you are feeling low and you would be surprised at how light you begin to feel. Unfortunately, not all of us have lovely smiles as we are often trying to hide our unsightly teeth. But it doesn't have to be like this as there are several ways and means nowadays to give an almost perfect smile to anyone.

IMPORTANCE OF DENTAL CARE
Dental care plays an important part in maintaining the health of our teeth. Keeping the rather high costs of dental treatments in mind, it makes sense to take good care of our teeth ourselves. But sometimes there are factors that are beyond our control such as crooked teeth, discoloring due to certain medicines, teeth damaged in an accident and many others. Often we get conflicting advice about the best way to take care of our teeth and end up doing more damage. For example we are told to brush our teeth after every meal but some say brushing your teeth more than twice a day is not necessary. There is also a school of thought that says that we should not brush our teeth immediately after a meal. This is because the acidic content of our food gets pushed under the enamel causing more harm. So what we really need is a balanced attitude and not to become overzealous.

OUR TEETH AND GENERAL HEALTH
We often associate dental care only with pearly white teeth which are perfectly aligned. One thing that is often overlooked is that the state of our teeth and gums often affects our general health. In fact, they are considered to be an indication of our health in some cases. Frequently poor dental health may not be just a result of careless dental hygiene. It could also be because one may be suffering from diabetes, low immunity or HIV. Moreover it could lead to infections in other parts of the body as a cut in your gums could let the bacteria enter your blood stream. It is also said that poor dental care may also be one of the reasons for diseases of the heart. So, if you are suffering from any dental problems have it checked as soon as possible to rule out any complications.

PROFESSIONAL CARE
Professional dental care includes a wide range of services right from simply cleaning up to whitening, straightening crooked teeth, putting in implants in place of broken teeth, teeth fillings, tooth extraction, to mention just a few. In some cases it might just be easier to use dental veneers to cover crooked teeth. But before you decide upon costly dental procedures do a little bit of research and you would be surprised at how reasonably priced dental care can be. Usually we avoid a trip to the dentist till it becomes an emergency, preferring to suffer in silence. But don't let your teeth take away your smile; all you need is a little bit of care.


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Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Timely Dental Care Is Essential for Strong Teeth and a Bright Smile


Prevention is better than cure. This proverb is 100% true when it comes to dental problems. When dental problems begin to become troublesome, we often wonder what caused our teeth to go bad in the first place. Many of us don't realize that the tooth problems that we are having today is a result of years of neglect or inadequate dental care. By the time the problems start attracting attention, it is time for corrective treatment and a little too late for prevention.

Start early to prevent or minimize dental problems:

Dental care should start at an early age. This is the time for making sure that children pick up the right habits of oral hygiene. It is also important to get a dental checkup done after the first birthday or six months after the milk teeth begin to appear whichever comes first. After that a periodic checkup needs to be done depending upon the recommendation of the dentist. This is important because children often tend to neglect oral hygiene and also consume more sweet and sticky foods.

Basic dental care, seven tips to keep teeth healthy:

1. Brushing regularly twice a day keeps the teeth free of plaque while removing food particles that allow bacteria to multiply and damage the teeth.

2. Flossing once a day keeps plaque in control. Plaque is the chief culprit which results in deterioration of teeth, gums and nearby bones.

3. It is important to clean the tongue with a tongue cleaner or with a soft bristled toothbrush.

4. Toothpaste which is approved by the dental should be used.

5. We should eat sufficient quantities of teeth friendly foods which provide the nutrients to sustain healthy teeth. Examples of such foods are grains, vegetables, fruits and dairy products.

6. We must avoid or reduce consumption of foods which promote tooth decay. Frequent and excessive consumption of sticky foods and foods that have high sugar content such as soft drinks, chocolates and pastries is a recipe for future dental problems. There are many reasons why tobacco products should not be used, but avoiding discoloration of teeth is definitely one of them.

7. As mentioned before, regular dental checkups are a must. This helps in detecting and fixing problems early before they become acute and require major repair or tooth loss.
Benefits of sound dental care practices:

There are many benefits of taking good care of our teeth. It keeps our teeth strong, prevents cavities and decay and keeps gums in good health. This reduces the incidence of dental problems, dental visits and procedures thus saving time and money. Good oral hygiene also prevents bad breath which is caused by the bacteria in the mouth. Dental care will also minimize tooth discoloration.

For healthy teeth that will last for a lifetime, it is important that we take proper care right from a young age. Dental care is habit forming. People who learn good oral hygiene habits tend to continue that throughout their lives and the reverse is also true. If we are in the latter category it is never too late to start taking care of our teeth. Good dental hygiene also helps prevent recurrence of dental problems.


