Regular Dental Checkups Can Protect Your Health As Well As Your Smile

By Dr. Gianino

Sometimes it’s very easy to find a myriad of reasons to not visit your dentist at least twice a year for a checkup. Yet there are many more reasons why you definitely should take the time for these important visits that can not only protect your smile, but your overall health as well.



During your checkup, your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure that they are free of cavities or other problems. If cavities are caught when they are just getting started, they can be removed and filled before they cause severe damage to or completely destroy a tooth or even spread to the surrounding teeth. And if a tooth has become chipped or cracked, your dentist can identify the issue and correct it before it can cause pain or even break off and create additional challenges.



Your dentist will also check your gums to ensure that they are free of gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). Gum disease has very few, if any, symptoms before it gets to the point that it is doing damage to your teeth, gums and the bones that hold your teeth. But with a thorough examination, a dentist can diagnose this disease in its very early stages, which is important to your overall health because it is estimated that “80 percent of American adults” currently have some form of periodontal disease. And periodontal disease that is left to move into an infection has been found to be a risk factor in systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.



Your dentist will also screen for oral cancer, which could actually save your life because each year more than 300,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed worldwide and more that 7,500 deaths are caused annually from this disease. Yet when it is found and treated early, oral cancer can be controlled.



Along with making sure that your teeth and gums are healthy and that there are no problems that can affect your overall health, your dental checkup is also a good time to talk to your dentist about teeth whitening, a smile makeover or any other aesthetic concerns you may have in regard to your teeth and your smile. With the dental technology of today, everyone can have a beautiful smile. Your dentist can go over all of the options that are available and recommend the ones that will work best for you.



Taking the time at least twice a year (and even more often if you have ongoing issues) to go to your dentist for routine checkups will also save you money because problems that are diagnosed and treated when they are in the beginning stages are much less expensive than those that have been allowed to develop into real issues.



So the next time you find yourself beginning to make excuses as to why you can’t schedule your routine dental checkup, think about the reasons you should…it can save you money, save your smile and just possibly save your life.



About the Author: Dr. Gianino has based his dental philosophy on patient respect and genuine relationships, taking the time to learn about the smile of your dreams - the smile you deserve. You can visit his website at DrGianino.com. He would love to hear from you.



Source: www.isnare.com

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You Could Have Periodontal Disease and Not Even Know It!

By Dr. Gianino

Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is quite stealthy…it is one of those afflictions that takes hold in your body and you don’t even know it’s there until it has already done some severe damage to your teeth, tissues, bones and even your overall health. In fact, 70 percent of tooth loss is attributed to gum disease. And periodontal disease has been shown to do much more damage than just to your oral health; it has been linked to strokes, heart disease, diabetes and pre-term, low birth-weight pregnancies.



There are a variety of risk factors that can contribute to gum disease such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, female hormonal fluctuations (such as in pregnancy and menopause), genetic predisposition, a diet high in sugar, stress, substance abuse and some medications. But the most common and most easily controllable factor in periodontal disease is the sticky, colorless film in your mouth known as plaque. This bacterial plaque releases toxins that break down the natural fibers that bond your gums to your teeth. When this occurs pockets can form between your teeth and gums giving the bacteria a place to hide as they do their destructive work on your teeth, gums and the bones beneath your teeth.



There are basically four stages of periodontal disease:



-Gingivitis – Gums are inflamed



-Early Periodontitis – An infection has begun to destroy the bone that holds your tooth or teeth



-Moderate Periodontitis – Significant bone loss is occurring



-Advanced Periodontitis – Severe bone loss has occurred



If you currently have any of the following symptoms, there is a good chance that you have advanced periodontal disease and a trip to your dentist is imperative, not only for your oral health but your overall health as well.



-Gums that are red, swollen, tender or bleeding



-Sensitivity in your teeth



-Pain when you chew



-Loose or separating teeth



-Gums that have pulled away from your teeth



-A change in the way that your teeth fit together



-Persistent bad breath



-A change in how your partial dentures fit



-Pus between your teeth and gums



But the good news is that if you make regular trips to your dentist at least twice a year for a dental checkup, your dentist can find gum disease in even its very earliest stages and it can be treated and progression stopped. By working together with your dentist, you can ensure that periodontal disease will not have an opportunity to do any damage to your teeth or health.



To begin with, good daily oral hygiene habits are very important so that the bacterial plague that is constantly occurring in your mouth can be removed before it turns into tartar which can develop both above and below your gum line and cause deterioration and infections. Your dental professional can help ensure that you are brushing and flossing correctly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.



If your dentist does find indications of periodontal disease, there are a variety of treatments that can be used depending on the stage of the disease. Ideally, you want to prevent gum disease altogether and to do that, it is important that you maintain good daily oral hygiene habits and visit your dentist at least every six months so that if gum disease does get started, it can be found in its very early stages and stopped it in its tracks.



About the Author: Dr. Gianino has based his dental philosophy on patient respect and genuine relationships, taking the time to learn about the smile of your dreams - the smile you deserve. You can visit his website at DrGianino.com. He would love to hear from you.



Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=561264&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies

The Causes, Symptoms and Treatments of TMJ

By Dr. Gianino

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), also known as TMJ Disorder happens when the small triangular joints that open and close your jaw get out of sync. There are a variety of reasons why this could happen, including:



Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth – Ongoing grinding or clenching of your teeth puts a lot of pressure and strain on your joints, which is why this behavior is one of the most common causes of TMJ Disorder.



Misaligned Bite – When your upper and lower teeth do not line up properly, any jaw movement can cause wear and tear on the cartilage disks that cushion the TMJ or could cause the joint itself to become dislocated.



