North Carolina Periodontist | Periodontal Disease and Heart Health

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Did you know that a regular oral hygiene routine could be a factor into saving your life? Twice-daily brushing and flossing are necessary for optimal periodontal health. Researchers found a link showing that people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to have heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 610,000 people die of heart disease every year. It is important for people to understand how and why these diseases are linked so we can promote the effects of optimal oral health.  

The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease 

Researchers have found that the link between these two diseases are caused by the same bacteria. Bacteria found in infected gums can break down tissue causing inflammation. The inflammation caused by periodontal disease can travel through the bloodstream and attach to fatty deposits. This can cause blood clots which may lead to heart attacks or strokes.  

 

Stages of Gum Disease 

Gum disease advances through a series of stages, growing in severity. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is best combated with early detection. It is important to schedule an appointment with our team at least twice a year. That way, we can monitor your oral health and diagnose any problems right away. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily will help prevent gingivitis from developing. When left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis which requires more advanced treatment.  

 

Treating Periodontal Disease for Better Overall Health 

Periodontal treatment can include a variety of different procedures in addition to intensive homecare. Personal oral care plays a part in any periodontal treatment plan so we will spend time making sure you know the correct way to care for your gums. Quit smoking as tobacco has been linked to poor periodontal health and heart problems. Those who are at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, or already have it, should visit our team more frequently than twice a year. 

 

Your mouth can be the key to living a long, happy, and healthy life. It is important to understand the relationship between your mouth and your overall health. Reduce your risk of heart problems by being proactive about your oral health and schedule an appointment with us today.  

 

Tar Heel Periodontics
Phone: (919) 844-7140
Fax: (919) 303-848

 

 

North Carolina Periodontics | Gum Health Alert: Periodontal Pockets

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If you have red, swollen gums, receding gums or experience bleeding while brushing, you could be at risk for gum disease.  

What is a Periodontal Pocket? 

Periodontal pockets form along the gum line and are one of the major signs of gum disease. A healthy tooth will have gums that fit snug and are a light pink color with pockets no more than 3 millimeters in depth. If a tooth is suffering from gum disease, the gum begins to recede from the tooth and form a pocket. These periodontal pockets act as a place for more plaque and bacteria to collect, furthering the progression of the disease. If not treated, periodontal pockets can lead to further infection and could lead to tooth loss.  

Periodontal Pocket Treatment 

Treatment often begins with a periodontal cleaning which allows for thorough removal of infection and bacteria below the gum line. This keeps the disease from progressing.  

 

Periodontal Pocket Prevention 

 

Practicing optimal oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gum disease and periodontal pockets. Using a soft bristled brush to gently clean along the gum line twice a day and flossing once a day, along with keeping regular professional dental care will help to prevent this disease.  

 

Contact us today to schedule your next professional exam and cleaning. 

 

North Carolina Periodontist
Phone: (919) 844-7140
Fax: (919) 303-8488

 

 

 

 

Raleigh Periodontist | Dental Radiographs (X-Rays) and Your Oral Health

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27615 Periodontist

Radiographs, or x-rays, provide important diagnostic information for your dentist, allowing for proper and accurate treatment. The technology behind radiographs has improved rapidly over the last few decades, becoming safer, more accurate, and easier to use. Read our guide on what makes dental radiographs an important step to protecting your oral health.

What exactly are dental radiographs?

Radiographs are a form of electromagnetic radiation similar to visible light or radio waves that can be used to map out the inside of your body. Soft tissue such as skin or muscle allow most rays to pass through, creating a darker image, while denser materials like your teeth and bone tissue cause a brighter image. These radiographs can be used to help diagnose and examine anything from tooth decay to broken bones.

Are they safe?

Radiographs are completely safe, exposing you to even less radiation than the average exposure you receive from your typical environment. In addition, digital x-rays require even less radiation than traditional film x-ray technology.

Why do I need them?

Using radiographs allows us to observe your oral health in ways that we cannot examine with the naked eye. Our team can check for tooth decay, bone damage, or endodontic issues in your mouth. We can observe the position of your teeth to determine if any are impacted or experiencing crowding. Deeper concerns that are difficult to otherwise notice such as cysts, tumors, or abscesses show up easily on radiographs. By seeing the internal state of your mouth, we can plan treatment that will ensure your oral health is optimal.

Radiographs are important tools to give us insight into your oral health, screen for oral cancer, and help us to recommend treatment plans. They allow us to serve you with accuracy and confidence in our work. To schedule your next dental visit with our team, contact our office today.

