Are You Sick of Being Sick?

  Robert D. Follweiler  D.D.S.,P.A. Periodontology and Laser Technology

        Creating and Maintaining  Foundations of Oral Health

           901 East Ocean Boulevard  Stuart Florida 34994  772-283-1400-

          Email-l PerioF1@BellSouth.net    Please visit our web site www.Follweilerperio.com

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                                                 Pneumonia and Periodontal Disease 

 

Pneumonia is a potentially fatal disease claiming the lives of many adults. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue caused by several factors and is often caused by infection. This infection can be caused by various micro-organisms- such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites as well as inhaling smoke from a fire or fumes from corrosive chemicals. However, half of all cases are caused by bacteria.   Patients living in congregate situations such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities are especially susceptible to this aggressive disease.

 

Scientist warn that poor dental hygiene and gum disease could be  dangerous precursors to pneumonia and that pneumonia sufferers may be more likely to die from the disease if they already have deep gum pockets caused by periodontal (gum ) disease. Bacterial chest infections are believed to be caused by breathing in fine droplets from the mouth into the throat and lungs. Well documented studies have suggested that the oral cavity, mainly of individuals with periodontal infections and poor oral hygiene, could be considered a reservoir of bacteria and therefore possibly set the stage for developing lung disease.

 

Gum disease is the result of the over growth of “bad bacteria” in the mouth causing infection, pain, bleeding gums and tooth loss. In the earliest stages of gum disease there is often NO pain at all. Patients may just notice bad breath, receding gums or sensitive teeth.  Devastating consequences of poor oral health can include a variety of local and systemic illnesses including gum disease, local abscess formation, rapid spread of infection through the oral tissues and infective endocarditis which is an infection of the heart valve.

 

It therefore makes sense to take great care of your oral health and seek regular dental checkups to prevent serious health consequences from developing. Gum disease in the early stages is controllable and economic to treat. Ignoring the signs and symptoms may cost you more than dollars and cents.

 

 Call our office for more information and a complete periodontal evaluation.

 

 

Burning Tongue- Burning Mouth Syndrome Do You Have It ?

  Robert Follweiler D.D.S., P.A.  

  Periodontology and  Laser Technology

  901 East Ocean Boulevard  Stuart, Florida  34994

  772-283-1400   Follweilerperio.com          

      

      Burning Tongue- Burning Mouth Syndrome   Do You Have It ?

 

A small percentage of senior men and women (mostly women) develop a problem of intermittent and sometimes chronic burning sensations of their gums and tongue. This condition may be accompanied by unusual taste sensations as well.  The tongue and gums may look perfectly normal but the burning sensation progresses throughout the day.  Patients who experience this burning sensation may have lost some of their taste sensations though often times they are unaware of just how much they do not taste their food.

 

 Many patients see numerous doctors in an attempt to get to the source of the problem but usually to no avail. This annoying and sometimes painful condition has been mentioned in medical literature for years but has mostly been ignored because there were no known physical reasons for the burning. Many clinicians believed it was the result of symptoms brought on by some type of emotional stress.

 

Recent studies have shown that there may be real physical reasons for the condition known as BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME or BMS.  Scientist hypothesize that nerve damage could be caused by a virus and damage could also be the result of severe changes in hormone production. This could affect the nerve tissues of the tongue and interrupt or alter the messages the tongue   receives from the brain.  When the communication from the brain to the tongue is interrupted or becomes out of balance and the brain exaggerates the sensations it is sending to the mouth. This may explain the burning feeling and the phantom taste sensations that a patient experiences.

 

Research also states that sometimes BMS and hypersensitivity may develop because of the toothpastes or oral rinses that are used. The quickest way to remedy this situation is to change to toothpaste with only fluoride added and stop using oral rinses. The toothpastes that seem to be the biggest offenders are the toothpastes that contain pyrophosphates, an additive that is supposed to slow down the build up of calculus.

 

Quite by accident physicians discovered that patients who suffered from epilepsy as well as BMS saw improvement of both conditions once the epilepsy medicines were used. This information evolved into the practice of using minute doses of epilepsy medication to treat BMS. 

There are also new herbal remedies that are being tried such as capsaicin desensitization. 

 

Another form of burning tongue that may occur is called ATOPHIC GLOSSITIS and may be caused by diet, oral yeast infection or mechanical abrasion from a dental appliance or the teeth themselves. These patients have very red tongues instead of the normal pink velvety looking tongues.

 

Finally, be aware that any new medication or abrupt diet change could precipitate a burning sensation of the gums or tongue.

 

Report any changes to your dentist or health care professional.

 

For more information please call our office.

Bad Breath YUCK!

        Robert D. Follweiler D.D.S., P.A. Periodontology and Laser Technology

      Creating and Maintaining Foundations of Oral Health

       901 East Ocean Boulevard

        Stuart, Florida 34994  772-283-1400      

       Please visit our web site www.Follweilerperio.com

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                                    Bad Breath: Causes, Concerns and possible Cures

 

There are several causes of bad breath, an embarrassing condition that troubles everyone from time to time. However constant and unrelenting bad breath or halitosis may be more of a concern. Bad breath may be caused by eating certain foods, poor dental hygiene, smoking, dry mouth, medications, sinus conditions and periodontal disease. It may also be caused by certain other systemic illnesses such as kidney and liver disease, pulmonary or bronchial problems and intestinal disorders.  

For the majority of people, 80-90% of those who have bad breath, the single most frequent cause are bacteria that live in the mouth. The waste products produced by some oral bacteria are sulfur compounds and it is these sulfur compounds that often cause breath problems.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection located in the tissues surrounding the teeth. Advanced forms of periodontal disease typically result in serious damage to the bone that holds the teeth in place. As this bone damage occurs, deep spaces form between the teeth and gums (termed periodontal pockets). These pockets provide an ideal location in which bacteria thrive and multiply and this is the cause of a person’s smelly breath.  Periodontal disease frequently produces a very strong distinctive foul odor that often discloses gum disease before a patient has actually been examined. Researchers have also found that the amount of volatile sulfur coating on the tongue of a person with periodontal disease is 4X greater than in people who do not have gum disease. Once deep gum pockets have formed a periodontist or other dental professional is needed to remove the bacterial infection that cannot be effectively treated with tooth brushing and flossing at home.

 

There are new and exciting methods of treating periodontal disease that do not involve surgery. A revolutionary alternative to traditional gum surgery is the Millennium PerioLase which is the NO CUT/ NO SEW /NO FEAR approach to treating gum disease. Scientist are also now suggesting that ORAL PROBIOTICS may be the greatest weapon against bad breath since the invention of the tooth brush.  These “Good Guy” bacteria control the growth of the bad bacteria living in the mouth and may reduce the risk of everything from gingivitis to full blown periodontal disease.

 

Continual bad breath may be an indication of a larger more involved dental or systemic problem. It makes sense to go to the dentist and find a solution before a minor problem becomes a major concern. Please call the office for more information.

 

LANAP Periodontal Laser Treatment

Robert D. Follweiler D.D.S., P.A. Periodontology and Laser Technology

Creating and Maintaining Foundations of Oral Health

901 East Ocean Boulevard Stuart Florida 34994 772-283-1400-    Email   PerioF1@BellSouth.net 

                

                                                                     Please visit our web site www.Follweilerperio.com

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                                         Save your teeth with LANAP Periodontal Laser Treatment

If you suspect you have periodontal problems (gum disease) and are at risk for losing teeth please STOP and take some time to entertain another possibility. There is a relatively new (8-10 years) type of periodontal treatment that may save teeth that were thought to be hopelessly involved and this treatment does not require scalpel (cutting) and stitches. It’s called LANAP or Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure periodontal therapy and is the only laser treatment of this kind approved by the FDA for treatment of periodontal disease. 

Here is how it works:  1. Instead of cutting away infected gum tissue the Millennium PerioLase Laser uses a hair like beam of light to seek out and destroy the bad bacteria that causes periodontal disease. 2. A specialized ultra sonic scaler removes the tartar that lies deep inside the gum pocket and then the pocket is sterilized and sealed by the laser. (3)This seal forms a barrier that does not allow bacteria to re- enter the area. New gum attachment fibers and bone are allowed to regenerate and stabilize the teeth.  Up to 90% of LANAP patients have no reoccurrence of periodontal disease for up to five years after completion of treatment. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w502q-C6l2M

LANAP is a patient friendly approach to periodontal therapy and the investment is often less than what it would cost to place an implant.  This laser procedure is the latest technological advance and results in little or no discomfort, bleeding and down time from work. LANAP embraces saving teeth , avoids removing gum tissue to rid the mouth of bacterial infection and is much safer for patients who have additional medical complications. Patients who take blood thinning and osteoporosis medicines that might not be able to have traditional periodontal treatment also greatly benefit from this procedure.  

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory process that has been linked to heart and lung disease. Scientist now understand that inflammation causes or complicates many diseases including diabetes, pancreatic cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. For example, inflammation can damage tissues in the brain which can increase a patient’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Inflammation from gum disease has also been linked to arthritis.  Over sixty percent of the population has some form of periodontal disease. To find out if you are a candidate for LANAP it only takes a brief and painless evaluation. 

 Please call the office for more information.

Bruxism…. What a Grind!!!!

 Robert D. Follweiler D.D.S. P.A.

