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Three things you need to know about dental fillings: You’re stronger than you realize. When you chew, your back molars are exerting a force of roughly 70 pounds a square inch. That’s something to think about next time you eat dinner—or accidentally bite your tongue. Now imagine all that force, every day, exerted on your teeth and, in turn, your fillings. It’s no wonder that fillings eventually crack and need to be replaced! What may surprise you is that how long your fillings last can vary depending upon the type of material the dentist uses. Fillings enable you to a keep a tooth that otherwise might have been destroyed by tooth decay. When you have a cavity, the dentist clears the area of bacteria, using a drill to shape the tooth to ensure there is no decay left. He or she then fills the tooth with a specialized material. Fillings protect the soft, inner part of the tooth from infection. Because of their important role in oral health, it’s important to know the following three things about fillings:

1. Eventually, all fillings need to be replaced.

Do you grind your teeth while you sleep? If so, you may be exerting even more force on your teeth than the 70 pounds per square inch mentioned in the example above. Because of the extensive wear and tear your teeth undergo every day, eventually, all fillings will need to be replaced. How long do they last? That depends on the type of filling and how well you take care of your teeth. In general, fillings can last from seven to 15 years. There are several different types of fillings, but two of the most common are:

• Amalgam fillings: These are made from a metallic mixture of copper, silver and tin. They tend to be very durable and relatively inexpensive.
• Composite fillings: These fillings are made of acrylic resin and tiny, finely ground glass-like particles. Combined, these materials create a tooth-colored filling. These are often used to repair smaller cavities, particularly if located on one of the front teeth.

The material your dentist uses depends upon the location and size of the cavity, as well as other factors. Speak with your dentist about what type of material is being used and what you can expect.

2. A damaged or cracked filling should be fixed as soon as possible.

Even microscopic, hairline cracks in your filling can allow bacteria and germs to silently creep in and set up shop. It’s impossible to remove this bacteria by brushing and flossing. This means that it is possible to have tooth decay underneath a filling! Therefore, if you believe you may have a cracked or loose filling, it’s important to immediately schedule an appointment with your dentist. Symptoms of a cracked filling include a sharp pain when biting on hard food or an intense sensitivity to heat or cold. If the filling isn’t fixed in a timely manner, the bacteria can damage the soft inner part of the tooth called the pulp. If the pulp is infected, a root canal may be needed.

3. Fillings aren’t a “safety net” or a “seal” for your teeth.

Modern dentistry is wonderful isn’t it? After all, if you had been born 100 years ago, your options for treating cavities would be extremely limited (often removal was the only option). But just because you do have access to the latest dental technology and tooth colored fillings doesn’t mean you should slack off on good dental hygiene. Even the most sophisticated fillings are just that—fillings. There’s no substitute for your natural teeth. This means it’s important not only to brush your teeth, but also to brush them correctly. Your teeth are still susceptible to decay or breakdown. The easiest way to avoid fillings is to follow good dental hygiene practices and, most important, have regular dental checkups. Regular dental X-rays will help the dentist discover any cracks or problems with your fillings. Remember: don’t delay if you need to have a cavity filled. When your dentist tells you that you have a cavity, your first reaction may be to groan—no one wants to go through the time and expense of having dental work. Instead of dreading the procedure, see this as an opportunity to speak with your dentist about what steps you can take to improve your oral health. Always remember that regular checkups enable your dentist to prevent many problems before they can develop. Ask questions and become an active partner in your care. Dental Express offers dental care for the entire family, including SmileCorrect, implants, emergency dental care and maintenance services. Our practice features compassionate care coupled with state-of-the-art dentistry at four convenient locations in San Diego: Downtown, Point Loma, Clairemont and Santee. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.

So how are those New Year’s resolutions working out so far? Sadly, by the time late January, early February roll around, many of these best intentions fall by the wayside. Don’t let your smile be one of those abandoned resolutions. Thankfully, many of the steps to a healthier mouth are simple. Your teeth will love you if you keep up with these health habits throughout the year.

Healthy Dental Habits To Adopt In 2018

Don’t just brush–brush properly.

Yes, brushing your teeth is important, but it’s only half of the story. To clean them properly, you have to brush them long enough with the right tools and techniques. The American Dental Association offers these guidelines:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. This will ensure you do a thorough job of removing bacteria. If you’ve been indulging in sweets and sticky foods, you should brush your teeth three times a day.
• Use a soft-bristled brush.
• Be sure to change your toothbrush every three months (or sooner if you’ve had a cold).
• Do NOT use a toothbrush with frayed bristles.
• Use fluoride toothpaste that has been accepted by the American Dental Association.