Worn or Torn Cartilage – Sometimes the cartilage disks that cushion the joint can become worn down which results in grinding of the jawbone.



Dislocated Temporomandibular Joint – When the joint becomes dislocated, it can impede the movement of the jaw resulting in strain and/or pain in that area.



Arthritis – With arthritis, inflammation and swelling can occur in the muscles, ligaments and tissues around the TMJ causing discomfort and pain.



Trauma to the Temporomandibular Joint – A blow to the jaw can occur in an auto accident, airbags deploying, a slip or fall where the face hits against something, or other various reasons, and when trauma occurs to that area of the face, the joint can become misaligned creating pain.



The symptoms of the disorder will vary for each individual afflicted with TMJ depending on the reason behind the dysfunction. For some, this disorder will produce little discomfort while for others it will cause significant pain. But any imbalance to the temporomandibular joint strains the related muscles and irritates the affected nerves causing a variety of unpleasant and painful symptoms including one or several of the following:



-Radiating pain in the face, neck and shoulders



-Headaches…from moderate to migraine



-Stiffness of the jaw muscle



-Pain in the jaw joint



-Painful clicking, grating or even popping in the jaw area when the mouth is opened or closed



-Ringing in the ears or ear aches



-Limited movement or locking of the jaw



-Tingling in the extremities



-A change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together



-Pain in the teeth or cheek areas



When TMJ Disorder is the cause of your pain and discomfort, there are a variety of approaches that can be taken to correct the problem. Which approached to take is based upon a personal evaluation of your situation. The first step is a thorough dental examination of your mouth and bite. Your dentist may then suggest one or several of the following approaches:



-Applying ice and/or heat packs



-Doing gentle jaw relaxing and stretching exercises to strengthen your jaw muscles and help increase jaw movement



-Learning techniques for relaxing and reducing stress



-Using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines



-Using a stabilization sprint or bit guard



-Correcting your bite or teeth alignment with dental restorations or orthodontics



For many people, TMJ is a painful and serious condition, but the pain caused by TMJ can be minimized or alleviated with your dentist’s guidance and instructions.



About the Author: Dr. Gianino has based his dental philosophy on patient respect and genuine relationships, taking the time to learn about the smile of your dreams - the smile you deserve. You can visit his website at DrGianino.com. He would love to hear from you.



Source: www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=561768&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies

The Causes and Treatments of Gum Disease

By Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can range from gingivitis, which is the first stage where the gums are inflamed, to advanced periodontitis where severe bone loss has occurred. Until it is in the extreme stages where infection exists and severe damage is being done, periodontal disease does not have any symptoms.



Studies show that over “80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease” and while not everyone gets gum disease, there are certain risk factors that can elevate the probability:



•Poor Oral Hygiene – Plaque is constantly being created in the mouth and when plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it develops into tartar (also known as calculus), which can only be removed by a dental professional using special tools.



•Smoking – A very significant risk factor, smoking is the “single major preventable risk factor for periodontal disease.” The risk of gum disease actually increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and pipes and cigars have the same risk potential.



•Diet High On Sugar Intake – Bacteria that are constantly available in the mouth, when combined with sugar, create an acid that attacks the enamel of the teeth and causes gum disease.



•Hormonal Changes in Women – Female hormones make the gums more susceptible to periodontal disease…especially with pregnancy and during and after menopause.



•Genetics – According to the American Academy of Periodontology, studies have indicated that “approximately 30 percent of the population may be genetically predisposed to periodontal disease.”



•Diabetes – Patients with diabetes have susceptibility for developing infections… and this includes gum infections.



•Substance Abuse – Gums and teeth can be damaged by the long-term abuse of either alcohol or illegal drugs such as amphetamines.



•Stress – When the body is under stress, it has a more difficult time of fighting infections, and psychological stress creates the release of inflammatory hormones which can trigger or escalate gum disease.



•Medications – From antidepressants to some types of heart medication…when a drug lessens the flow of saliva in the mouth, the gums are more prone to disease because saliva protects the teeth and gums.



But even with risk factors, periodontal disease does not have to cause havoc. By practicing good daily oral hygiene habits and making regular visits to the dentist for checkups and professional cleanings, gum disease can be prevented or treated. First of all, periodontal disease can typically be prevented by doing the following:



•Eating a well-balanced diet that is low in sugar



•Brushing at least twice a day or after every meal



•Flossing at least once a day (preferably before bedtime)



•Refraining from using tobacco products



•Visiting the dentist on a routine basis



In those cases where a patient does get periodontal disease, after a thorough periodontal examination, a dentist will be able to determine which of the treatment options is the best choice for the patient. These are the methods that are most often used to correct gum disease:



•Scaling and Root Planing – This is a deep cleaning method where a dental professional uses special tools to clean tartar and bacteria from above and below the gum line and to clean and smooth out tooth root surfaces.



•Laser Treatments – These treatments are sometimes used to close up any pockets and remove infected tissue.



•Pocket Reduction Surgery – When inflamed areas or ‘pockets’ are present, the dentist may perform a gentle surgery where a ‘flap’ on the gums is lifted back so that diseased tissue can be removed and the bones and gums can be repositioned if necessary to support the tooth.



•Grafting – If either bone or tissue have been lost because of the disease, the dentist may suggest grafting which can either replace lost bone or tissue or encourage new growth of either or both.



Periodontal disease is preventable. But in those cases where it does take hold, dental technology provides a myriad of treatments to bring the teeth, gums and jawbone back to full health.



About the Author: Dr. Karl Smith has been in dental practice for over twenty-seven years. His specialties are periodontics, dental anesthesia and implants. People come from near and far to experience the comfort and professionalism of his office and patient-oriented staff. DrKarlSmith.com



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