STRINGING ALONG
The reason that dentists strongly recommend that their patients floss (as well as brush) their teeth is because flossing does nearly half the work necessary to remove “plaque.” Unless this sticky bacteria-laden substance is removed from between teeth, where toothbrush bristles may not reach, tooth decay and gum disease will result. Patients with receding gums or large spaces between their teeth are advised to use a flat, wide dental tape. If teeth are closely spaced, thin floss is best, especially non-shredding floss. Patients with bridges and braces are likely to find it necessary to use a floss threader to get underneath restorations or wires between teeth. There is also floss with a stiff end that does the job equally well.
The best way to zero in on the dental floss that works best for you and your family is probably trial and error. Considering the abundance of products on the market today, we’ll be happy to make recommendations so that you can make an informed decision. Since patient education is an important part of our practice, we’re always ready to answer your questions about dental care. Please call one of our friendly customer representatives, Marjorie, Mikki, Julie, Kristi, or Alana, if you are concerned about any aspect of your dental health or if you would like to make an appointment. Our next week’s column will have more information about taking care of your oral hygiene.
COSMETIC BENEFIT OF DENTAL IMPLANTS
Aside from restoring biting and chewing capability to the mouth, dental implants also serve a cosmetic function. The most obvious benefit to an implant patient’s appearance is that the replacement tooth fills in the gap left by the lost tooth with a natural-looking substitute. On a deeper level, dental implants help patients avert bone loss. Without implants, missing teeth and associated bone loss cause the lower third of the face to collapse and shrink inward. As the anchoring portion of a dental implant forms a strong bond with the jaw, it stimulates the surrounding bone and preserves it. As a result, the bone loss that would otherwise be inevitable with missing teeth is avoided.
In addition to their cosmetic appeal, implants eliminate the day-to-day frustrations and discomfort of ill-fitting dentures. They allow people to enjoy a healthy and varied diet without the restrictions some denture wearers face, and implants often bring a renewed sense of self-confidence. People with implants often say they feel better, look better, and live better. If you think implants may be for you, call us for a consultation. A visit to our office may be just what you need to enhance your quality of life. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. Watch for our column again in next week’s paper.
P.S. One of the factors that is used to assess a patient’s suitability for a dental implant is the amount and density of underlying bone in the jaw.
GUM TREATMENT MAY HELP DIABETICS
Recent research has uncovered links between gum disease and other parts of the body that previously may have seemed unlikely. For instance, periodontitis has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, which makes a good case for addressing gum inflammation. More recently, researchers have discovered another potential benefit of keeping gum disease at bay. According to research, it has been found that treating periodontal disease in diabetics may lower their insulin levels. Researchers suggest that the connection is based on bacterial infections of the mouth that cause inflammation, which results in chemical changes that reduce the effectiveness of insulin produced in the body. As a consequence, diabetics find it more difficult to control their blood sugar.
A very big threat to dental health as well as overall health is gum disease. And the best way to deal with gum disease is to prevent it, with daily brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis. We are diligent in our approach to making sure periodontal disease doesn’t destroy your smile. It is our mission to deliver the highest level of care, using the latest materials and always keeping our patients’ comfort and well-being in mind. Providing Excellence in Family Dentistry Since 1977, we’ll bring you more information about dental health in next week’s column.
P.S. Previous research has found that 90 percent of patients with periodontal disease were at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.
WHERE THERE’S SMOKELESS, THERE’S FIRE
Regular users of smokeless tobacco should understand that they face much the same risk of developing cancer as their tobacco-smoking counterparts. In 1986, the Surgeon General warned that the use of smokeless tobacco “is not a safe substitute for smoking cigarettes. It can cause cancer and a number of noncancerous conditions and can lead to nicotine addiction and dependence.” Both chewing tobacco and snuff (shredded tobacco in a pouch) contain 28 carcinogens (cancer-causing agents), the most harmful of which are the tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). The National Cancer Institute warned that nitrosamines, which are present in smokeless tobacco at relatively high levels, are not safe at any level. Smokeless tobacco users increase their risk for cancer of the oral cavity.
As part of your healthcare team, our four skilled doctors and eight hygienists are concerned about all aspects of your health. If a medical condition comes to our attention during a dental exam, you can be sure we will discuss the issues with you as well as any other healthcare provider if you choose. We bring you our dental column as a way to inform our friends and neighbors here in Augusta of the many benefits of professional dentistry. For gentle dental care for the family, please call us for an appointment. New patients are always welcome. Be sure to watch for our column in next week's paper.
P.S. Oral cancer can include cancer of the lip, tongue, cheeks, gums, and the floor and roof of the mouth.
