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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Caring for your oral health includes regular teeth 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 percent of adults over 35 years of age and is responsible for approximately 70 percent of all adult tooth loss. Since symptoms of periodontal disease are mild, some 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 buildup, tobacco use, certain medications, and stress, as well as unpreventable causes, like systematic disease and fluctuating hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Research proves up to 30 percent 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, what we call plaque, causes gum inflammation. If the irritation is ignored, plaque will release toxins to break down the natural fibers that 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 that cannot be removed by 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 (halitosis)
Bite changes
Change in the fit of partial dentures
If you have noticed any of the above signs or symptoms, please call us immediately to schedule a consultation and assessment. Together, we can win the battle against periodontal disease and maintain your fresh and healthy smile.
Symptoms and signs include: