You know good dental
habits can help prevent things like cavities and gingivitis, but you may not
know what conditions like these really look like or how they can affect your
mouth. Use this visual guide to learn more about some of the most common dental
health issues, symptoms to watch for and the potential treatments that are
available. Please
note: This content is for informational purposes only. Only a dentist,
physician or other qualified health care professional can make a diagnosis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage
of gum disease, an infection of the
tissues around your teeth caused by plaque. If you have gingivitis, your gums
may become red, swollen and bleed easily. You may also
experience bad breath. Because gum disease
is usually painless, you may not know you have it.
You are more likely to develop gum disease if you skip brushing and flossing, use tobacco, have crooked teeth
that are hard to keep clean, are pregnant, have diabetes or take certain
medications. When in its early stages, the disease is still reversible and your
gums can be returned to good health with a professional cleaning from your
dentist, along with daily brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis
is the more advanced form of gum disease, a major cause of
tooth loss in adults. According to the CDC, nearly half of U.S.
adults suffer from it. The disease can be reversed in early stages, but damage
may be permanent the longer it goes untreated. Although you may not be aware of
the gum disease in your mouth, abscesses can develop which
usually painful. Symptoms include bleeding, swollen gums,
persistent bad breath or bad taste, loose
permanent teeth and a change in bite. Your teeth may appear to become longer as
gums and bone recede. There are many treatments available, including deep cleanings known as scaling and
root planing. Talk to your dentist to find out what’s best for you.
Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection
that looks like white film in your mouth. You’re more likely to get thrush if
you have an illness that affects your immune system. This includes people with
HIV/AIDS or cancer, as well as people
using steroids to manage their asthma. People with untreated or uncontrolled diabetes are also susceptible
because sugar in saliva encourages yeast to grow. Thrush is also common in
people who wear dentures. If you have
symptoms, see your dentist. After a scraping to confirm you have thrush, your
dentist can prescribe medicine to clear it up.
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Laser Treatment – An Alternative to Traditional Gum Surgery
Considered an almost miraculous development, dental lasers provide a simple, often painless, and minimally invasive procedure for the effective treatment of gum disease. Because the process renders scalpels and sutures unnecessary, the healing process is usually quicker. The laser is safe and can actually help to increase bone mass that is often lost from gum disease. The doctor also uses the dental laser for cosmetic recontouring, treating canker and cold sores, and removing cysts or nodules on the lips, tongue, and gums.
Another amazing use of the laser is treatment of tongue-tie or lip-tie. In this case, the tissue securing the lip to the gums or the tongue to the base of the mouth is too tight, causing a variety of issues. The laser allows the doctor to trim this attachment without cutting, bleeding, or stitches.
Summerlin Dental Solutions
851 S. Rampart Blvd., #230
Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 341-9160
DentalSolutionsLV.com
Now the Good News
Most basic insurance plans pay for the surgical treatments necessary to treat advanced periodontal disease. Gum surgery is almost always successful in controlling the conditions present in severe cases. However, with mild periodontal disease, there are powerful NON-surgical procedures that, along with better dental hygiene, can virtually stop the development of the disease. This, too, is usually covered under most dental insurance plans.
Summerlin Dental Solutions
Rodney Gleave, DMD
Brian Karn, DMD
851 S. Rampart Blvd., #230
Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 341-9160
DentalSolutionsLV.com
Do You Suffer From Bad Breath?
It can not only destroy your social life, it's often a sign of more chronic health problems. For example, bad breath is often an indicator of gum disease. Major improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of bad breath have encouraged us to add a Fresh Breath Center to our practice. Fresh breath can be yours again!
