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Hello Friends!
Today’s topic isn’t a glamorous one, but important nonetheless. Your gums are the foundation and cornerstone to your overall oral health and it’s imperative that you care for them. Gums protect and support your teeth and the tissue that holds them to the bone. When they aren’t healthy, you risk tooth loss and damage to your overall health.
You’ve probably heard the phrase “gum disease”, but what is it? What does it mean if you’ve been diagnosed with it? Is it really that big of a deal? WebMD featured an informative article on the topic and we’ve included some of that information below.
How Gum Disease Happens
It “usually starts in areas that you’re not brushing or keeping clean,” says Mark Ryder, DMD, chair of periodontology at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry. “Bacteria build up in a film on your teeth and you get a reaction to that bacteria — inflammation.”
Swelling of the gums (also known as gingivitis), can be one of the first signs of gum disease. Other symptoms include:
- Gum redness
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Receding gum line
- Loose teeth
- Constant bad breath
- Mouth sores
Pain isn’t one of the first symptoms of gingivitis.
“What’s unique about early gum disease is that it doesn’t cause much discomfort at all,” Ryder says. “So you really have to pay attention to these other symptoms.”
Gum problems can get worse if you don’t get gingivitis treated.
“Infection and inflammation will spread deeper into the tissues that support the tooth,” Ryder says. “When that happens, the inflammation becomes destructive.”
The gums begin to pull away from the teeth, which lets in more bacteria. At this stage, gum disease is called periodontitis.
That condition “causes the tissues and bone that support the teeth to break down,” Ryder says.
This creates pockets where bacteria can grow.
“As you lose bone, your teeth get looser and looser, and eventually, they fall out,” he says.
What’s more, oral health affects your whole body. People with gum disease are more likely to get heart disease and are less able to control their blood sugar, studies show.
The CDC found that 47% of adults older than 30 have periodontitis. After age 65, that number goes up to 70%.
Your odds of getting gum disease are higher if you:
- Use tobacco products
- Are pregnant
- Have a family history of gum disease
- Have diabetes
- Have high stress
- Grind or clench your teeth
Some birth control, antidepressants, and heart medicines may also raise your risk. Tell your dentist about any medications you take regularly.
“Stop smoking, manage diabetes correctly, and if you’re pregnant, think about visiting the dentist more often during your pregnancy,” Ryder says.
How to Treat Gum Disease
Your dentist will remove the root cause: plaque on your teeth.
“The dentist would clean around all the affected areas, and really go down to the bottom of the pocket of the tooth, because that’s where the most harmful bacteria is,” Ryder says. This deep-cleaning process is called scaling.
Other causes will also be explored, like loose fillings or crowns. Your dentist may take X-rays to check for bone loss. You might need surgery if the disease is severe or doesn’t get better with time. You might visit a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in gum disease.
Tips to Manage Gum Disease
To keep it at bay, you should:
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
- Clean between the teeth, with floss or another cleaning tool.
- Swish twice daily with antiseptic mouth rinse.
- See your dentist regularly.
It seems like common sense, but so often people underestimate the importance of maintaining their teeth and gums. Oral health is often overlooked, especially if there is no pain involved. But as is so often the case a little prevention can prevent a lot of trouble later. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have any concerns about your oral health, contact your dental professional.
As always, if you have any questions or need more information, we would be happy to help. Contact our office at http://www.brunnerprastdental.com.
Yours in Good Dental Health:)
Brunner Prast Family Dental
***The above information is for informational purposes only and not intended to diagnose or treat any condition or disease. If you have any concerns please contact a dental professional.
Hello Friends!
It’s that time of year again! And no, I’m not referring to the upcoming holiday season. I’m referring to the end of the dental benefit year. WooHoo! Exciting? Hardley. But it is important. Why? For the vast majority of patients with dental insurance, the policies run on a calendar year.
There are exceptions, of course (some government or educational agencies come to mind as examples). But for the most part, if you don’t use your dental benefits, you lose them. What does that mean exactly? Well, when you are given a dental insurance policy, either through your employer or one you purchase yourself, the plan typically covers a set dollar amount, a “maximum” amount you are allowed for the year. Most plans do not roll over into the next year. So the benefits you pay premiums for are lost.
