Instead of having one dental professional for optimal oral health, general dentists regularly team with periodontists. General dentists often refer patients to periodontists to treat more problematic periodontal cases, such as severe gum disease or intricate periodontal procedures, such as tissue grafts. Together, they are able to help patients achieve good oral health and maintain this on an ongoing basis. This team approach with your general dentist helps to create a treatment plan that best conforms to your individual needs and goals.

All periodontists must complete an additional two to three years of specialized training in periodontics following four years of undergraduate school and four years of dental school. Periodontists offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling and root planing (which is the repair of an infected tooth root) or root surface debridement (removal of damaged tissue). While familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, they are also trained in performing cosmetic procedures involving gum tissue.

Periodontists typically spend the majority of their time diagnosing and treating periodontal (gum) disease. However, they perform a wide range of procedures that involve soft tissues of the mouth. For example, they are skilled in cosmetic procedures to help create a beautiful smile, such as crown lengthening and repair of a ‘gummy smile.’ Since periodontists are dental pros when it comes to working with gum tissues, they can place dental implants skillfully without compromising gum tissues surrounding surgical site(s). They also correct gum recession by covering exposed root surfaces to prevent sensitivity to hot and cold as well as for esthetic reasons.

Periodontists are also experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. Because periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are chronic inflammatory diseases, researchers believe that gum disease can increase inflammation in the body. This can lead to an increased risk for developing more severe health complications, including cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes and other problems. Periodontal disease has been linked to preterm babies, memory loss and stroke as well.

Ice-cream, hot coffee, steamy cocoa, or chilly chocolate pudding. If any of these send a shiver down your back from anticipating a jolt of pain in your mouth, then you likely have tooth sensitivity.

Some sensitivity is caused by exposed tooth roots. This often occurs from over-zealous brushing or using a toothpaste that is too abrasive (such as baking soda – NEVER use this on teeth!). If you use a whitening toothpaste, a key ingredient – sodium pyrophosphate – can increase tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity can also occur from receded gums caused by periodontal disease.

Another cause of sensitive teeth is the development of tiny fractures. When hot or cold seeps through these fractures to a tooth’s interior, nerves in the inner pulp react, painfully.

To lessen or halt tooth sensitivity, use a toothpaste made especially for sensitive teeth. You should also use a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid the wearing away of tender gum tissues around teeth.

It’s time to seek treatment when a tooth is sensitive for 3 – 4 days. Because sensitivity can occur for different reasons, it is important to have a tooth (or teeth) checked to determine the true cause.

If you have questions about tooth pain, call (828) 274-9440. Because EVERYONE should be able to enjoy ice-cream!

A study of nearly 1,000 men and women, ages 40 to 79, has shown that fermented milk products, such as Yogurt, has significant benefits for your gum tissue.

The study, conducted by researchers at Japan’s Kyushu University, found that just 2 ounces of Yogurt per day can improve gum health. This is further proof from earlier findings that insufficient calcium in one’s diet is associated with periodontal disease.

So, instead of reaching for a candy bar in the afternoon, have a cup of sugar-free Yogurt. Your smile will thank you!

It’s Halloween, and whether you’re escorting youngsters to Trick-Or-Treat or handing out the goodies, this is a holiday that has all ages indulging in lots of sugar! I’m all for occasional indulgences, so enjoy those mini-Snickers, Milky Ways and candy corn without guilt.

Just remember, every time you eat something, your mouth endures an acid attack. The acid produced from sugar does the most harm. This is why it’s important to brush after treating yourself. If you can’t brush, chew sugar-free gum or swish with water. And, be sure to brush and floss before bedtime.

The worst part of Halloween, to me, is afterwards. What children accumulate or the leftover sweets tend to be eaten here and there. It’s better to have children eat some of their sugary loot as dessert. This way, they merely add to the acid attack that’s already in process in conjunction with mealtime. Rather than nibble candy later on (sparking a new acid attack), the acid attack underway just continues a little longer.

Parental (and grand-parental) influence has much to do with helping children develop good oral hygiene habits as they grow. Be a good example of maintaining a healthy mouth between dental check-ups and brag about how great a clean mouth feels! And enjoy your healthy smile while you enjoy that Tootsie Roll!