Diamons

gum disease

Photography by Dr. Padval

Frank Talk About Bad Breath

Social embarrassments come in many sizes. But chronic bad breath is near the top of the list. It affects those nearest and dearest to us and may limit the close social contacts we treasure most. Worse yet, a person with bad breath may be unaware he's offensive—we "turn off" our sensitivity to bad odors over time. Bacteria, plain and simple, are the culprit. Bacteria do their work in the mouth, lungs, sinuses and stomach. All the store-bought fresheners on the market won't remedy the cause. [...]

By |2017-12-19T00:00:46-08:00December 19, 2017|Restorative Dentistry|

Oral Health Tips when Having a Baby

You've got the glow of a mother-to-be. Keep it with these tips for better oral health for you and your baby. Now you're eating (and brushing, flossing and keeping dental appointments) for two. Make an appointment at the outset of your pregnancy for a healthy head start and advice on changes that could lead to dental problems. Hormonal changes can lead to diet changes, for a famous example, and morning sickness acids can threaten tooth enamel. Schedule non-emergency dental care for the fourth to [...]

By |2017-09-26T00:00:34-07:00September 26, 2017|Patient Education|

The Most Common Affliction?

When it comes to most common, not even winter colds strike as many of us as gum infection (periodontal disease). As many as 75% of adults will be a victim sometime in their lifetime. If this infection could grow on your arm, you'd be horrified. Instead, periodontal disease does its dirty work out of sight: inside your mouth. Left alone, it opens up gaps between gums and teeth. Too soon, you're on your way to losing your teeth entirely. How can I stop gum [...]

By |2017-08-08T00:00:13-07:00August 8, 2017|Periodontal Dentistry|

Baby Those Gums and Help Your Heart!

It started out as an unconventional theory. But now, more and more scientists, physicians and dentists are seeing the connection between gum disease and potentially fatal heart attacks. What would a problem with your gums have in common with an ailing heart? Researchers began by looking at heart attack patients and deciding what physical symptoms contributed to the attack in the first place. Their conclusions: inflammation, and infection. Then they set out to identify what might cause such inflammation and infection. High blood pressure, [...]

By |2017-04-25T00:00:58-07:00April 25, 2017|Periodontal Dentistry|

Save Money By Preventing Dental Expenses

Everyone is concerned about money these days. But the only way to save wisely is to calculate your net gain (or loss). We agree that it's silly to drive 20 miles to save 3 cents a gallon on gas, but it's just as foolish to skip your dental appointments. With the cost of everything increasing, an excellent way to save money is to prevent potential problems before they become big ones. Regular dental exams and cleanings are the best way to avoid a big [...]

By |2017-04-04T00:00:12-07:00April 4, 2017|Preventative Dentistry|

Diabetes

The first clue to diabetes may be in your mouth! In many cases it's the dentist–and not the physician–who has the first opportunity in the early detection of diabetes, because diabetics are especially prone to dental problems. Swollen, tender, bleeding and receding gums, loose teeth, and a sore tongue may not just be signs of poor dental health. They may be danger signals for diabetes, too. If you have any of these symptoms, you may be one of the millions of Americans who has diabetes. [...]

By |2017-02-14T00:00:46-08:00February 14, 2017|Patient Education|

Could You Have Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease, (aka gum disease) is painless in its early stages. So how can you tell if it's in your future? Take a good look at your gums. Then call us. Do your gums bleed—at all—when you brush? Are your gums swollen, red or tender? Have any permanent teeth loosened? Are you distressed by persistent bad breath? Are your gums pulling away from your teeth? Do your teeth or partial dentures fit together differently when you bite down?

By |2016-11-15T00:00:41-08:00November 15, 2016|Periodontal Dentistry|

Prevention is Your Best Protection

If you're like the rest of us, now that belt-tightening is the "new normal," you may already be eating more meals at home, dropping subscriptions, vacationing closer to home. You may also be tempted to cut back on your dental care. But think it over. If a problem has surfaced with your oral health, nipping it in the bud is a big money saver. Letting it go can mean big, costly—and sometimes painful—treatment down the line. You're smarter than that. During your appointment, we'll [...]

By |2016-10-11T00:00:39-07:00October 11, 2016|Preventative Dentistry|

Dentistry and the Older Adult

With people living longer, we, as dentists, recognize that the dental profession must shoulder a new responsibility for enduring dental care. We all hope we'll live to a ripe old age. At the same time, we want to enjoy the rest of our years and live a quality life. As people age, they become more prone to certain chronic conditions. Old adults may encounter root decay, erosion of the root surfaces, fracturing of fillings and brittle teeth, or gum infection. People with dentures or [...]

By |2016-09-13T00:00:23-07:00September 13, 2016|Patient Education|

Fluoride, it’s for Life

If your goal is healthy teeth for life, then you need fluoride. It ensures newly formed teeth are strong; prevents plaque, caries, and gum disease; and protects roots that get exposed as gums recede over time. This essential mineral is present in what we eat and drink, but a healthy diet doesn't supply enough for a gleaming smile. Instead, it's important to apply it topically and drink fluoride-rich water. In toothpaste, it boosts the cavity resistance of existing teeth. Systemic fluoride, in water, creates healthy tooth structure [...]

By |2016-07-19T00:00:06-07:00July 19, 2016|Preventative Dentistry|