Dr. Timothy Thomas, in Livonia MI, is pleased to offer his patients a full range of dental services. These dental care services include: children's, cosmetic, family, general and implant dentistry.
Showing posts with label gum disease treatment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gum disease treatment. Show all posts
You know good dental
habits can help prevent things like cavities and gingivitis, but you may not
know what conditions like these really look like or how they can affect your
mouth. Use this visual guide to learn more about some of the most common dental
health issues, symptoms to watch for and the potential treatments that are
available. Please
note: This content is for informational purposes only. Only a dentist,
physician or other qualified health care professional can make a diagnosis. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage
of gum disease, an infection of the
tissues around your teeth caused by plaque. If you have gingivitis, your gums
may become red, swollen and bleed easily. You may also
experience bad breath. Because gum disease
is usually painless, you may not know you have it.
You are more likely to develop gum disease if you skip brushing and flossing, use tobacco, have crooked teeth
that are hard to keep clean, are pregnant, have diabetes or take certain
medications. When in its early stages, the disease is still reversible and your
gums can be returned to good health with a professional cleaning from your
dentist, along with daily brushing and flossing. Periodontitis
Periodontitis
is the more advanced form of gum disease, a major cause of
tooth loss in adults. According to the CDC, nearly half of U.S.
adults suffer from it. The disease can be reversed in early stages, but damage
may be permanent the longer it goes untreated. Although you may not be aware of
the gum disease in your mouth, abscesses can develop which
usually painful. Symptoms include bleeding, swollen gums,
persistent bad breath or bad taste, loose
permanent teeth and a change in bite. Your teeth may appear to become longer as
gums and bone recede. There are many treatments available, including deep cleanings known as scaling and
root planing. Talk to your dentist to find out what’s best for you. Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection
that looks like white film in your mouth. You’re more likely to get thrush if
you have an illness that affects your immune system. This includes people with
HIV/AIDS or cancer, as well as people
using steroids to manage their asthma. People with untreated or uncontrolled diabetes are also susceptible
because sugar in saliva encourages yeast to grow. Thrush is also common in
people who wear dentures. If you have
symptoms, see your dentist. After a scraping to confirm you have thrush, your
dentist can prescribe medicine to clear it up. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Timothy P. Thomas, DDS, PC 37799 Professional Center Drive, Suite 101 Livonia, MI 48154 Phone: (734) 464-2664 Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com
Many medical professionals consider obesity to be a chronic disease. It is well understood that obesity is on the rise in the United States, and that younger and younger members of our community are becoming obese due to poor nutrition and eating habits. Research has demonstrated that obesity will increase the risk for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, CVD, respiratory problems, and endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon cancers.1 It has also been demonstrated in a recent research study that obesity also increases the risk for periodontal disease, and it may be insulin resistance that regu¨lates the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease.1 It has also been found that individuals with elevated body mass indices (BMI) produce a higher level of inflammatory proteins.1 The classifications of being overweight and obese can pertain to more than 60 percent of American adults. It is even higher for some high-risk populations, such as African-American women, placing these individuals at greater risk for diabetes and cardiovascular dis¨ease. Some authorities estimate that two out of three Americans are overweight or obese, and projections of obesity trends for the future indicate an increase in the incidence of obesity in the general population.1 It is very critical for individuals to understand the obesity epidemic and to take proactive steps in addressing this issue with themselves and family members who are obese. Good nutrition and exercise should be stressed and individuals should be educated on the role that obesity may play in the development of diabetes, CVD and cancer. The dental professional will take a thorough medical history and review any medical issues which may point to the cause for the obesity and refer the patient to his/her physician for evaluation. The oral health status will also be evaluated and treatment rendered based on the diagnosis. Emphasis will be placed on the reduction of the plaque and accompanying inflammation, both above and below the gumline. Home care should be reinforced, and patients should be encouraged to floss regularly and to brush twice daily with a toothpaste that offers antibacterial protection. To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.
Timothy P. Thomas, DDS, PC 37799 Professional Center Drive, Suite 101 Livonia, MI 48154 Phone: (734) 464-2664 Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com
What Is Gingivitis? Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque bacteria on the tissues that surround the teeth. Plaque, a naturally occurring biofilm containing bacteria, can lead to gingivitis if not removed by daily brushing. Who Can Get Gingivitis? Gingivitis is quite prevalent. But while almost 80% of adults will experience some symptoms of gingivitis, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inevitable. It’s important to note that occasionally there might be no noticeable pain or apparent signs, leaving people unaware that they have it. That’s another good reason to schedule regular checkups with your dental professional every six months so he or she can identify it and suggest treatment options. Gingivitis Symptoms Some symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Chronic gingivitis can lead to periodontitis and chronic bad breath. If these symptoms persist, it's important to talk with your dental professional to determine the best treatment. In the meantime, learn what you can do to protect against gingivitis. To read the entire article visit OralB.com.
