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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Care Givers are at Risk for Periodontal Disease!

                  

                   

               Robert D. Follweiler D.D.S., P.A.

         Periodontology and Laser Technology

                901 East Ocean Boulevard

        Stuart, Florida 34994

772-283-1400

               Please visit our Web Site @ Follweilerperio.com

 Care givers are at risk for

 periodontal disease!

Many patients in our office have fallen into the roll of caregiver for family members with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other debilitating ailments.  Patients who once regularly flossed and brushed their teeth have found the time they use to have for themselves has been greatly reduced. Caregivers are under increased stress on several levels. They have less time for nutritious meals, exercise and thorough oral hygiene. In a study from the Journal of Periodontology, caregivers are often under great psychological or physical stress and should not overlook their oral health. According to Fernando N. Hugo, DDS “These findings support the health impact of psychological risk factors from chronic stress, which may lead to malfunction of some biological functions.”

Findings published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, are the latest from a quarter-century- long body of research aimed at unraveling the link between increased stress and weakened immunity. This prolonged stress on the immune system may also promote a “chronic inflammation” that has been suggested as one key biological mechanism that may fuel  age related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and certain types of cancers.

Chronic inflammation may also contribute to periodontal disease.  A study of adults aged 50 years or older revealed that being a caregiver to relatives with dementia, or other stress related syndromes can result in elevated levels of plaque and gingival bleeding for the caregivers.  Periodontal disease can take hold when a persons’ immune system breaks down. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory process that destroys the gum and bone surrounding the teeth.

The best course of action for caregivers is to be aware of the stress involved in long term care of a family member. Try not to become lax with your homecare and keep regularly scheduled appointments with your  and periodontist.  There is a link between stress and immune system weakness. Take care of yourself so that you will have ability to take care of others.

Please call the office with any questions or concerns.



Are Your Medications Making Your Mouth Sick?

                       Are Your Medications Making Your Mouth Sick?

What medications did you take this morning? Did you know they might be creating problems in your mouth? Your medicine cabinet may hold the answer to some of your oral health problems. Drugs that improve the health of one part of your body may have a detrimental affect on your mouth. Being aware and informed may prevent needless discomfort and expense down the road.

For example, over 400 medications produce a condition called xerostomia, or dry mouth that can be damaging to gum tissues. Other drugs may cause gingival enlargement, which means the gums become swollen and begin to grow over the teeth. Swollen gums can be painful, unsightly, and interfere with speech, eating and everyday brushing and flossing.

Medications with sugar as the main ingredient, like cough syrups and cough drops, may increase plaque as well as the tendency for plaque to adhere to your teeth .  Parents may notice that children’s medications and chewable medications in general, are made more palatable by the additions of more sugar. This sugar may be listed in the ingredients as sucrose, glucose or fructose. These sugars may significantly increase plaque production and increase the risk of cavities as well as periodontal disease. When shopping for lozenges, chewable tablets and syrups look for those that are sugar-free. Never put children to bed after having administered these medications without having them at least rinse their mouth with water. The same precaution is true for adults.

Drugs that induce dry mouth include those for high blood pressure, spastic bladder syndrome, pain relief, anti anxiety and allergy medications. People with dry mouth have a tendency to accumulate more plaque and experience changes in their gum tissue that can make them more susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth decay. Drugs that may cause gingival enlargement and overgrowth include calcium channel blockers, medication used for seizure control and anti organ rejection drugs. Over grown gums make it easier for bacteria to accumulate and attack supporting structures of the teeth, which can lead to severe periodontal problems.  When taking these medications diligent homecare and frequent visits to the dentist are very important because gingivitis may act as a predisposing factor to gingival over growth.  A recent study in the Journal of Periodontology suggests that frequent dental visits following initial periodontal treatment may significantly reduce gingival overgrowth in patients taking blood pressure medication .  The study found that gingival overgrowth recurrence was eliminated in more than half of the patients with a combination of initial periodontal therapy followed by more frequent dental visits (every three months).

Just as you should inform your physician of the medications you are presently taking, be just as careful to inform your dental professional. Make sure to include over the counter and herbal supplements as well. Your dental professional can talk to you about what effects these products may be having on your oral health. He may  consult with your physician about possible alternatives and answer questions or concerns you may have.  With this information, you, your physician and your dental professional can all work together to minimize the negative effects of any medications you may be taking and prevent discomfort and unnecessary treatment in the future.

Please call our office for more information.

Gum Recession

Robert D Follweiler D.D.S., PA

Periodontal Disease and Laser Technology

901 East Ocean Boulevard

Stuart, Florida 34994   772-283-1400

            Gum Recession Really is That Important!  

Did you know that many patients think that gum recession is a just natural part of aging?

Do you think that gum recession just makes your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold?

Receding gum tissue always means more than just more exposed tooth surface. It can be a sign of a greater problem, periodontal disease that can result in tooth loss and a low-grade bacterial infection in your body. Because we all have immune systems that function at different levels this chronic infection can be a greater health risk than you may realize.

Warning signs such as bleeding, tender and swollen gums, persistent bad breath, as well as pus between your teeth and gums is the main indications of periodontal disease to most people. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in the plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become irritated and inflamed.  Periodontal disease causes the gums to separate from the teeth and creates an avenue for bacteria to enter.   Often times patients are not aware that gum recession may be a sign of periodontal disease that goes untreated because it is perceived as harmless.

