Saturday, April 27, 2013

Gum Disease


Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth.

Here are some warning signs that can signal a problem:

  • 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

Some factors increase the risk of developing gum disease. They are:

  • poor oral hygiene
  • smoking or chewing tobacco
  • genetics
  • crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean 
  • pregnancy 
  • diabetes 
  • medications, including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives
See your dentist if you suspect you have gum disease because the sooner you treat it the better. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.
Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. Chronic periodontitis can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth. This is the most common form of periodontitis in adults but can occur at any age. It usually gets worse slowly, but there can be periods of rapid progression.
Aggressive periodontitis is a highly destructive form of periodontal disease that occurs in patients who are otherwise healthy. Common features include rapid loss of tissue and bone and may occur in some areas of the mouth, or in the entire mouth.
Research between systemic diseases and periodontal diseases is ongoing. While a link is not conclusive, some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes or stroke.
It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.

Remember: You don’t have to lose teeth to gum disease. Brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.



You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentists by calling our friendly staff at (305) 940-3135 or by visiting www.SkylakeDental.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Skylake Dental if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry.
 

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Miami Dentist Dr. Mark Weiss | (305) 940-3135 A great Patient Testimonial We Wanted to Share


Thank you for trusting our office with your smile!
 
North Miami Dentists Drs. Mark Weiss, Georgeana Lewis, and Shirley Kleiner, Miami residents high-quality dental services ranging from cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, to implant dentistry and more. These dental procedures include teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, and dental implants to a complete spectrum of conventional dental services like root canals and restorative dentistry.
The teams of doctors at Skylake Dental are friendly and comforting and are always happy to take the time to answer any questions.

The Skylake Dental team looks forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs.
You can make an appointment with our dentists by calling our friendly staff at (305) 940-3135 or by visiting http://www.SkylakeDental.com. Please don't hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry, veneers, Invisalign, tooth whitening, or dental implants.

http://www.SkylakeDental.com
(305) 940-3135
1660 NE Miami Gardens Drive
Suite 3
N. Miami Beach, FL 33179

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Toothbrushes

The toothbrush has been around for nearly 5,000 years. “Chew sticks,” bone, wood, ivory and hog bristles all make up the far-reaching history of this instrument of oral health. The nylon bristled toothbrush that we now use was invented in 1938. Today, battery powered toothbrushes are available in addition to manual toothbrushes.

Both manual and powered toothbrushes can effectively and thoroughly clean teeth. People who have difficulty using a manual toothbrush may find a powered toothbrush easier or more comfortable to use. The size and shape of the brush should fit your mouth comfortably, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Your dentist may offer suggestions about which type is suitable for your needs.

No matter what type of toothbrush you chooseit is recommended that you brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner daily.
It’s also important to keep your toothbrush clean. Rinse your toothbrush with tap water after brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. Store the brush in an upright position if possible and allow it to air dry until using it again. Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers. A moist environment, such as a closed container, is more conducive to the growth of microorganisms than the open air.

Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Bristles that become frayed and worn with use and will be less effective at cleaning teeth.


You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentists by calling our friendly staff at (305) 940-3135 or by visiting www.SkylakeDental.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Skylake Dental if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry.