How Tobacco Adversely Affects Oral Health

Lung cancer is the first thing that comes to mind for most people when they think of the adverse effects of tobacco on the human body. However, all of the common ways that people use tobacco begin with the mouth, and the damage tobacco does to oral health can range from subtle to severe. Cigars, cigarettes, pipes, snuff, dip and chewing tobacco can all contribute to oral disfigurement, damage, and disease. Family dentists can be instrumental in the education of children and youth in the dangers of tobacco use, and cosmetic dentists can provide treatments for and repair damage already present in adults.

Nicotine stains and other discolorations on teeth and dentures, lips, and tongue are obvious but relatively harmless effects of every kind of tobacco use, as is halitosis, or bad breath. Less objectively obvious but more harmful effects of tobacco use are the loss or diminishing of the senses of taste and smell, smoker's palate (a reaction of the mucosal lining of the palate to elevated temperatures), contribution to the formation and advancement of cavities, sinusitis (which can cause pain similar to that of a toothache), and damage to dental implants. Tobacco use can also reduce the success of dental procedures, and contribute to delays in the healing of oral wounds.

The gums suffer more severe direct damage than the teeth in tobacco users. Periodontitis, a group of diseases that affect the tissues that support the teeth, is more prevalent and more severe among tobacco users than among those that have never used tobacco, and the majority of periodontitis patients that do not respond well to common treatment are users, particularly smokers. Smokers experience significantly greater bone loss; Also tooth loss is two to three times higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Users of smokeless tobacco will often experience gingival recession (receding gums), and mucosal lesions.

All tobacco users are at elevated risk of developing oral cancers and pre-cancers. The lungs are considered to be the highest risk site for cancer in smokers, with the larynx and mouth being the next-highest risk site. Oral cancer is the eighth-most common cancer type in men, and can rise as high as the third-most common cancer in some parts of the world.

Nicotine use can suppress the immune and cardiovascular systems, and along with other compounds in tobacco, can lead to chronic inflammation, which can contribute to the risk of cancer. Tobacco use negatively affects the efficacy of drugs and other treatments, and can delay and complicate recovery.
The only effects of tobacco use on oral health are negative. Even diligent dental care and treatment can only delay, and not prevent, potential disfigurement and disease. For chronic tobacco users it becomes a question of not if, but when, treatment becomes necessary.

Family dentists and their staffs have a unique opportunity to educate young people on the dangers of tobacco use to oral and overall health. Cosmetic dentists have a wide range of treatments and techniques available to them for treatment after the fact, but the best treatment will always be prevention.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal. Call today for an appointment. Visit http://shumwaydental.com/.

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Four Important Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist

Asking the right questions to ask can make all the difference when it comes to getting the most out of a routine dental visit. But first, you have to know to which ones to ask. Not only will inquiring about your insurance, expectations, dental routine and new treatments help you obtain better dental healthy, but it will also help you become a better patient as well.

1. Do You Take My Dental Insurance?

One of the biggest oversights that potential patients make is that they forget to ask if their insurance is accepted at a potential dental office. Now, it may seem like it would be the first concern addressed before an appointment is made, but what often happens is that the new patient is in such a rush to get care that they forget to ask. Don't make that mistake, because it could end up costing you a lot more money, particularly if services rendered are not covered by your insurance provider.

2. What Can I Expect From The Dentist During My First Visit?

The first visit is essential because it can tell you so much about not only tell you so much about dentist, but also the practice in which they conduct their work. In most cases, before you ever arrive for your first appointment, the receptionist or someone representing the doctor's office will phone you with any pertinent information about what to expect during your first visit. However, if that doesn't happen or if you would like more clarification from the actual surgeon, you should always feel free to ask them about expectations as well. Specifically, you'll want to listen for details regarding your dental history, medications, a full examination, cleaning and x-rays. Remember, with the first visit, it's more like a meet and greet, so it's important to be upfront about your expectations as well.

3. What Do You Recommend For My Routine and Maintenance?

When it comes to teeth care and maintenance, dentists are the experts. Take advantage of your time with your doctor and ask him or her for their recommendations to help improve your routine and maintenance. They want you to have better oral health as well, so they want to give you every tool and resource they have available to help you succeed in achieving that goal.

4. What New Treatments Are Available?

This may not seem like a good question, but the answer will help you learn so much about the doctor treating you. Specifically, if the dentist begins to discuss all the latest developments in science and technology with respect to dentistry, then you have likely found yourself a winner. A surgeon who keeps up with current trends and the latest developments in science and technology will be able to give you up to date information on treatments, which will likely save you time and money. A doctor who is still interested and passionate about his or her field will bode well for you and your mouth's health.

The best way to ease any anxiety that you may have about going to your appointments is to become more active in the process. By asking questions, especially the right ones about your insurance, expectations, routines/maintenance and new treatments, you too will have better experiences and better health.

When in need of a dentist, Plymouth, MI residents turn to http://www.yourplymouthdentist.com/.

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Finding the Root Cause of Bad Breath

Bad breath or halitosis, periodontal disease and gingivitis and general dental decay are all caused by anaerobic bacteria that live in between the teeth and around the gums in our mouths. This type of bacteria does not need oxygen to survive and is pathological in nature. In fact, bad breath is most likely a strong indicator of anaerobic bacteria present, but can also suggest other health issue that needs treatment.

