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Tuesday, April 13, 2010

What is Gum Disease and How to Fight it!

Dentist Pasadena



We normally have a high amount of different types of bacteria living in our mouths. Most of these bacteria are controlled by the enzymes in our saliva and stomach and are there to defend us from the invasion of bad bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

Bad bacteria can endanger our oral health and cause tooth decay and cavities. We fight these bacteria with good daily oral care which includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day.

The problem arises when these bacteria continue to grow in our mouth without a treatment that helps getting rid of it.


What is periodontal (gum) disease and what causes it?

As bacteria reproduces in our mouth, it clings to the teeth forming a sticky, colorless film called dental plaque. If this plaque is not removed within 48 hours, it hardens into a rough deposit called “tartar” which can only be removed by a dental hygienist. When tartar develops along the gum line, it produces toxins that injure the gum and cause inflammation while infecting the supporting tissue that holds our teeth. Because gum disease begins without pain, you may not even be aware that a problem exists. Our dentist near Burbank offers professional cleaning services to help you avoid this problem.

Causes and Risk Factors:
  • Poor oral care. Not brushing and flossing at least twice a day, and avoiding the use of a fluoride mouth rinse
  • Smoking. Because of a lower oxygen level in the mouth, smokers are 2 to 7 times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers.
  • Diabetes. It worsens periodontal disease when it is poorly controlled.
  • Stress. Our bodies become weaker at fighting infection under stress.
  • Medications. Some drugs for depression, seizures, cancer and blood pressure lessen the flow of saliva which protects teeth and gums.

What are the symptoms?

Gingivitis. This is the mildest form of gum disease and is caused by inadequate oral care. Gingivitis affects the gums, making them red, swollen and prone to bleeding easily. It causes bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. It is reversible with professional treatment and proper oral care at home or at our Burbank dentistry.

Periodontitis. When gingivitis is left untreated it can advance to periodontitis. Here, plaque spreads and grows below the gum line and the tissues and bones supporting the teeth are broken and destroyed. As the disease worsens, the gums are pulled away from the teeth and form pockets (spaces between teeth and gum) which become infected. Finally, the teeth become loose and have to be removed.

General symptoms:
  • Continuous bad breath
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Tender or bleeding gums
  • Tongue that is swollen or pushing back from the floor of the mouth
  • Pain when chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Swelling below the chin, making it red, tender and warm

What is the treatment for periodontal disease?

If a periodontal disease is identified, depending on the extent it could be treated by:
  • Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). Scaling scrapes off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing clears any rough spots on the tooth root where bacteria accumulate to help get rid of it. Here, the gums are re-attached to the teeth.
  • If the patient has only gingivitis or mild gum disease, an effective mouth rinse may be prescribed, along with antibiotic gels and micro-spheres that help control and kill bacteria.
  • However, if pockets are still present after scaling and root planing and the disease has destroyed bones and connective tissue, surgery may be required. We will discuss all the details and concerns with the patient.
Because periodontal disease typically occurs in people after they reach 30, it is important to prevent it early by practicing a good oral hygiene at all times. This includes brushing and flossing twice a day, using a mouth wash and a fluoride toothpaste, and replacing your toothbrush every three months. Maintaining a balanced diet with few sugars is a plus!

Our dentists near Burbank offer preventive dentistry, including prophylaxis and dental sealants, to avoid tooth decay and gum disease. You don’t have to suffer the consequences of a periodontal disease. With proper care, your natural and beautiful smile will last a lifetime!


Call to Schedule your Appointment Today!


Glendale Office: (818) 547-4455
Van Nuys Office: (818) 909-0200

Find out If Teeth Whitening Is Right for You!

Dentist Pasadena


teeth whitening glendaleMany teeth whitening systems are available, including whitening toothpastes, over-the counter gels, strips and trays, and whitening agents obtained from our Glendale dentist.

Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings) and gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best. But this cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone.

 

Whitening Systems

Whitening Toothpastes


 teeth whitening glendale
All toothpastes help remove surface stains because they have mild abrasives. Some whitening toothpastes contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness.

Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains only and do not contain bleach; over-the-counter and professional whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide (a bleaching substance) that helps remove stains on the tooth surface as well as stains deep in the tooth.

Whitening toothpastes can lighten your tooth's color by about one shade. In contrast, light-activated whitening conducted in your our Glendale dental office can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter.


Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips and Gels

Whitening gels are clear, peroxide-based gels applied with a small brush directly to the surface of your teeth. Instructions generally call for twice a day application for 14 days. Initial results are seen in a few days and final results are sustained for about 4 months. The retail cost for this product is about $15 for a 14-day treatment.

Whitening strips are very thin, virtually invisible strips that are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. The strips are applied twice daily for 30 minutes for 14 days. Initial results are seen in a few days and final results are sustained for about 4 months. The retail cost for this product ranges from $10 to $55 for a 14-day treatment.


Tray-Based Tooth Whitening Products


 teeth whitening glendale trays
Tray based teeth whitening systems, purchased either over-the-counter or from your dentist, involve filling a mouth guard-like tray with a gel whitening solution – which contains a peroxide-bleaching agent – and wearing the tray for a period of time, generally from a couple hours a day to every day during the night for up to 4 weeks and even longer (depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening).



In-Office Whitening

 zoom whitening glendale

In-office bleaching provides the quickest and most effective way to whiten teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, and/or a laser. The light and/or heat accelerate the whitening process.

Results are seen in only 1, 30- to 60-minute treatment. But, to achieve dramatic results, several appointments are usually needed. However, with laser-enhanced bleaching, dramatic results can be seen after the first treatment.


How Long Do the Whitening Effects Last?


Whitening is not permanent. People who expose their teeth to foods and beverages that cause staining may see the whiteness start to fade in as little as 1 month. Those who avoid foods and beverages that stain may be able to wait one year or longer before another whitening treatment or touch-up is needed.

The degree of whiteness will vary from individual to individual depending on the condition of the teeth, nature of the stain, the type of bleaching system used and for how long.

Differences between Over-the-Counter At-Home Teeth Whitening Vs. Dentist-Supervised Teeth Whitening Products

  • Strength of bleaching agent. OTC: Over-the-counter home use products and dentist-prescribed at-home products usually contain a lower strength-bleaching agent from 10% carbamide peroxide, which is equivalent to about 3% hydrogen peroxide, up to 22% carbamide peroxide. Dentist: In-office, professionally applied tooth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide in concentrations ranging from 15% to 43%.
  • Mouthpiece trays. Dentist: With dentist-supervised at-home bleaching products, your our Glendale dentist will take an impression of your teeth and make a mouthpiece tray that is customized to exactly fit your teeth. This customization allows for maximum contact between the whitening gel, which is applied to the mouthpiece tray, and the teeth. A custom-made tray also minimizing the gel's contact with gum tissue. OTC: Over-the-counter whitening products also contain a mouthpiece tray, but the "one-size-fits-all" approach means that the fit will not be exact. Ill-fitting trays can irritate the gum and soft tissue by allowing more bleaching gel to seep onto these tissues. With in-office procedures, the bleaching agent is applied directly to the teeth.
  • Additional protective measures. Dentist: In our Glendale dental office setting, our dentist will apply either a gel to the gum tissue or use a rubber shield (which slides over the teeth) prior to treatment to protect your gums and oral cavity from the effects of the bleaching. OTC: Over-the-counter products don't provide these extra protective measures.
  • Costs. OTC: Over-the-counter bleaching systems are the least expensive option, with costs ranging from $20 to about $150. Dentist: Depending on where you live and the extent of the procedure, dentist-supervised home bleaching systems range in cost from approximately $150 to $300 per upper or lower set of teeth, or $300 to $600 for the whole mouth.
  • Supervised vs. unsupervised process. Dentist: Dentist-supervised at-home bleaching and in-office treatments offer additional benefits compared with over-the-counter procedures. First, your dentist can perform an oral examination and consider your complete medical history, which can be helpful in determining how your teeth became discolored and if bleaching is an appropriate course of treatment based on your type and extent of stains and type, number and location of restorations.
    Your dentist can then better match the type of stain with the best treatment, if appropriate, to lighten those stains. With dentist-supervised bleaching procedures, your dentist will likely want to see you a couple of times to ensure you are following directions, to make sure the customized tray is fitting properly, to inspect your gums for signs of irritation, and to generally check on how the teeth whitening process is proceeding. OTC: With over-the-counter bleaching products, you are on your own.

Who Should Not Undergo Teeth Whitening?

