Give Yourself the Gift of a New Smile

For the best holiday smile, you cannot beat cosmetic dentistry, and if you want to treat yourself to a new toothy grin, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist who can help you come up with a plan that may include tooth whitening, dental veneers, tooth colored fillings or dental bonding. Your cosmetic dentist may also recommend inlays, onlays, dental crowns; tooth colored fillings or dental implants. If you have always thought your gums were too large for your smile, your dentist may also recommend gummy smile repair.

A gummy smile can make you feel self-conscious when you smile. Your smile has everything to do with perception and aesthetics and if you are showing too much gum tissue and your gums are more prominent when you smile than your teeth, you may have a gummy smile. If you have a gummy smile, your teeth will appear smaller than they should.

According to your dentist, gummy smiles happen when your teeth and gums are out of proportion with each other. The position of your upper lip also comes into play and can be a combination of several things. These include the amount of gum tissue that you have on display, the shape, and size of your teeth, the degree, and the length of the movement of your upper lip and the vertical positioning of your teeth and upper jaw in relationship to your head or skull.

You may have a gummy smile for a variety of reasons. However, only your dentist can provide you with the critical diagnosis that is needed to repair your gummy smile. According to your dentist, several factors could be causing your gummy smile, but it is imperative that you have the correct diagnosis and treatment as incorrect gummy smile correction procedures could make the problem worse.

If you are unhappy with your smile, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist who can come up with a plan to give you the grin that you deserve. Call or click today. 

Think Before You Eat and Drink

It’s the silly season again and that means lots of parties and lots of food, and even if you are watching your weight, there are some foods that you should avoid or keep to a minimum to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

When you eat foods and drinks that contain sugar, the bacteria that naturally occur in your mouth will feed on sugar creating acids. Those acids will wear down the enamel making it weaker. The weaker your tooth’s enamel, the more susceptible you will be to tooth decay and gum disease.

The holidays are known for lots of goodies including sweet treats, cakes, candies and deliciously sweet dried fruit, however, those dates and dried cherries in the fruitcake could cause problems for your teeth. Dried fruit may be good for your figure, but can also stick to your teeth. If you must enjoy a dried apricot, fig, or date, rinse your mouth with water afterwards.

If you snack on sweets all day or over an extended period, such as a holiday party or holiday event, it can be especially harmful, as damaging acids will form in your mouth every time you consume a snack that is loaded with sugar. Even healthy servings of cranberry sauce can cause those acids to start forming. If that isn’t bad enough the sugary treat will continue affecting your teeth for 20 minutes or more after you have finished.

Snacking on sugary drinks and sweets all day long will increase your risk of gum disease and decay. If you brush and floss after indulging, you will see a reduction in bacteria.

When it comes to keeping cavities at bay, your dentist recommends that you balance out your sugary drinks and sweets with other types of foods. Eating sweets with foods that are rich in carbohydrates will help ease the impact that sugar will have on your teeth.

If you must indulge, choose wisely and consume sweets that dissolve quickly as this will limit the contact with the enamel on your teeth. Instead of caramels and gummy Santa’s, opt for plain dark chocolate, which is said to be good for your teeth.

Make sure that you are prepared and carry floss and a toothbrush with you. If you are eating sweets, it is important to brush if you can. However make sure that you wait about a half an hour if you are consuming foods that are acidic, such as wine or citrus fruits, as brushing can soften the enamel if you do not wait.

This holiday season think before you eat and drink, and remember to schedule an appointment with your dentist for the New Year. 

Smile this Thanksgiving and Mean it

The holidays are all about gathering together with friends and family, sharing food, laughter, conversation, and of course, smiles, and if your grin isn't what you’d like it to be, Thanksgiving may not be as fun for you as it could be.

Chipped or missing teeth, especially if the tooth or teeth are located in the front of your mouth can affect your self-esteem. In fact, in recent studies those surveyed admitted to having a lack of self-confidence because of their smile, but thanks to the marvels of cosmetic dentistry, you could have a new smile quicker than you think.

If all you need is to repair a couple of chips or fill in the gap between your teeth, talk to your dentist about CEREC. CEREC is the only dental system on the planet where you can walk in with badly stained or chipped teeth and walk out with a beautiful new smile in a single office visit.

One of the biggest advantages with CEREC is time. Because dental veneers, crowns, inlays and onlays only require a single visit, you will have fewer shots, less time drilling and less time in the dentist’s chair.

Decades ago, your dentist’s only option for repairing damaged or decayed teeth was with materials made out of gold, amalgam and other metals. However, your CEREC dentist uses tooth colored ceramic materials that will help restore your teeth back to their natural beauty, strength, and function.

Because the materials used in CEREC closely match the natural structure and composition of your tooth, your restored teeth will expand and contract at the same time. This means your tooth will not crack. Old metal fillings do not expand and can chip, leak or break because the materials do not expand and contract.

