Learn more about Scaling and Root Planing to remove tartar and plaque below the gum line
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
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 101
Livonia, MI 48154
Phone: (734) 464-2664
Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com
