Gum Disease May Contribute to Heart Disease or Even Stroke
Recent medical research has led many doctors to reach an unexpected conclusion: gum disease, stroke, and heart disease are connected. Since heart disease is usually fatal, it is clear that gum disease is a very serious matter. The American Dental Association estimates that 80% of Americans have gum disease. Many dentists consider this epidemic proportions. They also know that gum disease wouldn’t be labeled epidemic since “no one ever dies from it.” The worst-case scenario is tooth loss. Unpleasant – but certainly not life threatening. But those views have all changed.
The American Academy of Periodontology states, “Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.” Periodontal disease is characterized by a bacterial gum infection. These bacteria can then travel through the bloodstream – straight to the heart.
Coloman E. Kondorossy, DMD, FAGD, DICOI
Stephen K. Kondorossy, DMD, MBS
General Dentists
1445 Hamilton Street
Somerset, NJ 08873
(732) 249-0055
SomersetImplantDental.com
Improper Brushing Technique
Here's one technique to try for a thorough brush: First, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Then, gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes. Next, brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Finally, To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
Using a Brush That's Not the Best Fit for You
There are many toothbrushes that can leave your teeth fresh and clean, including manual and power brushes that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Both get the job done. Try different types until you find one you're comfortable with. For example, a power brush can be easier to hold and does some of the work for you if you have trouble brushing. No matter which you choose remember that it's not all about the brush- a clean mouth is really up to the brusher!
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Saliva has an important job to do in your mouth. For starters, it helps to remove food particles. But it also helps prevent tooth decay and infection by washing away plaque and keeping disease-causing bacteria from building up on your teeth and gums. But saliva can’t do all that work by itself. So it’s important to remove plaque yourself by practicing good oral hygiene, which means proper flossing each day, and twice-daily tooth brushing.
Most of us don’t think about the moisture in our mouths until our mouths become dry. A variety of conditions can cause dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, including the following:
- Cancer treatments. If you have any type of cancer of the head or neck and you receive radiation therapy, dry mouth is a common side effect because the radiation damages the salivary glands in addition to destroying the cancer. Some medications used to treat cancer in any part of the body can also cause dry mouth.
- Prescription medications. Hundreds of common medications, including many antidepressants and medications for high blood pressure, can contribute to a dry mouth. If you take medications that seem to make your mouth feel dry, be especially vigilant about tooth brushing and proper flossing.
- Nerve damage. Some types of injuries to the head or neck can damage the specific nerves that tell the salivary glands to produce saliva.
- Chronic illness. Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and Parkinson’s disease are among the diseases that can contribute to a chronic dry mouth.
- Drug use. Methamphetamines have been associated with dry mouth.
To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com
Coloman E. Kondorossy, DMD, FAGD, DICOI Stephen K. Kondorossy, DMD, MBS General Dentists 1445 Hamilton Street Somerset, NJ 08873 (732) 249-0055 SomersetImplantDental.com
Perhaps you’ve been neglecting a good oral health routine. Or, you’ve done your best, but you’ve developed plaque and tartar buildup. A regular routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing is an important part of regular plaque removal for everyone. But if you have risk factors that have caused a buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums to harden into tartar, your dentist or dental hygienist may suggest scaling or root planing your teeth to remove the buildup. If left untreated, severe tartar buildup along and under the gum line can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, which may increase the risk of gum disease.
Scaling and root planing are common nonsurgical techniques that may prevent the need for more serious procedures, such as periodontal surgery or a root canal.
Here’s what to expect if your dentist or dental hygienist recommends these techniques:
- You won’t feel it. You’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the area.
- Scaling: Your dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the areas both above and below the gum line.
- Root Planing: Your dentist or dental hygienist uses special tools to smooth rough spots on the tooth roots. This process not only removes bacteria and helps reduce plaque buildup, but it provides a smooth surface for gums to reattach to the teeth.
After a scaling and root planing procedure, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions and maintain an oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. If your gums are sensitive after the procedure, try a spongy floss, such as Oral-BÆ Ultra FlossÆ, to help prevent painful flossing.
