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Posts Tagged ‘gum disease’

What’s So Incredible About That Hydro Floss?

December 6th, 2009

Since I began offering the Hydro Floss oral irrigator at the Toothy Grins Store, I have had the good fortune to speak to many people.

A very interesting conversation occurred this past week. A gentleman from Minnesota called me and we had quite a conversation.

He was looking to purchase a hydro floss for his own use. I typically ask people if they have used one before and I have grown used to people telling me how much they like the hydro floss and how it has helped them personally kind of like therabreath.

This time, a slightly different story came forth. He was initially told about the Hydro Floss by his hygienist. This is not unusual at all, many dentists and hygienists recommend the Hydro Floss to their patients.

But he took things one step further. He has two friends, one is a periodontist and one is an oral surgeon and he asked them both about this device. He was surprised to hear that they both personally use the hydro floss.

But the oral surgeon did something a little differently and it was an eye opener for me. It is one of those moments when the ‘light bulb’ came on.

She also uses the Pocket Pal Jet Tips. This surprised me because I had believed the Pocket Pal’s were only needed for people who had 5 to 6 mm pockets. Well, you can bet this person, an expert on oral health, has gums that are in good shape. SHE uses the pocket pal jet tips as a preventive measure.

I hadn’t considered this before. While the regular tips are made to be used at right angles to the teeth and gums. The pocket pals are used to shoot water directly into the pockets.

So, I thought something like, “It makes sense to use them to maintain / improve the health of gum tissue”. Since that conversation, I’ve been using the pocket pal jet tip after my regular use of the Hydro Floss and I think it is a good practice for me personally! Read more about the Hydro Floss and the jet tips at ToothyGrinsStore.com

Disclaimer: This post is for information purposes only. It does not intend to render advice, treatment or diagnosis for any health condition. If you have or think you might have a health problem of any kind, visit your periodontist or physician for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about any products mentioned on this site or in this article

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When The Professionals Do Not Agree – Consumers Can Become Bewildered…

November 14th, 2009

Opinions seem to vary greatly, even among health care professionals in the dental industry. Each often has his own favorite product or set of products.

If you take a simple device such as the perio-aid, you will find that different hygienists and even different dentists will give you slightly different and conflicting directions on how to use this tool.

Some attack the products that others recommend. That happened to me lately on twitter. I was quite shocked to see a dental hygienist attack products that she probably knew nothing about. Yet, when going to her profile, I found that she actually promoted a very specific product.

The majority of her tweets were about this product. I questioned her about whether she was working for the particular company that made this product. She said she did not. However, I find it very hard to believe that someone would spend so much of their personal time to promote a product if they were not being compensated for doing so.

This is the problem with marketing, you never know who is behind a particular marketing strategy or ploy. We live in such a commercialized era that it is a bit scary to think about sometimes. With many social media, you never know which profiles are real and which are made up – complete with convincing pictures!

We often hope that the professionals we trust are honest and forthright and perhaps we even assume that they are. I don’t want to say too much more about this issue. It is not limited to any profession or field. It spans the spectrum of industries and professionals. That is too bad for the consumer.

When I was a child I often dreamed of a world without commerce. It would really alter everything. For example, if the question of money were taken out of the equation, would your dental health be better protected and preserved.

As you might imagine, that was just an example, the same question could apply to any industry or profession. It would be nice if the professionals all agreed. When they don’t, whom does the consumer turn to for quality information that is not confusing?

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Disclaimer: This article is for information and entertainment purposes only. It does not intend to render advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, visit your periodontist or physician for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products in this article.

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Do You Need a Gum Graft?

October 23rd, 2009

gum disease

The question "Where can you get a gum graft?" will invariably pop up once somebody’s either been told they have some tooth root exposure or they notice a darkening of the root at the receded gum line. This darkening can be due to a number of reasons but it’s most commonly from a bit of decay. Fortunately, many people can be good candidates for a grafting of tissue over that gum area.

This first thing to know about such procedures as grafts is that they are what are known as "periodontal surgeries." Now, the term surgery often conjures visions of an operating room theater and a team of intense-looking gown-clad medical types, but fortunately that’s not the case in this type of procedure.

As with any kind of surgery or disease, prevention is you best option. However, once you have reached a certain point, perhaps you and your doctor will feel that it is too late for preventive measures. Some products that are useful for periodontal health are ora-md, therabreath and the hydro floss oral irrigator.

