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