Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums that gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically-susceptible individuals. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. They may cause them to turn red, swell, and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth causing pockets (spaces) to form. Plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar). This can occur both above and below the gum line.

As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.

Whilst some bacteria produce acid that causes tooth decay, there are other bacteria that can attack the gum and supporting bone around our teeth. These bacteria create plaque that eventually goes hard and is very difficult to remove at home. If you have ever noticed that your gums appear red or swollen, or bleed easily when you brush or floss, you may have periodontal (gum) disease.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common causes for tooth loss in Australian adults, but the good news that if diagnosed early enough it can be treated.

At Top smile Clinic, we can arrange time at your regular check up to remove the plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line of all your teeth.

The early detection of gum disease is an important part of our practice. When detected early the treatment is easy, inexpensive and successful. In many cases because gum disease (periodontal disease) is painless unless your dentist is looking for it, it can be missed and left untreated.

Early detection and excellent home care are extremely important in making sure the supporting structures for your teeth remain strong for the whole of your life. Keep reading to check on your periodontal health.

Everyone wants to look and feel our best! Having beautiful teeth makes a good first impression on others. An important part of your self-esteem is your smile. A beautiful smile, sparkling teeth and fresh breath are important assets for business and your personal life. Unfortunately, periodontal (gum) disease can destroy your confidence in your teeth and your health.

Mouth odor and unsightly gums can actually cause others to distance them from you and change how they view you and your capabilities. By age 35, three out of four adults have some form of gum disease.

Gum disease can occur at any age, but recent studies indicate a greater risk after age 35 and for some can start in their twenties. This insidious disease is painless and if untreated will affect the gums and bone surrounding your teeth and may eventually lead to tooth loss.

This image shows healthy gums and in contrast it shows unhealthy gums.

Often gum disease is not easy to detect by the untrained eye. Gum disease is insidious, mostly painless and doesn't look too bad but can progress without creating any major issues until there is irreversible damage done. Your dentist should pick up a probe and check your gums and ask about your oral hygiene habits.

The dentist and hygienist are looking for any signs of gum disease, loose or broken teeth, damaged or failing fillings, tooth decay or oral cancers.
X-rays are usually taken every two years to help detect potential problems. Identifying and treating minor problems like cavities early on can spare you the time and expense of more complicated procedures such as extractions or root canals.

The hygiene appointment also involves removing bacterial build up called calculus from the teeth, removing surfaces stains from coffee, tea, red wine and smoking and a fluoride treatment to help strengthen and demineralize the enamel.

The hygienist/dentist will also show you how to best care for your teeth and gums to minimize the need for treatment in the future. I.e. brushing and flossing techniques

Preventative measures are vital to ensuring your long-term oral health. Small and consistent treatments can help to alleviate or avoid more intense dental issues in the future. Sparkling Dental provide a range of preventative treatments to safeguard your smile.

Oral health is a key element to our overall health. Sparkling Dental provide comprehensive treatments and advice to optimize your oral health. During your consultation with one of professional staff, we will advise you on the most beneficial hygiene routines, dietary advice and aids to suit your specific needs.

Good oral hygiene is the cornerstone for your dental health and is essential in maintaining your overall health.

Studies have shown that gum (periodontal disease) is a major cause of tooth loss among adults, and if left untreated, can lead to more serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Gum disease results from the build-up of plaque, which can lead to inflammation and infection of the gums and jawbone if left untreated. More recently there is mounting evidence that periodontal disease can increase the risk of heart problems and other systemic disease.

However the maintenance of an effective oral hygiene routine can help combat this risk. At MDT Dental we recommend that your oral hygiene routine should include;

Our professional cleaning treatments at Top smile Clinic utilize advanced ultrasonic equipment to remove hard deposits of tartar or calculus from the teeth, and as with all our treatments, your comfort is our top priority.

Our dentists at Top smile Clinic, pride themselves on their gentleness and thoroughness and can give you the best advice on cleaning and flossing techniques to ensure your at-home oral care routine is the best it can be.

Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria – most of them harmless. Normally the body’s natural defense and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Our dental hygienist at Top Smile Clinic will be prided herself on her gentleness and thoroughness and can give you the best advice on cleaning and flossing techniques to ensure your at-home oral care routine is the best it can be.

