Gum Disease Treatment Mattapoisett MA

What is periodontitis?

by admin on June 25, 2009

Periodontitis is a oral disease in which there is loss of bone in the jaw. This bone is essential in holding the teeth in place in the jaw.

Periodontitis is one of the largest problems in dental hygiene in the U.S. it ranks second only to cavities. The American Academy of Periodontology have data that states that in the U.S, 30-55 percent of adults are affected by Periodontitis in a mild to moderate form. The percentage of the less fortunate people who suffer from a more severe stage of Periodontitis is 5 to 20 percent of the population.

Healthy human tissues regenerate themselves over a period of time.In Peridontitis, however, the rate of loss of the bone material is much faster than the rate of its regeneration. Though scientists have come to understand how bone material is lost, they have not yet found out a clear reason why new bone formation could be impaired.

What causes Periodontitis?

According to a new paper by UCLA researchers, it is suggested that a master protein may control the impairment of bone formation in the serious gum disease called Periodontitis.

In another paper published in the online edition of the journal Nature Medicine, researchers have again suggested that a master protein is involved heavily in the process of degeneration of the jawbone structure. They have identified a protein called nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB). They say it is this protein that is responsible for inhibiting regeneration of the bone material. Arresting the function of this master protein, called nuclear factor-kB, will help in maintaining the bone formation.

This NF-kB protein was recognized to play a part in cells that are responsible for resorbing bone. This is what could lead to loss of bone, or impairment of regeneration of bone material.

Research and development in treating Periodontitis.

Research and development in arresting degeneration of the jawbone and finding effective treatment for periodontitis is ongoing in order to improve oral hygiene and health. The UCLA researchers have used a different approach in their study of the NF-kB protein.

They have turned around their focus from the role of the NF-kB protein in cells that results in reabsorbing the bone and have chosen to look at the role it plays and its effects in inhibiting cells that are responsible in forming bone instead. They hope this will lead to better understanding of the dreadful disease and thus a better treatment of the disease eventually resulting in better oral health.

Article from: DentalHealthSite.com

Mattapoisett MA Dental Care - Visit our main web site to learn more.

Dental Implants Mattapoisett MA

Dental Implant: The Best Remedy For Tooth Loss

by admin on July 15, 2009

Tooth loss, in most people, is associated to a number of factors. Some of these factors that cause tooth loss are tooth decay, gum disease or periodontal disease, injury and aging. Research done on a large group of adults, to study the increase in the number of people with one or more teeth missing revealed that more than half the group fell in this category.

Most of those with missing teeth did not bother to get a tooth replacement done because of not understanding the underlying problem of a missing tooth. Just twenty five percent were aware of the fact that the loss of a tooth could wear out the bones of the jaw causing a change in structure of the jaw line.

Consequences Of A Single Tooth Loss

Studies show that a single tooth loss could have many repercussions some of which are mentioned below:

* There would be a structural change in the jaw
* Other teeth would get relocated as even a single gap among the teeth would cause the other teeth to shift.
* There would be a change in the contour of the face; the shape of the face.
* There would be a drooping, hollow look to the jaw which is not appealing to the eye.
* This look would, in the long run, lower one’s self esteem and have a bearing on his eating behavior.
* Biting and chewing certain types of food would be a problem, like hard fruits and fibrous vegetables, causing one to miss out a person’s normal staple diet.
* There is a tendency, at such times, to eat fatty foods that are soft and easily
chewable and to avoid hard foods that are necessary or required for the body. This leads to increase in extra weight, which is a sign of impending illnesses such as those dealing with the heart and diabetes.

Treatment Of Tooth Loss:

There are many ways to treat tooth loss, the most effective of which is dental implant. Dental implant is an alternate method to replace a missing tooth. Here an artificial ‘tooth root’ is used. These tooth roots are the basis for the artificial teeth that are either permanently fixed or can be removed. They are made to look similar to natural teeth.

Dental implant is the most preferred treatment for tooth loss for a single tooth or for more than one tooth. This is because it has shown a 98 percent success rate. Medical tests show that dental implant is most successful treatment as a replacement for lost teeth. Secondly, this surgical method allows for minimum bone loss that is why it is favored over other forms of treatment.

Dental implant is the safest, most accurate type of surgery conducted to replace a missing tooth. A dentist, experienced in this surgical procedure, would help to get the accuracy and also show positive results. So if you are planning on doing a dental implant it would be advisable to search out an experienced dentist to avoid any possibility of the implant going wrong.

