Saturday, May 30, 2015

Is It Possible to Reverse Gum Disease?


What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is an early form of gum disease and is characterized by swollen gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. It is caused by bacteria building up along the gum line as these bacteria produce toxins that gradually inflame and infect the gums. At this stage, gum disease is quite easy to treat and is completely reversible. However some of the symptoms of gingivitis are quite easy to ignore, and gingivitis is also sometimes called a silent disease. If you notice any symptoms such as bleeding or swollen gums, or perhaps an unpleasant taste or bad breath then you should contact a periodontist as soon as possible.

How Is Gingivitis Diagnosed and Treated?

A periodontist will gently examine your teeth and gums and may carry out the various diagnostic tests to evaluate the extent of the bacterial infection. These tests may include digital dental x-rays that show how far the disease has progressed and whether it has affected the bone surrounding your teeth, and he may gently probe your gums using a special instrument.

Probing is done to determine the depth of any pockets that may have formed in between your teeth and gums. These pockets, called periodontal pockets develop as a result of the gums pulling away from the teeth. In a healthy mouth, the depth of any pockets is between 1 mm and 3 mm, but where there are signs of gum disease, these pockets can be far deeper and larger.

After your examination, suitable treatments can be recommended. Often the early stages of gum disease can be simply treated with a professional dental cleaning or with scaling and root planing. This helps remove infection from any gum pockets, enabling the gums to heal more easily. It's important that any treatment is backed up with good oral care at home as unless you thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, the problem will recur and worsen.

What about Reversing Periodontitis?

Periodontitis or advanced gum disease cannot generally be reversed as the condition is often chronic. Treatment will focus on removing as much of the bacterial infection is possible and is likely to be ongoing to get the disease under control. It may be necessary to use a combination of non surgical and surgical treatments to help restore gum health. Non surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing can be useful in getting rid of quite a bit of the infection, but sometimes surgical treatment such as flap surgery is necessary to obtain greater access into deeper periodontal pockets.

Periodontal disease can also cause quite substantial destruction, affecting the gum tissue and the bone surrounding teeth. In this case these tissues can sometimes be repaired or regenerated through the use of sophisticated grafting techniques.

For more information please visit http://www.periony.com Interesting articles related to periodontics: http://www.periony.com/blog
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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Nu Calm - Regency Dental



Dr. Burton demonstrates NuCalm. It is a revolutionary relaxation treatment to make your dental experience stress free and calm. See more at http://regencydentalgroup.com/

Sunday, May 24, 2015

How Family Dentistry And Home Care Can Help Preserve Your Teeth


Like most things in life, our teeth wear down the more we use them. The older we get, the more dental problems we are likely to encounter. With that in mind, here are five simple steps you can take to help you hang on to your pearly whites.

1. Learn About Dental Care

They might not grab many headlines, but major advances in family dentistry have changed the profession. The dentists of today are far less likely to recommend extensive dental work than they were in the past. Instead, they take a more conservative approach that focuses on preventative care. For example, they might recalcify a small cavity instead of filling it or perform dental restoration on fillings and crowns as needed. Because they are trained to handle dental issues during each stage of life, we recommend seeing a family dentist instead of a general one.

2. Use An Electric Toothbrush

There are two reasons most dental professionals tell their patients to use electric toothbrushes: one, most people don't know how to brush with a manual brush; two, most people don't brush for the recommended two minutes. Electric brushes are easier to operate and encourage longer brushing times. If you haven't made the switch to an electric model, we suggest buying one with a timer to ensure proper brushing duration.

3. Floss, Floss, Floss!

According to a recent survey, only about 50 percent of American adults floss at least once a day. Although tedious and occasionally uncomfortable, flossing helps remove dental plaque, which is the leading cause of gum disease and tooth decay. There is really no secret or trick to flossing; you simply have to do it. Removing food particles and other deposits can dramatically reduce your risk of developing periodontal disorders.

4. See Your Dentist

As important as at-home dental care may be, it cannot and should not take the place of regular dental checkups. You should see your dentist at least once a year (but preferably twice) for a scheduled exam and cleaning. As we mentioned, we prefer family dentistry to general dentistry because it focuses on patients of all ages. Many patients end up seeing the same dentist for decades, which encourages a lifetime of healthy oral care habits.

5. Limit Snacking

As your mother and your dentist always told you, sugar is bad for your teeth. The sweet treat is used as a fuel for the chemical reaction that causes cavities. Because it is plentiful and cheap, sugar is the primary ingredient in most snack foods. An unhealthy American pastime, constant snacking on sugary foods means that your teeth are under nonstop assault from inimical invaders that will eventually wear them down. To reduce the risk of cavities and other oral issues, it is best to cut down on snacking and to always brush after you eat.

Family dentistry provides the preventative maintenance and procedures needed to keep teeth looking and feeling healthy over a lifetime.

When considering family dentistry, Kalamazoo residents visit RoseWood Dental PLC. Learn more about them at http://www.rosewooddentistry.com.
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Thursday, May 21, 2015

The Advantages of a Family Dentist Versus a Pediatric Dentist


Teaching your children good oral hygiene habits and taking them to the dentist regularly are vital in establishing the future of your child's health. Studies suggest that between 40 to 50 percent of children are affected by tooth decay prior to the age of five. To prevent your child from becoming a part of this statistic, they recommend kids having their first visit by their first birthday.

When you begin the search for a dentist for you and your children, you will find you have several choices, including which type you want to see. Some restrict their practice to certain age groups. Pedodontists, for example, restrict their practice to young children. Conversely, a family dentist will provide care for a wide variety of patients, from young children to older adults, making it an easier, one-stop shop trip for the entire family. Here are some benefits to choosing a family practice to meet your oral care needs:

Convenience

A family practice will accept patients of all ages, making this an extremely convenient option if you have children. Furthermore, by treating the entire family, you will minimize behaviors that are detrimental to both your children and you. Studies have shown that a parent's dental health directly corresponds with their children's health. When parents and grandparents take exceptional care of their dental health, the children are sure to follow.

In addition to the convenience of scheduling with other family members, you also have the ability to maximize the usage of dental insurance and flexible spending accounts across all members of the family. And because these practices tend to offer much more flexible scheduling, you will also have the ability to be seen on short notice.

Lifelong Dentistry

Many parents would never dream of taking their children to any other doctor than a pediatrician. The same does not apply to dentistry, however. A family practice with a developed pediatric protocol is an excellent option for children's dental care. A well-equipped practice will meet the needs of a one-year-old, the changes experienced in growing children.

When you elect to go to a family clinic, you will not be burdened with having to find a new practitioner once they become young adults. Conversely, if you choose a pediatric clinic for your children, once they reach the cut-off age, they will have to become acquainted and comfortable with a new practice. Choosing a family one ensures all of your child's dental records remain in one place, and that the continuity of care will not be compromised. Having the entire family's dental records in one location also makes it easier for the doctor to identify any genetic issues that may arise.

By spending time in the dentist office as a family, you will develop personal and life-long relationships with the doctor and office staff. You can be reassured that the procedures and treatments provided to and your children are consistent and from someone you trust.

When searching for a dentist Fenton, MI residents use Michigan Smiles Dental. To learn more, visit http://michigansmilesdental.com/.
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Monday, May 18, 2015

Mouth Healthy Moments: Baby Bottle Tooth Decay



Did you know bacteria causes tooth decay, and that babies can catch bacteria from you? See why it's important to take care of your baby's teeth and gums.

Friday, May 15, 2015

Healthy Smiles from the Start: Pregnancy and Newborn Oral Health



If you’re pregnant or have a newborn, learn some easy ways you can keep both of your mouth’s healthy. Also, find out when baby teeth begin to develop and when you can expect to see your child’s first tooth.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Fluoride: The Superhero of Cavity Fighting



Everyone's heard of fluoride but what exactly is it? And how does it work to prevent cavities? Dr. Jane Gillette of the American Dental Association takes a look at the science inside your mouth.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Sunday, May 3, 2015

May is Here

 
Summer is just around the corner, the parks are full of children playing, and the days are longer.  It is also the month to celebrate our mothers
and thank them for all their hard work.

We will be participating in the Annual Loop the Lagoon!  Please join us May 9th and enjoy the beautiful hill and lake at Lagoon Valley Park. Loop the Lagoon is a great way to get involved in a healthy activity for a worthy cause.  Dr. Burton and staff will be there answering questions and giving away prizes.

Enjoy this month's newsletter, we hope to offer you valuable information about the care and health of your teeth. We look forward to seeing you in our office to help with your dental needs.  Thanks for being a part of our dental family, we want to continue giving the best service possible. 

Click here to register to run/walk in Loop the Lagoon