We are now performing the breakthrough Chao Pinhole® Surgical Gum Rejuvenation Technique at Top Smile Clinic, Sydney.

This gum recession breakthrough treatment is also known as Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation & gum Lift.

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST®) was invented and patented by John Chao, D.D.S. This is a scalpel-free, suture-free procedure for treating gum recession.

This procedure is performed by making a small hole with a needle in the gum tissue. Using specially designed instruments, the gum tissue is loosened and guided over the receded part of the tooth.

Since there is no incision or suturing, patients can expect minimal post-operative symptoms (pain, swelling and bleeding). The instant cosmetic improvement leaves most patients very pleasantly surprised.

By using this technology, it means you can see how your teeth will look even before you start treatment!

Contact our friendly team to arrange an appointment and have your smile revitalized.

Developing a long term program both at home and with our dental office to control periodontal disease is the best investment you can make to keep your teeth for a lifetime.

The cost of regular preventive dental care is much less than allowing something small to become large. With all of the maintenance aids and medications that are available, most problems can be kept in check with a customized program to address your specific needs.

Early-stage gum disease can often present itself in the following ways:
Red, tender or swollen gums
Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
Gums that are slightly receding

If you have advanced-stage gum disease, you may notice the following:
Bright red or purple gums that are also swollen
Tender gums
Severely receding gums (your teeth may look larger than normal because of this)
Spaces between your teeth
Pus between your teeth and gums
Pain while chewing food
Very sensitive teeth
Partial dentures or dental bridges that do not fit well anymore
Foul-smelling breath that will not go away after cleaning your teeth
Your teeth are loose or you are losing teeth

Many patients do not know that they have early-stage gum disease because it can also be painless. This is why it is important to see our dentists for routine dental exams — we can spot it even when you do not have symptoms of gum disease! What are the Symptoms of gum disease ?
Red, Swollen Gums Inflamed Gums that Bleed Easily Sores in the Mouth Bad Breath Unpleasant Taste in Mouth Itchy or Sensitive Gums Gum Recession

Drugs, Smoking, Medication, Diabetes, Genetics, Malnutrition, Medical Conditions

The Top smile clinic dentists are highly trained and qualified to help you treat your gingivitis.

There are many signs of gum disease.

Gums bleeding when brushing the teeth Red and swollen gums. Tender gums Gums pulling away from the teeth, exposing roots and creating recessions Puss between teeth and gums. Sudden swellings that are painful to the touch Loose teeth, or spaces suddenly appearing between teeth Teeth beginning to flare out change in the way your teeth fit together/a different bite

Periodontal disease can be reversible, but only when it is in its early stages.

You can restore your gum health quickly once your dentist removes dental plaque at this stage — but you also have to brush and floss regularly to keep it at bay. Once gum disease becomes severely advanced, it will not go away completely, but can be managed with proper dental procedures.

This is because during advanced-stage periodontal disease, you lose support structures around your teeth — such as bone. This can be permanent, but you may be able to get reconstructive surgery to correct it.

CLEAN AND POLISH
Your ‘twice a day’ routine is an excellent start to maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of your teeth. But a regular dentistry clean and polish is the only way to ensure your teeth are adequately free from the tartar, plaque and bacterial build-ups that cause tooth and gum issues. The end result of a good clean and polish also feels wonderful and enhances your smile by removing superficial stains.

GUM MAINTENANCE
Gums are often overlooked when it comes to personal dental care. The importance of the gums and the maintenance of gum health cannot be stressed enough. Your gums are central to your entire oral health and need to be cared for accordingly. At Sparkling Dental we can provide individualized gum maintenance advice and programs so you can thoroughly care for your gums every day.

Gum disease occurs when an infection develops in your gum tissue, creating inflammation and pocketing between teeth and gums. As with other inflammatory diseases, gum disease can negatively impact overall health.

Our hygienist assesses each patient's gum health on a case-by-case basis and will organize a treatment plan designed to improve periodontal health.
Sometimes people can benefit from a reminder about how important this daily routine is for oral hygiene.

BRUSHING
When brushing, you should:
Hold the toothbrush at a 45° angle. Use a circular motion to scrub away food particles and plaque. Clean the gums, tongue and roof of your mouth.

