Periodontal Disease and How to Prevent It

Periodontal Disease and How to Prevent It

Periodontal disease occurs when the plaque that adheres to the teeth is not effectively removed. Plaque forms when bacteria in the mouth combine with mucus, creating a sticky and damaging substance that attaches to the teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly does certainly help minimize the formation of plaque, but any plaque that remains often turns into something called tartar, which cannot be easily brushed or flossed away at home. This is just one reason regular dentist visits are so essential!

To reduce the chances of developing gum disease, it’s important to recognize risk factors. Here’s a look at some of the things that commonly lead to gum disease and ways to prevent them from getting that far:

Genetic Makeup

Each person’s genetics play an important role in determining how healthy their teeth and gums are. So much so, in fact, that some researchers believe that as much as 30% of the population is especially susceptible to gum disease. However, even those who are predisposed to the issue can dramatically reduce their chances of developing it simply by engaging in strong oral hygiene practices. In this case of nature vs. nurture, go for nurture.

Stress Levels

While stress in and of itself isn’t a direct contributor to periodontal disease, it has a tendency to weaken the overall immune system. This means that fighting off infections will be tougher in general. In other words, if you’re in the beginning stages of gum disease and are particularly stressed out, it will likely exacerbate the problem. Talk to a doctor if you need help managing stress and its affects.

Smoking Habits

If someone doesn’t already suffer from periodontal disease, smoking may cause it to develop. If someone is a smoker and already has symptoms of gum disease, continuing the habit will only make the problem worse. The more someone smokes, the greater their risk, so cutting down an existing habit (or better yet, quitting entirely) can pay off in the form of improved oral health.

There are many risk factors associated with periodontal disease. The easiest and most effective ways of reducing the chance of developing it is to practice strong brushing and flossing habits, and visit the dentist at regular intervals. If your next appointment isn’t on the calendar yet, make one with Roseman Dental to keep those gums and teeth healthy.

Dental 360° – Nevada June Issue

Dental 360° – Nevada June Issue

Summer is here! In this June issue of Dental 360°, you’ll discover how the Brius lingual bracket system makes getting a straighter smile easier than ever, learn about all the ways dental health is connected to overall health, and find out which summer treats could be hurting your teeth. Plus, you’ll learn about food allergies from our friends at Roseman Medical Group.

Roseman Dental & Orthodontics’ Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, orthodontists, orthodontic residents – 30 to be exact, and dental residents all focused on you and your family’s oral health. Roseman Dental & Orthodontics has been serving its community since 2009 and is a comprehensive, one-stop shop for all your dental needs including dental, orthodontic and craniofacial cleft lip & palate treatment.

We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you each month.

 

Dental 360° June Articles

Revolutionizing Orthodontics Through Lingual Braces – Brius
Healthy Mouth = Healthy Body
Summer Treats That Are Bad for Your Teeth
Food Allergies

 

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Summer Treats That Are Bad for Your Teeth

Summer Treats That Are Bad for Your Teeth

Now that hot weather is here, the time is right for barbecues, swimming, and cooling off with some warm weather treats. Popsicles, smoothies, and other sugary confections are fun parts of long summer days. Unfortunately, these treats can quickly do the teeth more harm than good, especially if you aren’t being careful about keeping up with proper oral care. Here are a few summer treats to skip, and some better options to consider.

Popsicles and Shaved Ice

Before you grab that flavored popsicle or head to the local shaved ice shack, it’s important to understand how these chilly snacks could be harmful to the teeth. Both are often loaded with sugars, whether through-and-through or covered in sugary syrup. This sugar eats away at the outer layer of tooth enamel, encourages bacteria growth, and can easily lead to cavities. In addition, biting or chewing on icy things could lead to chipped teeth to severe pain from cold sensitivity.

There are plenty of cold sweet treats that wreak less havoc on the teeth. Reach for a bowl of fresh fruit straight out of the refrigerator, which can help satisfy your craving for something sweet with a little natural sugar, and the cold will help satisfy your craving for something cool on a hot summer day.

Ice Cream

What’s more fun than going to the ice cream shop on a warm summer day? Like popsicles and shaved ice, ice cream is also loaded with sugar and can cause sensitivity and pain from both the sugar and cold temperatures. People in the U.S. already consume two to three times the amount of sugar recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA)—kids consume on average 32 teaspoons (tsp) per day, adults consume 22 tsp, and the AHA recommends no more than 9.5 tsp, so adding a daily ice cream treat might be increasing sugar intake to potentially harmful levels.

Instead, try buying sugar-free or low-sugar ice cream, and skip the toppings like caramel or syrup. If you do indulge a little in ice cream, try to eat it immediately following a regular meal, since the extra saliva in your mouth can help rinse the sugar from your teeth. Another smart choice is to brush your teeth within about 10 minutes to remove any lingering sugar.

Sodas and Sports Drinks

In the warm weather months, many kids and adults participate in sports teams and outdoor activities. Sports drinks can seem like the obvious choice after a long workout or intense game to help rehydrate, but keep in mind that these drinks can be full of sugar. They’re especially rough on the teeth straight from the bottle because the liquid comes in direct contact with the teeth. Many sodas also have the added problem of high acid levels that eat away at tooth enamel.

Instead of sugary sports drinks and sodas, reach for water to quench that thirst. If you do decide to drink a soda or a sports drink, drink through a straw to limit tooth exposure as much as possible. Also try to drink soda only during meal times, rather than sipping on it throughout the day and extending the time your teeth are exposed.

