Dry mouth, or xerostomin is the result of decreased saliva production, which affects up to 60% of older adults. Saliva lubricates the mouth helping to prevent decay and protect tooth enamel. But don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to manage this condition.
Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of reasons, including medications you may be taking, radiation or cancer treatments, smoking, immune deficiency, systemic diseases (such as Diabetes, Parkinsonís, Sjogren syndrome) or salivary gland aplasia.
To read the entire article , please visit plus.HealthyTeeth.org
Learn more about dental care for people with special needs.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, with 75% of adults over 35 showing problem signs.What is often referred to as the silent mouth disease, initial symptoms can easily go unnoticed.Bacteria lives in plaque, which hardens over time and can cause gum irritations such as gingivitis.
Left untreated, bacterial infections affect the gums, ligaments and bone supporting the teeth, and can enter the blood stream and may be related to other diseases such as Heart Disease and Diabetes.
To read the entire article , please visit plus.HealthyTeeth.org
Learn more about Bad Breath, which is also known as Halitosis.
If the thought of seeing your dentist gives you chills every six months, an anesthetic may be the solution. Sedation dentistry uses a combination of techniques, ranging from nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" to general anesthesia, to relax a patient during surgeries or otherwise uncomfortable appointments. For even the most severe dental phobias, there is no longer a reason to avoid the dentist altogether.
Settings that Practice Anti-Anxiety
The dental office has long been the most common setting for routine dental procedures that use sedation and anti-anxiety techniques. These techniques can be used for any type of dental procedure depending on the needs of the patient. Ultimately, your fears and phobias can be managed so that you can receive the dental care you require no matter where the treatment takes place.
Are You a Candidate for Sedation?
Your overall health, as well as physical and mental conditions you may be battling at the time, are important to be able to safely undergo certain types of sedation ñ especially in the dental office. Certain of these conditions may require clearance from a physician: cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases should all be addressed prior to a given type of sedation. Your dentist will take a thorough medical history and physical assessment before proceeding, and if need be, recommend a product like Colgate® Total® Advanced Deep Clean to get home care on the right track. He or she may also ask you to receive medical clearance from your physician.
To read the entire article written by James Burke Fine DMD, please visit Colgate.com
Gettysburg Dental Associates
Eric Seidel, DMD | Cleveland Null, DDS
www.GettysburgDentalAssociates.com
Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS | Kristin Russo, DMD
www.JustKidsGettysburg.com
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-8193
Fax: (717) 334-0884
www.gettysburgfamilysmiles.com
The Digital Age
By Eric Seidel, DMD
It only seems like yesterday that we began scanning patients instead of using the traditional methods of impression taking. As we are all too aware, time goes so quickly and in reality what seems like yesterday is really closer to several years ago. As I have written before, dentistry is an ever evolving profession that can offer so many more technologies and improvements even compared to a few short years ago. Digital photography, digital X-rays, digital scanning for Invisalign, crowns and bridges, partials and in the near future full dentures are just a few examples. Additionally, virtual treatment planning, case presentation and Velscope oral cancer screenings are also important new addition to the digital age. It is important not just to jump on the latest trends because they are new. However, once technologies are proven to provide an equal or better result in a more comfortable or efficient manner then it is imperative that we embrace these technologies and integrate them into our practices.
Digital dentistry is not a fad or passing trend, it is the future of dentistry. Once embraced, learned and mastered it is truly transformational. A survey was done by a marketing company asking patients if they would be willing to pay more for a service if it could be done as well or better than before but in less time and more comfortably. The overwhelming response was yes. This is in stark contrast to what many inherently believe. The thought that something must be perceived as difficult, labor intensive and take a certain amount of time to have value. Apple Corporation understood this fallacy. True genius and ingenuity is not making something more complex but in make the complex more simplified. Making something that was difficult feel and appear easier. Although we don't charge any differently, using technology makes our day more fun and exciting. It is a win-win for patient and clinician alike.
Dentistry is not what it was even a few years ago. It will continue to improve and provide a nicer patient experience with improved techniques, technologies and materials. Don't let what you used to know about dentistry hold you back from experiencing where we are today......you may just be impressed!
Eric Seidel, D.M.D. is co-owner and general dentist at Gettysburg Dental Associates and an Invisalign Premier Provider.
Gettysburg Dental Associates
Eric Seidel, DMD | Cleveland Null, DDS
www.GettysburgDentalAssociates.com
Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS | Kristin Russo, DMD
www.JustKidsGettysburg.com
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-8193
Fax: (717) 334-0884
www.gettysburgfamilysmiles.com
Dry mouth, or xerostomin is the result of decreased saliva production, which affects up to 60% of older adults. Saliva lubricates the mouth helping to prevent decay and protect tooth enamel. But don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to manage this condition.