Summerlin Dental Solutions
Rodney Gleave, DMD
Brian Karn, DMD
851 S. Rampart Blvd., #230
Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 341-9160
DentalSolutionsLV.com
Many medical professionals consider obesity to be a chronic disease. It is well understood that obesity is on the rise in the United States, and that younger and younger members of our community are becoming obese due to poor nutrition and eating habits. Research has demonstrated that obesity will increase the risk for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, CVD, respiratory problems, and endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon cancers.1 It has also been demonstrated in a recent research study that obesity also increases the risk for periodontal disease, and it may be insulin resistance that regu¨lates the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease.1 It has also been found that individuals with elevated body mass indices (BMI) produce a higher level of inflammatory proteins.1
The classifications of being overweight and obese can pertain to more than 60 percent of American adults. It is even higher for some high-risk populations, such as African-American women, placing these individuals at greater risk for diabetes and cardiovascular dis¨ease. Some authorities estimate that two out of three Americans are overweight or obese, and projections of obesity trends for the future indicate an increase in the incidence of obesity in the general population.1
It is very critical for individuals to understand the obesity epidemic and to take proactive steps in addressing this issue with themselves and family members who are obese. Good nutrition and exercise should be stressed and individuals should be educated on the role that obesity may play in the development of diabetes, CVD and cancer.
The dental professional will take a thorough medical history and review any medical issues which may point to the cause for the obesity and refer the patient to his/her physician for evaluation. The oral health status will also be evaluated and treatment rendered based on the diagnosis. Emphasis will be placed on the reduction of the plaque and accompanying inflammation, both above and below the gumline. Home care should be reinforced, and patients should be encouraged to floss regularly and to brush twice daily with a toothpaste that offers antibacterial protection.
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.
What’s So Bad About Losing a Tooth?
While you might believe that decay, accident, or other trauma would be the primary reason behind tooth loss, the true culprit is gum disease. So, is it a big issue to lose a tooth? I mean it won’t kill you, right? No, it won’t, but losing even a single tooth can make your other teeth alter their position, which is not good. Missing teeth reduce your capacity to chew and to receive nutrients from your food, which can cause weight loss. Or, because it’s more difficult to chew with missing teeth, you may begin favoring softer foods with more carbohydrates and gain weight. Other bad things may occur, including your speech being altered. Or, the bone loss resulting from the missing teeth may cause your face to change shape, producing a “sunken” appearance that can make you look much older than you really are.
Designed to blend with your remaining teeth, dental implants can replace one tooth or multiples and are the best way to treat a missing tooth (or missing teeth). They look so natural that at first glance even a dentist will have trouble seeing the difference.
Summerlin Dental Solutions
Rodney Gleave, DMD
Brian Karn, DMD
851 S. Rampart Blvd., #230
Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 341-9160
DentalSolutionsLV.com
Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke
Recent medical research has led doctors to a disturbing conclusion: gum disease, stroke, and heart disease are connected. Since heart disease is often deadly, it is readily apparent that gum disease is no laughing matter. The American Dental Association estimates that 8 out of 10 Americans have periodontal (gum) disease. This large percentage would indicate an epidemic if this were any other affliction. In fact, most dentists think it is just that! They also realize that because most professionals believe “no one ever dies from it” gum disease will likely never be labeled an “epidemic.” The extreme situation means you will lose your teeth. Not pleasant – but certainly not life threatening. But that thinking has all changed.
The American Academy of Periodontology reports, “Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.” In short, the bacteria that destroy your gums can also migrate and destroy your vital organs!
Summerlin Dental Solutions
Rodney Gleave, DMD
Brian Karn, DMD
851 S. Rampart Blvd., #230
Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 341-9160
DentalSolutionsLV.com
The Primary Cause of Lost Teeth
Gum disease, not tooth decay, is the primary means by which most people lose their teeth. Unfortunately, it can remain completely unnoticed up to the very point your teeth are destroyed. Uncertain if it’s happening to you? Indicators are bleeding gums when you brush or floss, and loose or shifting teeth. We can assist even if you’ve been told you require gum surgery. You’ll be happy to know that it’s possible to control gum disease with an array of non-surgical methods.
Summerlin Dental Solutions
Rodney Gleave, DMD
Brian Karn, DMD
851 S. Rampart Blvd., #230
Las Vegas, NV 89145
(702) 341-9160
DentalSolutionsLV.com