With CEREC your dentist can save as much of your natural healthy tooth as possible making your CEREC dental restoration even stronger.

When it comes to cosmetic dental restoration, you really can have it taken care of in a single appointment. Talk to your dentist today and find out what cosmetic dental procedures you can take care of in time for the holidays. Call or click today.  

Smiling is Contagious

These days a beautiful smile doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. In fact, thanks to 21^st century modern dentistry you can straighten your crooked teeth, whiten your stained teeth, or replace a missing tooth. Cosmetic dentistry is something that everyone can afford and not only helps your smile, but can also boost your self-confidence.

Your smile is the first thing that people notice when you meet, and if you are tired of putting your hand in front of your mouth when you speak or are constantly smiling with a closed mouth, cosmetic dentistry can help.

Your dentist explains that a beautiful smile makes you feel great, while discolored and crooked teeth will have the opposite effect.

People who have misaligned, crooked, decayed, or discolored teeth quite often avoid smiling while others who suffer from gum disease and constant bad breath are afraid to speak to others and often shy away from conversations or will look away when speaking.

If you are worried about your teeth and gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can come up with a, “Smile,” plan to help boost your self-confidence.

Your dentist explains that there really is a psychology when it comes to smiling, which can help boost your mood as the response to moving your facial muscles actually lets your brain know that it’s time to release those endorphins and start feeling good.

Smiling really is contagious. When you smile, people around you smile. If you expose a wide toothy genuine grin, others will follow suit, while a fake smile will generate a fake smile in return.

Smiling makes you look younger while frowning ages you. If you give a neutral expression, you are most probably looking your age.

A smile can actually reduce conflict and make other people feel more open and comfortable during a conversation. Smiling can also make you more approachable.

Unfortunately, some people are just too embarrassed to smile out of fear because of something that may have happened when they were younger, or because they are truly ashamed of the way that their teeth and gums appear.  

If you are afraid to smile because of your lackluster grin, schedule an appointment with your dentist today who can determine the best cosmetic and restorative dental procedures for your needs. Call or click today. 

Why Do I Need Scaling and Root Planing?

If you have been experiencing red, swollen, and bleeding gums every time you brush or floss, it is time to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are dealing with some type of gum disease.

Gingivitis is the least serious and can usually be taken care of with a professional cleaning. Gingivitis can be reversed as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions, brush twice, and floss once each day, eat tooth and gum healthy foods and schedule regular checkups with your dentist.

However, if your gum disease has advanced to the more serious periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend Scaling and root planing. If it is past the point of no return, and yes, some types of periodontitis are irreversible, then he or she may refer you to a gum specialist or a periodontist who can determine what steps need to be taken to get your gums healthy again

Scaling and root planing is the most conservative and most common type of periodontal disease treatment.

Scaling is used to remove the tartar or calculus and plaque that are attached to the surfaces of your tooth. Scaling targets the hard to reach areas below your gum line and along the roots of your teeth.

Plaque is loaded with bacteria and will stick to your teeth. Over time, that plaque will harden turning into tartar. Plaque is likely to stick to the rough surfaces on your teeth. Because of this, your dentist will use root planing to remove any of the calculus that is still on your teeth while smoothing out the irregular spots on the surfaces of your teeth.

Bacteria will eventually cause periodontitis as tartar and plaque give teeth an irregular surface that makes it easy for bacteria to hide and attach itself. Scaling and root planing will remove the tartar and plaque giving your gums a chance to heal. As long as you practice good oral health habits, you may not need another scaling and root planing. If you are in the early stages of gum disease, this maybe all that you need for treatment, however, more advanced gum disease may require more invasive procedures such as surgery.

If you would like more information regarding a professional deep teeth cleaning, or scaling and root planing, schedule an appointment with your dentist today who can determine what comes next if you are suffering from gingivitis or gum disease. Call and schedule an appointment today. 

Dental Emergency Quick Fixes

Dental accidents happen, but unfortunately, sometimes it is not always possible to make it to the dentist in a timely manner. Of course, there is no substitute for an emergency visit to your dentist however; there are some things you can do to make your dentist’s job a little bit easier.

Braces

If you or anyone in your family wears wire and bracket braces, it is important that you check them regularly. If a wire protrudes out, should snap, or rubs against your gum or cheek, try to push it back where it sits more comfortably. Use a pencil with an eraser on the end, and use the eraser to push it gently into a place where it will not rub. If that does not work, cover the wire that is protruding with a small sized cotton ball, a piece of gauze, or some orthodontic wax. Make sure that you schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as quickly as possible. Also, make sure that you never cut the protruding wire as the person who is wearing the braces could inhale it into their lungs or swallow it.

