Dental Basics: Understanding Periodontal Disease

Dental Basics: Understanding Periodontal Disease

by | Mar 11, 2013 | Dentistry

March 11, 2013

Years of practice have convinced me that most people don’t “get” this — but they should.

Here’s how I know, and why you need to understand periodontal disease.
Now, when I say people don’t “get” periodontal disease, what I mean is that they don’t understand it. Naturally, the problem is that they do get it, and in much larger numbers than was previously  considered to be the case.
According to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Periodontology, nearly half of American adults older than age 30 years have periodontal disease.  These studies also found that the prevalence of periodontitis rises to 70.1% in adults older than age 65.
Study authors found that 47.2% of the population (which would account for approximately 64.7 million adults) has periodontal disease, a figure far higher than previous national estimates.
So how do I know most people don’t understand the problem?
Here are two real-life examples that I encounter much too often:
Scenario One:
When told they have periodontal disease, the patient responds — “Oh, yeah.  I had that treated once some years ago.”
Scenario Two:
Dentist:  You have periodontal disease.
Patient:  Yes, my last dentist told me and I got the treatment.
Dentist:  Do you understand what it is?
Patient:  No.
The last scenario is an obvious case of non-understanding, by the patient’s very admission.  (This was an actual exchange, by the way.)  But what is it about the first one that lets me know the person doesn’t really understand their condition?  Simply this:
If not controlled, periodontal disease can be progressive. If controlled once, but later neglected, it can return. Usually, at this point in the discussion, it has returned and the patient is not aware of it.  Its not like a childhood disease that you get once and then never again.
In fact, there is a reason it is the number one cause of tooth loss worldwide and it is that most people just don’t know they have it.  In a great many cases — probably most — it doesn’t hurt until it is too late.
Bone Loss
Take a look at the x-ray to the left:
The red line roughly traces the patient’s bone level.
Would you expect this patient’s teeth to be loose?
If you answered “yes” you would be correct.  There is little there to support them.
Now look at the second x-ray:
Bone Loss Comparison
Notice the lower line marked by the red arrow.
This is approximately where the patient’s bone used to be.
That’s periodontal disease.
(It is also sometimes called “gum disease” because the gums that lay over the bone are generaly affected as well.)
Sometimes, it is not until I trace these lines out for people that they really get it.  I hope you understand it a little better now, too, because there is a very good chance you may have it or get it at some point in your life — and it probably won’t give you much of a warning sign in the early stages.
Periodontal disease doesn’t have to be evenly distributed in the mouth. It can limited to one or several teeth. Everybody has a different predisposition to periodontal disease, but there is a great deal you can do to prevent it.
Step one is see your dentist for an examination if you haven’t had one in a while.  Ask questions and learn more about what you can do to halt its spread.  Wouldn’t you rather be in the group of 30% that doesn’t have periodontal disease than the group of 70% that do?
Dry Mouth

Dry Mouth

by | Mar 11, 2013 | Uncategorized

A “Silent” Dental Condition

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, is a common oral health problem. Unfortunately, for some patients it becomes a “silent” condition that often goes undiagnosed and untreated. While there are many potential reasons for this condition, one of the most frequent contributing factors is the use of medications. Over four hundred commonly prescribed drugs list dry mouth as a potential side effect.

While this condition is fairly common in the general population, the prevalence increases with age. This is likely because many older adults take medications for one or a number of co-existing medical conditions.

Though some people may consider dry mouth an inconsequential medical or dental concern, it can be a troublesome symptom also associated with systemic diseases and health conditions. Things that most people take for granted, such as being able to chew their food – or even to taste it – result in a reduced quality of life for the patient with xerostomia.Dry Mouth Tips

Negative effects of dry mouth can include:

• Increased dental decay
• Oral infections
• Cracks and fissures in the tissues of the mouth
• Denture sores and ulcerations
• A decreased willingness or ability to speak easily

Keep in mind that almost everyone has experienced dry mouth at some time in their lives. Dehydration following excessive perspiration, diarrhea, or alcohol consumption are experiences many people have experienced at one time or another. These situations are generally transient and easily identified.  It should be noted here that not only alcohol consumption, but simply rinsing with alcohol-containing mouthwashes can result in a dry mouth.  Many patients hold these rinses in their mouths for much longer than the recommended 30 second period. This can produce a type of tissue burn called sloughing; however, even regular use can cause a drying effect for many individuals.

If, however, you find any of the following problems to be daily events, you should raise the issue with your dentist or physician:

• Do you consistently need to sip liquids to help you to swallow your food?
• Does your mouth feel dry whenever you eat?
• Do you have any difficulty swallowing?
• Does the amount of saliva in your mouth seem to be much less than you remember, or do you not notice the difference?

There are several simple things your health practitioner can do to evaluate your condition. A medical history will also provide clues. For example, certain conditions such as diabetes, cancer treatments, and Sjögren’s syndrome have also been connected with dry mouth. (Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands.)

Keep in mind that dry mouth symptoms may not appear until saliva production has been reduced to approximately half the normal flow.

While it is always best to identify the source of the problem to seek a long-term resolution, sometimes it is necessary to provide symptomatic relief. A number of products have been developed that can help the dry-mouth patient who so often has extra sensitive mouth tissues. These include stimulation products such as chewing gums, specially formulated toothpastes and mouthwashes that are free of irritating ingredients, and moisturizing gels or sprays.

