Don’t Let Periodontal Disease Happen to You

If you have sore, red and bleeding gums it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine how far along your gum disease has progressed.

According to theAmerican Dental Association, bleeding gums is a sure sign of gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease. If left untreated your gum disease can cause chronic halitosis or loose teeth. Your gum disease can even cause your teeth to fall out.

Gingivitis

The mildest type of gum disease, gingivitis will make your gums swollen and red. If you have gingivitis, your gums will also bleed. During this stage of gum disease, there is very little if any discomfort. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits and is reversible.

If you have any signs of gingivitis, it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with your dentist and follow up with adequate oral health care at home.

Other factors that could contribute to gingivitis include: 

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Poor nutrition
• Aging
• Systemic diseases
• Systemic conditions
• Genetic predisposition
• Pregnancy
• Hormonal fluctuations
• HIV
• Substance abuse
• Certain types of medication 

Periodontal Disease

Also referred to as Periodontitis, periodontal disease is a condition that advances from gingivitis. Over time, the plaque will spread below your gum line irritating your gums. The toxins that are produced by the plaque and bacteria will cause your body to turn on itself. The bone and tissue that supports your teeth will break down and eventually become destroyed. Periodontal disease also causes deep pockets to form between your teeth and gums. If left untreated your teeth will become loose and eventually fall out. You may or may not experience any pain with periodontal disease.

If you have bleeding gums, it is imperative that you schedule an appointment with your dentist who can start a treatment plan to help you and your mouth get healthy again.

Don’t let gum disease destroy your smile. Call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Tips for Tartar Control

Everyone knows how important it is to brush and floss your teeth. Your dentist also recommends that you use a good mouth rinse to help prevent plaque and tartar, but do you really know why? Do you even know what tartar is or how it gets on your teeth in the first place?

So what is Tartar?

Even if you take great care of your teeth, you will still have both good and bad bacteria in your mouth. That bacteria mixes with food byproducts and proteins forming plaque. The sticky film will coat your teeth, especially on the hard to brush areas on your back teeth. Plaque can stick to your fillings, restorations and will sit below your gum line.

According to the American Dental Association, every time you eat something, the bacteria on your teeth will create acid damaging the enamel on your teeth leading to tooth decay. Brushing and rinsing after you eat can remove the plaque buildup preventing cavities.

Your dentist explains that tartar can harden in just over a day, and once it appears your dentist or dental hygienist are the only ones who can get rid of it.

What does it do to your Teeth and Gums?

If you have tartar, you will find it more difficult to brush and floss your teeth. If you have a hard time brushing because of tartar, you are more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.

Tartar that has formed above or below your gum line could be extremely detrimental because it can irritate and damage your gums. Over a period of time, this could cause gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease.

Tartar Prevention

• Brush your teeth twice each day for two to three minutes as one minute of scrubbing will not remove plaque or prevent dangerous tartar. 
• Use a small soft bristled brush that is the right size for your mouth and don’t forget to brush your rear molars and the surfaces behind your teeth. 
• Try an electronic toothbrush that is recommended by the American Dental Association as recent studies have discovered that a powered toothbrush may get rid of plaque better than a manual toothbrush. 
• Use a toothpaste that has tartar control and fluoride as it will help prevent dangerous plaque from turning into tartar. In addition, fluoride can help repair any enamel damage that you may have. 
• Regardless of how good you are at brushing, it is imperative that you floss, as dental floss really is the best and only way to remove all of the plaque and bacteria in between your teeth. 
• Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash everyday, as it will kill the bacterium that causes plaque. Eat a healthy diet and avoid starchy and sugary foods.

 
Seeing your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning is also vital if you want to keep your teeth healthy. If you do have tartar, your dentist, or dental hygienist will be able to nip the problem in the bud.

Don’t let tartar get out of control. Call andschedule a checkup with your dentist today. 

A New Smile with Full Mouth Reconstruction

If you are unhappy with your smile because you are missing a tooth, have crooked teeth or an annoying gap that you would like to get rid of, call and schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist who can determine what cosmetic dental procedures would be best for your particular needs.

Your smile says a lot about you and if you would rather not show yours off, a good cosmetic dentist can help.

Some of the cosmetic dental procedures that your dentist may recommend include dental implants, cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, invisible braces or tooth whitening. In some cases, a full mouth reconstruction may be needed to give you the toothy grin that you have always dreamed of having.

