Periodontal disease affects virtually everyone at some point in their lives. Therefore, I am going to discuss the signs one might have when dealing with periodontal disease. The dental world has termed periodontal disease as the “silent killer” due to the fact that it is a disease that does not produce pain. Periodontal/gum disease manifests itself under the gum tissue producing a chronic low-grade infection. This chronic infection over time if not treated can lead to gum loss, halitosis, loose teeth, and tooth loss just to name a few. Periodontal/gum disease is a condition that our Riverside Cosmetic Dental office takes very seriously which is why we recommend having treatment by our dental team as soon as possible.
Typical Signs of Periodontal (Gum Disease):
- Periodontal Probing: This procedure measures the “sulcus” rather the pocket surrounding the teeth. As long as the measurements are below 3mm and there is no tissue loss or bleeding, then the tissue is considered healthy. Pockets with bleeding, pocketing above 3mm and/or tissue loss present are in most cases considered having disease present.
- Bleeding: Bleeding from the gum (periodontal) tissue is considered unhealthy just like bleeding from any other part of the body. Bleeding during flossing, brushing of teeth and dental cleanings are all warning signs that periodontal disease may be present.
- Tissue Tone: Tissue should appear pink in color and firm in texture. Any type of red or blue irritated tissue is a warning that infection is present. However, in some cases this inflammation could be caused from medications.
- Malodor: Any type of malodor or metallic taste is generally a sign that periodontal disease is present.
- Tissue Loss: Any type of tissue loss/recession is considered a sign for future periodontal problems. Tissue loss caused by an improper bite is considered one of the most dangerous because this trauma can lead to bone loss and eventually tooth loss.
- Bone Loss: Bone levels are routinely evaluated at dental visits when x-rays are taken. Bone loss cannot be remedied by our bodies, thus new bone has to be surgically placed in order to save the infected tooth (teeth.)
If you think you or someone you know may have one of these Signs of Periodontal Disease please call our Riverside Cosmetic Dental Office at (951)686-3666.
Many adults out there think that just their “tweens” are candidates for orthodontics, which is why I am dedicating this blog to adult orthodontics. Typically, adults need orthodontics for reasons such as an improper bite, crowded teeth (which can lead to periodontal disease), and T.M.J. discomfort just to name a few. The condition of having an improper bite is extremely common in many adults. Over time, an improper bite can lead to problems such as broken teeth, tooth loss, T.M.J. pain, migraines and gum disease. Our Riverside cosmetic dental office believes in treating the condition of an improper bite with orthodontics in order to prevent future destruction of the chewing system. Our dental team examines your chewing system at each visit with the latest technology in lasers, digital radiographs and photography to ensure its stability. If instability of your chewing system is found during your examination we will recommend that you have a consultation with an orthodontist.
During your orthodontic consultation the Orthodontist will review various types of procedures to treat your condition of an improper bite or crowded teeth. Our Riverside cosmetic dental office along with the Orthodontist will help guide you in making a decision on treating your condition. Although most individuals do not like the idea of wearing braces, the benefits far out way the destruction that an imbalanced chewing system can cause. If you have further questions regarding adult orthodontics please contact us at (951)686-3666.
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a condition that affects about 80%of our population. This condition is considered a “silent disease” because we do not feel pain or discomfort as periodontal disease is progressing. Periodontal disease is not only a genetic condition but also a condition caused by lack of oral hygiene. Tooth loss and bone loss occur when periodontal disease is not treated professionally. However, there are a few supplements that we can take that promote tissue growth and repair as well as decrease inflammation. Please contact our Riverside cosmetic dental office at (951)686-3666 for further questions or if you are concerned of your risk for periodontal disease.
Here are a few helpful tips on what you can do at home to protect your chewing system:
1. Take Vitamin C daily (180mg): Vitamin C is believed to assist in repairing gum tissue and bone regeneration. Many fruits and vegetables such as grapefruits, oranges, and broccoli contain vitamin C if you prefer not to take supplements.
2. Take Vitamin D daily: Vitamin D plays a huge role as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body. This vitamin is free! All you need is a little sun exposure about 10 minutes twice a week to get your weekly dose, however this all depends on the clarity of the sky. Another way to get this vitamin is in supplement form, approximately 200 IU in a multivitamin.
3. Brush with an electric toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes in studies are more efficient in removing plaque than manual toothbrushes. Our Riverside cosmetic dental office recommends using the Sonicare toothbrush for effective plaque removal.
4. Stress Reduction: Stress has been linked to the inflammation of gum tissue as well as an increase in plaque.
5. Vitamin A and E, Coenzyme q10, and Tea Tree Oil are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Cranberry Extract: Cranberry extract/juice is being researched for its ability to help prevent bacteria from attaching to the tooth surface.
As we delight in all summer has to offer including ice cream and ice-cold drinks, there are many of us who despite the warm weather cannot enjoy an ice cream cone or ice-cold drink due to sensitive teeth! Sensitive teeth can be absolutely miserable which is why I am devoting this blog to explain how we can treat your sensitive teeth so that you can enjoy ice cream and cold drinks along side your friends and family.
Sensitive teeth occur when the root of the tooth is exposed in the mouth from gum recession as a result of brushing too hard, teeth grinding, plaque build-up, and tooth decay. Once our Riverside cosmetic dental office has determined the cause of your sensitivity we will be able to guide you in making a decision on treating your condition. We currently offer laser therapies, topical medicaments, and professional toothpastes. We have researched and tested all of our therapies and products and believe that our laser is one of the best options to be used in conjunction with one of our prescription toothpastes, to help eliminate tooth sensitivity over time. Tooth sensitivity can be stubborn at times and our Riverside cosmetic dental office prides itself in problem solving and finding solutions to treat any dental condition. Our Riverside cosmetic dental office’s tooth sensitivity treatments are only a phone call away at (951)686-3666.
I am always amazed at how science and technology continue to revolutionize the medical and dental world. With that said, I want to share with you some information I have come across regarding teeth and stem cells. First off, let me briefly explain how stem cells are used when treating certain diseases and injuries. A stem cell is a cell that is undifferentiated, meaning with science we can alter that cell and grow it into tissue, bone, nerves, muscles etc.
The majority of research to date has been on umbilical cord stem cells which are derived from the blood in the umbilical cord. Until recently, the stem cells from the umbilical cord have proven themselves to be superior to other stem cells found in the body. The reason for this is that “adult stem cells” have only the ability to transform into the tissue from which they came from. So now for the reason why I am so excited; recent research has shown that extracted teeth contain “adult stem cells” which seem to have a much better ability to transform into other cells/tissue than any other “adult stem cell!”
Dental stem cells are found in the part of the tooth called the “pulp,” which most of us call the “root” of the tooth. Dental stem cells can be taken from deciduous “baby” or permanent “adult” teeth and stored for a later date. Of course, there is criteria to follow when examining if an extracted tooth is a candidate for dental stem cell retrieval. It is exciting to me as a parent that I will be able to harvest dental stem cells from my children’s wisdom teeth and deciduous teeth to protect their health for the future. As more information surfaces regarding dental stem cells, I will post it on my blog. Please call our Riverside cosmetic dental office for further questions you may have (951)686-3666.