10931 Strickland Rd., Raleigh, NC 27615

Wake Forest Periodontist | Don’t Rush to Brush

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Periodontist Near Me

Are you a diligent brusher who grabs the toothbrush as soon as you finish each snack or meal? While there are significant benefits to regular brushing, hurrying your hygiene might be doing more harm than good. The key lies in understanding the effects different types of food and drinks have on your teeth.

The Dangers of Acidic Foods

Food and drinks that contain acids are particularly harmful to your teeth. Acid can wear away at the enamel on your teeth. As your enamel weakens, your risk for developing decay increases.

What Foods Should I Look Out For?

Fruits such as oranges, pineapples, and grapefruit contain problematic acids that can cause damage to your enamel. Diet sodas and wines can be just as damaging, as can fruit juices such as orange juice. Tomato products and foods such as pizza, salsa, soups, and sauces also contain acids.

But Brushing My Teeth Helps, Right?

Not necessarily. The acids in these foods weaken the enamel on your teeth. After eating or drinking a highly acidic product, your teeth are in a particularly vulnerable state. Enamel protects your teeth, and it is the strongest mineral in your entire body. However, the layers of your teeth beneath the enamel are not as strong and resilient. If you brush your teeth immediately after consuming something acidic, you can drive the acid further into your teeth. This speeds up the process of breaking down your enamel.

When Should I Brush?

Wait about 20 minutes after consuming acidic foods or drinks before brushing your teeth. While waiting, your mouth will produce saliva which helps to neutralize acids and wash away bacteria. Drinking water, rinsing your mouth, or chewing sugarless gum can help neutralize acids more quickly.

Should I Always Wait to Brush My Teeth?

While you should not rush to brush after eating acidic foods, you should not wait long after eating foods that are extremely sticky and sugary. If you are eating candy, taffy, or another sticky treat, waiting is not the best option. The sooner you can clean these sugary substances off your teeth, the better.

Should I Just Stop Eating Acidic Foods?

Acidic foods such as fruits contain vitamins and nutrients that are an essential component to your diet. While you don’t have to avoid these foods altogether, you should be mindful of how they impact your teeth. Maintain a daily oral hygiene schedule that includes regular flossing and at least two rounds of brushing for two minutes.

For more dental health tips, or to schedule your next visit to our office, please contact us.

10931 Strickland Rd., Raleigh, NC 27615

Raleigh Periodontist | Health Link: Oral Hygiene and Heart Disease

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The human body is a network of interconnected systems and organs. Unfortunately, issues that impact one particular area of your body can also effect the health and function of other areas. Recently, studies have highlighted evidence for links between gum disease and heart disease.

While the exact nature of the connection is still being researched, heart disease is almost twice as likely to occur in people who have gum disease. Nearly half of all Americans have undiagnosed gum disease. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death, making it pertinent that you maintain a healthy heart. The first key to doing so might lie in keeping your gums healthy.

While gum disease may be a contributing factor to heart disease, it is not the only cause. It is essential that you maintain regular visits to your primary care physician as well to measure your overall health. Other factors and lifestyle choices can impact your heart health.

Diet and exercise. Maintain an active lifestyle with activities you enjoy, such as taking walks, riding bikes, playing sports, or doing yoga. Avoid foods high in starches and sugars, including carbonated soft drinks, as they can also damage your teeth.

Don’t smoke. Whether you’re smoking or vaping, nicotine has a detrimental effect on your cardiovascular system and can damage teeth, gums, and lungs. Recent studies have connected vaping to a rapid loss in healthy cells that line the top layer of your mouth. These cells play an essential role in keeping your mouth healthy.

Brush your teeth. The most basic part of oral hygiene is also the most effective. Make sure you brush and floss at least twice a day.

By keeping a balanced, exercising regularly, and taking care of your teeth, you’re taking a holistic approach to your well-being and minimizing your risk of developing heart disease.

As with other diseases, preventing gum disease alone will not completely remove the risk of developing heart disease. However, you can take a proactive approach to keeping your body healthy, starting with your oral health.

To schedule a cleaning and examination, please contact our office.

10931 Strickland Rd.
Suite 101
Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 844-7140

Periodontist in Raleigh | 3 Ways to Make Brushing Fun For Your Child

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Periodontist Near Me

Little teeth will grow into a big smile. To ensure your child is on track for a lifetime of optimal oral health, it is important to instill good oral hygiene habits early in life. We understand that this can sometimes be a challenge. It’s hard to keep the interest of young children, which can make brushing twice a day for two minutes each time difficult to do. We’ve gathered a few pointers to help you and your child make brushing time a fun experience.

