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Why Periodontal Disease is Bad for Your Health

October 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

If you are like many of the people in the U.S. that have periodontal disease, it’s important to be aware of risks and symptoms to preserve the longevity of your teeth. Some may refer to periodontal disease as a silent killer because it can creep up on you. Unless you are going for regular professional dental cleanings, you may neglect the mild symptoms that truly suggest the advent of a much bigger problem to come. The signs of periodontal disease can have a snow ball effect, creating both oral health issues and contributing medical conditions later on (heart disease, diabetes, etc.)

If you have any of the following symptoms, it’s important to read on:

  1. Bleeding gums while brushing your teeth or flossing
  2. Sensitive, swollen, or red gums.
  3. Bad breath – not just after eating garlic :)
  4. Gum recession
  5. Tooth sensitivity
  6. Teeth that are loose or have shifted

Gum disease may start as gingivitis. Gingivitis is a bacterial infection of your gums that you may not notice. In fact, most people have biofilms to a certain degree which consists of layers of bacteria pathogens, fungi and toxins in the mouth. When biofilms penetrate pockets between gum tissue and the teeth and gingivitis can occur. If left untreated, periodontal disease can develop.

At the onset of periodontal disease, the tissues surrounding the teeth become inflamed. If left untreated, bacteria produce toxins that ultimately destroy connective tissue and bone. In fact, so many people disregard the initial signs of gum disease that the condition has fast become the leading cause of tooth loss.  In addition, many studies now show that there is a clear link between diabetes, stroke and heart attack with gum disease.

The good news is that there many ways to prevent and treat periodontal disease. The first step is to visit your dental hygienist for a professional cleaning. It’s important to manage the bacterial condition of your mouth so that symptoms do not progress.

If you are concerned about periodontal disease, call A Perfect Smile, a Portland, Maine dental practice at (207) 781-2448.

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How to not screw up your smile

September 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Smart smile habits to take on now. Trust us, they’ll make it easier to take care of your smile later!

  • Bring a travel tooth brush, floss, or a toothpick wherever. We like Rotapoints. Ask for a sample at your next visit!
  • Store your tooth brush in a case to avoid polluting germs.
  • Ask us about “prescription strength” fluoride toothpaste to re-mineralize your teeth and to prevent tooth decay.
  • Fill in small chips and cracks in your teeth with dental bonding to prevent tooth loss and more invasive restorative procedures.

Dr. Nelson is a cosmetic and general dentist at A Perfect Smile in Falmouth, Maine. A Perfect Smile can help you find a finance company to help pay for restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures.

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5 Reasons the Oral B Professional Care 5000 should be your Tooth Brush!

September 6, 2010 By 1 Comment

Guest Post by A Perfect Smile Patient, Michael Papi

After a recent cleaning at A Perfect Smile my hygienist recommended to me the Oral-B Professional Care SmartSeries 5000!  It sounds like a lot but if you like the feeling of having your teeth cleaned professionally this is definitely as close as you can get!   Today’s blog post will be a  review of the Oral-B Professional Care SmartSeries 5000 as well as the top 5 reasons why you should own one as well!

The Oral-B Professional Care SmartSeries 5000 comes equipped with all of the bells and whistles you will need to keep your pearly whites clean all year long.  It has a “state of the art ergonomic design”, multiple brush heads (Oral-B FlossAction and Oral-B Pro White,) portable charger, travel toothbrush case, charging station, SmartGuide, and rechargeable battery are all apart of the package making it easy to travel with.

Don’t let the instructional DVD and 10 page manual for this toothbrush intimidate you.  Total this toothbrush brand new out of the box takes less then two or three minutes to set up.  Once the batter is charged its time to give it a try.  A wireless SmartGuide helps to maximize your brushing performance by displaying a timer and a guide to help you brush the different quadrants of your mouth effectively; its recommended you spend 30 seconds on each quadrant for a total of 2 minutes of brushing.  Every 30 seconds you will feel a pulse indicating that you are supposed to change quadrants.  The power of this toothbrush is so amazing that there is no way plaque will remain on your teeth once you have finished brushing.  With over 40,000 pulsations and 8,800 oscillations per minute you will feel like you just stepped out of the dentist’s office every time you brush your teeth!

I promised you 5 reason to use this toothbrush and here they are!

