Does your mouth feel as dry as cotton?

DOES YOUR MOUTH FEEL AS DRY AS COTTON?

Does your mouth feel dry and sticky when you first wake up in the morning? Do you feel the urge to drink lots of water? Dry mouth can make it hard for you to swallow, chew your food or speak clearly. With a dry mouth your teeth can decay very quickly, and sometimes there are no warning signs for this condition. Untreated dry mouth can also contribute to bad breath, and sometimes others will notice the stale odor.

Dry mouth is a daily problem that makes you feel uncomfortable while you swallow, eat or speak. It is a condition in which you do not produce enough saliva (spit) to keep your mouth feeling wet. Your physician or nurse do not always talk about dry mouth as a side effect when they give you a prescription for medicine, but dry mouth can be caused by the medicine you take. Whatever you do, don’t stop taking your medicine but mention dry mouth to your nurse as soon as you can. Dry mouth can also be a sign of diseases and other conditions like diabetes — so make sure you tell your nurse or dental hygienist about dry mouth if it becomes a problem for you. Dry mouth symptoms:

• Dry or sticky feeling in the mouth like your mouth is stuffed with cotton balls.
• Burning feeling in mouth or tongue and sometimes tongue feels like shoe leather.
• Difficulty or discomfort when chewing, swallowing or speaking.
• Dry lips and throat or mouth sores.

By Dr. Cirenia Aparicio - Dentist in Mexico

Biological Dentistry?

WHAT ABOUT MERCURY FREE FILLINGS?

In Holistic Dentistry, there is an effort to find biocompatible materials to reduce the potential for toxicity. Silver Mercury "Amalgam" fillings are avoided due to toxicity concerns. Amalgam removal and replacement with natural-looking bonded materials is the standard.
About Mercury?

Mercury is continuously released from amalgam (silver) fillings and is hazardous to your health. Mercury is the most poisonous, naturally occurring, non-radioactive substance on earth. It contributes to over 100 health issues, including heart disease, autism, chronic fatigue, MS, allergies, depression, memory loss and anxiety.In Dentistry, Silver fillings contain 50 percent mercury.

They can corrode, leak and cause stains on your teeth and gums.We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and tooth colored restorations (onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies.

By Dr. Cirenia Aparicio - Dentistry Mexico

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it’s an unpleasant condition that’s cause for embarrassment. Some people with bad breath aren’t even aware there’s a problem. If you’re concerned about bad breath, your can help identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.
What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.

If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor.
Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe anartificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.
Tobacco products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.
Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.
Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth.
Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist. If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. A fluoride mouth rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay.

By Dr. Monica Muñoz

What are Wisdom Teeth?

What are Wisdom Teeth?

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last molars on each side of the jaws. They are also the last teeth to emerge, or erupt, usually when a person is between 16 and 20.Since wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to come in, or erupt, there is often not enough room left in your mouth to accommodate them. This can lead to wisdom teeth that are impacted, teeth that are trapped beneath the gum tissue by other teeth or bone. If teeth are impacted, swelling and tenderness may occur.Wisdom teeth that only partially emerge or come in crooked can also lead to painful crowding and disease. Since teeth removed before age 20 have less developed roots and fewer complications, the American Dental Association recommends that people between 16 and 19 have their wisdom teeth evaluated to see if they need to be removed.

How are Wisdom Teeth Removed?A tooth extraction is a relatively routine procedure. Your dentist or a dental specialist, called an oral surgeon, will recommend either "going to sleep" using general anesthesia, or numbing this area in your mouth with a local anesthesia such as Novocain®.After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, you may be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding that may occur. Some pain and swelling may occur but it will normally go away after a few days; however, you should call your dentist if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.Removal of wisdom teeth due to crowding or impaction should not affect your bite or oral health in the future.

By Dr. Cirenia Aparicio - Dental Tours

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TMJ DISEASES AND DISORDERS

WHAT ARE TMJ DISEASES AND DISORDERS?

TMJ diseases and disorders are a group of conditions that cause pain in and around the jaw joint (called the Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ) and nearby muscles. Jaw problems affect a person’s ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow, and even breathe.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TMJ DISEASES AND DISORDERS?

Pain is the most common symptom; however, some people have no pain but still have problems using their jaws.
Symptoms can include:
Face pain
Pain in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear
Being unable to open the mouth comfortably
Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint
Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
Headaches
A bite that is uncomfortable or feels “off”
Swelling on the side of the face Neck, shoulder, and back pain

Other symptoms may include: ringing in the ears, ear pain, decreased hearing, dizziness, and vision problems. Keep in mind that occasional discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common and is not a cause for concern. Many people with TMJ problems get better without treatment. Often the problem goes away on its own in several weeks to months.

WHAT CAUSES TMJ DISEASES AND DISORDERS?

Not all causes are known. Some possible causes are injuries to the jaw area, various forms of arthritis, some dental procedures, stretching of the jaw as occurs with inserting a breathing tube before surgery, and clenching or grinding of teeth.

HOW ARE TMJ DISEASES AND DISORDERS TREATED?

Reversible Treatments According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research of the National Institutes of Health, TMJ treatments should be reversible whenever possible. That means that the treatment should not cause permanent changes to the jaw or teeth. Examples of reversible treatments are:
Over-the-counter pain medications
Prescription medications
Gentle jaw stretching and relaxation exercises
Stabilization splints (biteplate, nightguard)

Irreversible Treatments

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research of the National Institutes of Health, irreversible treatments have not been proven to work and may make the problem worse. Examples of irreversible treatments are:
Adjustment of the bite by grinding the teeth
Extensive dental work
Mandibular repositioning splints
Orthodontics
Surgical procedures including replacement of all or parts of the jaw joint

By Dr. Monica Muñoz - Dental Mexico

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HYPNOSIS & DENTRISTRY

HYPNOSIS & DENTRISTRY

Anxiety about dental treatment is extremely common, and studies have noted that anywhere from 46% to 75% of the general population suffers from dental anxiety, while 6 - 14% of the population never goes to the dentist because of fear.
Among those who do not visit dentists regularly, 90% report that the reason is dental fear. If you are nervous about going to the dentist you are normal. Issues may include the fear of losing control, a negative past experience, fear of choking, and the list goes on.
Most dentists are acutely aware of the fact that there is a powerful relation between the mind and body. Hypnosis is a valuable technique in patient management.
With appropriate training, general dental practitioners can widen the treatment options they can offer to patients, especially those who are dentally anxious. Also is a useful tool in reducing the patient’s precipitous level of fear and pain.
This trance phenomenon is very effective in creating an experience of Analgesia or Anesthesia to augment painless dental extraction, while maintaining minimal blood loss.
So here are many uses of hypnosis in Dentistry;
Obtaining relaxation
Ensuring co-operation
Reduction of anxiety and fear
Production of analgesia
Production of amnesia
Control of fainting
Control of bleeding
Control of salivation Toleration of impression taking without gagging or sickness

By Dr. Cirenia Aparicio - Dental tours

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Smoking and Periodontal Tissues

SMOKING AND PERIODONTAL TISSUES

Introduction Periodontal disease is an infectious disease that occurs as a result of imbalance in the relationship between host and microorganisms. However, the authors note, although the bacterial role is crucial, is not sufficient to explain the pathogenesis of the disease. Knowing the factors that facilitate bacterial growth is essential for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the entity. The identification of individuals susceptible to periodontal destruction and the factors that raise awareness is a challenge to the current periodontics.

Smoking The bacteria mainly the gram-negative are predominantly responsible for the initiation and progress of periodontal disease. The pathogens produce cellular damage due to the activation of defensive host in periodontal tissues. The role of bacteria is favored by local factors such as dental anatomy, dental malpositions, aparatología fixes faulty dentistry, among others, and genetic and systemic conditions. Smoking is another potential risk factor in the development of this entity. The periodontal pockets of smokers make up a more anaerobic which promotes the growth of pathogenic gramnegative subgingival anaerobic of the plate. Although smoking has been associated with periodontal disease for over 50 years, his identification as the entity responsible for up to recent studies. The snuff increases the severity of this condition, a phenomenon that becomes clinically apparent consumption from 10 cigarettes a day. Each cigarette more per day increases the gingival recession, the depth of the bag, levels of integration and mobility. Among the intensity of the entity and the amount of cigarettes smoked per day there is a dose-effect relationship. Individuals who consume more than 10 cigarettes a day have 5 to 7 times more likely to suffer severe periodontitis compared with nonsmokers.

By Dr. Cirenia Aparicio - Dentists in Mexico

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Biological and Holistic Dentistry

BIOLOGICAL AND HOLISTIC DENTISTRY

You are suffering from toothache, headaches, jaw pain, earache, back pain, stomach pain, leg pain or other long term illnesses. You may be feeling below par, not quite yourself, or just generally feeling unwell and run down?

We would like to let you know that the teeth in the jaw has a powerful influence upon the way the dynamics of the skull work. The teeth are very related to all the body, that is to say, there’ between different problems of health and the dental problems such as the decay, jaw problems, periodontal disease, among others.
Holistic Dentistry considers the enormous affect of the jaw and teeth on the entire body and from this starting point it re-defines traditional dentistry by considering and treating the well-being and condition of the patient as a whole, including their life style, nutritional requirements and emotional well being.
Therefore holistic dentistry not only treats oral diseases also restores all entire body.
The Holistic Dental approach often involves correcting long standing problems. This can be challenging and requires careful evaluation and thought. Your Holistic Dental practitioner will start with an assessment of your specific problems and your general health and overall condition. From this initial assessment he will devise a course of treatment that is right for you.

By. Dr. Cirenia Aparicio - Dental Tours

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Diabetes and your oral health

Diabetes and your oral health

Diabetes affects about 15.7 million Americans and nearly 800,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may know that the disease can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of your body. Diabetes can lower your resistance to infection and can slow the healing process.
What oral health problems can be associated with diabetes?
The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are:

• tooth decay.
• periodontal (gum) disease.
• salivary gland dysfunction.
• fungal infections.
• lichen planus and lichenoid reactions (inflammatory skin disease).
• infection and delayed healing.
• taste impairment.

Connection between diabetes and periodontal (gum) disease
Because diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, the gums are among the tissues likely to be affected. Periodontal diseases are infections of the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place.
Periodontal disease is often linked to the control of diabetes. For example, patients with inadequate blood sugar control appear to develop periodontal disease more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than persons who have good control of their diabetes. It is possible to have periodontal disease and not have all of the warning signs. If you notice any of the warning signs of gum disease, see your dentist immediately.
Because of lowered resistance and a longer healing process, periodontal diseases often appear to be more frequent and more severe among persons with diabetes. That’s why good maintenance of blood sugar levels, a well-balanced diet that meets your needs, good oral care at home, regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are important.

By Dr. Monica Muñoz

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Herbal Therapy in Biological Dentistry

Herbal Therapy in Biological Dentistry

Herbs are plants used medicinally or for their flavor or scent. Herbs with medicinal properties are a useful and effective source of treatment for various disease processes.
Many drugs used in Western medical science-called allopathic medicine-have their origin in medicinal plants. The chemical ephedrine is extracted from the plant and used as a decongestant. Codeine, derived from opium, has long been used as an analgesic. Salicin, a forerunner of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), was derived from the bark of the willow tree.
By World War II, herbology was losing popularity in the West. Penicillin and other "wonder drugs" seemed to be cure-alls. And the war itself had cut off supplies of herbs from around the world. The advent of the drug industry with its synthetic medicines seemed to ring a death knoll for herbology, yet plants remain a major source of drugs today. For example, the previously mentioned ephedrine, digitalis (a heart strengthener), and vincristine (an antitumor drug) are all plant-derived
Generally speaking, herbs are used to cleanse the blood, warm and stimulate the body, increase surface circulation, increase elimination of wastes, reduce inflammation, and calm and soothe irritation. Herbs may be used internally as pills, syrups, and infusions, or externally as poultices, plasters, and liniments.
An external application of clove oil, for instance, will stop the pain of toothache, as will tincture of hops.
These wraps are especially effective for sore, tense muscles or jaw when temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) is present.

The herbs most commonly used for dental problems are described below.

• Alfalfa : is useful in cases of hemorrhaging and fungal infections.
• Aloe Vera : Applied externally, aloe vera gel is excellent for soothing inflamed gums and sores in the mouth.
• Anise : An anti-inflammatory herb, anise is commonly used in tea form to soothe the gums. Also Chew fennel seeds whole to eliminate bad breath.
• Annatto: Apply annatto after tooth extraction or gum surgery.
• Arnica: Available in creams and ointments, arnica can be externally applied to relieve bruises, strains, sprains, pain, and muscle tension.
• Catnip: Drink catnip tea or take in capsules to help you relax before dental treatment. (See Using Herbs, Tea Preparation, in Part Three.)
• Chamomile: Use as a mouthwash to soothe inflamed, irritated gums.
• Echinacea: Echinacea has antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

By Dr. Monica Muñoz

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Why good health may start with your mouth?