Choose a Cool Toothbrush and Great Tasting Toothpaste

Make your child part of the process by allowing them to select a cool toothbrush. By choosing one with a favorite color or neat character on it, selecting a toothbrush can be fun. When it comes time to choose a toothpaste, pick one that is palatable to your child. Not all children find the mint flavors often used in adult toothpastes to be appealing. Instead, go for one with a taste your child loves.

Timing is Everything

It is essential that your child brushes for a full two minutes, twice each day. Two minutes can feel like a long time. Allow your child to control a timer to better engage them in their brushing. Use a sand timer, egg timer, or even a timing app on your phone. Many children also find it helpful to visually see how long they have been brushing.

Brush Together

Children learn by example. You can set a great example for your child by being a brushing role model. Brush together with your child. This also gives you the opportunity to correct any improper brushing habits they may otherwise do on their own. By brushing together, you are also emphasizing the importance of regular brushing each day. Show your child that proper oral hygiene is important.

For most adults, brushing your teeth is second nature. For young children still learning, it can be challenging or boring. You can help your child prepare for a lifetime of optimal oral health by helping them feel comfortable brushing their teeth properly. Stick to cool toothbrush designs and fun flavors. Also try using a timer, and brushing together to further build good habits. Don’t forget that your child should visit us for regular examinations and professional cleanings.

Contact our office to schedule your child’s next visit.

Phone: (919) 844-7140
Fax: (919) 303-8488

27615 Periodontist | Dentistry – Past, Presents, and Future

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Periodontist in Raleigh

“Tooth worms” are the cause of tooth decay. That was the headline of a Sumerian text from around 5,000 B.C.E. Fortunately, the dental industry has evolved since then and we know “tooth worms” don’t exist. Here’s how dentistry has evolved into the comfortable, safe, and beneficial science of today.

In the Beginning

Did you know that the ancient Egyptians had designated doctors for teeth? Evidence has been uncovered suggesting the Chinese used acupuncture to treat pain associated with tooth decay as early as 2700 B.C.E.

Additionally, in 500 B.C.E., Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote of treating teeth and oral diseases by using sterilization procedures and red-hot wires. They also spoke of using these red-hot wires to stabilize jaw fractures and bind loose teeth.

The Visionary Thoughts of the 1600s-1700s

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the 1600s and 1700s were a gold mine of innovation in the dental world. In 1695, Charles Allen published the first ever English dental textbook entitled The Operator of Teeth. In the book, he advises using a homemade toothpaste from powdered coal, rose-water, and “dragon’s blood” to keep teeth clean and white. Allen also suggests using dog’s teeth for transplants and even references wisdom teeth in his book.

In the 18th century, Pierre Fauchard was well ahead of his time in the medical practice when his master work The Surgeon Dentist was published. For the first time, dentistry was described as a modern profession. Some notable highlights in the book include sugar being the cause of dental caries (cavities), braces being used to correct teeth position, and the concept of a dentist’s chair light.

The Progressive 1800s

The discoveries and inventions of the 1800s were significant. In 1816, Auguste Taveau developed the first form of dental fillings made out of silver coins and mercury. In 1840, Horace Wells demonstrated the use of nitrous oxide to sedate patients and Thomas Morton employed the use of ether anesthesia for surgery.

That same year, Horace Hayden and Chapin Harris boosted modern dentistry by opening the first dental school, inventing the modern doctorate of dental surgery, and starting the first dental society. By the end of the 1800’s, porcelain inlays, the first mechanized dental drill, and the toothpaste tube had all been invented.

Scientific Advancement of the 1900s

The scientific development of the 1900s gave birth to some amazing advancements in the dental industry. Electric drills became available due to the invention of electricity. In 1907, precision case fillings made by a “lost wax” casting machine was invented to fill cavities, and Novocain was introduced into US dental offices.

In 1955, Michael Buonocore described the method of tooth bonding to repair cracked enamel on teeth. Years later, the first fully-reclining dental chair is introduced to put patients and dentists at ease.  By the 1990s, “invisible” braces were introduced, along with the first at-home tooth bleaching system.

What Will the Future of Dentistry Hold?

Today, dental professionals are investigating the links between oral health and overall health. The use of gene-mediated therapeutics to alter the genetic structure of teeth to increase resistance to tooth decay is receiving attention. Some researchers believe that there may be a way to grow a new tooth structure around weakened enamel. Only time will tell what the future of dentistry will bring, but our office is dedicated to seeking the most effective modern technologies as they arise.

Schedule your visit to our office and experience what modern dentistry can do for you.

Raleigh Periodontist | How Periodontics Can Improve Your Life

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Periodontics is a branch of dentistry that involves the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gums. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is an infection of the structures around the teeth, which mainly includes the gums but also affects the ligaments and bones. Gum disease can have a negative impact on your life, but treatments are available. 

