Why Do Gums Get Swollen Around Stuck Teeth?

If you have half-erupted wisdom teeth, dental overcrowding isn’t your only problem. You could also be at risk for pericoronitis: inflammation around a dental crown. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we care for patients of all ages and keep a sharp eye out for problems in how adolescent patients’ teeth erupt. If pericoronitis is not stopped, it could lead to pain and a worse infection.

Dentists say teeth are “impacted” when they are unable to fully push through the gum line. It is common for the upper canines to be impacted and for the lower wisdom teeth to get stuck after partially erupting. The wisdom teeth can be especially troublesome because they often do not emerge until the patient has already undergone orthodontic work and is old enough for their jaw bone to have become more resistant to tooth migration. An impacted wisdom tooth will often be partially covered by a flap of gum tissue called an operculum. The operculum is a trap for food debris and bacterial build-up, causing the gum tissue to be inflamed.

Patients will struggle to clean a partially-covered tooth. They may try oral antibiotics and swishing warm salt water around their mouths, but the infections will likely recur. At our office, we can cut away an operculum and extract most impacted wisdom teeth. The procedure will leave the patient free from the risk of overcrowding and any additional discomfort that could result. But if patients maintain regular dental appointments, we will be able to identify stalled wisdom teeth earlier.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

The Connection Between Gum Disease and Cirrhosis

More research comes out every week about the importance of oral health. That’s hardly a surprise to us at Alta Loma Dental Care, but we’re happy to see the effects of gum disease getting more attention. A new study examined the relationship between gingivitis and cirrhosis and found that periodontal therapy can have some unexpected benefits.

When the liver is healthy, it filters toxic substances out of our blood. But when it is chronically inflamed, it can develop scar tissue that prevents it from doing its job. The body will suffer widespread inflammation as a result, including in the brain, which can result in mood swings and a loss of cognitive function. Liver disease and gum disease can both be caused by smoking and excessive alcohol, so it is unsurprising that they would often be present in the same people. But gum disease is also common in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, despite their not seeming to share a common etiology.

To study the connection, researchers divided people with both diseases into a group that received gum disease treatment immediately and one that received it later. They found that when the patients were treated, their cirrhosis symptoms also significantly improved compared to the control group. Their cognition was better, and they had higher counts of gut bacteria that prevent inflammation. Scientists are still working out the exact relationship, but they’ve also found bacteria that cause gum disease in the liver. We hope our patients will take this research as evidence of how beneficial regular cleanings can be.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

How Diabetes and Gum Disease Interact

Bleeding gums are common, but they’re not healthy. We can provide deep cleanings of the gum pockets at Alta Loma Dental Care, but we need our patients to recognize when it’s time to get help. That’s especially important for people with diabetes, who have higher rates of gum disease. It’s not just their oral health that depends on good dental care.

People with diabetes are predisposed to chronic inflammation. When the body detects an infection, such as one in the gum pockets, inflammation is the immune system’s initial response. It helps to isolate pathogens and direct white blood cells to where they need to go. But inflammation is uncomfortable and has damaging effects if it persists long-term, and people with uncontrolled high blood sugar have difficulty fighting infections. So while gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is high in the general population, it’s even more common among people with diabetes. If it progresses, it can cause gum tissue to recede, leaving the teeth less supported. There is also evidence that gum disease makes it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar, resulting in a feedback loop.

Fortunately, gum disease treatments are effective interventions. But to stop gum disease before it starts, people with diabetes need to keep proper protocol when brushing and flossing and to keep regular appointments so we can provide below-the-gum cleanings.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

How does Sjogren's Syndrome affect Oral Health?

The dentists at Alta Loma Dental Care are happy to be part of the care teams for people suffering from autoimmune disorders. One disorder which affects oral health is Sjögren’s Syndrome, which can cause dry mouth and which dentists often help to identify.

