As we have discussed in previous entries, your teeth have many natural enemies and while teeth might be tough, that beautiful pearly-white smile of yours certainly needs all the help they can get! That’s why in this entry, we hope to shed some light on one of the most dangerous obstacles that your smile can possibly encounter: a condition known as Gum Disease.
While indeed we have discussed gum disease at great length in some of our previous articles, with a recent spike in oral health problems across the country, (Due to COVID-19 masks causing dry-mouth) we believe it is necessary to reexamine and reevaluate the cause of illnesses such as gum disease in order to prevent this trend from continuing any further!
Although Gum Disease might not sound all that bad at first, it’s important to understand that it is a progressive infection that will significantly worsen over time and may eventually spread throughout the body. Gum disease is split into two different phases: Gingivitis and Periodontitis. While neither of these phases are something to take lightly, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the disease as a whole, it’s important to understand how exactly gingivitis and periodontitis differ, and how each can affect you.
Gingivitis:
As the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis is gum inflammation that occurs when excess bacteria accumulate between teeth and gum line. Typically characterized by swollen or pinkish gums, the afflicted gum line will be tender to the touch and may bleed when brushing or eating.
However, by making a concentrated effort to practicing proper oral hygiene habits, you may reverse the condition thereby slowly forcing the infection to dissipate. While, this can be accomplished without a dentist’s supervision, we highly recommend that you DO consult with your dentist to ensure that the correct measures are being taken.
Periodontitis:
Rest assured, Periodontitis is a word that you never want to hear your dentist say! Periodontitis is the second (and more advanced) stage of gum disease, which occurs when the infection has begun to spread throughout the patient’s mouth and has stated causing irreparable damage.
As our body’s immune system struggles to fight off the infection within the gum line, the toxins and poisons produced by the overflow of bacteria begin to break down the bone and connective tissue. If left untreated and allowed to continue, this could eventually lead to the teeth, gums, or entire jawbone being destroyed!
Additionally, once this advanced disease has reached its latter stage, the likelihood of it triggering additional illnesses or interacting with pre-existing conditions becomes a serious concern, that may even prove to be life-threatening. Learn More about the Health Risks of Gum Disease HERE.
Make no mistake, gum disease IS a nation-wide health crisis with nearly half of all Americans 30 years or older affected by some form of this disease and with the recent increase in oral health-related complications, more people TODAY are at risk of developing Gingivitis and Periodontitis than we’ve seen in recent years.
Fortunately, in the face of such mounting statistics, Dr. Kimes and his staff at Overland Park Dentistry stand ready and willing to oblige when it comes to cutting down such numbers and allowing patients to get back to their lives happy, healthy, and of course, gum disease free! However, we cannot take on such a huge task without your help. By taking time to thoroughly brush and floss at least twice a day, in addition to scheduling your two annual appointments with us at Overland Park Dentistry, a menace like gum disease doesn’t stand a chance!
If you have any concerns about gum disease, or are simply due for your annual checkup, come see us at Overland Park Dentistry and until next time, keep on Smiling!
Local dentist, Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS, and his team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with preventative, restorative or cosmetic dentistry. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.
It’s been almost a full year since COVID-19 first appeared in the United States, and in that time life behind a mask has become the “new normal” for the vast majority of people both in the United States and abroad. While many of us wait to receive our vaccination, it is still important to maintain proper social distancing and continue to wear in any and all public spaces. However, there are other things that need to be assessed in the meantime, and unfortunately one issue has become very apparent to both the American Dental Association and us, here at Overland Park Dentistry.
As reported in various media outlets, in addition to the heath complications related to the COVID-19 outbreak, many dentists both in the U.S. and U.K. have begun reporting a startling rise in the number of oral health issues among their patients. Obviously, it’s no coincidence that this steady increase was first noticed when a nationwide mask mandate was first requested during the past year, and its certainly no coincidence that this number is continuing to increase to this day! The practice of wearing a mask in public may help contain the spread of the virus, but alas these same masks are indeed the cause of this dilemma now known as “Mask Mouth.” In the following sections, we will elaborate on what causes face masks to affect your oral health, what signs and symptoms to watch out for, and finally what you can do to prevent mask mouth from become a problem for you!
Mask Mouth: Causes
Sure, a term like “Mask Mouth” might sound a bit little silly at first, but the affects of mask mouth are certainly nothing to snicker at! Obviously tooth decay and periodontal disease are two of the most potentially serious oral health issues that can affect a person, and if left untreated, mask mouth can lead to such conditions. Surprisingly, the key triggers for causing mask mouth are relatively mundane and seeming easy to avoid. Keep in mind however, sometimes it’s the most basic things that are easiest to overlook!
Dry mouth or Xerostomia, is perhaps the most basic trigger for mask mouth. Xerostomia occurs when your salivary glands fail to produce necessary amount of saliva to keep your mouth moist and might be indicative of or result in dehydration. Because saliva helps protect teeth from harmful bacteria, the lack of saliva will create a much more fertile breading ground for bacteria, thus causing the gums to become infected and the teeth to decay.
Rapid Breathing:
When a person breathes naturally, they are generally taking slow controlled breaths using their diaphragm. However, recent studies have shown that when wearing a facemask, many people tend to take accelerated shallow breaths, thereby reducing the saliva in their mouth.
Poor Air Quality:
When you have a mask constricting your breathing zone, the concentrated carbon dioxide forces you to reuse and recycle the air that you breathe. While the recycled carbon dioxide is not particularly harmful, it will heighten the level of acidic buildup within your body, ultimately putting you at a much greater risk of developing tooth decay and other health issues.
