Smile Bright in 2019

At Lubbock Periodontics, we want to ensure you have plenty of healthy reasons to smile. We believe a smile is a universal language and that your smile affects your self-image, and can greatly influence the quality of your interactions with others. Many people hold back from laughing or smiling because they are uncomfortable about their appearance when they do.

Take a Smile Analysis and determine how you want to smile in the new year. The Smile Analysis will ask you to answer questions such as:

• Do any of your teeth appear too small, short, large or long?
• Do you have any gaps or spaces between your teeth?
• Do you have any crowns or bridges that appear dark at edge of gums?
• Are the edges of any teeth worn down, chipped or uneven?

https://www.lubbockperiodontics.com/smile-analysis.php

2 Types of Mouthwash for Healthier Gums

Bad breath can result from the foods we eat, forgetting to brush our teeth or more often, a sign of periodontal disease. If bad breath persist, you may definitely want to set up an appointment to check on your gums and oral health. Seeing a periodontist is the best way for your smile to remain healthy and/or prevent any diseases.

There are different types of mouthwash that one can buy, each with a different function that can help keep your smile healthy. Here are 2 types of mouthwash for healthier gums.

1. Fluoride Mouthwash:
You’ve heard how fluoride helps your teeth. Well fluoride in mouthwashes, does just that and helps protect your teeth from cavities and tooth decay. Healthy teeth affects your gums and roots, which help prevent periodontal disease.

2. Antiseptic Mouthwash:
The most common type of mouthwash is antiseptic mouthwash, found in most households. You may probably have some in your bathroom cabinet. This type of mouthwash contains alcohol and used to eliminate bad breath and fight infections in your mouth. Along with brushing your teeth and flossing, all three work together to fight bad breath and bacteria, keeping your smile healthy.

Halloween Reminders

Halloween means fun times for every one at any age, dressing up and an endless amount of free candy. With all the free sugary treats at work or at home, your taste buds will surely love the sugar, your teeth and gums – not so much.

Halloween can be a fantastic opportunity to remind your kids or grandkids of essential oral health routines. Be sure not to skip out on these essential routines:

• Brush Your Teeth Together: Make brushing your teeth a routine every morning and every night. Stick to the routine and ensure that you and your family keep a specific time for brushing your teeth; this will build a great daily habit. 

• Flossing is Key: Flossing every day is even more important when you have braces. If you’re having trouble flossing, just use a floss threader with regular floss, or buy special stiff-tipped floss made for braces wearers. 

• Use Mouthwash: Using mouthwash is so important to fight bacteria in the mouth. Mouthwash can easily remove food debris from areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss. After brushing and flossing, you can swish it around your mouth for a minimum of 30 seconds. This will remove any lingering bacteria and will even help with inflammation of the gums.

Oral Cancer Exam: Wentz Periodontics

According to research conducted by the American Cancer society, more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. More than 7,000 of these cases result in the death of the patient. The good news is that oral cancer can easily be diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam, and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages.

Oral cancer is a pathologic process which begins with an asymptomatic stage during which the usual cancer signs may not be readily noticeable. This makes the oral cancer examinations performed by the dentist critically important.

This oral cancer type usually originates in lip and mouth tissues.

There are many different places in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region in which oral cancers commonly occur, including:

• Lips
• Mouth
• Tongue
• Salivary Glands
• Oropharyngeal Region (throat)
• Gums
• Face

It is important to note that around 75 percent of oral cancers are linked with modifiable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. 

When oral cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages, treatment is generally very effective. Any noticeable abnormalities in the tongue, gums, mouth or surrounding area should be evaluated by a health professional as quickly as possible.

The following signs will be investigated during a routine oral cancer exam: 

Red patches and sores – Red patches on the floor of the mouth, the front and sides of the tongue, white or pink patches which fail to heal and slow healing sores that bleed easily can be indicative of pathologic (cancerous) changes. 

Leukoplakia – This is a hardened white or gray, slightly raised lesion that can appear anywhere inside the mouth. Leukoplakia can be cancerous, or may become cancerous if treatment is not sought. 

Lumps – Soreness, lumps or the general thickening of tissue anywhere in the throat or mouth can signal pathological problems.

Learn more about Oral Cancer and its treatments. 

Gum Recession: Wentz Periodontics

Gingival recession (receding gums) refers to the progressive loss of gum tissue, which can eventually result in tooth root exposure if left untreated. Gum recession is most common in adults over the age of 40, but the process can begin in the teenage years.

Gum recession can be difficult to self-diagnose in its earlier stages because the changes often occur asymptomatically and gradually. Regular dental check-ups will help to prevent gum recession and assess risk factors.

The following symptoms may be indicative of gum recession:

Every case of gum recession is slightly different, and therefore many treatments are available. The nature of the problem which caused the recession to begin with needs to be addressed first.

If you have any questions or concerns about periodontal disease, periodontal treatments, or gum recession, please ask your dentist or contact us for a scheduled appointment. 

When to see a Periodontist

Gum disease (or periodontal disease) affects millions of people every year, it’s the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Seeing a periodontist and recognizing the symptoms of gum disease can help your smile healthy.

Gum disease begins when bacteria gather along the gum line and between teeth, where it’s easy for them to hide. As these bacteria multiply, they emit toxins that cause the gums to pull away, or recede, from teeth, leaving more of the tooth exposed to plaque and tartar. Once the bacteria move below the gum line to the tooth root area, they can’t be removed with brushing and flossing alone. This is the advanced stage of gum disease when tooth loss can occur.

Seeing a periodontist is the best way for your smile to remain healthy and/or prevent any diseases. As a practice, we are true believers that preventive care and education are the keys to optimal dental health. That's why we focus on thorough exams – checking the overall health of your teeth and gums, performing oral cancer exams, and taking x-rays when necessary.