In people with Sjögren’s Syndrome, the body attacks the tear and saliva glands. It can also impact the joints and is commonly seen in people with lupus, most of whom are older women. Also like lupus, it appears to have a genetic component but be triggered by infections. Sjögren’s Syndrome is painful but especially dangerous for oral health because of the role saliva plays in clearing out food debris and maintaining the right balance of bacteria. People with dry mouth are at high risk for gum disease.

There are medications available that can stimulate saliva production. Throat moisturizers and sucking sugar-free candy can also provide patients with some relief. If a dentist suspects a patient has Sjögren’s Syndrome, the next step will be testing for it from a lower lip biopsy. During this procedure, a few salivary glands are plucked from the patient’s lower lip and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

How Gum Disease Starts and Progresses

Gum disease can be irritating, painful, and can lead to disastrous dental health. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA we want our patients to know how gum disease progresses and how to prevent it.

Gum disease is a condition where the gums become unhealthy. They may start out red, painful, swollen, and they may bleed frequently. If left untreated, gum disease may cause teeth to fall out. It can also cause bad infections that may spread if not stopped. Gum disease increases the risks of stroke and heart attack.

Gum disease develops due to bad oral hygiene. When plaque and tartar build up, it irritates the gums and causes them to pull away from the teeth. This recession creates deep pockets where bacteria can harbor and cause further damage.

In order to prevent gum disease, you must brush your teeth two to three times per day and floss once per day. Flossing is very important not to skip; bacteria can begin to cause damage after it has been sitting in between teeth for twenty-four hours. In addition, visit us for routine professional cleanings.

Gum disease may start without any major signs, but it can turn serious if not treated. To schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Alta Loma Dental Care Helps Prevent Gum Disease

Caring for your teeth is an essential part of maintaining good oral health, but your gums also play an important role, and proper care is crucial. Gum disease can be a serious detriment to both your oral health and overall wellness, and Dr. Michael Kim provides the type of regular periodontal care and checkups you need to maintain peak health and prevent periodontal issues.

With periodontal disease responsible for 75 percent of all adult tooth loss cases in the United States, it is critical to check for and treat periodontal issues when they first arise. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that starts when a build-up of plaque on your teeth hardens, creating a suitable environment for bacteria to collect and attack the surrounding gums. In its early stages, this gum disease is gingivitis, but if it is left untreated, it becomes periodontis, which can destroy your gum tissue and lead to tooth loss. Periodontis can even result in a loss of bone mass in your jawbone. Heart disease, diabetes and stroke have also been linked to poor periodontal health.

The state of your gums affects the health of your entire body, so come to our office in Alta Loma, CA to receive periodontal cleanings and treatment. It is easier to prevent gum disease or treat it early on than to reverse the effects of periodontis. Call (909) 987-6268 to schedule an appointment at our practice. For more information about the dentist or Alta Loma Dental Care, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.  

At Alta Loma Dental Care, we Straighten Teeth Discreetly with Invisalign

Having straight teeth would be great, wouldn’t it? You’re probably holding off though, because you don’t want to deal with the embarrassment of having a mouth full of braces. Patients who want to straighten their teeth without the hassle and appearance of metal braces are quickly turning to Invisalign. Thanks to these innovative aligners, we have the ability to straighten your teeth quickly and discretely.

 

Invisalign aligners are plastic, removable mouth pieces that gradually straighten teeth over time. They give less force per week and cause considerably less pain to straighten teeth compared to traditional braces. Since the pieces are transparent, you are able to maintain an aesthetically pleasing smile while improving it at the same time. One of the main complaints of traditional braces, while they are effective, they often leave stain marks on the teeth. This is not the case with Invisalign; patients are able to remove the mouth pieces in order to brush regularly.

 

The mouth pieces are created by a 3D computer imaging technology. As the teeth begin to shift, new aligners will be used to replace the originals. Each aligner is made to perfectly fit the stage that the teeth are in at that time. The mouth pieces are only taken out to eat and brush; they are typically worn at least 22 hours a day.