Floss.

Yes, we know. No matter how many times you tell your dentist that next time you’ll be sure to floss, it always ends up falling by the wayside. (Well, at least until the day before your scheduled appointment, when you floss like crazy.) Why do dentists and hygienists put such an emphasis on flossing? Because even the best toothbrush can’t get into the tiny places between teeth. When bacteria accumulate, it turns to plaque, which in transforms into tartar. You may be surprised to learn that it doesn’t matter what time of day you floss, or if you floss before or after you brush your teeth–the most important thing is to do it! Children should floss too! In fact, the American Dental Association recommends that you start flossing your child’s teeth when they have two teeth that are touching. You can help educate your child on the importance of flossing, and by the time they are 10 or 11, they should be able to floss on their own. Flossing should not be painful. Your gums shouldn’t bleed either. The more you floss, the more comfortable it should be. However, if your gums continue to bleed after flossing, speak to your dentist. Bleeding gums can be a symptom of gum disease.

Avoid foods that can damage your teeth.

Sodas, citrus juices and sticky foods can all damage the enamel of your teeth. Sodas, orange juice and other similar drinks have acid that can wear away at your tooth’s protective shell. Sticky foods are hard to remove, and foods high in sugar can feed bacteria, which in turn, set the stage for tooth decay.

Visit your dentist regularly.

Did you know that most dental insurance plans pay for two dental cleanings a year? While you’ll have to check your individual dental policy for specifics, regular cleanings and X-rays are crucial to avoiding more extensive (and expensive), dental treatment later. If going to the dentist makes you nervous, feel free to mention your apprehension. Most dentists will be able to put you at ease. While weight loss and exercise may take the spotlight for the most popular resolutions, don’t forget your teeth. A healthy mouth is an important part of a healthy life.

Dental insurance can be a huge help when it comes to maintaining your oral health. Many dental plans will pay for two cleanings a year, which will help you avoid more expensive dental treatment later. But dental insurance is also very confusing. Many Americans don’t fully understand the extent of their benefits, which is one reason why insurance companies make millions in unused dental benefits each year.

Understanding Your Dental Insurance Policy

While the fine print of each policy will vary, here are some handy tips on how to take some of the mystery out of your dental insurance policy.

1. Use available resources.

You’re not in this alone. There are several resources to help you understand the details of your policy. Most dental insurance companies have a customer service representative who can answer your questions either via phone or an online chat. Just be aware that you may experience longer wait times during open enrollment for health insurance plans. You can also get information about your plan on your insurance company’s website. Once again, be prepared for longer wait times or slow connections if you are calling or logging on during the enrollment periods. The American Dental Association (ADA) offers some help by providing information on ADA-approved plans in your state, and it provides links to local state dental associations which can also provide insight.

2. Understand the insurance vocabulary.

One of the most confusing aspects of dental benefit plans is the vocabulary. If you don’t understand the language, you can’t understand your benefits. Here are some commonly used terms:

