The Dental Center At Easton Town Center

One of the top concerns of our patients at the Easton Dental Center have with their gums, it is that say that their gums bleed when they floss, and this is the reason why they stop flossing. If it is felt that flossing is not the issue, patients often say that their gums are overly sensitive, and that is why they bleed. We have also have heard from some female patients that they feel that gum bleeding may coincide with their monthly period.

After divulging that they their gums are bleeding at times, we usually hear “but a little bleeding is OK, isn’t it?”  Unfortunately, it is not.

Bleeding gums while flossing or brushing is neither healthy or normal.  Despite what you may have heard, noticing blood while brushing or flossing is a dental issue that needs to be addressed!

Having bleeding gums is a sign that a problem is present, and flossing too hard is not the primary cause, unless you are injuring your gums with a too aggressive flossing technique. Normally though, you just need a slight change to your dental care regimen.

Healthy gums should not be sensitive, nor should there be bleeding. This is a sign of an underlying battle occurring in your mouth, an inflammation caused by bacteria building up around your teeth and into your gums.  This is a symptom shouldn’t be overlooked and needs to be taken seriously.

If you don’t brush or floss often enough with the correct technique, dental plaque, a sticky biofilm of bacteria, grows and accumulates on the surfaces within your mouth and under the gum line. This condition bacteria accumulation leads to the inflammation of the gums, called disease called “gingivitis”.

More often than not, anyone who does not floss for a period of 2 weeks will likely develop gingivitis. Gingivitis can manifest itself in a mild or in a very aggressive and acute form, depending on the kind of bacteria involved.  This condition is completely reversible and heals after a professional dental cleaning and some changes in the oral care routine.

When plaque is not removed above and below the gum line for a long period of time, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar) that will further irritate and inflame the gums, along with destroying the bone.

If gingivitis is left untreated and if some other risk factors (smoking, diabetes, stress or genetic factors) are present, a much worse condition can occur.  This is a degenerative disease called “periodontitis”, which can lead to tooth loss.

Daily flossing is the best method to clean between the teeth and under the gum line in the prevention of this disease. Flossing not only helps cleaning these areas, but it also disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

Flossing cleans areas where toothbrushes can’t: if you are not flossing, you are only cleaning approximately 55% of all the areas in your mouth. If you floss infrequently, you can expect to see gum bleeding when flossing because plaque can form in a few hours and the tissue between your teeth won’t be used to stimulation. Once you start correctly brushing and flossing, your gums may feel sore and bleed a bit, but the bleeding should subside in a week or so. Regular flossing the gum tissue between your teeth makes them more resilient, clean and healthy.

Most patients will stop flossing an area that bleeds when flossed, though the opposite should occur. If bleeding occurs, you should change your habits and properly brush and floss more often. If you have been flossing for 7-10 days and your gums are still bleeding, it is time to see your dentist. Let your dental professionals evaluate your flossing technique and whether there is a need for gum treatment.

Teaching your child proper dental care in their younger years is an investment in their health that will pay off in their latter years. Start by setting an example; taking good care of your own teeth sends a message that oral health is something to be valued.

To help your child protect their teeth and gums, teach them to these simple habits:

• Brushing twice a day to remove plaque-the sticky film on teeth that’s the main cause of tooth decay.
• Flossing daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line, before it can harden into tartar. Once tartar has formed, it can only be removed by a professional cleaning.
• Eat a well-balanced diet that limits starchy or sugary foods, which produce plaque acids that cause tooth decay.
• Use dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste.
• Take your child to the dentist for regular checkups.

Supervising your children until they get the hang of these steps may be a good idea:

• Use a pea-sized dab of toothpaste. Teach your child not to swallow the toothpaste.
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush the inside surface of each tooth first, where plaque may accumulate most. Brush gently back and forth.
• Clean the outer surfaces of each tooth. Angle the brush along the outer gumline. Gently brush back and forth.
• Brush the chewing surface of each tooth. Gently brush back and forth.
• Use the tip of the brush to clean behind each front tooth, both top and bottom.
• Don’t forget to brush the tongue.

Almost everyday now you encounter advertising for dental implants. Why has implants taken the world of dentistry by storm?

Since their introduction into the market over thirty years ago, implants have zoomed ahead of more conventional tooth replacements to become the top choice among both implant dentists and patients. What makes these modern dental devices so popular?

Resemblance to natural teeth. Dental implants can more accurately emulate both the appearance and function of natural teeth. Just as teeth have two main components—the roots beneath the gum surface and the visible crown, implants have a similar in design. Implants have a root replacement by utilizing a titanium metal post that is embedded in the jawbone. Then a life-like porcelain crown or even another form of restoration is permanently attached.

