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The good news about gum disease is that in most cases, it’s entirely preventable. The bad news is that an alarmingly high percentage of people don’t take the steps necessary to keep from developing it. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that half of Americans over the age of 30 have periodontal disease! People with gum disease not only risk losing their teeth; periodontitis (the advanced form of the condition) has also been linked to more serious health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

What follows is a list of the most common signs of gum disease.

• Bleeding gums: If your gums bleed as the result of brushing or flossing, it could be an early sign of gum disease.
• Swollen, red or painful gums: Check the appearance of your gums regularly. If they appear to be swollen, are sore, or are reddish in color, contact your dentist.
• Receding gums: It’s natural for gums to recede a bit as we age, but if you notice that your gums are noticeably receding and/or pulling away from your teeth – particularly if you’re not elderly, but even if you are – it could be a sign of gum disease.
• Bad breath: If you experience consistent bad breath, and can’t resolve it on your own, talk to your dentist.
• Sores on gums and/or pus between your teeth and gums: Either of these are symptoms of gum disease in the later stages.
• change in your bite: If your teeth aren’t fitting together as they usually do, it could be due to problems with your gum tissue.
• A change in how your dentures fit: Just because you wear dentures doesn’t mean you can’t develop gum disease! In fact, denture wearers are just as likely as anyone else to develop this condition. If your dentures aren’t fitting correctly, call your dentist.
• Loose teeth: Hopefully, you won’t reach this point, but if you notice that your teeth are loose, it’s entirely possible that you are experiencing periodontitis. Tooth loss is a very real possibility for people who leave gum disease untreated for extended periods of time.

An important reminder: the early stages of gum disease are hard to detect. That’s why it’s so important to visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine oral exams and professional cleanings. Your dentist will be able to detect gum issues very early on, and the sooner gum disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and cure.

Losing a tooth – whether due to an injury accident or having a tooth extracted – is very common among adults around the world. This is particularly true for older adults, who are more prone to losing teeth as they age. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 69 percent of U.S. adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one tooth. While it may be tempting to simply live without one or more teeth, you should know that there are consequences if you decide to do so. Here are some of the problems that may occur as a result of losing teeth and not replacing them.

• It impacts the appearance of your smile. If you’re missing a front tooth, it can have a very negative effect on the appearance of your smile. And people with unattractive smiles have a strong tendency to have low self-esteem and generally feel worse about themselves than those with nice smiles.
• It can result in bone loss. This may sound counter-intuitive, but it’s true. Bone tissue needs to be stimulated in order to maintain density. The alveolar bone tissue underneath your teeth, as well as the bone in your jaw, depend on pressure from the teeth for that stimulation. If it’s not there – as the result of even a single missing tooth – your bone density and form will suffer as a result. If your jawbone is compromised, over time the shape of your face will actually change, and the jawbone will become more susceptible to fracture.
• It can lead to your other teeth shifting. Over time, your other remaining teeth will actually move inside your mouth in an effort to fill in the gap left behind by one or more missing teeth. This can have a domino effect by starting with throwing off your natural bite. This, in turn, can lead to other problems, often affecting the way you chew food and even how you speak. If your bite is off, it can cause your other teeth to wear down. Eventually, it can even lead to issues with your jawbone.

Now for the good news: modern dental technology has provided today’s dental patients with a variety of methods to replace missing teeth. Some options include dental bridges, dental implants or partial dentures, to name a few. If you are missing one or more teeth, talk to your dentist today. He or she can provide more information about the different tooth-replacement alternatives and can help you decide which is best for you.

Valentine’s Day is a fun holiday for everyone, from little children to older adults. Unfortunately, the age-old tradition of celebrating the holiday with a box of chocolates isn’t always so wonderful for our oral health. The good news is that there are several ways to enjoy the holiday without wreaking havoc on your sweetheart’s teeth and gums. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, tooth-friendly this Valentine’s Day, we have some ideas for you.

• A fruit basket: Fresh fruit is not only good for your oral health, it’s good for your overall health as well! Consider sending your valentine a beautiful array of fresh fruits to celebrate the holiday. They come in a variety of sizes and assortments, so you’re sure to find one that will appeal to your special someone.
• Say cheese: You may not know it, but cheese is extremely good for your oral health. It raises the pH level in the mouth, and that helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay. If your valentine is a cheese fan (and who isn’t?), consider a cheese gift basket instead of the traditional box of chocolates.
• A dinner out: Having a nice dinner out is always a great way to celebrate, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. An added plus – if you decide to enjoy a special dessert, it’s a one-time indulgence. Just make sure to make your reservations early, since going out to dinner on Valentine’s Day is not a new idea!
• Flowers: The only thing more traditional than chocolate for Valentine’s Day is a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Whether it’s a dozen roses or a flowering houseplant, ordering a special gift through your favorite florist is always a wonderful way to show your affection. And remember that flowers and houseplants aren’t just for women – most men appreciate these thoughtful gifts just as much!
• A personalized gift certificate: If your special someone enjoys a certain hobby or activity, consider buying a gift certificate that allows them to enjoy that pastime. Skiers would love a day on the slopes. If your valentine likes to draw or paint, a gift certificate to an art supply or hobby store would be a thoughtful gift. Better yet is a gift card for an activity you can enjoy together – roller skating, ice skating, or bowling, for example.

If your valentine has a sweet tooth, and you can pass up the opportunity to buy that Valentine’s Day box of chocolate, make it dark chocolate, which is full of mouth-healthy antioxidants. And avoid anything that is sticky or chewy, since those candies are especially hard on the teeth.

This Valentine’s Day, consider a gift idea that’s “out of the box” – the candy box, that is – with these innovative ways to show your special someone how much you care.

Many of us have a tendency to think of dentistry only in modern-day terms, but the fact is that people having been practicing dentistry in one form or another for thousands of years. That includes – believe it or not – braces! As it turns out, having a straight, attractive smile was every bit as important in ancient times as it is today. And although their methods were definitely primitive by today’s standards, residents of ancient societies actually wore braces in an effort to straighten their teeth. The materials for these dental appliances were quite different than today, such as catgut cords, for example.

The first documented dental treatments date all the way back to Ancient Rome. But it wasn’t until the 18th century that the practice of orthodontic dentistry really became commonplace. It was then, in 1728, when a French dentist named Pierre Fauchard wrote the book “The Surgeon Dentist,” which discussed suggested treatments for crooked teeth. Fauchard is now credited as being the father of modern orthodontics. In his own practice, he used a piece of iron shaped like a horseshoe – called a “bandeau” – to expand the palate of his patients and, thus, help their teeth shift into straighter positions. During that same time period, French dentist Ettiene Bourdet began extracting teeth in his patients to alleviate overcrowding issues and help their teeth to straighten.

Orthodontic methods advanced very quickly in the 19th century, when dentists and early orthodontists began using different materials to straighten teeth, including wires, rubber and elastic bands. Finally, in 1880, the dentist J.N. Farrar developed a method of using mild force over a period of time to gently straighten teeth. Around this same time period, Edward Angle founded the first orthodontic college and started the first journal of orthodontics.

By 1900, braces were being used on a regular basis to straighten crooked smiles. Although the method was effective, the price was quite expensive since dentists and orthodontists used gold bands that wrapped entirely around each tooth. Fortunately, by the mid-20th century dental professionals found that stainless steel worked just as well, making braces attainable by more than just the wealthiest of people. By the 1970s, the old practice of wrapping metal bands completely around each tooth was replaced by using smaller pieces of metal placed on just the front of each tooth.

Over the past 50 years, dental and orthodontic technology has continued to evolve. Today, people who want straighter teeth can choose from traditional metal braces, ceramic (tooth-colored or clear) braces, lingual braces (traditional braces with brackets on the inside of the teeth), or clear plastic aligner trays. For more information about modern ways to straighten teeth and improve the appearance of your smile, talk to your dentist.