1.) Removes up to 99.7 of plaque from those hard to reach areas of your teeth (even deep between your teeth!)

2.) 5 different brushing modes: daily clean, sensitive, whitening, massage and deep clean

3.) Portable Charger and Plastic Travel Case.

4.) 40,000 pulsations and 8,800 oscillations per minute.  Thats a lot of power!

5.) The clean feeling you get after using the Oral-b Professional Care SmartSeries 5000 feels like you just had a professional cleaning.

I love my new tooth brush and encourage you to give it a try!

- Michael Papi

What toothbrush do you use? Tell us in the comments!

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New Brushing Techniques

August 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

There may be several reasons why people have difficulty brushing their teeth. I have trouble reaching my back wisdom teeth. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to learn about techniques that can improve your daily teeth cleaning routine to maintain oral health.

Can’t Reach the Back of Your Mouth?

Since the back of the mouth is one of the most important areas to keep clean, you may want to consider using a tongue depressor to keep your tongue down or a tongue cleaner to lengthen your toothbrush for hard to reach areas. Closing your mouth halfway can also help you get behind your back molars or wisdom teeth with a brush.

Can’t Brush the Backs of Your Teeth?
There are special tooth brushes available at A Perfect Smile to brush the back of your teeth with. Offered in a circular bristled design that is small enough to fit tight areas behind the teeth, these toothbrushes provide better access to the back of the teeth.

Do You Have Poor Hand Coordination?
Arthritis sufferers or those recovering from strokes or other conditions that affect hand coordination have found that inserting the back end of a toothbrush into a tennis ball can greatly help with grip and maneuverability.

Talk to your hygienist about other suggestions for enhancing your ability to care for your teeth and mouth. There may be specific tools and techniques that relate to your particular situation.

If you are having difficulty brushing, call A Perfect Smile, a Portland, Maine dental practice at 781-2448.

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Sensitive Teeth

June 21, 2010 By 3 Comments

Sensitive teeth can affect you if you have gum recession or exposed dentin on your teeth. You may notice a tingle when you drink something cold or when you brush your teeth. You may also experience sensitivity if you have tooth enamel loss, plaque, dry mouth syndrome, or gum disease. Cracked or chipped teeth, tooth decay and root nerve damage are other reasons for tooth sensitivity. Tooth whitening may also cause temporary sensitivity. The good news is that there are tasks you can perform to reduce sensitive teeth.

Tips for Sensitive Teeth

  • The Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste: You’ll likely to be able to reduce tooth sensitivity by using a soft toothbrush and desensitizing toothpaste.
  • Consider Fluoride: You’ll probably benefit from a fluoride mouthwash, gel or varnish which help to remineralize and strengthen the teeth. There are also prescription strength fluoride toothpastes.
  • See Your Dentist: Sensitive teeth may be a sign of tooth decay. So, it’s important to see your dentist about tooth sensitivity. Dentists also have in-office desensitizers and sealers that can be painted or sprayed on the teeth, offering an advanced method for managing sensitive teeth. Dentists can also perform bonding to protect tooth surfaces from sensitivity. You may also request prescription strength fluoride toothpaste. Regular professional hygiene appointments are highly advantageous for people with sensitive teeth.

If you would like to learn more about sensitive teeth, call Dr. Robert Nelson, a Portland, Maine cosmetic dentist at 207-781-2448

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The Smile Of Your Dreams

May 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

So, you are ready to have the smile of your dreams… maybe you have a wedding this summer, or a reunion, or you are just simply ready for a radiant new you. I am a firm believer in educating our patients and the public on the importance of “doing your homework” before making a big decision like getting the smile makeover. In most cases, the changes to your smile will be permanent – and you will love it!

Here are some great questions to ask when you are making your decision:

  • What training and credentials do you have in performing these procedures?
  • Can I see photos and testimonials of some of your most recent cases?
  • Which lab will you use for my case?
  • What can you do to help me preview my results before and during my treatment?
  • What can you do to help my treatment be conservative and last a long time?

I invite you to share your questions or experiences with me and here in the comments. If I, or my team at A Perfect Smile in Portland, Maine, can be of service to you or help you answer your questions, please email me at drnelson@maine.rr.com or call our office at 207-781-2448.