Calling to schedule your dental appoinment sooner rather than later will ensure that you will receive the appointment time that works for you. It will also allow time for the doctor to create a comprehensive treatment plan should you need one and allow time to schedule before the end of the year. Holidays become very busy in a dental office. Many people try to take advantage of having time off work or school to schedule, so it may become difficult to schedule.
The good news is that it’s still early enough to schedule. The bad news is that we can’t help you if you don’t call.
Of course if you have any questions regarding insurance or anything else, we are always happy to help. We look forward to hearning from you soon:)
Your Friends at
Brunner Prast Family Dental
734.878.3167
http://www.brunnerprastdental.com
*This blog is for educational and entertainment purposes only and not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.
Hello Friends!
You’ve probably heard that it’s not normal for your gums to bleed. Or that you should brush and floss at least twice a day. And rinse with a fluoride mouthwash. And see your dentist for a professional cleaning and exam every six months. And stay away from sugary foods and beverages. And avoid highly acidic foods. The list goes on and on! But life is busy! You’re rushing out the door in the morning and often fall into bed exhausted at night. Like so many other things that are good for our health, it can become easy to fall into the “I’ll do it tomorrow” trap. But, much like other aspects of our health, dental neglect will begin to show warning signs. Often one of the first is bleeding gums. If your toothbrush bristles are always pink when you brush or the water you spit into the sink afterwards is tinged with blood, that’s probably an indicator of mild gum disease or gingivitis. Your gums bleed because they are swollen, inflamed and irritated by the bacteria that has hardened into plaque. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontal disease.
Aside from the obvious negative oral side effects (bad breath, cavities, tooth and bone loss) of periodontal disease, there have been numerous studies linking periodontal disease to overall health problems. According to the ADA, the harmful bacteria that is in your mouth can travel to other parts of your body and has been linked to the increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
The only way to truly maintain good oral health is to brush and floss your teeth regularly and see your dental professional every six – twelve months. Like most things, catching problems early is the best way to avoid more serious problems and potentially more expensive treatment later.
So as hard as it may be to add more things to your ever-growing “to-do” list, it is so important to take care of yourself and make time to brush and floss!
Yours in good dental health
Your friends at
Brunner Prast Family Dental
Hello Friends!
I came across this post and wanted to share.
CHOOSE DENTAL HEALTH. IT’S MUCH CHEAPER.
Wednesday, January 13th, 2016
I recently had a patient cancel her appointment at the last minute. This happens sometimes. It’s frustrating for a dentist or hygienist when we’ve set time aside for a patient and they don’t come. Usually there’s a good reason. In this case, no reason was given.
As I sometimes do…I took it personally. Why did this person choose not to have the treatment done that we discussed? What could I have done better?
This particular patient has been coming to our office for years. She is someone you might describe as “skeptical” of dental treatment. I suspect she had some bad dental experiences before I even came into the picture. She’s at least mildly phobic of dental treatment, too. However, I think she’s probably one of those people that believe that when I come in the room that I’m simply looking for work to do, probably to line my pockets.
It’s a difficult spot for a dentist. Often times we’re both the internist that diagnoses the problem and the surgeon that fixes it. Patient see this as a conflict of interest. The guy who is telling me that I have cavities is also the guy who benefits from them being fixed. I completely understand this. I take my role as a doctor very seriously and I put my patient’s needs first. But can you blame a patient for being skeptical of a doctor’s motivations?
When I examine a patient I’m looking to see what level of dental health the patient has. And when I see a problem, I’m obliged to tell them about it. I have found what I believe is the most effective way to do this. I do all of my recall exams with a dental operating microscope. This microscope magnifies what I can see and has a very bright light that allows me to see parts of the mouth that don’t get lit up very often. I’ve attached an HD camera to the microscope with a monitor mounted over the patient to allow them to see exactly what I’m seeing…as I see it. I feel like this is a great solution to the problem of showing the patient what I see instead of me just describing it. I like it more than still photos because I can show it to them “live” as I’m describing it.