Healthy Mouth Healthy BodyHeart Disease Heart Disease

Recent research indicates that severe chronic gum disease (periodontitis) is associated with the development of heart disease. There are several theories as to how periodontitis may have an impact on heart health. One theory is that bacteria may enter the bloodstream through the mouth and have the potential to attach to fatty deposits in the blood vessels, which may contribute to heart disease. Another theory is that the inflammation associated with periodontitis may play a role. A recent study examined the presence of bacteria known to cause severe chronic gum disease and the thickening of the blood vessel wall commonly seen in heart disease. After examining over 650 subjects, the investigators concluded that there was an association between an increased level of blood vessel thickening and the presence of the bacteria found in dental plaque known to cause periodontitis.

Be sure to tell your dentist if you have a heart condition and what, if any, medications you are taking for it. Your dentist will record important health information in your record and coordinate treatment with your physician.

How Do I Know if I Have gum disease and gingivitis?
Classic signs of gingivitis include red, swollen and tender gums that may bleed when you brush. It is important to remember that only a dental professional can thoroughly assess your dental health and determine whether you have gum disease, including gingivitis. Since some symptoms of gingivitis are not painful, the disease may remain untreated for many years unless diagnosed by a dental professional.
Signs of periodontitis**, a more advanced stage of chronic gum disease, include the presence of gum ulceration, gums that have receded or pulled away from your teeth, permanent teeth that are loose or separating, any change in the fit of your teeth when biting, any change in the fit of partial dentures, and recurring bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Regular visits to your dental professional can help to prevent periodontitis** from developing.

By Dr. Monica Muñoz

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Are you a candidate for tooth whiteing?

Are you a candidate for tooth whiteing?

Almost any person whose permanent teeth are left can be considered as a candidate for tooth whitening. Your dentist can assess their state of oral health and will recommend one or more whitening techniques depending on which best suit you and taking into account the type and severity of the spots. Among the techniques mentioned:

1. A professional cleaning to remove stains caused by external food and snuff.
2. The use of a bleaching toothpaste to help remove surface stains between dental consultations.
3. To obtain additional results, use a gel or bleach accessible tapes Whitestrips.
4. The professional bleaching or at home to remove stains harder or yellowish.
5. The use of veneers or fillings to rebuild the most affected teeth or to obtain specific results. Ask your dentist what bleaching technique is ideal for you.
6. The teeth are more yellows that are more responsive to bleaching teeth with a browning or greyish, including teeth stained by tetracycline or dental fluorosis can not bleached evenly during treatment.
7. People with periodontal disease or particularly sensitive should avoid tooth whitening techniques with chemicals which can irritate the gums.
8. The whitening is not recommended if you have fillings, veneers or crowns in the front teeth because the bleach does not affect the color of the material hence, you should consult other options with your dentist.
9. In some cases where there are serious problems of tooth or jaw, it is recommended placing a wreath or a veneer to correct that orthodontic problems may also lead to a smile whiter and more attractive.
   

By. Dr. Cirenia Aparicio - Dental Mexico

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Biological And Holistic Dentistry

BIOLOGICAL AND HOLISTIC DENTISTRY

It’s important to us to treated patients with all the resources that medicines can have and one of them is the ALTERNATIVE DENTISTRY, this science is focused to patients with degenerative chronic diseases, such as: Diabetes, Hypertension, Chronic Fatigue, Cancer among others.

It consists mainly of seeing the patient of integral way and of this to start off to realize an odontological treatment with the materials of better quality and level of biocompatibility. Since for this science the organism works like a whole and any treatment that is realized must go focused to reestablish the total health of the patient.

Scientifically this verified that to realize a holistic biological dentistry treatment in patients with degeneratives diseases takes to a better state of health since the treatment eliminates any impurity that can go directly to blood, kidneys, liver among others.Therefore the alternative dentistry is an essential way to treat any systemic disease helping the body to reestablish its optimum level of health.