Timothy P. Thomas, DDS, PC 37799 Professional Center Drive, Suite 101 Livonia, MI 48154 Phone: (734) 464-2664 Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com
The association between gum diseases and heart disease is not a secret anymore. It has always raised a question in my mind if maintaining good oral health can help me achieve good overall health. Well, the answer is “yes.” Maintaining good oral health can save us from spending thousands of dollars on preventing heart diseases. We can say that proper brushing and flossing can help us maintain a healthy heart. According to the American Academy of Periodontolgy, people with gum diseases are twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease, one of the leading causes of heart attacks. Atherosclerosis also known as “hardening of arterial wall” is one of the major etiological factors of heart disease. This occurs due to deposition of plaque (formed by accumulation of fat and other blood substances on the arterial wall). This can eventually clog the artery leading to complete blockage of coronary arteries precipitating into stroke. To read the entire article written by Swati Yadav, please visitASDABlog.com Timothy P. Thomas, DDS, PC 37799 Professional Center Drive, Suite 101 Livonia, MI 48154 Phone: (734) 464-2664 Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com
Gum disease is not that common On the contrary, gum disease is extremely common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of adults age 30 and older suffer from some form of gum disease. Gum disease, an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth, is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org Timothy P. Thomas, DDS, PC 37799 Professional Center Drive, Suite 101 Livonia, MI 48154 Phone: (734) 464-2664 Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com
Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that is constantly forming on the tooth surface. Saliva, food and fluids combine to produce these deposits that collect where the teeth and gums meet. Plaque buildup is the primary factor in periodontal (gum) disease, including gingivitis.
How to Get Rid of Plaque To help prevent plaque buildup, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with an anti-plaque toothpaste such as Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste for around the clock protection against plaque buildup, and floss once a day.
Adding a mouth rinse such as Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse to your routine can help against plaque buildup, without the burning sensation of alcohol. Eating well-balanced meals and brushing after snacks will reduce the formation of plaque. Visit your dental office regularly for oral exams and cleanings, during which your dental professional will scrape away any accumulated plaque with a special instrument.
Above article from: Crest.com Timothy P. Thomas, DDS, PC 37799 Professional Center Drive, Suite 101 Livonia, MI 48154 Phone: (734) 464-2664 Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com
Defeat Gum Disease Painlessly Many
patients seem to think that decay is the major cause of
tooth loss. The real reason is gum (periodontal) disease!
Dr. Thomas uses ATRIDOX™ to fight infected gums. It is an
antibiotic powder with tiny, invisible microspheres that are
time-released to the area of infection. It kills the
bacteria and works effectively and painlessly.
Timothy P. Thomas, DDS, PC 37799 Professional Center Drive, Suite 101 Livonia, MI 48154 Phone: (734) 464-2664 Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com
Bleeding or sore gums can be a sign of gingivitis, an early and reversible stage of gum disease, or simply the result of brushing too hard or starting a new flossing routine. If your gums bleed regularly, or enough to worry you, make an appointment with your dentist or physician, it could be a sign that something else is wrong.
Above article from: MouthHealthy.org Timothy P. Thomas, DDS, PC 37799 Professional Center Drive, Suite 101 Livonia, MI 48154 Phone: (734) 464-2664 Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com
Reason
for Lost Teeth
Many people make the assumption that tooth loss is from
decay. But the main reason is gum disease. The symptoms can
be painless until the infection reaches a severe level.
Signs may be bleeding gums during flossing or brushing and
loose or shifting teeth. If infected gums are treated in the
early stages, nonsurgical methods can be used.
Gum Disease is Linked to Other
Serious Diseases
The American Dental Association has estimated that 80% of
the American population has gum (periodontal) disease. At
such a level, most dentists consider it to be an epidemic.
This epidemic has not received the attention that other
serious health problems have, as it is not considered life-
threatening. Now, recent medical research has changed all
that – a link between heart disease, stroke, and gum disease
has been made!
The bacteria that infect the gums travels throughout the
bloodstream and body and can have an effect on all organs,
especially the heart. A report from the American Academy of
Periodontology states: “studies found periodontal infection
may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase
the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a
serious threat to people whose health is already compromised
due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.”
Good
News to Stop Gum Disease
Early detection and treatments will control the problem
before it reaches an advanced stage and requires surgery.
Although surgery is successful in halting the condition,
nonsurgical procedures and better dental hygiene can also
reverse the condition and restore gums to good health. Most
dental insurances usually cover both procedures.
The Problem with Missing Teeth Whether a tooth is lost from injury, decay, or gum disease,
it will lead to other problems if not replaced with an
implant. A missing tooth lessens the amount of nutrients you
absorb from your food. Chewing may become difficult, so
easier-to-eat softer foods are selected, which can cause
weight gain. Eventually, the shape of your face will change
to a “sunken” look and you will appear older than you are.
You may not speak as clearly as with a full set of teeth.
But today, implants are the solution to the problem. They
are used to replace one or more missing teeth and they look
and function just like a natural tooth.
Timothy P. Thomas, DDS, PC 37799 Professional Center Drive, Suite 101Livonia, MI 48154 Phone: (734) 464-2664 Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com
Many
patients seem to think that decay is the major cause of
tooth loss. The real reason is gum (periodontal) disease!
Dr. Thomas uses ATRIDOX™ to fight infected gums. It is an
antibiotic powder with tiny, invisible microspheres that are
time-released to the area of infection. It kills the
bacteria and works effectively and painlessly.
Good
News to Stop Gum Disease