Diamons

periodontal disease

Photography by Dr. Padval

Grow Older with Your Teeth

As we grow older, it's natural for changes in our mouths, gums, and jawbone to occur. However (thanks to preventive dentistry) people nowadays are keeping their natural teeth longer and longer. Prevent Tooth Loss as you Grow Older Neglect is the main cause of tooth loss, and most problems can be prevented with a simple regimen of daily home care for your teeth, a healthy diet and lifestyle, and regular dental examinations. Periodontal Disease The main cause of tooth loss in adults is periodontal [...]

Why Diabetes Matters for Your Mouth

The Dental Connection to Diabetes The first symptoms are often oral problems More and more, we realize there's a relationship between infections in your mouth and inflammation caused by diabetes. And neglecting one makes the other worse! Make sure your blood glucose is controlled. If you have diabetes, uncontrolled blood glucose makes you more susceptible to gum disease. And a severe gum infection, in turn, makes it even tougher to control your blood glucose. Make an extra effort to baby those teeth and gums. [...]

Does Gum Disease Hurt?

Periodontal Disease Can Be Painless One of the reasons gum disease is such a problem is that it progresses gradually, often with no pain during the initial stages. So how can you tell if you're affected? Have a look at some of the symptoms: Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing - No amount of bleeding is normal. Red, swollen, or tender gums - Redness can be a sign of irritation or infection. Gums should be a healthy shade of pink or coral. Bad [...]

“Is it a Cavity?”

Or something else... While most people think a toothache automatically means a cavity (or the need for a root canal), several other conditions can also cause temperature sensitivity, pain during chewing, and other symptoms typically associated with a toothache. Here are some of those causes: Gum Recession. When patients experience gum recession (which can be caused by periodontal disease, genetics, or neglect) the root surfaces of teeth are exposed. This part of the tooth can be very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, similar [...]

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Early Diagnosis is the Most Effective Means of Control Periodontal (gum) disease is more common than heart disease or even cancer, but because it's not categorized as "life-threatening," few people know much about the condition. The tragedy of this disease is that it can totally devastate your appearance. Left untreated, it will erode your jawbone, ultimately resulting in the loss of teeth. Germs from periodontal disease can even enter the bloodstream, where they have the potential to cause debilitating effects on your general health. [...]

Are You at Risk for Gum Disease?

With more than half of American adults affected by gum disease, it's important to know if you're in one of the at-risk groups. Some factors are beyond our control, but others can be controlled, and simple things such as better nutrition and behavioral changes can go a long way toward improving oral health and preventing gum disease. Gum Disease Risk Factors Age - People over 65 years have the highest rates of periodontal disease, with over 70% afflicted. Seniors with gum disease also have [...]

How Often Do I Need a Checkup?

Make time for your T.L.C. That's Tender Loving Checkup! Routine, regular examinations let us catch tooth decay and periodontal disease before they cause major damage to your teeth... and saves you the added expense and discomfort of more complex dental treatment. For most of our patients, we recommend a checkup every six months, but there's nothing "magic" about that interval. Some need cleanings more frequently while others may not need to come in so often. Some mouths build up more tartar than others while [...]

Let’s Think About Prevention…

Prevention is the Best Way to Avoid Costly Dental Emergencies We understand that not all emergencies can be avoided, sometimes accidents happen. But skipping check-ups and avoiding the dentist is never a good way to save money. It will only result in more costly treatment needed down the road. Instead, we like to emphasize the value of maintaining your oral health. Just imagine that every time you brush, floss, or have a cleaning, it's as if the cost of a future dental problem becomes [...]

Is Your Mouth Showing Signs of Aging?

Shortened teeth are a sure sign; lengthening them makes people look younger. We have methods to build up shortened or chipped teeth. Do You Have Periodontal Disease? Periodontal, or gum, disease are rarely noticed in early stages. Only by dental exam do you know for sure. However, there are some telltale symptoms: bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, or gums that are shrinking away from the teeth. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, so help keep your smile youthful [...]

Prevention: A Renewed Commitment

With new materials and procedures, dentistry has evolved from "if it hurts, yank it," to true preventive medicine. We can thank fluorides for the terrific rate of cavity-free children, and new anesthetics have made dentistry more comfortable than ever. Sealants, safer X-rays, and space-age plastics have all become commonplace in the course of comprehensive care and aggressive prevention. Our Goal Our goal is to be your partner in dental health. We're convinced you can keep your teeth intact for your entire life. To that [...]