May 11th, 2016
Unless you're aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease and how it's caused, it's possible that you may have unknowingly developed it. Often painless, gum disease -- or periodontal disease -- becomes progressively more serious when left untreated. As you learn more about the common causes of gum disease, you'll be better-equipped to maintain the best oral health possible.
Gingivitis & Periodontitis: Common Causes of Gum Disease
- Bacteria & Plaque. Bacteria in the mouth creates a sticky film over the teeth. Good hygiene practices help remove the bacteria and the plaque they cause. When plaque is not removed, it develops into a rock-like substance called tartar. This can only be removed by a dental professional.
- Smoking & Tobacco. If you're a smoker or use tobacco, you face a higher risk of developing gum disease. Additionally, tobacco use can lead to stained teeth, bad breath, and an increased risk of oral cancers.
- Certain Medications. Some medications that are taken for other health conditions can increase a person's risk of developing gum disease. If you take steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, certain cancer therapy medications, or oral contraceptives, speak to Dr. Gregory Weaver about how to maintain healthy gums.
- Medical Conditions. Certain medical conditions can impact the health of your gums. For instance, diabetics face an increased risk of gum disease due to the inflammatory chemicals present in their bodies. Always talk to our team about other health conditions to ensure we take that into account when treating you.
Take a Proactive Stance
Good oral hygiene practices and regular visits to our Raleigh, NC office can help you eliminate or reduce the risks of developing gum disease. A thorough cleaning with your toothbrush and dental floss should take about three to five minutes. Brush your teeth a minimum of twice per day and floss at least once each day. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be ready to prevent gum disease.
May 4th, 2016
Summer is almost here, which means a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories is just around the corner for our patients at Weaver Dentistry.
Everyone wants a glowing and radiant white smile when the sun comes around and we have a few reminders to keep your pearly whites healthy and beautiful over the summer! Try to stay away from drinks that will stain your teeth like coffee, soft drinks, or dark colored juices. Not only will drinks like this weaken your enamel but they will also darken that fabulous smile you're working on! Another tip is to try and focus on brushing your teeth; everyone knows that when busy schedules start picking up, getting a good brushing session in tends to take the backseat! A good tip for keeping your mouth safe from staining and other possible pitfalls is to rinse your mouth with water after any meal you can’t fully brush your teeth after. Your teeth, inside and out, will benefit!
And remember, whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or just having fun in the backyard this summer, we want to hear all about it! Make sure to let us know what you’re up to below or on our Facebook page! We also encourage you to post any photos from your adventures!
April 27th, 2016
Our team at Weaver Dentistry will tell you brushing on a regular basis is critical for a healthy mouth, but you can definitely overdo a good thing. Known as “toothbrush abrasion,” over brushing can lead to sensitive teeth and receding gums, not to mention the wearing down of the protective layers of your tooth enamel. Over brushing can also push back your gums, and in the process, expose the dentin layer under the enamel.
“So, how do I avoid over brushing?”
- Use a soft or extra-soft bristled toothbrush to prevent gum damage and wear on the soft tooth dentin
- Keep in mind which direction bristles face when you brush. They should be perpendicular, not parallel. Place the head of your toothbrush with the tips of the bristles at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and brush away!
- Move the toothbrush with short strokes and a scrubbing motion, several times in each spot – don’t saw back and forth across the teeth with your toothbrush.
- Apply just enough pressure to feel the bristles against the gums. If you are squashing the bristles, you're brushing too hard.
- Replace your toothbrush when you notice frayed and bent bristles.
- Brush for two minutes at a time
If you have any questions about proper brushing techniques, ask us about it at your next appointment or give us a call today!
April 25th, 2016
If you could prevent tooth decay, reduce tooth sensitivity and help make your teeth stronger for a lifetime with a simple 2 minute procedure, would you want to know more?
Our office is now offering topical fluoride varnish treatments to all patients. Fluoride varnishes offer a safe, easy, affordable evidence-based treatment to prevent dental caries and hypersensitivity for patients from infancy and older. The teeth are dried with gauze or air and then the flavored gel is painted on the teeth with a small brush. The gel dries clear when it comes in contact with saliva and stays on the teeth ideally for 4-6 hours after application. Patients can eat and drink immediately and are asked to avoid hot, sticky, or crunchy foods until they brush off the varnish before bed.
Benefits include:
- Prevents decay is children and adults
- Reduces tooth sensitivity
- Reduces sensitivity to whitening procedures
- Strengthens teeth
- No trays are needed
- No waiting to eat or drink
In a recent Wall Street Journal published on April 11, 2016, the benefits of fluoride varnish made headlines; “The advantages of fewer fillings go beyond avoiding the dreaded anesthetic injection and drill. Fillings don’t last forever and eventually need to be replaced, says Mark Wolff, chair of cariology at New York University College of Dentistry. Each successive filling is going to be bigger than the last, progressively weakening the tooth. The key is avoiding the first one.”
Ask about fluoride varnish at your next dental visit!
Cheryl Elmstrom, RDH, BS
