What Causes Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease?

This inflammatory process is confined to the gums, and is usually caused by accumulation of a bacteria-laden plaque biofilm on the teeth.  The plaque can cause the gum tissues to become red, and sometimes swollen and tender.  Over time, this plaque biofilm becomes calcified due to minerals in saliva, causing a hard substance called “calculus” or “tarter” to form around the base of the teeth.

Treatment for Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease

Dental prophylaxis, sometimes called a prophy, is generally indicated by Dr. Beck and Dr. Morrow as a treatment option for patients who have gingivitis and small amounts of plaque and tarter above the gumline.

In some patients, depending on many factors, gingivitis can progress to more severe forms of periodontal disease, specifically periodontitis.  The plaque biofilm and tarter can progress over time deep into the gum pockets surrounding the teeth, causing bone loss, tooth mobility, sensitivity, inflammation, and in severe cases, loss of the teeth themselves.  Periodontitis usually needs to be treated with a more thorough type of dental cleaning called scaling and root planing, which will be discussed in a future article.

Preventing Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease

Risk factors for developing gingivitis include poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, systemic diseases, pregnancy, poor nutrition, and certain medications.  To prevent the progression of gingivitis to more severe forms of periodontal diseases, such as periodontitis, all patients are encouraged to brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush.  Daily flossing is also very important to remove plaque between the teeth.

Visiting Dr. Beck, Dr. Morrow, and the hygiene staff at South Waterfront Dental for regular cleanings every 3-6 months, depending on the disease severity, is recommended to remove the hard tarter that toothbrushes are unable to remove. Please see Dr. Beck, Dr. Morrow, or the hygiene staff at South Waterfront Dental if you have any questions about gingivitis, periodontal disease, or anything else relating to your dental health.

One of the most efficient and proven methods of removing tooth decay is the dental drill. While the dental drill may not be a favorite dental instrument, the use of it to remove tooth decay saves time, reduces potential pain, and provides the dentists at South Waterfront Dental a way to work with greater accuracy on patients’ teeth.

Modern Dental Drills

One of the most significant advancements of modern dentistry is the advent of the high-speed handpiece, or “drill.”  Before the 1960′s, dentists usually used foot-powered  handpieces to remove decay and prepare teeth.  Belt driven systems, although functional, had very limited power, excessive torque, and allowed for limited precision.  Air-driven models introduced in the 1960′s revolutionized the practice of dentistry by allowing for faster and more precise preparation of teeth, minimizing trauma to the teeth and improving safety with reduced torque.

While there are many advantages to the air-driven system, there are some drawbacks: they emit  loud, high pitched noise, they need repair frequently, and they have a tendency to expel lubricating oils in the operating field.  These problems with the air-driven systems have led many dentists, including Dr. Beck and Dr. Morrow at South Waterfront Dental, to invest in a more advanced handpiece: the electric handpiece.

Advantages of the Dental Electric Handpiece

This technology affords many advantages for our patients: they are much quieter, have less vibration, provide more precision in preparing teeth, and allow for more versatility in the types of treatment that can be provided.  While the electric units are typically more expensive than the air-driven handpieces, they offer many advantages that make them worth the initial cost.

South Waterfront Dental patients can be assured that our practices use only the latest technology to ensure optimal oral health for our patients.  Dr. Beck and Dr. Morrow are both well-versed in current dental technology and can answer any questions you may have regarding the benefits of the technology used in our practices.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol sweetener, often used as a sugar substitute, that is just as sweet as table sugar.  It’s found in the fibers of many fruits and vegetables, including berries, oats, and mushrooms.  It was popularized in Europe as a sweetener in the early 20th century  because it has fewer calories than sugar and is safe for people with diabetes and hyperglycemia.

Dental Benefits of Xylitol

The dental benefits of xylitol were researched extensively in the 1970s in Finland, which is where xylitol is mainly produced.  Xylitol is not fermentable, so basically it works by reducing dental plaque formation and “starving” the bacteria, a type of strep, that produces the acid behind dental decay.  It’s important to point out that at least 6-8 grams of xylitol must be ingested per day to get these dental benefits.

Using Xylitol Products

Most xylitol products are available in many forms, including gum, candy, mints, and even in floss, toothpaste, and mouthwash.  Many popular brands of chewing gum contain small amounts of xylitol, although in order to get the recommended 6-8 grams per day, we recommend using products from companies that specialize in manufacturing xylitol products, such as Epic Dental, Zapp Gum, or Spry.

Please let Dr. Beck, Dr. Morrow, or the friendly staff at South Waterfront Dental know if you have any questions about this excellent way to reduce dental decay and improve your oral health.

What is a Rubber Dam?

A rubber dental dam is a thin sheet of latex or silicone that isolate a tooth or a group of teeth requiring dental work. The

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teeth that need attention appear through holes cut into the appropriate areas of the rubber, separating them from the rest of the mouth while dental procedures are performed.

A Long History in Dental Care

Used in dentistry for over 150 years, this technique has three main advantages.  First, it helps create a physical separation between the patient and the procedure being done, helping to reduce dental anxiety and improving patient safety.  Secondly, the rubber dam is the standard of care when performing endodontic therapy, as it reduced the bacterial load in the operating field and minimizes the chance of contamination of the root canal system.  Third, the dental dam helps keep the operating field isolated and dry.  This is especially important when placing composite (tooth-colored) restorations, which are technique sensitive and require a very dry field in order to achieve long term success.

The Extra Step for Higher Quality Care

Not all dental practices use rubber dams routinely, but Dr. Beck and Dr. Morrow take this extra step in order to protect our patients.  We spend a lot of time and put a lot of work into producing high-quality dentistry, and using  the rubber dam helps our restorations last longer.  Of course, not all situations necessitate the use of the rubber dam, but we always try our best to use them when indicated.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about the use of the rubber dam or about how it benefits our patients, please contact Dr. Beck or Dr. Morrow at South Waterfront Dental.

Brushing Techniques to Clean Teeth

Brush with a soft toothbrush at least three times a day.  Brushing removes plaque, a sticky bacterial film, from around the teeth and gums.  If allowed to remain on the teeth, plaque hardens and turns into calculus which will cause tooth decay and gum disease.

You should take at least two minutes to brush your teeth, and preferably longer for a thorough clean.  With so many surfaces it takes that long to do an effective job.  Though any soft toothbrush will do the job, Dr. Beck recommends the Sonicare system, which does an amazing job of removing stain and plaque. These kinds of systems also have convenient, automatic timers, so you can just turn them on, brush, and go!

Floss for Good Measure

You should floss your teeth at least once a day.  Flossing removes the plaque from between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach.  In addition to brushing, flossing is critical for preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Our friendly, helpful staff at South Waterfront Dental will teach you the best techniques for effective flossing at home.

A Crunchy Diet

When we eat, food is deposited that encourages the development of plaque if it’s not brushed away. One way to keep plaque from forming even when you’re not near a toothbrush is to stay away from sticky, sugary foods which cling to the surfaces of your teeth. Crunchy foods – like celery, apples, and carrots – help naturally clean teeth while you eat.

Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to discourage the formation of plaque, and brush and floss each day to keep your smile healthy and bright!

Migraine Symptoms

If you’ve ever had a migraine, then you know how painful they can be. Unlike normal headaches, which are generally

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brought about by stress, illness or pollutants, migraine symptoms include:

• Cold hands and feet
• Sensitivity to light
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Throbbing pain behind your eyes or in isolated areas of your head

Totally debilitating, migraines can last from many hours to several days, with no relief besides prescription medications that make you drowsy.

Dental Treatment for Migraines

Dr. Jim Boyd, an innovative dentist, has found another approach.  Through many years of research he has developed an oral appliance called the NTI-tss  (Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition tension suppression system).

The NTI is an acrylic mouth piece that fits over the front teeth and helps to prevent clenching and grinding of the teeth.  We now know that the nerve complex where many migraines start is the same complex that provides sensation to the jaws and teeth.  By keeping the teeth from contacting in the back of the mouth and preventing clenching and grinding in ones sleep, migraines can be prevented.  The best part is there are no mind fogging side effects from pain killers!

A Possibility for Relief

The NTI-tss is the only FDA approved preventative available to migraine sufferers. There are no side effects and no complicated, surgical or painful procedures required.

Dr. Todd Beck and his staff at South Waterfront Dental  have been providing this appliance to patients for several years.  If you suffer from clenching, grinding, migraines or any other type of head ache pain, Dr. Beck would be happy to help determine if this simple and non invasive treatment may work for you.

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You have all heard it before: smoking is bad for you.  It has been well documented that smoking leads to lung cancer, emphysema, high blood pressure and a host of other health problems.  What you may not realize is what smoking does to your mouth!

Periodontal Disease

Smokers have altered sensation to smell and taste, as well as bad breath and dramatic staining of their teeth. In addition, smokers have a much higher rate of periodontal disease and oral cancer.

Periodontal Disease – also known as gum disease – begins with simple plaque that forms on your teeth and along your gumline. Bacteria grow in this plaque, destroying tissue and eventually the bone that holds your teeth in place, leading to tooth loss. Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing is an early indication of periodontal disease.

Smoking can increase the severity of periodontal disease and encourage it to progress more quickly than in nonsmokers, even when it has been treated. Continued smoking hinders treatment, interfering with our bodies’ natural abilities to fight disease.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Cigarettes and other tobacco products have over 60 known carcinogens (cancer causing chemicals).  It’s not surprising that 75% of all oral cancer is caused by these tobacco products.  Cigarette and other tobacco smoke from cigars or pipes can lead to cancer anywhere in the mouth or the throat. Other cancers caused by smoking include that of the larynx, lungs, kidney, bladder, and esophagus. Around 90% of those diagnosed with some kind of mouth or throat cancer have used tobacco.

Dr. Beck does a thorough oral cancer exam for every new patient and annually for all existing patients. If caught early, many oral cancers can be effectively treated.

Treatment Options

The good news is that quitting the smoking habit now will help your dental health for years to come. This, along with regular dental visits and treatment for your specific needs, will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.

If you are interested in quitting smoking, Dr. Beck and his staff at South Waterfront Dental will be more than happy to assist you.  You can also visit www.smokefree.gov for more information about smoking cessation.

Routine Coverage

Preventative maintenance of your teeth – like cleanings, x-rays, and fluoride treatments – help keep teeth healthy and prevent problems. Therefore, these services are considered valuable and often receive dental insurance coverage at 100%, sometimes after requiring you to a pay a percentage each year. For example, during the first year of dental insurance coverage, the company pays 70% and you pay 30% of the total cost of preventative maintenance. The next year, the company pays 80% and you pay 20% of the total cost as long as you continue to get an exam and cleaning every six months. The pattern continues until the dental insurance company is paying 100%.

Usual, Customary and Reasonable

The term “usual, customary and reasonable”  (UCR) can be a misleading term.  Dental insurance coverage may use this term to determine the portion of the dental treatment fee they will pay based on a standardized chart they have created. UCR reimbursement levels are determined by different methods by the dental plan administrators. They may vary a great deal among dental insurance companies and their plans — even when those plans operate in the same area.

The fee the dental insurance company determines to be “customary” may be very low compared to the area’s average professional fee for the same services. The plans then generally pay a certain percentage of the UCR level. The patient may then be required to pay a greater portion of the treatment costs.

Annual Benefit Cap

Dental insurance coverage also varies in what they pay above and beyond preventative dental care services. It’s not unusual for dental insurance companies to limit the amount of money they’ll pay for dental services in a given year.

If there is a dental issue that requires long-term care, check with your insurance company regarding what they will pay. Some companies operate a sliding scale, such as covering 100% for preventative maintainence, 75% for basic restoration, and 50% for major restoration.

Dental Insurance Deductibles

It’s important to clarify what deductibles you are required to pay before full dental insurance coverage benefits kick in. In addition to UCR and annual benefit caps, an insurance deductible makes a difference in your overall benefits. Research whether the deductible applies per person or per family – the distinction can mean the difference between a small or large out-of-pocket expense.

While dental insurance coverage should be taken into consideration, it should not be the deciding factor in determining your choice of treatment. Dr Beck at South Waterfront Dental will help you make the best decision regarding your dental needs.

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It is estimated that as many as 10 million Americans suffer from eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia and binge eating.