A full mouth reconstruction usually involved restorative and general dentistry with dental procedures such as bridges, crowns, or veneers. A full mouth reconstruction can also include the involvement of dental specialists such as oral surgeons, periodontists, or orthodontists. Once the restorative dentistry has been taken care of, your dentist may recommend cosmetic dental procedures as well.

Your dentist may decide on a full mouth reconstruction if you have lost teeth from trauma or decay, or if you have teeth that have been fractured or injured. If your teeth are severely worn from tooth grinding or acid erosion, or if you have headaches, jaw or muscle aches you may need a full mouth reconstruction.

The condition of your teeth will determine just what restorative dental procedures may be needed. For example, if you have cracks, teeth that are too short or long, or old fillings, your dentist may decide to fit you with full coverage crowns, or porcelain veneers.

If you do not have healthy gums, you will most likely need a scaling and root planing treatment before any other work continues. Severe periodontal disease may require bone or soft tissue grafts in order to build up your jawbone and gums.

You really can have the smile you deserve. All you have to do is call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. You really have nothing to lose. Call or click today.

Tooth Whitening Doesn’t Always Work

If you are tired of spending hundreds of dollars on tooth whitening products you may want to consider porcelain veneers. Dentists explain that some patients spend countless hours and cash on tooth whitening products that will never work because they will not whiten previously restored teeth. Even professional tooth whitening will not work on interior stains although some have had success with in office tooth whitening, which could reduce the interior stains.

Tooth whitening products are fine on natural teeth when used according to the instructions, however if you have dental veneers, cosmetic bonding or any other material other than your own natural enamel, no amount of tooth whitening product will lighten your teeth.

Your dentist explains that porcelain veneers or dental bonding could be the answer. These days resin materials are much stronger and look just as natural as your own teeth. However, be aware that dental bonding is not as sturdy as porcelain and needs to be taken care of with regular brushing and flossing. Make sure you see your dentist regularly as bonding can chip.

During your appointment for dental bonding, your dentist will make sure that you are free from tooth decay and gum disease as your mouth must be healthy before any type of cosmetic dental procedure can proceed.

If you have the all clear, your dentist will choose a color from the shade guide that best matches your natural teeth. Once chosen, your tooth or teeth will be etched with a special solution that helps the bonding material adhere to the tooth or teeth. Your dentist will then sculpt the resin into the desired shaped before curing with a light or laser. After the area has hardened your dentist, will shave and polish the tooth or teeth to match the rest of your smile.

Of course, if you want a more permanent solution, talk to your dentist about porcelain veneers, which are stronger and more stain resistant.

Whitening, porcelain veneers, and dental bonding are just three of the solutions for a less than perfect smile. Call your dentist who can also examine your mouth to see if you are suitable for braces, Invisalign, or a full mouth reconstruction. Call or click and schedule a cosmetic dentistry appointment with your dentist today.  

Do You Have TMD?

The joint or hinge connecting the jaw to the bones on your skull, known as the temporal bones, are located in front of your ears and allow you to move your jaw from side to side and up and down. Known as TMJ, these joints also allow you to yawn, chew, and talk.

WebMD explains that TMD or temporomandibular disorders, sometimes wrongly referred to as TMJ, which is an abbreviation of the joint, can be painful and although there is no known cause of TMD doctors and dentists believe that TMD could be caused by joint problems or problems with your jaw muscles.

Other causes of TMD include: 

• Tooth clenching or grinding
• Arthritis in your jaw
• Stress causing your jaw and facial muscles to tighten
• Abnormal movement between the disc or soft cushion and the ball socket of the TMJ
• A blow to the TMJ, the jaw or the head or neck muscles
• Whiplash 

TMD symptoms can cause you severe discomfort and pain. Some TMD symptoms can last for years or be temporary. TMD could affect both or only one side of the face. According to your dentist, TMD affects more women aged between 20 and 40.

