Yet hundreds of thousands of us ignore the fact that our gums bleed every time we brush, because we have learned to accept it as normal.

This bleeding is a disease process called gingivitis caused by bacteria and if left untreated can lead to tooth loss at a minimum and also an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and various inflammatory diseases.

If left untreated the gingivitis will most likely progress to be a much more complex condition in which both the gums and the bones, that support the teeth are affected called Periodontitis (gum disease).

If the gum disease progresses to active periodontitis the chances of loss of teeth rises dramatically.

The good news is that it is totally preventable, usually very easy to treat needing only a scale and polish. In this case prevention is not only better than cure but also less expensive, so the message is: don’t ignore, treat this early and this can save a lot in the long run on other dental and medical bills.

By Redmond Molloy staff

The orthodontic industry has evolved significantly over the last 5-10 years, with the introduction of sophisticated technologies that make braces both comfortable and convenient and deliver precise, predictable results. Contemporary diagnostic tools, innovative treatment solutions and improved appliances can make braces a much more attractive option for both adolescents and adults who want to improve their smile.

Of course, it’s vital for orthodontic specialists to stay up-to-date on the latest technology. But, it’s also important for general dentists to stay abreast of the most recent developments. When it comes time to refer a patient for orthodontic treatment, look to an orthodontic specialist who has adopted the latest technology to ensure high quality outcomes for patients.

Innovative Diagnostics

One of the most innovative new tools is the use of in-office CT scanning to aid in diagnosis (i-CAT, Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, PA). By providing a complete, 3D picture of the entire skull and underlying bone structure of the teeth, the CT scan reveals much greater detail about the extent of the problem than conventional x-rays.

These detailed 3D images allow orthodontists to view the exact position of the full root system and other problems that may be hidden beneath the surface from virtually any angle. This complete picture provides for a much more accurate diagnosis and enables the orthodontists to devise a more thorough treatment plan to yield better results.

Custom Smile Design

Computer-designed braces that are customized specifically for each individual patient are also a major innovation—for both the patient and the provider. Using 3D virtual models of the patient’s entire mouth, the orthodontist can create a precise treatment plan that will ensure the most optimum end results often in shorter treatment time.

The provider can make adjustments down to the smallest detail, including the exact location for bracket placement on each tooth and the specific arch wire to be used, before treatment even begins.

Once the details of the plan are finalized, advanced systems like Insignia (Ormco Corp., Orange, CA) will take this data and actually cut customized brackets and wires specifically for each patient. Unlike typical cookie-cutter braces, these personalized appliances can very often be much more comfortable than off-the-shelf braces because they are made based on the patient’s unique oral structure.

Passive Self-Ligating Brackets

Traditional brackets use rubber bands and/or steel wire ties to fasten the arch wire to the bracket, which exerts pressure and friction to move the teeth into place. This approach can actually slow treatment and cause significant discomfort for the patient. Passive self-ligating brackets, like the Damon System (Ormco Corp.), employ a slide mechanism that does not use ties but rather allows the wire to glide more freely, eliminating the binding and friction. This can improve patient comfort and speed treatment compared to conventional ties. Perhaps even better, this approach can very often eliminate the need for extractions in the vast majority of cases.

With the advent of these and many other contemporary treatment options, patients of any age have the opportunity to achieve the smile of their dreams without the discomfort and inconvenience of more traditional, one-size-fits-all braces. To make the best recommendation to your patients, be sure to weigh all the options and choose an orthodontist who can provide the most advanced technology and expertise to meet their specific needs.

About the Author

Dr. John Graham is a practicing orthodontist in Litchfield Park, Ariz. and a renowned innovator and educator in the field, lecturing worldwide to both doctors and staff on the most advanced orthodontic treatment philosophies available. He is the only orthodontist in Arizona, and one of only a handful in the United States, who is also a physician. He is the co-author of several orthodontic textbook chapters, and has written many professional journal articles. He is a member of the American Dental Association, American Medical Association, American Association of Orthodontists, American Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Association, Arizona Dental Association, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists and the Progressive Orthodontic Study Club. Dr. Graham is a contributing editor for both the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics and Orthotown, and is a reviewer for the journal ORTHODONTICS: The art and practice of dentofacial enhancement.

Some might think that teeth whitening is like going to your local DIY store and selecting a colour and some time later the teeth have changed to the designated colour but unfortunately this is not the case with the teeth as there are lot more factors to be considered.

The starting point is what was the colour of the teeth when you was sixteen or eighteen years old? If they were very white then they will turn back that way most probably after whitening but if they were always a yellowy colour then you can expect a brightening but not a real white colour after a treatment.

Another good sign is whether the teeth have changed very slowly. In fact so slow you hardly notice the change the colour and this is a positive sign when we talk about whitening. The natural staining process will occur with everyone and cannot be avoided. Just about everything we eat and drink will darken the tooth’s colour and this ranges from repetitive things like tea, coffee, nicotine, red wine, pasta sauces, spicy sauces and just about that has some deep colour. Unless you drink only water and eat white bread then it is likely your teeth will get more yellow as you age.

A factor which is sometimes overlooked is whether any medicines taken for a prolonged period of time coincide with a faster changing appearance of the teeth because if it does then the deep inner structure of the teeth called the dentin is likely to be effected and this is hard to whiten. Luckily very few of us have this issue!

Whitening will always make a noticeable difference to the teeth and therefore even if your teeth only brighten it will be worth trying. Most will actually whiten but may require further sessions or product treatments to get desired results. This is because the deeper staining is harder to neutralise and takes time especially when we are having it done for the first time and we are in our fifties or sixties!

The other big thing to think about is the length of time and the quality and strength of gel used to whiten the teeth. For example using a basic home kit purchased in your local pharmacy for an hour is unlikely to have the same results as the bleaching trays offered by the dentists which is used for fourteen consecutive nights using s a powerful hydrogen peroxide gel will always work and whiten the teeth more effectively.

Another option is power whitening which will brighten the teeth to a higher level in just one hour and this is a non evasive treatment so unlike having any work done at the dentist!

Any whitening should be done after a through dentist inspection and advise as you may not suitable for whitening so best to check!

By Teeth whitening UK

The two doctors offered these full two days of free services in their private office located on 13916 Baltimore Ave.

The event took place in February.

During these days, 48 people received free dental health care services, such as extractions, fillings or specialized dental cleanings.

All of the services were provided totally free. Patients were treated on a first come first served basis.

Dr. Melnick states that more such events are going to take place this year, since the entire operation ran smoothly, and a great number of patients could be treated.

Those interested in finding out more, can freely call at the following number: 301-498-5511 (the office or visit www.laureldentists.com

Next up is the your general dentist who will make your crowns or dentures which will look like natural teeth. The surgeon will constantly be in contact with your general dentist as they coordinate making sure the right implants and dentures are being used.

Not all patients are suitable for dental implants, as long as your gums are healthy then there shouldn’t be a problem. However if you have recently suffered from any type of mouth or gum infection then your dentist may suggest that you wait a few months to recover before opting for any type of surgery.

When placing the implants the first step is the surgery, this is generally done under local anaesthetic and before your surgery your dentist will give you pain medication and antibiotics. The surgeon will make an incision into your gums to make a hole for the implant to go into. The surgeon will then sew up around the incision in preparation for the dentures to be placed. General time frame for this is around an hour for one implant.

The second surgery will involve removing the screw and then replacing it with a metal collar which then sits where the tooth would be making sure the gums heal around and maintains the space. The denture will then fit into the space created in two to three weeks time.

Experience
Experience is very important when looking for dentists. Depending on your level of comfort, it may not matter to you if a doctor has a minimal amount of experience or has been in the field for a number of years. For the most part, usually you can’t go wrong with a doctor who has been working as a dental expert for at least a decade. In addition, someone who has extensive experience may be better equipped to handle things that pop up unexpectedly. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to seek out family and friends that refer you to dentists that have been working for a significant amount of time.

Skills
Just because someone has been working in the field for a long time does not mean that they do excellent work. It’s very important to find someone that has the skill and techniques you need so that you get the results that you’re looking for. You don’t want someone to do sloppy work or be impatient especially if you have questions. This is your mouth and you want your results to be as perfect as possible. So when looking for dentists, it’s essential that you make sure they are known for doing excellent work.

Patience
Nothing feels worse than feeling rushed through an office visit. However, there are many dentists that do just that. A good office will take the time to make sure you’re comfortable and answer any questions you may have in order make you feel more at ease. And if you have kids, you especially want someone that is taking time and effort to make sure your child is okay. This can mean doing things like playing games with your child offering them candy at the end of a visit or simply talking in calm, soothing voice.

Location
There’s no point in going to good dentists if you can never get to them on time. That’s why it’s necessary for you to find a doctor’s office that is in close proximity to where you are coming from. For instance, if you’re someone that works at home, you’ll want to find offices nearby your house. On the other hand if you work downtown, it’s best to locate an office that is near your workplace. This way, you won’t have to worry about being late or missing an appointment just because of location.

Flexibility
If you are someone that does shift-work, the hours may change from time to time. This means it may be difficult for you to make some of your dentists appointments on time. As a result you may end up not going at all. That’s why it’s important when doing your research that you find offices that are very flexible on hours. For example you may want to look for someone who offers evening hours as well as weekend appointments. This way, you don’t have to miss work in order to get your teeth taken care.

When searching for Dallas, TX dentists, residents should research all of their options in order to find a qualified professional. For more information, visit http://www.angieslist.com.

Other people usually try to avoid offending you by not mentioning your little problem. So, if you aren’t sure whether your breath smells minty fresh or like day-old fish, here are some ways you can find out.

1. Cautious Kisses.

If your romantic partner holds his/her nose while giving you a delicate peck on the lips, that’s bad news for your relationship-and could be a comment on your lack of dental hygiene. When your date decides to eat garlic and onions at dinner to combat the smell of your breath, this is another warning sign. Of course, once your halitosis progresses to a certain point, you can forget intimacy altogether. Eventually, this problem could be fatal since even a trained and dedicated EMT may draw the line at giving you mouth to mouth.

2. Your Guests Are Grimacing.

When you throw a dinner party, does everyone around you seem to be clenching or grinding their teeth? They don’t have TMJ symptoms. They are just trying not to gag on the noxious fumes you are exhaling. In Western cultures, people tend to have a sense of personal space that makes them feel uncomfortable when others approach too closely. In social situations, this comfort zone extends about two to four feet. If your party guests are giving you a much wider berth than that, it’s time to surreptitiously pop a Listerine breath strip.

3. Bite Marks on Your Body.

Nothing smells worse than rotting meat. So, if you have been bitten by a zombie or vampire and become one of the undead, your breath is likely to smell horrific. The fangs will be another clue that something is terribly wrong with your metabolism. Sure, you can get your misshapen teeth covered with dental veneers, but the putrid breath problem will be much more difficult to conceal. So will the antisocial behavior (biting people, not going out during the day, etc).

4. Your Birthday Cake Combusts.

If you try to blow out the flames on your birthday cake candles and the resulting explosion burns the house down, you’ve got some seriously toxic breath. Acid reflux is no joke when it results in a homeowner’s insurance claim. So, if your bad breath is accompanied by burning chest pains and belching, it’s time to have your doctor check you for GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

5. Your Dental Hygienists Turn Green.

Dental professionals are used to coping with patients who have less than pleasant breath. So if your dentist ditches the little paper mask in favor of a gas mask, you know you’re in trouble. Fortunately, this is the perfect time to have the cause of your bad breath investigated and fixed. Braces cost a pretty penny, but awful breath can be much costlier in terms of social currency. Any money you spend getting your halitosis under control will be well worth the investment.

