10 Dental Facts from Our Dentists in Towson

Dentist in Towson, MD

Did you know that once a tooth gets knocked out, it starts to die within 15 minutes?  If you put it in milk or hold it in your mouth, it will survive longer!

Take a look at some of these interesting dental facts. Contact our dentist in Towson for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

Towson Dentist | Are you at high risk for Periodontal Disease?

Towson Dentist

Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss. It can impact your overall health and is linked to various serious diseases, including: heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

We often talk about home oral hygiene and professional oral health care as ways to decrease your odds of developing periodontal disease. However, even with regular and thorough preventive care, you may be susceptible.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are several risk factors which contribute to the likelihood of developing periodontal disease, including:

  • Smoking – Tobacco use is of the most significant risk factors associated with periodontal disease, according to recent studies.
  • Stress – Stress can make it difficult for your body to fight infections, including periodontal disease.
  • Medication – Some medications can have adverse effects on your oral health. Certain anti-depressants, oral contraceptives and heart medicines have been linked to higher rates of periodontal disease. Be sure to update us of any new medications you may be taking.
  • Bruxism/Clenching/Grinding – Grinding your teeth can put extra stress on the soft tissue and supporting structures of your teeth. This could speed up the rate at which periodontal disease progresses.
  • Systemic Diseases – Other systemic diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease contribute to the body’s inflammatory response and can increase the odds of developing periodontal disease, as well as increase the rate of progression.
  • Genetics – Studies have linked genetic factors to the odds of developing periodontal disease.

We have seen the damaging oral and overall effects of periodontal disease many times. It is our goal to help you attain optimal oral and overall health. If you feel you may have risk factors making you more susceptible to periodontal disease, please contact our dentist in Towson. We will provide an individual care plan to decrease your odds of developing this disease. Just like any disease, prevention and early detection are best.

What Does Your Oral Health Say About Your Overall Health?

Towson, MD Dentist

Dentist in Towson MDProper oral health care has been closely linked to your overall wellbeing. These four oral health symptoms can be signals of a stressful lifestyle, improper diet, poor dental hygiene and other health conditions.

Flat Ground-Down Teeth: Teeth grinding, or bruxism, results in issues with worn down or flat teeth. This can be caused by a joint dysfunction, but it can also be a stress signal. Specifically, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) can occur due to poorly functioning jaw muscles and can be a sign of a high stress lifestyle. Besides looking into less stressful activities, contact our office for advice on stopping bruxism.

Eroded and Crumbing Teeth: Chipped teeth and tooth surface loss can cause major dental pain and long-term health issues. This is usually relative to an unhealthy diet. One main cause is due to soft drinks, or high acidic intake. Beverages high in sugar and starches can erode teeth. Having the right diet can make all the difference in keeping your teeth healthy.

Inflamed Gums: Proper oral hygiene is key to optimal oral and overall health. Inflamed gums can indicate lack of consistent brushing, flossing and fluoride rinsing. Due to periodontitis, or gum disease, gums can be bothersome. It can include problems such as swelling, bleeding and soreness. Symptoms like these can be indicative of other serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. Studies have shown that people with moderate to advanced gum disease are more likely to have heart disease than those with healthy gums.

Sensitive Teeth: Sensitive teeth, a common dental problem, can cause pain while eating or brushing. It is a condition that may result from receding gums, intense brushing or grinding. Sensitive teeth may also indicate a diet high in erosive or acidic foods, or even a cracked tooth. If you are experiencing sensitivity, you may need to reevaluate your diet or dental care regimen. Speak to our dentist about switching to a new toothpaste, which could help reduce discomfort by protecting the enamel.

Recognizing these issues, along with practicing proper dental hygiene, is a great step toward better oral and overall health. Visit our Towson dentist on a regular basis for proper dental care and recommendations for a healthier you.

 

Dentist in Towson MD | Dental Facts to Sink Your Teeth Into

Dentist Towson, MD

Did you know that about 75% of the United States population suffers from some stage of periodontal gum disease?  Take a look at some interesting dental facts that you can sink your teeth into.

For more information about you teeth, contact our Towson dentist.

 

Dentist in Towson

 

Dentist in Towson MD | Thorough Oral Exams Can Save Your Life

Dentist Towson

Dentist in TowsonAt times, our patients schedule their appointments, not wanting x-rays taken or thorough oral screenings. They trust their regular dental cleanings will be adequate. However, it is important for you to know that complete oral exams, including x-rays, can help save your life.

Proper dental care is extremely important. Without quality oral health care, there can be negative effects on overall health. Visiting our dental practice for regular check-ups, including proper x-rays and oral cancer screenings, is necessary for optimal oral health.

Our professional dental cleanings are most beneficial for plaque build up and stains that might have been missed during brushing and flossing. It is recommended by the ADA to visit a dentist at least twice per year but our doctors may recommend more frequent cleanings based on your individual needs. Besides cleaning and polishing, we will offer at-home suggestions for the prevention of tartar and staining.

Typically, dental x-rays, or radiographs, are used to aid dentists in detecting tooth damage, decay and disease. However, recent discoveries have found that x-rays may be useful with assisting in the diagnosis of heart disease. Studies have shown that heart disease is linked to periodontitis, or gum disease, and x-rays can assist in identifying the presence of periodontitis. Also, those with severe periodontitis are at risk of developing atherosclerotic plaque, which can cause strokes.

Perhaps most importantly, routine oral cancer screenings are significant during oral examinations. If patients notice oral cancer symptoms inside the mouth, which include white or red patches, long lasting sores or unexplained bleeding, see a dentist right away. These symptoms are not always detectable without a thorough exam by a dentist. Our dentists are certified to help detect and diagnose oral cancer. Without screenings, patients risk developing more serious and risky health problems. Studies have shown that oral cancer is responsible for the death of one American adult every hour.

Checkups, x-rays and thorough screenings have the potential to help recognize and evaluate dental and other overall health problems that may otherwise go undetected. For more information about our comprehensive oral exams or to schedule an appointment, please contact our Towson dentists.

Dentist Towson MD | Nutrition & Oral Health

Dentist in Towson, MD

Registered dietitians at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognize a link between mouth health and nutrition. Oral infectious diseases, as well as acute, chronic and terminal illnesses with oral symptoms can impact not only our ability to consume food properly, but also our health and nutrition status.

Learn more about the link between nutrition and oral health from your dentist in Towson MD

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