Thursday, March 26, 2015

Improve Your Health by Visiting a Braces Dentist

Braces Dentist
As a braces dentist, we are often asked why people should consider braces. While to some people it might seem that the answer is obvious, there are those who want more information and we completely appreciate that. The truth is that there are very distinct advantages to having perfectly straight teeth, over and above the obvious improvements to a person's looks. There are health benefits that are at times overlooked but that are always at the forefront of our minds, as we promote the idea of straighter teeth. It is important for you to remember that your teeth are the very first step in the digestive process. Keeping your mouth healthy and your teeth in the best shape possible, which includes making sure they are perfectly straight, is one of the ways that we can help you to have better health. When you use braces, not only are you getting an amazing upgrade to your smile but you are also taking steps to improve the overall health of your mouth.
A braces dentist is someone who spends much of their life straightening people's teeth. Over the years, we have seen very distinct advantages to having straighter teeth, and given that appearance isn't everything, we wanted to share some of the other health benefits of having straighter teeth. For those who interested in having better health, here are two reasons why you should consider having an evaluation in our dentist office.
Braces make it easier to clean your teeth: When you have teeth that are misaligned very often they form barriers between the teeth that make it very hard to floss. In the same vein, when the teeth are uneven or overlapping, your toothbrush has a difficult time making it to places that are hard to reach even with straight teeth. These missed spots can start to build up bacteria and eventually will result in cavities. As we straighten your teeth and ultimately remove your braces, we will be focused on making sure that the spaces between your teeth are even. This makes it easier to brush and floss, which in turn improves your oral hygiene.
Healthier teeth and gums: If keeping your teeth clean wasn't enough of a reason to wear braces, we have found that once a person has their teeth straightened, their overall mouth condition improves vastly. Overcrowded teeth and teeth that are too widely spaced have the adverse effect of damaging the gums, which often leads to red, irritated gums or even bleeding. Unfortunately, very often badly spaced teeth can also lead to periodontal diseases because the teeth are not properly aligned, and the gums do not fit securely around the teeth themselves. These tiny gaps are enough to lead to severe bacterial infections and cavities or even more serious gum diseases. As the teeth start to realign, these gaps are taken away, and the gums fit snugly around the teeth again. This in turn makes the gums healthier, reducing the chances of getting a serious gum condition.
These are only some of the ways that we can improve your health and appearance.  To learn more, call our braces dentist office today.


  >  

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

What You Need to Know About Periodontics

Periodontics
Periodontics is the practice of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, one of the more common being periodontitis. According to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of all American adults, suffer from a mild, moderate or severe case of periodontitis, or gum disease. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends that every adult in the U.S. should receive a comprehensive periodontal evaluation (CPE) each year to evaluate their oral health and diagnose any periodontal disease.

Gum Disease And Periodontitis Explained
Gum disease occurs when the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth get infected. Plaque is essentially sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth and below the gum line. This bacteria feeds on sugar and forms acids that eats its way through the tooth enamel and causes cavities.  If not removed, plaque will calcify and harden, forming what is known as tartar or calculus, which is impervious to brushing and flossing and can only be removed by your dentist. Plaque and tartar are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria which is why the longer they stay on teeth, the more harmful they become.

The bacteria can cause the gums to bleed, become irritated and inflamed which leads to gum disease. The mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis, which can usually be reversed with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning. However, if left untreated, the plaque and tartar buildup will form spaces or pockets between the teeth and the gums. When these spaces become infected, it is called periodontitis. While gingivitis and periodontitis are the two most common forms of gum diseases, periodontitis is the most severe form, damaging the soft tissue and the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, or worse, has been linked to other serious health problems such as heart attacks.  By practicing periodontics, we can treat this condition.

What Causes Gum Disease?
Factors that increase your risk of gum disease include:
  • Poor oral hygiene (not brushing at least twice, and not flossing at least once daily)
  • Not getting regular dental checkups or teeth cleaning
  • A history of gum disease in your family
  • Poor diet that is lacking in essential vitamins and minerals, but is high in simple carbohydrates and sugar.
  • High-stress levels
  • Hormonal changes
  • Diseases that weaken your immune system, such as diabetes or cancer
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Substance abuse
  • Certain medications
  • Misaligned teeth
What Are The Symptoms?
Healthy gums should be firm and pale pink in color. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned below, you should visit our office for a periodontics treatment as soon as possible. This is to reverse any damage and possibly prevent other serious health problems from developing. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis can include:

Reddish, puffy or swollen gums
  • Gums that bleed or are tender to the touch
  • Gums that are receding or pulling away from your teeth
  • Spaces between your teeth that were never there before
  • An infection that has signs of pus in spaces between your teeth and gums
  • Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
  • Teeth that feel loose
  • A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite 

A big part of periodontics is the prevention and early treatment of conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis. If you think you are experiencing any of the signs of gum disease, come and see one of our specialists today and to restore your oral health.


  >