You might have gum disease without even knowing it

Gum disease also known as periodontal disease – is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth and its a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

But its usually painless so you may not even know you have it.

Its caused by plaque a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums.

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. In this stage, the gums can become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, you can usually still reverse the disease by daily brushing and flossing.

The more advanced stage of gum disease is known as periodontitis. At this stage, the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged. The teeth may then become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.

Its therefore very important to look out for any signs of gum disease. These signs include:

– Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth

– Red, swollen or tender gums

– Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

– Bad breath that doesn’t go away

– Pus between your teeth and gums

– Loose teeth

– Change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

– Change in the fit of partial dentures

If you notice any of these signs, contact you dentist quickly and they'll help you take action to make improvements.

Why a dental abscess should be treated quickly

If you have any kind of swelling in your gum, it almost certainly indicates a serious infection that should be treated urgently.

Dental abscesses result from a bacterial infection in the teeth or gums.

For example, it may come from an untreated cavity. Cavities result when some of the bacteria in our mouths mix with sugars and starches in our diet to produce acid.

This acid attacks the hard enamel coating of our teeth and, as the cavity gets deeper, it eventually infects the nerve and blood supply of the tooth.

In some cases, a dental abscess is caused by an infection of the gum. Bone loss from gum disease can create a pocket between the tooth, gum and bone.

When bacteria and other debris get into this pocket, an abscess can form.

The treatment for an abscess depends on how severe the infection is.

If the abscess has been caused by decay, root canal treatment may be needed or the tooth may even have to be removed.

If the abscess has been caused by the gum, the gum will need deep cleaning or surgical treatment. Again the tooth may need to be removed.

Sometimes, a small incision may be made into the gum to drain the abscess. If this happens, antibiotics and pain medication may be used to relieve discomfort.

If you wait until the gum is severely swollen before seeking treatment, the situation can become very serious.

The abscess at this stage can prevent you breathing properly and can be life-threatening.

So if you have any signs of swelling in your gum, contact your dentist immediately.

Different types of fillings and restorations

Nowadays, thanks to advances in dental techniques and materials, patients have a much wider range of choices when they have to repair missing, worn, damaged or decayed teeth.

For example, materials such as ceramics and polymer compounds that look more like natural teeth help dentists create pleasing, natural-looking smiles.

The traditional materials such as gold, base metal alloys and dental amalgam are still widely used as they have many advantages.

The strength and durability of traditional dental materials continues to make them useful in many situations. For example, they are good when fillings are required in the back teeth because the pressure of chewing is high in that area.

The choice of the best option will depend on several factors such as the patient’s oral and general health, where and how the filling is placed and the number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth.

The choice about which option is best depends on each individuals needs so you should discuss the options with your dentist.

Is it safe to have an X-ray while pregnant?

Some women worry about whether its safe to have an X-ray exam while they are pregnant.

This can cause them to put off treatment they need.

However, untreated dental infections can pose a risk to the fetus, and dental treatment may be necessary to maintain the health of the mother and child. Sometimes this will mean an X-ray is necessary.

Radiation from dental X-rays is extremely low but every precaution is taken to minimize radiation exposure.

For example, a leaded apron reduces exposure to the abdomen and should be used when a dental radiograph is taken.

In addition, a leaded thyroid collar can protect the thyroid from radiation, and should be used whenever possible. The use of a leaded thyroid collar is strongly recommended for women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children.

Overall there is no reason to avoid dental radiographs (X-rays) while pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to become pregnant.

Follow your dentists advice and ask questions if you have any concerns.

Periodontal disease: what it is and how to avoid it

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth.

There is a very slight gap (called a sulcus) between the tooth and the gum.

Periodontal diseases attack this gap and cause a breakdown in the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues.

When the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket and, as the disease gets more severe, the pocket usually gets deeper.

The two major stages of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to periodontitis, which is a more serious, destructive form of periodontal disease.

