What is a periodontist?

Just as it’s important to go to the dentist regularly, it’s also important to consult specialists like a periodontist if you notice symptoms of gum disease. Periodontists specialize in periodontal – or gum – disease and can help patients identify, treat and later prevent this type of disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontists must receive an extra three years of training on top of regular dental school.

This extensive training helps prepare them to use new techniques and perform cosmetic procedures. The Academy recommends that people schedule a periodontal evaluation regularly to check for signs of gum disease. Such signs include receding gums, bleeding after brushing or flossing, swollen gums, and persistent bad breath. By being proactive and consulting a peridontist, patients can avoid waiting until they are referred by their regular dentist for an existing problem.

Oral health and its link to adequate nutrition

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to maintain a healthy diet and consume the proper amount of vitamins in order to remain in good health. Older adults are particularly susceptible to nutrient-deficient conditions, such as osteoporosis and anemia. In response to this need, researchers for the Journal of the American Dental Association studied a group of seniors ages 79 and older and analyzed their diets. What they found has since shed more light on the need for oral hygiene.

In this study, seniors who had fewer natural and healthy teeth were found to have poorer dietary habits and higher nutrient deficiencies. This same conclusion was drawn about older adults who do not have properly fitting dentures. In both cases, the seniors who maintained good oral hygiene and had either natural teeth or well-fitting dentures were more likely to eat a variety of foods and, consequently, consume a wider range of vitamins throughout the day.

Based on this study, the researchers at JADA concluded that it is important to encourage dental hygiene as a person ages in order to avoid needing dentures. In the event that a person does need dentures, however, it’s equally important that he is educated about the proper use and fit of false teeth.

One way to achieve this is by encouraging a healthy exchange of communication between older adults and their dentists. If you or someone in your family seems to not be eating as well due to deteriorating or ill-fitting teeth, make an appointment with your True Dental Discounts, dentist to talk about your options. Your dentist will be able to give you suggestions on taking proper care of your teeth as you age and can also make sure any dentures you already have are the correct size and shape for your mouth. By taking advantage of this link between oral hygiene and nutrition, you can make maintaining your health both simple and affordable.

Biting your tongue and cheeks

Everyone has accidentally bitten his tongue while eating or woken up with a small mark on the inside of his cheek. But what do you do if this nuisance becomes a common occurrence? Many people frequently bite the inside of their mouth during sleep or while eating, but the causes vary. In some cases, it is due to misalignment of the teeth or poor denture fitting.

In that situation, the teeth can overlap with the person’s tongue, increasing the chance of a bite. In other cases, a person may constantly breathe with his mouth open, leading to a slightly swollen tongue, which can again lead to accidental bites. In some rare cases, a person may also have seizures, causing him to involuntarily bite his tongue or cheek. Regardless of the reason, though, constant wounds in the mouth can become more than just annoying.

Over time, biting can lead to scars and decreased sensitivity, so it is important to treat the bites properly and speak with a dentist about preventing future occurrences. He or she will help you identify the cause of the biting and hasten the time until you can eliminate the bites altogether.

Signs of a great toothbrush

You know how important it is to brush your teeth twice a day to fight plaque and cavities -- but are you using the right brush? In reality, every person’s mouth is different, which means everyone needs different traits in a toothbrush.

For instance, look at the size of your mouth: If you have a generally small mouth, it’s a good idea to find a brush with a small head. Small-headed brushes allow you to angle the brush more effectively in a small space and can get into hard-to-reach corners. In terms of the handle of the brush, look for one with a good grip. Handles are made to fit in varying-sized hands, so make sure the one you pick fits nicely in yours.

If you have arthritis, pay special attention to the surface of the handle and select one that won’t slip easily. Finally, when it comes to the bristles, most people benefit from a brush that is soft, but not too soft. Packages specifically labeled “soft” are generally not the right choice, unless your dentist recommends it for you. Instead, look for ones that feature “medium” bristles. These ones will not be so rigid that they hurt your gums, but they will also stand up under pressure and remove plaque effectively.

If you have any questions about choosing the right brush, talk to a dentist on your True Dental Discounts - dental plan. He or she can recommend the right brush for your mouth and even give you pointers about improving your technique.

Latex allergies and your oral health

People who frequently come into contact with products containing natural rubber latex may develop an allergy to this common ingredient. While typically found in household products like balloons, pacifiers, tires, and shoes, latex is also found in many medical items like masks, gloves, and bandages.

Because of this, it is important to identify any sensitivity you may have toward latex and inform your health care professional. According to the American Dental Association, people at increased risk of developing latex allergies include health care workers, those who have undergone numerous surgeries, and rubber industry workers.

Someone with a sensitivity to latex products may exhibit symptoms ranging from minor irritations like nasal congestion to severe anaphylaxis that could be life-threatening if not treated. If you know or suspect you are allergic to natural rubber latex, be sure to tell your True Dental Discounts - dental plan dentist prior to your next appointment.

He or she will then make a note to use latex-free alternatives at all subsequent visits to protect you from a reaction. For more information, talk to your doctor or dentist about your symptoms and their possible causes. Together, you can work to create the optimal environment for your health.

Does your child need space maintainers

One of the primary purposes of a child’s “baby teeth” is to reserve space for the adult teeth growing underneath. Typically, baby teeth fall out once the adult tooth begins pushing its way through the surface and is ready to emerge. However, in some cases, children may have a baby tooth removed early if they get it knocked out in an accident or have it removed due to dental decay. When this happens, there is a chance that the tooth underneath is not yet ready to emerge, causing a gap to be present in the tooth line. Unfortunately, some adult teeth do not grow in until the child is 12-14 years old, and your pediatrician may be concerned about later problems with the permanent teeth that could be caused by the gap.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, when baby teeth are lost too soon, adjacent teeth may try to fill the space by tilting or drifting toward the gap. This is a problem because baby teeth often guide the permanent teeth into place, meaning a child may end up with a crowded or crooked smile once their adult teeth have emerged. To avoid this scenario, a pediatric dentist on your True Dental Discounts dental plan will likely suggest space maintainers. Space maintainers are made out of either metal or plastic and are custom-made to fit into a child’s mouth. The purpose of a space maintainer is to keep the gap left by a baby tooth open and to prevent movement of the other teeth. The AAPD suggests that it is much easier to correct the problem in advance with space maintainers than to fix it afterward with extensive orthodontic treatment.

Once a child’s adult tooth has successfully emerged and taken its natural place, the space maintainer is removed. Until then, it is important that the child: avoids gum and sticky foods; keeps the space maintainer clean with regular brushing and flossing; does not pull or try to adjust the space maintainer; and continues visiting the dentist regularly. That way, your pediatric dentist can monitor the progress of the child’s tooth growth and ensure he or she has a beautiful – and permanent – smile!

Is your tooth cracked?

Believe it or not, it’s possible to not be aware of a cracked tooth in your mouth. Many cracks are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye, or sometimes even an X-ray. To determine which tooth is cracked, dentists often ask patients where they are experiencing sensitivity to temperature as well as sticky, sweet, or sour food. They make also ask where the pain is centralized while chewing. According to the American Dental Association, cracked teeth hurt because “the pressure of biting causes the crack to open.” Once that pressure is released, the crack quickly closes, and the person feels a sharp sensation of pain.

Even further, cracked teeth can cause the pulp inside the tooth to become irritated or even damaged. In advanced cases, a dentist may have to perform a root canal to save the tooth. Treatments for cracks range from bonding to complete extraction, depending on the severity of the crack. Teeth can crack for a variety of reasons, including chewing on hard candy, nuts or ice; uneven chewing pressure; grinding of the teeth; and experiencing an accident that involves a hit to the mouth.

The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that the most important thing to remember is that regular dental checkups help prevent tiny cracks from becoming a large problem. If you experience pain or sensitivity in a tooth, do not continue to chew on that side of your mouth. Call your discount dental plan dentist and have him or her identify the source of your pain. Treated early, cracks can be easily repaired without stress to your mouth or your wallet.

What are veneers?

If you are unhappy with your teeth because they are chipped, unevenly spaced, discolored, or worn, you could benefit from veneers. According to the American Dental Association, veneers are “thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth.” Veneers help teeth look more uniform and restore a person’s beautiful smile.

They are bonded to the teeth in order to improve their appearance and can change a tooth’s color, shape or size. In general, veneers are made from porcelain or composite resin; each has its own advantages and should be discussed with a dentist on your True Dental Discounts plan. For example, porcelain veneers are better at preventing stains. It is important to remember, however, that veneers are not reversible – dentists must remove part of the enamel from your targeted teeth in order to apply the veneer. During the process, teeth are roughened to allow for a stronger bond.