By Dr. Cirenia Aparicio - Dental Tours

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Improving the Science of Dentistry

Accelerated Tissue Healing - Regeneration

Recent research has shown that certain properties of our own blood cells, namely: platelets, plasma, and white blood cells have a profound effect for accelerating tissue regeneration that typically takes place with all forms of surgery.

The bioactive proteins carried by platelets are currently being used successfully in both hospitals and private practice office settings for wound healing in several surgical disciplines including orthopedic, neurology, otolaryngology, cardiovascular, vascular, general, plastic and reconstructive, pediatrics and in oral surgeries.

The plasma proteins are derived from the patient’s own blood within just a few short minutes with a specially designed centrifuge and permit the body to take advantage of the normal healing pathways at a greatly accelerated rate. During the healing process, the body rushes many cells and cell-types to the wound in order to initiate the healing process. One of those cell types is platelets. Platelets perform many functions, including formation of a blood clot and release of growth factors into the wound. These Growth Factors function to assist the body in repairing itself by stimulating stem cells to regenerate new tissue. The more growth factors released sequestered into the wound, the more stem cells stimulated to produce new host tissue. Thus, one can easily see that Platelets Rich in Plasma permits the body to heal faster and more efficiently.

Platelets Rich in Plasma (PRP) has many clinical applications:

1. Bone grafting for dental implants. This includes onlay and inlay grafts, sinus lift procedures, ridge augmentation procedures, and closure of cleft, lip and palate defects.
2. Repair of bone defects creating by removal of teeth or small cysts.
3. Repair of fistulas between the sinus cavity and mouth.

Platelets Rich in Plasma (PRP) also has many advantages:

1. Safety: PRP is a by-product of the patient’s own blood, therefore, disease transmission is not an issue.
2. Convenience: PRP can be generated in the doctor’s office while the patient is undergoing an outpatient surgical procedure, such as placement of dental implants.
3. Faster healing: The supersaturation of the wound with PRP, and thus growth factors, produces an increase of tissue synthesis and thus faster tissue regeneration.
4. Cost effectiveness: Since PRP harvesting is done with only 55 cc of blood.
5. Ease of use: PRP is easy to handle and actually improves the ease of application of bone substitute materials and bone grafting products by making them more gel-like.

By Dr. Monica Muñoz
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Healthy gums during pregnancy

Healthy gums during pregnancy

Learn how to recognize, prevent and treat gingivitis

When a woman is expecting a baby, nausea or upset stomach are some of the typical aches usually suffer. However, are not alone. During pregnancy, oral health may also suffer and gingivitis usually act of presence. Have you ever raised why?

The answer is simple. The hormonal changes that the body of pregnant women suffer continuously provoke greater sensitivity to dental plaque (the layer of bacteria that forms on teeth continuously), which causes the gums irritated.

If not sure how to distinguish if you have gum disease or not, there are a number of symptoms developers to help you recognize it. Bleeding during brushing of teeth, bad breath, bad taste and above all, red and swollen gums are its most common manifestations. If you feel any of these annoyances, it is more advisable to go to the dentist for a review and an oral cleaning.

Anyway, the best way to fight gingivitis is preventable, should brush their teeth with a paste specifically for the proper maintenance of gingival health, as well as perform interdental cleaning on a daily basis. The food also influences the state of our teeth and gums, and should therefore lead a healthy diet rich in calcium.

By Dr. Monica Muñoz - Dentist in Mexico

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Dental Tourism - Gingivitis

Gingivits

That is Gingivitis?
Redness and swelling of gingival tissues (gums) that may be caused by irritants (plaque, a soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria and bacterial derivatives). When plaque stays on the teeth for more than 72 hours, it hardens into tartar (calculus) adhering to crowns and/or roots of teeth, which cannot be completely removed by brushing and flossing. Disease, (viral infections, fungal infections like thrush (candidiasis), gingivitis due to leukemia, improper hygiene (inadequate brushing and flossing) , and or poor general or nutritional health (vitamin C deficiency, niacin deficiency .

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease
Gums may bleed when you brush or floss. With treatment, gingivitis can be reversed. However, gingivitis that is left untreated may progress to periodontitis, a more severe gum disease that can result in tooth loss.

Gingivits Treatment

Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is the most common and conservative form of treatment for periodontal (gum) disease. Scaling is the removal of calculus (commonly called tartar) and plaque that attach to the tooth surfaces. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Plaque is more likely to stick to rough surfaces. For this reason, the root surface is smoothed down in a process called root planing. Root planing removes any remaining calculus and smoothes irregular areas of the root surface.