             Periodontology and Laser Technology                             

  901 East Ocean Boulevard   Stuart, FL 34994 772-283-1400

 

                                                   

 

Bruxism (pronounced BRUK-sizm) is the term for grinding and clenching of teeth. It    usually happens at night, during sleep, although some people clench and grind their teeth during the day. People who suffer from bruxism may also bite their fingernails, chew on pencils or bite the inside of their lips or cheeks. Children as well as adults suffer from bruxism. Most children outgrow bruxism before they get their adult teeth.

 

Symptoms of bruxism may be: jaw or facial tenderness, headaches or earaches, teeth that have become sensitive to cold or pressure, indentations in the cheeks or tongue and tips of teeth that appear flattened. Frequently a parent or sleep partner may be aware of the grinding even if the person who is doing the grinding and clenching is unaware. Very often a dental professional is responsible for notifying their patient that they are clenching and grinding their teeth.

 

Doctors do not completely understand the causes of bruxism.  In some adults abnormal tooth alignment is thought to be the cause of bruxism. This is called malocclusion.  More often psychological factors such as stress, anxiety and suppressed anger or frustration cause bruxism. Aggressive, competitive or hyperactive personality types are also more likely to clench and grind their teeth. Caffeine, nicotine and other drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine increase the risk of bruxism. Bruxism may also be an uncommon side effect of some psychiatric medications including antidepressants. In some cases clenching and grinding isn’t caused by dental problems or stress but may be a complication of other health problems such as Huntington’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.

 

So what can you do if you suspect you may be suffering from bruxism? The first thing to do is to make an appointment with your dentist. Your dental professional will exam your mouth for signs of bruxism such as  unusual wear of your teeth, red and inflamed tissues inside the mouth, broken dental restorations, tooth sensitivity, tender jaw muscles and poor tooth alignment.   X-rays may be taken to see if the bruxism has damaged the underlying bone that supports the teeth. Finally, your dentist will offer suggestions for treatment such as adjusting your bite or fabricating a bite guard that can be worn to protect your teeth from the nightly grind. There is more information available.

 

To learn more please call our office or visit our web site – www.Follweilerperio.com

 

A Bright White Smile

                                  

 

Robert Follweiler D.D.S.    Periodontology       

901 East Ocean Boulevard   Stuart,  FL 34994   772-283-1400

 

Patients ask us everyday about teeth bleaching. It appears that white teeth are now another symbol of youth and attractiveness. Believe it or not folks have been trying to lighten their teeth for over 100 years. Tooth whitening procedures were first documented in dental literature in 1872.  Although everyone would like to achieve that movie star smile there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to whitening your smile. 

First and foremost is to have realistic expectations. While tooth bleaching creates white smiles, people are sometimes disappointed with the results. Many people expect their teeth to be as white as copy paper after the procedure. Even with the most favorable outcome your teeth cannot approach this degree of whiteness. Teeth this white look unnatural.  The best results are achieved when the shade you select fits your overall look and coloring.

The second thing that you should be aware of is the type of staining and discoloration that you are attempting to remove. There are two main reasons for stained or darkened teeth. One is extrinsic, (from the outside) and the other is intrinsic (from the inside).

 

Extrinsic stains are the yellow to brown discolorations that result from years of consuming highly colored beverages, (coffee, tea & wine) smoking or poor oral hygiene. Discoloration can also be the result of the aging process and thinning of the enamel.  This type of staining usually responds well to the various types of bleaching techniques.

 

Beaching is often less predictable in situations where the origin of the stain comes from within. These stains can be the result of trauma, congenital abnormalities (situations you are born with) and medications such as tetracycline. Understanding the origin of the stain will help form realistic expectations.

Finally, it is important to become an informed consumer. Learn about the various types of bleaching techniques that are available.  There are four basic methods of whitening your teeth; in office power bleaching, laser bleaching, take home dentist supervised bleaching and over the counter bleaching systems. The two main categories of bleaching agent are peroxide- based whitening and nonperoxide based stain removal.

The in office power bleaching uses a powerful light source and a bleaching agent. The lips, gums, and inside of your mouth are isolated to protect them from the chemical agent used.  This process takes about 1-2 hours. The laser bleaching takes about the same amount of time as the power bleaching but a laser is the light source that activates the bleaching agent.

 

The take home dentist supervised bleaching systems uses custom made trays that fit very snuggly over the teeth. The bleaching agent is loaded in the trays and can be worn for a few hours or overnight. This system requires 2-3 weeks to achieve the desired response. 

 Several over the counter bleaching systems are also on the market. One type of bleaching system comes as a kit with trays (one size fits all) and bleaching agent included. This technique also requires 2-3 weeks to whiten the teeth. There are also paint on gels, whitening strips and whitening toothpaste. Many of the over the counter methods have not undergone the same amount of testing that the professionally recommended products have and their results may vary quite a bit. 