Durability. Due to implant materials and unique designs, a long-term success rate are achieved after the ten year span in the 95-plus percentile. This longevity is primarily achieved due to the use of titanium as the primary metal in the implant post. Since bone has an affinity for titanium, it will successfully grow and adhere to the post over time, creating well-anchored hold. With proper maintenance and care implants, it is reasonable to expect them to last for decades, making them a wise, cost-effective decision on the consumers part.

Added stability for other restorations. While a good many people think of implants as a single tooth replacements, technological advancements have created a much broader reach. For instance, with a few strategically-placed implants a removable denture can be supported, giving this traditional restoration much more security and stability. Better yet, bone loss can be stopped, one of the main drawbacks of conventional dentures. Also, implants can support a fixed bridge, getting rid of the need to permanently alter adjacent teeth that are often used to support a conventional bridge.

With continuing dental advancements, implants are becoming increasingly useful restorative dental work. Depending on your individual tooth-loss case, you can ask your Easton cosmetic dentist if implants would be the smartest choice to put the form and function back in your smile for many years to come.

There are many reasons as to why dental implants are more popular than ever. One of the most important, though, is their how long they last in the human mouth.  If taken care of properly, your implants can last for decades. But believe it or not, they are not indestructible—certain conditions inside of your mouth could put them in jeopardy. But if you address these situations early, you may be able to prevent implant failure.

Your implants may be eventually compromised, as an example, if you have a teeth grinding or clenching problem. This can happen when a person involuntarily and repeatedly bites down on their teeth for no productive reason. Triggered by high stress, teeth grinding can incur damage to both natural teeth and implants to greater than normal levels of force. Eventually, this can inflict bone loss around an implant and weaken their support. It could possibly cause a direct break in an implant.

But there are several ways to stop or reduce the harm of grinding the teeth. One proven to be successful method is a custom-made bite guard that can be worn while you sleep. Constructed of hard plastic, the teeth guard prevents the solid contact with each other, thus reducing the amount of force applied.

A more common problem is periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that is the end product of built-up dental plaque on tooth surfaces. This can trigger inflammation, a normal defensive response that when the gums are stressed for an extended period of time,  damaging tissues and supporting bone. This can lead to a specific form of gum disease related to implants known as peri-implantitis, where the tissues that support an implant become infected and weaken, eventually leading to possible implant failure.

As to the prevention for a good many dental issues, brushing and flossing daily is a productive step in prevent gum disease, as well as seeing your implant dentist at least every six months for cleanings and checkups. Should you notice anything such as reddened, swollen or bleeding gums, see your dental professional immediately. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your implants will function as well as maintaining your overall health.

Dental implants can provide years of great service and can prove very cost effective. But you’ll need to stay vigilant against gum disease and other mouth conditions that could endanger as time passes.

A dental implant quite simply is a metal screw that is designed to thread into the bone of the jaw which then allows for the attachment of a prosthetic tooth to the top of it. Implants are composed of medical grade titanium or titanium alloy and placed in sterile packaging.  Your implant dentist will drill a small hole in to the bone as a preparation for the implant placement procedure. The implant is screwed into the bone to provide maximum strength.  Over a short period of time, the bone will fuse to the implant in a process referred to as ‘osseointegration’ and once this process is successfully completed (3 to 4 months) the implant is permanently in place.

Consult with Dr. Gilmer today by calling Easton Dental Clinic to set up an appointment to determine if this is the optimal solution to the dental problem that is worrying you.

It’s almost time to schedule your 6-month cleaning and the dread of seeing a dentist keeps holding you back. While dental anxiety might seem like an impossible battle to overcome, it’s important to know that you and 75% of the American population can cope with the fear of dental appointments. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, three out of four people in the U.S. have encountered dental anxiety at some point in their lives. Although dental anxiety is very common among patients, it’s important to seek ways to manage constant fear, especially if it keeps you from pursuing crucial dental treatment. The good news is that there are many steps that can be taken to eliminate dental anxiety and improve your overall experience at the dentist.

1. Find A Trustworthy Dentist

When you’re looking for a Dentist, it’s critical that you chose a dental professional who also cares about the best interest of you and your health. Is the dental office convenient to your work or home? Are they in-network with your Dental Insurance? Do they offer reasonable payment plans? Does the dental staff educate their patients and give appropriate dental instruction? Do you feel welcomed from the moment you step into the dentist office? These are all questions you should ask yourself when seeking the best Dentist for you and your dental anxiety. When you are comfortable with the cost of treatment and the quality of patient interaction, you can feel at ease that your care is in the hands of a trusted dental professional.

