Month: July 2013

We do! At the dental office of Dr. Larry Winans, gum disease is one of our top concerns – at every visit, for every patient. In fact, we’re going to devote the next few blogs to gum disease to help our patients learn how to recognize it and what to do about it.

What Is Gum Disease?

“Periodontal disease” is the technical name for gum disease, an infection of the tissues that support your teeth.

● Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. Your gums may be red and swollen, and may bleed easily when brushing or flossing. Even a little bleeding is NOT ok, and it’s a sign that you should visit our office in Lewisburg soon.

● Periodontitis is more advanced gum disease, developing when gingivitis goes untreated. Bacterial plaque on your teeth irritates your gums causing them to begin breaking down. This creates deeper and deeper pockets around your teeth, and can cause teeth to loosen or even fall out.

If you notice any sore, swollen, or bleeding gums, or loose teeth, come see us right away! We always make every effort to save your natural teeth. Sure, we can replace lost teeth with dental implants, or bridges and dentures, but wouldn’t you rather smile with your own teeth?

Healthy teeth and gums are important building blocks for good overall health and well-being as well. That’s why we take our time during comprehensive exams and checkups to look for any signs of periodontal disease. In our next blog, we’ll talk more about the links between gum disease and other serious health conditions. You might be surprised to learn how healthy gums and your general health are connected!

Protect your health…prevent periodontal disease!

According to the National Institutes of Health, smoking is the #1 risk factor for gum disease. In fact, using tobacco makes treatment more difficult. It’s never too late to quit!

If you’re due for a regular visit, or have any questions or concerns about your teeth and gums, why not give us a call at our Lewisburg dental office – 877-377-1952 – today?

Going on vacation? In addition to cameras, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes or boots, you probably have a small emergency first aid kit for minor scrapes, scratches, or headaches. But dental emergencies can happen anywhere, even if you’re nowhere near our dental office in Lewisburg.

In addition to bandages, gauze, and some antiseptic, add a small bottle of oil of cloves. (It’s not a bad idea to keep some around the house!) It can help relieve minor tooth pain if necessary. The Department of Health and Human Services has some tips for dental first aid:

Broken or knocked out tooth – Find the tooth or tooth pieces as soon as possible and gently rinse them to remove debris. If there’s bleeding, rinse the area with warm water and apply pressure with gauze. Apply a cold compress to the cheek or jaw if there’s swelling.

If a knocked out tooth can be re-inserted, gently attempt to put it back into place. This can be the best method of saving the tooth. If it can not be reinserted, place the tooth in a glass of milk and get to a dentist quickly.

Toothache or abscess – Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to remove any food debris. Do NOT place aspirin at the site of the pain; it can burn the gum tissue. If there is any swelling, place a cold compress on the side of the cheek.

Bleeding from a cut or lost tooth – A cut lip, tongue, or cheek, or even a lost baby tooth can cause bleeding. Gently clean the area with a clean wet cloth and apply pressure for about 15 minutes. You can also apply ice or a cold compress to the area. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes, get to dentist or doctor as soon a possible.
Accidents can happen anywhere. A few precautions and a little preparedness will help you get back to your vacation fun as soon as possible. When you return, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment at our dental office in Lewisburg to have the tooth or cut examined. If necessary, we will restore your tooth with bonding, a crown, or any of the restorative or aesthetic dental service we provide at Lawrence J. Winans, DMD.