What Research Tells Us About Periodontal Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47 percent of adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease; that rises to about 70 percent of adults over age 65. Gum diseases are linked to overall health as well as oral health, so it is vital to address them.

How Does Periodontal Disease Start?

Our mouths contain various types of bacteria. They can help sanitize the mouth and break down food particles; but too much can lead to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. This can be dangerous to oral health because it not only attacks the gums; it can affect the teeth and jaw.

When bacteria collect in the mouth, they create a gummy, colorless substance known as plaque that sticks to your teeth. If the plaque is not removed during brushing and flossing, the particles can harden and turn into tartar. Over time, plaque and tartar become more difficult to remove at home. Therefore, a professional cleaning on a regular schedule can help prevent periodontal disease as well as tooth decay.

Why Treat Periodontal Disease Early

The longer the plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, the more harm they can cause your overall oral health. Eventually, they will inflame gum tissue, a condition known as gingivitis. While this is the mildest form of periodontal disease, it can progress to affect the soft tissue (gums) and the tooth. If it is not addressed, this condition can cause teeth to loosen or fall out. Periodontal disease is broken up into four stages: gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease.

What the Latest Gum Disease Research Shows Us

Having periodontal disease can affect your overall bodily health. Many studies show connections between gum disease, diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and dementia. Some studies have found a link between gum health and osteoporosis. This progressive bone-thinning disease, most common in small white and Asian women, can weaken jaw bones, making the effects of periodontal disease more pronounced.

Our Waldorf periodontist has solutions aimed at helping you prevent and treat the underlying causes of gum disease. Routine cleanings and periodontal screenings go a long way toward preventing gum disease and stopping its progression. If you have sore, red, or bleeding gums, make an appointment with our periodontist in Waldorf as soon as possible.

We offer targeted treatments that include cleaning the pockets around teeth to prevent damage to surrounding bone. In some cases, antibiotic therapy can be used. You will work with our doctor to find the best course of treatment for you.

Contact our periodontist in Waldorf to schedule your next visit today, and protect your smile from periodontal disease.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (301) 638-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
601 Post Office Rd., Suite 1-B
Waldorf, MD 60423

About half of all children suffer from some form of periodontal disease, a bacterial infection in the gums, according to studies published in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. If it is left untreated, it can harm the teeth and jaw, especially in adulthood. Fortunately, if this condition is caught early enough and properly treated, its effects can be managed and even reversed.

Several factors can lead to the onset of periodontal disease in children. These include poor oral hygiene and untreated plaque. Diet, diabetes, hormonal changes, and even genetic predisposition can also increase your child’s risk.

Your child should be screened for periodontal disease if their gums are:

• Red
• Sore
• Swollen
• Bleeding from brushing and/or flossing

Periodontal disease in children should not be ignored. If left unchecked, it can cause your child’s gums to pull away from the teeth, affecting the structure of the bone beneath and potentially impacting their jaw alignment and bite. Over time, bone and tooth loss can occur.

This condition is preventable and highly treatable when it is caught early. Regular cleaning at home and examinations in our Alexandria periodontal office will help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. It is up to you to teach your child about the importance of daily oral hygiene. Have them brush with fluoride toothpaste two minutes twice a day, including all tooth surfaces and the gumline.  

Flossing is also critical. Ideally, your child should floss twice a day or after meals, but once per day will suffice. You, as a parent, will most likely have to help your child thread the floss and use it properly. Our periodontist in Alexandria is more than happy to show you and your child the proper way to floss.

Diet is also important. Always make healthy foods readily available. Emphasize fresh fruit and vegetables for the entire family and limit foods that are high in starch, sugar, and acid. That includes soda, sports drinks, and juices. Encourage your child to drink water or rinse after consuming sweet foods and beverages. 

If periodontal disease has begun, it is not too late to treat or even reverse it. Deep cleaning treatments can help remove plaque and tartar under the gumline. In some cases, antibiotics may be applied to the affected area or taken in pill form. In advanced cases, surgical cleaning can remove infected areas under the gum and restore gum structure.

Our periodontist in Alexandria can examine your child’s teeth and gums in a gentle, positive manner and make the best treatment recommendation. If you suspect your child has sore, bleeding, or inflamed gums, please contact our office right away, or schedule a routine periodontal screening today.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (301) 638-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
601 Post Office Rd., Suite 1-B
Waldorf , MD 60423

How is gum pain related to joint pain? Periodontal disease, or gum disease, and rheumatoid arthritis are systemic inflammatory disorders that affect different parts of your body. Both diseases attack the immune system and the surrounding tissue, eventually leading to tooth loss or joint pain. These two diseases have more in common than you might think. Understanding them could help preserve your overall health.

Perhaps the most striking similarity in gum disease and arthritis is the presence of inflammation, an immune system response that is triggered to fight viruses and bacteria. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, meaning that it will trigger an inflammatory response automatically, even if there are no viruses or bacteria present. One study in the journal PLoS Pathogens found that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis, will increase the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. This ultimately causes symptoms to progress more quickly.

It is important for patients with rheumatoid arthritis to take care of their oral health. It’s also vital that they work with their dentist to find out what kind of treatment works best. Those with both periodontal disease and RA should work with a team composed of both a physician and a periodontist. A periodontist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. When patients with RA successfully treat periodontal disease, their other symptoms may also improve.

If you’ve been diagnosed with RA, pay close attention to oral health, keep up with your dental exams, eat healthy and don’t forget to brush and floss. If inflammation or joint stiffness gets in the way of your oral care, talk to your dentist about ways to make personal dental care easier.

For any questions about periodontal disease or rheumatoid arthritis, contact the office of Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS to schedule a consultation with our periodontist in Waldorf.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

Why Are My Teeth So Sensitive?

If taking a swig of ice-cold water makes you recoil, it’s likely due to your sensitive teeth. What causes this unpleasant reaction? There are several reasons you may need treatment for sensitive teeth.

Tooth sensitivity is usually influenced by the soft inner tissue beneath the enamel of your tooth called dentin. When extreme temperatures irritate the tooth nerve, you’ll feel a tingling sensation and sometimes pain.

Another cause of tooth sensitivity is when tiny tubes of fluid in the dentin become exposed. Sometimes this occurs due to receding gums lines or damaged teeth. If this happens, pain can be triggered by foods that are too hot or cold, too sweet or acidic, or simply from contact or exposure to air.

Temporary tooth sensitivity can also be caused by whitening or orthodontic treatments. This type of sensitivity will often dissipate in a couple weeks. However, in severe cases, the tooth nerve itself may be exposed. This causes severe pain and irritation and will require immediate treatment.

What Can I Do to Treat Tooth Sensitivity?

If your teeth are becoming increasingly sensitive, contact our office for immediate care. Our team will likely screen for underlying causes requiring treatment. We’ll also be able to recommend the best method to manage your discomfort.

How Can I Prevent Teeth Sensitivity?

Oversensitivity in teeth can sometimes be prevented. Try to avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes and don’t brush too aggressively. Brushing too hard can damage enamel and expose other sensitive areas. Additionally, wearing a mouthguard while playing contact sports protects teeth from trauma. Teeth will become more sensitive after being chipped or cracked.

After you rule out serious underlying conditions, you can start to managed mildly sensitive teeth with a special toothpaste designed to decrease sensitivity. If that doesn’t provide enough relief, ask about a prescription product.

Contact our office to schedule an appointment with our periodontist in Alexandria if you suffer from any level of tooth sensitivity and we will get you the help you need.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

Our mouths are home to all kinds of bacteria, some helpful and some harmful. Certain amounts are helpful, as they sanitize the mouth and break down food particles; however, too much bacteria will eventually lead to decay and development of gum disease. This can result in long term damage to your oral and overall health.

When bacteria start to build up in the mouth, they create a sticky colorless substance known as plaque. If plaque isn’t removed during your daily brushing and flossing, the particles can harden and turn into tartar. This hard coating becomes more difficult to remove over time, so it’s important to maintain your oral health with a professional dental cleaning.

If plaque and tartar remain on the teeth for too long, they become even more harmful and can cause long term damage to your oral health. Eventually, this buildup causes a mild form of gum disease called gingivitis. The best way to prevent gingivitis is through routine cleanings and proper at-home oral care. When gingivitis isn’t treated, it can advance to periodontal disease, an inflammatory condition that affects both the soft tissue (gums) and the tooth. When left unchecked, periodontal disease will eventually cause teeth to loosen or fall out.

Periodontal disease can have an effect on your overall health, as well. Studies show connections between periodontal disease and such serious conditions as diabetes and heart disease. With these kinds of risks, it’s even more important that you monitor your oral health.

When it comes to gum disease, our team has solutions to help you prevent decay and maintain outstanding oral health. For any questions about gum disease, gingivitis, or periodontal disease, be sure to contact the periodontics office of Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302

According to The American College of Prosthodontists, 178 million American adults are missing at least one tooth and nearly 40 million have lost all of their natural teeth.

Losing an adult tooth can have a number of negative impacts on your oral health, diet, speech, and even your self-esteem. If you’re interested in a long-term solution for tooth loss that can improve your smile, consider dental implants. Here are five ways that dental implants can improve your overall quality of life:

1. Retain tooth positioning – Teeth that surround a missing tooth slot will eventually shift into the opening and distort the shape of your smile and bite. Dental implants will fill in the gap and prevent your surrounding teeth from readjusting.
2. Jawbone protection – Your teeth are naturally embedded into your jawbone, so when the tooth and root are missing, your jaw bone structure will start to deteriorate. Dental implants will preserve and strengthen the bone just like natural teeth.
3. Look younger and healthier – After you lose teeth, the skin near the gap may begin to crease or droop. Bone loss in your jaw can lead to further damage and eventually create an unnaturally aged appearance. Dental implants will restore your facial support and preserve jaw bone structure.
4. Improved speech – Gaps in your teeth often cause speech impediments that can get worse over time. With dental implants, you’ll be able to fill in those gaps and speak more naturally.
5. Brighten your smile – Gaps in your teeth can make you feel embarrassed and affect your self image. That’s why dental implants are made to look natural and can restore the beauty of your smile. Studies show that having confidence in your smile can boost your self-esteem, making you a happier, healthier and more social person.

Contact our periodontist in Alexandria to learn more about the benefits of dental implant restoration, and we’ll help you schedule an appointment.

Karl A. Smith, DDS, MS
Phone: (703) 894-4867
Url: https://drkarlsmith.com/
2500 N. Van Dorn St., Suite 128
Alexandria, VA 22302