Back to my patient that chose not to come in today. I definitely examined her with the microscope and I definitely showed her what I was seeing. I recommended to some treatment because I saw some problems. I try and do this dispassionately. I try not to “sell” a patient on treatment by showing them what I’m seeing. I try to help the patient choose dental health by showing them what I’m seeing and describing what we can do to correct dental problems.
I have a suspicion that this patient still thinks what I’m describing isn’t a real problem. Like many dental problems, what I’m describing probably doesn’t hurt. Most cavities don’t hurt. Gum disease almost never hurts. Even broken teeth often aren’t painful. If you use pain as the threshold for dental treatment, you’re probably going to end up choosing the most expensive way to fix the problem or worse, sometimes the problem can’t be fixed leading to the loss of a tooth. A small cavity left untreated almost always becomes a bigger cavity, so what may have been easy to fix with a filling could end up needing a crown or even a root canal. This sounds like a scare tactic used by a dentist. Ask any dentist and they’ll explain that they see it. All. The. Time.
So I’m going to suggest that you listen to your dentist’s recommendation. The choice to treat is always yours. But almost always, the sooner you treat a problem, the less expensive and potentially painful the fix is.
The above post was from Dr. Alan Mead at Mead Family Dental and can be found at the following link:
Have you ever had difficulty deciding to complete your dental treatment? Do you have confidence in your dental practice? What are your biggest concerns making the decision? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Yours in good dental health,
Brunner Prast Family Dental
http://www.brunnerprastdental.com
The oral health information on this website is intended for educational purposes only. You should always consult a licensed dentist or other qualified health care professional for any questions concerning your oral health.
Hello Friends!
Are you a “sipper”? Do you have that delicious icy cold lemonade or sweet iced tea by your side all day long? Maybe it’s that refreshing Coke or Pepsi by your side to quench that thirst. Or maybe it’s that energy or sports drink you’re sipping. Whatever you choose, unless it is plain water, it is important to remember not to sip continuously throughout the day. The continuous exposure to the sugar and acids in these drinks makes a perfect environment for decay.
If you choose to drink these beverages, finish them in a short amount of time and rinse with water to minimize the risk for decay.
Have a great summer!!
Your friends at Brunner Prast Family Dental
http://www.brunnerprastdental.com
Hello Friends!
Happy Spring! Though it’s technically been spring for a month now, it’s really starting to feel like it here in Michigan. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the temperature’s finally warming up. That’s a pretty big deal for Michiganders. The weather can be pretty fickle around these parts. I think that’s why we get so excited once the calendar flips over to April and May. We can finally throw the windows open, get outside and enjoy nature.
Many people get inspired to “spring clean” when the temperatures start to climb, but I think it’s also a really good time to take care of your health. Re address your exercise goals. Make your annual physical and schedule any routine tests. Of course as a dental professionals we want to emphasize making your dental checkup appointment. We understand that it’s easy to procrastinate or put it to the bottom of your priority list, but I’d argue that it’s a great time to visit your dentist. You really want to make sure that your smile is in tip-top shape for the summer. There are so many things your dentist can help with your oral health. Are you interested in whitening or cosmetic treatment? Your dentist will discuss your treatment options for optimizing your smile. Do you or your children play sports? A mouth guard is an important way to keep your teeth safe from trauma and a custom can be created in as little as two appointments. And of course, a cleaning and a thorough oral exam are always a good idea not only to check for cavities but to screen for oral cancers and periodontal disease.
Whether you’re a patient on a regular 6 month rotation or haven’t been to a dentist in a long time, spring is a great time to visit your dentist to either stay or get back on track. As always, if you have any questions or need more information, we are happy to help. Visit us at http://www.brunnerprastdental.com.
Sincerely,
Your friends at
Brunner Prast Family Dental
Hello Friends!
Have you ever wondered where to start when searching for a dentist? Referrals from friends or co-workers are pretty common, as are insurance lists, but have you considered your local dental association? The Michigan Dental Association website has a lot of useful information, including some great questions to ask during that initial phone call.
