Oral Health Topics

HALITOSIS
A majority of adults have experienced halitosis due to oral bacteria accumulating around the tongue surfaces. Today we recommend that patients use either a tongue brush or tongue scraper to brush the tongue surface and remove the bacteria. Furthermore, upon visiting our website at www.advanceddentalconcepts.net the oral mouthrinse product by Oxyfresh is also recommended to eliminate halitosis. The active ingredient in Oxyfresh is chlorine dioxide. It is also believed that halitosis is caused from certain foods that contain sulfur compounds. The Oxyfresh mouthrinse will neutralize these sulfur compounds.

GINGIVITIS
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums (oral tissue around the teeth), which is caused from plaque and bacteria accumulating around the teeth and gums. Gingivitis is reversible when treated by your dentist to remove the plaque, bacteria and calculus from the patient's teeth. Calculus is hard, mineralized plaque which has become calcified. It is believed that three out of four adults at age 35 and older have some degree of gingivitis. If gingivitis remains untreated, then it will develop into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. This is why it is so important to visit your dentist every six months (or as recommended by your dentist), to prevent any serious damage to your teeth and gums. Many kinds of bacteria live in your mouth. These germs collect on your teeth and gums and quickly form a sticky film called plaque. Plaque is the major cause of tooth decay and gum disease. Since plaque is always forming, it needs to be removed every day. Brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. Flossing breaks up plaque between your teeth and under your gums.

PERIODONTITIS
Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease which is irreversible. It involves damage to the surrounding bone and ligaments around the teeth. If periodontitis remains untreated, it will continue to further damage the bone and supporting tissue around the teeth. Your gum separates from the teeth and the bone level continues to deteriorate. In many cases, patients with periodontal disease sometimes need to see a gum specialist called a periodontist. If deep pockets are found and bone has been destroyed, then a periodontist may recommend periodontal surgery to help eliminate these deep periodontal pockets. Ask your dentist how frequent he or she recommends you to visit regarding your dental recall, oral health maintenance program. A proper program of brushing, flossing and regular professional cleaning will help fight plaque accumulation and gum disease, and will help you keep your teeth for a lifetime. Feel free to call Advanced Dental Concepts, P.C. at (630) 655-0724 and schedule your dental appointment today.