Monthly Archives: February 2011

What is Deep Gum and Root Cleaning?

Deep gum cleaning consists of scaling and root planing. Gum disease (gingivitis) if untreated can progress to more

deep cleaning

serious periodontal disease (bacterial/viral proliferation which overwhelms the host immune response) causing destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth and bone loss which are irreversible in nature. A periodontal pocket forms and harbors bacteria in large amounts. Deep scaling and root planning are the therapeutic procedures performed to heal your gums by removing the disease causing toxins. Scaling is the process of removing dental tartar from the teeth surfaces while root planning involves removing infected tooth structure (dentin and cementum) and smoothing the rough root surfaces of the teeth. The goal of active therapy is to remove as much subgingival debris as possible and disrupt/ the bacterial proliferation. Continue reading

How to minimize side effects of using Peridex (Chlorhexidine Gluconate)

© Dentist.net

Therapeutics mouthwashes are used along with regular toothbrushing and flossing to help reduce gum disease (gingivitis) that causes red, swollen and easily bleeding gums. There are two categories required by the American Dental Association (ADA) to be effective against plaque and gum disease:

1.       Mouthwash that contains essential oils as an active ingredient. For example Listerine® and other generic equivalents sold over the counter.

2.       Mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine gluconate as an active agent which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ONLY as prescription products. For example Peridex® and Periogard®. Continue reading

How to Identify Symptoms of Trench Mouth

What is Trench Mouth?

Trench mouth is also known as Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG) or Vincent’s infection. It is an acute

ANUG

 necrotizing inflammatory disease produced by endogenous infection where systemic changes, predispose the gingiva to invasion by bacteria. A recurring periodontal disease which results in necrosis and ulceration of the gums. It is a communicable infection of the respiratory tract and mouth extending to the tongue, palate, throat and pharynx. ANUG is a mixed bacterial infection with predominant groups of anaerobic bacteria, the fusiform, spirochetes and treponema. They present in large numbers in slough and necrotic tissue at surface of the ulcer and invade a small distance into underlying connective tissue, releasing toxins and enzymes. Trench mouth is a serious oral disease which causes severe pain and major discomfort. Inability to carry out good oral hygiene and poor nutritional status are the contributing factors of trench mouth. Other causes include smoking, increased physical and emotional stress, age, poverty and infections like HIV, AIDS and measles, malignant tumors and acute leukemia.

  Continue reading

How to Treat Teething Symptoms With Homeopathy

 

© Babies Online.com

Teething troubles is common in all babies. It is in very rare cases that a new born goes through this period without any problems. Your good-natured baby becomes restless and fretful all of a sudden, starts drooling and eagerly chewing or wanting to put his or her hand and fingers into the mouth. Worry not as these behavior changes may only indicate that your baby is having discomfort during the teething age. Continue reading

Dental Sealants Vs. Fillings in Pediatric Dentistry

© Bio Dental Care

Parents or guardians play an important role in regard to a child’s diet and oral health habits. Newly emerged teeth are particularly vulnerable to dental decay. As teeth gets older and become more mature, the outer surface becomes harder and more resistant to acid attack.

Teeth are constantly being attacked by acid produced by plaque bacteria as well as acidic foods and drinks. Acids cause damage below the tooth surface, causing microscopic holes in the tooth. If the acid damage continues over a period of time, the tooth becomes so fragile that a hole becomes visible in the tooth. As the hole gets bigger, the tooth will need a filling. However dental sealants can be placed on your child’s teeth to prevent tooth decay from occurring if risk of decay is detected early. Continue reading

How to Treat Gum Disease (Gingivitis) Naturally with Herbal Remedies

There are many types of gum diseases, with the most common one being gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the gums. Everybody will have gingivitis to some extent, however, some individuals with very bad oral hygiene will have severe gingivitis. (Sometimes, gingivitis occur even with a good oral hygiene as there are many causes of gingivitis) To relieve the symptoms of gingivitis, some herbal remedies can be used. However, to completely remove the underlying cause of the inflammation, a trip to the dentist has to be taken. Only then, will the symptoms not recur. Continue reading

How Does Gingival Recession Occur?

 

What is Gingival Recession?

Gingival recession is a dental condition characterized by shrinking gums which expose root surfaces and reduces the zone of attached gingiva. It is a precursor for loss of thin cementum surrounding the teeth and wearing of enamel at the gum line. Exposed root is potentially sensitive via exposed dentinal tubules which can transmit stimuli to the pain receptors in the pulp (inner nerve). Cold, hot and sweet stimuli, drying with an air spray and the use of an ultrasonic scaler results in sensitivity. This situation deters the patient from brushing properly leading to plaque accumulation on the root surface and aggravates the sensitivity. It develops during late teens and early 40’s. Continue reading

Home Cures for Pyria of the Gums

Pyria of the gums means bleeding of the gums, which does not occur in healthy gums. Bleeding of the gums can happen spontaneously, or after slight provokation, like after brushing the teeth. This usually occurs when there is inflammation of the gums, as the blood vessels beneath the gums will dilate and can rupture more easily. This is a serious indication that there is something wrong with your teeth, and should be seen by the dentist as soon as possible. Continue reading

Home Remedy for Inflamed Gums

Picture 1: Inflammed gums, where plaque had accumulated.

Inflammed gums is also known to the dentists as gingivitis. It is a common problem, but not negligible as it can worsen. Therefore, it must be treated as promptly as possible. When there is inflammed gums, there can be bleeding from the gums either spontaneously or after a mild provokation, like after brushing the teeth. There can also be bad breath and redness of the gums, and the gums can also appear swollen.   Continue reading

Dental filling-What are the different options?

What is a dental filling?

A dental filling is a dental restorative material used to restore the function, integrity and morphology of missing tooth structure. The structural loss typically results from caries or external trauma. It is also lost intentionally during tooth preparation to improve the aesthetics or the physical integrity of the intended restorative material.

Dental fillings can be divided into three broad types: Continue reading