FLOSSING
The benefits of regular flossing include: Prevention of gingivitis and periodontitis Removal of bacteria-forming food particles that get stuck between the teeth and the surrounding gum area Prevention of decay and cavities Cavity-Preventing

DIET
In addition to cleansing practices, we should all be mindful of our diet for reasons that extend beyond the size of our waistlines. A healthy diet helps prevent excessive oral bacteria, which thrive on simple sugars and starches. Additionally, a diet rich in vitamins D and C, calcium, and fluoride will help promote strong and healthy teeth.

REGULAR DENTAL CLEANINGS
Last, but certainly not least, regular dental check-ups are key for good oral hygiene. A dental hygienist/dentist will clean the teeth with specialized tools Use techniques that make it more difficult for tartar and plaque to build up Examine their patients’ mouths to look for any signs of gum disease or other potential problems Routine Clinical Dental Treatment

Brushing Brush your teeth twice a day and ideally after every meal, using fluoride-containing toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush – it’s gentler on your gums. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth and use short back-and-forth motions. Brush the inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth.

Brush your teeth for about two minutes each time you brush. Brush your tongue. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months. Consider using an electric toothbrush, especially if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush well.

What we eat is just as important to the health of our teeth and gums as it is for the rest of our body. Each time we eat or drink sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria in our mouth use them to produce acid, which attacks tooth enamel and causes decay.

What you might not realize is that it is not so much the amount of sugar and starch that you eat, but how often during the day you eat it (i.e. snacking throughout the day provides a constant food supply for bacteria to continue to produce tooth-damaging acid.

Dietary advice provided at Top smile Clinic includes discussion around reducing snacking, or choosing healthy alternatives such as cheese, nuts or fruit/vegetables you can reduce your risk of tooth decay.

Having sensitive teeth can be painful, restrictive and embarrassing. The discomfort of sensitive teeth can be attributed to many different dental issues, so it is important to have this issue thoroughly examined by a professional. Sparkling Dental can provide a range of treatment options to alleviate the effects of sensitivity in your teeth, and advise on maintenance programs to help deal with this in everyday life.

If bad breath is getting you down, you may think you just need a few extra mints to solve the problem. But that’s just masking the issue. If you really want to address your bad breath, here are some tips on what you can do.

TIP #1 – BRUSH AND FLOSS MORE FREQUENTLY
Food that is trapped in your teeth, as well as plaque, can be a breeding ground for bacteria that causes bad breath. Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day to put the brakes on bad breath.

TIP #2 – KEEPS YOUR GUMS HEALTHY
Another cause of bad breath is gum disease. This occurs when bacteria gathers in areas at the base of your teeth, which can create an unpleasant smell. Gently brushing your gums and flossing can help, but getting expert assistance from your dentist on how to resolve the gum disease will more likely combat the problem of bad breath and ensure the overall health of your oral cavity.

TIP #3 – RINSE YOUR MOUTH
In addition to brushing and flossing, the right mouthwash can add an extra layer of defense against bacteria. Choose a mouthwash that kills germs rather than just masking the smell of bad breath. Remember to rinse once a day.
If you’re out and about without your mouthwash, rinse with tap water, or chew gum. Talk to your dentist about the availability of calcium-enriched chewing gum.

TIP #4 – AVOID SMELLY FOODS
Bad breath can be caused by stronger smelling foods. Think garlic, onions, stronger spices, ripe cheeses, and coffee. The issue is that brushing does not necessarily remove the smell. The simplest way to avoid this issue is either to avoid the food itself, or avoid people for a while after eating the food.

TIP #5 – VISIT YOUR DENTIST
If you notice that you still have persistent bad breath even after following the tips above, then it is time to schedule a visit with your dentist. Your dentist will check for any issues that may be contributing to your bad breath and can recommend additional measures you can take.

Brushing twice daily, in the morning and also at night before sleep, if possible after lunchtime as well. Interdental cleaning daily with floss/tape or piksters, A system of regular dental assessments/hygiene visits which should be tailor made by your dentist depending on your dental needs.

To ensure that we take care of your mouth we will advise you on the optimum amount of time between your dental review, in the majority of cases 6 monthly appointments are ideal but some will need more frequent and some less.

This allows your experienced dentist a chance to check the health of your teeth and gums to detect and treat and potential problems before they escalate. We will then clean and polish your teeth, as well as provide helpful tips to maximize your oral health.