Gum recession occurs for reasons such as smoking, improper tooth brushing, tooth position, oral dermatitis, improper dental restorations, genetics and periodontal disease. Gum recession almost always involves more than loss of gum tissue. The most significant part of gum recession is that it involves the loss of the bone supporting the teeth. Without adequate bone support your teeth may become loose and have to be extracted.

So when you look in the mirror and notice any type of gum recession stop and think about it. Gum recession causes more than just    sensitive teeth and a cosmetic result that may be displeasing.   Gum recession does not just occur in older adults it occurs in some younger people as well. Look for the warning signs of periodontal disease and report them to your periodontist or dentist. Gum recession is important and worthy of your attention.

For more information please call our office.

Dental Resolutions for 2013

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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                                                        Dental Resolutions for 2013

The New Year is rolling in. Time to make some dental health plans to start the year off right. Here are a few suggestions to guarantee a healthier smile in 2010.

1.     Stop procrastinating. If things in your mouth don’t feel right for a period of over a week to ten days call the dentist. Chances are something is going on that needs attention and the longer you wait the bigger the problem usually becomes.

2.     What and when you eat may be the source of dental problems. Frequent snacking on sugary foods like cookies, cake, candy and soft drinks are responsible for rampant dental decay. Make healthy food choices and cut down on snaking.

3.     Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at night and replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months.

4.     Unless you have injured yourself bleeding gums are NEVER NORMAL. There are about 8 square inches of gum tissue in your mouth.  Can you imagine leaving a chronically infected 8 inch wound untreated on any other part of your body? Didn’t think so. Most tooth loss is due to gum disease that is now easily treated in the early stages.

5.     Establish a relationship with a dentist BEFORE you have any problems instead of finding one for an emergency.

6.     Most dentist don’t have psyche abilities. Speak up -  ask questions and address your concerns about your dental problems, office procedures and financial obligations regarding treatment.

7.     Take the time to learn about new treatments. Everything changes and strides in dental technology are occurring every day. There is no reason to be fearful of visits to the dentist office.

8.     Finally make the healthy mouth/healthy body connection. Low grade untreated gum infections are harmful to other body systems. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease and lung disease, diabetes, problem pregnancies and other ailments such as arthritis.  Don’t let a gum problem remain untreated. Make it a Healthy Happy New Year.

Holiday Stress and Periodontal Health

The holidays are upon us and the excitement and stress are mounting for everyone.  As scientists link chronic stress to many physical problems, dental professionals often see the results of prolonged stress in the mouth. Shopping, parties, gift giving and financial stressors have the potential to make deep pockets and we don’t mean the ones in your clothes. We are talking about periodontal pockets - the ones that form between teeth and gums that trap and breed bacteria. These pockets are the beginning of periodontal disease.  According to research at the University of New York at Buffalo, “Studies indicate that this ever- present stress and lack of  adequate coping skills could lead to altered habits , such as reduced oral hygiene, teeth grinding as well as salivary changes and a weakening of the body’s ability to fight infection.” These factors may lead to periodontal disease and other dental problems.

 

Dr. Robert Schoor, former President of the American Academy of Periodontology states that “The good news is that many of the risk factors for periodontal disease, such as poor oral hygiene and infrequent professional care, can be controlled with minimal personal time and financial resources.” “And because eliminating periodontal disease also eliminates risk factors for heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes complications, it is especially important for people to do what they can to protect their oral health.”

 

• How about giving yourself a gift this holiday season?  Even with rushing around and lack of personal time try and stick to these basic periodontal survival techniques:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you don’t floss, you miss cleaning about 30% of your teeth’s surface. Often periodontal disease begins between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
 
• Bleeding during brushing is not normal and is never okay. If your hands bled when you washed them, would you overlook it? Bleeding is sign of periodontal disease. If your gums bleed for more than a week after you begin routine flossing talk with your dentist, hygienist or Periodontist.
 
• Limit the amount of holiday party food - particularly the desserts and beverages that contain sugar and that includes all alcoholic drinks as well.
 
• Make sure to brush your teeth before bed, floss if you are able and if all else fails at least rinse with water thoroughly.
 
• Protect your total body health with good oral health.
 
• Happy Holidays and don’t forget to call us!  (772) 283 - 1400

Have a Healthy Holiday

It’s that time again –ready or not here comes the holiday season and from Halloween on everyone will be planning, partying and paying.  The pace will be frantic, the festivities will be endless and more than likely the foods we eat will be not be the best for our figures and our health in general.  Completely restricting yourself from holiday foods is not the answer because food is part of holiday traditions. Tooth decay and periodontal disease are not only affected by what we eat, but by the frequency of eating. Your dental health and your overall health can take a beating if you don’t pay attention to what you are eating and drinking.

 So what can you do to prevent blowing an entire year of mostly healthy eating for a few weeks of craziness? Try these healthy holiday guidelines to protect your dental health and overall health:

1. Drink 1-2 glasses of water before every holiday party.  Eat a small snack at home before you leave so you don’t arrive thirsty and too hungry.

2. Eat protein before every sugary treat. Eating simple carbs on an empty stomach can cause your blood sugar to skyrocket.

3. Eat before you drink alcohol. The food lessens the impact of the alcohol in your system.

4. Choose smaller portions of your favorite treats rather than making all sweets off limits.

5. Make nuts, berries, beans, lentils, and salads part of your daily holiday menu and look for these types of foods at every holiday party.

6.  Don’t forget  your vitamins and other supplements to ensure a healthy immune system.

7. Finally, brush, brush, brush and if you can’t -  at least rinse your mouth after every sugary snack or  drink especially before you go to bed. 

 Happy Holidays!!