Biology 101 taught us that accumulated bacteria could lead to an infection. Plus, it’s pretty obvious when it occurs. We all see a cut or skinned area become red with slight swelling as the body recruits white blood cells to the rescue. These cells are our body’s defense mechanism to… Read More…

For those who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), managing a thorough oral hygiene routine at home can be challenging. But, for RA patients, it’s especially important. Research has found that RA sufferers are more likely to have periodontal (gum) disease, which is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Symptoms… Read More…

Diabetics face a number of challenges every day, along with greater health risks. People with diabetes are aware that the disease can damage the kidneys, eyes, heart and nerves. Yet, many do not know they have a  higher risk for periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is an infection that attacks… Read More…

Mouthwash is a common component of many oral hygiene routines at home. For many patients, we recommend certain mouthwashes for their ability to kill oral bacteria, add fluoride, and treat particular mouth sores. Too, some mouthwashes are advised following extraction of teeth to curtail bacteria in areas where brushing must… Read More…

As a dentist, I’ve heard every reason in the book why people don’t floss. And, for every reason, there is an even better one why they should! Flossing removes food particles that become wedged between teeth. It also helps remove the sticky buildup of bacteria that forms plaque. Keeping oral… Read More…

While your six-month cleanings and exams remove plaque and tartar, many people fail to have an effective routine at home. When a thorough regimen of oral hygiene at home twice daily is not followed, the potential to develop early stage gum disease increases greatly. This can result in symptoms of… Read More…

Maintaining a clean, healthy mouth should be a top priority for American adults. Yet, it is often taken lightly until something hurts. To illustrate the domino effect of bacteria buildup in the mouth, follow its typical path below: • Failure to brush and floss on a regular basis allows bacteria… Read More…

When someone has bad breath, it can hit you like a boxing glove. Unfortunately, it can also make a lasting impression, and not a good one! In addition to cavities and gum disease, bad breath, also known as halitosis, is among the top three reasons people go to the dentist…. Read More…

Because the initial symptoms of periodontal (gum) disease are silent, the early stages of the disease can be perplexing since patients don’t feel anything is wrong. However, like most diseases that form in our bodies, we don’t feel or see anything when they first begin. This allows the disease to… Read More…

Bacteria in your mouth from poor oral hygiene is far more destructive than the cause of bad breath and cavities. According to researchers, the bacteria found in gum disease has been linked to brain tissue degeneration. Research has already found links between oral bacteria and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis,… Read More…