Some people are more susceptible to dental problems this could mean that you are a high decay risk or you may be more likely to develop gum problems whatever your needs we will work together to make sure that these risks are addressed.

Routine dental treatment is an important part of maintaining a healthy smile and preventing common dental conditions that put your smile at risk.

Dental examinations Diagnosis of dental conditions Professional dental cleaning Scaling Polishing teeth Filling cavities Diagnostic Dentistry and Education.

Our knowledgeable team provides diagnosis and education designed to prevent serious dental conditions. Your treatment may include:
Taking x-rays of teeth and jaws
Applying sealants using demineralizing therapies
Taking impressions

Education and motivation to maintain good oral health Promoting oral health by providing education and information on oral health, Bringing more complex dental problems to the attention of our panel of dentists and other health care providers We Welcome New Patients.

To arrange a dental exam, contact Top Smile Clinic. Our entire team is dedicated to supporting patient oral health and improved overall health with personalized high-quality dentistry.

At Top smile clinic, we treat patients as individuals. As a result, there is no one answer to this question because it depends on your current oral health, your dental history, and whether you have a history of periodontal disease.

As a general rule, we recommend at least two professional dental cleanings each year for healthy patients. These cleanings include a periodontal exam to determine any signs of infection, a scale of the teeth, a polish to remove surface stains and tartar, and also any hygiene instruction necessary for you to get the most out of your home care.

For patients who have a history of gum disease, we may recommend more frequent hygiene appointments to control the infection and protect your health. This is also recommended for patients who develop tartar more quickly than others or who have limited dexterity due to arthritis.

Even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly at home, it is normal to develop tartar in hard-to-reach places that require a professional cleaning to remove. You dental hygiene visits will remove tartar and give you a fresh clean start for your smile.

There’s no such thing as a “quick fix” when it comes to dental health.

The 7 worst oral hygiene mistakes you need to avoid:

1-USING THE SAME TOOTHBRUSH FOR YEARS
Most people are taught tooth brushing basics by their parents whilst young and generally, this is a positive thing. But sometimes people are given brushing advice that negatively affects their teeth and the brushing habit continued over many years leads to dental problems. Here are 7 of the worst oral hygiene mistakes that should be avoided.
Change your toothbrush at least every three months to keep your brushing effective. Generally, after three months, the bristles on your toothbrush become stiff, worn and less effective.

2-USING A HARD TOOTHBRUSH
Using a medium or hard toothbrush can cause oral abrasion and gum recession. A soft toothbrush gently cleans whilst ensuring that no damage is done during the brushing process.

3-SKIPPING THE FLOSS
Brushing can’t reach all areas of your teeth. Debris within cracks and crevices as well as plaque build-up near the gum line can be missed with brushing alone. Daily flossing ensures that most areas of your teeth are properly attended to.

4-FORGETTING YOUR TONGUE
Brush your tongue and inside your cheeks as well. These areas harbor bacteria that can contribute to bad breath and tooth decay.

5-BRUSHING TOO HARD
Go easy on your pearly whites. As long as your toothbrush is making contact with your teeth there’s no need to add forceful pressure. Excessive pressure can wear down your tooth enamel and cause receding gums.

6-FORGETTEN TO CHEW GUM AFTER EATING
Always try to chew gum after eating to dislodge remaining food particles from on and between your teeth. Chewing gum increases saliva flow and also reduces the acidity left after food consumption. Remaining acidity can lead to bacterial growth. Talk to your dentist about the availability of calcium-enriched chewing gum which can help strengthen enamel.

7-BRUSHING RIGHT AFTER EATING
Wait at least 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth. Acidic foods weaken tooth enamel and brushing immediately after food can cause enamel to weaken further. Give your saliva time to neutralize the acid before brushing your teeth. Chewing gum can speed up this process.

Remember to visit your dentist for check-ups and teeth cleaning twice a year. Regular cleaning will remove plaque build-up so that you can avoid gum disease. Visiting your dentist is an important step in maintaining good oral hygiene so call to make a dental appointment today

COMPLETE CARE
There are a wide variety of dental treatment options and solutions available today that can achieve quality results for you. Read to learn more.

OUR SERVICE AND COMMITMENT
Our practitioners and staff are dedicated to providing a dental service with unparalleled care and comfort in a friendly environment.