There are several precautions to take before you bleach your teeth. First, remember that the bleaching agent will NOT lighten your fillings and crowns. Talk to your dentist before bleaching if your have fillings and crowns that will show when you smile.

Next, remember that these bleaching agents can make your teeth and gums very sensitive.  Usually this sensitivity is only temporary. If you have sensitive teeth talk to your dentist before you proceed.

 

Finally, according to the American Academy of Dentistry, bleaching has not been proven to be harmful to your teeth and gums. No matter what technique you chose to get that “Hollywood Smile”, even if you use over the counter products, have a dentist examine your mouth before you begin a program.  With proper planning a bright white smile may be just right for you!

 

Please call our office with any questions.     Dr. Robert Follweiler D.D.S.   772-283-1400

 

Do I Really Need A Dental Hygiene Appointment?

             

 

 

The list of things that a person needs to attend to in a day seems endless. There is never enough time for everything and frequently a visit to the dentist is not the first priority. So how important is maintenance care on a regular basis?

 

To answer this question one might think about the purpose of a routine visit to the dentist office.  Of course everyone expects to leave the dental office with bright shining teeth that feel fresh and clean. But did you know that clean teeth are just a small part of your dental checkup?

 

When you have an appointment with the dentist or the dental hygienist quite a bit is accomplished during the visit.  First, your dental health care provider usually updates your health history and inquires about any changes in your health or  your medications. Any changes in your general health or medications often are seen in your mouth.  Next, a thorough examination of your teeth is performed checking for decay, cracked or loose fillings, and loose bridgework. The hygienist also looks for loose teeth or any ill fitting dental appliances.

 

 Next, your mouth is thoroughly examined for any signs of rash, blisters, ulcers or sores. The gum tissues are examined to see if there is any significant redness, bleeding or exudate (pus) that would indicate signs of periodontal disease, a bacterial infection of your gum tissues. Your tongue is examined on the top as well as underneath. The dentist or hygienist looks down the back of your throat and on the roof of your mouth. All the tissues of your mouth are also checked for any suspicious white or gray patches that may require further examination in the form of a soft tissue biopsy. 

 

 

 According to the American Dental Academy, more than 30,000 new cases of oropharyngeal (mouth) cancer are reported each year. This disease kills about 8,000 U.S. citizens annually, making it more deadly than cervical cancer, malignant melanoma, and Hodgkin’s disease. The American Dental Academy also states that tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption are major risk factors for oral cancer, but about 25% of victims neither smoke nor drink. For this reason a thorough oral cancer screening is an extremely important aspect of every dental check-up.

 

 

After the initial examination of your mouth the hygienist might suggest that x-rays should be taken. A x-ray is an important diagnostic tool for dentists to detect diseases of the mouth and face that escape detection by other diagnostic methods.  Patients sometimes express concern about dental x-rays because of fear of radiation exposure. Federal, state and local agencies have set strict safety standards for x-ray equipment.  Dental x-ray technology is now so sophisticated that a patient’s head and neck exposure is very minimal. Your dental professional can protect you by taking only necessary x-rays, using equipment that restricts the beam to a specific area, and using a protective lead apron with high speed film. Without the use of x-rays small cavities between the teeth, abscesses, cysts, tumors and other diseases may be impossible to detect before serious damage occurs. The Journal of the American Dental Association cites the use of the wide angle or panoramic dental radiograph (x-ray) as an innovative diagnostic tool in the detection of critically clogged neck arteries. Approximately 730,000 strokes occur each year in the United States. According to the National Stroke Association, half of these strokes result from atherosclerotic plaques (build up of cholesterol plaque and other fatty deposits in the arteries) found in the carotid artery.  Over a lifetime, strokes touch four out of five American families.  The use of the panoramic x-rays enables the dentist to see calcifications that may indicate a cause for concern. It is very important that every patient have a panoramic x-ray screening at some point as determined by the dentist.

 

Finally, health care providers have scientifically established that there is a definite

mouth - body connection. An unhealthy mouth may be a sign of an unhealthy body. Researchers have proven that there is a link between periodontal disease and heart disease,  respiratory disease,  stroke, diabetes, pregnancy problems, and osteoporosis.  Early detection is the key in preventative medicine and dentistry. Small problems are much easier and less expensive to resolve. So the next time you are thinking, do I really need to have my teeth cleaned, think about what is happening at these visits.  A dental hygiene visit is so much more than smooth clean teeth. This visit is all about prevention, early detection, and wellness. The choice is up to you!

 

For further information please call the office of Dr. Robert Follweiler  @ 772-283-1400