Are you ready to start your New Year off right? Whether or not you make a list of New Year resolutions, January is a great time to focus on your goals for the upcoming year, and what better goal could you have than improved oral health! We’ve assembled this list of tips to help set you on the path to healthy teeth and gums in the New Year.

• Tip #1: Call your dentist. If you haven’t already scheduled your next professional exam and cleaning appointment, the start of the New Year is a great time to do so. Remember how important regular trips to the dentist are for your oral health. No matter how diligent you may be with your own daily oral hygiene routine at home, you still need to have a dental professional clean your teeth twice a year. And your dentist will need to perform periodic oral exams to identify any problems as early on as possible.
• Tip #2: Stick with your own hygiene routine – no matter what. When it comes to good oral health, consistency is absolutely vital. You need to keep up with your oral hygiene routine each and every day, regardless of anything else that may be happening in your life. Brush at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day. Consider adding additional steps to your routine that will benefit your oral health, such as using an anti-bacterial mouthwash and/or a water flosser.
• Tip #3: Watch your diet. The foods you eat and the beverages you drink have a tremendous impact on your teeth and gums. Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet over the coming year. Replace soda with water or another sugar-free beverage. Enjoy more fruits and vegetables (apples, carrots and celery are especially beneficial for your teeth), and indulge in dairy products that are not only delicious but loaded with tooth-healthy calcium.
• Tip #4: Quit using tobacco products. Whether you smoke it or chew it, tobacco wreaks havoc on your oral health. Not only will it stain your teeth, it also significantly increases your risk of forming oral cancer. So do whatever is necessary to kick the tobacco habit once and for all. If you have problems doing it on your own, talk to your doctor or dentist about ways to quit. Saying goodbye to tobacco in the New Year will not only benefit your oral health, but your overall health as well.

The New Year is a great time to leave behind bad habits and establish new positive habits in their place. So follow these tips to make this year the healthiest year ever for your teeth and gums!

If you’re the parent of a toddler, finding the right toothpaste for those tiny new baby teeth can be a daunting task, which is why we’ve compiled this information to help walk you through the process. First, you should know that it’s never too early to start your baby on the road to good oral health. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends that you begin to wipe your baby’s gums with either a warm, clean washcloth or moist gauze when they’re just a few days old. Later, as your toddler begins to develop baby teeth, you should schedule your little one for his or her first dental visit. And when your child is ready for tooth brushing, use a soft-bristled brush designed for toddlers, and use this guide to choose the right toothpaste.

• Check the label. Make sure the toothpaste you choose has been developed for toddlers and babies. Other toothpastes – those intended for older children and adults – contain chemicals and whitening agents that can actually harm your child’s tooth enamel.
• Pick one with fluoride. According to the American Dental Association, using fluoride on your toddler’s teeth will not only help protect their teeth now, but as they grow as well.
• Choose an appealing flavor. You want tooth brushing to be a pleasant experience for your child, so find a flavor that he or she will like. If you’re not sure, try different flavors until you find their favorite.
• Consider a natural alternative. All-natural toothpastes are becoming more and more popular, and can be a great choice for your toddler – especially since most of these types don’t contain chemicals. Just be sure to choose a brand that has the ADA acceptance seal on the label.

Once you’ve found the right toothpaste, along with a baby toothbrush, you’ll be ready to introduce your child to tooth brushing. Use only a tiny amount of paste on the brush and be gentle as you clean those new baby teeth. If you can, make this a special and enjoyable time with your child. The more positive experiences they have with dental hygiene, the more likely they will be to continue those practices as they grow into adults. And remember to schedule your baby’s first dental visit as soon as their first baby teeth erupt. Your dentist should be one that offers kid’s dentistry or family dentistry services, so you can be sure that your child will be in the hands of dental professionals who are accustomed to making young children feel at ease at the dentist’s office.