Although the entire process typically takes three separate sessions with your dentist, veneers tend to last between five and 10 years. Ask your dentist about the proper way to take care of your new veneers. Many experts recommend avoiding stain-causing drinks like red wine and coffee. With proper care, veneers can be a great way to improve your smile. Ask your dentist today if they could be right for you!

Dreaming of better gum health

How much sleep did you get last night? If it was six hours or less, you could be at increased risk for gum disease progression. A 2007 study in the Journal of Periodontology looked at the way lifestyles affect a person’s periodontal health and found that lack of sleep was one of the biggest factors in gum disease. People who had slept at least seven hours were less likely to experience advancement of the disease, leading researchers to speculate that a lack of sleep may reduce the body’s immune response, which then contributes to gum disease progression.

Another major lifestyle factor was smoking. More than 40 percent of participants in the study who experienced a progression of gum disease were smokers. This may seem obvious, but it reinforces the idea that tobacco use affects far more areas of a person’s health than just the lungs. Other influential factors identified in the study included high stress levels and daily alcohol consumption. Many of these factors are related, so it’s important to be self-aware. For instance, high stress levels may cause a person to lose sleep, which can then lead to progression in gum disease.

By fixing one contributing factor, other problems may be lessened, as well. Your True Care Advantage dental plan dentist can help you identify signs of periodontal disease and show you specific ways to stop it from progressing. By making changes to your lifestyle, you can quickly get back on the path to oral health.

Regular dental visits prevent advancement of oral cancer

You already know that avoiding tobacco products is one key to preventing oral cancer. But according to the American Dental Association, there is a second strategy that is equally important: scheduling regular visits with your dentist. If not detected early, only about 50 percent of people diagnosed with oral cancer will survive after five years. That is why it is so vital that you have your mouth examined every six months by a trusted dentist. He or she will identify anything out of the ordinary that may be signs of cancer or pre-cancer and advise you on the smartest steps to take next.

The ADA suggests that oral cancer is often preceded by the presence of “clinically identifiable pre-malignant changes” that may appear as white or red spots in the mouth. If caught early and removed by a dentist, these spots never have the opportunity to become cancerous – or deadly. Visiting a dentist on your True Care Advantage dental plan on a regular basis will help ensure that any changes in your mouth are caught at the earliest possible stage.

Also, remember that even if you do not smoke or use other tobacco products, you are still at risk for oral cancer. Research discovered by the ADA shows that up to one quarter of all oral cancer patients did not use tobacco. African-Americans also face higher risk factors, so talk to your dentist and develop a plan to prevent oral cancer. It could save your life!

Study shows dental implants are safe substitutes for natural teeth

When a person loses a tooth, either through an accident or poor oral health, it is often replaced with a dental implant. Dental implants are made to look like a natural tooth, allowing patients to continue to enjoy the same appearance and functioning they did before the loss. Although previous research led dental practitioners to believe that implants can disrupt the tissue and bone structure in a patient’s mouth, a study published in the Journal of Periodontology has shed new light on the implants.

Researchers found that most of a patient’s bone remodeling occurred after the implant was placed and before the final prosthesis was inserted. Further, they found that the bone changed very little in the following five years. This is significant because it solidifies the use of dental implants as safe substitutes for natural teeth. Talk to a dentist on your True Care Advantage plan if you think you may be a good candidate for dental implants; implants can restore your confidence in the way you look, speak, and eat.

Good oral hygiene may be linked to memory health

In the last decade, mountains of research have been conducted on the brain and the way a person’s memory changes over time. But before you reach for the Ginkgo Biloba, you may want to consider reaching for the toothbrush instead.

Researchers at West Virginia University are studying the effects of gum health on a person’s memory, and many experts predict that brushing and flossing may reduce the number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s. Studies have already shown that gum disease increases a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke, perhaps due to the inflammatory response caused by periodontitis or microorganisms in the mouth. Now, researchers suspect that mental health can also be affected by a person’s gums. According to the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, connections have already been found between severe dementia and gum disease.

To keep your gums healthy, it is important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, as well as use fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash. Most importantly, schedule regular visits with a dentist on your True Care Advantage discount dental plan and ask questions. Staying informed is the first step to staying healthy.