Questions to Ask a Dentist
Now that you’ve used the Find a Dentist search to locate a list of Michigan Dental Association dentists in your area, you need to narrow it down to the one dentist who is your family’s perfect match. Here’s a list of questions to help you make your decision.
- Are the office hours convenient for your schedule?
- Is the dental office close to your home or office?
- Does the office appear to be clean, neat and well organized?
- How are dental emergencies handled?
- Does the office staff appear to be friendly and helpful?
- What is the office policy for rescheduling an appointment?
- What is the policy on fees and payment plans?
- Does the dental office staff explain ways to help prevent dental problems?
- Does the office have dental health education materials available?
Since a good relationship with your dentist is essential to good oral health care, take your time and choose one that you and your family feel comfortable with so you can arrive for each visit with a smile.
I would add that visiting the office for a tour prior to scheduling or arranging a visit to meet the doctor are great ideas. A reputable office will usually be happy to schedule a brief, complimentary consultation with the doctor to make sure you are comfortable with him or her and with the office in general. You should be made to feel comfortable asking questions or expressing concerns.
Hope the above information helps:)
Your friends at
Brunner Prast Family Dental
*The above article was referenced from the following:
Hello Friends
Did you ever know someone who seemed to get cavities no matter how often they brushed? We found this article in Women’s Health magazine with some insight that might be helpful.
Why Some People Are More Prone to Cavities Than Others
September 23, 2015
If you brush and floss regularly, you won’t get cavities, right? Wrong. Good dental hygiene is great, but it doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with your proclivity for cavities. Instead, you can thank your diet and your DNA.
“The brushing and flossing mantra has been used for a long, long time, but if you look at controlled clinical studies, very few show a reduction in cavities,” says dentist Page Caufield, Ph.D., who studies tooth decay at the University of Michigan Dental School. “Brushing and flossing is not going to prevent cavities.”
Say what? If there’s no scientific proof to back up the claim that brushing and flossing actually prevents cavities, why are we getting them?
The simplest answer is sugar.
“Tooth decay is completely and totally correlated to the introduction of sugar to western countries,” says Caufield. “If you cut off the sugar, you’ll cut off the cavities.”
Cavities are caused when the bacteria in our bodies break down sugars. When these bacteria chow down on sucrose, they can get into existing crevices in our teeth and cause decay in the process. So as long as you’re consuming sugar, you’re leaving yourself susceptible to them.
And some of us might be more likely to succumb to the nasty effects of sugar than others. “There is a genetic component that accounts for about one third of cavities that’s related to the shape of your teeth and the amount of saliva you have,” says Caufield.
Cavities are formed when two things combine: the bacterial process of fermenting the sugar and an existing hole or fissure in the tooth. Some of us tend to have crevices in the surface of our teeth that are naturally deep. And even though this is fairly normal, it makes it all more easy for bacteria to drill down and cause a cavity.
If you learn that this is the case for you, Caufield recommends looking into sealants, a simple procedure where a dentist will seal off those deep crevices in your teeth to prevent bacteria and sugar from getting in there.
And even though there’s no scientific proof that brushing your teeth right after snacking on something sweet will keep the cavities away, it can’t hurt. And not flossing has been linked to an increase in inflammation that can lead to heart disease, so you shouldn’t skip out on this daily habit either.
“If you use a toothpaste with fluoride in it, you’ll get a modest reduction in cavities of about 20 percent,” says Caufield, who also notes that brushing with non-fluoride toothpaste won’t do a thing for your tooth decay.
So if you can’t skip the sugar, keep a pocket-sized tube of fluoride toothpaste within reach for a post-bite brushing.
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There are probably many variables that contribute to the formation of cavities, but there definitely appears to be a link to sugar. The above information is a good start at common sense solutions.
If you have any dental questions or concerns, please contact our office. We’ll be glad to help:)
Yours in good dental health,
Brunner Prast Family Dental
http://www.brunnerprastdental.com
** The above information is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition or disease. Please consult a doctor if you have questions specific to your condition.
Hello Friends!
Found a great article on Twitter that we thought we’d pass along regarding Root Canals. There is still such a misconception regarding this procedure that we thought it worth sharing.
Myths About Root Canals and Root Canal Pain
There are many misconceptions surrounding root canal (endodontic) treatment and whether patients experience root canal pain. The American Association of Endodontists wants you to have accurate information. As always, when considering any medical procedure, you should get as much information as you can about all of your options. Your dentist or endodontist can answer many of your questions, and if you still have concerns, it is often wise to seek a second opinion.
- Myth #1—Root canal treatment is painful.
- Myth #2—Root canal treatment causes illness.
- Myth #3—A good alternative to root canal treatment is extraction (pulling the tooth).
Myth #1—Root canal treatment is painful.
Truth—Root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain, it relieves it.
The perception of root canals being painful began decades ago but with modern technologies and anesthetics, root canal treatment today is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. In fact, a recent survey showed that patients who have experienced root canal treatment are six times more likely to describe it as “painless” than patients who have not had root canal treatment.
Most patients see their dentist or endodontist when they have a severe toothache. The toothache can be caused by damaged tissues in the tooth. Root canal treatment removes this damaged tissue from the tooth, thereby relieving the pain you feel.
Myth #2—Root canal treatment causes illness.
Myth #2—Root canal treatment causes illness.
The myth: Patients searching the Internet for information on root canals may find sites claiming that teeth receiving root canal (endodontic) treatment contribute to the occurrence of illness and disease in the body. This false claim is based on long-debunked and poorly designed research performed nearly a century ago by Dr. Weston A. Price, at a time before medicine understood the causes of many diseases.
In the 1920s, Dr. Price advocated tooth extraction—the most traumatic dental procedure—over endodontic treatment. This resulted in a frightening era of tooth extraction both for treatment of systemic disease and as a prophylactic measure against future illness.
The truth: There is no valid, scientific evidence linking root canal-treated teeth and disease elsewhere in the body. A root canal is a safe and effective procedure. When a severe infection in a tooth requires endodontic treatment, that treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth.
- The presence of bacteria in teeth and the mouth has been an accepted fact for many years. But the presence of bacteria does not constitute “infection” and is not necessarily a threat to a person’s health. Bacteria are present in the mouth and teeth at all times, even in teeth that have never had a cavity or other trauma. Research shows that the healthy immune system takes care of bacteria in a matter of minutes.
- Tooth extraction is a traumatic procedure and is known to cause a significantly higher incidence of bacteria entering the bloodstream; endodontic treatment confined to the root canal system produces much less trauma and a much lower incidence and magnitude of bacteria entering the blood stream.
- There is no adequate replacement for the natural tooth – it should be saved whenever possible. Root canal treatment, along with appropriate restoration, is a cost effective way to treat infected teeth because it is usually less expensive than extraction and placement of an implant. In most cases, endodontic treatment allows patients to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime.
But what about Dr. Price? This is a good example of how the Internet can give new life to long-dispelled theories. Believe it or not, the misinformation about roots canals that is found on the Internet is still based on Dr. Price’s century-old, discredited research. Dr. Price’s research techniques were criticized at the time they were published, and by the early 1930s, a number of well-designed studies using more modern research techniques discredited his findings. In 1951, the Journal of the American Dental Association took the extraordinary step of publishing a special edition reviewing the scientific literature and shifted the standard of practice back to endodontic treatment for teeth with non-vital pulp in instances where the tooth could be saved. The JADA reviewed Dr. Price’s research techniques from the 1920s and noted that they lacked many aspects of modern scientific research, including absence of proper control groups and induction of excessive doses of bacteria.
As recently as 2013, research published in JAMA Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, found that patients with multiple endodontic treatments had a 45 percent reduced risk of cancer.
Myth #3—A good alternative to root canal treatment is extraction (pulling the tooth).
Truth—Saving your natural teeth, if possible, is the very best option.
Nothing can completely replace your natural tooth. An artificial tooth can sometimes cause you to avoid certain foods. Keeping your own teeth is important so that you can continue to enjoy the wide variety of foods necessary to maintain the proper nutrient balance in your diet. If your dentist recommends extraction, ask whether root canal treatment is an option.
Endodontic treatment, along with appropriate restoration, is a cost-effective way to treat teeth with damaged pulp and is usually less expensive than extraction and placement of a bridge or an implant.