Some of the more common symptoms include, but are not limited to: 

• Face or neck and shoulders pain or tenderness
• Pain or tenderness in the TMJ
• Problems opening your mouth
• Jaws that locks or get stuck when closed or open
• Popping, clicking, or grating in the TMJ when you chew or open and close your mouth
• Feeling tired in your face
• Problems chewing
• Problems with your teeth not fitting together
• Facial swelling
• Toothaches,
• Neck aches
• Dizziness
• Earaches and hearing problems
• Tinnitus or ringing in your ears
• Pain in your upper shoulders 

TMD can be difficult to diagnose as other problems, such as sinus issues, gum disease, arthritis or tooth decay could be to blame. To find out the root cause, your dentist will give your teeth and gums a thorough examination and enquire about your health history. Your dentist will also check your TMJ for tenderness or pain while listening for any grating, popping or clicking sounds upon movement. Your dentist will also take x-rays and digital photos to rule out any tooth problems.

If you are diagnosed with TMD, your dentist may recommend: 

• Pain modification with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Moist heat
• Relaxation techniques such as biofeedback or meditation for stress
• A custom-made mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding while sleeping
• Tooth alignment correction such as orthodontic treatment 

If you believe that you may be suffering from TMD, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are having problems with your temporomandibular joints. Call or click today. 

Are Your Teeth and Gums Putting you at Risk?

Your mouth truly is the gateway to the rest of your body, and if you suffer from gum disease or tooth decay, it is not just your teeth and gums that you have to worry about.

The Mayo Clinic explains that there truly is a connection when it comes to oral health and a healthy body and if you want to avoid systemic disease or even congestive heart failure, it is imperative that you brush twice and floss once each day. Good oral health habits also include following a good diet that is full of fruits and veggies. You also want to make sure that you schedule regular dental appointments to avoid any problems that may occur.

Your mouth, just like the rest of your body is loaded with bacteria. That bacterium is usually healthy unless you suffer from gum disease or tooth decay. Gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontal disease causes swelling and bleeding opening up your body to dangerous levels of bacteria.

Recent research has indicated that periodontal disease is linked to several other diseases. Most scientists have known that bacteria was the main factor when it came to linking disease and periodontal disease, but what it all comes down to is inflammation. If you want to manage the inflammation caused by gum disease, it is imperative that you see your dentist who can treat your gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Several studies show that heart disease and periodontal disease are linked and although the relationship between cause and effect hasn’t entirely been proven, that research indicates that periodontal disease can increase your risk of heart disease. Scientists believe inflammation is the cause and could be the reason for the periodontal and heart disease relationship. If you have periodontitis, you may also exacerbate any existing heart conditions that you may have.

If you would like more information regarding the link between oral and overall health, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

A New Smile in a Day with CEREC®

Thanks to the marvels of modern cosmetic and restorative dentistry, you can have a brand new smile in as little as a single dental appointment with CEREC®

CEREC® is a remarkable dental restoration procedure that uses computerized dentistry to give you the smile that you have always wanted.

Not all dentists are qualified or have the equipment to provide you with a CEREC® smile, but Orange County cosmetic and restorative dentist Dr. Peter Hagen is and does.

Dr. Peter Hagen is an advanced CEREC® trainer with state of the art CEREC or CAD-CAM facilities in Fountain Valley. Dr. Hagen and his associates are experts in the CEREC® field and can provide you with metal free fillings, crowns, inlays, onlays, dental veneers and even dental implants.

With CEREC® you can replace your silver amalgam fillings or an old dental crown, and best of all, it can all be completed in a single dental appointment.

CEREC® is the modern way to turn your frown upside down. With CEREC® you no longer have to deal with messy dental impressions that are very uncomfortable. CEREC®

Available since 1985, CEREC® has revolutionized the dentistry world helping millions of people all over the world regain their confidence.

CEREC® or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics utilizes CAD-CAM dentistry to transform a less than appealing smile. CEREC® Crowns and other types of CEREC® restorations are made with a computer and thanks to the state of the art facilities at Hagen Dental in Fountain Valley, your new CEREC® restorations are designed on site at the dental office.

Because Dr. Hagen is considered a master ceramist and a CEREC® expert, you can be assured that your new dental restorations will look and feel beautiful. CEREC® is durable and the perfect alternative to conventional dental restorations. Dr. Hagen and his team can match your natural teeth to your new restorations giving you a beautiful and natural looking smile.

If you would like more information regarding CEREC®, or any other type of cosmetic or restorative dentistry, including invisible braces with Invisalign, call and schedule an appointment with the CEREC® from Dr. Peter Hagen’s Dental office today.