The above article is from: OralB.com
Coloman E. Kondorossy, DMD, FAGD, DICOI Stephen K. Kondorossy, DMD, MBS General Dentists 1445 Hamilton Street Somerset, NJ 08873 (732) 249-0055 SomersetImplantDental.com
Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth
Expectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life. “Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects,” says Carole Palmer, EdD, RD, professor at TUSDM and head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion in the department of public health and community service. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation.
In children, tooth decay is the most prevalent disease, about five times more common than childhood asthma. “If a child’s mouth hurts due to tooth decay, he/she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew but that are less nutritious. Foods such as donuts and pastries are often lower in nutritional quality and higher in sugar content than more nutritious foods that require chewing, like fruits and vegetables,” says Palmer. “Oral complications combined with poor diet can also contribute to cognitive and growth problems and can contribute to obesity.”
Myth 2: More sugar means more tooth decay
It isn’t the amount of sugar you eat; it is the amount of time that the sugar has contact with the teeth. “Foods such as slowly-dissolving candies and soda are in the mouth for longer periods of time. This increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to the acids formed by oral bacteria from the sugars,” says Palmer.
Some research shows that teens obtain about 40 percent of their carbohydrate intake from soft drinks. This constant beverage use increases the risk of tooth decay. Sugar-free carbonated drinks and acidic beverages, such as lemonade, are often considered safer for teeth than sugared beverages but can also contribute to demineralization of tooth enamel if consumed regularly.
To read the entire article written by Medardo Chua, please visit IDentalAccess.com
Coloman E. Kondorossy, DMD, FAGD, DICOI Stephen K. Kondorossy, DMD, MBS General Dentists 1445 Hamilton Street Somerset, NJ 08873 (732) 249-0055 SomersetImplantDental.com
Brushing Right After Eating
If you feel the need to clean your teeth after eating or drinking, wait at least 60 minutes before brushing-especially if you have had something acidic like lemons, grapefruit or soda. Drink water or chew sugarless gum with the ADA Seal of Acceptance to help clean your mouth while you are waiting to brush.
Storing Your Brush Improperly
When you’re done brushing, keep your toothbrush upright and let it air dry in the open. Avoid keeping your toothbrush in a closed container, where germs have more opportunity to grow.
Using a Brush with Hard Bristles
Soft bristles are a safe bet. And be mindful to be gentle, especially where your gums and teeth meet, as you brush. Talk to your dentist about what kind of toothbrush is best for you.
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Flossing As Prevention For Bad BreathNeed another reason to floss your teeth at least once a day? Flossing daily helps improve bad breath by effectively removing the food particles and bacteria that contribute to it. That makes flossing one of the easiest ways to prevent and banish bad breath.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is more common than many people realize. You may joke about bad breath, whether it’s your own or someone else’s, but it’s an important oral health issue. Bad breath can be more than an embarrassing social problem-it can be a sign of disease or illness.
Saliva is Your FriendLess saliva means that your mouth is more susceptible to plaque buildup, which can create an unpleasant smell on your breath. Pay extra attention to any of the following circumstances that can reduce the saliva in your mouth and promote bad breath:
- Drinking alcohol. Alcohol-containing beverages may promote a dry mouth and cause bad breath. So don’t forget to floss after an evening out on the town, no matter how much you’re tempted to hop into bed and forget about it.
- Early morning. Saliva stops flowing while you sleep, so you may be prone to bad breath in the morning. If so, mornings may be the best time for your daily dental flossing.
- Being hungry or thirsty. When you’re dehydrated, there’s not as much saliva in your mouth, so you’re prone to bad breath and increased bacterial buildup. Drink enough fluids and remember to floss. Also, remember that chewing food increases the saliva in your mouth, so if you’re skipping meals or dieting, you may develop bad breath.
