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healthy gums

Why You Should Consider Having Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Why You Should Consider Having Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Are you or someone you know facing the decision of whether to remove your wisdom teeth? Here are some key reasons why getting your third molars (wisdom teeth) removed might be the best choice for your oral health:
 
– Prevent Crowding and Alignment Issues: Wisdom teeth can push against your other teeth as they emerge, causing crowding and shifting that can undo years of orthodontic work.
– Reduce Risk of Infection and Decay: Partially erupted wisdom teeth are prone to infection and decay because they are hard to clean. Removing them reduces the risk of painful and recurring infections.
– Avoid Cysts and Tumors: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts and, in rare cases, tumors, which can damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
– Alleviate Pain and Discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause significant pain, swelling, and discomfort in the jaw, gums, and surrounding areas. Removal can provide relief and prevent these issues.
– Prevent Damage to Adjacent Teeth: The pressure from emerging wisdom teeth can damage adjacent molars, leading to cavities, root resorption, and even tooth loss.
– Promote Better Oral Hygiene: Removing wisdom teeth makes it easier to maintain oral hygiene since there are fewer hard-to-reach areas where food and bacteria can get trapped.
– Prevent Future Problems: Many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth before they cause problems. Early removal can lead to a smoother recovery and fewer complications.
 
Discuss with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine the best plan for your wisdom teeth. Proactive care can save you from future pain and extensive dental procedures. Your oral health is worth it!

Gum Disease: Insidious and Often Silent

From Perio.org

“Nearly one out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. The early stages of periodontal disease are often asymptomatic; many adults may have the disease and not know it.

“Periodontal disease is insidious,” warns Nancy L. Newhouse, DDS, MS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and a practicing periodontist in Independence, Missouri. “Many people don’t even know they have a problem until it turns into a severe case. Just because your teeth and gums don’t hurt, doesn’t mean your mouth is healthy.”

Over time, inflammation as a result of periodontal disease causes the gums and bones surrounding the teeth to recede….

Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
• Bleeding gums during brushing
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• Loose or separating teeth
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite:

Combat periodontal disease with routine brushing and flossing, regular dental hygiene visits (frequency recommended by your dental professional) and a yearly comprehensive periodontal examination.

#brittenperio #clearwaterperiodontist

Do You know Your Numbers?

When you have periodontal disease, space begins to form between your teeth and the gum tissue that surrounds them. This space is called a periodontal pocket. The deeper the pocket, the greater the risk of tooth loss.
 
Your dentist or dental hygienist will perform a full periodontal charting at your visit to check for pocketing, infection (bleeding or pus), gum recession, & bone loss or defects in the bone. #brittenperio #clearwaterperiodontist

How Periodontal Disease Can Progress

Bacteria in our mouths are constantly creating plaque. If bacterial plaque on the teeth isn’t removed, the gums can become infected and inflamed.
 
– Plaque builds up and gum tissue becomes infected. Redness, tenderness, swelling and bleeding may occur, but are not always present.
 
-Pockets deepen between teeth and gums. Gums pull away from the teeth while bacteria begin to damage supporting structures.
 
-Infection spreads around teeth. Bones, gums, and connective tissue can be permanently damaged, and teeth may need to be removed.
If you think that you may be suffering from early, moderate or severe periodontal disease, contact your dental professional ASAP!

Netflix and… Floss?

We encourage our patients to find ways to incorporate taking care of your teeth into your day, however you can! Even while watching Netflix, if that is what works for you!

“Interdental cleansing (cleaning between the teeth) is necessary for … optimal oral health. Since most toothbrushes have limited access to proximal (in between) surfaces of teeth… interdental cleansing must be included in dental hygiene care plans. Interdental spaces are areas where bacteria can accumulate, multiply and remain undisturbed.
Undisturbed plaque biofilm can cause gingival inflammation and bleeding and increase the risk for and progression of periodontal disease.” Source: “Interdental Cleansing” by Jacquelyn L. Fried, RDH, MS
Actually, cleaning between your teeth with floss, proxabrushes, softpicks, rubber tip stimulators and watching Netflix at the same time is just fine with us. Dr. Britten and his hygiene team encourage patients to find ways to incorporate taking care of your teeth into your day, however you can!

Homecare Products We Love & Quick Links to Buy!

Dental Floss:

Tight spaces/Good for those spaces that other floss shreds easily https://www.listerine.com/toothpaste-floss/listerine-ultraclean-floss

A great, thin, unwaxed floss, POH dental floss: https://buypoh.com/oral-hygiene/

GUM expanding floss: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gum+expanding+floss

INTERDENTAL BRUSHES AND SOFTPICKS

SOFTPICKS (Original, Advanced, or Wider Spaces):  https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning.html

GUM Brand PROXABRUSHES (most common sizes Tight (414), moderate (612) tapered wide (614) or extra wide (618):  https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/interdental-brushes.html

TEPE proxabrushes (9 different sizes available!):  https://www.tepeusa.com/collections/tepe-interdental-brushes-original

GUM Brand rubbertip stimulator:  https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-stimulator.html

Oral B end tufted brush:  https://www.safcodental.com/catalog/preventives/end-tuft-toothbrushes/oral-b-end-tufted-toothbrush

TEPE compact end tufted brush:  https://www.tepeusa.com/products/tepe-compact-tuft

GUM brand tongue scraper:  https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-dual-action-tongue-cleaner.html

Proxysoft Bridge & Implant Floss:  https://proxysoft.com/product/proxysoft-bridge-implant-cleaners/

TEPE Universal Care Brush:  https://www.tepeusa.com/products/tepe-universal-care

Thinner floss with threader attached for tight spaces:  https://www.gumbrand.com/gum-easythread-floss.html

GUM Brand PROXABRUSHES (most common sizes Tight (414), moderate (612) tapered wide (614) or extra wide (618):  https://www.gumbrand.com/between-teeth-cleaning/interdental-brushes.html

TEPE proxabrushes (9 different sizes available!):  https://www.tepeusa.com/collections/tepe-interdental-brushes-original

What you Need to Know About Periodontal Flap Surgery

When you have periodontal disease, the supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, forming “pockets” around the teeth. Over time, these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space for bacteria to live. Traditionally, gum disease is treated by eliminating these gum pockets and creating a clean environment around the tooth so that the tooth or teeth can be retained rather than lost. The infected gum tissue is trimmed away and uneven bone tissue re¬contoured. Periodontal flap surgical therapy remains one of the most effective ways of treating gum disease.

For more information on the surgical procedures performed in our office, visit our website at:

Surgical Procedures

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What does it mean to have healthy gums

The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush and clean between your teeth effectively every day. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings every 3 or 4 or 6 months are also an important part of maintaining periodontal health; the instruments and techniques used in these cleanings can reach into areas that your toothbrush and floss can’t.

It is also possible to detect early forms of gum disease by evaluating your gingival (gum) tissues, both visually and by examining their attachment levels to the teeth. And the health of your tooth-supporting bone can be assessed by taking dental radiographs (x-rays pictures).

There are other steps you can take: Eating right, reducing stress in your life, and giving up unhealthy habits like smoking will also help ensure that you keep your teeth for a lifetime.

Watch this video about Healthy Gums from Spear Education

https://spearedu.co/gWHjot0

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