Chronic inflammation anywhere in the body including swollen gums, causes the body to release cytokines.  Cytokines have been linked to diabetes and heart disease among other maladies.  It is important to understand that oral infections can have systemic consequences.

An article from the Boston Globe (Health and Science section 3/19/2007) cites a study from the journal Stroke.  This study has shown that people who had lost numerous teeth were more likely to have severe periodontal disease and clogged coronary arteries.

It is important to understand that the health of the oral cavity is directly related to whole body health.  Dental infections can cause  discomfort not only in the mouth but in other parts of the body.  If the oral tissues are unhealthy and not adequately maintained the oral bacteria have an easy entry into the body’s circulatory system.

Visiting your dentist is an important step in maintaining whole body health.  Having healthy gums and teeth  is important for chewing, speaking,  and overall appearance.  A healthy mouth is also an important component of a healthy and vibrant body.

Bad breath can be caused by  dry mouth.  Saliva is necessary to cleanse the oral tissues and helps remove debris from both gums and teeth.  With decreased salivary flow particles remain on the teeth for lonfger periods of time.  This could be a contributing factor in the development of bad breath.

People with advanced periodontal disease have an increased likelihood of having bad breath.  Because of gum and bone destruction, bacteria, saliva, and food debris have a greater chance of collecting on the oral tissues and staying there for long periods of time.  Patients with gum disease have a harder time keeping the oral tissues clean and as a result bad breath can occur.

Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath.  Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and check-up.  Brush twice a day with a flouride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque.  It is also important to brush your tongue to help eliminate food debris and bacteria.

If you are struggling with bad breath please call our office.  Bad breath may be a sign of  a medical disorder.  We can help diagnose the cause and help you with the necessary treatment.

Gum tissue becomes inflammed when bacterial presence causes the formation of a  sticky substance called plaque.  When the plaque is not removed in a timely fashion by brushing and flossing , the plaque becomes calcified and can no longer be removed by routine at home cleaning.  The calculus must be scaled away in the dental office.  If calculus accumulates below the gum level in large amounts, the result will be bone loss and advanced periodontal disease.

Risk factors for periodontal disease include poor nutrition, poor home care, certain medications which have dry mouth as a side effect, smoking, stress, and genetics.

Patients should see their dentist regularly for routine cleanings to prevent excessive plaque and calculus accumulations.  Some of the early warning signs of periodontal disease include bleeding gums, loose teeth, changes in your bite, and bad breath.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and subsequent difficulty in chewing.  There is documented evidence that poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease are directly related to systemic medical diseases such as diabetes, respiratory disease, heart attack and stroke.

If you have not seen a dentist for quite some time it would be a good idea to schedule a cleaning appointment.  Routine dental visits can lower the risk of you having advanced periodontal disease and all the ill related effects that  comes with the disease.

Please call our office with any questions you might have.

The Invisalign pieces are practically clear.  Most people will not notice that you are wearing a dental appliance.  Invisalign is a removable  treatment modality. You are able to remove the aligner when you eat and drink.  There are no metal brackets or silver wires  that can cause tissue irritation or  create an esthetic problem.

Not every patient who desires orthodontic treatment is a candidate for Invisalign.  Our office works closely with a highly trained orthodontist who has incorporated Invisalign into his practice.  Any kind of tooth movement is a complicated procedure which should not be taken lightly and is best delivered by a highly trained and experienced dentist.

Please call our office if you have any questions.

Missing teeth can have both physical and emotional effects on  a patient.  Your self confidence can be affected  especially if you are missing a tooth in the esthetic zone(near the front of the mouth).  You may be limited in your choice of foods because of diminished chewing capacity.  If teeth are missing for a prolonged period of time, remaining teeth can begin to shift which will affect both function and esthetics.

There are many choices for replacing missing teeth which include dentures, fixed bridges, and implants.  Often times a combination of different treatment modalities can return an edentulous patient to ideal form, function, and esthetics.  A customized treatment plan can be delivered by your dentist  after a full clinical and X-Ray evaluation.