• Contract term: The length of time for your insurance–usually 12 months.
• Deductible: The amount you have to pay before your insurance will pay for services. For example, if you have a $50 deductible, it means you will have to pay $50 out-of-pocket before your insurance will pay their part.
• Coinsurance: This is what you have to pay after you reach your deductible. For example, suppose Cindy has a $50 deductible and 20% coinsurance. This means that after she pays $50 for dental services, her insurance policy will pay 80% for services. After she reaches her deductible, she is responsible for paying 20% of her bill.
• Yearly maximum: Unlike most health insurance plans, a dental insurance yearly maximum refers to the maximum amount of money the dental insurance policy will pay during the benefit year, not the maximum out of pocket to be paid by the patient.
• Exclusions: Services that are not covered.
• Missing tooth clause: When an insurance policy has a “Missing Tooth Clause,” the policy will not pay for the replacement of any teeth that were missing or extracted prior to the effective date of the policy.
• Fee schedule: This list of dental procedures and how much your dentist charges for them. Be aware that many insurance companies may have a set amount that they will pay for certain services. This means that if your insurance company allows $100 for a procedure, but your dentist charges $150, then you will be responsible for the difference (in this case, $50) unless your dentist is a contracted provider for the insurance plan. If they are a contracted provider, they agree to charge the $100 amount “allowed” by your insurance company.
• Pre-authorization: This means that the dentist must submit a treatment plan to the insurance company for approval. If you do not have pre-authorization, your insurance company may not pay for the service.
• Premium: This is the amount you pay each month in order to maintain your dental insurance.
• Indemnity insurance: This type of policy usually pays a percentage of the dentist’s fee regardless of the dentist participating in a “Preferred Provider” group.
• PPO insurance: PPO plans provide a network of “Participating Providers” that agree to discount their fees to amounts pre-determined by the PPO plan. Patients with PPO insurance plans can receive pretty significant discounts by visiting participating providers. These plans usually allow for non-discounted benefits when a patient visits an “out of network” dentist as well.
• HMO or managed care: Dental HMO policies assign patients to a specific dental office to receive their care. These plans usually compensate very little directly to the dentist for each procedure. The dental office will usually receive a monthly check for each patient on their list. Most of the financial burden is on the patient, however, to pay for any major dental care needed. With HMO plans, it is very common to receive itemized bills from the dentist for parts of dental care that are usually included in the fees for procedures billed to Indemnity or PPO Insurance Companies. Examples of such itemized billing are for infection control, irrigation, lab fees, tooth colored composite or porcelain upgrades. Using an HMO policy can be very tricky because it appears to be a “great value” to the patient, initially, but there may be several hidden costs that could cause them to spend more in the long run than they would have spent without insurance at all. HMO policies do not provide any benefits for patients visiting an “out of network” dentist.

Vocabulary For Common Dental Treatments

When you get an insurance statement, you may not recognize the names of the dental procedures you had done. Here are some “fancy” dental terms for common treatments.

• Analgesia: This means preventing pain. It is often used in reference to numbing in relation to a procedure or the use of nitrous oxide gas to relieve anxiety.
• Amalgam: The “filling” used to treat cavities. They are typically made of silver, tin and copper.
• Appliance: Any removable dental device.
• Caries: Another word for cavities.
• Composite resin filling: Unlike a metal filling, this material is tooth-colored. It’s commonly used to repair cavities in teeth that are visible when smiling.
• UCR: The term UCR may appear on your insurance statement next to fees for each procedure performed. It is an abbreviation for the words “usual, customary and reasonable.” UCR amounts will differ with each dental insurance company and are not scientifically derived from the actual costs for dental care. The fee the insurance company determines to be their UCR may be very low compared to the area’s average professional fee for the same services. They are the fees that the employer and/or dental insurance company have decided to use to determine benefits payable for each procedure. They determine a percentage of the average fee for each dental procedure in the area and deem it their “UCR Fee.” This fee is used to determine any amounts that they will actually pay for your dental care. For an accurate idea of common fees for dental procedures in your area, contact your insurance representative.

Questions To Ask Before Your Dental Procedure

Before you have extensive dental procedures, here are a few items to be sure you understand. Ask yourself:

1. Does this dental practice take my insurance? Are they among the approved providers?
2. What “routine” procedures does my insurance cover? (For example, most will pay for two dental cleanings a year).
3. What is my deducible?
4. After I reach my deductible, how much will my insurance pay, and how much will I be expected to pay?
5. Do I need pre-approval or authorization for extensive dental treatment?
6. What methods of payment does my dentist accept? Are there payment plans?
7. Does my dental insurance pay upfront or am I expected to pay and then be reimbursed?
8. If I have to have oral surgery, will this be covered by my dental insurance or will my medical insurance plan be expected to pay?
9. Is this considered cosmetic surgery? (If so, insurance will not cover it.)

Dental insurance is not easy to understand. Don’t let confusion keep you from getting the services you need! The professionals at your dental office will be glad to answer any questions you may have.

How to “train” your kids for better dental health: We admit, the bright, art-deco style and train make our practices stand out. Even our waiting room has a toy train rounding the tracks every three minutes! But we don’t want just our décor to stand out—we want our service to stand out as well. Why trains? Because the locomotives not only create a kid-friendly environment, but they are also a teaching device to help your kids learn about the benefits of good oral health. Simply use the acronym TRAIN to help children remember the essentials.

T stands for “teeth”

Don’t just tell your children to brush their teeth; let them know why dental health is important. There are plenty of kid-friendly educational websites to help you – such as this one featuring a “To Tell the Tooth” quiz game.

R stands for “reach”

It can be challenging for little hands to direct the toothbrush for cleaning back teeth, but it is essential that they reach all of their teeth to keep them clean. The American Dental Association’s “ambassador”—Dudley the Dinosaur—has a wonderful song about brushing and flossing. You can listen to it here. Even better, make it a part of your young one’s routine.