Missing Dental Filling

If you should have a filling fall out, try and plug the cavity with dental cement or dental was. You can buy both the wax or cement at your local pharmacy. If a filling should fall out you will want to see your dentist quickly. If you still have the filling, make sure to bring it with you.

Missing Dental Crown

If you lose a crown, try to slip it back into position on the tooth using toothpaste, dental cement or an adhesive used for dentures. This will hold the crown into place until you can make it to the dentist’s office.

Never attempt a DIY repair of an already damaged tooth, crown, filling or dental implant with super glue. All of these dental emergencies are jobs for your dentist.

It is nearly impossible to avoid a dental emergency; however, you can keep your teeth and gums in tiptop shape by scheduling regular appointments with your dentist. Call and schedule your dental checkup today. 

The Consequences of Tooth Decay

Second only to the common cold, dental caries, or dental decay is a disease that will cause damage to the structure of a tooth or teeth. Cavities, which are spaces or hollowed out holes, are the most noteworthy consequences of decay. If dental caries remain untreated, they can cause pain, the loss of the decayed tooth or death. In the most extreme dental decay cases, an infection can eventually enter your brain through the cavernous sinus, which is the air cell behind your eye.

If you take care of your cavities, drilling and filling is all you will have to deal with, however, without proper dental treatment, those dental caries can affect your speech, diet and your overall quality of life. If left unfilled that simple cavity may require root canal therapy as well.  

Tooth decay is a worldwide epidemic that is costly, painful, and most importantly, preventable. Oral diseases cause disability and pain for millions of people all over the United States every year, with oral diseases ranging from cavities to oral cancer.

Dental decay starts early with dental caries affecting over a quarter of children in America between the ages of two and five with more than half affecting adolescents to teens ages twelve to fifteen. Hardest hit are children who come from low-income homes. In addition to dysfunction and pain, cavities that are left untreated can cause school absences, a lack of social interactions, poor appearance, and low weight. All of these problems could reduce the capacity to lead a successful life.

However, kids and teens are not alone as tooth decay affects approximately 90 percent of adults over the age of 40. Even more shocking is that over one quarter of American adults over 60 have lost every single tooth, primarily because of tooth decay.

Don’t become a statistic. Schedule regular dental checkups for your entire family, practice good oral health habits, and a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and you will have a heads up when it comes to tooth decay. Call your dentist for an appointment today. 

Porcelain Veneers Without the Hassle

If you have been considering Porcelain Veneers to improve your smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if Porcelain Veneers are right for you. Dental Care of Corona has more than 40 years of combined service and expertise when it comes to Porcelain Veneers.

With Porcelain Veneers, you can get rid of that unsightly gab between your front teeth or repair that chip or crack. When you schedule an appointment for Porcelain Veneers, you can even mask those stains that will not budge with regular tooth whitening methods. Porcelain Veneers look just like your natural teeth and will not only improve your smile, but also boost your self-confidence.

Made out of wafer thin shells of dental ceramic, Porcelain Veneers bond on to the front surfaces of your teeth making them the perfect choice for people who are afraid to smile because of cosmetic issues. Porcelain Veneers are versatile and simple to apply thanks to the highly skilled team of Dental Cosmetic technicians from Dental Care of Corona.

The Porcelain Veneers used by Dental Care of Corona can usually be placed without the use of an anesthetic, and without changing the shape of your teeth.

When you schedule an appointment with Dental Care of Corona for Porcelain Veneers, you will be given a thorough examination to determine if Porcelain Veneers are right for you. Dental Care of Corona has hundreds of happy patients who can smile with ease thanks to the placement of Porcelain Veneers.

If you are a good candidate for Porcelain Veneers, Dental Care of Corona will individually design your new Porcelain Veneers to enhance and improve the characteristics of your smile.

During your appointment, an impression or mold of your teeth will be made to send to a dental lab. Once your new veneers are ready, Dental Care of Corona will check for fit before permanently cementing in place. After your new Porcelain Veneers are bonded to your teeth, they will look completely natural. In fact, the only people who will know that you have new Porcelain Veneers are you and your dentist.

Porcelain Veneers are extremely durable and stronger than dental bonding. Porcelain Veneers are so strong that you can expect them to last for more than 10 years if you practice good oral hygiene and resist the temptation to bite things you shouldn’t such as an ice cube, or the end of your pen.

If you would like more information regarding Porcelain Veneers, schedule an appointment with Dental Care of Corona today. 

Skipping the Dentist Can be bad for your Wallet

If you have been avoiding a much-needed dental checkup because you are afraid of what might be found, call, or click now. Avoiding the dentist is only going to make things worse, especially if you already suspect that you are having issues with your teeth and gums.

Skipping your twice-yearly dental checkups is a bad idea, even if you practice good oral hygiene. You may have only had a small cavity when you started to feel that twinge of pain after you took a sip of your morning coffee, but if you left it too long, you may be scheduling an appointment for root canal therapy. Leaving tooth decay to do its own thing isn’t the only problem you may be suffering from if you do not see your dentist on a regular basis.

