Your Aging Smile!

The term "Baby Boomer" is one that you may not have given much serious thought. However, if you are one of the 76 million "babies" who were born between 1945 and 1964, don't forget that your teeth are aging too!

When Adults Avoid Dental Visits Out of Fear

Anxiety associated with routine visits to the dentist is very common. Although most of us may associate such fear with small children, it is surprisingly widespread throughout the adult population. Those types of feelings are often the result of a traumatic childhood experience. Oftentimes, those negative past experiences often had nothing to do with a dental visit.

Peter Milgrom, DDS, the director of the Dental Fears Research Clinic at the University of Washington in Seattle, reveals that many adults, "have issues for which fear of dentists can be an unpleasant side effect, such as mood or anxiety disorders, substance abuse or posttraumatic stress experienced by war veterans and victims of domestic and childhood abuse."

3 Most Common Dental Problems for Seniors

With age comes wisdom, as the saying goes, but it also comes with a few less-than-appealing characteristics. As we grow older, our bodies generally become weaker and therefore more susceptible to health and physiological problems, including dental health issues. In this post, we'll go over a few of the most common dental health problems for senior citizens and tips for reducing the risk of developing them.

If You Have White Spots on Your Gums…

In the last 30 years, major advancements have been made in the field of dentistry that allow for the early detection of a number of diseases and conditions. Thanks to these forms of early detection, millions of patients have been saved from life-threatening illnesses that were first discovered during a routine dental exam. 

One alarming development patients often report is the occurrence of white spots on the gums. Although it is certainly no cause for immediate alarm, your dentist should definitely check out any abnormality or discoloration. Several scenarios are typical, including, friction from dental appliances, ill-fitting dentures, a toothbrush that is too firm, or irritation caused by some foods or beverages-especially alcohol. The most serious indication when white spots develop on the gums is gum cancer. Since an exam is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, an oral exam should be scheduled immediately.

The medical term for white spots on the gums is "leukoplakia". The spots may appear on the gums, inner cheeks, and tongue. Sometimes, they may only be visible through an oral exam. This is another reason why annual checkups are so important!

Although the immediate cause of this condition is unknown, some form of irritation, such as those already mentioned usually brings it on. Pipe smoking seems to be a big risk factor. Older adults are also more prone to developing leukoplakia.

The good news is that such white spots on the gums are usually harmless and go away after a few days or weeks. If they are present, avoid alcohol and stop all tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco. If you think dental work is irritating your gums or mouth, or if the white spots on your gums are especially painful or prevent you from eating, talking, or wearing your dental appliances, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.

Even though many dental health websites suggest waiting and watching the condition in hopes that it will go away on its own for several days to two weeks maximum-it is best to play it safe and schedule an appointment for a thorough oral exam. Of course we encourage you to make regular appointments for cleanings and exams by calling Dr. Simon Melcher and his experienced team: 919-782-0548.

What is Root Planing and Why is it Done?

Root planing is a technique dentists use to stop the adverse effects of periodontal disease. It involves a procedure in which the dentist will thoroughly clean below the patient's gum line (known as scaling), then smooth the roots or the tooth (or teeth). The purpose of smoothing the roots is to help facilitate gum reattachment and prevent bacteria from spreading. When the roots are smooth, the gum tissue is more prone to reattach itself and is less vulnerable to the accumulation of bacteria.

This technique is also known as "conventional periodontal therapy" or "non-surgical periodontal therapy." It is effective against fighting mild cases of periodontitis, sometimes only requiring one session to achieve the desired results. However, for moderate to severe periodontal patients, root planing and scaling may be the initial therapy prior to surgery.

If your dentist has suggested a root planing procedure for your dental health, you may be a little nervous but rest assured, the procedure is not as uncomfortable as it sounds. Your dentist will most likely use a local anesthetic to numb your gums and the roots of your teeth. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the process.

Like many dental and medical procedures, there are a few risks involved. Root planing and scaling can introduce harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Dr. Melcher may prescribe antibiotics for you to take before and after the procedure. Be sure to let us know if you have a condition that makes you vulnerable to infection, such as an immune deficiency or recent surgery. If you have any questions about this procedure, schedule an appointment with Dr. Simon Melcher, D.D.S of Implant & General Dentistry by visiting us online or calling 919-782-0548.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when bacteria builds up along the gum line. This buildup, when left untreated, will start to irritate the gum line, eventually leading to an inflammation reaction. When a person's gums become irritated and inflamed, swelling and bleeding can occur. This further exacerbates the situation, allowing more bacteria to irritate the gum tissue and the existing bacteria to travel deeper below the gum line.

If this condition is left untreated, the bacteria may even travel all the way to the mouth and jaw bone, resulting in demineralization. When demineralization occurs, the bone can actually break down and dissolve, which then leads to bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Once the bone material surrounding a tooth breaks down, the tooth has nothing to support it. Even if the tooth is relatively healthy, it could still fall out due to improper gum care.

As you can see, gum disease is something that starts out as a minor problem, but it can quickly escalate into a major health issue. Almost like a domino effect, where one thing leads to another and so on, untreated periodontal disease can cause significant damage to a person's gums, bone and teeth - usually in that order. To prevent periodontal disease, make a habit of brushing and flossing regularly, as well as visiting your dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups every six months.

If you feel you may have periodontal disease, feel free to call our office at 919-782-0548 to schedule an appointment. We can help put you on the right track to treatment while offering helpful advice for future prevention. Our full service dental office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Call or visit us online to schedule an appointment.

Gum Disease and Periodontal Work in Raleigh NC

Periodontics refers to the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth, namely the gums. Without proper gum care, you could fall victim to some nasty ailments, such as gingivitis (bleeding gums), periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

To avoid these gum diseases, proper dental hygiene is a must. The cause of gum disease is usually plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If this plaque isn't removed through daily brushing and flossing, gums will become irritated and inflamed. This irritation can cause your gums to separate from your teeth and form pockets - which only allows more bacteria to grow. If left untreated, this process can cause destruction of bone and other dental tissue.

By maintaining a proper dental hygiene routine you can avoid these diseases. If you haven't already scheduled your six month cleaning, be sure to call Implant & General Dentistry of Raleigh NC today! 919-782-0548