The important thing is that you do not ignore dry mouth symptoms if they exist. Talk to your dentist or doctor. Day-to-day symptoms and their complications can be managed. If you and your doctor correctly identify the source, perhaps those problems can even be eliminated over time. The simple pleasures of life – eating comfortably, tasting an enjoyable meal, laughing freely – shouldn’t be just a memory.

Loose Denture Solution

Loose Denture Solution

by | Mar 2, 2013 | Dentistry

A New Standard of Care?

Do you suffer from a loose lower denture or have a family member who is having a rough time wearing their denture?

Unfortunately, this is a common problem. When all of the lower teeth are missing, little remains to stabilize or retain the denture.

An upper denture actually creates some suction on the roof of the mouth and will generally hold well. Not so, with the lower denture. First of all, the tongue has a tendency to displace it and because the surface area that the denture rests upon is generally narrow – there is little surface tension to hold it in place.

Many denture wearers have to rely on adhesives to keep their dentures from flopping around while they speak or eat. In a number of cases, even these adhesives fall short of their objective. Not to mention the fact that many patients find the adhesives unpalatable and some concerns have been recently raised about zinc sensitivities and copper de

ficiencies associated with these products.

Eating with full lower dentures can become difficult or even painful. Patients often opt not to wear their lower dentures at all out of frustration or embarrassment. Unfortunately, this can make it difficult to eat certain foods that are needed for good nutrition and health.

Numerous remedies have been forwarded to solve the problem in addition to adhesives. For example, relines can create an improved fit but they still don’t overcome the inherent problems described above. Then, there are dentures that are designed to look like they have octopus suction cups on the bottom, dentures with valves to suck out the air that gets under them, and dentures that have little “wings” on them that hold the denture down by the weight of the tongue.

shutterstock 1014643186

Probably the greatest advance in denture stability, however, has been the development of dental implants. If a person has enough bone that is of good quality (not too soft) to accept implants, little comes close to these to provide both retention and stability for a loose lower denture. Also, much of the pain associated with dentures moving around and creating sore gums is eliminated because the denture is actually supported by the implants.

But what if you have been told you are not a candidate for conventional implants because of insufficient bone? Countless patients have still been able to benefit from mini-implants.

These are extremely small (1.8 mm diameter) implants that can be used for critically needed support purposes. Mini-implants can and do serve as long-term devices. In fact, some have been successfully functioning in patients for decades.

Because they are so narrow, they can typically be inserted directly through the overlying gum tissue into the bone underneath. This means that the procedure is generally much more comfortable for the patient because (in most cases) there is no need to surgically cut open the gum tissue – routinely required for standard implant cases. As a result, post-operative patient irritation and soreness is significantly reduced.

It should be mentioned that no implant system is fool-proof or has any guarantee of longevity. Such factors as poor oral hygiene, poor health, stress-inducing habits such as tooth grinding and clenching, smoking, poor health, osteoporosis, medications, and lack of follow-up care can all lead to potential failure of the implants. Compared to conventional implants, however, the cost of replacement is generally much smaller and with less bone loss and gum deterioration. Failures involving mini-implants are not unheard of, but are generally quite rare.

As you might expect fees vary from doctor to doctor and by geographic location. Generally, though, the fees tend to be a lot lower than for conventional implants – with similar results, less discomfort and much shorter waiting times. The best way to address the cost issue is to have an open and honest discussion about what fees may arise with the dentist of your choice.

Many dentists now consider an implant-stabilized lower denture the new “standard of care.” By choosing this option you are deciding upon an improved way of life that is free of so many of the heartaches and discomforts associated with loose, painful and ill-fitting dentures. Because people need to use their teeth each and every day of their lives, that’s worth a great deal.

YouTube Video Available by Clicking HERE

Crowns and Teeth Whitening

Crowns and Teeth Whitening

by | Feb 26, 2013 | Cosmetic Dentistry

Plan Ahead For Best Results

If you require that a cosmetic dental crown be placed, it is a good idea to evaluate how you feel about the color of your existing teeth before the process is initiated. If you like the color of your teeth, the dentist will then find a crown shade that matches them.Crowned Tooth

On the other hand, if you feel that you would like your teeth to be lighter, bleaching may be an option for you. If you know you would like to whiten or lighten the shade of your teeth, it is a good idea to communicate this to the doctor beforehand. Once the final crown or cosmetic restorations are made, it will not be possible to change their color without re-doing them.

While bleaching is generally predictable, the results do not last forever. You may have to touch them up every one to three years. Teeth will re-darken. (This tends to occur more slowly with Power Bleaching.) The rate at which it happens, though, depends upon your habits. The good news is that your teeth can be brightened once again.  Just remember, crowns and fillings do not change their color with bleaching — only your natural teeth will lighten.

Dental Basics: Understanding Cavities

Dental Basics: Understanding Cavities

by | Feb 16, 2013 | Dentistry

February 16, 2013

When many people think of a dentist, one of the first associations they make has to do with filling cavities. While this has traditionally been one thing dentists are known for, it is far from the complete picture.

Nevertheless, tooth decay is one of the most common diseases world-wide and, if neglected, can become one of the most expensive to treat.  Our practice philosphy is that it is far better to prevent a problem from occurring than it is to treat it.  For that reason, we feel it is important for you to understand your condition so that you can make informed decisions.

If knowledge is power, then we want you to be able to take control of your dental health with useful and practical information.

After over twenty years of practice I have learned that many patients feel a cavity should hurt before you treat it..  Unfortunately, that can be a formula for disaster.  Some time ago, I prepared this short video to explain just why that is.