As I have mentioned in previous blogs, gum disease also known as periodontal disease has many different risk factors. Today I am going to mention the different risk factors in gum disease. When reading over them, take note of how many categories you place yourself in. If you place yourself in any of these assessments, please notify my Inland Empire Biological and Cosmetic dental office
(951)686-3666.
Do Any of the Following apply to you?
- Age: Studies indicate that that the older population has the highest rates of periodontal disease.
- Genes: Are you male or female? While women typically maintain better oral health, women’s hormones fluctuate over the years which can affect gum tissue.
- Loose Teeth: The bacterial infection associated with gum disease causes a destruction in the tissue fibers and bone that surround the teeth.
- Bleeding Gums: Bleeding is the only true indicator of the infection of periodontal disease in the mouth.
- Gum Recession: Do you look long in the tooth? Tissue pulling away from the tooth is a typical sign of periodontal disease.
- Smoke or Use Chewing Tobacco: Studies show that any use of tobacco products increase one’s risk of periodontal disease by 80%.
Mercury Toxicity Part 1:
Mercury has been used for centuries from the Egyptian tombs to cleansers and many different medicines in the 20th century. Throughout these centuries, there have been many incidences of mercury toxicity. An example of mercury toxicity in the 1800’s is the phrase “mad hatter” which described the exposure of mercury to felt hat makers. More recent incidences of mercury toxicity in the mid 1900’s include mercury-contaminated fish in Canada, mercury used in paint prior to 1990 just to name a few. Interestingly, medicines containing mercury have been substituted with seemingly more biocompatible materials. Also, the Environmental Protection Agency has voiced its concern regarding environmental pollution from the mercury that is used in the agricultural industry as well as the manufacturing of batteries, thermometers etc. There is also concern from the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding mercury toxicity in pregnant and nursing mothers along with young children when eating fish as well as the use of dental mercury fillings. I find it alarming that even with the EPA and AAP’s concern of mercury toxicity, the dental community at large is still using metal mercury fillings.
Mercury is toxic in all its forms; it can be a solid, vapor, or a liquid. The body will react to each form of mercury differently. For example, mercury that is a vapor is inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream. Published research has shown that mercury is more poisonous than lead and arsenic. Mercury can also be absorbed through the skin, injected, and ingested.
Our Inland Empire Biological Dental office is equipped with the latest technology in Safe-Mercury Removal. If you are in need of having your metal mercury fillings safely removed, please visit our office located in Riverside just off of the 91-freeway and Magnolia. (951)686-3666.
Stay tuned for more information in my up-coming blogs regarding mercury toxicity and its effects on the body.
Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease and pyorrhea. In many cases, individuals do not realize periodontal disease is occurring in their mouth. Periodontal disease is a chronic infection that surrounds the tooth and over time creates bone-loss and eventual tooth-loss. Here at my Inland Empire Biological and Cosmetic dental office, we have the latest in technology to diagnose and treat periodontal disease. From digital X-rays to Laser therapy, myself along with my team of dental hygienists’ strive to eliminate gum infection.
Warning Signs of Gum Disease:
- It has been over 2 years since your last dental exam and cleaning
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Red and or swollen gums
- Sores in your mouth
- Change in your bite
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus present in your gums
- Periodontal probing scores greater than 4mm (your dental hygienist should notify you of this)
If you are suffering from any of these warning signs of gum disease or if it has been too long since your last dental visit, please contact our Biological and Cosmetic dental office at (951)686-3666.
There are many reasons why braces are necessary for adults. Yes, even if you have had previous orthodontics you may need revision orthodontics. Technology and theory have both changed in regards to tooth movement. Fifteen plus years ago, most orthodontic procedures were performed to simply straighten teeth. There was limited research on using orthodontics to balance the chewing system during this time period. Fortunately, research over the years has provided the dental community with more proof that a balanced bite allows for tooth longevity.
When the chewing system is not balanced evenly, bone and tooth loss can occur. An uneven bite can also be a trigger for migraines, neck pain, periodontal disease, broken teeth, T.M.J. disorder and excessive tooth wear.
Our Riverside Biological and Biocompatible Dental office works very closely with our referring orthodontists to ensure that your bite is balanced along with the cosmetic aspect of straightening your teeth. Please contact our office located off of the 91-Freeway and Magnolia (951)686-3666.
As a parent, I know that teething is a stressful time. From fussiness, fever, diarrhea, drooling, rashes, runny noses, gum swelling, and sleeping problems we make a huge effort to help minimize the discomfort that comes with teething. Most parents associate these symptoms with teething, however there is much debate with experts on whether or not the symptoms above are associated with teething. One doctor who believes in these symptoms is Dr. Sears. He believes that teething can cause a fever due to inflamed gums (under 101 degrees Fahrenheit.) He also believes that diaper rashes can occur due to the increased amount of saliva entering the digestive tract.
As a Biological Dentist, I recommend that parents “hang in there” and comfort their child naturally. Teething crackers, cold teething rings, and rubbing the gums with a clean finger for approx. 2 minutes are a few ways to soothe the discomfort. Any type of pain/fever reducer should be recommended by your pediatrician.
Recently, many parents have been turning to homeopathic teething tablets. Specifically, Hyland’s teething tablets have come under speculation by the FDA This over the counter homeopathic drug has been recalled because it may pose a risk to children. The tablet contains Belladonna, which is a plant used in naturopathic medicine as a poison and as medicine. The FDA tested various Hyland’s teething tablets and found that the amounts of Belladonna were varied.
Overexposure to Belladonna includes:
Fast heart rate, dry skin and mouth, skin flushing, agitation, decreased urination, disorientation, hallucinations, and dialed pupils. Drowsiness is also a sign in infants. Seizures, slowed breathing, and lethargy are also experienced symptoms from children.
If your child has experienced any of these symptoms after using Hyland’s teething tablets, it is extremely important to notify your pediatrician and the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. My Inland Empire Biological Cosmetic Dental office offers biocompatible and safe products for your entire family. Please contact us at (951)686-3666.