2. Express Your Concern

Like most anxieties, the first step to overcoming fear is discussing the issue at hand. Some patients are afraid of needles while others worry about the cost of the visit. Some people avoid the dentist because they’ve had poor experiences in the past. Whatever the concern, be sure to inform your Dentist and the staff that you have dental anxiety. Doing so will help them proceed treatment with attentiveness, making you feel more comfortable when sitting in the dental chair.

3. Understand The Treatment

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If the dentist is using a tool that is unfamiliar to you, don’t hesitate to become knowledgeable and fully understand their dental procedures. When reviewing a treatment plan with a Dentist, ask as many questions as you need to ensure that you fully comprehend the course of action. It’s important to stay educated at all times so that you know what to expect before your appointment.

4. Don’t Go Alone

Sometimes people with dental anxiety feel more comfortable with other people around. Bring your spouse, mom, dad or friend to help keep your anxiety at bay. Talking with someone that you feel comfortable with can help manage the level of nervousness that you might otherwise experience alone.

5. Use Relaxation Techniques

Anxiety is effectively treated through many different relaxation techniques. This is also true for dental anxiety. Use deep breathing methods before, during and after the dental appointment to help manage the degree of dental anxiety. Find other distractions that steer your attention from the actual fear itself. For example, playing a game on your phone or reading a magazine in the waiting room helps steer your focus on a different activity. Whatever it is that distracts your anxious mind from the root of your dental fears, use it as a tool to overcome dental anxiety.

If you are delaying dental treatment because of anxiety, don’t let the problem take over your health. It might be comforting to know that modern dental treatment is significantly gentler, softer, and quieter than it has been notorious for in the past. By neglecting routine dental care, you are also risking the chances of oral pain, tooth decay, and other dental health issues down the road. Dental anxiety can be managed, so take a deep breath and beat the stress.

6. Sedation

Should none of the above mentioned suggestions work for you, maybe you should consider sedation dentistry.

Cosmetic dentistry is on the rise and for good reason. Cosmetic dental procedures refer to any dental work that is used to improve the appearance of the patient’s smile. The most common cosmetic services are usually provided at a dental office and specifically focus on improving the alignment, positioning, size and color of the teeth. In addition, some cosmetic dental procedures can also be used to provide restorative benefits. Between teeth discoloration, gaps, and misalignment, cosmetic dentistry can correct a variety of oral flaws. With such a wide range of dentistry services to choose from, there are many ways to help improve, restore or enhance the appearance of your teeth.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening is a very common cosmetic procedure used to treat tooth discoloration. Teeth whitening is often performed by using bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, to restore the tooth’s natural color. There is a false perception that certain toothpastes can have a whitening effect when used consistently. Unfortunately, most stains need the help of a trained dental hygienist or dentist in order to enhance the whitening of an off-colored smile. Whether the stains are a result from an illness or by consuming dark-colored food and beverages, opting for a professional teeth whitening procedure can ensure that you are receiving the safest and highest quality of cosmetic oral care. While different teeth whitening methods are available, professional whitening can provide quicker and longer lasting results.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is typically designed to permanently replace missing teeth. This cosmetic procedure involves a metal screw that is surgically positioned into the jawbone to act as an anchor for an artificial tooth. Many people opt for dental implants because it is a great long-term solution to a very common dental problem. Dental implants come in many different shapes and sizes, which is why it’s important to consult with a dental professional to help determine the best type of implant for you.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers are a popular way to treat cracks and chips that form from worn enamel or damaged teeth. The cosmetic procedure of bonding porcelain veneers includes the act of reshaping, repairing, lengthening, or shortening teeth. Porcelain veneers can also help hide the worn enamel or closing unwanted gaps between the teeth. Porcelain veneers cover the surface of the damaged tooth with a thin layer of composite that gives it a more natural appearance. This procedure can serve both a functional and aesthetic role, as veneers can help protect the tooth as well as enhance a smile.

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is a common procedure that is performed by applying a top layer of thin plastic to the teeth. For patients who have worn enamel, the plastic acts as a strong, artificial layer while also protecting the surface and improving the aesthetics of the tooth. The materials used for cosmetic bonding can match many different tooth shades and colors, making it a very popular option for those who struggle with discolored teeth. Like veneers, cosmetic bonding is typically used to restore cracks, chips, or decay.

Invisalign

Orthodontic treatment is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures that can help both children and adults straighten their smiles. Although traditional braces are often a common choice, Invisalign is considered a more convenient and aesthetic method to straightening teeth. Invisalign is a custom-made, removable aligner that can be taken out while brushing, flossing, eating or drinking. Invisalign is easily removed and hardly noticeable, making it a convenient option for those who don’t like the look of braces.