Many dentists would agree that adding a mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing can be a great benefit to your oral health. Mouthwashes can be an effective means of helping to fight cavities, gum disease, bad breath and even dry mouth. Of course, choosing the right mouthwash is key. There are a variety of types and brands available over the counter, as well as by prescription. If your dentist prescribes a mouthwash, you can rest assured that you’ll be using one that’s best for you. But if you’re in the market for the right over-the-counter mouthwash, it may help to know that many of these products contain alcohol and may not be appropriate if you have any of the following conditions:

• Dry mouth – People who are suffering from chronic dry mouth (also known as xerostomia) should avoid using mouthwashes with alcohol because it exacerbates the condition.
• History of alcohol abuse – For obvious reasons, people who have a history of alcohol abuse should also choose mouthwashes that do not contain alcohol.
• People with irritated gums – Rinses containing alcohol can produce a slight burning sensation, but if you have irritated gums, mouthwashes with alcohol can actually be painful to use.
• Children – As a parent, you probably don’t want your children to use any product that contains alcohol, including mouthwash. This is particularly true since children sometimes swallow mouth rinses.
• Composite restorations – Recent studies suggest that alcohol-free mouthwashes work better on dental composite material used in restorations, such as fillings and crowns.

Fortunately, there are several over-the-counter mouthwashes that do not contain alcohol and are just as effective as those that do. There are also some natural and herbal alternatives that people find to be quite effective. Check the label on these products to identify those that accomplish your goals – whether it’s to freshen breath, prevent cavities, reduce the risk of gum disease, or offer relief from dry mouth. If you suffer from any type of oral irritation, look for ingredients that are anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory.

If you have difficulty deciding which mouthwash is best for you, talk to your dentist. He or she can provide more information on over-the-counter products available and can recommend which would be right for you. And, of course, don’t try to substitute mouthwash for any other part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Rinses should only be used to supplement those efforts, and should never replace regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits and exams.

Over the past few years, e-cigarettes or “vaping” has become increasingly popular. And while the companies that market and sell vaping devices claim that their products are a much healthier way to “smoke,” the jury is out with regard to the health effects of electronic cigarettes. While it’s true that they are obviously different than smoking or chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes are still a nicotine delivery system, and nicotine is one of the most highly addictive substances available.

There is very little research available on the effects of vaping products, primarily because e-cigarettes are such a new phenomenon. The fact is that we know very little about how these devices may impact your health, but we do know that they contain a battery-powered heating element that vaporizes a mixture of nicotine, chemicals and other additives, and delivers that mixture directly into the person’s mouth.

The NIDCR (The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) recently proposed conducting research on vaping devices and how they may affect the health of the user. The proposed study, which includes the theme “Effects of E-cigarette Aerosol Mixtures on Oral and Periodontal Epithelia,” would provide dental and health care professionals with valuable information on what the aerosol mixture delivered by e-cigarettes is doing to gum tissue and teeth. Professionals at the research agency believe that vaping could, in fact, increase the user’s risk for developing gum disease and oral cancer, and because of that this research is urgently needed.

Although we may not fully understand the possible dangers of vaping, we do know all too well the negative effects of smoking and chewing tobacco. These more traditional nicotine delivery systems not only stain your teeth and leave you with bad breath; they also increase your risk for developing tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer. E-cigarettes also deliver nicotine, in addition to other chemicals, directly into a person’s mouth. So it’s not too far of a stretch to assume that vaping is not exactly a healthy habit. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and it is the nicotine that smokers and tobacco chewers crave. Since vaping is simply another form of nicotine delivery, if you’re trying to end your addiction to nicotine, e-cigarettes would not be the answer.

Until we know more about vaping, it might be a good idea to approach this recent craze with some caution. While there’s no doubt that vaping is different from smoking or chewing tobacco in the traditional way, the end results may very well be similar.

Most of us are aware that smoking is bad for your health. The frightening diseases linked to smoking include everything from lung cancer to heart disease and many more. But what you may not realize is that smoking is also bad for your oral health. Smoking tobacco not only stains your teeth and leaves you with bad breath; it also has other negative effects on your teeth and gums.

