Treating Gum Disease May Improve Overall Health

Over the years, research has linked gum disease to overall health—especially systemic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Some research suggests that the bacteria present in periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and may attach to plaque in the arteries. Studies also show that patients with gum disease have an increased risk for heart…

What are “periodontal pockets”?

As one of the biggest threats to oral health, untreated gum (periodontal) disease is capable of destroying soft tissues and bone in its advanced stages. This oral condition is also the chief cause of permanent tooth loss. Gum disease is quite common, too. Research indicates that about 80% of the adult population in the United…

How Menopause Affects Your Oral Health

Menopause can be associated with numerous symptoms—hot flashes, night sweats and excessive irritability, to name a few. Many women don’t recognize, however, that the hormonal upheaval of menopause can also do a number on your oral health. For example, there appears to be a link between hormonal changes in women and periodontal disease. The hormones…

How Can I Tell if I Have Gingivitis or Gum Disease?

Gingivitis and more advanced forms of gum disease affect roughly 80% of our adult population. These oral infections can also affect children and teens, though not as frequently as adult cases. There are some common and easily detectable signs of gum disease, however the condition is almost impossible to control without the professional intervention of…

Gum Disease and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most fascinating and interesting times in a woman’s life. In some ways, it seems that every part of the body goes haywire, setting the expectant mother up for a 40 week battle. On the other hand, it is perhaps the best opportunity for a woman to learn more about protecting…

Consequences of Tooth Loss

During our childhood, tooth loss is a normal occurrence. The baby teeth become loose and fall out, and they are later replaced by a full set of adult teeth. As we enter adulthood, losing a tooth is not such a joyous occasion, and it is typically the result of an injury, tooth decay or gum…

Tobacco Use and Your Oral Health

The surgeon general announced findings over forty years ago that smoking is hazardous to your health. Over four decades later, research has proven the findings that tobacco use is dangerous for general overall health. But if these warnings have not been sufficient enough to make you quit, maybe hearing what your periodontist says about the…

Crown Lengthening: Purpose and Procedure

Using reasonable and rational methods to preserve your natural teeth has been a fundamental ideal in dentistry for hundreds of years. In other words, in order to save your teeth, your dentist may need to recommend a combination of procedures to achieve the best result. As dental technology progresses, these procedures have become more streamlined…