If you’re dieting and eating less frequently, a mint floss can not only help bad breath by removing bacteria, it may help you with your diet by providing a fresh taste in your mouth that makes you less tempted to snack. People who are following extremely low carbohydrate diets also sometimes report bad breath, but these reports are anecdotal. If you’re on a low-carb diet, or any restrictive diet, you may be promoting bad breath. If you must restrict your food intake and eat infrequently, drink plenty of water to help maintain the level of saliva in your mouth to help prevent bad breath in addition to following a good oral care routine.
To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com
Coloman E. Kondorossy, DMD, FAGD, DICOI Stephen K. Kondorossy, DMD, MBS General Dentists 1445 Hamilton Street Somerset, NJ 08873 (732) 249-0055 SomersetImplantDental.com
When it comes to personal oral hygiene, not all men are as attentive to their teeth as women. Starting with the checkup, surveys suggests men are more likely to see a dentist only in the event of a problem. So, guys, learn how to step up your oral care routine with the following tips for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health problems before they start.
Toothbrush TipsBrushing is just one part of keeping your mouth clean - doing so twice a day, in particular. However, the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). It's not enough to brush quickly and be on your way; two minutes of thorough cleaning is your most effective approach. Keep in mind you don't need to brush hard during this process. Use a soft-bristled brush such as Colgate® Slim Soft™ and brush gently at a 45-degree angle.
Some helpful hints: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, rinse it after each use and store it in an upright position to air dry. Storing it in a container actually allows microorganisms to grow on the brush, explains the American Dental Association (ADA), so it's best to avoid this method.
Sports and Dental InjuriesPlaying contact sports can lead to trauma in unexpected places, and this includes broken, chipped or lost teeth. Wear a mouthguard when you're on the field and a helmet when you're on your bike. Ultimately, see your dentist as soon as possible after experiencing an incident to quickly assess the damage and determine what can be done to fix it.
To read the entire article written by Margie Monin Dombrowski, please visit Colgate.com
Coloman E. Kondorossy, DMD, FAGD, DICOI Stephen K. Kondorossy, DMD, MBS General Dentists 1445 Hamilton Street Somerset, NJ 08873 (732) 249-0055 SomersetImplantDental.com
Inman Aligner™ for a Straight Smile, Fast!
For those wanting a fast, simple method of straightening front teeth, we offer an oral appliance called the Inman Aligner. This appliance is much like a retainer that is easily removable so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Brushing and flossing are also no problem! With this affordable option, it is possible to straighten the teeth in the front of your smile in three months or less! Now you can get the smile you’ve always wanted and have beautiful, straight teeth in months instead of years!
Coloman E. Kondorossy, DMD, FAGD, DICOI
Stephen K. Kondorossy, DMD, MBS
General Dentists
1445 Hamilton Street
Somerset, NJ 08873
(732) 249-0055
SomersetImplantDental.com
Keeping Your Toothbrush for Too Long
The ADA recommends changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, so make a resolution to change your toothbrush with every season this year. Frayed and broken bristles won’t keep your teeth clean-these are signs it’s time to let go. When you’re shopping, look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Not Brushing Long Enough
Speed demons, listen up! Your teeth should be brushed for a full two minutes, twice per day. Most of us fall short -the average time most people spend brushing is 45 seconds. If you’re racing through cleaning, try setting a timer. Or distract yourself by humming your favorite tune!
Brushing Too Hard
Be gentle with your teeth. You may think brushing harder will remove more leftover food and the bacteria that loves to eat it, but a gentle brushing is all that’s needed. Too much pressure may damage your gums.
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
How Tongue Scrapers WorkIf you suffer from halitosis, or chronic bad breath, you’re probably looking for ways to help manage the problem. If so, consider a tongue scraper. They’re relatively inexpensive and available at most pharmacies. Tongue scrapers are often touted as the way to improve bad breath, but there is very little research to show that they are any more effective than simply brushing the tongue with your toothbrush as part of your toothbrushing routine.
Trying a tongue scraper can’t hurt, and they’re easy to use. Simply hold the scraper at the back of your tongue, and bring it forward, scraping gently but firmly along the tongue as you go.