What to Feed Kids

Without the structure of a school day, kids might be spending a lot more time snacking throughout the day. To keep the sugar intake at a minimum, have some healthy snacks ready:

  • Protein-filled snacks like nuts, cheese, and turkey
  • Vegetables like celery and carrot sticks
  • Fruits like apple or orange slices, bananas, berries, and grapes
  • Plenty of cold water—add some fresh lemons, limes, mint, or cucumbers to the water to enhance the flavor

For more tips about teeth-friendly snacking, talk to a dentist today. If you don’t have a dentist, make an appointment with Roseman Dental for affordable and patient-centered dental care.

Revolutionizing Orthodontics Through Lingual Braces – Brius

Revolutionizing Orthodontics Through Lingual Braces – Brius

By Brian Decker, DMD and Deshek Patel, DMD

Roseman Dental & Orthodontics is proud to offer Brius – a type of lingual bracket system, or tongue side braces, as a revolutionary method that moves teeth independently and simultaneously. This system provides the control and clinical excellence orthodontists expect, as well as the aesthetic and efficient treatment that patients desire. This is the future of orthodontics!

  • The height of custom care
    • Every patient gets a unique treatment plan that considers individual root morphology from a 3D CT scan to calculate precise force and moment for each tooth.
  • Building for the future
    • Brius technology uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning to customize each force and movement for future patients.
  • Less treatment time than traditional braces or aligners
    • Patients with Brius can spend up to 50% less time in treatment.
  • NO wire adjustments
    • One engagement is all that is needed to complete the case for many patients.
    • After the initial placement, check-up appointments are very fast.
  • Efficient tooth movement
    • Each tooth’s precise movement and force can be pre-programmed.
  • Precision control
    • Brius technology moves teeth on a direct path to their pre-planned position.
    • The teeth are not connected by a wire, so the movement of one tooth does not influence another tooth.
  • Compliance confidence
    • The fixed appliance removes the hefty responsibility that’s been traditionally placed on the patient. With Brius, there’s no need to remember to put aligner trays in and out!
  • Maximum aesthetics
    • The Brius brackets are completely hidden from view. No one can see you have braces or aligners!
    • Unlike regular braces, patients can floss normally and clean the front of your teeth easily. No more food stuck in your front teeth due to braces!
  • Treats all case types
    • From mild to complex, there’s no limitation to what can be done with Brius!

Make an appointment with Roseman Dental & Orthodontics to find out how Brius may be the right choice for your orthodontic needs.

Dental 360° – Nevada May Issue

Dental 360° – Nevada May Issue

School is coming to an end and Summer and warm weather are right around the corner! In this May issue of Dental 360°, you’ll learn fun facts about flossing and we’ll dispel some common dental myths. We will also share the exciting news about our new dental clinic in Summerlin. As a bonus, don’t miss important information from Roseman Medical Group about maintaining and protecting yourself from Lyme Disease.

Roseman Dental & Orthodontics’ Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, orthodontists, orthodontic residents – 30 to be exact, and dental residents all focused on you and your family’s oral health. Roseman Dental & Orthodontics has been serving its community since 2009 and is a comprehensive, one-stop shop for all your dental needs including dental, orthodontic and craniofacial cleft lip & palate treatment.

We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you each month.

 

Dental 360° May Articles

Fun Floss Facts
Mouthing Off: Dispelling the Three Most Common Dental Myths
Roseman Dental in Summerlin
Summer Travel Expected to Surge – Maintaining Vigilance and Protecting Oneself from Lyme Disease

 

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Fun Floss Facts

Fun Floss Facts

Most people know that they should brush and floss their teeth once or twice daily for good oral health. Knowing and doing are definitely not the same, though. Here are some fun facts you may not have known about flossing.

The first floss was made from silk. Luxurious!

Today, there are many floss choices. Here are some tips for choosing the best floss:

  • Wide floss is better than regular for people who have bridgework or spaces between their teeth.
  • Waxed floss is the easiest to slide between teeth that are close together.
  • Unwaxed floss squeaks when teeth are clean and plaque is gone.
  • Bonded unwaxed floss is more likely to tear than waxed floss, but much less than regular unwaxed floss.
  • For those that feel challenged by their own manual dexterity, flossing tools can be very helpful!
  • Those with braces still need to floss and with an array of tools designed to floss in and around brackets and wires, it is easier than ever before.
Women floss more than men do.

Although more than half of Americans do not floss daily, those who do are more likely to be women. Even if you don’t have time to floss every day, occasional flossing is better than not ever flossing! (Honestly, are you really surprised? I’m not. Ladies are just cleaner.)

 

Water flossers are not a substitute for flossing.

Water flossers like Waterpik are an effective tool for removing debris that a toothbrush can’t reach, especially with braces. They don’t remove plaque, though, and plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. Only floss can help remove this from teeth between regular cleanings at the dentist.

 

An inmate once used floss to escape from jail.

In 1994, a West Virginia prison inmate braided dental floss into a rope, scaled the wall, and escaped. Here’s the right way to use floss that doesn’t involve breaking any laws:

  • Break off a piece about as long as your forearm and wind all but about four inches around one of your middle fingers.
  • Wind the tail end around a finger of your other hand.
  • Stretch the floss tightly with about an inch between your fingers and guide it down between your teeth using a gentle back-and-forth motion.
  • At the gumline, slide the floss gently down between the gum and tooth until there is resistance.
  • With the floss against the tooth, gently scrape the side of the tooth as you move the floss away from the gum line.
Floss is the best weapon in the fight against plaque.

Plaque and food debris stick to teeth and gums and lodge between teeth, sending an open invitation to the bacteria that cause gum disease. Floss protects the mouth from all that bacteria by removing plaque and debris.

Even the best flossing habits aren’t a replacement for regular dental checkups. Make an appointment with Roseman Dental to keep that smile shining.