Your oral health and the quality of your smile have a large impact on your wellbeing. A bright, welcoming smile can greatly increase your self-confidence, and make a positive impression on others.
The health of your teeth and gums also affects other aspects of your physical health. Researchers continually link good oral health to a lower risk of heart attack, stroke and other life-threatening conditions.
The most important part of maintaining your oral health is conscientious personal oral hygiene and regular maintenance visits with your dentist and dental hygienist.
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing remove food particles and help prevent the buildup of bacteria on and around your teeth. This bacteria will otherwise accumulate, and harden into a thick plaque, eventually causing tooth decay and bone loss below the gum.
Some tips for maintaining your oral health are:
Brush twice daily with fluorinated toothpaste, ideally after each meal.
Floss at least once a day.
Limit snacking in between meals and minimize the amount of processed sugars you consume.
Regular Office Visits
Regular visits allow your dentist to diagnose any problems early, monitor any areas at risk for decay, and remove the bacterial plaque that has built up over time. Dr. Emerson and his dental hygienists will also assess the health of the gums and other tissues in your mouth.
Each person may have individual needs or concerns. Your dental cleanings are also an opportunity for you to discuss these with us.
Periodontal Disease
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Periodontal Disease (also known as "periodontal infection", "gum disease" or "pyorrhea") is an ongoing bacterial infection in the gums and bone that support your teeth. If not treated, this ongoing infection can destroy the bone around your teeth resulting in tooth loss. 75% of all adult tooth loss is due to periodontal infection.
How Does An "Ongoing Infection" Occur?
When you were a child, did you ever get a bad scrape that became red and swollen? That was caused by bacteria that got under your skin and started an infection. It may have lasted for days or weeks. Finally your immune system conquered the bad bacteria and the infection healed.
With an ONGOING infection, your immune system never wins the battle and the infection worsens and spreads. Periodontal disease is an ongoing infection in the gums and bone around your teeth. Your immune system is losing the battle and, without treatment, it will get worse.
What Can Cause the Onset of Periodontal Disease?
Persons with periodontal disease have weakened resistance to the types of bacteria associated with this disease process. Periodontal disease does not progress in a predictable linear fashion but rather tends to occur in episodic phases or in “bursts of activity.” Some factors that can cause a dramatic increase in the likelihood and severity of periodontal disease are:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Dental plaque
- Smoking
- Genetic factors
- Stress or tension
- Diet
- Age
- Illness
Getting Periodontal Infection Treated Right Away
When your infection has a "burst of activity”, or when there are preliminary warning signs that this may occur, your dentist may recommend periodontal treatment.
Symptoms of Periodontal Infection
Periodontal infection is usually painless until it reaches more advanced stages. However, there are some symptoms that can indicate the presence of periodontal infection.
These include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing (pink toothbrush) or at other times
- Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
- Receding gums (teeth beginning to look longer)
- Bad breath
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Loose, separating or protruding teeth
- Spaces between teeth
If you notice any of the above warning signs of periodontal infection, please contact your general dentist and ask for a periodontal evaluation.
Important Note: Your gums can look and feel quite normal and yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can still be present. To be certain about any periodontal disease, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for signs of infection.
Who is a Periodontist?
Your general dentist is trained to detect and treat the early stages of periodontal disease. A periodontist is a dentist with advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. They also perform other periodontal treatments, such as crown lengthening and dental implantation (see Procedures Section).
Dr. Ben Emerson is uniquely qualified as a dentist, periodontist and physician. In addition to providing leading edge, comprehensive implant and periodontal dentistry, Dr. Emerson is able to incorporate his experience as a physician to provide a comprehensive approach to the care of his dental patients.
Dental and Medical Consequences
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