What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis
is an early stage of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque
bacteria on the tissues that surround the teeth. Plaque, a naturally
occurring biofilm containing bacteria, can lead to gingivitis if not
removed by daily brushing.
Who Can Get Gingivitis?
Gingivitis
is quite prevalent. But while almost 80% of adults will experience some
symptoms of gingivitis, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inevitable.
It’s important to note that occasionally there might be no noticeable
pain or apparent signs, leaving people unaware that they have it. That’s
another good reason to schedule regular checkups with your dental
professional every six months so he or she can identify it and suggest
treatment options.
Gingivitis Symptoms
Some
symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Chronic
gingivitis can lead to periodontitis and chronic bad breath. If these
symptoms persist, it's important to talk with your dental professional
to determine the best treatment. In the meantime, learn what you can do
to protect against gingivitis.
To read the entire article visit OralB.com.
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Dental
caries (cavities) are the most common form of oral disease known to
man, and the process of getting caries is called tooth decay.
Tooth
decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel -- the hard, outer layer
of your teeth. This issue can affect children, teens and adults. Plaque,
a sticky film of bacteria, is constantly forming on your teeth. When
you eat or drink foods or beverages containing sugars, the bacteria in
plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the
plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth, and over time the
enamel can break down, according to the American Dental Association
(ADA).
The types of caries formed can be broken down into two major groups:
Pit and fissure caries. These
are found most often on the chewing surfaces of the back (molar and
premolar) teeth, and the back of the front (anterior) teeth. Your teeth
are composed of several sections of enamel, and where these sections
meet, pits and grooves can trap plaque, causing decay. The proper
application of pit and fissure sealants, a hard plastic material applied
to seal the grooves and pits when the teeth have erupted, can prevent
this type of dental caries. The sealants also make it less likely that
you will need restorations (fillings) on those surfaces of the teeth.
Smooth surface caries. These
are found most often along the gumline or where two teeth touch
(interproximal or the space between teeth), if plaque forms in those
areas. With the proper use of dental floss, you can prevent most smooth
surface caries in the interproximal area, and using a manual or power
toothbrush along the gumline can prevent caries in that area as well.
To read the entire article written by Richard A Huot, DDS, please visit Colgate.com
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Flossing helps control plaque. It can reach where a toothbrush can't, like between the teeth. Floss daily with floss and interdental cleaners that carry the American Dental Association (ADA) seal. Ask your dentist for tips if you're not sure how to floss. Like everything else, flossing gets easier with practice.
The above article is from: WebMD.com
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Below is an article written by by Tracey Sandilands and found on Colgate.com
Antimicrobial therapy is a form of oral treatment used to eliminate or reduce the development of bacterial infections in the mouth. The therapy aims to prevent periodontal diseaseresulting from infections, which can cause painful, bleeding gums and loosening of your teeth.
Preparation and Treatment
If your dentist decides you will benefit from antimicrobial treatment, they will likely start with scaling and root planing. This process removes plaque and calculus (tartar) from the sulcus area around the teeth using either a scaler or instruments as well as an ultrasonic scaling device. In severe cases where there are periodontal pockets greater than 5-6 mm deep, the dentist may recommend that the patient be seen by a periodontist to evaluate the area with deeper pocketing and determine if gum surgery may be necessary. The scaling and root planing and gum surgery treatments require local anesthesia to reduce the patient's discomfort. The dental hygienist performs the scaling and root planing procedure.
During gum surgery, the periodontist makes an incision into the gum tissue, flaps the tissue back and cleans and scales the surface of the affected teeth and bone to remove the diseased tissue and infection. The gum tissue is then put back in place and sutured and the gum tissue will heal, and the periodontist will check the area a week or so after surgery. The use of an antiseptic mouthwash or antibiotic medication may be recommended for the next seven to 10 days.
Antiseptic Mouthwashes
Mouthwashes containing antiseptic ingredients help control the reproduction of the bacteria, which grow on the gum tissue in the mouth, and help to clean out the pockets around the individual teeth. The ingredients in antiseptic mouthwashes may include chlorhexidine, essential oils, and metal salts Sn11 and Zn11 to help control dental plaque and halitosis.
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com
The remainder of the article details the following:
- Antibiotic Medications
- After Treatment
A mouthguard is a flexible appliance that is worn in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma. The dental profession unanimously supports the use of mouthguards in a variety of sports activities.
Why should I wear a mouthguard?
A mouthguard can prevent serious injuries such as broken teeth, jaw fractures, cerebral hemorrhage and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouthguards are effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances. They may also reduce the severity and incidence of concussions.
