Periodontal (Gum) Disease
September 12, 2010
Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal literally means ‘around the tooth’. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) cause the gums to become inflamed.
You may be at risk of gum disease if you answer yes to any of the following questions:
Do your gums ever bleed?
Are your teeth loose?
Have your gums receded, or do your teeth look longer?
Do you smoke or use tobacco products?
Have you had any adult teeth extracted?
Has it been more than 2 years since seeing a dentist?
Have any of your family members had gum disease?
In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
Request an appointment or call our office at 727-796-1713 to schedule a personal consultation during your next visit.
Sincerely,
Prior Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
TMD/TMJ (Temporomandibular Disorders)
September 4, 2010
According to the American Dental Association, more than fifteen percent of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain. Some common symptoms include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth, or even headaches and neck aches.
Two joints and several jaw muscles make it possible to open and close the mouth. They work together when you chew, speak, and swallow. These structures include muscles and ligaments, as well as the jaw bone, the mandible (lower jaw) with two joints, the TMJ’s.
Diagnosis And Treatment
A dentist can help identify the source of the pain with a thorough exam and appropriate X-rays. Often, it’s a sinus, toothache or an early stage of periodontal disease. But for some pain, the cause is not so easily diagnosed. The pain could be related to the facial muscles, the jaw ortemporomandibular joint, located in the front of the ear. Treatments for this pain may include stress reducing exercises, muscle relaxants, or wearing a mouth protector to prevent teeth grinding. They’ve been successful for many and your dentist can recommend which is best for you.
Request an appointment or call our office at (727) 796-1713 to schedule a personal consultation during your next visit.
Sincerely,
Prior Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
(727) 796-1713
Are Your Teeth At Risk?
May 3, 2009
Special Report: Your Teeth May Be In Danger?
By Dr Greg Prior
Teeth softened by acid are much more vulnerable to decay. Consuming acidic foods and drinks can lead to acid erosion of your teeth. Once softened by acid exposure, your tooth enamel becomes weakened and can be more easily worn away, even by just brushing your teeth! If you tend to grind your teeth at night, you can quickly do some serious damage. Often the first sign of this problem is [Read more]