Category: Oral Exams

severe periodontics dfw texas

The Nitty-Gritty of Gum Disease!

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Your gum disease is incredibly more complex than you think

Many people tend to think of gum disease as bleeding gums after brushing or flossing. They do not realize that this symptom indicates that a potentially terrible disease is already present in their gums. Others have learned the hard way that letting this disease go untreated leads to severely damaged gums, bone loss in the jaw, and lost teeth. Periodontitis remains the number one reason Americans are losing their teeth today. 

 

What Is Periodontal Disease?

The initial stages of gum disease are called gingivitis. While in this stage, the symptoms are rather mild, but damage may be occurring elsewhere. Along with the bacteria that cause gum disease, inflammation is occurring at the same time. A strong connection has been found to occur between the inflammation caused by the bacteria that cause gum disease, and major health issues. 

 

Complications of Periodontal Disease

The health issues caused by the inflammation from periodontal disease include cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, problems with pregnancy, and many more. Having this gum disease raises your risk of cardiovascular disease by 19 percent, but it is increased to 44 percent for those 65 or older. People with diabetes have an increased mortality risk that is 3.2 times greater than those without the disease. 

 

How Periodontal Disease Works

The bacteria that produce gum disease are naturally found in the mouth. In a healthy mouth, they are kept in control by the many good bacteria that is also present. When sugar or carbs are introduced, the bad bacteria produce an acid. The presence of the acid and the inflammation caused by it leads to a natural reaction from the immune system. 

The acid and inflammation, as well as the various components of the immune system, ultimately begin to work together to bring about the destruction that periodontal disease is known for. The white blood cells start coming to the site because of signaling from the cytokines, which are proteins secreted by cells notifying the immune system of inflammation. 

One particular type of white blood cells, called neutrophils, is the main kind of white blood cells in the human body. Cytokines signal for them to come to the site of inflammation. The neutrophils begin their work of attempting to curb the harmful bacteria and other agents seek to curb the inflammation. 

During the process of attempting to curb the inflammation, however, some cells stop fulfilling their normal function – the fibroplasts, endothelial cells, and the epithelial cells. In the presence of certain other compounds and hormones, they are turned off. The cells that provide materials to maintain and strengthen the matrix that supports your gums and teeth cease to function, bringing about the faster destruction of it. Once the source of new structural material is turned off, the inflammation and the bacteria causing gum disease can gain free access to the site, bringing in many more reinforcements. 

 

The Complexity of Periodontal Disease

There are many aspects of periodontal disease that are still not understood. The disease is incredibly complex and a number of factors remain unknown. Why some things occur may be slightly different for each individual. Additional factors include the strength of their immune system, their genes, and the types of bacteria involved.

This means that each person with this gum disease needs to be evaluated by a periodontist so that individualized treatment can be given. It may require genetic testing of the oral bacteria to determine which bacteria are involved, and some lifestyle changes may also be strongly recommended. Diabetes, for instance, needs to be controlled in order to control gum disease. 

 

Periodontal Disease Treatment

Once periodontal disease has started, pockets have started to form on the gums. These provide hiding places for the bacteria that are out of reach of your toothbrush and floss. A dentist will be needed to diagnose the situation and provide treatment for it. There are several periodontal disease stages which indicate the amount of damage and more than one type of treatment may be necessary. A periodontist is necessary when serious damage has occurred.

 

Gum Disease Prevention

The best way to beat gum disease, particularly periodontal disease, is to prevent it from occurring at all. You can do this by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing – preferably before you go to bed. If you have gingivitis, this will usually remove it, too, but you will need to keep up the habit to ensure it does not return. 

 

yeast infections in mouth

How To Prevent and Treat Yeast Infections in Your Mouth?

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Causes, Symptoms, Home Remedies, & Treatment

People of any age can get a yeast infection in the mouth, especially if they are not really healthy. This infection is more likely to infect women and babies, but anyone can get it. This fungus is also called thrush, candida, or candidiasis, is caused by the candida albicans fungus.

 

Oral Thrush Symptoms

Thrush can be seen as white patches on the inside of your mouth, throat, cheeks, and tongue. It is sometimes accompanied by pain. You may also have a sore throat and burning sensations in your mouth. It may look like cottage cheese and it will not brush off with a toothbrush. 

When diagnosing thrush, a doctor or dentist will usually only need to look at it to be able to identify it. Some general questions about your health may also be asked. Tests are only necessary when it is not evident or if it does not respond to medication. 

If a baby has thrush, the baby can pass it to the mother when she is breastfeeding. It can then be passed back and forth. When the mother has thrush in the breast, there will be sharp pain when breastfeeding, and the nipples will be painful with intense itching. 

 

Causes of Oral Thrush

The fungus that causes thrush is normally found on the skin, in your intestines, and in your mouth. It is always there, but other bacteria will normally help to keep it under control. 

When there is a problem with normal health, this fungus can grow out of control. Generally, it is when your immune system is not strong. This can be caused by:

  • Taking antibiotics
  • Taking steroids (including inhalers)
  • Receiving chemotherapy or radiation
  • Have diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Wear dentures
  • Have dry mouth
  • Have HIV or AIDS
  • You are an older adult 
  • Breastfeed
  • Had an organ transplant
  • Are a newborn.

Oral thrush is generally not contagious. It is part of the normal bacteria in your mouth and it is usually kept under control by other bacteria – unless the balance is upset. This means you are not likely to get oral thrush from kissing – unless your own immune system is weak. 

 

Home Remedies

If you have an oral yeast infection, there are some steps you can take to provide your own home treatment for thrush. These treatments include:

  • Regular brushing of your teeth
  • Avoid mouthwashes unless prescribed
  • Control your diabetes
  • Eat yogurt that is unsweetened
  • Rinse your mouth with salt water.

Other oral thrush remedies include using some herbs. 

  • You can add the juice from a lemon to 1 cup of water (warm or cold). Drink it or rinse with it. 
  • Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory herb. Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric paste to 1 cup of filtered water or milk. Add a dash of black pepper. Then heat it until warm and swish it in your mouth as you drink it. 

 

Treatment

Teens and others with good health will not normally develop oral thrush. If they do, the doctor will look for other health problems.

If it is not treated, candidiasis can spread. It will first spread to your esophagus, then to other parts of your body. At this point, it is called invasive candidiasis, and it is the most common fungal infection in hospitals. It will usually mean long stays in a hospital, large costs, and undesirable outcomes. It is a serious condition because it will cause problems in your organs, such as your heart, brain, liver, and more. When it goes beyond the esophagus, it will likely be accompanied by a fever and you will have difficulty swallowing. When these symptoms are present, it is important to contact a doctor right away because it could become life-threatening.

Candida treatment will start out with medication – usually nystatin. This will usually be a liquid that is swished around the mouth and then swallowed. A lozenge may also be prescribed. It will be necessary to seek to control other health problems, such as diabetes, at the same time. The oral candidiasis fungi feed on the sugar in your bloodstream. 

If this does not work well, then you will likely be prescribed an antifungal pill. This may be in conjunction with other medications. In most cases, you can be rid of candida in about 10 to 14 days when properly treated. 

 

Preventing a Thrush Infection

The best way to avoid thrush is to prevent it. The steps are not difficult and most anyone can follow them. You can reduce your risk by:

  • Maintaining good oral hygiene with brushing twice a day and flossing.
  • Eat unsweetened yogurt when taking antibiotics
  • After using a corticosteroid inhaler, rinse out your mouth. 
  • Control your blood sugar levels.
  • Clean your dentures every day.
  • Quit smoking – it weakens your immune system.
  • If you get a vaginal infection, treat it quickly. 

When you have an oral yeast infection, it is important to reduce foods that have sugar and yeast in them. This includes breads, beer, wine, soda, and more. The sugar will cause the yeast to grow. 

Avoid dry mouth by staying hydrated. If necessary, get a saliva substitute. Dry mouth promotes bacterial growth and may also lead to more cavities and gum disease. 

 

If you have an oral yeast infection and need an oral thrush treatment, you can reach out to Champion Dental Clinic, Farmers Branch, Texas for the best and affordable treatment 

bad dental habits farmers branch dfw tx

How to Handle Self-Destructive Dental Habits?

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Various Damaging Oral Habits

bad dental habits farmers branch dfw tx

Keeping your teeth looking great will only happen if you develop some good habits to keep them that way. While most people know this or have at least heard it, there are some habits you may be guilty of that are damaging your teeth. In fact, some of those bad habits may actually help to destroy your beautiful white teeth. 

 

Habits That Are Hurting Your Teeth

Some harmful habits that you may be doing without thinking about them are hurting your teeth. In some cases, the damage being done to your teeth may be irreversible – unless you have expensive cosmetic dentistry. Some habits you want to avoid include: 

 

  1. Consuming Too Much Sugar

Sugar is the natural enemy of your teeth. Yes, sweet foods and drinks taste really great, but most likely they are harming your teeth. The bacterium that is responsible for cavities feeds on sugar and every time it does it produces acid. The acid is what erodes the enamel on your teeth. In fact, every bite or swig you take of a sugary drink enables the bacteria to produce acid for the next 20 minutes. 

If you drink sugary drinks – specialty coffees, fruit juices, or sodas – all day long, you will definitely see many cavities as a result. Rinsing the sugar out afterward with water will help. Sodas also have their own acid in them, which will help to erode the enamel faster. 

 

  1. Grinding and Clenching Teeth

Grinding your teeth or clenching them is going to damage them. This is often an unconscious habit and some people do it in their sleep. It can lead to shorter teeth and cracked or chipped teeth. Even worse, teeth grinding may result in problems with your jaw joint that can be very painful. This bad habit is often aggravated by increased stress. Learning to relax more can help reduce it. Getting into a regular exercise program can also help to reduce stress.

When adults or children grind or clench their teeth, it may be a symptom of sleep apnea. The dentist can provide you with special mouth guards to help protect your teeth – and they can help with sleep apnea, too.

 

  1. Eating Hard Foods

Chewing on hard candy and ice are hard foods that many people enjoy. Unfortunately, these hard items can also damage the enamel on your teeth. It can chip them, or crack them. When chewing on ice, it lowers the temperature of the tooth, making it easier to crack. If the crack is deep enough, the tooth may need to be replaced. 

 

  1. Biting Your Nails

This habit is bad for your jaw because you must extend it to bite your nails. Keeping your jaw in an extended position for long periods can lead to jaw pain in the joints of your jaw. The habit can also lead to a wearing down of your front teeth, and it may crack or chip them, too. You can start breaking the habit by reducing your stress, or by using a nail polish that tastes bitter. 

 

  1. Brushing Too Hard

In order to remove plaque from your teeth, it is not necessary to be heavy-handed. Plaque is rather easily removed. By putting a lot of pressure on your toothbrush, you are wearing away your gums. This can lead to cavities on the roots of your teeth as your gums recede. You also should use a toothbrush with soft bristles rather than hard ones. 

You also want to wait after eating for about 30 minutes before brushing. The enamel on your teeth is softer after eating for about 20 minutes. Brushing your teeth right after eating will remove some of the enamel from your teeth – which does not grow back. 

 

  1. Not Drinking Enough Water

Drinking plain water is a great way to help your teeth last longer. Water aids in the production of saliva, which naturally helps to wash away the bacteria, acid, and sugar from your teeth. Dry mouth can be caused by alcohol, coffee, medications, and more. When your mouth is dry, the bacteria that produce acid multiplies, and it also stays on your teeth longer. Staying hydrated with water through the day helps protect your teeth and your saliva helps to supply the minerals your teeth need to stay strong. 

 

  1. Smoking

Smoking, or using tobacco of any kind, is one of the worst things you can do if you want to keep your teeth looking good. Besides staining your teeth quickly, it also leads to a reduced immune system in your gums. This enables the bacteria to multiply fast and cause gum disease. Periodontitis is responsible for most adult tooth loss today. You can work to quit smoking by reducing stress, exercising regularly, and chewing gum. Your dentist can also recommend quit smoking programs.

 

Even if you have been practicing some common bad habits for some time, breaking bad habits and adopting habits of good oral hygiene can help spare your teeth and gums. In addition to good habits, keeping regular dental appointments will help keep your teeth in top shape and last a long time.

overall health and oral health

What Can a Dentist Learn About Your Non-Dental Health?

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Your Mouth Is Telling on You

overall health and oral health

It is common to think that your mouth and body are two separate entities. In reality, they are two parts of the same body. This means that what affects the body will, in some way, affect the mouth, too. Your oral health and overall health are connected. The opposite is also true. This is why a dentist can look in your mouth and detect signs of some diseases that you may not even know that you have. 

 

Non-dental Problems the Dentist May Find 

As the dentist looks into your mouth, they may discover several health problems. These problems may include:

 

Diabetes

One of the most common non-dental problems that will be evident in your mouth is diabetes. This health problem is widespread and as many as 7.2 million people have it but do not yet know it. When diabetes is present there could be several symptoms that can affect your dental health. They include:

  • Gum disease
  • Dry mouth
  • Oral thrush. 

 

Gum disease needs to be controlled at the same time as diabetes. They interact with each other, but controlling gum disease will reduce the symptoms of diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes may also cause frequent gum abscesses, a lot of bone loss, and swelling rather quickly.

 

GERD

If your teeth are eroded and pitted, it means that you have GERD or acid reflux. When you sleep, the acid enters your mouth and can sit behind your lower front teeth for long periods. This erodes the enamel on those teeth and the dentist will easily notice it. 

 

Osteoporosis

This health condition makes the bones get thinner and typically affects women after menopause. The usual symptoms are a stooped posture and back pain because of a collapsed vertebra. This medical problem can be detected by dentists because of loose teeth that are not caused by periodontal disease and if the individual maintains good oral health. 

 

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a serious problem that may be detected in your mouth by the dentist during an oral exam. Oral cancer cases are increasing due to the spread of the human papillomavirus – HPV. It can lie dormant for decades. When oral cancer does appear, treatment is needed quickly because it can spread fast. More than 53,000 people will be diagnosed with it this year and about 10,000 will die from it. 

 

Kidney Disease

When your kidneys are working correctly, they will help your body remove waste products. If not, there will be a buildup of toxins in your body and in your mouth. The buildup may also affect your breath, which could give it a sweet smell or make it smell like urine. It can also cause you to have dry mouth – which could lead to gum disease. 

 

How Poor Oral Health Affects the Rest of Your Body

When you do not take good care of your teeth, there will be a buildup of bacteria on your teeth called plaque. The plaque will soon form tartar if it is not removed often. As tartar is formed, the bacteria that can cause gum disease hides in it. Since tartar forms above and below the gum line, the bacteria will easily get access to your gums; and once there, it has access to your bloodstream. The bacteria produce acid and toxins that will irritate the gums, which will lead to gum disease. 

In recent years it has been discovered that there is a strong connection between having gum disease and other severe health problems. Once in the bloodstream, it will result in buildups of bacteria and inflammation throughout your body and organs. 

This can lead to many serious health conditions. It includes such problems as cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, dementia, early births, and many more. It is known that many patients (91 percent) that have heart disease also have periodontitis. 

If you are wondering what a difference it makes to keep your teeth clean and free of gum disease, there are some statistics you should consider. People with periodontitis have a:

  • 65 percent higher risk of developing dementia
  • 53 percent greater risk of having a heart attack.

 

Periodontal Treatment

If you already have periodontal disease, it is best to see a dentist right away. It is not going to go away by itself. The CDC says that about 50 percent of adults over 30 have it. The dentist, or periodontist, will need to provide you with some treatments to remove it. In addition to medications, you will likely be given a non-surgical treatment called scaling and root planing. With the right treatment, periodontal disease can be eliminated, but some repair work may also need to be done.

 

If you have been avoiding the dentist for some time, it may be a good idea for a visit. This will enable you to get your teeth cleaned, checked for gum disease, and get a check on your overall health. You can get a dental checkup to ensure you have good dental health and non-dental health from Champion Dental Clinic,  Dallas Fort Worth, Texas. We provide a wide variety of dental services and most dental insurance plans are accepted. To set up a consultation or to get more information about maintaining good oral hygiene for better health, you can contact us  at (214) 747-0763.

 

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Can Protein Deficiency Induce Dental Bone Loss?

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Absence Of A Key Protein May Lead To Rapid Bone Loss

protein deficiency and bone loss

Recent research has discovered that the absence of a certain protein – tristetraprolin (TTP) – can lead to rapid bone loss in a human. The loss from this protein deficiency is rather severe, with the person possibly losing as much as 20 percent of oral bone loss in as little as nine months.

 

The Experiment

The study was published in the Journal of Dental Research, and mice were used in the experiment. There were three groups of mice, and one group did not have the gene. Another group had genes that produced an overabundance of TTP, and the other group produced a normal amount. 

When the study was looking for protein deficiency symptoms, they examined the osteoclasts in the oral tissue. Osteoclasts are cells that break down bone. When the mice in the group were examined at three months, the group without TTP had already lost 14 percent of the bone in the jaw. They were also checked at six and nine months, the group without TTP had lost as much as 19 percent of their jawbone by that time. 

Another key finding was that there were also some inflammatory conditions that had developed during the test. The mice without the protein had periodontitis, arthritis, eczema, and other conditions caused by inflammation. It was also discovered that the bacteria that normally occurs in the mouth of the mice had been altered, leading researchers to believe that a lack of the gene allowed the wrong types of bacteria – pathogenic types – to multiply out of their normal proportion. 

 

The Protein Deficiency Result

You cannot know whether or not you have the protein deficiency of tristetraprolin unless you have a gene test. However, you can find out whether you or others in your family and relatives have periodontitis. This bad gum disease should be treated quickly if you have it. If your family has a history of it, then you should be going to a dentist regularly to help you know if it develops and to treat it.

 

About Periodontitis

Gum disease starts out as gingivitis, which is the mild form. It can usually be eliminated by brushing twice a day and flossing. The two symptoms are red and inflamed gums and gums that bleed when you brush them. 

The main cause of gum disease is a lack of proper care of your teeth. If this pattern is allowed to continue, it will become periodontitis sooner or later. This will have the following symptoms: 

  • Gums that bleed easily 
  • Receding gums
  • Inflamed gums
  • Gums pulling away from the teeth
  • Pockets forming on gums
  • Pus at the gum line
  • Bad breath
  • Teeth becoming loose
  • Teeth falling out.

In some people, periodontitis can advance quickly. This may be because of other genes as well, but not having this gene means that care needs to be given quickly. Periodontitis will not go away on its own and you cannot get rid of it yourself. 

 

Additional Problems

Besides the possibility of periodontitis, the person not having this gene is also at risk for osteoporosis. Other problems – possibly even more serious – are also at stake. Researchers have discovered in the past few years that there is a strong connection between periodontitis and other major health problems. The bacteria that cause periodontitis, along with the inflammation, have been found to be behind many other major diseases including cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, stroke, several types of cancer, and more.

 

Treating Periodontitis

Dentists have several ways to treat periodontitis, but it depends on how advanced it has become. There are four stages of the disease, with the last stage causing the teeth to fall out. Before this occurs, though, the ligaments that support the teeth, the gums, and some of the jawbone have already been at least partly destroyed by the bacteria and inflammation. 

During treatment, the dentist must eradicate the bacteria and destroyed tissue and inflammation from the pockets on the gums. This may involve a non-surgical treatment (scaling and root planing) or surgical (pocket reduction) – or both. 

After this has been completed, the dentist may need to do some restoration. If teeth have been lost, they will need to be restored – usually with dental implants. Other repair work may also be done, such as bone and gum grafts. 

Whether or not you are deficient of the tristetraprolin protein, you still should take good care of your teeth and gums. At the very least, you should brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Then, you also need to floss. Avoid tobacco. Make regular dental appointments for checkups and cleaning, and let the dentist help you to protect or treat your gums for periodontal disease. 

 

If you have periodontal disease from possible protein deficiency and have suffered dental bone loss Reach out to Champion Dental Clinic at 214-747-0763

Best Way to Communicate with Your Dentist dallas fortworth texas champion dental clinic

When Your Doctor Won’t Listen – What Should You Do?

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Best Way to Communicate with Your Dentist

Best Way to Communicate with Your Dentist dallas fortworth texas champion dental clinic

 

Doctor’s visits can often leave you confused and frustrated. Sometimes you may feel like the visit was rushed and you did not get a chance to tell the doctor everything you wanted to say or ask about. You felt like the doctor or dentist was in a hurry and did not have time to talk. 

 

The Communication Gap

Studies have revealed that there is often a big communication gap between doctors or dentists and their patients. As many as 75 percent of doctors asked about it felt that they believed they had good communication with their patients. Patients, however, felt completely different about it, with only 21 percent feeling that they had good communication with their doctor.

Good communication is crucial to getting the treatment you need, feeling better, and getting better health. In order for this to happen, your doctor needs to know what your complaints are. They cannot treat it if they do not know it is a problem. This makes good communication mandatory, but you will need to express yourself more clearly to the doctor. 

 

Determine Why Communication Is a Problem

You need to ask yourself what is the reason behind the communication problem. Is it because you forgot to ask the doctor about the problem? Is it because the doctor is not giving you a chance to talk about your problems? Is it because the doctor is so focused on one health problem that there is not time to talk about other issues? 

 

Write Down the Topics to Discuss

If you have more than one concern, it is important to write down a list of topics. This way you are less likely to forget them when you need to talk about them. Write down the various things you want to discuss in advance. This will help you think about all of them. 

If you are having particular symptoms that you wonder about, be sure to write them down. Write down when they started, and if you can, write down what you were doing when those symptoms started. Also be sure to record the frequency and severity of the symptoms, and how long they lasted. If there is a pattern or an activity that triggers the symptoms, this will help the doctor to determine the problem better. 

 

Cover the Most Important Problems First

When you talk to the doctor, be sure to mention the most pressing problem first. This way, if you are not able to discuss anything else, the biggest problem will get covered. Think about how you need to say it in a very concise but accurate way.

 

Bring a List of Medications

Carry a list of the medications you are taking, as well as any natural supplements. You also should have a list of various illnesses or allergies that you have or have had – such as diabetes, or a heart attack. It is also a good idea to include a list of your family’s history of illnesses.

 

Use a Spokesperson

If you have trouble speaking clearly for yourself, bring someone else with you who understand the problem. This can be especially valuable for older people, or for someone who has is getting dementia. 

 

Listen to the Doctor

While you certainly want the doctor to hear your problems, it is just as important that you hear and understand what the doctor is telling you. If you do not understand terms, be sure to ask for an explanation. Or, if you feel you will not remember the details, ask the doctor if you can record the conversation.

 

Understand the Results You Should Expect

Although the doctor may prescribe some medication or recommend treatment or therapy, some of them take time to make an impact on the symptoms involved. Ask the doctor how long it will take to get recovered, and what you need to do to prevent a relapse. Are other treatments going to be necessary or ongoing?

 

Find Out about Lifestyle Habits

Many times patient recovery and a better quality of life can be gained by changing some lifestyle habits and continuing to practice them. Ask the doctor for a recommendation of habits that you may be able to change or add to your daily routine. 

The bottom line is that your doctor or dentist may feel that he or she is communicating well with you. Since you do not believe that to be the case, it really is up to you to let the doctor know about the gap in communication skills that you feel exist. If there is no response in the direction you feel should be made – find another one who will listen and that you can trust more. 

 

Although the dentist can see some of the problems your gums and teeth may have, good communication is necessary for good oral health. Champion Dental clinic understands the importance of communication between dentist and patients. We seek to develop effective communication with each visit. If you need quality dental care with a dentist who listens patiently to your needs, you can contact our office today at 214-747-0763

Gum Disease and Your Genes - Champion dental clinic dfw tx

Gum Disease and Your Genes – How to Minimize Your Risk?

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Your Genes May Cause Gum Disease

Gum Disease and Your Genes - Champion dental clinic dfw tx

 

Researchers have known for some time that there is often a connection between gum disease and your genes. The genes are not present in every case, but the presence of genes for gum disease does increase the likelihood of developing periodontitis. Genetic gum disease can also mean that periodontitis takes on a more aggressive form. 

 

Genetically Inherited Diseases

Researchers have known for about a century that periodontitis seems to travel in families. While other people who have no family history of the gum disease do get it, there does seem to be a genetic basis for it in more than 50 percent of the cases. 

It is also known that just because someone has the genes for it that it does not mean that they will get periodontitis. Although many factors are known to increase the likelihood of it, it appears that there are other factors that remain unknown. Even though it may be in your family, it also does not mean that you have the gene – but knowing whether you do or not may bring some relief.

It seems that while some genes cause some people to get the disease, there are also some genes that help to prevent it – even when they have the gene for it. This means that much more research still needs to be performed. So far, it is believed that there are more than 40 different genes involved. 

 

Why DNA Genetic Testing Is Recommended

Periodontitis is very common among adults over 30. In fact, about half of the adults in the United States have the more serious form of gum disease. This is equal to about 64.7 million people. This gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss today. 

Periodontitis comes in two forms: chronic periodontitis, and aggressive. The chronic form spreads slowly but can be faster at times. With the aggressive form, it usually starts before the age of 30 and spreads fast. The individual with it will usually lose some of their teeth, or all of them, rather quickly.  

Knowing that an individual has a strong likelihood of developing a particular disease because of genetic testing enables them to be especially watchful for its symptoms. It will also enable dentists to design a custom treatment for it. 

Having the genes for periodontitis raises the likelihood of getting the disease by a factor of 20. Both early onset periodontitis and the aggressive forms are genetically based and DNA testing and customized medicines may be the cure. 

 

Genetic Screening May Also Help Save a Life

Over the past few years, researchers have concluded that the same bacteria that cause gum disease and inflammation is also behind the development of many diseases. These diseases are very serious and include cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. 

This makes it even more important for an individual who may be genetically predisposed toward periodontitis to be sure to watch for it and stop its development as soon as possible. Gum disease starts slowly and most people do not realize that it is already affecting their body’s main organs. 

Gum disease starts out with a milder form called gingivitis. At this early stage about the only symptoms that will be noticeable are bleeding of the gums and red or swollen gums. In most cases, all that is needed to remove it is to brush your teeth twice daily and floss. 

Those who have the genes for it, however, may not be able to prevent or remove it so easily. Even in the early stages, it can be more difficult to treat. Getting genetic testing early can enable a dentist to be ready to treat the patient with a customized plan, enabling the problem to be removed sooner without unnecessary delay. 

 

The Symptoms of Periodontitis

As gingivitis progresses, it slowly becomes periodontitis. As it does, you will notice some or all of the following symptoms of periodontitis: 

  • Receding gums
  • Pus forming at the gum line
  • Gums that have pulled away from your teeth – forming pockets
  • Spaces developing between teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Teeth that are becoming loose

 

Key Risk Factors

In addition to the possibility of a genetic reason, there are also several other risk factors that can promote periodontitis. They include:

  • Not exercising good oral health – this is the primary reason
  • Smoking or using tobacco of any kind – this is another powerful cause.
  • Heavy drinking of alcohol
  • Diabetes
  • Medications
  • Pregnancy

 

If you suspect that you might have genetic gum disease, you can get DNA testing for it at our Champion dental office, Farmers Branch – Texas For more information about our services, or to set up an appointment, you can call us at 214-747-0763

5 dental symptoms not to ignore farmers branch champion dental clinic best dentist dallas fortworth texas

Which 5 Dental Symptoms You Should Never Ignore?

Posted on | by mel | Leave a Comment on Which 5 Dental Symptoms You Should Never Ignore?

It could cost you more than you think

5 dental symptoms not to ignore farmers branch champion dental clinic best dentist dallas fortworth texas

When you have dental symptoms that are not normal, it indicates that there is a potential problem. The problem may not be something to get concerned about, but, on the other hand, it could indicate a major threat to your health. It is not unusual for sores and other problems to occur in the mouth, but some indicate the need to see a dentist soon. 

 

Oral Cancer

Every year, oral cancer continues to rise. This year, more than 51,000 people will be diagnosed with it. This cancer typically spreads fast, making the need for early detection very important. 

Oral cancer is often without any pain in the early stages. This makes it hard for someone to know that they have it unless they are watching for symptoms, but a dentist can better detect them. The symptoms may also occur in the throat and may be very difficult to see. 

Oral cancer symptoms may include red or white patches in the mouth or lumps in the neck or throat area. Other sores may also become cancerous. Any sore that has not healed within two weeks should be seen by a dentist. A dentist is trained to recognize cancer and other diseases, and can also take initial biopsies. 

 

Pain in a Tooth

When you have strong pain in a tooth, it is time to see a dentist. Most likely, you already have made an appointment because the pain is almost unbearable and you want relief. If the tooth really hurts, you may also have inflamed gums and pus at the gum line. This could be an abscessed tooth.

An abscessed tooth is a serious problem. The inflammation can easily spread, especially if it is in your upper jaw, into your face and even your brain. If this happens, it could be fatal. Most likely, it will mean that a root canal is needed. 

 

Loose Teeth

If one or more of your teeth have become loose lately, you need to see a dentist quickly. This is a symptom of advanced periodontitis, but other things can cause it as well. Gum disease is often nearly painless until it reaches the advanced stages, and you will most likely experience pain when you try to bite down on those loose teeth. 

Bleeding gums are another symptom of gum disease. You will also likely have inflamed gums and pus along the gum line. Your gums will also have started receding, and you will likely have chronic bad breath. 