How It is Done?

Scaling and root planing are done with a combination of ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments. Ultrasonic instruments are electric or air-powered. They have two components:
A relatively metal tip that vibrates at a very high frequency and "knocks" plaque and calculus off the tooth
A water irrigation system that cools the tip and helps to flush out debris from around the teeth
Hand instruments are not powered. They have cutting edges that your dentist or hygienist uses to chip away plaque and calculus.
These instruments come in various shapes and sizes. Different instruments are used for different teeth, and even for different surfaces of the same tooth.
Typically, ultrasonic instruments are used first to remove large deposits of plaque and calculus from the crowns and roots of the teeth. Hand instruments called scalers and curettes are then used to remove any remaining material and make sure that the tooth surface is clean and smooth. When working under the gum line, your dentist or hygienist cannot see the plaque or calculus. He or she will rely on the sense of touch to feel for roughness on the root surface.
Sometimes, scaling and root planing can be completed in one visit. This usually is possible if you have gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. However, if you have periodontitis, multiple visits are usually needed.

Prevention

What can I do to avoid periodontal disease?

To keep your teeth for a lifetime, you must remove the plaque from your teeth and gums every day with proper brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits are also important. Daily cleaning will help keep calculus formation to a minimum, but it won't completely prevent it. A professional cleaning at least twice a year is necessary to remove calculus from places your toothbrush and floss may have missed.

By Dr. Cirenia Aparicio

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Mexico Dentist

What can anxious patients can do to prepare themselves for dental treatment?

If one has had a negative dental experience in the past, especially in the distant past, be aware much has changed in the dentistry in a short time. The dentists are using more modern equipment, better materials and up to date methods to insure better comfort.

• Inform them of your fears. Don’t expect them to know your fears by mental telepathy. Most dentists try to be kind, caring and gentle, but I assure you they will try even harder if they are aware of your fears.
• Patients should never self medicate prior to dental treatment without informing their dentist. It could pose a danger if the dentist administers anesthesia or other medications.
• Think positively! Once a patient convinces themselves that treatments is necessary, and the dental problem will only worsen if gone untreated and may required more difficult procedures whish could cost more.
• The patients must remember that the dentist is their partner in achieving good oral health. Never consider your dentist an adversary, but rather a friend.

Visiting the dentist could care your finances

The people that have an extensive treatment plan are usually the ones that haven’t visited a dentist in years.
For some one that needs more difficult procedures visited their dentist for regular check ups and cleanings, could care their finances, most dental problems can be quite inexpensive if diagnosed early.

What’s a cavity and how to prevent them

A cavity develops when a tooth decays or break down. A cavity is a hole that can grow bigger and deeper over time. Cavities are also called dental caries, and if you have a cavity. Its important to be repaired.
If you don’t go to the dentist the acids can continue to make they way through the enamel, and the inside parts of your tooth can begin to decay.Though cavities can be repaired, try to avoid them by taking care of your teeth, here’s how:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after each time you eat or at least twice a day. Bedtime is an important time to brush.
• Brush up and down in a circular motion.
• Gently brush your gums as well to keep them healthy.
• Floss your teeth once a day fore more plaque and food that’s stuck between your teeth.
• Limit sweets and sugary drinks like a sodaSee your dentist twice a year for regular check ups. We hope you’ll heasr those two wonderful words: “No cavities!”

How to prevent gum disease

Gum disease can affect more than just our oral health. The American Dental Association states “There is evidence that bacteria in the mouth which are associated with gum disease may be linked to heart disease, artery blockages, and stroke”
The following tips can help you to prevent gum disease.
Difficulty: easy
Time required: daily routineo. Here’s how

• Brush your teeth properly twice a day. Brushing your teeth thoroughly removes plaque from the surface before it hardness into calculus.
• Use a fluoride tooth paste. Using toothpaste with fluoride helps to prevent decay.
• Floss your teeth daily. Flossing is the only way to remove plaque from in between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.
• Use a mouth rinse. An antimicrobial mouth rinse can provide extra help in controlling plaque. Listerine is a good choice and has been approved by the American Dental Association.
• Visit your dentist for regular check ups. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is the best way to make sure that your teeth and gums stay healthy.

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