Grove's Blog

Grove's Blog

Posts for tag: Gum Disease

March 16, 2012
Category: Oral Health

You know the routine: brush twice a day, floss daily and visit your dentist regularly to keep teeth healthy and strong.  Most of us have had these oral health habits instilled in us since we were young, and now they’ve become a normal part of our daily routines.  Good dental hygiene is a vital part of protecting teeth from harmful plaque and gum disease, while maintaining your best looking smile.

Apart from good dental hygiene, your diet and physical well-being can also play a major role in the health of your teeth and gums.  Good nutrition and exercise can keep your body healthy and reduce or eliminate stress, which will help resolve issues with teeth grinding, gum disease and other dental problems.   When teeth and gums are healthy, your entire body benefits, and your efforts may even help ward off serious systemic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and stroke which have been linked to gum disease.

Healthy Foods, Healthy Mouth

Your food choices also have a big impact on the health of your smile.  Eat a well-balanced diet that is low in sugar, as sugary and starchy foods are the biggest culprits in cavities and decay.  Avoid overeating, which can cause indigestion and acid reflux that can damage teeth and gums.  Instead of drinking soda, which is highly acidic, replace it with water.  If cutting out junk food is hard, then be sure to rinse and brush your teeth whenever you’ve strayed from a healthy food choice. Store a toothbrush or floss at the office or in your car so you are always prepared.

Combine your healthy eating habits with regular exercise for good heart health, circulation and reduced stress.  All of these positive lifestyle habits will be reflected in your dental health.

Bottom line: It pays off to maintain a lifestyle of good nutrition and exercise. Your oral health and general health go hand in hand, and a combination of good oral hygiene, regular visits to your dentist, proper nutrition and an exercise regimen will be evident in the way your whole body looks and feels, including your smile!

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April 29, 2011
Category: Dental

An attractive, healthy smile is not determined solely by the appearance of your teeth. The health and appearance of your gums play a vital role in the overall appearance of your smile as well.  They frame your smile and provide a foundation for your teeth.  The effects of gum disease and other oral tissue defects, however, can result in unhealthy or poorly contoured gums and a less than ideal smile.

When gums recede—a common result of gum disease or even hereditary—the tooth root becomes exposed, which increases sensitivity and causes the tooth to look long. Long teeth are commonly associated with aging and poor hygiene.  Some people experience issues that involve the gums appearing unbalanced and prominent, causing the teeth to look too short.  This happens when the teeth are covered with excess gum tissue, resulting in a “gummy” smile.

Periodontists specialize in treating gum disease and cosmetic gum issues, such as gum recession or excessive tissue.  At Grove Dental, we have two in-house periodontists with advanced training in the treatment and prevention of gum disease, as well as smile-enhancing gum procedures.  Whether your gums are receding or too prominent, Grove Dental’s team of periodontists can provide safe and gentle treatment options for repairing tissue damage or defects at any stage of treatment to create a more natural, aesthetic smile.

Your gums are an important part of your smile. Don’t overlook the health and appearance of your gum tissue. A good oral health regimen is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy, but if issues arise, consult the expertise of a Grove Dental Periodontist.

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By bfarris
February 24, 2011
Category: Oral Health

Grove Dental is focusing on heart health this FebruaryPaying attention to your oral hygiene -- especially your gums - may play a bigger role in your overall health than you think. It may keep your heart healthy too.

February is American Heart Health Month and Grove Dental is taking steps to help raise heart health awareness for our patients.

Gum Disease Linked to Heart Health
Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation's number one killer. What many people don't know, however, is that taking care of our teeth and gums can help fight against this deadly disease.

Studies have found that people with periodontal (gum) disease are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease compared to those without gum disease. And according to the National Stroke Association, gum disease is responsible for the buildup of plaque which blocks blood flow to the arteries and causes 50% of the average 730,000 strokes per year in the United States. That means the same plaque that accumulates on your teeth is capable of causing serious heart complications.

Healthy Smiles Promote Healthy Hearts
With studies pointing to the link between cardiovascular disease and gum disease, taking care of your teeth and gums is more important than ever. Improve your dental hygiene, brushing and flossing daily, to promote healthy gums and teeth.

Regular check ups and cleanings are essential. At Grove Dental, our general dentists can examine your gums and provide preventative care to keep your gums healthy. We have two in-house periodontists with advanced training in the treatment and prevention of gum disease, should you need additional treatment.

In lieu of American Heart Health Month, do your part to increase heart health awareness and promote healthy teeth and gums for improved health that lasts a lifetime.

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October 06, 2010
Category: Dental
Tags: Oral Hygiene   Gingivitis   Gum Disease  

Grove Dental Periodontists can help you with your gum health"Don't forget to brush and floss your teeth!" If you've heard this once, you've heard it a thousand times. But this simple warning isn't just for your teeth. Your gums need included in on your daily oral health regimen as well.

Improve Gum Health & Save Your Teeth
Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? Every year, millions of people lose teeth as a result of gum disease, most often caused by poor oral hygiene. You can brush and whiten your teeth all you want, but if your gums aren't healthy, then the health of your teeth is probably deteriorating as well.

Healthy teeth depend on the health of your gums. The gum tissue protects the foundation of the teeth including the supporting bone. If unhealthy gum tissue is Left untreated, even the healthiest teeth can become loose and fall out.

Early Detection is Key
Gum disease may progress painlessly with few obvious warning signs. In fact, many people do not recognize the warning signs of gingivitis - the earliest stage of gum disease -- until it has progressed to periodontitis. Untreated, the inflammation can invade connective tissue and even bone. The earlier you detect warning signs of gum disease, the better chance you will have of reversing the damage and preventing tooth loss.

Common signs of gum disease include:

  • Gums that appear red or swollen
  • Gums that feel tender
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Gums that pull away from the teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Change in bite

The good news is that for most patients, gum disease is easy to prevent and even reverse in the early stages. Attention to everyday oral hygiene (brushing and flossing), coupled with professional exams and cleanings with a Grove Dental professional, could be all that's needed to avoid gum disease and keep your teeth for a lifetime. If you think you might have gum disease, Grove Dental has periodontists on staff who specialize in helping patients regain healthy gums.

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