Periodontitis is caused by an immune reaction to bacteria invading your gums. The immune reaction becomes an autoimmune reaction and it starts attacking your gums, the ligaments that support your teeth, and your jawbone. 

Once your teeth become loose, it is certainly time to visit your dentist. Special gum disease treatment is needed to remove the bacteria. The longer you wait, the greater the damage. In order to remove the bacteria and inflammation, the dentist will need to give you antibiotics and may need to perform a non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planing – which removes the bacteria from the pockets that have formed on your gums. 

Surgical procedures may also be needed to replace missing gum tissue. In order to replace missing teeth, bone and gum grafts may be necessary. 

 

Dry Mouth

Having a dry mouth may not seem much like one of the dental problems you should watch for, but it really is. This problem can be serious if you are concerned about keeping your teeth looking good. 

Your saliva helps keep the bacteria and acid in your mouth under control. Whenever some of the bacteria come in contact with sugar, it produces acid. The acid is what causes cavities. Without enough saliva, there is more bacteria and acid in your mouth, which leads to developing sensitive teeth and cavities sooner. It will also help to promote gum disease.

Staying hydrated will help you produce more saliva, and so will chewing sugarless gum. Stay away from drinks that are considered diuretics, which include coffee, tea, alcohol, and more. Since some medications can also cause it, you may need to talk to your doctor about changing medicines.

 

Tooth Sensitivity

When a tooth becomes sensitive, it is because the enamel has become thin. Because of the thin enamel, the food particles, spices, and hot or cold temperatures can penetrate it and get to the nerve inside the tooth. This causes pain. 

The pain is an indication that a cavity is on the way. It already needs to be repaired. In some cases, tooth sensitivity may result from some dental treatments, but it will usually go away after a few days. 

 

If you have any of the above dental symptoms, you can get dental treatment for all of them from Champion Dental Clinic, Farmers Branch, TX. We regularly treats dental problems ranging from oral cancer to periodontitis – and much more. 

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What Are the Ways to Cut Your Oral Cancer Risk?

Posted on | by mel | Leave a Comment on What Are the Ways to Cut Your Oral Cancer Risk?

Simple Steps Can Reduce Your Risk of Mouth Cancer

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Most of the cases of oral cancer can be prevented. Once you get oral cancer, it is often only discovered once it has already reached the advanced stages. This makes it all the more worthwhile to try and prevent it from occurring in the first place. The prevention of oral cancer is especially important if you already have a number of risk factors. 

 

The Statistics

The Oral Cancer Foundation states that almost 50,000 new cases of oral cancer will be discovered this year. In five years, only about half that many will still be alive. This is a higher death rate than for other types of cancer. This type of cancer was also usually only found in people who were 40 or older, but now more young people are developing it. 

The way that oral cancers are most frequently discovered is through a doctor or dentist feeling the lymph nodes in the neck and discovering that they are swollen. This means that cancer has already metastasized and is spreading. 

 

The Causes of Oral Cancer

The primary cause of many types of cancer, including oral cancer, is tobacco. This includes smoking and smokeless varieties. E-cig devices are also included, not for the tobacco, but because of the nicotine, which is a tobacco product. 

Smokeless tobacco is often sold as being healthier than cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. This may be true in the case of lung cancer, but the rise in mouth cancer cases, and other types of cancer, and periodontal disease, still declares plainly that it is not safe. There is also a possibility that it is linked to heart disease. 

Another cause of mouth cancer that is occurring more frequently is HPV. This STD in the mouth and throat is picked up by engaging in oral sex. Although HPV is not the actual cause, it does help to trigger the process that develops the mouth cancer. 

 

Oral Cancer Symptoms

It is possible that some of the oral cancer symptoms may be perceived to be something else. Some of them may even seem unrelated, but the things you want to look for include: 

  • Tongue pain
  • A sore throat
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Pain the jaw or stiffness
  • A sore that bleeds or does not heal
  • Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit right.

 

Mouth Cancer Prevention

Your risk of getting oral cancer can be reduced, although not totally eliminated. There is no absolute guarantee, but you can minimize it. You can work toward the prevention of oral cancer by doing several things: 

  • Quit smoking – This is the greatest risk. Those who smoke are most likely to get many types of cancer, including head and neck cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and more. It also promotes periodontal disease. One in five deaths in the U.S. is caused by smoking. 
  • Reduce the alcohol – Alcohol is classified as a carcinogen. When drinking heavily, it is related to several types of cancer. Moderate drinking will reduce the risk, which is considered to be two drinks average per day for men, and one drink a day average for women. 
  • Eat healthy – Eating more fruits and vegetables, and fiber, along with less red meat, will strengthen your immune system to be able to help fight against cancer. 
  • Lose weight – Being overweight, or obese, helps promote cancer. Establish a regular exercise program, with at least 150 minutes per week, and you can reduce this risk factor. 
  • Spend less time in the sun – The sun’s rays can lead to lip cancer if they are exposed to them for long periods. Wear a hat, and reduce your time in the sun. 
  • Genetics – Some families have a gene that may make them more prone to developing oral cancer. While you cannot change the gene, you can be more watchful to try and catch it early. 
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) – There are many forms of HPV, but one form in particular – HPV16 – is known to lead to the development of cancer. Your risk of an HPV caused oral cancer can be reduced by obtaining an HPV vaccination, and by limiting having oral sex with one person who is not having sex with other people. 