In what sports should I wear a mouthguard?
Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Players who participate in basketball, softball, football, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating and martial arts, as well as recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicycling, should wear mouthguards while competing.
Why don't kids wear mouthguards?
Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which the child participates. Some, though not all, schools reinforce the health advantage of mouthguards for their contact sports. Cost may be another consideration, although mouthguards come in a variety of price ranges.
What are the different types of mouthguards?
Stock mouthguard: The lowest cost option is a ready-made, stock item, which offers the least protection because the fit adjustment is limited. It may interfere with speech and breathing because this mouthguard requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in place. A stock mouthguard is not considered acceptable as a facial protective device.
Mouth-formed mouthguard: There are two types of mouth-formed mouthguards. The first is a shell-liner mouthguard that is made with an acrylic material that is poured into an outer shell, where it forms a lining. When placed in an athlete's mouth, the protector's lining material molds to the teeth and is allowed to set. Another type is a thermoplastic, or "boil-and-bite," mouthguard. This mouthguard is softened in hot water and then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth by using finger, tongue and sometimes biting pressure.
Custom-made mouthguard: The best choice is a mouthguard custom-made by your dentist. It offers the best protection, fit and comfort level because it is made from a cast to fit your teeth.
How should I care for a mouthguard?
- Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and cool (not hot) water.
- Before storing, soak your mouthguard in mouthwash.
- Keep your mouthguard in a well-ventilated, plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes so the mouthguard will dry.
- Heat is bad for a mouthguard, so don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile.
- Don't bend your mouthguard when storing.
- Don't handle or wear someone else's mouthguard.
- Call your dentist if there are any problems.
Above article by: KnowYourTeeth.com
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A few years ago, a dental newsletter published what seemed like an unusual story. A boy snagged his teeth on a basketball net while doing a slam-dunk.A freakish accident? Not quite. After the article appeared, nearly 40 dentists wrote in with their own stories. They all told of would-be Michael Jordans who sacrificed their front teeth in pursuit of the perfect dunk.In older children and adults, sports injuries are common. Dentists estimate that between 13% and 39% of dental injuries occur while playing sports.About 80% of all dental injuries affect at least one of the front teeth. Damage to the tongue or cheek is common, too.Basic ProtectionEven if a tooth has been knocked out, it often can be saved if you get to a dentist quickly enough. Minor chips and cracks can be repaired. Dentists use tooth-colored materials that are nearly as strong as the original tooth. However, even "minor" injuries can cause serious and costly damage. If you enjoy sports or other high-risk activities, protect yourself. The use of mouth guards among football players, for example, is believed to prevent about 200,000 mouth injuries a year.Depending on the sport, two types of protection are available:
- Helmets- A helmet is a must for activities that involve speed or impact. These include football, hockey, skating and bike riding. The helmet should fit correctly. It should also be appropriate for the sport you are playing.
- Mouth guards - Wearing a mouth guard is one of the best ways to prevent injury to your teeth, tongue and lips. A custom-fit mouth guard from your dentist is recommended. This type of mouth guard usually fits better than a ready-made one (found in sporting-goods stores). That means it may protect your teeth better.
If a custom-fit mouth guard isn't an option, try a "boil-and-bite" mouth guard. You can buy one in a sporting-goods store. You place the mouth guard in boiling water. Once the plastic is soft (but not too hot), you bite down on the mouth guard and mold the softened plastic around your teeth. If the mouth guard doesn't fit comfortably the first time, you can reheat it and do it again.©2002-2013 Aetna, Inc. All rights reserved.09/25/2013The above article is from: Colgate.com
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Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 245-7714
The Value of Hygiene Visits
A major reason to visit our office is to have your teeth cleaned by a professional hygienist. Plaque and tartar build up on teeth over time. Plaque is soft and sticky, but regular brushing can easily remove most of it. However, plaque hardens into tartar, which is beyond the abilities of a toothbrush and floss. Tartar accumulates below the gums as well as on the tooth surface. If plaque isn’t removed, you risk more serious problems with your oral health down the road. Because of the research that confirms a link between untreated gum disease and serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis is one of the best things you can do to maintain health!
Jeffrey B. Kravitz, DDS, DICOI
417 Water Street
Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 245-7714
WakefieldFamilyDentist.com
Gingivitis
is an early stage of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque
bacteria on the tissues that surround the teeth. Plaque, a naturally
occurring biofilm containing bacteria, can lead to gingivitis if not
removed by daily brushing. 
