High rates of gum (periodontal) disease in America are shocking. An estimated 3 out of every 4 Americans have gingivitis (which is the earliest stage of gum disease). Of the people afflicted with periodontal infection, approximately 30% fall into the more severe gum disease category (periodontitis). You might wonder if simply brushing your teeth, flossing,… Read more »
Category: Gum Disease
Scientists Continue Efforts to Understand Severe Gum Disease
Severe gum disease is clinically termed periodontitis. The condition afflicts nearly 50% of the adult population in the United States. Inflammation of gum tissues and the development of periodontal pockets results in tooth loss and jawbone density diminishment. In fact, periodontitis is the number one cause of adult tooth loss. Many scientific research studies point… Read more »
Pella, IA General Dentist Talks about Floss
Here’s an interesting fact that you may not realize: you can actually do yourself a service by flossing before you brush your teeth. Many people are taught to floss after. What does it matter? Well, think about what dental floss is designed for. The fine thread is meant to dislodge food particles, debris, and even… Read more »
Pella Family Dentist Says Alkaline Diet Improves Health and Reduces Gum Disease
Your body’s pH levels can affect your oral and overall health (oral-systemic health). Diabetes, strokes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and other conditions have been linked to periodontal disease (gum disease). Gum disease can be a gateway for heart disease, which tends to be a particular concern for most people, since the consequences of the… Read more »
New Dental Anesthetic May Eliminate the Need for the Needle
Periodontal scaling and root planing procedures generally require some type of anesthesia. From your perspective as a patient, the choice of anesthetic is a trade-off between pain relief and side effects. Oraqix, a needle-free anesthetic, may end the need for an injection prior to your periodontal scaling and root planing procedure.
Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush?
Gum bleeding has had some misconceptions when it comes to oral hygiene. Some people believe they are just brushing too hard or that a minor mouth injury like a pizza burn has become irritated. While both of these are plausible reasons for bleeding during brushing, continued bleeding is not normal. If your gums bleed often,… Read more »