A stands for “always”

Yes, flossing can be difficult for younger children, but it’s something they should always do. When food gets caught between teeth, it sets the stage for plaque and, eventually, cavities. Here are some helpful tips for teaching your kids how to floss:

• Make sure you use softer dental floss that won’t hurt gums.
• Remove 18 inches of floss from the roll, thread it around a finger on each of your child’s hands. Show him or her how to roll the used floss. (Be sure he or she isn’t holding the floss too tight!)
• Guiding your child’s hands, make a “c” shaped curve around each tooth and show him or her how to move it gently up and down to remove plaque.
• Be sure to be gentle!
• You may wish to reward your child with a small, dental health treat.

Remember, your dental hygienist can provide additional education for your child at his or her next dental appointment.

I stands for “inspect”

In some ways, the pediatric dentist is like a detective. He or she wants to look in your mouth to see if there are any cavities. Dentists inspect the teeth to uncover any problems. By clearly explaining the role of the dentist, you can help ease your child’s fears. You may also play a game where you use plaque disclosing tablets to help your child “inspect” and investigate where he or she needs to brush.

N stands for “nutrition”

It may be a big word for some little ears, but it’s never too early to teach the importance of a good diet—and how that affects teeth. Healthy snacking can be particularly challenging, so be sure to limit the amount of soda, juice or other sweetened beverages your child consumes. So, in short, one more time:

• T is for teeth
• R is for reach
• A is for always
• I is for inspect
• N is for nutrition

Our Art Deco locomotives are not only about making our clients comfortable. They’re also a reminder that we are a “one-stop” for your family’s complete dental needs. Besides, who doesn’t love trains?

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Sources: Schwab, David. San Diego Community News Group. “Dental Express Keeps Oral Care on Track” American Dental Association. Mouth Healthy. Org. “Mouth Healthy Kids.”

Healthier alternatives to favorite holiday treats: December is the time of year when everyone breaks out their favorite, traditional family recipes. However, nine times out of ten, these treats involve loads of sugar, which can wreak havoc on your teeth. So what exactly does sugar do to your teeth and what are some tasty alternatives to favorite treats? We have some helpful holiday solutions for you, as well as links to sugar-free recipes.

Feeding Time!

No, we’re not talking about the gorgeous buffet table or the eggnog; we’re talking about plaque. When you eat sugar, you “feed” plaque. Bacteria binds together to create plaque, and plaque uses sugar as a form of energy. So when you taste those holiday brownies, plaque also gets a wonderful snack. Even worse, sugar can act as glue by helping bacteria stick to the surface of the teeth. End result? It’s harder to wash it away, creating the perfect environment for cavities. It’s important to let your kids know that too many holiday treats can cause trouble down the line. For a kid-friendly website with wonderful dental information, visit Healthy Teeth. You can even encourage your kids to have better dental health through the holidays by letting them play the “Save the Tooth” game.

The Usual Suspects

From cane sugar to the dreaded high fructose corn syrup, sugar seems to be everywhere in the American diet. Even natural foods such as honey or fruit juice can contain additives in addition to naturally occurring sugar. The American Dental Association states that the following are the top sources of added sugar in the diet:

• Soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, 35.7%
• Grain-based desserts (cakes, pies) 12.9%
• Fruit drinks 10.5%
• Dairy-based desserts (ice cream) 6.5%
• Candy 6.1%
• Ready-to-eat cereals 3.8%
• Sugars and honey 3.5%
• Tea (sweetened) 3.5%
• Yeast breads 2.1%

Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Health During Holiday Eating

A healthier holiday doesn’t mean a vacation from your old favorites; simply look for more creative and nutritional ways to make them. Following are delicious tips and great recipe ideas:

1. When baking or making desserts, cut the amount of sugar by half. You can enhance the sweetness by adding vanilla, nutmeg or cinnamon. The advantage is that the more flavor these bring to your goodies, the less sugar you will have to use.
2. What happens when you replace cream cheese with one percent cottage cheese and just a small touch of melted chocolate? You get this incredible chocolate truffle cheesecake from the Food Network Kitchen. The recipe is here.
3. When you have to create a dish quickly, you don’t have to resort to fast food or prepackaged cakes. These delicious mini date-nut snowballs only take 10 minutes to make. The recipe, courtesy of Ellie Krieger for Food Network Magazine, can be found here.
4. Carrots aren’t only on the vegetable tray. These carrot and pineapple whole-wheat muffins are a wonderful alternative to sticky breakfast buns or donuts.
5. Diabetic? The American Diabetes Association has a great resource for a variety of dishes and tips, as well as Healthier alternatives to favorite holiday treats for traditional dishes.