Signs of Gum Disease

People always tend to focus more on tooth health, overlooking gum health. Gum disease is often painless and goes unnoticed until one discovers they have gum disease. Gum diseases lead to serious consequences, including a common consequence, tooth loss in adults. Fortunately, there are several signs you can be on the lookout for prevention and early detection.

“The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that you may still have gum disease even if you don't display any of these symptoms. To give yourself the best chance at fighting the disease, be aware of these common signs and keep up with your regular dental checkups, which are essential for prevention and early detection”

Preventing advanced stages of gum disease, is simple by regularly brushing your teeth, flossing and visiting a periodontist.

Check our website for a list of services we offer, to ensure you smile with confidence.

Sources: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gum-disease/what-are-the-signs-of-gum-disease-0613

Can I Prevent Enamel Damage?

"I'm scared! Can I prevent enamel damage?"

Are you concerned about damage to your tooth enamel? 

Well put your worries aside because there are several things you can do to prevent enamel damage such as decaying or discoloring. Avoiding enamel decay can be as easy as cutting out or limiting high-acidic foods from your regular diet. High-acidic foods include items such as blueberries, sugar, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, cranberries, and more.  Another thing you can do is remove high sugar drinks from your diet in addition to acidic foods is also a good idea.

Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to prevent your enamel from discoloring or decaying. The easiest way to avoid decay is to steer clear of high-acidity foods. This may not always be possible, but eliminating sugary fruit juices and soda from your diet is a good start.

Brushing your teeth after each meal and flossing frequently also preserves your enamel. Another good idea is to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating to wash away high-acidity particles. Although enamel damage is common, it does not have to be an inevitable occurrence. 

Knowing the foods that harm your teeth gives you the tools to prevent discoloration and decay. With some easy preventive measures, your teeth will stay strong and white for years to come! Give us a call at (806) 794-8365 to learn more!

Which Type of Floss is Best?

If you’ve visited the dental care aisle recently, the sheer number of options available can be overwhelming. We often have patients ask us which floss is the “best” type of floss. In essence, all of the options on the market today do the same thing, and at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference. We’ve listed a few of the options below.  

Flossers: Flossers are small plastic instruments with a single floss strip and a pick on the opposite end. This option can be both effective at cleaning the areas in between your teeth and scraping off plaque. These flossers come in flavored varieties as well. They are a great “on the go” option.

Gentle Dental Floss: Some people will find that regular dental floss is too harsh on their gums. For that reason, several options are available that have soft coatings that are less abrasive on the gums. Typically, gentle floss is just as effective as regular floss and an ideal match for anyone looking for a more sensitive approach to flossing.

Flavored Dental Floss: Flavored dental floss will freshen your breath while you floss! We suggest flavored dental floss if it prompts you to floss your teeth regularly.

Of all of the options, it is difficult to choose the absolute best type of floss.  However, Dr. Wentz and our team feel that the type of floss that works best for you, giving you the greatest chance of succeeding at regular flossing, is the ultimately best choice. For more information on floss, or best practices when flossing, ask us at your next appointment. There are many ways to make it both easy AND effective.

Delicious Big Game Snacks

If you're still searching for a few more snacks to add to your Super Bowl menu, we've got two that will be sure to score with your friends & family.

Hot Ham & Cheese Party Rolls

1 can refrigerated pizza crust

1 lb. deli ham (thinly sliced, but not shaved)

12 slices Swiss cheese

Glaze:

1/2 cup butter

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Directions:

1.         Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray

2.         Unroll the pizza dough onto a cutting board. Press into an approximately 13x18-inch rectangle. Top with ham and cheese slices. Starting on the longer side of the rectangle, roll up the edge tightly. When you reach the end, pinch the seam together and flip the roll so that the seam is face side down. Cut into 12 slices. Arrange in the prepared baking dish.

3.         Next combine the butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and poppy seeds in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the butter is melted and glaze is smooth. Pour evenly over the top of the rolls.

4.         Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Tip: Make these rolls a day ahead! Refrigerate rolls up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to warm up the glaze so you're able to pour it on top of the rolls!

Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs

1 bag frozen meatballs (any brand)

1 jar chili sauce

1 can jellied cranberry sauce

Directions:

1.         Add chili sauce and cranberry sauce to a medium mixing bowl. Use a whisk to mix ingredients until semi-smooth.

2.         Add half the bag of meatballs to your crockpot. Top with half of the sauce mixture. Repeat with remaining meatballs and sauce.

3.         Cook on low until heated through, typically 3-4 hours.

This crowd-pleasing favorite can easily be adapted for a larger group! Just double the recipe and increase your heating time to 5-6 hours. In a time crunch? Heat meatballs and sauce on your stovetop until warm. Transfer to your crockpot for a quick, delicious addition to your game day party!

Regenerative Procedures - How Do They Work?

Procedures that regenerate lost bone and tissue supporting your teeth can actually aid in reversing some of the damage caused by periodontal disease.

Dr. Wentz may recommend a regenerative procedure when the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed due to periodontal disease. These procedures can reverse some of the damage by regenerating lost bone and tissue. 

During this procedure, the doctor typically folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria. Then membranes, bone grafts, or tissue-stimulating proteins can be used to encourage your body's natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue. Our bodies are amazing in their ability to heal themselves!

Eliminating any existing bacteria and beginning the process of regenerating bone and tissue helps to reduce pocket depth and repair damage caused by the progression of periodontal disease. With a combination of daily oral hygiene and guidance from our wonderful staff, you'll increase the chances of keeping your natural teeth – and decrease the chances of other health problems associated with periodontal disease.

If you'd like to learn more about how we can help you restore your smile confidence, call us at (806) 794-8365 or click here to head to our website.