Two of the most common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, a condition where those who are intensely fearful of gaining weight literally starve themselves to death. Bulimia nervosa is a destructive pattern of binge eating followed by vomiting or purging behaviors to expel food and keep from gaining weight. While these disorders can affect anyone, they are more common in teenage and young adult women.

The Consequences of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can have a very negative impact on quality of life.  Self esteem and relationships with family and friends often suffer.  School and job performance are usually damaged.  In addition, people will suffer from physical health complications such as heart conditions and kidney failure, which can lead to death.

Eating disorders rob the body of nutrients essential for good health, including vitamins, minerals and proteins.  Patients present with a variety of symptoms including dramatic weight loss, loss of hair, constantly feeling cold and constipation.  Also common are dry and cracked lips and sores in the mouth that bleed easily.

Dental Complications from Eating Disorders

Eating disorders result in severe consequences regarding dental health. Self-induced vomiting leads to the physical erosion of a person’s teeth. Digestive acids that break down food attack teeth during self-induced vomiting, wearing away tooth enamel and changing the color, length and shape of teeth. Anorexia can lead to swollen salivary glands and osteoporosis, which weakens the jaw bone and leads to tooth loss.

Many times dentist are the first to see the symptoms of these eating disorders because it is impossible to hide the damage caused by eating disorders. Symptoms that point to an eating disorder include:

• Mouth sores
• Dry, cracked lips
• Sensitive teeth
• Dry mouth
• Bad breath
• Erosion of tooth enamel
• Tenderness of the mouth, throat and salivary glands

Often times the pain associated with dental complications are what first cause patients to seek help.

Treating Dental Problems

It is imperative to seek professional help for an eating disorder.

Because of the dramatic consequences of eating disorders on dental health, restorations that include crowns or veneers will most likely be required. However, these tooth restorations won’t be pursued until the person has undergone the necessary treatment to address the underlying issues of the eating disorder.

While getting treatment, brush daily with fluoridated toothpaste and floss to prevent gum disease. A daily fluoride application may be available to help strengthen teeth, and a mouth guard may also be helpful to protect teeth from additional wear.

Although the dental problems can be treated, Dr. Todd Beck of South Waterfront Dental says the first step is getting medical help to treat the underlying eating disorder.  If your dentist suspects you suffer from one of these disorders he or she will be more than happy to help you get proper medical attention… then you can restore your beautiful smile!

While antibiotics eliminate infections, there are certain cases where antibiotics protect patients from possible  infection.

How Do Antibiotics Prevent Infection?

Invasive dental procedures, such as surgery and cleanings, usually cause bleeding of the gums.  This bleeding allows bacteria from the mouth easy access into the blood stream.  Once in the blood stream, these bacteria can reach and infect vulnerable heart tissue and artificial joints leading to life threatening infections.

Antibiotics taken before invasive dental treatment effectively eliminate bacteria, reducing the risk of infection. The prescribed antibiotics are common, usually amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and trovafloxacin. However, the type of medication used depends on the bacteria that needs to be eliminated.

When Are Antibiotics Taken?

Before invasive dental procedures, patients with certain heart conditions and those with total artificial joint replacements need to take antibiotics.  These people can be at risk for developing heart or joint infections.  Antibiotics reduce this risk – this is called antibiotic prophylaxis.

When treating a patient with certain heart conditions, all dentists follow recommendations developed by the American Heart Association.  For those patients with total joint replacements, dentists refer to the guidelines provided by the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Who Needs to Take Antibiotics?

Those who have artificial joints need to take antibiotics before invasive dental procedures, as well as patients who have a history of  a bacterial infection of the heart (called endocarditis) or a heart defect present at birth.

“Patients with artificial heart valves, a prior history of infective endocarditis, heart transplants and certain congenital heart defects  are required to have antibiotic prophylaxis,” says Dr. Todd Beck. “All patients with artificial joints need to take antibiotics prior to invasive dental treatment.”

Since antibiotics for invasive dental procedures are taken once instead of multiple times, it is unlikely that patients will experience adverse side effects. Be sure to let Dr. Beck know of any conditions or allergies right away in order to ensure your best dental health.

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