To find out more about treatments for bad breath or TMJ symptoms, contact one of your skilled local dentists, such as a Michigan cosmetic dentistry provider.

If you want to look as young and beautiful as possible, then you should consider going with a local Bend dentist.

Even if you have relatively healthy teeth and gums, it is important to keep up with regular cleaning and checkups. Preventative care is often the best. It is so much easier to prevent something rather than deal with it after the damage has already been done.

Cosmetic dentistry is another field that many are interested in benefiting from. If you have crooked teeth, perhaps have lost a tooth in an accident or are just interested in some teeth whitening treatments, you can greatly benefit from the services of a bend cosmetic dentist. You can actually look years younger after a few simple treatments like this.

When you are determining which dentist is the best for your personal situation, you should consider a lot of different aspects. For instance, find out how far the office is from your home, and call them to make sure that they accept your insurance.

Most dentists now also offer consultations or interviews so that you can get to know them better without paying a thing. So do your self a favor and find the best Bend dentist for you and your family. This is a great way to visit an office and learn more about a staff without actually making a choice. Make sure that you make a list of questions to ask at this initial meeting.

Do a good thing for yourself and take care of your health by establishing a regular dentist for yourself and visiting them regularly. You will be happier and healthier for it.

Yoli C. DiGiulio DMD Bend Family Dentistry


While many people are familiar with traditional heart-saving practices such as eating healthy and exercising, lesser-known are the benefits that superior oral care provides to one’s cardiovascular health.

ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Kevin Boehm, DDS explains how gum disease affects heart health and what can be done to stay healthy.

· If heart disease runs in the family, a diagnosis of gum disease increases the likelihood of developing heart disease, but an improved oral care regimen and healthy diet can lower the risk.

· A consistent brushing and flossing routine will significantly lower the number of anaerobic bacteria present in the mouth. Brushing 2-3 times daily with an electronic toothbrush and thoroughly flossing once a day are practices recommended by Dr. Boehm.

· A diet high in organic foods, fruits, vegetables, small amounts of lean protein and low in processed foods provides the body with anti-oxidants to fight off both gum and heart disease.

· When gum disease bacterium are released into the bloodstream and reach the heart, heart disease can result. There is an abundance of gum-disease causing bacteria in an unhealthy mouth. Disease-fighting white blood cells increase openings in cell walls when released to fight the bacterium. These openings make it possible for toxic bacteria to be released into the bloodstream.

· It is never too late to change dental habits, and such changes do a great deal to limit the risk of disease and repair past damage.

Puberty can be a tough time for any teenager and as parents it is our job to protect our children at every chance we get.

We all want for our children to have a beautiful smile but, if your child is sensitive they may not be able to handle the ridicule that often comes with traditional braces.

If your child needs to get braces on their teeth you may want to consider getting them invisible braces. Traditional braces are very obvious.

They do not look attractive and often draw attention to the mouth and can make your child feel very self-conscious. It is possible for your child to have braces and no one even know.

In previous years invisible braces were hard to find and very expensive. Advancements in technology have given us many different options when it comes to braces. The price of the invisible braces has dramatically decreased over the past few years.

They are now more affordable than ever. Depending upon your insurance provider you may be able to have them covered and pay little to nothing for the invisible braces.

Invisible braces will allow for your child to get the correction they need for their teeth without the ridicule that usually comes with braces. Invisible braces are also great for kids that play sports.

Traditional braces can catch a lip and cause very painful damage to a child’s mouth. Food can also get caught in the traditional braces which can make for a very embarrassing moment.

Teens already have a tough enough time trying to fit in and getting them invisible braces is a small thing you can do to make a big difference in their life.