Gum Disease and Its Link to Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, 30 million Americans are diabetic. Sadly, diabetes is connected to problems not limited to the world of medicine. There are studies reporting a major association between diabetes and gum disease. A diabetic is significantly more likely to develop gingivitis or periodontitis. Some studies show that having gum disease on any level can negatively affect …

Dental News Tidbits

Word is that last year’s Tooth Fairy survey, provided by Delta Dental, discovered that cash for teeth under the pillow has skyrocketed to an all-time average high of $4.66. This is an increase of $.75 from the 2015 survey. Delta Dental reports that the tooth fairy has forked out in excess of $250 million for lost teeth in 2016. This …

Periodontal Disease: Differences between Men and Women

There is generally no argument that there are many differences between men and women, mentally, physically and behaviorally, so how do these differences relate to periodontal disease? There is evidence to support some significant differences. The Journal of Periodontology relates that women are more proactive in maintaining their dental health than men. As a matter of fact, women are twice …

Marijuana – Another Risk Factor in Gum Disease

The AAP Journal is reporting a connection between gum disease and frequent use of marijuana. Cigarettes and cigars are not the only culprits! Research has shown that regular smoking of recreational cannabis, (marijuana, hashish and hash oil), may elevate the risk of gum disease. It appears that even use of marijuana once a month for a year will increase indicators …

Flossing Doesn’t Work? Says Who?

If flossing has been recommended by dentists and hygienists for years, why isn’t there proof that flossing works? Recently, the newspaper, the internet and the TV have been blasted with articles claiming that “there is little proof that flossing works”. This statement was inappropriately fed to the media and will likely have a negative effect on the dental health of …

GUM DISEASE AND PREGNANCY

Probably the last thing on the mind of an expectant mother is gum disease. However, the truth is that pregnancy can have a significant effect on the gums. Most commonly, pregnancy can cause “pregnancy gingivitis”. Pregnancy gingivitis is exhibited through red, swollen, tender and bleeding gum tissues. In some instances, this irritation can actually lead to what is called “pregnancy …

I Think I Have Gum Disease

I Think I Have Gum Disease: What Should I do? It is important to note that gum disease often has no symptoms. Sometimes there is redness, swelling, bleeding or bad breath. However, many times there are no symptoms to indicate there is infection or the symptoms may simply go unnoticed. For this reason, it is very important to see your …

Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates can cause jawbone damage? Bisphosphonates are a type of medication used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, as well as in the treatment of certain cancers. Just a few of the drugs included are Actonel, Fosamax and Boniva. These drugs may be taken orally or intravenously. Just about everyone knows someone that is taking one of these very …

The Perioscope – Why Patients Love It

Why do our patients love the Perioscope? They love it because they can avoid periodontal surgery, (cutting and suturing of the gums), and end up with a fantastic result. So if you have been told that you have gum disease and have avoided recommended treatment due to FEAR – fear no longer. This non-surgical treatment option is painless and costs …

Pets Get Periodontal Disease Too!

Meet my little boy Spanky.  Spanky is 15 years old and there are many reason to love Spanky, but there is one thing he does that makes him unusually special.  Spanky allows me brush his teeth.  Not only does he let me brush them, he lets me brush them with an electric toothbrush!  Thanks to Spanky’s good  dental habits he …