Visit your dentist regularly? Did you know that gum disease is also known as periodontal disease, want to learn more about the stages of the disease? Make sure that you consult your dentist if you any concerns.

According to an article at naturalnews.com, “Periodontal Disease”

“Gum disease is also referred to as periodontal disease and encompasses the various stages of the disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal literally translates to “around the tooth”. Interestingly, as the disease progresses it manages to burrow itself more completely around the affected tooth or teeth.

The beginning stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which occurs when plaque buildup begins to inflame the gums causing them to redden, swell and easily bleed. Typically there is little to no discomfort during this stage. Because of this, gingivitis is generally detected during a regular dentist visit. If diagnosed and treated, gingivitis is completely reversible.

If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to periodontitis, which occurs when plaque spreads below the gumline. The bacteria associated with plaque produces toxins, which trigger further inflammation. Over time, this heightened inflammatory response will ultimately deteriorate the bones and tissue that support the affected teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. Once periodontitis sets in, treatment is crucial to manage the inflammation and minimize damage.

It is estimated that 80% of all American adults have some form of gum disease. Smoking, genetics, stress, medications (including oral contraceptives, anti-depressants and certain heart medications), pregnancy, clenching or grinding your teeth, poor nutrition, diabetes and other systemic diseases have all been implicated as risk factors for the disease.

The link between gum disease and systemic disease is at the center of a number of on going studies. What we currently know is that definitive links do exists between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes and pregnancy complications. Currently researchers are examining the possibilities that either inflammation, bacteria or a combination of the two are at the heart of the link between gum disease and other health problems.”

The good news is you can receive treatment for gum disease. Need the best dentist in Reno then Dr. McElhinney is the one? If you have any questions visit renolaserdentistry.com.

Who doesn’t love that cup of coffee and a doughnut in the morning? Do you know what is happening every time you have that quick-fix so called breakfast? This article discusses the truth behind coffee and doughnuts.

According to an article at knowyourteeth.com, “what a disastrous combination coffee and doughnuts may have on your teeth.”

“You’re late for work, skip breakfast and during the commute, pick up a doughnut and cup of coffee and you’re on your way. This common quick-fix breakfast scenario can lengthen your time spent in the dental chair, reports the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing dental education.

The sugars in doughnuts have been identified as a risk factor for gum inflammation and cavities. The AGD has reported findings that show the sugars in oatmeal cookies amount to only one-fifth of the sugars in plain doughnut particles.

The amount of sugar and cream in your coffee also can have a direct effect on the amount of cavity-causing bacteria. Tannins found in coffee etch into the pits and grooves of the tooth enamel, producing a rough, stained surface.

What can someone do to lessen the sugar bath their teeth receive from this breakfast combination?

“Don’t nurse your coffee or pick at that doughnut throughout the morning,” says AGD spokesperson Paul Bussman, DMD, FAGD. “When you eat your doughnut quickly, it limits the exposure time to the sugar attack.”

“Also, cut back on the amount of cream and sugar for your coffee,” advises Dr. Bussman. “Try picking up fruit or another morning meal substitute.”

Click here to read the article from knowyourteeth.com:

The key is in moderation just like anything else in life!

Need to see a professional and get your 6 month check-up, click here to contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno to set-up an appointment?

For all the parents that have teenagers this one is for you. A special time for parents as we see our child/children grow-up. When parents are willing to give their teens some freedom, but at the same time parents keep a watchful eye, below you’ll read about how teenagers may be damaging their teeth.

According to an article at cbsnews.com, “explain the most common ways teens may be harming their teeth.”

“When looking back on your teenage years, you might think of your physical appearance – as in acne, braces, and sweating. But have you ever thought of cavities or tooth decay?

There are plenty of seemingly harmless or discreet activities teens do that affect their oral health and may lead to infections, painful toothaches or even life-threatening complications.

Since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, keep clicking as Dr. Doyle Williams, associate professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and chief dental officer at DentaQuest, explains 7 ways teens are destroying their teeth…”

1.  Bulimia
2.  Drinking bottled water
3.  Drinking citrus juice and sports drinks
4.  Wearing mouth jewelry
5.  Chewing Tobacco
6.  Chewing ice
7.  Bleachorexia

Click here to read the entire article:

If you have any questions or a teen that needs dental help, click here to contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno, dental health is my #1 priority.

It’s very clear that a smoker is at an increased risk for periodontal disease. What about secondhand smoke, do you think they have the same increased risk for gum disease? Well according to this article research may just prove that.

According to an article at www.colgate.com, “ secondhand smoke may increase your risk for gum disease.”

“Researchers at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, using data from another study that included 2,379 nonsmokers ages 53-74, have concluded that exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke for a few hours each day can double a person’s risk of gum disease. People exposed to secondhand smoke less than 25 hours each week had a 29 percent increased chance and for those exposed more than 26 hours, the odds were twice as high. The study appears in the December issue of the American Journal of Public Health.

In 2004, the U.S. Surgeon General concluded that the scientific evidence was sufficient to infer a casual relationship between tobacco and gum disease. In 2006, the Surgeon General stated there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

The American Dental Association recommends regular checkups and periodontal exams. In addition to smoking, risk factors include tobacco chewing; systemic diseases such as diabetes; various medications such as steroids, cancer therapy drugs and oral contraceptives; bridges that no longer fit properly; crooked teeth; fillings that have become defective; and pregnancy, according to the ADA.

The ADA says warning signs include gums that bleed easily; red, swollen or tender gums; gums that have pulled away from the teeth; persistent bad breath or bad taste; permanent teeth that are loose or separating; changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite; or any change in the fit of partial dentures.”

Click here to view the article from www.colgate.com:

For more information on periodontal disease, click here to contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno.

Ever heard of Treponema denticola? It’s an oral bacterium along with other bacteria that produce plaque. The difference is that Treponema denticola is the main bacterium that can lead to periodontal disease if teeth are not properly cared for. Prevention is the key!

According to an article at medicalnewstoday.com,” The Bacterium Treponema denticola falls In with the wrong crowd.”

“Stripping some mouth bacteria of their access key to gangs of other pathogenic oral bacteria could help prevent gum disease and tooth loss. The study, published in the journal Microbiology suggests that this bacterial access key could be a drug target for people who are at high risk of developing gum disease.

Oral bacteria called Treponema denticola frequently gang up in communities with other pathogenic oral bacteria to produce destructive dental plaque. This plaque, made up of bacteria, saliva and food debris, is a major cause of bleeding gums and gum disease. Later in life this can lead to periodontitis and loss of teeth. It is this interaction between different oral pathogens that is thought to be crucial to the development of periodontal disease.

Researchers from the University of Bristol have discovered that a molecule on the surface of Treponema called CTLP acts as the key pass that grants the bacterium access to the community, by allowing it to latch onto other oral bacteria. Once incorporated, CTLP in conjunction with other bacterial molecules can start to wreak havoc by inhibiting blood clotting (leading to continued bleeding of the gums) and causing tissue destruction.”

Professor Howard Jenkinson, who led the study, said that periodontal disease and bleeding gums are common ailments, affecting many groups of people, including the elderly, pregnant women and diabetics. “Devising new means to control these infections requires deeper understanding of the microbes involved, their interactions, and how they are able to become incorporated into dental plaque,” he said. “

Click here to read more of the article from medicalnewstoday.com

If you have any questions about the best ways to fight periodontal disease, click here to contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno.