What you need to know about gingivitis Dentists Brampton

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Lifeology 101

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski and Associated – We Protect Your Smile!

905-458-6620

DOES YOUR DENTIST MEASURE YOUR GUMS? Brampton Dentists

Posted on September 27, 2014 by Lifeology 101

Joanna SAYS!

Dentist Brampton, Brampton Dental Office, Periodontal Measurement is an evaluation performed by a dental professional, which involves measuring the health of your gums and supporting bone structure for your teeth. Bone loss is first caused by an accumulation of plaque and bacteria around a tooth and if the bacterium isn’t removed properly it causes gum inflammation and in later stages, if left untreated, will eventually lead to bone loss.

A way of detecting periodontal disease is through taking periodontal measurements of each tooth at a dental visit. These measurements help us determine the overall health of the supporting structure of the teeth. A normal, healthy measurement will read from 1-3 mm and the deeper the reading the more severe the problem. To help treat moderate stages (4-6 mm) your hygienist may recommend a deeper cleaning with more frequent visits to help stop the effects of periodontitis. However, if more advanced stages are noted surgery may be needed with a referral to a periodontist (gum specialist).

Ways to help reduce periodontal measurements and maintain healthy gums:

– Brushing: Practicing proper oral hygiene daily, through brushing at least 2 times a day for at least 2 minutes.

– Flossing: Daily flossing is very important when it comes to gum health, because it goes between your teeth and under your gums to help reduce bacterial build-up where a toothbrush can’t reach.

– Eating a well-balanced diet.

– Maintaining regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning.

– Don’t smoke: Smoking increases your risk of periodontal disease.

Thank you for reading and if you have any questions about Periodontal Measurements be sure to ask one of our dental professionals! Keep smiling 🙂

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski and Associates – We Protect Your Smile!

Dentists in Brampton

Does Your Child or Teen Have Gum Disease?

Posted on September 7, 2014 by Lifeology 101

TYPES OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES IN CHILDREN

Chronic gingivitis is common in children. It usually causes gum tissue to swell, turn red and bleed easily. Gingivitis is both preventable and treatable with a regular routine of brushing, flossing and professional dental care. However, left untreated, it can eventually advance to more serious forms of periodontal disease.

Aggressive periodontitis can affect young people who are otherwise healthy. Localized aggressive periodontitis is found in teenagers and young adults and mainly affects the first molars and incisors. It is characterized by the severe loss of alveolar bone, and ironically, patients generally form very little dental plaque or calculus.

Generalized aggressive periodontitis may begin around puberty and involve the entire mouth. It is marked by inflammation of the gums and heavy accumulations of plaque and calculus. Eventually it can cause the teeth to become loose.

SIGNS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Bleeding
Bleeding gums during tooth brushing, flossing or any other time

Puffiness
Swollen and bright red gums

Recession
Gums that have receded away from the teeth, sometimes exposing the roots

Bad breath
Constant bad breath that does not clear up with brushing and flossing

IMPORTANCE OF GOOD DENTAL HYGIENE IN ADOLESCENCE

Hormonal changes related to puberty can put teens at greater risk for getting periodontal disease. During puberty, an increased level of hormones, such as progesterone and possibly estrogen, cause increased blood circulation to the gums. This may cause an increase in the gum’s sensitivity and lead to a greater reaction to any irritation, including food particles and plaque. During this time, the gums may become swollen, turn red and feel tender.

As a teen progresses through puberty, the tendency for the gums to swell in response to irritants will lessen. However, during puberty, it is very important to follow a good at-home dental hygiene regimen, including regular brushing and flossing, and regular dental care. In some cases, a dental professional may recommend periodontal therapy to help prevent damage to the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth.

ADVICE FOR PARENTS

Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment of periodontal diseases. Therefore, it is important that children receive a comprehensive periodontal examination as part of their routine dental visits. Be aware that if your child has an advanced form of periodontal disease, this may be an early sign of systemic disease. A general medical evaluation should be considered for children who exhibit severe periodontitis, especially if it appears resistant to therapy.

The most important preventive step against periodontal disease is to establish good oral health habits with your child. There are basic preventive steps to help your child maintain good oral health:

Establish good dental hygiene habits early. When your child is 12 months old, you can begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. When the gaps between your child’s teeth close, it’s important to start flossing.
Serve as a good role model by practicing good dental hygiene habits yourself.
Schedule regular dental visits for family checkups, periodontal evaluations and cleanings.
Check your child’s mouth for the signs of periodontal disease, including bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding away from the teeth and bad breath. (AAP)

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski and Associates – We Protect Your Smile!

905-458-6620

Do you have Bad Breath?

Posted on August 8, 2014 by Lifeology 101

What you eat affects your breath. If you don’t brush and floss daily, particles of food can remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath.

Breath mints and chewing gum are great temporary solutions to bad breath, but they can’t help you if your bad breath problem stems from something beyond the garlic and onions you had for lunch. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth can also be one of the warning signs of gum disease; which is caused by plaque.

Your first line of defence against bad breath should be to make sure you brush two times a day for two minutes and floss once a day. You should also brush your tongue since most of the bacteria in the mouth that are responsible for bad breath hang out on the back of the tongue. If you still find your breath is offensive, talk to your dentist or physician. Your dentist can work with you to develop a treatment plan that minimizes odor. This might include scraping the plaque off your tongue or using a special antibacterial mouth-rinse.

If you already practice good oral hygiene and still don’t know what’s causing your bad breath, make an appointment to see your dentist. Regular checkups allow your dentist to detect any problems such as gum disease or dry mouth. Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder. Some diseases have symptoms related to bad breath. Sinus or lung infections, bronchitis, diabetes, and some liver or kidney diseases may be associated with bad breath. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your primary care physician.

Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating gum disease and scheduling regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing bad breath. Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily with floss. Brush your tongue, too. If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them the next morning.

For more information be sure to schedule an appointment with one of our dental professionals.

Dr. Elizabeth Dimovski and Associates

905-458-6620