Dental Questions: What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease follows tooth decay as the most prevalent condition effecting the oral cavity. In fact, over half of all Americans have some type of problem with their periodontal tissues. It is important to understand the differences between the two main categories of periodontal disease- gingivitis and periodontitis.

The word "periodontal" identifies the tissues surrounding the teeth: the gums, bone, connective tissue and ligaments. These structures live in a delicate balance with the bacteria that exist naturally in our mouths. Over time, poor oral hygiene can allow the bacteria to colonize and grow around the teeth, leading to inflammation of the gum tissue. This first stage in periodontal disease is known as gingivitis. At this point, you might notice puffy, red gums that bleed during brushing or flossing. 

As the inflammation progresses and the bacterial colonies grow, the jaws start to undergo bony changes. Our bones will begin to grow away from the source of infection, leading to recession, pocket formation and loose teeth. These changes are associated with the more advanced form of periodontal disease known as periodontitis. 

Fortunately, there are a number or dental procedures aimed at stopping or reversing the effects of periodontal disease. It all starts with a dental exam to determine the extent of damage and assign an appropriate cleaning regimen. Patients with healthy tissue might just need a simple preventative cleaning, while others may benefit from a more intense procedure- such as scaling and root planing. If you would like to know more about periodontal disease, what causes it and how we can treat it, please contact our office!

What About Mouthwash?

Mouthwash can be a great tool in achieving overall oral health. However, it is important to acknowledge why you are using it and pick a product that meets your goals. Many patients gravitate towards alcohol based products like Listerine Ultraclean and Scope. These brands are designed to fight against plaque and gingivitis with their antimicrobial properties. They are excellent choices for individuals with periodontal disease and inflamed gum tissue. However, these mouthwashes tend to be acidic and abrasive to tooth enamel.

We feel that the majority of our patients would be better suited with a fluoride rinse type of mouthwash like Act Rinse. These products are designed to strengthen enamel and interfere with decay-causing bacteria. While they may not have the satisfying "burn" of an alcohol mouthwash, they are definitely doing their job!

Using mouthwash for fresh breath? You might want to try a different tactic. Once the flavoring wears off, mouthwashes aren't particularly protective against bad breath. Your best bet is to target the smells at the source. Flossing and tongue brushing have been shown to be particularly helpful in approving mouth odors. If you have any other mouthwash related questions, be sure to give our office a call!

Dental Questions: Do sensitivity toothpastes actually work?

Many of our patients complain of "sensitive teeth" and are curious if products like Sensodyne, Crest Sensi-Releif or Colgate Sensitive actually work. With all the brands of toothpaste available on the market, their skepticism is very understandable.

The short answer is yes, these toothpastes will help make your teeth less hypersensitive to hot, cold and other stimulation. They typically contain an active ingredient called potassium nitrate that helps block the nerve endings on exposed dentin. Dentin is the material between enamel and dental pulp, and is often exposed in areas of recession. This is why patients who brush vigorously at their gum lines will frequently develop sensitivity problems. The abrasion of the toothbrush causes the gum tissue to recede, revealing exposed dentin underneath. 

However, it is important to note that sensitivity toothpastes will not address other kinds of dental pain. Inflamed gums, severely cold sensitive teeth and teeth with active decay will not improve with the use of these products. Furthermore, you will need to use these toothpastes twice a day for about two weeks before you start to notice improvements. It is important to keep in mind the capabilities of these products and likewise manage your expectations. If you have any further questions about sensitivity, toothpastes or other over the counter dental products, please give our office a call or email!