Gum grafts are most often performed in the treatment room of a periodontist, who is usually a doctor of dental surgery (DDS), with a board certification and specialist training in periodontal issues. Just as with medical doctors, though, any dentist who’s been licensed to practice dentistry can hang a shingle out and do just about any aspect of dental medicine.

It’s always highly recommended, though, that some time be taken to research for a dentist with appropriate periodontal certifications and extensive experience in performing grafts. If you stop to think about things doesn’t it make sense, after all, to put your trust in somebody who actually specializes in such procedures instead of a general dentist who may or may not have such a background?

Gum grafting can make sense in a few different circumstances, especially when the root of the tooth is exposed or there’s some hypersensitivity of the area surrounding the root. If done properly, with donor tissue taken from the palate of the mouth, a full healing can be expected within 4 to 8 weeks. Remember to try to use a periodontist who has experience in the procedure, if possible.

Scott W. recommends the book: What You Should Know about Gum Disease for those seeking more information on this topic. ISBN: 978-0981485508

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

Computers and Technology

Do You Already Have Periodontal Disease?

October 18th, 2009

gum disease

While there are certainly risk factors for gum disease such as smoking, chewing tobacco and pregnancy, it is important to realize that gum disease can strike anyone.

Our lives as human beings are often riddled with stress which can also be a factor. I think it is important to point out what the ’statistics’ say about this disease. Basically, most dental professionals will quote that up to 75% of people have gum disease in some form right now.

Staggering, isn’t it? If true, and I see little indication that it is not true, that means if you line up 10 people right now, the majority of them will have some form of gum disease.

I also suspect that a number of people think that because they have recently visited the dentist and the dentist did not say anything, that it means their gums are healthy. This also, may not be the case.

I know from personal experience that my dentist was not ready to spring the full details on me until it was time for a SRP (Scaling and Root Planing) procedure – often called a ‘deep cleaning’. I think it is incredibly sad that any dentist would wait that long.

I believe a periodontist I know told me that it has been studied and shown that general dentists are not always focused on the patients periodontal health. It makes sense, right? General dentists are primarily interested in finding and fixing defects with your teeth.

Yet, I would not want to let them all off the hook so easily. They know very well what gum disease looks like and they are capable of detecting it even when it is very minor.

So, what does all this mean? It simply means that you need to really make double and triple sure you are not facing gum disease RIGHT NOW.

The reason why is that gum disease can lead to gum recession, which makes your gums more vulnerable to additional attacks and recession, etc. In other words, it can become a vicious cycle.

What is the number one cause of tooth loss? Gum disease is.

Bad NEWS? Not if you take action to insure your dental health or to regain it if you have already lost some of it. The odds? The odds say you could have some form of gum disease right now. The fix? Learn all that you can now.

David Snape is the author of What You Should Know about Gum Disease

*Disclaimer – I am not a doctor or dentist. If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, visit your doctor or dentist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This post is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about any products mentioned.

Computers and Technology

Is Laser Gum Surgery For You?

August 17th, 2009

dental care

Surgery of any kind is not something to look forward to. It can be unpleasant, not to mention painful and nerve wracking. One type of surgery that a lot of people put off having is surgery for diseased gum tissue as it can be very painful for some time after. Thanks to the latest technology people who need this surgery can now have a laser procedure which is much less invasive. If you would like to find out more about laser gum surgery here are some facts.

Two tools that might help you to avoid gum disease in the first place are oral irrigators and ora-md.

When laser surgery is performed a tiny amount of energy will be aimed at the gum to be treated. This will quickly eliminate any tissue which is diseased from the gum, treating it efficiently and effectively. Something which most people look for when they are having to undergo gum surgery.

During the treatment there is no incision made into the gum at all. This is unlike traditional surgery which can require a deep incision to get rid of tissue that is diseased. Laser gum surgery therefore does not carry the risk of infection that many other gum surgeries do as there is no wound left behind.

For the majority of people who have laser gum surgery there is little or no bleeding. This is because the laser cauterized the wound as it is getting rid of tissue. In addition to this the laser will also seal the nerve endings which means that the aftercare period is minimized as is discomfort. Many people who have gum surgery are still recovering 4 weeks after surgery. With laser gum surgery this period is just a few days.

Now that you know about laser surgery you might want to consider the expense of this option the next time you have a gum disease problem. It is fast, hygienic and has a minimal recovery time, what more could you ask for with a surgical procedure? However, why have to go through the expense of surgery at all? Even laser surgery is expensive! Next: Follow the links below to get your free report on stopping gum disease and preventing it from returning again.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

Computers and Technology

Gum Graft? – How To Tell….

August 17th, 2009

dental care

The question “How do you know if you need a gum graft?” is often asked by people who meet a dentist in a social setting or at some function or another with some frequency. This is a bit surprising, considering how most people not only don’t want to see a dentist but how they never want to meet up with one in any sort of setting, dental-related or not. Those with gum disease are at particular risk of requiring such a treatment.

For some reason, the thought of having to be treated by a dentist chills people far more than having to be treated by a medical doctor. Perhaps, though, if people would take better care of their teeth the annual visit to the dentist wouldn’t be quite so unsettling to many. Regarding the matter of gum grafts, which seem to be more common with every passing year, there are a few indicators of possible need. Those who use an oral irrigator, such as the hydrofloss, might have a better chance of avoiding gum disease.

For one, a person would benefit from a grafting might have a root exposed, though he or she wouldn’t be able to see it just by looking in the mirror. Generally, it’s painful to brush that exposed root. Also, a dentist might see a lot of plaque buildup on the same root or the root of the tooth may even be decayed. A good graft can cover and even protect that root from further harm.

Another good indicator that a gum graft might be called for is what dentist’s call “tooth hypersensitivity.” Just the phrase is enough to conjure an ache of the tooth, most people would say. Many times, covering that hypersensitive root area with a gum graft can help eliminate such sensations. Lastly, an exposed or decaying root can make a tooth look unattractive. A graft can help correct that.

Gum graft surgery has a high success rate and complete healing of the gum and the area of the palate from which the tissue that goes onto the gum was taken will usually take from 4 to 8 weeks. About 14 days after surgery, the tissue over that donor site will begin to thicken and pain in the area will decrease markedly.

Author: Scott W.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.

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What Are Periodontal Problems?

August 10th, 2009

oral irrigator

Most people see white, healthy teeth as an attractive feature. Although a bright smile may be a help to your appearance, the more important fact is that a well cared for mouth is the only way to prevent gingivitis, a form of gum disease.

Recognizing the early symptoms of gingivitis can be difficult. It starts as a mild redness and swelling of the gums. At this point, simply brushing and flossing more often may be the only course of action necessary. If left untreated, you may next experience pain and bleeding of the gums when you brush or floss. An oral irrigator could be helpful now. At this point you will want to schedule an appointment with you dentist for a thorough cleaning and advice about how to proceed.

If the condition is allowed to continue the gums will pull back from the teeth. Not only is this unattractive, but it leaves more of the surface of your teeth exposed to plaque which may compound the problem. At this point it is also possible that you will develop periodontitis. This infection of the jawbone can lead to permanent damage to the teeth and bones of the mouth and face.

The way to avoid all of these problems is to develop and stick to a stringent oral hygiene routine. This routine should include regular brushing and flossing, at least twice a day. A hydro floss, not to be confused with the hydro pulse could be quite helpful here. It is also important to see you dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. This should help you to avoid gingivitis but if it does not your dentist can catch the disease early and suggest corrective actions.

An ozone generator may also be useful. It can help you to make your own oxygenated mouthwash at home.This might be beneficial to your oral health.

Whether or not you view bright white teeth as attractive, it is a pretty sure bet that you will view the discolored teeth and gums caused by gingivitis as unattractive. With a few daily steps and regular dentist visits it is possible to avoid this dilemma completely.

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Computers and Technology

The Occurrence Of Periodontal Disease

August 9th, 2009

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Periodontal disease occurs throughout the world and is in fact the 2nd most common dental disease found worldwide. Basically periodontal disease affects the periodontium, which is the tissue surrounding the teeth. Due to improper oral hygiene bacteria can grow and cause the tissue to become inflamed. If left untreated eventually your teeth can all fall out. When travelling it may be helpful to bring along a portable oral irrigator.

At the conclusion of many studies it has been found that those individuals originating from North Africa, Israel, the Mediterranean, Asia and the United States all have a greater chance of getting periodontal disease. Those individuals from Latin America, and European countries not mentioned have a lower rate of periodontal disease. It is thought that this trend is due to culture and social behaviors rather than having a genetic predisposition to periodontal disease. Oral irrigators may be helpful in combatting this disease.