 

Compared to bracket traditional, Invisalign is a much safer option. Patients who use Invisalign often avoid damage to the gums and supporting tissues. If you choose Invisalign, you will also avoid bacteria build up that would result through traditional braces. The best part is that you can have your regular dental checkups while using Invisalign. Traditional braces prevent X-rays and regular cleanings while the removable aligners used through Invisalign can be removed allowing for dentist access. So we can keep an eye on your teeth’s health while they’re being straightened!

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a very serious ailment that affects many Americans. This disease has many repercussions, from tooth loss all the way to heart health; periodontal disease can cause patients a lot of harm in many different ways. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we believe that educating you about conditions like this so you can avoid them at all costs. So with that in mind, we would like to provide you with some information about this disease.  

 

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. There are many different forms of periodontal disease but all of them can cause serious damage to the mouth. The mildest form of periodontal disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. The biggest cause of gingivitis is lack of a regular oral hygiene regimen. Preventative measures, such as regular brushing and flossing, go a long way when it comes to preventing periodontal disease. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral health practices at home.

 

Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. At this stage, plaque will spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria will irritate the gums, causing an inflammatory response. This inflammation leads to the breakdown of tissues and bone that support the teeth. Periodontitis also causes the gums to separate from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually the teeth become loose and have to be removed.

 

If you feel that you might be exhibiting any symptoms of periodontal disease, remember that they are reversible. Call us at 909-296-7920 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Kim at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA. 

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a severe condition that affects nearly 10% of the population.  What starts with minor infection and inflammation of soft tissue as the earliest stages of gum disease, can escalate into tooth loss, hard tissue damage and spread of severe infection.
 
Recovering from advanced periodontal disease is quite costly and the odds of totally eliminating it aren’t great.  That’s why it’s extremely important to catch any signs of periodontal disease early and get the proper care.  Effective treatment of periodontal disease requires diligent maintenance on your part and professional dental intervention.

If you notice any of the following signs of periodontal disease, it’s of the utmost importance that you see us for care.

• Your gums bleed during or after your brushing and flossing.
• Your gums appear red, swollen and tender, frequently feel sore, and appear to be receding from your teeth.
• You experience bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth even if you’ve just brushed a short while ago.
• Your teeth feel loose or can be physically moved in the gum bed.
• You notice any changes in your bite alignment or the stability of any restorative or prosthetic dental work.

Source:

http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/GumDisease/PeriodontaldiseaseAdults20to64

The Secret to Fresh Breath

The secret to fresh breath is actually a collection of steps you should take to avoid the embarrassment of a not-so-fresh impression. Whether you’re going on a job interview, having a conversation with a friend, or getting close to someone special, bad breath can ruin just about any face to face interaction.  To save yourself the hazards of halitosis, follow these steps to fresh breath:

• Keep gum disease free by visiting for regular checkups and cleanings. One of the symptoms of gum disease is bad breath that quickly resurfaces even after brushing and using mouthwash.  If you have bad breath that’s persistent, it could be a sign that your periodontal health is in trouble.  
• Practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing and floss every day. Don’t forget to clean your gums, tongue, cheeks and the roof of your mouth, as food particles and bacterial buildup can thrive on these surfaces—causing foul odor. Daily use of a tongue scraper is also a great defense against bad breath.
• Don’t use tobacco products. Whether you smoke it or chew it, tobacco kills the good bacteria that fights disease and wreaks havoc on your mouth.
• Use alcohol free mouthwash and gargle with peroxide.  An alcohol-free mouthwash won’t dry out your mouth the way an alcohol rinse will.  The antimicrobial mouthwash and the properties of peroxide keep odor and decay causing bacteria at bay. 
• Mind your diet – garlic, onions and pungent ingredients can amount to some seriously potent breath. A well balanced diet and moderation are important to keeping your oral and overall health in check and maintain the fresh breath that comes with it. If you suffer from heartburn or GERD, make sure you’re managing your diet, as such conditions can result in bad breath, teeth grinding and enamel damage.

Sources:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215123357.htm

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/smoking-oral-health

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/dont-let-bad-breath-trouble-your-pretty-smile