Keep on Keeping on!

Don’t let the break from school or work become a break from practicing good dental hygiene. It’s tempting with the rush to relatives’ houses to let flossing fall by the wayside, but this is the time to be sure your healthy habits are stepping up to the plate. Be sure you’re brushing your teeth long enough—two minutes is needed to remove sugars and food particles. Be sure to brush twice a day and limit between-meal snacks. Sipping on soda is hard on enamel, so opt for water or wiser food and beverage choices. Not only do fruits and vegetables help you feel “fuller,” but they also contain vitamins that are great for tooth health. Vitamin C is needed for healthy gums and vitamin A is important for building tooth enamel. Whether you’re planning a large family gathering or a quiet evening with close friends, these tips and treats can help you avoid cavities, and therefore, extensive dental treatment in the new year.

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Sources: American Dental Association. “Nutrition.” The Food Network. “Healthy Holiday Desserts.” Nova Scotia Dental Association. “What About Sugar?” Zeratsky, Katherine, R.D, L.D. “Healthy Holiday Eating—Remakes of Favorite Recipes.” The Mayo Clinic.

Does whitening damage your tooth enamel? Three things you should consider: You’ve seen their perfect, pearly smiles gracing the cover of People, Cosmo or other magazines: they are celebrities with flawless hair and brilliant white teeth (granted, they may have had some help from Photoshop). It’s clear that in our culture, whitening has become more popular as a method to make your smile sparkle. There are three main methods of tooth whitening. However, there is one important question: Does whitening damage your enamel? Enamel is the hard outside covering of your tooth that is vital to protect the tooth and prevent cavities. Before answering that question, it’s important to know how the various forms of teeth whitening dentist work.

Whitening Strips

These use thin pieces of peroxide-coated plastic to whiten your teeth. It’s simple, convenient, and since only one side of the plastic contains the beaching agent, it has minimal contact with soft tissues such as your gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) says that the most common side effects associated with whitening strips are gum irritation and tooth sensitivity, which typically occur in the early stages of treatment. While they may be a good first step, they may not produce dramatic results. The ADA also cautions that not enough research is available on the long-term effects of consistent and repeated whitening, and it is always important to tell your dentist that you are using whitening strips.

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes use chemical agents to reduce surface stains. This technique does not use bleach. When selecting whitening toothpaste, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal means the product has met the standards for safety and effectiveness as determined by the ADA.

Professional Teeth Whitening Performed In A Dental Office

This uses a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide than the over-the-counter whitening strips. A dentist may use laser gum therapy, and the session is completed in a matter of hours rather than the two- to four-week period suggested for whitening strips. The bottom line? These products shouldn’t damage your enamel as long as you follow the recommendations of your dentist and have regular check-ups so he or she can evaluate your teeth. In addition, here are three things you should consider:

1. Those with fillings, crowns and other extensive dental work should not begin whitening without speaking to the dentist first to ensure the bleaching will not damage your dental work. Together, you can tailor a treatment plan that should achieve the desired results. The ADA only recommends the use of whitening products under the supervision of a dentist.
2. While the ADA does provide its seal of approval to certain products, realize that manufacturers submit their products for ADA approval voluntarily—there is no federal requirement. In fact, tooth-whitening products are not regulated by the FDA.
3. Research results are mixed as to whether or not whitening damages your enamel. In higher concentrations, peroxide can cause the enamel surface to wear away. The best bet is to play it safe and follow your dentist’s recommendations.

Before you begin a whitening regimen, examine the tooth colored fillings of your teeth. Teeth with yellow discoloration will generally respond better to the process than those with brown discoloration. Drinking excessive amounts of coffee or tea or other teeth-staining products may present a greater challenge to get that perfect smile.

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Sources: American Dental Association. “ADA Policies and Statements: Tooth Whitening Safety and Effectiveness.” Animated-teeth.com. “Teeth Whitening Strips –What Are They?”

The most common pediatric dental problems: Did you realize that childhood tooth decay is the most common chronic infectious disease in children? Children can have a variety of dental problems, and they’re not just limited to tooth decay. Even something as simple as a pacifier can cause more serious problems as your children grow. Following are some of the most common problems seen by pediatric dentists:

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Also called nursing caries, this occurs when baby teeth are exposed to anything other than water for long periods of time, causing cavities. The number one culprit? Putting children to bed with a bottle. Even if this bottle contains milk or juice mixed with water, the sugar in these drinks creates an acid that wears away the tooth’s enamel. Soda, sugary drinks or even formula can also cause baby bottle tooth decay. Frequent breastfeeding does not cause tooth decay, but mothers should keep on a healthy diet and follow good oral hygiene practices.

Tongue Thrusting

Infants swallow differently from older children. They swallow by placing their tongues at the top of their mouths behind their front teeth in a method called “tongue thrusting. ” As they grow, they abandon this method as they learn how to swallow properly. However, if a child continues to tongue thrust, it can damage the teeth and change the shape of the mouth. Your dentist can be on the lookout for these symptoms.

Thumb Sucking

Keeping a child from sucking his or her thumb can be a frustrating experience. Thumb sucking is a natural soothing reflex and often nothing will soothe a fussy baby other than its beloved thumb or pacifier. However, once the permanent teeth come in –between two to four years of age— thumb sucking can be an unhealthy habit. Eventually, thumb sucking will affect the alignment of the teeth and roof of the mouth.

So, What Can Parents Do?

Your dentist will help you if you notice changes in your child’s front primary teeth. Here are some useful guidelines to help parents:

• Select a “kid-friendly” pediatric dental in your area.
• As soon as your child’s first tooth erupts, schedule his or her first dental appointment.
• Watch your child for any of the above-mentioned habits.
• Evaluate your water to ensure your child is getting enough fluoride.
• If your child will be sipping on something for a while, make sure it’s water.

If you have any questions, remember you can always speak to your dentist.

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Sources: American Speech Hearing Association. “Speech Disorders.” Healthychildren.org. “How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Your Baby.” MouthHealthy.org. “Thumbsucking.”

You might guess that tea and coffee will damage or stain your teeth, but did you know about these other foods that can be damaging your pearly whites? For more information on how to have a brighter smile, visit our Professional Teeth Whitening page to learn about the different methods in use today.

Bleeding gums and bad breath can be much more than embarrassing inconveniences; they’re warning signs that you are on the road toward periodontal disease natural treatment. Consider some of the red flags indicating your teeth need a professional dose of TLC to get back on the right track. Periodontal disease is another word for gum disease, which starts when stubborn plaque isn’t removed despite brushing and flossing. When the plaque is not removed, it develops into tartar, which can only be removed through the skills of a dental hygienist. The bacteria in tartar and plaque can cause a gum inflammation called gingivitis, which causes bleeding and red gums. The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed by daily and diligent brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups. The bad news? If gingivitis is not treated, it can get worse, eventually becoming periodontitis.

Periodontitis

In periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth, creating small pockets that trap bacteria and become infected. If not treated, the infection damages gums, tissue and the supporting bone structure of the teeth—causing them to loosen and eventually have to be removed. Symptoms of periodontitis include:

• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gums (which make teeth appear longer)

How To Avoid Periodontal Disease

Do you have any of the following risk factors? If so, be sure to follow up with a dentist to assess your risk for periodontal disease.

1. Smoking: Need another reason to quit smoking? It’s one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances of successful laser gum disease treatment.
2. Hormonal changes in girls/women: These changes can make gums more sensitive and therefore easier for gingivitis to develop.
3. Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including gum disease.
4. Other illnesses and their treatments: Diseases such as AIDS and its treatments can also negatively affect the health of gums. In addition, any treatments that compromise the immune system—such as chemotherapy—weaken the gums and may increase risk.
5. Medications: There are hundreds of prescription and over-the-counter medications that can reduce the flow of saliva (“dry mouth.”) Saliva is important because it helps protect the mouth, and without enough saliva, the mouth is vulnerable to infections. Other medicines can cause abnormal gum tissue overgrowth, making it more difficult to keep teeth and gums clean.
6. Genetic susceptibility: Some people are more prone to severe gum disease than others.

Remember, if your gums bleed regularly when flossing or brushing, or if you have any of the warning signs listed above, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. There are effective treatments for gum disease. Often this involves a deep cleaning called “Deep Scaling and Root Planing” where the dentist removes plaque and tartar that have developed under the gum line. Once removed, the tissue has time to heal.

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Sources: American Academy of Periodontology. “Types of Gum Disease.” American Dental Association. “Treating Periodontal Diseases.” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. “Gum (Periodontal) Diseases.”