There are several factors that have been shown to increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:
– Systemic diseases such as diabetes
– Some types of medication
– Crooked teeth
– Bridges that no longer fit properly
– Fillings that have become defective
– Smoking
– Pregnancy

And there are a number of warning signs that can suggest a possible problem:
– Gums that bleed easily
– Red, swollen, tender gums
– Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
– Persistent bad breath or taste
– Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
– Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
– Any change in the fit of partial dentures

However, its also possible to have periodontal disease with no warning signs.

Its therefore important to have regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations.

If you have developed periodontal disease, the treatment will depend on how far it has progressed.

You can take steps to prevent periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.

Good dental hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth, eating a healthy diet and having regular visits to the dentist will make a huge difference.

How to Have a Top-Notch Mouth This Spring

Do you want to have strong and healthy teeth and gums this spring? If so, our dentists, Dr. Christian Berdy and Dr. Cary Berdy are happy to help you reach that goal! The stronger and healthier your teeth and gums are, the better off your smile will be. Fortunately, there are many things you can do this spring to help you have the top-notch mouth you deserve. Those things are:

-Brush twice a day: When you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. It’s best to brush every morning and every night. If you can brush after lunch at work or at school, that can help your smile as well. Brushing can remove plaque, bacteria and food from the surfaces of your teeth to keep them healthy and strong.

-Floss once a day: When you floss, use a product that is easy to use. This can help you avoid forcing the floss into place and injuring the gums. Some products that are handy to use include waxed dental floss and a water flosser. Flossing can remove dangerous substances from between your teeth and help you prevent cavities and gum disease.

-Attend your dental checkups: If you’re due for a checkup this season, then it’s important to set a reminder for yourself so you don’t forget. Dental checkups are extremely important for your oral health. The treatments provided are the only way to remove tartar (hardened plaque, which is a toxic substance) from the smile.

Do you have any questions about how to have a healthy spring smile in Jacksonville, Florida? If so, please reach out to Berdy Dental Group and talk to a member of our dental team. All you need to do is dial (904) 647-2789 and we will be thrilled to help you!

Scaling and Planing 101

There are a lot of different things you can do to your teeth to help them stay in great shape. Brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use are the most effective things to do at home. Even then, you still need to have some professional procedures performed to keep your mouth in good shape.

One of those procedures is called scaling and planing. This is an activity performed when you visit any dentists. Let’s go through that process for a few moments.

What is it?
 

At its most basic, scaling and planing is simply the process of removing tartar from around your gum line. When you don’t get rid of plaque, it hardens and turns into tartar. This substance is essentially a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Tartar buildup is one of the most common causes of oral health problems that Dr. Christian Berdy and Dr. Cary Berdy see.

How does it work?
 

Scaling and planing are really simple. When you come into Berdy Dental Group in Jacksonville, Florida, our team will scale and plane your teeth before cleaning. All of the tartar around your gums will be scraped away, leaving you with a healthy, fresh smile

Why can’t I do it?
 

Tartar is a hard substance, and if you try to remove it at home, you could seriously injure your gums. On top of that, it takes a specialized training to effectively and safely remove tartar. We have a lot of experience doing this in a comfortable, relaxing way.

To learn more, or to make an appointment, call us today at (904) 647-2789.

Toothbrush Trivia

How often do you use your toothbrush? Hopefully it’s at least two times a day. You may have looked at it so many times, though, that you hardly even think about it anymore. They are an object that has been in your life, probably since you can remember. You may even think you know all there is about your toothbrush, but today we’d like to give you some fun trivia facts about them.

The toothbrush may be 5,000 years old. It may have been in different forms, but in some ancient civilizations, people used a “chew stick,” which was a thin twig with a frayed end, to help them remove food that was stuck in their teeth.

