* Help for your teeth and gums *

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Bacteria in your mouth form a sticky film (plaque) on teeth and gums. If not removed, this hardens into a crust (tarter). The bacteria in plaque and tater can cause an infection called periodontal disease. This can lead to pain, gum damage, bone loss, and even tooth loss. Scaling and root planing is a special type of cleaning done by a general dentist, dental hygienist, or periodontist. This cleaning removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gums. This restores health to your gums and teeth.

YOUR EVALUATION

Your dentist looks at your gums for color changes, bleeding, swelling, and recession. Your teeth are checked for looseness and sensitivity. Full month x-rays show if a medical condition, like diabetes, is contributing to your periodontal disease.

PERIODONTAL PROBING

Periodontal probing helps measures how advanced your disease is. During probing, a tool (probe) measures the death of space (called the pocket) between the tooth and the surrounding gum. The deeper the pocket, the more severe the problem.

THE PROCEDURE

Scaling and root planning removes plaque and tartar from below your gum line. This controls the growth of harmful bacteria. It also helps gums reattached firmly to the teeth. Because this procedure goes deeper than a regular cleaning, your mouth may be numbered. The cleaning may take 1 to 4 or more visits to complete.

AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE

Your mouth may feel sore and tender after treatment. Keep brushing and flossing teeth after each meal. Your dentist may tell you to rinse with warm saltwater every few hours. Pain medication may be suggested if you need it. Ask your dentist if you should use an antibacterial rinse.

Please call our office today to set up your evaluation @ 352-371-9831 or visit our website http://www.loycejonesdental.com/.

What Can I Do to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity?

Some steps you can take to prevent tooth sensitivity include:

• Maintain good oral hygiene. Continue to follow proper brushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth.
• Use a soft bristled toothbrush. This will result in less toothbrush abrasion to the tooth surface and less irritation to your gums. Brush gently and carefully around the gum line so you do not remove more gum tissue.
• Use desensitizing toothpaste. There are several brands of toothpaste available for sensitive teeth. With regular use you should notice a decrease in sensitivity. You may need to try several different brands to find the product that works best for you. Another tip. spread a thin layer of the toothpaste on the exposed tooth roots with your finger or a Q-tip before you go to bed. Do not use a tartar control toothpaste; rather, use a fluoridated toothpaste.
• Watch what you eat. Frequent consumption of highly acid foods can gradually dissolve tooth enamel and lead to dentin exposure. They may also aggravate the sensitivity and start the pain reaction.
• Use fluoridated dental products. Daily use of a fluoridated mouth rinse can decrease sensitivity. Ask your dentist about available products for home use.
• Avoid teeth grinding. If you grind or clench your teeth, use a mouth guard at night.
• See your dentist at regular intervals. Get professional tooth cleaning, oral hygiene instructions, and fluoride treatments every six months (or sooner depending on your condition).
• If you still have discomfort, talk to your dentist. There may be some dental procedures that may help reduce sensitivity, including the use of:
  
  • White fillings (bonding) to cover exposed root surfaces
  • Fluoride varnishes applied to the exposed root surface
  • Dentin sealers applied to the exposed root surface

If you would like to make appointment with Dr. Loyce Jones, please contact our office.
http:www.loycejonesdental.com

Reference: WebMD.com

Sensitive Teeth

There are many factors that may lead to sensitive teeth

·   Brushing too hard. Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and cause the dentin to be exposed. It can also cause recession of the gums (the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth).

• Tooth decay near the gum line.
• Recession of the gums. As gums move away from a tooth due to conditions such as periodontal disease, the root surface becomes exposed.
• Gum disease (gingivitis). Inflamed and sore gum tissue may cause sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments, which exposes the root surface that leads directly to the nerve of the tooth.
• Cracked teeth. Chipped or broken teeth may fill with bacteria from plaque and enter the pulp causing Inflammation.
• Teeth grinding. Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose underlying dentin.
• Tooth whitening products or toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide. These products are major contributors to sensitive teeth.
• Your age. Tooth sensitivity is highest between the ages of 25 and 30.

·   Plaque build-up. The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.

·   Mouthwash use. Long-term use of some mouthwashes. Some over-the-counter mouthwashes contain acids that can worsen tooth sensitivity if you have exposed dentin (the middle layer of the tooth). The acids further damage the dentin layer of the tooth. If you have dentin sensitivity, ask your dentist about the use of a neutral fluoride solution.

·   Acidic foods. Regular consumption of foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can cause enamel erosion.

·   Recent routine dental procedures. Sensitivity can occur following teeth cleaning, root planing, crown placement, and tooth restoration. Sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary, usually disappearing in four to six weeks.

Reference: WebMD.com

If you would like to make appointment with Dr. Loyce Jones, please contact our office.
http:www.loycejonesdental.com

Bread of The Mighty!

Each year we chose a community service to be part of. We have choosen the Bread of the Mighty Food Bank. They have been part of our community for 25 years and serve Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, & Levy counties.

We would love to be able to get our patients and friends involved.

We ask if you have a dental appointment or happen to be in the neighborhood to drop off items from can goods to personal hygiene items (shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.).

We will be collecting food for all of 2012.

We started this in November of 2011 and so far with your help we have donated 238 pounds of food! We are so thankful to everyone that has helped us.

To learn more about the Bread of the Might Food Bank go to
http://www.breadofthemighty.org/index.html