A few forms of periodontal disease have some associated early symptoms that include, swelling of the gums, metallic taste in the mouth, deep pockets in the gums, redness or bleeding when brushing or flossing, bad breath, lengthening of teeth because your gums are pulling back and loss of teeth.

Chronic periodontal disease is the most prevalent and this generally occurs when you each adulthood. It is caused by bad oral hygiene and can start when you are a child without showing any symptoms until you are an adult. The hydro floss, which should not be confused with the hydro pulse, may be very helpful in this regard. There is no way to cure periodontal disease but you can manage the symptoms effectively.

Insidious and episodic periodontal diseases many times do not have any early warning signs. You will not know that you have periodontal disease until one of the late stage symptoms of bad breath, bleeding gums, sore gums, acute gum, abscesses, loose teeth, change in bits or itchy gums occurs. Episodic periodontal disease happens infrequently and may only occur in sports or one area of the mouth instead of widespread throughout your gums and tissue.

Author: Scott W.

This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to advise, diagnose or treat any health problem or condition. If you have or think you might have a health problem or condition, contact your doctor for advice, diagnoses and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products in this article.

Computers and Technology

Gum Disease Treatment Is Vitally Important

August 8th, 2009

bleeding gums

Each year hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with gum disease of some level and degree. However, many people who visit their dentist or oral hygienist do so too late and generally have to go through extreme procedures in order to rectify their oral issues. These types of procedures can usually be avoided all together if a person properly cares for their teeth on a daily basis.

There are a variety of non-surgical treatments that a person can undergo including scaling and root planing. Root planing involves a major cleaning of the tops of the roots wherein plaque and tarter are removed from the roots in order to prevent or reverse gum disease.

If a non-surgical method does not work for the treatment of gum disease, then surgical procedures will have to be used in order to correct the issues. However, it is recommended that most people attempt a non-surgical procedure before turning to a surgical method due to the fact that surgical methods are very expensive, whereas non-surgical methods tend to cost a great less and can achieve the same results.

When it concerns typical surgeries that a person may endure in order to correct their oral issues, the following four are very common: pocket reduction procedures, regenerative procedures, crown lengthening, and soft tissue grafts. However, the specific surgery will be decided upon on a case by case basis. A dentist can decide which type of surgery will work best for your level of gum disease.

gum disease that is left untreated can actually result in serious conditions to the body due to various infections that can arise in the mouth and be carried throughout the body. This includes but is not limited to death.

Therefore, anyone who is experiencing or think they might be experiencing any level of gum disease should visit their periodontist immediately for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article does not intend to render any diagnosis, advice or treatment.

 

 

Computers and Technology

Why Fear Gum Disease?

August 4th, 2009

dental irrigators

Awareness of gum disease is at our fingertips. Education is readily available. Sometimes we neglect to realize how it can affect us. Bacteria, that forms in the mouth is a main cause. It can cause damage to the gums.

Once the bacteria settles over time, it begins destroying tissues between gums and teeth, known as periodontal disease. When this happens we know there is a problem, but don’t often think of gum disease as being the cause.

The initial stage of gum disease begins with plaque build up. Plaque is constantly forming on your teeth, and we aren’t always aware of it. If you are wondering how, its bacteria, that forms plaque. This can be controlled with regular dental visits routine cleaning. You can help with daily oral hygiene which includes brushing thoroughly after all meals and snacks. If you don’t floss, this a good practice to incorporate into your daily routine as well. This helps cut down on build up.

Eventually, plaque turns into a solid, firm layer which is identified as tarter. Once tarter sets in, it is extremely difficult to remove it. You’d have to seek a professional for a scraping as it is snuggly attached to the teeth. To avoid this phase of gum disease, good oral hygiene habits help. Going to your dentist, typically twice a year for cleanings, and the brushing and flossing are good prevention measures.

The next phase after tarter, is deterioration of the tissue. When the tissue has been damaged, it causes the teeth to separate. Meaning, they will soon become lose and in the long run, you will begin to lose them.

Education on gum disease, learning about its causes and effects can be alarming. With the advancements in technology and medical enhancements, it can be overcome.

Author: Scott Wells

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. If you have or think you might have a health problem of any kind, visit your doctor or dentist for advice, diagnosis and treatment.

Computers and Technology