The American Dental Association reports that in addition to stained teeth and bad breath, smoking also diminishes your sense of taste after a period of time. Smoking also greatly increases your risk of tooth decay and developing gum disease. And as bad for your oral health as smoking tobacco is, chewing tobacco is even worse. Whether you smoke it or chew it, using tobacco increases your likelihood of developing oral cancer. Left untreated, oral cancer can easily spread and become deadly.

Now that we’ve given you the bad news about tobacco, it’s time for some good news: you can quit! The Center for Disease Control and Prevention lists five steps in the process of quitting tobacco. These include the following:

1. Set a date to quit. Rather than just thinking in vague terms, setting a date and marking it on your calendar makes the notion of quitting more concrete. It’s almost like making a contract with yourself.
2. Tell your dentist and/or your family doctor, as well as your family and friends, that you plan to quit. Getting the support of other people will make the process much easier.
3. Whenever you get the urge to smoke or chew tobacco, distract yourself with some other behavior until the urge passes. Some people find chewing gum to be helpful, but if you choose this distraction, be sure to choose sugarless gum.
4. Don’t be afraid to use one of the variety of medications available to help you quit tobacco. There are plenty of choices – both over-the-counter meds as well as prescriptions.
5. Mentally prepare yourself for possible relapses. The nicotine contained in smoking and chewing tobacco is highly addictive, so quitting may not be easy. If you falter and relapse briefly, simply vow to quit again right afterward. Accept that setback and obstacles are part of the quitting process.

Kicking the tobacco habit may be challenging, but the rewards are huge! Not only will you enjoy better oral and overall health, you’ll also enjoy the feeling of accomplishment in overcoming addiction. Not being controlled by an addictive substance will give you a feeling of freedom that will make every minute of the quitting process well worth the effort!

We all experience some form of mouth sore periodically throughout our lives. Most of these go away on their own in a relatively short period of time, but others should be evaluated and treated by your dentist. Understanding what type of mouth sore you have can help you decide whether to simply let it heal on its own, or call your dentist. To help you make that decision, we have compiled the following list of some of the most common – and some not-so-common – mouth sores.

• Cold sores or fever blisters: One of the most common forms of mouth sore is the cold sore or fever blister. They usually appear on or near the lips on the outside of the mouth, and look like small clusters of pink or red raised blisters. Cold sores are infected and extremely contagious. Although they usually form around the lips, they may also appear under the chin or the nose.
• Canker sores: Another fairly common type of mouth ailment is the canker sore. Most of the time they form inside the mouth on the inside of the cheek, on the tongue, around the gum line, or in the lip or throat area. Canker sores sometimes appear in clusters and are not contagious.
• Candidiasis or thrush: Candidiasis is a fungal infection that develops inside the mouth or throat and is caused by an overabundance of yeast. Thrush typically appears as white spots on the tongue or inside the mouth. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, and cracking of the skin tissue at the corners of the patient’s mouth (also referred to as “cheilosis”).
• Abscessed tooth: A bacterial infection that spreads to the nerve of a tooth can result in an abscess. An abscessed tooth can lead to symptoms that extend far beyond an extremely sore tooth and surrounding gum tissue, including sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks, a fever and swollen lymph nodes.
• Burning mouth: People with burning mouth syndrome often endure it for months or years on end. Symptoms include a painful burning sensation that affects the tongue, gums, palate, and inside of the cheeks and throat.
• Leukoplakia: If you notice a white or gray area on your tongue, on the floor of your mouth, or inside your cheek, you may be experiencing leukoplakia. Although somewhat unsightly and alarming looking, leukoplakia is usually not painful or contagious.
• Sialadenitis: This bacterial infection typically occurs inside the mouth and prevents the normal flow of saliva. Sialadenitis creates symptoms that include a tender and swollen salivary gland, as well as fever and chills if the infection spreads.

If you experience any type of mouth sore that doesn’t heal on its own within a few days, or one that is accompanied by other symptoms such as a fever, it’s important to contact your dentist right away. Most of the time, these conditions can be resolved relatively quickly with the proper medication.