GOOD FOR TEETH, GOOD FOR OVERALL HEALTH
What you eat may affect not only your oral health, it may also similarly influence the health of your entire body. Researchers have been looking at the so-called “fermentable carbohydrates” that form the foundation of the modern diet. Dentists have been telling us for years that sugars and starchy foods increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. These same foods are also likely linked to the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Thus, tooth decay and bleeding gums may raise a red flag that a patient may be at risk for other chronic health problems. What is good for the teeth and gums is also good for the rest of the body.
To keep your teeth and to keep your teeth strong, be sure to keep your dental appointments for regular checkups. Remember that nothing is more economical than regular, professional visits to the dentist to keep any problems at bay. If you have questions about caring for your teeth and gums and achieving optimum dental health, ask one of our friendly customer service personnel—Marjorie, Mikki, Julie, Kristi, & Alana. Office hours are Monday-Friday 7am to 4pm. You’ll find more about optimum dental health in next week's column—watch for it!
P.S. Studies show that gum disease develops within days of a person having increased his or her sugar intake.
ON PINS AND NEEDLES
Thanks to a host of technical and procedural developments, most patients view a visit to the dentist with little, if any, trepidation. However, if you are wary of going to the dentist, you are not alone. It is estimated that one in 20 people suffers from severe anxiety about dentistry (known as odontophobia), and about one-third of all people say they experience moderate anxiety when visiting the dentist. Fortunately, the dentist can effectively work with anxious and fearful patients who make their concerns known. Patients can avail themselves of treatments such as relaxation techniques and tranquilizers/sedation to lower their tension levels. Nitrous oxide sometimes referred to as ‘laughing gas’, can be very effective in easing anxiety and stress.
The basis for our practice in family dentistry is prevention with a gentle touch. We are pleased to offer nitrous oxide sedation for those patients who are anxious about treatment. Our goal is to make your visits as pleasant and comfortable as possible. All of our providers are happy to discuss your concerns and can help alleviate your anxiety. We are currently accepting new patients and welcome you to call to schedule an appointment. We accept most insurances as well as MasterCard, Visa, Discover and Care Credit.
If you have sensitive teeth, you are hardly alone. It is estimated that 40 million Americans share your discomfort. Fortunately, the cause of most cases of tooth sensitivity has been identified, and the cure may be as easy as modifying your tooth-brushing technique. According to a nationwide survey of 700 dentists, aggressive brushing and acidic foods and beverages are the leading culprits when it comes to tooth sensitivity, which results from nerve irritation. Other contributing factors include the use of certain toothpastes, mouthwashes, and tooth-whitening products, as well as cracked teeth, bulimia, and acid reflux disease. A switch to a desensitizing toothpaste and a toothbrush with softer bristles usually helps relieve the problem.
Although brushing takes the lead in the fight against food and plaque buildup-the main causes of decay and gum disease-it is important to do it correctly for maximum results, especially for those who have sensitive teeth. All of our hygienists instruct patients on proper brushing techniques and can offer many therapies for alleviating sensitivity. In addition we offer a smooth in office polishing paste for our patients with sensitive teeth. We are currently accepting new patients and welcome you to call to schedule an appointment. We believe in preventive dentistry for the whole family. For any questions ask any of our friendly scheduling coordinators-Marjorie, Kristi, Alana, Mikki, or Julie.
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P.S. If you drink acidic soft drinks and fruit juices, avoid brushing your teeth immediately after drinking, when enamel is most vulnerable.
In some cases, patients’ teeth may be so decayed, injured/fractured, or worn/eroded that they may require extensive treatment known as “full mouth reconstruction.” Also known as “full mouth restoration” and “full mouth rehabilitation,” this rebuilding/restoring process typically involves every tooth in both the upper and lower jaws. The process begins with a thorough examination and evaluation of the patient’s teeth, gums, and occlusion (bite). It continues with an assessment of the color, shape, size, and proportion of the teeth with respect to how they relate to the gums, lips, mouth, side profile, and face. Then, after taking x-rays, impressions, and photographs, the dentist (in conjunction with specialists, if necessary) can recommend procedures and techniques for totally restoring the teeth.
Whether it involves full mouth reconstruction, simple fillings, implants, dentures, or cosmetic work, any program we suggest for your good dental health will be thoroughly discussed with you before we begin. When you are looking for state-of-the-art dentistry from people who really care, come to us. We are currently accepting new patients and welcome you to call to schedule an appointment. We believe in preventive dentistry for the whole family. You will be pleased with our friendly, caring team and our dedication to your complete dental health. For any questions ask any of our patient administrators-Marjorie, Kristi, Alana, Mikki, or Julie.
P.S. Full mouth restoration can include procedures such as crown lengthening; gum recontouring; jaw surgery; permanent restorations (crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, veneers, and implants); and orthodontics.