Visit Dr. Louis Kenyon's main dental web site to learn about dental implants in Mattapoisett MA

11 Tips for a Healthier Smile

11 Tips for a Healthier Smile
Good oral hygiene is about more than just super white teeth.

These days, it seems like everyone's obsessed with getting a blindingly white grill. But there's more to taking good care of your mouth than having a soap-star smile.

The condition of your teeth and gums is associated with a host of other health issues that involve your hormones and your heart, and your dental needs can change from decade to decade. Here's how to keep smiling strong at any age.

Your 30s: Heed your hormones

If you're pregnant, you might not feel like dragging yourself to the dentist, but you should do it. Higher levels of estrogen and particularly progesterone can result in puffy, tender gums that are vulnerable to minor infection.

Flossing is especially important, experts say, because it helps cut the risk of periodontitis, a more serious gum infection that can endanger more than your teeth: some studies have linked untreated periodontal disease to preterm and low-birth-weight babies.

Perfect your stroke

Many adults never learned how to brush and floss properly, says Irwin Smigel, DDS, president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics. Use a soft brush that has rounded nylon bristles and make gentle circular motions at a 45-degree angle to your gum line.

If flossing hurts or makes your gums bleed, keep working at it. "The more you floss, the tougher your gums become," explains Paula Jones, DDS, immediate past president of the Academy of General Dentistry.

Kick those butts

"Smokers get periodontal disease at two to three times the rate of nonsmokers,” says Sally Cram, DDS, a periodontist in Washington, D.C., and a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association.

Smokers also don't heal as well after getting treatment for these gum infections. Need help quitting? Go to Health.com/smoking for tips and motivation.

Ditch the diet cola

Even sugar-free soda can destroy your pearly whites, thanks to the high acid content of most carbonated beverages. "Acid weakens enamel and makes it softer," Dr. Jones says. A fluoride rinse can help strengthen it.

Your 40s: Book your appointment

No matter how busy you are, make time for the dentist because he can spot signs of serious illness that shouldn't be ignored. For example, gum disease can be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes.

Plus, oral cancer is more common after 40; your dentist will look for symptoms, such as unusual swelling or sores, as well as painless lesions.

Get off the daily grind

Grinding or clenching your teeth (which can intensify if you're stressed) can cause excessive wear and even cracking and chipping. "A lot of tooth wear starts to show up in the late 30s and 40s," Dr. Jones says. “Your dentist can see if you're grinding, because areas of the tooth enamel will be worn smooth."

If your teeth show these signs, your dentist can give you a mouth guard. Stress-management techniques can also help you keep from clenching.

Consider a renovation

Dental work you had done in your teens may need to be replaced. "If you've had lots of fillings or crowns, get them checked, because they do wear out," Dr. Cram says. A cracked or chipped filling can create a space for bacteria to collect, causing decay.

Beware of overbleaching

"Once you achieve the shade you want, you can touch up once or twice a year," Dr. Jones says. "Any more than that can be damaging." While evidence that bleaching erodes enamel is inconclusive, it may increase sensitivity. And the truth is, there's a limit to how much whitening you can achieve as you get older.

Your 50s+: Bone up

Bone loss is one of the main reasons people lose teeth, Dr. Smigel says. A healthy diet with enough calcium and vitamin D can help you maintain strong bones. And if you have a family history of osteoporosis or periodontal disease, dental checkups are a must.

"Dental X-rays can show the progression of osteoporosis," Dr. Jones says. If you do lose a tooth, try to get an implant, Dr. Smigel advises. "It stabilizes the jaw so the bone doesn't shrink and make your face look older."

Wet your whistle

Many medications (including antidepressants and heart or pain meds) can dry out your mouth, which ups the risk of tooth decay. If you have dry mouth, Dr. Jones recommends using a fluoride rinse at night, which can help protect the enamel. Drinking lots of water or chewing sugarless gum can also help.

Take heart

Studies show that people with periodontal disease may have higher risks of heart attack and stroke, possibly because the infection increases inflammation throughout the body.

"I can't say that you're going to have a heart attack if you don't take care of your teeth," Dr. Cram says. "But if you have a family history of heart disease or other heart disease risk factors, it's a good idea to pay extra attention to your oral health."

Article from Health.com

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