Generally speaking, bad breath is most often caused by the odor given off by bacteria which is living off particles of food, dying tissue and even each other in the mouth. The anaerobic bacteria which cause bad breath can also live and reproduce on the tongue.

The bacteria produce the plaque that is found along the gum line. The plaque is gummy and sticky and attracts more germs and bacteria which in turn attack the teeth and gums, creating additional issues such as an inflammation and periodontal disease that may eventually cause the loss of the teeth.

Some common causes of halitosis:

Gingivitis: This is the inflammation of the gums which is created by your own immune system trying to fight off the bacterial infection. If left unchecked, it could cause an inflammation epidemic that can ravage the teeth and gums.

Dental Decay: This is caused by the acidic excrement from the bacteria as it consumes the teeth. The acid given off by the bacteria is actually dissolving the tooth in the mouth itself.

Periodontal Disease: This is the loss of bone and the tissue attachment around the tooth. This condition is caused by a microbial invasion by anaerobic bacteria around the tooth itself.

However, there are other causes for bad breath as well:

Diabetes: This disease can cause acidosis which in turn creates bad breath. There are usually other health indicators of diabetes which can be identified.

Other conditions than those listed above, that may cause halitosis are smoking, some medications, mouthwashes (that are alcohol-based) and even excessive mouth breathing (which can cause the mouth to dry out and not allow the saliva to remove the bacteria causing the odor). In rare situations, medical conditions, such as certain types of cancer and malfunctioning kidneys may also be the source of the bad breath.

Keeping bad breath caused by anaerobic bacteria under control starts with good oral hygiene. This means a strict home regimen of cleaning the teeth at least twice daily is necessary. The use of chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorine dioxide, or hydrogen peroxide as mouthwash can also assist in killing the germs and bacteria while washing them away. In addition to diligent home care, it is important to get professional dental cleanings at least twice yearly, and as often as every three months.

If the bad breath continues even after consistent proper oral hygiene, then other causes should be investigated to determine if the bad breath is from another source.

Consult with your dentist so that together you can learn the root cause of the bad breath and engage in proper oral hygiene that will reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
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Dr. Piero, has been a practicing dentist since 1982, is the inventor of Dental Air Force® http://www.dentalairforce.com. His latest clinical trial studies using Dental Air Force versus toothbrush and floss on diabetic patients showed a reduction in HbA1c (diabetic blood marker) by over 1% in conjunction with periodontal therapy. Articles published are on periodontal health related to heart disease, respiratory health, diabetes, strokes, and other systemic diseases. He is the former Executive Editor for Journal of Experimental Dental Science, a contributing author to Hospital Infection Control: Clinical Guidelines and author of Never Brush Your Teeth Again!.

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Teeth Whitening At The Dentist: What You Need to Know

When asked to rate the most attractive physical feature, both men and women consistently agree that the smile outranks the eyes, hair, and even the body! A nice smile has an immediate, often subconscious impact on everyone you meet. It can convey more about you in an instant than your words ever could. Are you a nice, warm, approachable person, or maybe a bit standoffish? Yes, a genuine smile is arguably the most powerful expression in human history. But sometimes things get in the way of what we're trying to say with our smiles.

Even if we take good care of our teeth, brush and floss and gargle as instructed, they often lose their luster as we age. The primary cause of tooth discoloration is the loss of dental enamel, which makes our teeth more absorbent and prone to stain. There are a few things we can do to slow the process, but teeth will eventually become duller and yellower when enamel loss occurs. That is the main reason why tooth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure on the planet!

Does It Work?

No matter how faded or discolored your not-so pearly whites may be, they can almost always be lightened several shades with a simple in-office dental treatment. Because this professional procedure is far more effective than home teeth whitening products and kits, they have become increasingly popular with patients of all ages. In fact, a recent report from the American Dental Association (ADA) estimated that it is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S.

Whitening Systems

As we mentioned, over-the-counter brightening products are widely available in America. According to a study from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, we spend more than $1.4 billion on them each year! Why do we love them? The main reasons are that they're cheap, easy to find, and easy to use. You can pick them up at nearly any supermarket or drugstore in America. They are also fairly effective at brightening choppers a couple of shades in the short term. With that said, no do-it-yourself system can compare with the average results of a professional teeth whitening procedure at the dentist. Why is this?

To begin with, the commercial solutions that are available for sale are not nearly as powerful as the ones a professional will use. Secondly, these kits do not include the expensive tools and dental equipment that is needed to professionally complete the procedure. And thirdly, you aren't a dentist! It is also important to note that whitening strips and gels can cause irritation, even numbness of teeth and gums if they are overused or improperly applied.

Professional Whitening

Much safer, more effective, and longer lasting than anything you might use at home, the only reason professional whitening isn't always used when someone wants to brighten their smile is that it can be expensive. Prices range from around $300 to $800, depending on the dentist and the number of treatments needed.

The Bottom Line

Even if that price seems steep, the truth is that you'll probably end up paying nearly as much if you use high-quality commercial products, since you'll have to use more of them for a much longer period of time. So, if you really want that movie-star smile, it's best to invest in yourself and get what you pay for.

To learn more about their options for a dentist, Rockford, IL residents should visit http://gentledentistrockford.com.

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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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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/

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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