Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an irritation or inflammation of the gums caused by toxins produced by bacterial microorganisms living within the plaque that accumulates in the small gaps between your teeth and gums. Although good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep gingivitis from becoming a more serious or recurring condition, the importance of regular 6-month check-ups and cleanings by The Smile Shack’s hygienist team to disrupt the build up of this harmful plaque cannot be overstated. Brush and clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

Over the years, chronic gum inflammation, sometimes beginning as Gingivitis, can cause deep pockets to form between your teeth and gums resulting in damaging bone loss around your teeth, which can then lead to loose teeth that eventually fall out or need to be extracted because of severe infection. The underlying bone structure will not grow back, however, so the destructive forces of gum disease are irreversible without the use of bone grafting surgery. If the gum disease is left untreated and allowed to develop, tiny amounts of bacteria and bacterial toxins can also invade your bloodstream, resulting in a generalized increase in inflammation in your body causing possible long-term heart problems.

Some important symptoms to be aware of are:

• Tender, swollen gums that are painful to the touch
• Bright-red, purple or shiny gums
• Swollen gums that emit pus
• Foul mouth odor
• Gums that bleed easily or itch
• Loose teeth

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a disease in which acid-producing bacterial processes damage hard tooth structure producing cavities (holes in the teeth). If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to pain, tooth loss and infection. Some tooth decay is directly visible, while other less visible tooth decay can be detected by more sophisticated means, such as Diagnodent laser technology.

Diagnodent is a pen-like probe that sends a safe, painless laser beam into the tooth. A numeric display and alarm signals when there are signs of hidden decay. By measuring your tooth fluorescence, Diagnodent is far more accurate than any other method of detecting cavities, especially in places not easily seen, such as in the pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of your teeth where 80% of decay occurs. With Diagnodent, cavities can now be identified and treated before they do significant damage. Diagnodent helps Dr. Jeff accurately monitor and quantify the health of your teeth at each visit and to assess the progression of any decay over time. Diagnodent offers complete patient comfort and is free of any harmful radiation. Welcome to the new era of dental diagnosis!

Tooth Infections (Abcesses)

Tooth infections begin as a growth of bacteria in an existing cavity, or a fractured or broken tooth, that penetrates into the soft tissues and bones of your face and neck. An infected tooth that has not received appropriate dental care can cause a dental abscess to form. These infections are common in people with poor dental habits (such as not brushing and flossing properly or often enough) and result from a lack of timely dental care. Bacteria from a cavity can extend into the gums, the cheek, the throat, beneath the tongue, or even into the jaw or facial bones. As pus collects at the site of the infection, and the surrounding tissues become inflamed, the dental abscess will become progressively more painful until it either ruptures and drains on its own or is drained surgically. Dental abscesses can make you generally ill, with nausea, vomiting, fevers, chills, sweats and diarrhea, and sometimes you may experience difficulty fully opening your mouth or swallowing. Never leave a tooth abscess to take care of itself. Get to a dentist as soon as possible because the infection can spread, penetrate your bloodstream and affect your heart. And, it can literally eat into your soft facial bones. An abscess is not something you want to fool around with.

Clenching and Grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth together during the day or grind them at night, which is called sleep bruxism. Bruxism may be mild and may not even require treatment. However, it can be frequent and severe enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other problems. Many people who have sleep bruxism are unaware of it until complications develop, so it's important to know the signs and symptoms of bruxism and to seek regular dental care.

Some important symptoms to be aware of are:

• Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to awaken your sleep partner
• Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth
• Teeth that are worn down, flattened, fractured or chipped
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Jaw pain or tightness in your jaw muscles
• Enlarged jaw muscles
• Earache — because of severe jaw muscle contractions, not a problem with your ear
• Headache
• Chronic facial pain
• Chewed tissue on the inside of your cheek
• Indentations on your tongue

Schedule an appointment to see Dr. Jeff if:

• Your teeth are worn, damaged or sensitive
• You have pain in your jaw, face or ear
• Others complain that you make a grinding noise while you sleep

If you notice that your child is grinding his or her teeth — or has other signs or symptoms of this condition — be sure to mention it at your child's next appointment.

So …

If you or a loved one appear to be experiencing any of these conditions, be aware that there are answers for your discomfort and that Dr. Jeff is here to help.