Chicago Dentist

Straight teeth will help you bite, chew and speak in addition to assisting with healthy teeth and gums.  Straight teeth will also be estetically pleasing with positive self-esteem attributes.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, gum disease and injury.  They collect less plaque and thus, less tooth decay.  The decay can result in cavaties and future dental work. 

When teeth are properly aligned, they are much easier to keep clean.  With regard to injuries, protruding upper teeth are more likely to be broken in an accident.
Untreated orthodontic problems can become worse.  They may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, destruction of the bone that holds teeth in place, and chewing and digestive difficulties. Orthodontic problems can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces.

American Association of Orthodontists

The latest Dentists With Heart charity event was a great success.  For over ten hours, the less fortunate in the community were treated to free dental care.  In many cases, it was the first time being treated by an experienced, professional dentist.  Dr. Siegel and his assisting dentists and staff were once again overwhelmed with the outpouring of thanks from the Logan Square community.  Although many were served from throughout Chicagoland, Dr. Siegel loves to service those in his neighborhood.

by Hampshire News

DENPLAN, the Winchester-based dental insurance specialists, are warning that a lack of awareness about oral hygiene, together with a shortage of NHS dentists, means the “tooth-decay timebomb” is already ticking.

The firm says its online survey of the tooth-care habits of nearly 2,000 people in the South-East showed a “worrying lackadaisical attitude”, with only 66 per cent of respondents brushing their teeth twice a day and 25 per cent only once.

MD, Steve Gates, said: “We believe that much of this unawareness of oral hygiene is symptomatic of the fact that, increasingly, people have less access to dentists.

 ”Some of our other research shows that 34 per cent of private patients had not been able to find an NHS dentist,” he added.

“Dentists provide vital after-care advice and help to educate patients on how to avoid serious problems.

“The current situation has a particular impact on low-income households where going private may not be considered an option.

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 by Dr. Jay Adlersberg

Professional teeth whitening treatments can be expensive, and it can leave your gums sensitive. But you may not need fancy products. A change in diet could brighten your smile. 

Most dentists will tell you that one of the reasons your teeth are the color they are has to do with your genetics, as well as your health habits. And by habits, in this case, are the materials that come in contact with your teeth.  If you’re looking to brighten your smile, there is no lack of methods and materials to help you do it. Expensive whitening can be done at the dentists’ office. And there are also the home products, less expensive, but maybe not as effective.

But there is something more basic: some dental experts are suggesting you might first start with what you eat and drink.

“Beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, dark syrupy sodas tend to stain your teeth pretty quickly,” Dr. Ada Cooper said.
Brushing your teeth immediately after a cup of coffee or red wine is one way to minimize staining.
It may not always be practical, but Dr. Ada Cooper recommends another simple way.

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by www.wtvq.com

The desire for whiter, brighter teeth is trickling down to teens and even younger.  Kids across the country are bleaching their pearly whites, often without their parent’s knowledge.  But there are some things you need to keep in mind to avoid tooth trouble.  According to Dr. David Carroll, “Kids are under a lot of pressure, as adults are, to look and to feel to look good, to have white teeth.”
 
But don’t be blinded by the white.  Dentists warn that children’s teeth aren’t fully developed. Bleaching can make them overly translucent and trigger tooth and gum sensitivity.  “There could be extreme tooth sensitivity if it’s used improperly, if it’s kept on the teeth for too long, and if the directions are not followed closely,” says Dr. Carroll.
That should be a red flag to parents who may not know their child is using a tooth whitener.

 ”If the child all of a sudden can’t drink cold water or can’t eat ice cream for some reason that might be an indication that they have started using some of these products,” he says. 

To avoid problems, kids who want whiter teeth should see a dentist before starting the bleaching process.  They should get a thorough examination, find out why, what is the cause of discoloration of the teeth.

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by Beatrice Gachenge

Some people just cannot afford to smile due to the state of their teeth. This in turn leads to low self esteem for most people affected by fluorosis.

Bleaching of teeth has increased in the recent past. And the dentists say it is not only a complete brown sheen that warrants bleaching but also as a fashion statement.