A confident smile can go a long way, both physically and mentally. That’s why it is important to take action on the cosmetic dental flaws that get you down. Whether you are looking to brighten your smile or straighten your teeth, cosmetic dentistry can help improve your quality of life. With the many different cosmetic procedures to choose from, there are countless ways to address your oral concerns. By consulting with a trusted dentist about the best cosmetic procedures for your smile, you are one step closer to restoring your confidence and living a healthier, happier life.

Most of our patients know a thing or two about stress. Whether you’re dealing with chronic stress, or a brief stressful life circumstance, we all encounter it from time to time. Most people associate stress with heart attacks or ulcers, but do you know how stress can affect your oral health?

Stress may negatively affect your oral health in indirect ways.

For starters, stress can cause folks to reach for coping strategies that aren’t so good for your teeth (or the rest of your body).

Junk food, sweets, cigarettes, or alcohol are just a few examples. When these substances interact with your teeth, they can do a lot of damage in the way of gum disease and tooth decay.

Secondly, when we are stressed, we tend to stop making positive health behaviors a priority. Let’s say you’re in the hospital after a car accident; your brushing and flossing routine will not be forefront on your mind.

Even a minor bout of stress from a tough day can have us reaching for our cozy bed and some relieve instead of taking the time to brush first.

And of course, keeping up with routine dental visits may fall completely off our priority list while under stress. This can prevent us from finding the early signs of decay and can cause more pain and stress later on.

How does stress affect our mouths directly?

Well, lots of folks grind their teeth as a physical way to deal with stress. You may be doing it without even realizing it! Ask a partner or someone who knows you well to tell you if you have this habit. Many of our patients benefit from wearing a mouth guard at night to protect against the damage of grinding their teeth. It protects wear and tear damage and alleviates muscle tension from the forces exerted when tightly clenching your jaw.

Also, when we are stressed we have higher levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, that put our body in a “flight or fight” state. This causes our blood pressure and blood sugar to increase, and our digestive and immune function to decrease. When our immune system isn’t functioning as it should, this can make periodontal disease more likely. It can also slow down the healing of other oral issues or injuries we may have.

What can you do about it?

The best thing you can do to prevent the stress of oral health issues is to maintain good dental hygiene and visit us regularly for routine visits. We want what’s best for you — and that includes a healthy mouth for a lifetime! Schedule an appointment today!

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that can affect more than just oral health. There are many studies showing that people with gum disease also have significantly high rates of developing cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack or stroke. While scientists continue to research the theory, it has been recognized that there is a strong relationship between gum disease and heart attacks.

Heart attacks are considered the most common medical condition in the general population. It is also known that heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States. On the other hand, many researchers have found that gum disease affects nearly half of American adults over the age of 30. Because the two conditions similarly affect the population, the idea that gum disease links to heart attacks is prevalent. During a study that was conducted in 2012, known as PAROKRANK, researchers evaluated a group of dental patients to back up the theory. The results showed that 43% of heart attack patients also suffered from gum disease. They also found that people with gum disease had a 50% higher chance of a heart attack than those without.

When it comes to the link between gum disease and heart attacks, inflammation caused by bacteria may be the culprit. It is understood that the common factor between gum disease and heart attacks include the same type of bacterial infection. The bacteria found in gum disease produces inflammation in other areas of the mouth when left untreated. By continuing to live with this condition, the bacteria can eventually spread to other parts of the body. Infection caused by gum disease can easily enter the bloodstream through everyday activities, such as brushing, flossing, and chewing food. As the bacteria spreads throughout the body, it can eventually reach the circulatory system, causing blood vessels to swell and increasing the risk of blood clots and heart attack. Because inflammation is the body’s instant response mechanism, the inflammation can cause the formation of plaque. It is known that the existence of excess plaque can cause the clogging of arteries, similar to how it causes tooth decay.

With the proper care and consistent follow-up with your dentists, the possible health risks of gum disease can be avoided. Everyday care is essential to keeping the signs of gum disease at bay. Continuing to correctly brush and floss each day as well as avoiding alcohol and tobacco can prevent gum disease from forming. Regular cleanings and dental visits can also help with early diagnosis of gum disease. During dental appointments, your dentist can evaluate and measure the gums for inflammation, build-up, and possible bone loss.

The bottom line is that prevention and treatment of gum disease can ultimately save our bodies from further health conditions, such as heart attacks. That is why it’s important to contact your dentist if you suffer from any of the related symptoms:

* Red, swollen, tender gums

* Bleeding gums after brushing, flossing, or eating

* Receding gums

* Loose or separating teeth

* Pus surrounding the gums

* Mouth sores

* Bad bread

* A change in bite

Gum disease has been debated as a possible cause of heart attacks for many years. While research continues to be conducted on the direct link, it’s best to take the proactive steps to beat the possibility