Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
November's Theme - Diabetes and Periodontal Disease Connection
November is National American Diabetes Month. There is a BIG connection between Diabetes and Periodontal Disease (also known as gum disease). People with Diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease and lose teeth. Like all infections, gum disease may cause blood sugar to rise and make diabetes harder to control. There are 2 stages of gum disease.
The first stage is Gingivitis. The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria around the gums are call "gingivitis". In Gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen, and tender. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing, flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. There is not any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
The second, and most advance stage, is Periodontitis. When Gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to "periodontitis". Periodontitis means "inflammation around the tooth". In Periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form "pockets" that are infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body's enzymes fighting the infection actually start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. If treatment can't save your teeth, they may need to be removed. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily oral hygiene at home.
The first stage is Gingivitis. The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria around the gums are call "gingivitis". In Gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen, and tender. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing, flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. There is not any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
The second, and most advance stage, is Periodontitis. When Gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to "periodontitis". Periodontitis means "inflammation around the tooth". In Periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form "pockets" that are infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body's enzymes fighting the infection actually start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. If treatment can't save your teeth, they may need to be removed. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily oral hygiene at home.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Halloween Tips to prevent Cavities
Here are some tips to prevent Halloween Cavities:
- Consume Halloween candy with meals
- Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and help rinse away food particles!
- Avoid sticky candies
- The stickier candies, like taffy and gummy bears, take longer to get washed away by saliva, which increase the risk of cavities!
- Avoid hard candies
- Candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject the teeth to prolonged acid attack, which increases the risk of cavities!
- Drink more water
- The more water you drink, the more the bacteria is being washed away!
- Inspect all candies for anything that has been tampered with!
Remember the 1-2-3's of good daily oral hygiene!
Floss once a day, brush twice a day, and eat three balanced meals a day!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes have several advantages over manual brushes. Most of them have timers so you'll brush longer, they are more fun to use, and clinical studies have shown that they are more effective at removing plaque. Some electric toothbrushes are better than others. Sonic toothbrushes such as the Philips Sonicare series remove more plaque because of the vibrations per minute (some models boast vibrations per minute).
"After I first started using my Sonicare toothbrush, I have never wanted to use a manual brush again! I feel like my teeth get cleaned so much better than manual brushes! I love my brush and recommend it to everyone i know!"
Monday, October 11, 2010
Hygiene tips for a stellar smile
Here are some simple hygiene tips for a stellar smile!
- Brush with the radio on - dentist recommend brushing for the entire length of a song (at least 2 minutes minimum).
- Use fluoridated, antimicrobial toothpastes and mouth rinses. They help to make the tooth structure resistant to decay.
- Keep oral hygiene products at work. Studies show that the chance of a person using them during the day will increase 65 percent.
- Talk to your dentist about new products you're using, as all products are no suited for all people.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.
- Chew gum with Xylitol after meals.
HAPPY MONDAY! :D
Monday, October 4, 2010
October's Theme - National Dental Hygiene Month
Happy October everyone! This month we are going to be talking a lot about Dental Hygiene!
What is the best way to brush?
Place a toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle and gently brush teeth in an elliptical (circular) motion. Brush the outside of the teeth, inside the teeth, your tongue, the chewing surfaces, and between teeth. Using a back-and-fourth motion causes the gum surface to recede, can ex pose the root surface, or make the root surface tender. You also risk wearing down the gum line.
Why should I floss?
Floss removes plaque and debris that adhere to teeth and gums in between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath. By flossing your teeth daily, you increase the chances of keeping your teeth a lifetime and decrease your chance of having periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay. Flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque, perhaps more important than the tooth brush. (AGD)Dental hygiene not only affects your oral hygiene, but also your overall health!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Referrals
Your referral of a friend or family member to our office is one of the finest compliments you can give us. We welcome your friends and family members to become part of our practice.
For any referral who comes in you receive one of the following:
Refer all your friends and family today!