“Most of my clients are in the entertainment, airline and the beauty industries where image is vital,” said Dr Faith Njoroge, a dentist at Innovative Dental Clinic located on Kaunda Street.

She says that due to exposure, Kenyans were now more fashion and image conscious. And as the Chinese say, a man without a smile should never open up a shop.
Some people just cannot afford to smile due to the state of their teeth.

This in turn leads to low self esteem for most people affected by fluorosis, especially in its severe stages.

“Its very hard to keep your mouth shut. But for most people with this condition, they have no confidence because they are afraid of how their teeth look,” says Dr Njoroge.

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by www.napsnet.com

Why Women Should Be Aware Of Their Oral Health And Its Association With Their Heart Health

(NAPSI)-Did you know that having healthy teeth and gums may result in more than having sparkling white teeth and fresh breath? Many people may not realize that taking proper care of their mouth may be important to their overall health. In fact, a growing body of research suggests an association between severe gum disease and certain serious health conditions, such as heart disease–the No. 1 cause of death in women.

Gum diseases include gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis, an early form of gum disease and the first stage of gum inflammation, is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria above the gumline. Untreated gingivitis can result in chronic infection and inflammation, which can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Recent studies have demonstrated that there is an association between periodontitis and certain systemic diseases, such as heart disease.

On the positive side, recent research also suggests that achieving and maintaining good oral health may be important to an individual’s overall health, including the heart. This is especially important news for women, as heart disease is the leading cause of death of women in the United States. In 2003 alone, cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of more than 480,000 females, compared to the nearly 270,000 lives lost to all cancers combined.

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 by www.dentalplans.com

Periodontal disease is defined as an infection caused in the periodontium. The periodontium is the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. It is composed of several components such as the gingiva, the cementum, the periodontal ligaments as well as the alveolar bone. When infection in these regions causes inflammation, it is known as periodontitis that is also called Pyorrhea alveolaris. According to research, 50% of American citizens who are over 30 have some form of the disease and almost 10% of the cases deal with severe forms of periodontal disease.

Between the teeth and the gums, there is a deep crevice that acts as a connective tissue between the two. This is called the sulcus and this is where periodontal disease usually occurs. This tissue is often infected, which leads to break down and severe bone loss in and around the root region, if the condition is not treated early on. Microbial plaque and biofilms are the root cause of periodontium. Plaque is colonies of toxin producing bacteria that collect on the surface of the teeth every day. It is because of this acid production that the gum tissue separates from the tooth. This leads to periodontal disease and bone loss along the gum line.

With time, plaque and tartar buildup progress to form pockets. The vacant space formed becomes home to colonies of harmful bacteria. These vacant spaces that get infected separate the teeth from the gums. Periodontitis can affect the teeth in mild forms but sometimes it can also cause severe damage.  

In the preliminary stages, it is called gingivitis, which may redden the gums and cause bleeding. However, the effects of gingivitis are reversible if treated with proper care. This includes regular brushing, dental flossing and decreasing the rate of dental plaque and tartar build up. Although gingivitis does not cause bone loss, it may advance into severe plaque build and eventually periodontal disease.

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by Dr. Elizabeth Smoots

Did you know that good dental hygiene keeps more than just your mouth healthy? A growing body of evidence suggests that maintaining healthy teeth and gums is important for the health of your entire body.

Oh, come on … How could that be? Well, it turns out that gum disease releases bacteria and their products into the bloodstream. This can trigger a whole host of disease and problems throughout the body.

For the sake of your overall health and well-being, it’s essential to properly care for your teeth.

Periodontal disease

It’s a common condition that can progressively lead to damage of your gums. It starts with the accumulation of dental plaque — a sticky, colorless material that accumulates at the gum line of your teeth.

Next, bacteria thriving in the plaque produce toxic substances. The toxins cause gum inflammation or gingivitis, which eventually progresses to destruction of the soft tissue and bone that supports our teeth.

An estimated 80 percent of American adults have some form of gum disease. Red, tender and swollen gums, or those that bleed easily when brushed, are early signs of the disorder. The majority of people, however, have no early symptoms. The condition can lead to gum pockets, loose teeth, a changed bite or poorly fitting dental appliances.

