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.

2023 Give Kids a Smile® Presented by Marathon Petroleum Corporation – Free Dental Screenings & Cleanings for Children 18 & Under

2023 Give Kids a Smile® Presented by Marathon Petroleum Corporation – Free Dental Screenings & Cleanings for Children 18 & Under

Roseman Dental and Roseman University College of Dental Medicine are providing dental screenings and cleanings free to qualifying children ages 18 and under at the Give Kids a Smile® event in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of oral healthcare and help stop the spread of untreated dental decay. Children and teens who come in for a checkup and cleaning will also get a voucher* to return to Roseman Dental for a FREE comprehensive exam, x-rays, sealants, and up to $100 of additional care.

WHEN

Friday, February 3, 2023
9:00 am to 4:00pm – No appointments, walk-in patients only, while supplies last

 

WHERE

Roseman Dental
10894 S River Front Pkwy
South Jordan, UT 84095

 

*Event is subject to change. No appointment necessary, children are treated on a first come first serve basis and treatment will be limited by clinical capacity during the time of event. Vouchers are good for 6 months from the date of the event.

 

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Marathon Petroleum Corporation

 

Dental 360 – Utah June Issue

Dental 360 – Utah June Issue

Summer is here! In this June issue of Dental 360°, you’ll get the facts about how dental health is connected to overall health, find out which summer treats could be hurting your teeth, and take a look inside Roseman’s new dental clinic. Plus, you’ll learn about food allergies from our friends at Roseman Medical Group.

Roseman Dental’s 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, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, dental residents and students, and dental assistants and hygienists all focused on you and your family’s oral health. We offer comprehensive care, are a one-stop shop for all your dental needs and offer dental care at a cost typically lower than what you would find at a traditional dental office. Roseman Dental has been serving its community since 2011 and we look forward to continuing to serve you and your family.

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

 

Dental 360° June Articles

Healthy Mouth = Healthy Body
Summer Treats That Are Bad for Your Teeth
Team-Based Education – Dental’s New Clinic Model
Food Allergies

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.

Dental 360 – Utah May Issue

Dental 360 – Utah 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 clinic expanding and a recap of our Give Kids a Smile® event. As a bonus, don’t miss important information from Roseman Medical Group about maintaining vigilance and protecting yourself from Lyme Disease.

Roseman Dental’s 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, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, dental residents and students, and dental assistants and hygienists all focused on you and your family’s oral health. We offer comprehensive care, are a one-stop shop for all your dental needs and offer dental care at a cost typically lower than what you would find at a traditional dental office. Roseman Dental has been serving its community since 2011 and we look forward to continuing to serve you and your family.

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
State-of-the-Art Dental Clinic Floor Focused on Team-Based Education
Roseman Dental at Roseman University provides free dental screenings and cleanings to children in Salt Lake County
Summer Travel Expected to Surge – Maintaining Vigilance and Protecting Oneself from Lyme Disease

Roseman Dental at Roseman University provides free dental screenings and cleanings to children in Salt Lake County

Roseman Dental at Roseman University provides free dental screenings and cleanings to children in Salt Lake County

Taking care of your children’s oral health can have a significant impact on their overall health and can enhance their educational experience. Tooth pain – the leading cause of school absence in the US – and other oral health problems account for around 51 million hours of missed school every year. According to a study done in North Carolina, children with poor oral health were nearly three times more likely to miss school due to dental pain. Dental pain is caused by cavities and gum disease. These issues are a result of untreated tooth decay. It is estimated that roughly 17 million children suffer from untreated tooth decay which makes it the single most common chronic childhood disease in the US.

Dental pain. Missed school. These things can be avoided by taking the necessary preventative steps early on with your children. The average cost of applying a dental sealant – a practice that reduces the risk of decay – to a child’s permanent teeth is roughly one-third the cost of filling a cavity. Regular dental visits and basic education about proper oral healthcare can make a big difference in a child’s oral health.

At Roseman Dental, we believe in prevention and that’s why on May 6, 2022, we held our annual Give Kids a Smile® event where free dental screenings & cleanings were provided to children 18 and under in Salt Lake County. Children and teens who came in for a checkup and cleaning received a voucher to return to Roseman Dental for a FREE comprehensive exam, x-rays, sealants, and up to $100 of additional care. While at the event children and parents were taught oral health education through various carnival games. Those in attendance learned how to floss and were shown the proper technique for brushing their teeth, among other things.

This event would not have been possible without our generous sponsors – Marathon Petroleum Corporation and the American Dental Association. Because of these sponsors and our wonderful staff and dental students, Roseman Dental was able to see 269 children. Of the 269 children seen:

  • 67 percent reported having no dental insurance (including Medicaid)
  • 43 percent reported that it had been over 1 year since their last dental visit
  • 57 percent reported that they have no dental home
  • 55 percent reported that they had urgent or moderate dental care needs
  • Nearly 50 percent of the patients reported that they were enrolled in free or reduced-price lunch which means that nearly 50 percent of the patients’ parents earn 200% or less of the federal poverty level ($27,000 per year for a family of four)

Roseman Dental knows that there are families in our community that need our help and we find great joy in offering high-quality, affordable dental care to those who truly need it. If you were not able to attend our Give Kids a Smile® event this year, keep a look out for our Back to School Brush-Up™ event which is typically held in August every year.