Showing posts with label preventing gum disease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label preventing gum disease. Show all posts

Thursday, March 24, 2011

How to Treat Periodontal Disease

All teeth and gum infections have a bacterial origin. The bacteria that is associated with gum disease, especially in the more advanced stages, is extremely toxic. This is very dangerous because the bacteria and toxins can enter your bloodstream, even when chewing your food in the presence of a gum infection. This bacterial infection can cause changes in your body chemistry that may create more serious health problems.

Recent studies show that not only alcohol, smoking and drug abuse are increasing the risk of premature birth, but now periodontal disease may be one of the threats. With new studies showing the relationship between gum disease and other diseases of the body, it’s time to take this issue seriously. In fact, some dentists say that gum disease needs to be treated with the same kind of intensity as heart disease, diabetes and other major ailments.

Anyone who suspects or knows they have gum disease should have a thorough examination and allow their dentist to develop a plan to eliminate or control it. Certain dentists, like Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky in Millburn, New Jersey, treat periodontal disease aggressively, using a holistic approach to treatment.

Dr. Gashinsky steers clear of antibiotics and surgery in most cases, and instead treats gum disease with herbal remedies and thorough deep cleanings. If this doesn’t solve the problem, this holistic dentist may give a locally delivered antibiotic to kill the bacteria specifically in the area of infection.

To get a check up or to receive compassionate and holistic care from a dentist in Millburn, New Jersey, visit www.drgdds.com. You can also follow Dr. G on twitter and become a friend on Facebook.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

How to Treat Gum Disease

A dentist can quickly assess whether a patient has gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. However, there are several symptoms that can raise a red flag for people, including:

• Bad breath that you can't get rid of
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth

Between 75 and 90 percent of Americans are affected by gum disease at one level or another. Many researchers say that the diet of Americans is the major cause of the increasing numbers of periodontal patients.

Periodontitis is often referred to as advanced Gingivitis. It is caused by bacterial plaque (germs on the teeth). This results in inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth, and can cause deep tooth and bone loss. With this in mind, it’s important to manage gum disease with brushing and flossing multiple times a day, along with regular cleanings of the gums.

Preliminary research into the affects of periodontal disease on the human body actually link the disease to an increase risk of heart attack, stroke, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and it has also been linked to pancreatic cancer.

In recent years, holistic dentists have treated gum disease, and then suggested that patients use natural supplements to assist in preventing or reducing the damage caused by gum disease. Research shows that certain nutrients will correct a vitamin deficiency in the body.

The following are supplements used to combat gum disease:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Coenzyme Q10
• Cranberry Juice
• Folic Acid
• Calcium

To find out more about how to prevent and treat gum disease, visit www.drgdds.com. Read about Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky (Dr. G), a holistic dentist in Millburn, New Jersey. You can also follow Dr. G on Twitter and Facebook.

Monday, July 26, 2010

What is Gum Disease?

If you find yourself asking “What is gum disease?” you’re not alone. Many people visit the dentist and hear the term, but don’t really know what it is, what the symptoms are, or the level of damage gum disease can do. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease happens when an infection of tissues and bone causes loose teeth, or in advanced stages, teeth to fall out. Often, gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque, which contains bacteria that produce toxins that in turn irritate or damage the gums.

Since plaque creates an invisible layer of germs that form on the teeth, it’s no wonder dentists recommend that their patients brush and floss several times a day. Add to this the fact that hundreds of types of bacteria are found in the mouth, and it's easy to see that gum disease can happen to anyone, and that there's a need for continual cleaning of the mouth.

Certain people actually inherit the tendency for gum disease so they must be pro-active in their efforts to prevent the disease. While smoking is one of the leading causes of gum diseases (and increases the likelihood of mouth cancer), there are additional factors that increase the potential for gum disease, including the types of snacks people eat. For example, fast food, candy and soda have a lot of sugar and starch. Both of these substances feed the acids that attack the enamel on teeth.

In addition, specific medicines and medical conditions such as diabetes and Down syndrome, increase the risk of gum disease. A poor diet, a lack of sleep and stress also add to the risk.

The following are some signs and symptoms of gum disease:

•    Gums that bleed during brushing and/or flossing. (A mild form of gum disease is called Gingivitis.)
•    The presence of calculus or tartar, which is plaque that has hardened over time
•    Teeth that are pulling away from the gums.
•    Gums that are discolored, swollen and tender
•    Continual bad breath
•    Loose teeth

It’s better to prevent gum disease than to deal with it in the early stages. Managing gum disease in the late stages is even harder but can be accomplished over time. The goal in this case is to counteract some of the damage, and to prevent gum disease from spreading to areas of the jawbone that support the teeth.

Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky DDS is a dentist in Millburn, New Jersey who works to prevent gum disease and to treat it at all levels. Visit www.drgdds.com, or follow Dr. G on Twitter.