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by Anne Kelly

Twice a day Karen Redman flosses her teeth to protect not only her gums, but also her heart.

Becoming a more faithful flosser was the Liberal party whip’s New Year’s resolution for 2007, even though she doesn’t have gum disease or risk factors for heart disease. The Kitchener Centre MP stepped up her routine from every day or so to twice daily after learning of an association between plaque in the mouth and the plaque involved in coronary artery disease.

“I was watching a news show on television about the fact that flossing had a connection with heart health and the plaque on your teeth,” Redman said in an interview.

“I had always viewed flossing as something you did for the health of your gums. So for me, it was a real revelation to realize there were other implications that may, in the long run, have a greater impact.”

People with serious gum disease have higher levels of certain types of bacteria in their mouths. Researchers suspect the bacteria may travel through the bloodstream to the coronary arteries, causing inflammation which eventually leads to plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries.

Another theory is that high bacterial levels in the mouth may lead to a chronic increase in the immune system response, which helps fight infection, but also involves inflammation.

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by www.dentistry.co.uk

A dental health expert has welcomed the results of a new study that warns young pot-smokers of the health risks to their gums and teeth.

Researchers in New Zealand have discovered that regularly smoking cannabis as a young adult can lead to early periodontal disease – independent of tobacco use – as early as the age of 32.

The research found that smoking cannabis more than 41 times a year from the age of 18 was linked to 36% of periodontal disease cases among people aged 26 to 32.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF), commented: ‘While the effect of cigarette smoking on oral health has been well documented, there is little out there warning against the dangers of smoking cannabis.

‘This study backs up the suspicion that regular use of cannabis can have a negative effect on the gums and, of course the rest of the body.’

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By Dairy Herd news source

A recent study published in the January issue of the Journal of Periodontology, the official publication of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), shows that routine intake of dairy products may also help promote periodontal health.

The study analyzed the periodontal health of 942 people and determined that those who regularly consumed dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt had a lower instance of gum disease.

Research has suggested that periodontal disease may affect overall systemic health, says study author Yoshihiro Shimazaki of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan. “This study reinforces what much of the public already knows — the importance of dairy in helping achieve a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy mouth.”

Study participants aged 40 through 79 were examined on two periodontal parameters that can indicate gum disease; periodontal pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) of gum tissue. Researchers observed that subjects who consumed 55 or more grams of products containing lactic acid each day had a significantly lower prevalence of deep PD and severe CAL, therefore demonstrating a lower instance of periodontal disease.

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The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint where the skull and lower jaw meet; and allows the jaw to move and function properly.
TMJ disorders are conditions which cause pain and tenderness to the TMJ. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder include: pain in your jaw, difficulty chewing, an uncomfortable bite, or an uneven bite as well as a “clicking” sound when opening your mouth. Other signs that might not be immediately identified as being associated with TMJ disorders are headaches and face pain.
The causes of TMJ disorders are as varied as the symptoms. Trauma to the jaw can cause TMJ; as can the effects of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Some experts believe that response to stress can also cause TMJ disorders. For example, if you clench your jaw when you are stressed this may be a factor in TMJ disorders. Other habits, such as frequent chewing on gum or a pen cap may exacerbate the pain associated with TMJ disorders. 
If you have the symptoms associated with TMJ disorders you should seek medical attention from your dentist or from a TMJ specialist, an oral health professional who focuses specifically on TMJ disorders.
If you do suffer from a TMJ related disorder, there are a variety of treatment options. In many cases, surgery is not necessary, and your dentist may recommend some conservative measures to alleviate the pain. One basic measure is to be aware of bad habits that cause TMJ disorders, such as frequently clenching your jaw, and practice keeping the jaw in a relaxed position. In addition, there are massages that can also lessen the pain associated with TMJ disorders. Because neck and shoulder tensions can also negatively affect the TMJ, your dentist may also show you exercises to improve your posture.
If your TMJ is misaligned, your dentist may recommend that you wear a split to move the joint into the correct position. Similarly, a night guard appliance worn over your teeth at night may help prevent teeth grinding.
If non surgical measures do not have the desired effect, your dentist may recommend a more aggressive treatment option.  Corticosteroid drugs, injected into the joint may provide some relief from the pain. If the pain is severe and all other options fail, you may want to consider surgery to repair, or remove the disk between the mandible and temporal bone. Because there are specific risks associated with TMJ surgery, such as the potential for joint stiffness and the risk of facial nerve damage, before deciding to under the surgery it is important to consult with a dentist as well as get a second opinion from another dentist.
 