Brushing Brush your teeth twice a day and ideally after every meal, using fluoride-containing toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush – it’s gentler on your gums. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth and use short back-and-forth motions. Brush the inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Brush your teeth for about two minutes each time you brush. Brush your tongue. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months. Consider using an electric toothbrush, especially if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush well

HYGIENE CHECK UP
A typical hygiene and checkup appointment involves a careful inspection of your mouth, teeth and gums.
The dentist and hygienist are looking for any signs of gum disease, loose or broken teeth, damaged or failing fillings, tooth decay or oral cancers.

The hygienist will also show you how to best care for your teeth and gums to minimize the need for treatment in the future. I.e. brushing and flossing technique Services Cosmetic Dentistry Composite Bonding Dental ImplantsAll-On-4Dental Veneers Emergency Dentists Gum Rejuvenation Invisible Clear Braces Hygiene Check Uproot Canal Therapy Teeth Whitening Wisdom Teeth Removal Facial InjectablesDeals & Specials Treatment & Care Children’s Dentistry Missing Teeth & Replacements Tooth Ache & Pain Sleep ApnoeaCaring For Your Smile Patient Resources New PatientsFAQ’sFinance Options Comprehensive Planning Complete Care Case of the Month Rejuvenation Practice Commitment Contact Top Smile Clinic.

Water irrigation systems should not be used as a substitute for brushing and flossing. These devices are effective in removing retained food from hard to reach areas, but do not remove plaque. Dentists frequently recommend these devices with the addition of antibacterial solutions to maintain the oral health of periodontal patients.

Root planning is a technique performed in a dental office to stop the adverse effect of periodontal disease. The procedure cleans below the gum line and smooths the roots. When the roots are smoothed, the gums will usually reattach to the root stopping the bacteria from spreading. This stops and reverses some of the damage done by periodontal disease.

Bleeding gums is an early indicator of gingivitis, or swollen gums, usually caused by plaque and/or calculus accumulated under the gum line. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss. Gingivitis can be reversed by proper brushing and flossing within a few weeks. If bleeding persists two to three weeks, consult your dentist.

You should visit your dentist at least every six months or more frequently to get your teeth cleaned. By seeing your dentist twice a year, your dentist can monitor your oral health and help you prevent any problems that may arise before they became uncomfortable or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment. The dentist may suggest more frequent visits, depending on the diagnosis.

Bad breath, or halitosis, is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene, but can also can be caused by retained food particles, gum disease, drainage from sinus dripping or systemic, respiratory or gastrointestinal problems.

Proper brushing including brushing the tongue, cheeks, and the roof of the mouth will remove bacteria and food particles. Flossing removes accumulated bacteria, plaque and food that may be trapped between teeth.

Mouth rinses are effective in temporary relief of bad breath. Consult your dentist and/or physician if the condition persi.

Scientific evidence is ever growing that links gum disease (also called periodontal disease) to a myriad of health problems such as pneumonia and chronic respiratory disease, heart disease, stroke, and pre-term and low-birth weight babies.

No, there is no evidence at this time that gum disease directly causes heart attacks. However there is scientific evidence that suggests an association between gum disease and heart disease. Four scientific (prospective) studies have found an association between periodontal disease and heart disease.

One study, published in 1999 in Cardiovascular, found that among Canadians aged 36 to 69 individuals with a severe gum disease had a three to seven times increased risk of fatal heart disease.

Researchers have found that those with poor oral health may be up to three times more likely to have a stroke. [Circulation 1999; 99:1121]

Research has shown that women with periodontal disease may be up to 7 times more likely to deliver a premature low birth-weight baby. While the risk increases with the severity of the disease, even women with minimal signs of the disease are still at risk for low birth-weight babies. [Annals of Periodontology 1998; 3 233-250, and Journal of Periodontology 1996; 67 (Supplement).]

There are two likely reasons. First, toxins that enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums separating from the bone have been found to create stress for the fetus, possibly leading to low birth-weight or pre-term birth. The second is that the bacteria associated with gum disease may work to boost a hormone prostaglandin, which stimulates labor.

Even teeth that look healthy can be hiding pockets where bone is being destroyed.

To evaluate for hidden gum disease your dentist will recommend x-rays and periodontal probing and/or periodontal charting. The periodontal probe is a special instrument for measuring the pocket depth around each tooth. Periodontal disease is rarely confined to one tooth. It usually involves several teeth and may affect all of them.