Without regular cleanings with your dentist or dental hygienist, plaque may begin to form in between your teeth and gums. Leftover food can quickly convert to bacteria, which will destroy the enamel on your teeth. If you do not have your dentist clean your teeth, you may need a more advanced treatment such as a deep cleaning.

During a deep cleaning your dentist will use special instruments for Root Scaling and Planing to scrape and smooth the roots of your teeth tooth to get rid of plaque and tartar. Tartar is that hard substance caused by food particles and plaque that only a dentist can remove.

Your twice-yearly dental checkup should also include an oral cancer screening. Early detection is the key when it comes to throat, mouth, and lip and tongue cancer. Ask your dentist if a velscope is used to detect cancers that are invisible to the naked eye.

Keep your mouth healthy and schedule a thorough dental checkup with your dentist today. Waiting until something really hurts is painful for both your tooth and your wallet.

Root Planing and Scaling for Gum Disease

Root Planing and Scaling is a treatment that is used by dentists to prevent the spread of gum disease, and if you are experiencing bleeding gums, you may want to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if your periodontal disease can be treated with Root Planing and Scaling.

Oral B explains that Root Planing and Scaling is one of the most effective treatments to halt the progression of periodontal disease stopping it in its tracks before it becomes more severe. Root Planing and Scaling cleans between your teeth and gums down to the roots of your teeth to get rid of plaque and tartar accumulation.

When you schedule an appointment with your dentist, x-rays will be taken to determine if you are suffering from gingivitis or the more serious periodontitis. During your periodontal examination and probing, your dentist will be able to determine how healthy your teeth and gums are. This will help your dentist diagnose gingivitis or periodontal disease while also revealing exposed roots, receding gums, tooth grinding or any other problems that you may be having.

During the examination and probing, your dentist will measure the spaces between your teeth and your gums. If there are concerns regarding the health of your gums, your dentist may refer you to a specialist, or periodontist.

If your dentist decides to perform a Root Planing and Scaling, a local anesthetic may be used to numb the roots of your teeth and your gums. Once you are numb, your dentist may use a standard scraping tool or an ultrasonic tool during the Root Planing and Scaling. Antibiotic fibers may also be placed in the pockets to help speed up the healing process while helping to prevent infection. The fibers will remain for about a week before being removed by your dentist during your next appointment.

Root Planing and Scaling causes very little discomfort, although you may be a bit sore after the treatment.

Gum disease can be serious if left to its own devices causing all kinds of problems including tooth loss. If left untreated your gingivitis can progress to the more serious periodontal disease.

If you are experiencing bleeding, red or swollen gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you need a Root Planing and Scaling treatment.

A Disappearing Toothache Could Be a Sign of Something Worse

That toothache isn’t going to go away by itself, and if you have been going through a bottle of clove oil in a day or two, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

According to AAE.org, leaving a toothache to its own devices can cause serious problems, and without dental care, it could turn into a nasty abscess. An abscess isn’t much fun and can cause other complications including a trip to the E.R. and even death.

A tooth abscess is literally a pocket of puss caused by an infection in or around your tooth. Unfortunately, not all people feel pain when an abscess occurs, but if you do notice an ache in the bone that is around your tooth, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist, as this is probably the most common symptom when it comes to a tooth abscess. If you have a continuous and severe throbbing or gnawing pain or shooting and sharp pains, you could be dealing with an abscessed tooth. Other signs that you may have a tooth abscess include, but are not limited to, 

• Gum swelling
• Pain when chewing
• Fever
• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
• Constant bad breath
• Swollen neck glands
• Bitter taste in your mouth
• Feeling ill or uneasy
• General discomfort
• Swelling and redness of the gums
• Upper or lower jaw swelling
• An open sore that could be draining on the side of your gum 

If the pulp inside your tooth dies from the infection your toothache may suddenly stop, however, that does not mean that you are out of the woods and magically healed. Once the pulp dies, the infection in your tooth will remain active, spread, and continue to destroy tissue. The only way to get rid of the infection is to see your dentist, even if you are out of pain.

Dental abscesses are usually treated with endodontic surgery or more commonly a root canal. Root canals are no more painful than a filling. During a root canal, your dentist will remove all of the bacteria and dead tissue from the canals in the roots of your teeth before cleaning, shaping, and filling the root canals. Once satisfied your dentist will either place a permanent or temporary filling depending on the severity of the infection.

After your root canal procedure, your dentist will ask you to come back for another visit to place a dental restoration, such as a crown, over the top to restore and protect it. Once your root canal and dental restoration are completed, your tooth will function just as it used to.

If you have a nagging toothache, or one that just disappeared, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. A dental abscess really can be dangerous and should not be overlooked. Call or click today.