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Saturday, March 19, 2016

8 Things to Avoid for Strong, Healthy Teeth


Most of us know the importance of keeping our teeth clean healthy. You have teeth of various shapes and sizes in your mouth, and these are all used for different jobs. Teeth not only help us to chew food, but they also help us to talk and pronounce words correctly. They also help give our face its shape. And although it may be cosmetic, having a great smile is a great asset to have. I mean, who wants to be embarrassed to smile? So looking after your teeth just makes sense.

Looking after your teeth means having a daily 'dental health' routine. Advice from experts - such as the International Dental Foundation - recommend your daily routine should include:

· Brushing with fluoride toothpaste last thing at night and once during the day]

· Using floss or 'interdental' brushes to clean between teeth

· Having good eating habits - cutting down on sugary foods and drink

· Having you teeth checked out regularly

Most of these are well known. There are other ways however we can adopt to look after our teeth and gums and prevent tooth decay and damaging our teeth. Avoiding some (or all) of the following will certainly help:

Sodas and fizzy drinks

The combination of high sugar and high acid is bad news for teeth. Drinking soda's frequently has the result of 'soaking' your teeth in sugar, a sure way to tooth decay. The acid in the soda also helps to erode the enamel on your teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity. If soda is a must for you, then try cutting down as much as possible - thirst-quenching water is a great alternative. If you like the fizz - then just try soda water... Another tip is to sip sodas through a straw to avoid contact with the teeth.

Sports drinks

Sports drinks may help you recover quicker on the sports field, but they're similar to sodas in that they contain high amounts of sugar and acids - not so good for teeth. Opt for calorie-free water instead.

Sticky sweets and gummy candy

OK, so all candy and sweets are not considered good for your teeth, but the chewier and stickier they are, the more harmful they generally are for you. Because of their sticky nature, they are more prone to stick to the crevices between the teeth, and therefore less likely to be washed away by saliva. Be sure to brush well after eating such foods - or better still find sugar free alternatives.

Cough Drops

Cough Drops that contain sugar usually have a high content. Although they are designed for medicinal purposes, sucking on cough drops for extended periods helps cover the teeth with sugar. The risk of tooth decay and gum disease is increased as dental plaque (which includes bacteria) increases in the mouth. Opt for sugar-free cough drops.

Grinding teeth

Also known as "bruxism" grinding or clenching of the jaw affects millions of people all over the world. If is often associated with stress or is even shown to be hereditary. More often than not it occurs subconsciously at night, but can happen during the day as well. It puts pressure on the teeth and jaw and can cause pain. Wearing a mouth guard may help alleviate the pressure and protect the teeth from being worn down.

Using your teeth for purposes other than chewing and eating

Chewing, eating, smiling and speaking clearly - that's all your teeth should be used for. Anything else is a no-no. This includes opening stuff such as potato chip bags (or any other type of bag for that matter) using your teeth to 'hold' stuff if your hands are full, or anything else that brings your teeth into direct contact with hard, sharp objects. This can cause damage by chipping or fracturing teeth.

Tongue Piercings

A matter of personal preference for some, tongue piercings are highly discouraged by dentists. These items in the mouth can cause teeth to chip or crack, as well as rub up against gums and cause gum problems. Tongue piercings also encourage more bacteria to build up in the mouth - not a healthy situation for your mouth to be in. Having mouth jewellery may be trendy - but your mouth may pay a high price for it.

Sports with no mouth guard

It's always recommended to wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports. The mouth and face area are more susceptible to damage in some sports than others, (such as rugby, hockey or basketball) so wearing a mouth guard will help cushion any blows received in the mouth area and protect the teeth from damage and being knocked out.


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Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Do You Have Questions About Dental Veneers?


Many of us have heard about dental veneers and have some questions about exactly what they are and what they can do for us. First of all, veneers are a cosmetic procedure that can improve the overall appearance of our teeth and help us want to smile more often because we no longer worry about negative reactions to the appearance of our teeth. Veneers can improve our overall appearance and numerous well-known people have them. Prior to making a decision to pursue getting veneers, you should do your research about the process.

WHY MIGHT YOU CHOOSE TO GET VENEERS?

Many people are not happy with their teeth and are looking for possible ways to improve their dental appearance. When you explore veneers, you will learn that they will cover chips, cracks and stains on your teeth, they can also help short teeth look longer and, although braces are best for straightening, veneers can sometimes help with this.

Veneers are a cosmetic way of improving appearance, having a more acceptable smile and might even make you look a little younger. Porcelain is most frequently used as the material for veneers because of the close resemblance to tooth enamel. There are other materials that can be used, but they are not always as durable and can stain easily. There is no anesthesia used for the procedure and no pain involved which is a real plus.