Whitening is not recommended or will be less successful in the following circumstances:

  • Age and pregnancy issues. Bleaching is not recommended in children under the age of 16. This is because the pulp chamber, or nerve of the tooth, is enlarged until this age. Teeth whitening under this condition could irritate the pulp or cause it to become sensitive. Teeth whitening are also not recommended in pregnant or lactating women.
  • Sensitive teeth and allergies. Individuals with sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums and/or defective restorations should consult with their dentist prior to using a tooth whitening system. Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product.
  • Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots. Individuals with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel are generally discouraged from undergoing a tooth whitening procedure. Cavities need to be treated before undergoing any whitening procedure. This is because the whitening solutions penetrate into any existing decay and the inner areas of the tooth, which can cause sensitivity. Also, whitening procedures will not work on exposed tooth roots because roots do not have an enamel layer.
  • Fillings, crowns and other restorations. Tooth-colored fillings and resin composite materials used in dental restorations (crowns, veneers, bonding, bridges) do not whiten. Therefore, using a whitening agent on teeth that contain restorations will results in uneven whitening-in this case, making the teeth without restorations appear lighter than those with restorations. Any whitening procedure should be done prior to the placement of restorations. Individuals with numerous restorations that would result in uneven whitening may be better off considering bonding, veneers or crowns rather than a tooth whitening system. Ask us what strategy is best for you.
  • Unrealistic expectations. Individuals who expect their teeth to be a new "blinding white" may be disappointed with their results. Smokers need to be aware that their results will be limited unless they refrain from continued smoking, particularly during the bleaching process. A healthy guide as to a reasonable degree of whiteness to achieve with a whitening process that would give a natural appearance to a person's teeth is a slightly whiter color than the whites of your eyes.
  • Darkly stained teeth. Yellowish teeth respond well to bleaching, brownish-colored teeth respond less well and grayish-hue or purple-stained teeth may not respond to bleaching at all. Blue-gray staining caused by tetracycline is more difficult to lighten and may require up to 6 months of home treatments or several in-office Glendale dental appointments to successfully lighten. Teeth that have dark stains may be better candidates for another lightening option, such as veneers, bonding, or crowns. Your dentist can discuss the options best suited for you.

Risks Associated With Teeth Whitening


Teeth Whitening Glendale

The two side effects that occur most often are a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth, particularly the gums. Tooth sensitivity often occurs during early stages of the bleaching treatment. Tissue irritation most commonly results from an ill-fitting mouthpiece tray rather than the tooth-bleaching agent. Both of these conditions usually are temporary and disappear within 1 to 3 days of stopping or completing treatment.


If you do experience sensitivity, you can reduce or eliminate it by:

  • Wearing the tray for a shorter period of time (for example, two 30-minute sessions vs. two 60-minute sessions)
  • Stop whitening your teeth for two to three days to allow your teeth to adjust to the whitening process
  • Ask your Glendale dentist or pharmacist for a high fluoride-containing product, which can help remineralize your teeth. Apply the fluoride product to the tray and wear for 4 minutes prior to and following the whitening agent.
  • Brush your teeth with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes contain potassium nitrate, which helps soothe your teeth's nerve endings.

roduct Safety


ADA Accepted, Glendale

Some bleaching products dispensed through dentists' offices as well as professionally applied (in-office) bleaching products have received the ADA Seal of Acceptance , which indicates that the product has met ADA guidelines for safety and effectiveness. Currently, only dentist-dispensed home-use products containing 10% carbamide peroxide and office-applied products containing 35% hydrogen peroxide have received the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Over-the-counter bleaching products are not endorsed by the ADA because the organization believes that professional consultation is important to ensuring safe and effective use. No whitening products using lasers currently are on the ADA's list of accepted products. Several whitening toothpastes that are available over-the-counter have received the ADA Seal of Acceptance. For a list of specific toothpastes that have gained the ADA's Seal of Acceptance, visit: www.ada.org

It should be noted that not all manufacturers seek the ADA's Seal of Acceptance. This is a voluntary program that requires considerable expense and time on the part of a manufacturer. Just because a product does not have the ADA Seal of Acceptance does not necessarily mean that the product is not safe and effective. You can be assured, however, that products that do carry the seal have meet the ADA's standards for safety and effectiveness when used as directed.

Teeth whiteners are not drugs and therefore are not regulated by the FDA.


Tips to Consider When Choosing an Over-the-Counter Whitening Kit:

  • Try to select a kit that allows some customization of the mouthpiece. Some kits come with a mouthpiece that can be molded to some degree. These are better than others that come with a standard mouthpiece.
  • Try to gain the opinion of others who may have already tried the kit you are considering.
  • If at any time you experience a prolonged change in the color of your gums or increased tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, stop wearing the mouthpiece and see your dentist immediately.

Read the original article at: WebMD


Call to Schedule your Appointment Today!

Glendale Office: (818) 547-4455
Van Nuys Office: (818) 909-0200