Is The Six Month Smiles Treatment Right For You?

If you thought a new smile would take years because you had to wear braces, think again. Thanks to the revolutionary cosmetic dental restoration procedures available from your dentist, you can have a brand new toothy grin in as little as six months.

The Six Month Smiles program, available in Corona, is done by focusing on just the teeth in the front of your mouth that need correcting without making any major changes to your bite. Similar to traditional or standard braces, Six Month Smiles are much more aesthetic as your dentist uses white brackets and white wires to correct your smile and straighten your teeth.

With the Six Month Short Term Orthodontic Treatment, you can have the smile that you have always dreamt about in less than a year.

Although the Six Month Smiles works for some, it may not be right for everyone. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for the Six Months Smiles program is to schedule a consultation with your Six Months Smiles provider. However, there are a few questions that you can ask yourself before you take the next step. Just remember these questions are not meant to replace a consultation with your dentist for the Six Months Smiles Orthodontic Treatment as only a certified provider can determine if you are right for this 21^st century innovative procedure.  

The first question that you will want to ask yourself is what the motivation behind improving your smile is. Is it because you are self-conscious when you smile, speak or laugh, or is it because you have a big occasion or event coming up. Do you want a new smile because of your career or because you speak in front of large groups.

The second question that you will want to ask yourself is what really bothers you about your smile. Do you have a gap in-between your teeth are they crowded together crooked or just out of place.

Ask yourself what other problems you have with your smile whether it is the overall shape of your teeth, the fact that they are too long or too short, not white enough or they seem to be worn.

If you have real concerns about your smile, have not previously been fitted with an orthodontic appliance, and just don’t like the overall shape of your smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if the Six Months Smile Orthodontic Treatment is right for you. 

Can Gum Disease affect Cognitive Function?

Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease. Gingivitis, and the more severe periodontal disease should be taken care of immediately, otherwise you may eventually lose your teeth. However, what is even more shocking is that gum disease and tooth loss could also cause a decline in thinking skills, especially among people over the age of 50.  

Researchers are investigating whether people who have poor dental health also suffer from poor cognitive functions, which technically mean people who have gum disease also have problems with managing numbers, words, and memory.

Recent research indicates that that every person, whether male or female, who had a tooth removed or had lost a tooth, saw a loss in cognitive function. In fact, people who had lost all of their teeth had quite poor cognition compared with those who had more. The study also found poor cognitive behaviors in people who suffered from severe gum disease, or periodontitis.

Conducted in 1996 and lasting until 1998, the study consisted of data that was gathered from people who took part in memory and thinking skills tests. The 6,000 participants were both men and women between the ages of 45 and 64. Thirteen percent of those who took part in the study had lost their natural teeth with about a fifth of the participants having less than 20 teeth remaining. About 12 percent of the participants had deep gum pockets and serious bleeding gum issues.

What the researchers discovered was that the scores on thinking and memory tests, including number skills, word fluency and word recall, was lower in people who didn’t have teeth. People who had better oral health and more teeth had better test scores than those with severe gum disease as well.

Some researchers believe that poor dental health may reflect poor eating habits. People with tooth and gum problems may not be able to eat certain, “Brain foods,” which could contribute to poor cognitive functions. Researchers agree that it could be a contributing factor, but so could inflammation from gum disease. Inflammation, regardless of where it is located in the system can affect cognition.

So what’s the bottom line? Good oral health habits just may help you think better and remember where you put your keys.

If you would like more information regarding oral hygiene, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

The Dangers of Missing Teeth

Your dentist will tell you that missing teeth will affect more than your self confidence and although that gap in the middle of your smile may not do much for your self-esteem, it isn’t doing much for your oral health either.

Your teeth are meant to be a team, and if one is lost because of gum disease, tooth decay or an accident, you need to bring in a replacement.

Although some people don’t take losing a tooth too seriously, the long-term consequence can be detrimental. If you have missing teeth the rest of your teeth are in danger as well.

Missing teeth not only show when you smile, but will also age you. Your face will appear gaunt because there is no cheek support. Your dentist explains that other problems that can occur because of tooth loss include periodontal problems, malocclusion, hypereruption, lost fillings, tooth fractures, speech defects, chewing problems and TMJ.

According to Web MD, your teeth will move freely until they come into contact with something. In other words, if you lose a tooth, your surrounding teeth may drift into the hole that was left by the missing tooth. The movement could be tipping or rotating and will eventually affect your bite. This is known as malocclusion. If this occurs, it could be putting a strain on your TMJ or jaw joints. Not only will this cause pain, but severe TMJ disorders can actually cause your jaw to lock into place.

Tooth loss hinders your chewing ability on the side where you lost the tooth because there is less chewing surface. When this occurs, you will naturally chew on the other side. This will result in additional force that could cause lost fillings and broken teeth.

