Good Bone. Why is it so Important to My Mouth?

You have a lovely smile, your teeth are straight and perfectly shaped. You are good – right? “Maybe,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Cosmetic Dental Practice, “but straight and nicely shaped teeth are only part of the picture.”

Your teeth are supported by gum tissue and bone, and it’s those two things that will determine whether you will keep your smile long-term.

Periodontal disease affects somewhere between 80-90% of the adult population. The disease is caused by bacteria that settles in the pockets surrounding the teeth. The bacteria damages the bone if it is left too long undisturbed. “That is why we work to make sure you are seen on a regular basis by your dentist,” adds Dr. Ko.  “Once the disease process has begun, only a visit to your hygienist can maintain your health.”

The bacteria that enters the pockets also eats away at the bone that supports your teeth. This bone will eventually erode and the teeth will become unstable, loose and eventually fall out.

“Keeping a healthy bone level for life is important, that’s why when an extraction of a tooth is done, it’s best for bone to be placed in the socket site,” says Dr. Ko, voted one of Hemet’s Best Dentists by the Inland Empire Magazine and her patients. “Whether you decide to replace the tooth with an implant or not, keeping bone levels high will help you maintain a healthier smile longer.”

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Ko today to get an evaluation of your bone, tissue and tooth health.

Should I Treat My Gum Disease?

Gum disease, left untreated can not only be painful and cause you to lose your teeth, it’s also not good for your overall health.

Periodontal disease or gum disease occurs when bacteria collects in the mouth in pockets that surround the teeth. This bacterium can be kept in check by brushing and flossing when the mouth and body is healthy.

Periodontal disease has been found to be connected to systemic issues such as low birth weight babies, pancreatic cancer, respiratory problems and diabetes to name a few. Patients with periodontal disease also often report a sluggishness that disappears once the bacteria has been removed.

“We are dealing with an infection,” Dr. Judith Ko says from her Hemet,California dental practice. “This infection can cause redness, inflammation, bleeding, soreness, swelling and pain when untreated.”

There are other reasons you may want to consider treating your gum disease:

1.     The bacteria causes persistent bad breath.

2.     The bacteria eat away at bone causing tooth loss.

3.     The bacteria form deep pockets between the gum and teeth that causes bleeding during normal brushing and flossing.

4.     Teeth will shift as bone level recedes.

5.     Gum tissue will recede as bone level recedes.

6.     Teeth will move and shift.

7.     The biting function of your teeth may change.

So don’t delay. Get evaluated for the disease and begin the process of returning to health!

Gums – Frames for Your Teeth!

Your gums are the frames for your teeth and keeping them happy and healthy is a sure way to keep your smile bright.

“The first thing to keep in mind about gum health is seeing your dentist on a regular basis,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet CaliforniaGeneral and Cosmetic Dental Practice. “Your dentist makes the decision of frequency based on many factors including decay activity, bone loss, calculus and buildup of plaque. Your dental insurance benefit plan is looking at the general population, not you as an individual.” So if your dentist is recommending you come in more frequently, you’ll be better off taking their advice.

To keep gums and teeth happy brushing and flossing is a must. As is using the right brush. “It doesn’t matter whether you use a manual brush or electric brush,” adds Dr. Ko, “as long as the bristles are soft and the ends of the bristles rounded.” Use a gentle circular motion when brushing to remove debris and never a back and forth motion as you are more likely to damage tissue and remove enamel.

Finally, remember the floss. Flossing plays a major role in gum health. Find the right floss that works for you. Then gently work the floss between teeth, moving it up and down around the surfaces of each tooth.

Keeping your gums healthy this year will result in a beautiful smile that will last you a lifetime.

Are YOU spreading Gum Disease?

 Is periodontal disease contagious? Can it be passed on from one person to another like the flu? Can you get periodontal disease by kissing someone who has it? Can your children inherit periodontal disease? The answer to all these questions is YES.

Studies show that periodontal disease has a genetic component, it is recommended that if one family member has periodontal disease, all family members see a dental care professional for a periodontal screening. Parents need to know that periodontal disease is not just an adult health problem and that children also can be affected.

 Periodontal bacteria can be transferred through saliva. If you or your partner are diagnosed as having periodontal disease, you need to be aware that intimate contact through saliva could result in periodontal disease transmission.

Here are some things you can do to prevent periodontal diseases and or maintain periodontal health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste)
• Floss every day
• Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning
• Eat a well balanced diet
• Don't use tobacco products

Schedule a periodontal exam today with Dr. Ko!