 

When to See a Dentist

Regular dental checkups can often lead to the discovery of oral cancer. The thing to look for is when one or more of the mouth cancer symptoms last more than two weeks. If you see these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist for an oral cancer screening. During the checkup, the dentist will look for other possible causes. If a problem is discovered, a biopsy may need to be taken.

In addition to working on your own program for the prevention of oral cancer, you can get oral cancer screening from Champion Dental clinic, Farmers Branch, Texas by calling our office today at (214) 747-0763.

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Bad breath (Halitosis) – Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Posted on | by mel | Leave a Comment on Bad breath (Halitosis) – Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Could Your Bad Breath Reveal a More Serious Problem?

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There are many situations where the last thing you want to have is bad breath. You sure do not want it when you are out on a date, going on a job interview, or when meeting new people. When you want fresh breath but are unable to get it, you need bad breath treatment. 

If you meet someone who has bad breath, also called halitosis, you know that it can be difficult to get or stay close to them. They may be close friends or even lovers, but bad breath is hard to put up with. Most likely, you try to quickly think of some bad breath remedies like brushing your teeth, a mouthwash, a mint, or candy – something to improve the situation. Unfortunately, some people have chronic halitosis. 

 

Bad breath causes and different types of it

There are several reasons for bad breath. Some of these are just common sense, but other ones may be surprising. Most likely, you already know that eating foods such as onions and garlic are usually going to give you bad breath after eating it. Other foods may include cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and radishes. Of course, in that case, you can usually just brush your teeth or pop a mint in your mouth to take care of it. 

Smoking is also notorious for causing bad breath. This habit will increase the amount of chemicals in your digestive tract that will produce odors. 

Dry mouth is another cause of bad breath. Saliva is necessary to wash away the bacteria in your mouth that produces halitosis. As you sleep, the bacterium builds up in your mouth naturally and gives you “morning breath.” As the bacteria feed on the food particles in your mouth, it produces sulfur compounds. This is what gives you morning breath each morning. When you do not have enough saliva, the same thing is occurring in your mouth during the day. Medications, and some medical diseases or complications such as diabetes, can cause the lack of saliva. 

Cavities can also produce bad breath. The decay of your teeth could be enough to cause the problem. 

Gum disease is a major cause of halitosis today. It is also a major reason why someone may have chronic bad breath. Gum disease of any kind is caused by the same bacteria. As it multiplies, it produces acid. The acid causes inflammation of the gums, tooth decay, and can lead to periodontitis, which is a serious gum disease that can lead to losing your teeth. It will also help to destroy the jawbone under your teeth. Saliva helps to wash away the acid from your teeth, and it also helps to control the bacteria producing it. 

Low carbohydrate diets are another cause of halitosis. The result of this type of diet is the production of ketones, which gives the dieter “ketone breath.” Diabetics can also develop this problem if their sugar levels are not controlled. 

Dentures, braces, and a lack of keeping the teeth clean can cause bad breath. When food particles get caught in dental appliances, including aligners, the bacteria multiplies and produces the offensive breath. 

A lack of regular care of your teeth may also be responsible. It is estimated that about 25 percent of people have bad breath. Most of the time, halitosis is due to a lack of proper care of their teeth. 

 

How to diagnose halitosis

When you have halitosis, you really do not need a diagnosis. Chances are very good that you are already aware of bad breath symptoms from the nasty taste in your mouth and the reaction of your friends when you talk with them up close. When people start offering you mints is another clue. 

It may be time to see a dentist about your bad breath when you are not able to get rid of it. Once you are sure that you use the normal means of how to get rid of bad breath and they do not work, it is time to make a dental visit. 

 

How to treat bad breath

In most cases, bad breath has some rather simple solutions. They include:

  • Brushing and flossing – Brush your teeth and your tongue twice a day – for at least two minutes each time, and floss every night. This will also help you to get rid of early gum disease if you have it. 
  • Use a minty mouthwash – A good antibacterial mouthwash will help to control the bacteria that cause bad breath. 
  • Watch what you eat – Avoid sugary foods and foods that you know produce bad breath – especially when you will be around other people. 
  • Ensure healthy amounts of saliva – If you have a problem with this, you can chew gum with xylitol in it. This sugar will not harm your teeth, and it will help you produce more saliva. If medication is the cause, talk to your doctor about changing it. 
  • See a dentist – Keeping regular dental appointments will let the dentist ensure that you do not have cavities or gum disease. If there are problems, they can be treated in a timely manner.

 

If you live in the Farmers Branch , TX  area, you can be treated for chronic bad breath by our expert dental team in Champion Dental Clinic We also provide many other dental services including cosmetic dentistry. For more information about a bad breath cure, or to set up an appointment, you can call us today at 214-747-0763