If you have a tooth that normally touches the missing tooth when you put your teeth together, hypereruption can occur causing your tooth to protrude. So much so that your roots could begin to show. This will cause sensitive teeth, root decay and gum problems.

Although it is nearly impossible to prevent all types of tooth loss, good oral hygiene that includes brushing twice and flossing once each day can certainly help you keep your teeth. If you play sports, wear a mouthguard and don’t forget to schedule regular checkups with your dentist.

For more information regarding the dangers of missing teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

Good Oral Hygiene can Prevent Disease

Most people are aware that poor oral hygiene can lead to dental caries and gum disease, but what most don’t know about is the mouth and body connection. Not practicing good oral hygiene causes more than bad breath and can lead to some serious health issues.

According to the Mayo Clinic, researchers from NYU, or the New York University, found a direct link between Alzheimer’s disease and gum inflammation. Although there were only 152 participants in the study that took place in a 20-year period in Denmark, it was discovered that low cognitive function was related to people who suffered from gum inflammation. The bacterium, porphyromonas gingivalis, was present in those who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, but not in those who didn’t. In a recent study, it was also discovered that gum disease bacteria could move from the gums to the brain either from the nerves that connect from the roots of the teeth to the brain or through the blood. In other words, if you have gums that bleed, the bacteria will enter your blood stream every time you brush, floss or eat.  

Pancreatic cancer has also being linked to periodontal disease thanks to a study conducted at Harvard. What the health researchers discovered was that men, who had recent tooth loss, were more susceptible to pancreatic cancer. It was also suggested that there is a direct link between carcinogens caused by gum disease and pancreatic cancer.  Although this theory is still being researched, it is just another reason to practice good oral hygiene that includes regular checkups with your dentist.

Your mouth is loaded with bacteria, which could lead to heart disease. People who do not brush and floss regularly could be at risk of heart disease. Because the bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream, it can interrupt the blood flow to your heart increasing your risk of blood clots and heart attacks.

Other health conditions that can occur because of poor oral hygiene include endocarditis, an infection of your hearts inner lining, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and HIV/AIDS. Women who are pregnant and suffer from gum disease are also more likely to give birth prematurely or have low weight babies.

The best way to have a healthy mouth and body connection is to practice good oral hygiene habits that include brushing twice and flossing once each day, eating a healthy diet and seeing your dentist at least twice a year. Schedule your dental appointment today.

Are you Obsessed with Tooth Bleaching?

Tooth whitening has become an obsession both here in the United States and overseas with millions of people spending billions of dollars on tooth whitening strips, pastes, gels, and mouth rinses. Unfortunately that obsession, coined, “Bleachorexia,” by dental professionals can actually cause serious problems for your teeth and gums.

More than ninety nine percent of adults who participated in a study believed that having a beautiful white smile was the most important asset with ninety-six percent believing that an attractive smile made a person much more appealing when it came to the opposite sex. Seventy-four percent of adults felt that a person’s career success chances could be hampered with an unattractive smile.

According to Web MD, your quest for the brightest and whitest teeth will not only make your teeth brittle, but can also make them appear gray or even transparent.

Teeth will stain over time because of coffee, tea, red wine, too much fluoride and some types of antibiotics. Tooth whitening will only remove stains and will not bleach teeth that have been restored. If you have dental veneers, tooth colored fillings or dental bonding, bleaching your teeth will not cover those types of restorations. Teeth that have been discolored because of antibiotics or fluoride may also be resistant to tooth whitening products.

When tooth whitening is done the right way you can have a beautiful smile, but when abused and over done, it can cause irreversible problems making your teeth translucent and less white.

Other problems that can occur from over bleaching include hypersensitivity. Sensitivity to hot and cold is probably the most common complaint that people have when it comes to tooth whitening. However, hypersensitivity will usually go away eventually.

If you bleach too much you could also have palate, throat and gum irritation from the bleach. Some people actually become nauseous after accidentally swallowing the tooth-whitening product.

Bleaching too frequently or keeping the product on your teeth for too long may cause enamel erosion. If you must whiten your teeth at home, your dentist recommends that you use an ADA approved tooth whitening kit.

Of course, the best way to whiten your teeth is at your dentist’s office with either a custom-made tooth bleaching kit or chair side bleaching. If you cannot afford to have your dentist whiten your teeth, stick with the ADA approved product list.

Don’t become a, “Bleachorexic.” Schedule an appointment with your dentist for tooth whitening today.

Get a Mouthguard and participate in National Face Protection Month

It’s National Face Protection month, and if you or your family is participating in any type of sport this spring, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can fit you with a custom-made mouth protector.

A mouthguard is essential when it comes to Little League baseball, basketball, soccer and other group sports, but what some people don’t realize is that a sports mouth protector should also be included in your sports bag if you like to bike, surf, play racquetball, or tennis. Swimmers, kids and adults who like to go inline skating and even people who water ski are ordering custom made mouthguards from their dentist to keep their teeth and gums protected.

According to the ADA, mouthguards should be an essential part of the uniform and are just as important as helmets, knee and elbow pads. According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of the 7 million recreation and sports related injuries that happen every year involve kids who are just five years old.

The National Youth Sports Safety foundation recently reported that both professional and amateur athletes who do not wear mouth protectors are an astounding sixty times more likely to cause injury to their teeth, gums or face. With that being said, a survey back in 2009 said that over sixty-seven percent of parents claimed that their children were not wearing sports mouthguards while playing organized sports. An additional 84 percent of kids don’t wear mouth protectors because it was not required even though shoulder pads and helmets are.

There are three types of mouthguards available. Stock, Boil and Bite and Custom Made.

Stock mouthguards are the least expensive, but are not as effective as the other two as they can be uncomfortable and ill fitting making kids and adults less likely to use them. Stock mouthguards can also make it difficult to breathe and talk.

Boil and Bite mouthguards are available from your local sporting goods store or pharmacy and are a step up from stock mouth protectors as you place them in warm water before putting in your mouth. Once in your mouth they actually mold to your teeth.

Custom-made mouthguards are available from your dentist and are your best bet when it comes to sports mouth protectors as your dentist will make a mold before sending it off to a dental lab. Custom made mouthguards will fit your teeth perfectly make it less likely that you will leave it at home.

Participate in National Face Protection month and schedule an appointment with your dentist for a custom-made mouthguard today.

How to Brighten your Smile for a Special Event

A bright and beautiful smile is what people notice when they first see you. Not only does a beautiful toothy grin make you look younger, but it can also make a better impression for that first date, job interview, or your wedding day. According to Colgate, a smile can boost your confidence, give you a more youthful appearance, and make you more attractive.  

Unfortunately, you don’t often get much time when it comes to preparing for an interview or a first date. Tooth whitening is the best option and the most affordable. You can either buy an ADA approved tooth-bleaching product from your local pharmacy, or schedule a dental appointment for in-office tooth whitening.

If your dentist can get you in for an appointment at the last minute the results will be much more impressive and quicker, and although it may be more expensive, it will give you longer lasting results as the whitening ingredients that your dentist uses contain a higher level of hydrogen peroxide. About 15 to 35 percent compared to over the counter products with just three to ten percent.

During your in-office tooth whitening procedure, your dentist will apply a bleaching gel before activating it with a special laser that actually penetrates the teeth. This type of 

in-office tooth whitening can be done on your lunch hour giving you dramatic results.

Of course, if you are unable to schedule an appointment at the last minute or it’s not in your budget, your dentist will tell you that it is okay to purchase a product over the counter to bleach your teeth a few days or a week before.

If you are short on time, you can make your teeth whiter if you wear a lipstick that has blue undertones. Another makeup trick is to darken your skin with bronzer as this creates contrast making your smile appear whiter than it actually is.

Try avoiding food and drinks that cause stains as well. Red wine, berries, black tea, coffee, and even red pasta sauce can darken your teeth. Give up smoking and you will not only be doing your body a favor, but your teeth will be whiter as well.

Serious smile makeovers, that take longer than an hour, are more affordable than ever if you have are preparing for an event in the future such as a graduation, reunion or wedding. Schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are good candidate for dental veneers, bonding, tooth colored fillings or other dental restoration procedures that will improve your smile.

Oral Health Problems in Women

Women are more apt to have oral health problems than men thanks to the hormonal changes that occur during puberty, menstruation, birth control use, menopause, and post menopause.

Hormones not only affect the blood supply in your gum tissue, but according to the American Dental Association can also be responsible for an increase in toxins and plaque buildup. Because of hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life gingivitis and periodontal disease is more likely to develop.

When puberty begins, the production progesterone and estrogen will increase the supply of blood to the gums. This changes the way your gum tissue will react to bacteria and plaque. During puberty, gums will most likely bleed while brushing and flossing and become tender, red, and swollen.

During menstruation, your progesterone will increase causing oral changes in some women that can include swollen salivary glands, bright red and swollen gums, bleeding gums, and canker sores. Some women can also develop menstruation gingivitis a day or so before the beginning of a period. This will usually clear up shortly after menstruation has begun.

If you take birth control pills with progesterone, the hormone levels in your body will increase causing enflamed gum tissue. This occurs because of your body’s reaction to the toxins and bacteria that is produced from plaque. Make sure that you tell your dentist if you are taking oral contraceptives.

During puberty, you will have an increased level of progesterone and estrogen. The development of sex hormones can cause an increase of blood circulation to your gums. This may result in gum sensitivity increasing your chances of gum irritation from plaque and food particles. During puberty, your gums may feel tender, turn red or become swollen.