Although tongue scrapers are harmless, you can probably prevent halitosis just as well by following a consistent oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. And keep these points in mind as part of your daily oral hygiene plan:
- Keep your toothbrush fresh. Be sure to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, even if you don’t have bad breath, but especially if you do.
- Keep an extra brush at work. Keep a spare toothbrush and toothpaste at work so you can brush your teeth after lunch.
- Drink plenty of water. Keeping your mouth moist helps minimize the amount of bacteria in your mouth that can cause bad breath.
The above article is from: OralB.com
Coloman E. Kondorossy, DMD, FAGD, DICOI Stephen K. Kondorossy, DMD, MBS General Dentists 1445 Hamilton Street Somerset, NJ 08873 (732) 249-0055 SomersetImplantDental.com
What are Common Bad Breath Causes?
If you suffer from chronic, severe bad breath, also known as halitosis, it's important to identify the cause so you can determine an effective treatment.
Halitosis has many causes, including the following:
- Tobacco use. If you smoke, quit. Your bad breath may be due to other causes, too, but tobacco use is a guarantee of bad breath. If you are ready to quit, ask your doctor or dentist for advice and support.
- What you eat, or don't eat. Certain foods, such as garlic, contribute to bad breath, but only temporarily. Once they are absorbed into the bloodstream, the smell is expelled through the breath, but the odors remain until the body processes the food, so there’s no quick fix.
- Dry mouth. If your mouth is extremely dry, there is not enough saliva to wash away excess food particles and bacteria, which can cause an unpleasant smell if they build up on the teeth.
- Infections. Bad breath that seems to have no other cause may indicate an infection elsewhere in the body. If you have chronic bad breath and your dentist rules out any oral problems, see your doctor for an evaluation. Bad breath can be a sign of a range of conditions including respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis or bronchitis, diabetes, or liver and kidney problems, so it's important not to ignore the problem.
The best way to improve bad breath is to follow a thorough oral care routine including twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing to remove the food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath. Mouthwashes only improve bad breath for the short term, and if you have a chronic problem, your dentist may suggest an antimicrobial rinse to help keep bacteria at bay.
The above article is from: OralB.com
Coloman E. Kondorossy, DMD, FAGD, DICOI Stephen K. Kondorossy, DMD, MBS General Dentists 1445 Hamilton Street Somerset, NJ 08873 (732) 249-0055 SomersetImplantDental.com
Brushing your teeth twice a day not only keeps your breath sweet, but also helps rid the mouth of bacteria that makes up plaque and can lead to oral infections. To brush properly, point bristles at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Use gentle back-and-forth strokes all over your teeth -- in front, in back, and on chewing surfaces -- for two minutes. If holding a toothbrush is hard for you, try an electric toothbrush. Also brush your gums and tongue.
The above article is from: WebMD.com
Coloman E. Kondorossy, DMD, FAGD, DICOI Stephen K. Kondorossy, DMD, MBS General Dentists 1445 Hamilton Street Somerset, NJ 08873 (732) 249-0055 SomersetImplantDental.com
Saving Teeth through Root Canal Therapy
Teeth with damaged or infected roots used to require extraction, which can create a lot of problems and should be avoided if possible. The good news is that we are highly experienced with advanced root canal therapy.
A root canal is a technique to repair a tooth by removing the pulp chamber and replacing it with a filling material. This may be necessary when dental decay reaches the nerve of the tooth (or the tooth is infected), when a simple filling isn’t a good option.
Not too long ago, the situation mentioned above would have required an extraction. When dentists began performing root canals, they were quite dreaded, and the root canal received a reputation as something to avoid. However, using modern anesthetics and technology, root canals are a manageable procedure.
Coloman E. Kondorossy, DMD, FAGD, DICOI
Stephen K. Kondorossy, DMD, MBS
General Dentists
1445 Hamilton Street
Somerset, NJ 08873
(732) 249-0055
SomersetImplantDental.com