If your pockets are 5mm or less your dentist will suggest treatment involving special scaling of your teeth over several visits. At completion of this treatment, the dentist will re-probe your gums to evaluate the results. If the pockets decrease to a depth of 1-3mm, the periodontitis may be under control.

Even after the most thorough scaling carried out by your dentist it is just as important that your home care is excellent. There needs to be a combined effort to achieve improvements in the health of your gums.

If there is no improvement or if your original pockets are in excess of 6mm (advanced periodontitis) your dentist may recommend periodontal surgery. Your dentist may perform the procedure or refer you to a gum specialist called a periodontist.

The surgical procedure is performed to remove diseased tissue, eliminate pockets, allow access for better home care and allow the dentist to thoroughly clean the tooth structure. This makes it more difficult for plaque and calculus to accumulate. The gums are repositioned around the teeth, usually at a lower level than before the procedure in order to eliminate the pockets. Now you can keep the area free of plaque with daily brushing and flossing or Pinkster use.

Dental cleanings involve removing plaque (soft, sticky, bacteria infested film) and tartar (calculus) deposits that have built up on the teeth over time. Your teeth are continually bathed in saliva which contains calcium and other substances which help strengthen and protect the teeth.

While this is a good thing, it also means that we tend to get a build-up of calcium deposits on the teeth. This chalky substance will eventually build up over time, like lime scale in a pipe or kettle. Usually it is tooth colored and can easily be mistaken as part of the teeth, but it also can vary from brown to black in color.

Most people find that cleanings are painless, and find the sensations described above – tickling vibrations, the cooling mist of water, and the feeling of pressure during “scraping” – do not cause discomfort.

A lot of people even report that they enjoy cleanings and the lovely smooth feel of their teeth afterwards! There may be odd zingy sensations, but many people don’t mind as they only last a nanosecond.

Yes but it is advisable to have your teeth examined by the dentist every 6 months. For some people with minimal dental problems than 12 monthly maybe appropriate for an examination. We have hygienists available that are university trained and who will focus on the health of your gums and carry out a thorough cleaning, they are not however trained to pick up other dental problems.

The answer is simple. Exercise good judgment -- brush properly and use some device to clean in between your teeth every day. Also, see your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleaning. If you have not yet done this then start today with a visit to your dentist. If periodontal disease is treated in the early stages, the process can be reversed or at the least halted.

Periodontal disease (pyorrhea) is a bacterial infection and chronic inflammation that is the major cause of 70% of tooth loss after the age of thirty-five. It gets under your gums eating away at the bone that supports your teeth. Teeth become loose and may be lost if untreated. Over 90% of us have some form of gum disease.

Some people are at greater risk. Genetics are a factor. Chances are that if mom or dad lost their teeth, had ‘bad teeth’ or periodontal disease you are at greater risk. Tobacco users create more irritation and inability to fight gum infection.

A dry mouth makes you more susceptible to periodontal disease and decay. Other risk factors include stress, clenching or grinding your teeth, ‘bad bites’, failing dental work, a reduced immune system and some medical conditions such as diabetes. Additionally, use of some medications such as anti-depressants, sinus, allergy, and anti-seizure drugs, hormones and certain heart medications can affect your oral health.

Gum disease is not just a dental problem, but can pose a health risk to a susceptible person. Studies show a link between gum disease and other health problems. Bacteria grow around our teeth and under our gums. Left untreated the bacteria can become harmful and can enter the blood stream and travel to various organs.

Studies indicate that these wandering bacteria can contribute to cardiovascular disease; the number one cause of death in the United States. Diabetic patients are at increased risk as their bodies have more trouble fighting off infections.

Pregnant women have greater risks of developing a pre-term, low birth weight baby when periodontal disease is present.

Each day more studies show the correlation of good general health and a non-infected body!

Xerostomia or dryness of the mouth can create havoc. Since less saliva is being produced, the protective cells and enzymes contained within the saliva are less able to fight the bacteria of periodontal disease and decay.

As a result there is a greater and more severe incidence of these problems. The parched feeling in your mouth, your tongue sticking to the roof of your mouth and food sticking to your teeth comes from the lack of lubrication.

Probably all of us will experience some dryness as time marches on but there are circumstances that magnify the dryness and the problems associated. Many of the medications listed above cause an increased dryness in your mouth.

