Elite Sacramento Dentist : Gum Disease Information

Archive for Gum Disease

Do Mouthwashes Really Work?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

It depends.

Are you using it to mask bad breath? In that case, yes – mouthwashes like Listerine can mask bad breath temporarily.

Does using mouthwash mean you don’t need to brush and floss? No.

Some mouthwashes contain anti-bacterial components which help to control bacteria responsible for unpleasant odors and plaque. However, mouthwashes are not a substitute for mechanical removal of bacteria through brushing and flossing, where is the main way of preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Also, keep in mind that many mouthwashes contain alcohol. Mouthwashes that contain alcohol should be kept out of children’s reach.

Some mouth rinses like Act Mouthrinse may contain fluoride to help make teeth more resistant to acids that cause cavities. Other types like Peridex, which contains Chlorhexidine, can help with gum infections and are recommended for use after a deep cleaning or extraction. Both of these would be recommended by your dentist as needed.

The bottom line? Continue to brush, floss and see your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. And if you’d like, use mouthwashes to help freshen your breath.

Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. For more information about my practice, please visit www.elitesacramentodentist.com.

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
April 15, 2010

Categories : Dentistry

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Diabetes and Gum Disease: What is the Connection?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)

Tuesday, April 6th, 2010

Gum (periodontal) disease is often linked to diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, and the gums are among the tissues that are likely to be affected. People with uncontrolled diabetes seem to develop gum disease more often and more severely than those who have good control over their diabetes.

Research also suggests that the relationship between gum disease and diabetes goes both ways – gum disease may make it more difficult for diabetic patients to control their blood sugar. Severe gum disease can open the door to the blood stream, thereby increasing the entry of sugar into the blood, making it more difficult for diabetics to control blood sugar levels.

The elimination of gum disease is imperative for diabetics. When it is not addressed and treated, gum disease can result in loss of teeth. That is why good oral home care, regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are important as well as good maintenance of blood sugar levels.

Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave questions or comments below. To learn more about my practice, please visit www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
April 6, 2010

Sources:
http://www.ada.org/public/topics/diabetes_faq.asp
http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.diabetes.htm

Categories : Healthy Teeth

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What Causes Bad Breath?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

This is a very popular question. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an unpleasant condition that is cause for social embarrassment. Here are some causes:

Eating foods with strong odors. This is an obvious one, and examples are onions and garlic. The good news is that bad breath from foods is temporary and should disappear once the food has been passed through your body.
Poor oral hygiene. Keep in mind that bacteria lives in your mouth and can be found in plaque or tartar. When you do not brush or floss regularly, this odor-causing bacteria will continue to grow. Bacteria also tends to accumulate on the tongue, so clean your tongue with your toothbrush or ask your dentist for a tongue scraper.
Cavities & Abscesses. Bacteria will release waste products in the form of sulfur compounds which will cause bad breath.
Gum Disease. In this case bad breath comes from having large amounts of bacteria in deep gum pockets in combination with bleeding gums
Smoking. Not only does smoking cause bad breath, it also stains your teeth, increases your risk to oral cancer, and irritates your gums.
Dry mouth (xerostomia). This could be due to salivary gland problems, certain medications, or chronic mouth-breathing.
Medical conditions such as sinus infections that cause postnasal drip, diabetes, acid reflux, and liver problems can also cause bad breath.

How To Avoid It?

Brush and floss regularly, and keep your tongue clean
See your dentist regularly to ensure healthy gums and teeth
Do not smoke
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Chew sugar free gum to help stimulate saliva flow

Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click on the link www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Mar. 30, 2010

Source: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/bad_breath.asp

Categories : Bad Breath

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Gum Disease and Pregnancy

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

We have known for some time the risk factors associated with smoking, alcohol and drug use during pregnancy, and the relation to babies being born prematurely and of low birth-weight. Evidence is gathering to add gum disease to the list.

Pregnant women who have gum disease are seven times more likely to have a baby born too early and too small.

Gum disease also appears to trigger higher levels of biological fluids that induce labor. And research suggests that women can have an even higher risk of having a premature baby if their gum disease worsens during pregnancy.

All infections pose a risk to the unborn child, and are therefore a concern among pregnant women. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends that all women considering pregnancy have a thorough periodontal evaluation.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is especially important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Even if you have healthy gums, you can still develop pregnancy gingivitis because of hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click on www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Mar. 25, 2010

Source: American Academy of Periodontology
www.perio.org

Categories : Gum Disease

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How Does Your Oral Health Impact Your Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Earlier this week I discussed that infections in the mouth can lead to other health problems. What does this mean for heart disease and stroke?

Diseased heart vessels have thicker walls because of the buildup of fatty proteins. Research says that when oral bacteria enter the blood stream, they attach to these fatty plaques in the arteries. This leads to swelling of the arteries and formation of clots. Clots block the flow of blood to the heart, which then restricts oxygen supply to the heart thereby increasing the risk of heart attacks.

People with gum disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without gum disease. Gum disease was found in more people who had suffered a stroke than the control group that had not suffered a stroke.