Heart Disease  

Gum disease can exacerbate heart conditions. The bacteria found in gum disease travels through the bloodstream and can end up anywhere in your body, including your heart. Regular oral health examinations can detect gum disease before it significantly impacts your overall health. 

Respiratory Disease 

Research has found gum disease can worsen the effects of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other respiratory problems. Bacteria from the mouth and throat can be inhaled into the lungs. These respiratory infections can be life threatening. Brushing and flossing your teeth every day are important steps to prevent infections from happening.  

Tooth Loss 

If left untreated, gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss. The body’s natural response to infections causes bone and tissue to break down over time. Deep cleanings and surgical procedures can help save your smile.  

Periodontal disease is characterized by bleeding, painful, and swollen gums. Other symptoms include receding gum lines and sensitive teeth. If you suspect you might have periodontal disease, we recommend you schedule a visit with our team. Routine oral health examinations, twice-daily brushing, and regular flossing are your best defenses against periodontal disease. 

To schedule a consultation with our team, please contact our office.

10931 Strickland Rd.
Suite 101
Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 844-7140

 

27587 Periodontist | Periodontal Disease in Children

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Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection in the gums that can impact the teeth and jawbone if left unchecked. About half of all children suffer from periodontal disease. Fortunately, if identified and treated early, its effects can be managed and even reversed to allow your child to return to optimal oral health through adolescence and beyond.

There are several factors that can lead to the onset of periodontal disease in children. Poor oral hygiene and untreated plaque are the most common, but diet, diabetes, hormonal changes, and even genetic predisposition can increase your child’s risk.

Your child should be screened for periodontal disease if their gums are:

  • Sore
  • Swollen
  • Red
  • Bleeding from brushing and/or flossing

If left unchecked, periodontal disease can cause your child’s gums to pull away from the teeth, affecting the structure of the bone beneath and potentially impacting their jaw alignment and bite. Over time, bone and tooth loss can occur.

Periodontal disease is preventable and highly treatable. Regular cleaning and exam appointments will help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. Teach your child about the importance of daily oral hygiene. If periodontal disease has begun, our doctor can help. Contact our office for your child’s periodontal screening today.

600 Dr. Calvin Jones Hwy
Suite 112
Wake Forest, NC 27587
(919) 554-2736

Dental Implants in Cary | Seniors and Oral Health

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Your teeth age with you. It’s important to keep them strong and healthy even as you grow older. Seniors are at a higher risk for developing periodontal disease. In addition to getting a regular dental examination, here are some other tips to keep your teeth healthy.

Keep a Routine

Regardless of age, we cannot stress the importance of keeping up with a daily oral hygiene routine. Make sure you are brushing twice-daily and flossing at least once per day. For seniors with dentures, it is important that you remove them for at least four hours each day. We recommend removing them at night. Dentures need to be cleaned daily so make it part of your routine as well. We also suggest staying hydrated by drinking water. Not only does water help keep you producing enamel building saliva, but if it contains fluoride, it can help keep your teeth strong. Make a regular visit to our office part of your routine as well.

Tips for Caregivers

If you are the primary caregiver of someone elderly, working with them to keep their teeth healthy can be a challenge. It is up to you to remind them to brush and floss regularly. Help them by establishing a routine and set times for brushing their teeth. We ask that you assist them in making an appointment to visit our dental office. If keeping up with daily dental health seems to be too difficult, please contact our office. We can work with you to offer some advice and solutions.

Financial Assistance

For seniors in a nursing home that are enrolled in state or national financial programs, the American Dental Association (ADA) suggests considering the Incurred Medical Expense regulation. This works to assist in paying for care that is deemed a necessity. If our dentist finds that treatment must be done, consider this as an option to lessen the financial burden. Talk to your nursing home or care facility’s caseworker for more information.

Don’t Forget About Gums

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can be brought on by certain medications. When you visit our office, be sure to update us on any changes to your medications. At times, early periodontal disease is painless which makes it even more important that you keep a regular routine of visiting our office for a thorough exam and evaluation. According to the ADA, more than 47% of adults over the age of 30 have chronic periodontitis.

Keeping your teeth healthy as you age can be difficult. We suggest sticking to a daily routine in terms of brushing and flossing, and keeping up with regular visits to our office. If you are the caregiver of an elderly spouse, parent, or loved one, do not overlook their oral health. Make sure they are receiving the needed attention and are sticking to a daily oral healthy routine.

For more tips on keeping your teeth health or to set up your next appointment, please contact our office.

3100 NC Highway 55
Suite 203
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 303-8486