Laser Dentistry-A New Way to Manage Gum Disease

Laser Dentistry-Enjoy a More Gentle Dental Experience

What is Gum Disease?

Inflamed, bleeding gums, bad breath, and gum recession are common signs of gingivitis and gum disease.  Gum disease is caused by bacteria in periodontal pockets, deep in the gum tissue down to the tooth roots.  Routine hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, helps to get rid of plaque, but if the plaque solidifies and forms tartar, brushing and flossing will not remove it.  The professional skills of dentists or dental hygienists are required to regularly perform cleaning treatments to remove this tartar.

Here are some warning signs of Gum Disease:

·       Gums that bleed easily

·       Red, swollen, tender gums

·       Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

·       Persistent bad breath or bad taste

·       Permanent teeth that are loose or separating

·       Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

·       Any change in the fit of partial dentures

Gum Disease risk factors:

·       Poor oral hygiene

·       Smoking or chewing tobacco

·       Genetics

·       Crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean

·       Pregnancy/hormonal changes

·       Diabetes

·       Medications, including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives

It’s Not Just Gum Disease. It’s your Health.

If you have been told that you have gum disease, you are not alone.  Nearly 70% of adults have some form of gum disease.  The most important thing to know about gum disease is that you shouldn’t ignore it.

Left untreated, gum disease will result in receding gums, bone loss, and ultimately may cost you your teeth.  Additionally, studies show that periodontal disease is associated with heart disease, diabetes and cancer.  So, if you have gum disease, it’s very important for your overall health that you get treatment.

 

Finally, a New Way to Manage Gum Disease

Now, with Laser Dentistry, we can control the bacteria in your mouth to prevent the progression of gum disease and bring your gums back to health.  Laser Dentistry may be recommended as part of your treatment plan during the early stages of gum disease to prevent the progression of this disease.

Laser Dentistry offers significant advantages including:

·       Eliminates bleeding gums

·       Reduces discomfort associated with red, swollen, tender gums

·       Promotes more rapid healing

Dr. Anna Lee is a General & Cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA.  If you experience any of the warning signs and symptoms of gum disease, call our office for a dental checkup. Ask Dr. Lee or one of our staff if you are a candidate for Laser Periodontal Therapy, and help us take better care of you and your oral health.  Please visit us at www.annaleedds.com or call for a dental checkup at 626-335-5114.

When should it be the child’s first dental visit?

                            

Parents often ask, “When should I take my baby for a dental visit?”   The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that your child visit the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts. 

According to the AAPD, it is very important to keep primary/baby teeth in place until they are lost naturally.  The primary/baby teeth are important for these following reasons:

•      helping children chew properly to maintain good nutrition

•      involvement in speech development

•      helping save space for permanent teeth

•      promoting a healthy smile that help children feel good about the way they look

By providing your children with essential dental care from the beginning it can help your children develop healthy dental habits. For more information on dental visits, contact Dr. Lee and her team today.

Caring for Permanent Teeth:

It is so exciting when your children’s first teeth are loose and their permanent teeth begin to come in. Dr. Lee recommends these six tips to care for your child’s permanent teeth.

·      Parents should continue to help the children, 6-8 years old, brush their teeth twice a day until they can show that they can do a good job on their own.

·      Use a soft toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste

·      Teach the child to spit out the foamy saliva

·      Begin flossing the child’s teeth daily as soon as any teeth are touching each other

·      Talk to the dentist about the child to make sure they are getting the right amount of fluoride

·      Sealants

Permanent teeth can last a lifetime if your child takes care of them. From the beginning of the first permanent tooth coming in to the last, it is critical to have your child take care of their teeth.  For more information contact Dr. Anna Lee & her team.