Finally, periodontal bacteria can also complicate existing heart conditions such as heart murmurs by causing infection of the heart valves. Such pre-existing conditions require antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures. Your dentist and primary care doctor can advise you if you think you have concerns on this matter.

Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click Here

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Mar. 16, 2010

Categories : Dentistry, Healthy Teeth

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The Mouth Body Connection: How Do Infections In The Mouth Affect the Rest of the Body?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

In the late 90’s, the American Academy of Periodontology launched an effort to educate the public about new findings which support what dental professionals had long suspected: infections in the mouth play havoc elsewhere in the body.

Since then, evidence continues to support these links. While more research needs to be done to confirm that people with periodontal disease (gum disease) are at a higher risk for developing heart and systemic disease, dentists do know that periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, and all infections are cause for concern.

Periodontal bacteria can enter the blood stream, travel to major organs, and begin new infections. Research suggests that this may:

Contribute to the development of Heart Disease, the nation’s leading cause of death.
Increase the risk of stroke.
Increase a woman’s risk of having a pre-term, low birth weight baby.
Pose serious threats to people whose health is compromised by diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis.

Later this week I will discuss further how gum disease may contribute to development of heart disease and stroke. Until then…

Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click Here

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Mar. 16, 2010

Categories : Dentistry, Healthy Teeth

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What Is A “Deep Cleaning” Anyway?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (1)

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Deep cleaning, also known as root planing, refers to the initial treatment of gum disease (periodontal disease). Some signs of gum disease include but are not limited to:

Bad breath, loose and shifting teeth, red, swollen and or bleeding gums, itching or soreness of gums, depth pocket readings greater than 4mm, gum recession and loss of bone in the jaw.

What happens if you do not treat active periodontal disease?

You can have acute or chronic infections, loss of your teeth, and transmission of oral bacteria through your blood stream into your heart, lungs and other body systems.

What happens during a “deep cleaning”?

Your dentist or hygienist will scale the rough areas of the roots and remove the calcified bacterial deposits (ie. calculus, tartar) under the tissue which would otherwise keep the gum tissue inflamed and infected. This is usually done with the help of local anesthetic. Irrigation with an antibacterial solution is frequently used. In some cases, placement of antibiotic powder in the deepest pockets may be recommended. In my office, we also use laser technology to stimulate healing, kill bacteria, and eliminate damaged unhealthy tissue so that new healthy tissue can form and attach to the tooth, thereby reducing pocket depth.

Any post-operative concerns?

After a deep cleaning, you may be numb for several hours if anesthetic was used. Try to avoid eating or chewing until the numbness has worn off. For the rest of the day, try to avoid chewing crunchy or spicy foods on the side of the mouth that has been treated. You may resume normal chewing the next day.

Factors that may affect success of treatment?

Your overall health, medications, nutrition, genetics and tobacco use are all factors that can affect the success of treatment. It is possible that even with this treatment, you may need to be referred to a periodontist, or gum specialist, for evaluation and treatment if your dentist or hygienist determine it is necessary.

Typically, after completion of deep cleaning you will be required to return every 3 to 4 months for continuing care. As always, good home care and regular dental visits are essential to maintaining your periodontal as well as overall oral health.

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
www.elitesacramentodentist.com
January 28, 2010

Categories : Dentistry

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Choosing a Toothbrush: Why Extra Soft is Best

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

The goal of brushing is to remove plaque. Plaque is a soft yellow or white deposit that contains bacteria and builds up everyday on teeth. It is found mostly around the gumline and between teeth. Bacteria in the plaque will feed on the foods you eat and break them down into acid. This acid attacks teeth and gums, causing decay and gum disease

Plaque buildup that does not get removed within 24 to 48 hours will mineralize and turn into tartar. Tartar is the yellowish-white or yellowish-brown hard deposit that cannot be removed with brushing. The only way to remove tartar is with sharp dental scalers that your dentist or hygienist uses when you go in for your dental cleaning.

Since the main purpose of brushing is to remove the soft plaque deposits, a soft toothbrush is all you need. A medium or hard bristle toothbrush will NOT be more effective at removing plaque. In fact, scrubbing away with a hard or medium bristle will only strip away enamel, root surface, and gum tissue, causing toothbrush abrasion and sensitivity, and gum recession. In contrast, an extra soft toothbrush will be gentle on the teeth and gums and remove plaque effectively with the proper brushing technique.

The next time you visit your dentist, ask for a demonstration of proper brushing technique. I always recommend angling the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle toward the gumline, and using short strokes back and forth. The best extra-soft toothbrush that I have found on the market is from Nimbus dental, and no, they did not pay me to say that. You can order directly from the company at www.nimbusdental.com. However, many other companies make very good extra-soft toothbrushes as well.

It is important to note that no matter how well you brush, there will be certain areas that no toothbrush can reach, and that is why it is important to floss. And that is a topic that requires a separate discussion of its own, so look out for that blog in the near future…

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
www.elitesacramentodentist.com
January 26, 2010

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