by Anthony Stai

If you are asking yourself, “How can I stop gum disease?”, a good way to start is to understand the conditions of the disease. The two basic types of gum diseases or periodontal diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the first phase of periodontal disease. It results when plaque forms on the teeth’s surface and the gum line. When plaque builds up, the bacteria that compose it cause inflammation in the gums. A person with gingivitis has red and puffy gums that bleed easily. Gingivitis develops into periodontitis over time. At this phase, bacterial infection damages the bones that support teeth and the connecting gum tissue resulting in pockets where more bacteria can flourish. This condition ultimately leads to tooth loss.

How can I stop gum disease?

Detecting and treating the problem while it has just started is the best way to put a stop to periodontal disease. Pay attention to your gum’s health. Healthy gums should be pink in color, firm, odorless and should not bleed with normal brushing. If the condition of your gums is the opposite, you likely have a problem. Make sure to see your dentist regularly. Most people are not aware they have a problem until their dentist points out the problem to them.

How can I stop gum disease through clinical treatment?

Your dentist or periodontist may perform several cleaning procedures in your mouth. Root planing or scaling are ways to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar in your teeth and gums. Your dentist may also place antimicrobial liquid solutions beneath your gum line through a procedure called periodontal irrigation to wash out any remaining bacteria in the infected gums.

Severe gum diseases may require periodontal surgery, which removes the infected gum to expose and strip off bacteria. In case of critical bone loss, the dentist will perform a bone graft. To complete the surgery, the dentist will cover the treated area with a new gum line through a skin graft.

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by Mary Jo King

Dental hygiene students from Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) will be visiting local elementary schools to make presentations as part of the local observance of National Children’s Dental Health Month.

The annual observance of children’s dental health began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio in 1941. During that year, Feb. 3-7 was designated as Children’s Dental Health Week in Akron, Ohio. Since 1941, National Children’s Dental Health Month has grown from a two-city event into a nationwide program.

ECTC dental hygiene students are currently providing preventive services at the campus on Wednesday and Friday. They will be seeing patients through April. ECTC students provide dental health services to the public which include exam, dental cleaning, radiographs (x-rays) and fluoride treatments. The clinic’s services are provided at reduced fees covering all treatments throughout the visit.

All procedures are provided by students under the supervision of registered dental hygienists and a supervising dentist. Patients should plan on visits taking additional time beyond what would be required at a regular dental office, as this is an educational setting with evaluation of procedures by instructors after each step.

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by d3scene.com

Dental crowns or dental caps or tooth caps are a type of dental restoration which when cemented into place, encase the entire visible portion of the tooth and thus become the new tooth’s outer surface. A dental crown may be recommended by a dentist for anyone of the following reasons: to restore a tooth to its original shape, to improve the cosmetic appearance of the tooth or to strengthen a tooth, to cover a dental implant.

The procedure involves a dentist preparing the tooth and making a molded impression of the teeth and sending it to the dental laboratory. Once completed, the crown is cemented .In the meantime, a temporary crown is created to temporarily protect the tooth. Using CAD/CAM technology, if a 3-d picture of the tooth is taken, and then there is no need for temporary tooth.

Dental crowns can be made from any one of the following materials:

Metals: Metals used in crowns include gold alloys, other alloys or a base-metal alloy like nickel or chromium. Metal crowns last the longest and can withstand biting and chewing forces and seldom chip or break. Metallic crowns are a good choice for out of sight mortar. The only drawback is their color.

Porcelain-fused-to - metal dental crowns can be color matched to the adjacent teeth. More wearing to the opposing teeth occurs with this type of crowns and its porcelain portion may chip or break. Next to all-ceramic crowns, these types of crowns look most like normal teeth. This type of dental crowns can be a good choice for front or back teeth.

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