The first mass-produced toothbrush was created in prison. In 1770, William Addis was jailed for starting a riot when he observed the other prisoners cleaning their teeth with a rag covered in soot or salt. He saved an animal bone from dinner, got bristles from a guard, bored tiny holes, inserted the bristles and sealed them with glue. Upon his release, he refined his prototype and started a company.

There isn’t a set order for brushing and flossing. It may not really matter to your teeth which you do first, so long as you are doing it.

Your toothbrush’s lifespan may be three or four months. After that, your brush might not be able to do as great of a job at cleaning your teeth and it should be replaced.

If you would like to know more about dental hygiene and you live near Jacksonville, Florida, please call Berdy Dental Group today to schedule an appointment at (904) 647-2789. Drs. Christian and Cary Berdy, and our friendly team members, would be happy to help you have a bright and healthy smile.

What Is Plaque?

Do you get a substance built up along your gumline and teeth? Does it usually come off after brushing, flossing or if you gently scrape it? That substance could be a colorless, sticky film of bacteria and sugars known as plaque, which continually forms on your teeth.

Your mouth naturally has a lot of bacteria that can collect on your tongue, teeth and gumline. Plaque often begins at the gumline and is completely normal and even expected by our dentists. When the bacteria mixes with sugar, it can produce acids that, if not removed, can eat through the enamel on your teeth and a cavity might form.

Additionally, if plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth it could harden and become tartar, which is a calcified form of plaque. Once it has calcified, it can become much more difficult to remove, and you may need Drs. Christian and Cary Christian Berdy’s help.

How you can prevent plaque buildup

One of the easiest ways to prevent plaque buildup is by practicing proper dental hygiene. Our dentists recommend that you brush at least twice a day and floss once daily. Limiting your sugary and starchy foods can also help as it can reduce the bacteria’s food supply. Chewing a piece of sugar-free gum may be beneficial as it can increase your saliva production, which can clean your mouth naturally.

One of the best ways to care for your dental health and reducing plaque from your smile in Jacksonville, Florida, is to schedule an appointment at Berdy Dental Group by calling (904) 647-2789. We look forward to caring for your smile.

Tips For Maintaining Your Oral Appliances

We thought this would be the perfect opportunity to discuss some tips for maintaining your partial denture or orthodontic retainer.

1. Give them a break

Take your dentures out before going to bed so that mouth tissues can recover from wear during the day. Soak dentures or retainers in warm water if they have metal clasps. If they don’t, you can use either a vinegar and water solution or a special denture cleanser. This will help to remove stains, plaque, tartar and bacteria.

2. Handle with care.

Since oral appliances don’t come cheap and can break easily, you’ll want to be careful with them. Clean them over a folded towel or bowl of water in case they drop. Remember; always put them in plastic container when you are not wearing them!

3. Clean daily

Just because these aren’t your real teeth, that doesn’t mean they don’t need regular cleaning. If your dentures are plagued with plaque, it can lead to problems in the tissues underneath, such as infection and irritation. Brush your dentures with a regular soft-bristled brush—not the same one you use for your real teeth. You can use regular hand soap, mild dishwashing detergent, mildly abrasive toothpaste or dental paste for cleaning your dentures.

4. Maintain your oral health

Even if you have complete dentures, you still need to care for your gums. Whenever you take out your dentures, give your mouth a good rinse and then massage your gums with a washcloth or a soft toothbrush. If you have partial dentures, you still need to properly brush and floss your regular teeth every day.

5. See your dentist.

Remember to see your dentist at least once a year and your hygienist for your regularly scheduled cleanings. Dentists examine your oral tissues for changes and for sores that might become cancerous. We can also provide advice as to oral hygiene and denture care.

6. Watch for changes in fit.

If your dentures aren’t fitting properly or just don’t feel right, check with your dentist. The gums and bones in your mouth change over time, leading to an improper denture fit. Your dentist can adjust your dentures to protect against problems like sores, pain and burning that can come from ill-fitting dentures. Ill-fitting dentures can also be a sign of periodontal disease, so it’s important to get checked.