ASK & WE ANSWER

Grinding your teeth can be very damaging to the teeth and also difficult to stop. If vigorous grinding occurs at night, teeth can be worn down to the gumline because the instinctive reflex to stop does not work while you are sleeping. Grinding due to stress can only be cured by removing the stress trigger. If grinding continues, a night guard may be prescribed to prevent ultimate damage to the teeth.

Ulcers are very difficult to treat. There is no proven technique that will eliminate ulcers or speed the recovery time once they appear. There are a few medications that will give temporary relief from the pain, but they need to be started as soon as symptoms appear. Ulcers generally diminish in 7-10 days.

There is a pad or disk that separates the jaw bone from the base of the skull. The primary cause of the “popping” occurs when you open your mouth too wide and the jaw bone “pops” off the pad or disk. Treatment is not required unless pain is associated with the “pop” or the jaw locks.

Dental amalgam, or silver filling material, is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin, and copper. The release of mercury in silver fillings is so small that it is much less than what patients are exposed to in food, air, and water. There are, however, other materials that can be used for restorations. These include gold, porcelain, and composite resins.

Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine, which is found throughout nature in water, soil, air, and most foods. Fluoride is absorbed easily into the tooth enamel, especially in children’s growing teeth. Once teeth are developed, fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage is visible.

Radiographs, or x-rays, help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses, cavities, and many abnormal growths such as cysts and tumors. They can help pinpoint the location of cavities that may not be possible to detect on a visual examination. Drs James and Bone are trained to prescribe radiographs when they are appropriate and will tailor the radiograph schedule to your individual needs.

Note: At James Family Dentistry, we use digital radiographs, which have 90% less radiation than conventional radiographs.

Bad breath, or halitosis, is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene, but can also be caused by retained food particles, gum disease, drainage from sinus dripping, or systemic respiratory or gastrointestinal problems. Proper brushing, including brushing the tongue, cheeks, and roof of the mouth will remove bacteria and food particles. Flossing removes accumulated bacteria, plaque, and food that may be trapped between the teeth. Mouth rinses are effective in temporary relief of bad breath. Consult your dentist and/or physician if the condition persists.

Many people are unaware that having periodontal disease (the destruction of gum tissue and bone that hold our teeth in place) can affect your overall health. Periodontal disease is one of the most common infections; often more prevalent than the common cold! Periodontal disease is not only the number one reason people lose teeth; it can also affect the health of your body! Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, and in its earliest stages, is called gingivitis. It starts when an accumulation of plaque (a colony of bacteria, food debris, and saliva) is NOT regularly removed from the gums and teeth. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins/acids that irritate and infect the gums and eventually destroy the jaw bone that supports the teeth. When periodontal disease is not treated it can eventually lead to tooth loss!

There are numerous studies that have looked into the correlation between gum disease and major medical conditions. These studies suggest people with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of systemic disease and indicate that periodontal disease may cause oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs and begin new infections.

Research suggests that periodontal bacteria in the blood stream may:

• Contribute to the development of heart disease
• Increase the risk of stroke
• Compromise the health of those that have diabetes or respiratory diseases
• Increase a woman’s risk of having a preterm, low-birth-weight baby

Researchers conclude there is still much research to be done to understand the link between periodontal disease and systemic diseases, but enough research has been done to support that infections in the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body.

To ensure a healthy, disease-free mouth, we recommend the importance of regular dental check-ups and cleanings, which include a periodontal evaluation. Also, diligent home care and a proper diet can help reduce the plaque and bacteria in the mouth. Remember….the mouth-body connection! Taking care of your oral health may contribute to your overall medical health!

Water irrigation systems are not a substitute for flossing. These devices are effective in removing retained food from hard to reach places, but do not remove plaque which can cause gum disease.

Gum (periodontal) disease is caused by bacteria. These bacteria, if left along the gumline, will irritate the gums and cause an inflammation reaction. The gums then begin to bleed and swell allowing the bacteria to go deeper under the gumline. If the inflammation is allowed to continue, the bone will begin to demineralize and dissolve. As the bone dissolves around the teeth, the teeth become loose and will fall out. Unfortunately, pain does not occur until the final stages of the disease and treatment at that time has very little chance of being successful. If your gums bleed regularly, seek treatment as soon as possible.

Bleeding gums is an early indicator of gingivitis, usually caused by plaque and/or calculus accumulated under the gumline. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease (gum disease), bone loss, and eventual tooth loss. Gingivitis can be reversed by proper brushing and flossing within a few weeks. If bleeding persists for two to three weeks, consult your dentist.

Tooth decay is caused by plaque in your mouth reacting with the sugary and starchy deposits from food. This reaction produces acid, which damages the enamel over time and weakens the tooth.

Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). If plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease. Plaque formation and growth is continuous and can only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing, and the use of other dental aids.

Toothbrushing-Brush your teeth at least twice a day with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste. Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums. Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath. Electric toothbrushes are also recommended. They can make it much easier to remove the plaque and brush for the recommended two minutes.

Ask us about our discounted Oral B electric toothbrushes. 

Flossing-Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone. Take 12-16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches between the hands.Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between the teeth using a sawing motion. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline.  Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth. Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

You should visit your dentist at least every 6 months or more frequently to get your teeth cleaned. By seeing your dentist twice a year, your dentist can monitor your oral health and help you prevent any problems that may arise before they become uncomfortable or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment.  The dentist may suggest more frequent visits, depending on the diagnosis.