Endodontic treatment also has a very high success rate. Many root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime.
Placement of a bridge or an implant will require significantly more time in treatment and may result in further procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissues.
Millions of healthy endodontically treated teeth serve patients all over the world, years and years after treatment. Those healthy teeth are helping patients chew efficiently, maintain the natural appearance of their smiles and enhance their enjoyment of life. Through endodontic treatment, endodontists and dentists worldwide enable patients to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime.
As always, if you have any questions or need more information, we’d be glad to help. Visit us at http://www.brunnerfamilydental.com
Yours in good health:)
Brunner Family Dental
**The above information is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition or disease, but simply to provide information that may be beneficial. Always contact your dental provider or seek medical attention for dental concerns.
Hello Friends!
We came across this excellent article at the Huff Post by Tim O’Neill, M.A. in Medieval Literature.
Did you know?
People in the Middle Ages considered healthy, white teeth a sign of beauty and wrote of sweet smelling breath as a desirable attribute. So, not surprisingly, we have extensive evidence that people liked to keep their teeth clean and a large amount of evidence of tooth pastes, powders and treatments, as well as mouth washes and treatments for halitosis.
Contrary to the depiction of medieval peasants with blackened and rotting teeth, the average person in the Middle Ages had teeth which were in very good condition. This is substantially due to one factor – the rarity of sugar in the diet. Most medieval people simply could not afford sugar and those who could used it sparingly – usually as a seasoning or minor ingredient and almost never as a condiment or the basis of a dish. This means that most people used natural sugars such as those in fruits and honey and even then ate this kind of sugar sparingly. Taken with a diet high in calcium via dairy foods, high in vegetables and cereals and low in foods that cause decay, the average medieval person ate the way most modern dentists would recommend for good teeth.
Not surprisingly, tooth decay was actually much less prevalent in the Middle Ages than it became in later centuries, when mass imports of sugar from the tropics made it a staple rather than a rarity. Surveys of archaeological data from the medieval period show that an average of only 20% of teeth show any sign of decay, as opposed to up to 90% in some early twentieth century populations. A more common dental issue for medieval people was not decay but wear. Eating stone-ground bread daily as part of almost every meal meant medieval people’s teeth saw considerable abrasion from grit which, over years led to the teeth being worn down. To an extent this actually helped prevent decay, as their molars had less crevices in which plaque could accumulate. But in the long run it could lead to the complete abrasion of dentine and tooth loss.
Medieval people cleaned their teeth by rubbing them and their gums with a rough linen cloth. We have various recipes for pastes and powders that could be put on the cloth to help clean the teeth, to whiten them and to aid fresh breath. Sage ground with salt crystals was one popular mixture. Powdered charcoal from rosemary stems was another. A crushed paste of pepper, mint and rock salt was also used, and there were many more. Most consisted of an abrasive and a scented herb, though others included a range of spices such as cinnamon, mace and cloves.
Mouth washes tended to be wine or vinegar-based, with herbs and spices steeped in these acidic liquids. Again, mint features heavily in these recipes, along with marjoram and cinnamon. Chewing fennel seeds, parsley or cloves were the most common recommendations for bad breath.
The fact that dental hygiene was relatively good compared to later periods would have been a benefit to people at the time, given that dental surgery was pretty bad. Most treatment consisted of simply removing the tooth, which tended to be done by the local barber and with no anesthetic other than perhaps getting drunk before hand. More skilled surgeons had treatments for mouth cancer, involving the cutting out of affected tissue and then cauterization. We also have evidence of dentures made from cow bone or human teeth, though only for the very rich. On the whole though medieval dental hygiene was based on the same concerns as today – white teeth and fresh breath – and medieval people developed some reasonably effective ways of maintaining both.
So next time you are at a party and need a fun fact, feel free to share:)
And if you or someone you know need dental care or have questions, please visit our site at http://www.brunnerfamilydental.com We would be happy to help:)
***The entire article can be seen by visiting the link below at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/quora/dental-hygiene-was-actual_b_7590896.html?utm_hp_ref=tw
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