- Dr. Nelson

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The Daily Grind

May 4, 2010 By 1 Comment

Do you wake up with a sore jaw or headache? Have you noticed that your teeth have changed shape? Do you feel that there’s more space between your teeth? Do you feel that your teeth are loose? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you may suffer from teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.

Teeth grinding can be costly from several perspectives. Because we are likely to experience ongoing pain from teeth grinding, bruxism is associated with chronic pain. This pain can affect our relationships, our social life and professional life. In addition, teeth grinders are more likely to experience tooth fractures or can wear teeth down to stumps. Bruxism also destroys tooth restorations and cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental veneers. Teeth grinders who do not receive treatment are at a higher risk for dental bridges, dental crowns, root canals, dental implants and dentures. When we consider all costs associated with teeth grinding, a preventative treatment plan becomes important.

Teeth Grinding Prevention

Mouth Guard: Dentists can custom design a mouth guard that fits to the size of your teeth as well as contours of your teeth and tooth restorations. Mouth guards protect your teeth, cosmetic dentistry and tooth restorations from damage due to grinding.
Oral Hygiene: Improper oral hygiene is a contributor to teeth grinding. Daily brushing and flossing is important for teeth grinders. Obtaining dental fillings, root canals, dental crowns and the like, when necessary, reduces the risk of teeth grinding. Proper alignment of your bite, also known as occlusion, helps to prevent teeth grinding.
Massage: Certain massage therapists can focus on areas of the jaw to relax the jaw muscles. Regular massage has been known to alleviate the pain associated with teeth grinding.
Stress Relief: Stress is a factor in teeth grinding. Cardiovascular exercise and weight training help to reduce stress.
Diet: Refrain from caffeine foods and drinks that contribute to teeth grinding. This includes soda, coffee and chocolate. Stay away from alcohol that makes grinding worse. Don’t chew gum as the chewing motion can be a trigger for grinding.

If you have questions about your smile or bruxism, please contact our office!

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Your FAQs Answered Part 3: What is malocclusion?

April 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Malocclusion is more commonly known as “having an overbite.” Malocclusion can range from mild to severe and most people have malocclusion to some degree. People who have more severe malocclusions may require orthodontic and sometimes orthognathic surgery to correct the problem. Most of the time, having crooked teeth is only a cosmetic problem, meaning people don’t like the way their teeth look. But in severe cases, it can cause problems with eating or speaking.

We will check for malocclusion in children during regular dental visits. If need be, we can recommend your family to an orthodontist for further examination. Many adult patients can treat their malocclusion with clear aligners instead of braces. Teeth tend to move forward as you age, even after treatment with braces. If you had or are planning to have braces to correct your malocclusion, make sure you commit to wearing your retainers.

If you have additional questions about malocclusion, please ask your hygienist at your next appointment.

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Your FAQs Answered Part 2: Is teeth whitening safe for my teeth?

March 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The short answer is yes.

Teeth whitening products work by using carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide which get deep into your tooth enamel and break apart the staining compounds. Neither of these active ingredients will damage your enamel in the ratios used in whitening products today. In addition, professional whitening products go through a ton of clinical studies and are reviewed by the American Dental Association.

Some patients experience tooth sensitivity and gum irritation from whitening but these symptoms quickly subside. Fluoride can help with both of these symptoms as well as protect tooth enamel.

If you have questions about whitening your teeth, call our office at 207-781-2448.

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Your FAQs Answered Part 1: Is it True that Bleeding Gums Are Usually Due to Flossing

March 9, 2010 By 2 Comments

Last night I watched a movie, ate some popcorn, and got one of those pesky kernels stuck in my teeth. After aggressively fishing it out, I noticed my gum was bleeding a bit. That got me thinking about one of our most common questions from patients: “Why does flossing make my gums bleed?”

Generally, flossing should not cause your gum to bleed. If it does, consider it an early sign of periodontal (gum) disease and get yourself to a hygienist.

Flossing is important. When you brush and skip flossing, you miss cleaning 35% of your teeth. The harmful bacteria that is left behind causes irritation and inflammation. If left untreated, the bacteria can get into your bloodstream or cause irreversible jaw bone damage.

So the short answer is “No”. Flossing does not make your gums bleed. Bacteria and infection does.

-Sarah

If you have any questions about flossing or your oral health, we are happy to answer them. Call our office at 207-781-2448!

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