Smoking generates heat and evaporates whatever moisture may be present. Mouth breathing (snoring) and use of positive air flow machines for sleep apnea will also create a desert effect. Radiation and chemotherapy associated with cancer treatment can cause a bad situation to get dramatically worse.

While there is no ‘magic pill’ to turn on the water flow, a thorough history and customized recommendations can help to keep your dental problems to a minimum. As the dryness may last a lifetime, so should the attention to detail in monitoring your situation.

The comprehensive exam allows us to listen to your goals and take the building blocks that you give us and develop a course of action to meet those how will I know goals.

We may start with a mock up to show you quickly what some changes may look like. This may be done on your own teeth or with the help of computer imaging (see state of the art tab). This technique continues our communication so we can both understand your goals.

In patients that exhibit TMJ/ occlusal dysfunction problems (see tabs), bite splint therapy allows us to show you what a good bite feels like and allows us to test what we want to achieve without any alteration of your own teeth.

Once we pass the preliminary work, we usually do a wax up model of your teeth to see if the proposed treatment will give us the expected results. We must be able to produce a proper functional and cosmetic result with a model wax up to get a great end result in your mouth.

Now we are ready to start to make the changes. You will be placed into provisional (temporary) restorations to ‘test’ what has been planned. We are putting our prototype in function to see how it works and how it looks. We get the opportunity to fine-tune our plan…and when it is just right…we make the final restorations!

While this may seem like a lot of work to ‘fix your teeth’, fine predictable dental care takes skilled planning and execution. The old saying of measure twice and cut once is extremely valid for a predictable reconstruction.

Equilibration is the fine-tuning of your bite so it functions well and feels good. You should be able to feel your teeth hitting the same time and with equal pressures. When you move your teeth about, only the front section of your teeth should touch and not the back section.

In most cases this adjustment is accomplished by a slight alteration, a dental manicure of the shapes of your teeth. In some instances tooth structure needs to be added or repositioned. Many times this is performed on models first so the doctor can show you the result prior to starting and so there is a road map of what is to be expected when it is done in the mouth.

An equilibrated occlusion (biting scheme) allows your teeth to function the way they were designed with less risk of breaking and more are more likely to last a lifetime!

Botox and Dermal Fillers can be used for both cosmetic and therapeutic purposes in the facial area. They can be used to treat pain & Dysfunction in the head, neck & upper back area.

Botox affects the muscles. They become relaxed within a number of days after treatment, and then the lines in the skin above them smooth out. The action of Botox usually lasts about 3 months.

Dermal Fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in your body. These work by plumping the area. It fills-in the area which age has caused to sag. Dermal Fillers usually last about 6 months.

Both of these procedures are reversible with time.

Botox is the number one cosmetic procedure in the world. Because of its action on muscles, we can use it in treating TMJ and muscular problems such as BRUXISM and TENSION HEADACHES. Currently, about 8% of the Botox manufactured is being used for dental related problems.

Gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria-laden dental plaque, not age. It can affect anyone of any age. Seniors may be more vulnerable because plaque and tartar buildup has been developing for many years. Age-related factors such as receding gums and dry mouth caused by medication can also increase risk.

Gum infection and periodontal pockets will not go away without treatment.

The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can spread to surrounding structures, and it has been linked to heart disease and stroke. Gingivitis and periodontitis can also affect your ability to manage diabetes and respiratory problems.

Unfortunately, periodontal disease isn’t always easy to detect. It develops slowly over time, and early symptoms are not always present. Your dentist in Flint can spot the early signs and recommend a treatment program before serious damage occurs.

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease and usually precedes periodontitis, which is advanced stage gum disease. Gingivitis can often be treatable by seeing your dentist for regular dental cleanings, and brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. Periodontitis, however, can make you lose your permanent teeth and even cause facial disfigurement if you do not receive proper dental care.

One of the biggest symptoms of gum disease is swelling — or inflammation. When inflammation occurs anywhere in your body, including your mouth, it can lead to hardened arteries. This means that your swollen gums could very well lead to a greater risk of having a heart attack. Because our gums are filled with blood vessels, and our mouths are filled with bacteria, if you have gum disease, this bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your inflamed blood vessels and trigger inflammation elsewhere in your body — including your heart — if left untreated.

Call Top Smile Clinic now to schedule your appointment!