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT THE VENEER PROCESS?

There are several steps involved in the process of getting dental veneers. You will have a consultation with your dentist, discuss the pros and cons of them for your situation and discuss the cost. When the decision is made to proceed, the dentist will make some impressions of your teeth, have you choose the shade of the color you want which can be an almost exact match to your own enamel. This information will go to a lab which will make the veneers. Prior to bonding the veneers to your teeth, the dentist will scrape some of the enamel, and make another dental impression to make sure that the veneers are appropriate for the bonding process.

HOW LONG WILL VENEERS WORK?

When you have veneers, keep in mind that you still have to continue with recommended dental hygiene procedures just as you would with any teeth. It is possible for the veneers to last from 12 to 15 (according to The American Dental Association) years if proper care is used and the veneers are made from a durable material. When you are considering veneers, make sure that you have a licensed, experienced cosmetic dentist to partner with you.


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Sunday, March 13, 2016

Dental Health Is Directly Related to Overall Health


The lifestyle which we live has a direct impact on the health of our mouth, teeth and gums. What we eat and drink has a direct effect on our teeth and gums. This is the reason why many dentists will suggest you to drink soft drink using a straw and also to avoid any acidic foods. Today we discuss about how our overall health is interrelated to the health of our gums and teeth.

You maintain your overall health by eating healthy foods and drinks. Foods which are rich in vitamin are considered good for your overall health and also for your dental health. However as we grow we change our eating habits and other day-to-day habits. We start consuming acidic foods which directly impact the enamel and stains our teeth. We start consuming soft drinks which again has a direct effect on our enamel. Apart from the food that we consume, we also feel that doing certain things such as smoking, piercing our lips or tongue and drinking excessive alcohol makes us look cool. However the result is different. Smoking leads to tooth loss, gum disease and many other problems related to dental health. With piercing oral infections become common and also leads to chipped tooth. The effect of piercing does not just stop with these two problems. It might also lead to gum recession which eventually leads to tooth loss.

Sugar is yet again another cause of tooth decay and an important threat to our dental health. Sugar is present in our foods which lead to plaque. This plaque then teams up carbohydrates and leads to the formation of acids. The acid breaks down the enamel and eventually leads to tooth cavities. If the infected tooth is not treated it will lead to tooth cavities becoming deeper resulting in pain and might even lead to tooth loss.

While we are grown up it at times becomes difficult for us to keep a track of what we are eating. Practically we just cannot calculate the amount of sugar present in our food. However there is one thing which is under our control. We can ensure that our mouth is being cleaned regularly as this maintains proper dental health. No matter what you eat and drink you should brush twice in a day followed by flossing. Many of us are not aware that ideally you should brush for two minutes. You will be surprised to know that not many of us last that long while brushing. Apart from brushing and flossing you should visit your dentist twice in a year. This will keep you updated about your dental health and will also help the dentist to detect whether you are suffering from any dental problem or not.

Staying upbeat with your health has a psychic effect as well. A healthy body will always be filled with positive energy and happiness. So it becomes imperative for us to maintain our dental health and healthy body.


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Thursday, March 10, 2016

Looks Forward To Visiting The Dentist - Regency Dental



Hannah talks about how she loves Regency Dental, and been going there her whole life. She actually looks forward to going to the dentist. See more at http://www.regencydentalgroup.com

Monday, March 7, 2016

Tips on How to Use Your Philips AirFloss



Learn how to get the best from your new Philips AirFloss...an easier way to floss. Gentle, yet effective.

Friday, March 4, 2016

Healthy Smiles from the Start: Pregnancy and Newborn Oral Health



If you’re pregnant or have a newborn, learn some easy ways you can keep both of your mouth’s healthy. Also, find out when baby teeth begin to develop and when you can expect to see your child’s first tooth.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

How to Brush Your Teeth with the New Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Amethyst Edition



The new Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Amethyst Edition makes you stand out from the crowd. With its award-winning design, it's a toothbrush that makes you feel special. It improves your gum health and gives you white teeth for life.

Proven to improve oral health
• Removes up to 7X more plaque than a manual toothbrush
• Improves gum health in only two weeks
• Whitens teeth more than 2x better than a manual toothbrush
• Philips Sonicare toothbrush helps whiten teeth
• Sensitive Mode: Gentle teeth and gum cleaning

Provides a superior clean
• DiamondClean toothbrush head for Sonicare's best whitening
• Sonicare dynamic cleaning action drives fluid between teeth

Designed around you
• Dual Charging System: Charging glass and travel case
Guides you to follow dental recommendations
• Two-minute timer helps ensure recommended brushing time
• Quadpacer interval timer encourages thorough brushing