If you become pregnant, your hormone levels will alter considerably. Again, an increased level of progesterone, along with other hormonal changes can make you more susceptible to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Known as pregnancy gingivitis, it can occur from the second to the eighth month of pregnancy. If you are expected, it is recommended that you schedule additional professional cleanings with your dentist during the second or early third trimester of your pregnancy in order to help reduce your chances of gum disease.

If you are going through menopause or post menopause, you may experience mouth discomfort. These mouth changes may also include pain and burning in your gum tissue and dry mouth. Menopause and post menopause can also alter the taste in your mouth making things taste especially sour, peppery, or salty.

For more information regarding women’s oral health, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

What you should know about Pulp Disease

Although a number of things, including a broken tooth or an injury to your mouth, can cause pulp disease, the American Dental Association explains that pulp disease is usually a result of poor oral hygiene.

Brushing twice and flossing once each day along with a healthy diet and regular checkups with your dentist can help prevent pulp disease. If you have dental caries, it can affect the pulp in the soft center of your tooth or teeth. Your pulp is loaded with blood vessels, nerves and delicate tissue, that when disturbed, could become diseased. Head to your dentist as quickly as possible, as those cavities could lead to missing teeth.

Your dentist explains that there are several different types of pulp disease.

Reversible pulpitis is a mild inflammation in the center of your tooth. Symptoms usually include pain when you eat or drink, or when your teeth are exposed to hot, cold or something sweet. Without treatment, your pulpitis could cause an abscess, which is a collection of pus and bacteria. Improve your oral health habits to help offset reversible pulptitis and see your dentist as quickly as possible as you may need a dental filling if you break or crack a tooth.

Irreversible pulpitis is actually an inflammation so severe in the center of your tooth that there is no cure. In other words, you may need root canal therapy. If your root canal doesn’t help, your dentist may have to extract your tooth.

Dental pulp stones also known as dental pulp calcification are a condition that hardens your pulp tissue causing extreme pain and hypersensitivity. If you have dental pulp stones, your dental nerves are becoming compressed. Root canals are usually the only answer when it comes to dental stones as the hardened tissue is cleared away during the root canal treatment.

One of the most painful pulp diseases occurs when the pulp in your teeth become exposed. Dental pulp exposure is a condition that occurs when there has been damage done to the enamel or external covering of your tooth. If you have a crack or cavity in your tooth, your pulp becomes exposed making it easy for food particles and bacteria to make their way into the center of your tooth. Pain is usually the first and most noticeable symptom. You may also have a mild infection that if left untreated, could result in a serious abscess. Depending on how exposed your pulp is, a root canal may help, otherwise you may need to have your tooth pulled.

If you are experiencing sensitivity, sudden or intense pain in your mouth, or have an infection, you could be suffering from pulp disease. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today for more information.

Gum Disease Can Be Reversed with Good Oral Hygiene

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

According to Web MD, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and affects billions of people all over the United States and around the world.

Gingivitis is the least severe form of gum disease. Gingivitis will cause your gums to bleed, swell, and become red. During this stage, you will have little if any discomfort. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene and is reversible with a deep cleaning, such as Root Planing and Scaling along with good oral hygiene.

Some contributing factors when it comes to gingivitis include smoking, diabetes, genetic predisposition, aging, systemic diseases, poor nutrition and stress. Hormonal fluctuations, certain medications, puberty, HIV infection, substance abuse, and pregnancy can also contribute to Gingivitis.

If left untreated, Gingivitis can advance to the more serious periodontal disease. Also known as periodontitis, it is caused by plaque spreading below your gum line. The toxins that are produced by bacteria will irritate your gums causing the bone and tissues that support your teeth to break down. When the gums become separated from your teeth, pockets will begin to form allowing for infection. According to your dentist, once the disease begins to progress those spaces, or pockets, will get deeper eventually destroying bone and gum tissue.

Your dentist explains that there are several types of periodontal disease with the most common being Aggressive Periodontal Disease, Chronic Periodontitis, Periodontitis manifested by systemic disease and Necrotizing Periodontitis caused by an infection of the periodontal ligament, the alveolar bone and gingival tissues.

Aggressive Periodontal Disease occurs when you are clinically healthy, but have not been practicing good oral hygiene habits including a healthy diet and regular checkups with your dentist.

Chronic Periodontitis is characterized by gap recession of the gingival tissue. Although it can happen at any age, Chronic Periodontitis is most prevalent in adults.

Periodontitis manifested by systemic disease usually starts at an early age. Systemic conditions such as diabetes, respiratory disease, and heart disease have all been associated with Periodontitis manifested by systemic disease.

Lesions that appear because of Necrotizing Periodontitis are usually observed in people who suffer from malnutrition, have an HIV infection or an immunosuppressant.

If you have Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist as quickly as possible. Remember, it’s never too late. Gum disease can be reversed as long as you seek professional help.