Treatment options are more affordable than ever.  Missing teeth  in the long term can damage the remaining oral structures and make long range treatment planning more difficult.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have.  Do not hesitate to call our office  regarding these issues.

Often times, medications taken have a side effect of dry mouth.  People undergoing radiation therapy and chemotherapy  can also suffer from dry mouth because their treatments can  change both the flow and composition of their saliva.

Saliva moistens the oral tissues and facilitates chewing and speaking.  It also aids in both the digestion and tasting process.  Saliva limits tooth decay by limiting the growth of bacteria and washing away food debris and plague.

The treatment of dry mouth depends on the cause.  If you think that you are suffering  with this condition, contact your dentist or physician to determine the cause.  You may need to see your dentist more regularly to help you prevent plague buildup and cavity formation.

Please call our office with any questions you may have, we will be happy to help you.

There are many reasons why implant therapy has become a popular treatment modality in the dental office.  Implants are a fixed restoration, meaning  that unlike dentures and other removable appliances they are permanently cemented in the mouth.  There is no worry about the implant falling out.  Implants improve chewing ability  relative to removable appliances, and there is no worry about loose  or ill-fitting dentures.

Implants will restore proper chewing ability which leads to a better diet and improved overall health.  Implant restored teeth look and feel like your own natural teeth, and can increase your self-confidence when talking and smiling.

Implant placement does require several steps over a period of time, ranging from  three months to a year depending upon the specific case.  The implant is inserted into the jaw and allowed to heal for several months.  The body needs time to deposit bone cells around the implant so that it can be “intergrated” into the jaw bone.  A post is attached to the implant and a permanent crown iss then cemented onto  the post.

To help implant treatment be successful it is very important that you brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly.  Many insurance companies are beginning to pay for implant treatment.  If you have any questions related to this type of treatment please do not hesitate to call our office.

Patients of our office who have been treated with implants have been very excited with  the results.

It is important to seek treatment once you are aware of discomfort when chewing.  It is easy to think that one can chew on one side, avoiding the painful tooth.  If a tooth is in fact cracked, having it treated early on in the process can avoid more invasive procedures.

Cracked teeth will probably require a crown to ease the discomfort, and in some cases root canal treatment if the crack has progressed to the nerve chamber of the tooth.  In extreme cases a tooth which is cracked could split in half and as a result have to be extracted.

People who are severe bruxers can fracture teeth as well.  If  you are aware of any of your teeth that become painful during chewing, have prolonged sensitivity to both hot and cold call your dentist for an evaluation.  Early detection and treatment may help avoid tooth extraction and all of the problems associated with a  missing tooth.

Snoring is the sound of partially obstructed breathing during sleep.  While snoring can be harmless, it can be a sign of  OSA which is a serious medical  condition which is potentially life altering and life threatening.

OSA is when a person stops breathing repeatedly during sleep.  Breathing stops because the airway collapses and prevents air from getting into the lungs.  This diminished air flow causes disrupted sleep patterns which result in excessive sleepiness and or fatigue during the day.  If OSA is not treated, sufferers have an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and heart attack, stroke, and fatigue related accidents.

Dentists trained in treating OSA can help in the treatment of this serious disorder.  Oral appliances can be constructed to help maintain adequate air flow during sleep.  These devices are similar to orthodontic retainers or sports night guards.  The appropriate appliance attempts to maintain an opened, unobstructed airway during sleep.  The result of this treatment is more restful and peaceful periods of sleep, a reduction of irritability during the day, and improved overall health.

Please feel free to call me with any questions you might have relative to the dental treatment of snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Knowing that the holiday party, family functions, and numerous social gatherings are right around the corner, our office is having a special tooth  whitening promotion.  We have had great successs with the combination in office and home whitening procedure that we employ.  Give yourself the Smile you always wanted.  Call our office for more deails.

News

1) We are currently treating patients with sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy.  Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious medical condition that can be treated  in a non invasive way in the dental office.

2)We are using our intra-oral cameras on a regular basis.  This instrument is a great tool in terms of treatment planning and diagnosis.  Images from a patient’s mouth are projected onto a computer screen and are examined by the patient and the entire dental team.  This allows the patient to better understand, and take an active role in their treartment