For any referral who comes in you receive one of the following:
Refer all your friends and family today!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Constitution Night
Do you know the US Constitution? Do your children?
Do you like to play Jeopardy?
Come to a night of US Constitution Jeopardy!
Experience purposeful fun! Learn more about our constitution and have fun doing it!
Celebrate Constitution Day!
- Contestants will be chosen from our non-television viewing audience!
- Meet an imposter Alex Trebek in person!
- Win prizes!
- Enjoy refreshments!
- Meet other constitutionally-minded people!
Where: Cascade Dental
352 East State Rd in Pleasant Grove
Near Smith's Food and Drug
SPONSORED BY CASCADE DENTAL
Thursday, September 9, 2010
September's Theme - Osteonecrosis of the Jaw and Bisphosphonates
Your osteoporosis medication may cause severe sores in your mouth that never heal.
If you or someone you know has received treatment for cancer or osteoporosis, then pay careful attention to the information in this article.
Bisphosphonates
Drug ----------Brand Name
etidronate ------------Didronel
alendronate ----------Fosamax
pamidronate -----------Aredia
zoledronate -----------Zometa
risedronate -----------Actonel
ibandronate -----------Boniva
Bisphosphonates , a common medication for cancer or osteoporosis, can be delivered directly into your blood stream or in a pill form. Many pharmaceutical companies sell it, so their names vary. See the table for a list. Bisphosphonates are an important medication used to prevent cancer from spreading to the bone and to prevent weak bones due to osteoporosis. Even a single dose of this medication can stay in your body for years.
A significant side effect of bisphosphonates includes osteonecrosis of the jaw, which is dead bone in the jaw. Signs and symptoms include pain, swelling and redness in the gums next to the bony sore. Because an area of the bone dies, the gums do not cover it anymore and fall off the bone. An open wound of exposed bone persists and never heals. This open wound in the mouth is started from dental surgery, such as a tooth extraction. Photos of this condition are too graphic for public consumption to be included in this newsletter, but can be found easily on the internet.
Treatment focuses mainly on relieving symptoms. So far the best action to take is to maintain a healthy mouth to avoid oral surgery. That would include seeing your dentist regularly, avoid elective oral surgery, and keep up on dental treatment. Gum disease, cracked teeth, and tooth decay, if left untreated, can lead to surgery. Simple precautions while being treated for serious conditions like cancer and osteoporosis can greatly increase your quality of life.
If you or someone you know has received treatment for cancer or osteoporosis, then pay careful attention to the information in this article.
Bisphosphonates
Drug ----------Brand Name
etidronate ------------Didronel
alendronate ----------Fosamax
pamidronate -----------Aredia
zoledronate -----------Zometa
risedronate -----------Actonel
ibandronate -----------Boniva
Bisphosphonates , a common medication for cancer or osteoporosis, can be delivered directly into your blood stream or in a pill form. Many pharmaceutical companies sell it, so their names vary. See the table for a list. Bisphosphonates are an important medication used to prevent cancer from spreading to the bone and to prevent weak bones due to osteoporosis. Even a single dose of this medication can stay in your body for years.
A significant side effect of bisphosphonates includes osteonecrosis of the jaw, which is dead bone in the jaw. Signs and symptoms include pain, swelling and redness in the gums next to the bony sore. Because an area of the bone dies, the gums do not cover it anymore and fall off the bone. An open wound of exposed bone persists and never heals. This open wound in the mouth is started from dental surgery, such as a tooth extraction. Photos of this condition are too graphic for public consumption to be included in this newsletter, but can be found easily on the internet.
Treatment focuses mainly on relieving symptoms. So far the best action to take is to maintain a healthy mouth to avoid oral surgery. That would include seeing your dentist regularly, avoid elective oral surgery, and keep up on dental treatment. Gum disease, cracked teeth, and tooth decay, if left untreated, can lead to surgery. Simple precautions while being treated for serious conditions like cancer and osteoporosis can greatly increase your quality of life.
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