Mask Mouth: Signs and Symptoms
Foul Breath:
Perhaps one of the most common complaints with regards to wearing a mask, is the fact that many people find themselves bothered by smell of their own breath. Indeed halitosis (or bad breath) is a frustrating problem; however, this also might be a sign that your mask is affecting your oral health. In this situation we would highly encourage you to reevaluate your both your oral hygiene and dietary habits. Remember, wearing a facemask can exasperate all kinds of inner-oral issues, no matter how small!
As mentioned in the previous section, dry mouth is a telltale sign that your facemask could be having an adverse effect on your oral health. If you find your mouth is feeling dry on a consistent basis, you ARE in greater jeopardy of developing additional problems and therefore should address this issue right away!
Gum Inflammation:
As a progressive infection within the gumline, gum disease typically begins with inflammation. If your gums are dark pink, tender, or have a tendency to bleed, then you have likely developed gingivitis. Stemming the excess bacteria, plaque will slowly begin to build up in your mouth until it reaches the gum tissue. Once the gum tissue has become infected you will experience swollen and bleeding gums, which are hallmark signs of gingivitis. If the condition is left untreated however, the infection will eventually progress into full blown gum disease.
To put it simply, a dirty mask makes a dirty mouth. By repeatedly using the same mask over and over, you are giving bacteria a place to survive and thrive! We recommend washing and rotating several cloth masks at a time, or simply throwing away disposable masks after each use.
Keeping Hydrated:
Sure, it can be easy to forget sometimes, but we cannot stress enough how necessary it is to drink plenty of water while using a mask for a prolonged period. Obviously, water does the body good in more ways than one, so don’t deprive yourself!
Proper Oral Hygiene:
With facemasks continuing to be required for daily use, proper oral hygiene is now more important than ever. So please take the time to reassess your daily hygiene habits. While taking a few extra minutes twice a day to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth might not seem like it makes much of a difference, believe us … IT REALLY DOES! Also keep in mind that by brushing between meals, you are really doing your teeth a huge favor. Much like taking a refreshing shower after work, a mid-day brushing really helps rejuvenate your smile AND freshen your breath.
This might be more of a suggestion, rather than an actual solution, if dry mouth and bad breath are really proving to be a problem for you then perhaps you should consider altering your diet. While it doesn’t have to be permanent, temporary dietary changes could be a key factor in reducing these issues. Commonly used substances such as caffeine or alcohol for instance, both expedite the rate of dehydration, thus worsening the affects of mask mouth. By limiting your consumption of sugary, alcoholic, acetic, caffeinated, or tobacco-based products, you can diminish such concerns in a major way.
Routine Dental Exams:
In a world where masks are mandatory, it’s imperative for the health and future of your smile that you continue to receive dental exams every 6 months. By giving Dr. Kimes and the staff at Overland Park Dentistry the chance to assess your current oral health and make note of any changes or concerns.
Obviously, wearing a mask can be a hassle, and we realize that the issues caused by mask mouth are an inconvenience; however, right now we’renot advocating that you stop wearing a mask (when mandated)!
As we have been told, wearing a face mask isimportant for the health and safety of both you and the public.
While mask mouth is legitimate health concern, and we considered it our obligation to make you aware of this issue, please remember that by attending routine dental checkups and adhering to solutions and guidelines mentioned above, mask mouth can be successfully prevented. If you have any concerns about mask mouth or are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, please contact our offices.
From all of us here at Overland Dentistry stay safe and Keep smiling!
Local dentist, Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS, and his team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with preventative, restorative or cosmetic dentistry. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.
Obviously, your teeth are one of the most vital aspects of everyday life, whether it’s munching on your favorite snack or grinning ear to ear for a photo op, if you have one or several missing teeth, such a simple task becomes THAT much harder.
Fortunately, within the ever-expanding realm of dental technology, there are a variety of different ways to replace teeth that have been lost or significantly damaged. Many dentists will agree that tooth replacement with Dental implants are unquestionably the most effective method to replace a tooth, and if you meet the candidacy requirements, dental implants are generally your most viable option.
Dental Implants: The Best Option
The modern dental implant has become something of a fan favorite among the dental community for its ability to provide a cosmetically pleasing and durable solution for those in need of a permanent replacement. Hiding under your gumline, are what is known as your teeth’s roots. The roots keep your tooth anchored within its socket, while simultaneously connecting it to the nerves and blood vessels within the jaw, therefore essentially serving as your tooth’s life source. If a tooth is significantly (or entirely) destroyed however, then it is necessary to not only replace the tooth itself, but also its means of keeping itself in place. To achieve this, an implant platform is to be inserted within the jawbone, in order to create a base for the artificial tooth (or crown) to be held in place. Once in place, the platform and crown are connected via a small screw which can be designed to support one or several crowns, ultimately resulting in a sturdy replacement that looks and functions like natural teeth.
What Are the Candidacy Requirements?
As mentioned earlier, to receive a dental implant you do need to meet the candidacy requirements. While implants are typically the best solution for the majority of patients, it’s important realize that implants might not always be the right solution depending on a patient’s medical history. In the section below are several issues that could POSSIBLY disqualify a patient from receiving a tooth replacement with dental implants.
Periodontitis: Also known as gum disease, periodontitis is an infection within the gumline which causes the gum tissue, teeth, and (in severe cases) jawbone to slowly deteriorate. Any patients suffering from periodontitis much have the condition treated prior to receiving implant surgery.
Diabetes: While diabetes doesn’t automatically disqualify a patient from receiving a dental implant, the patient must have the condition under control, and are required to consult with a primary care physician before receiving the treatment.
Smoking: Although smoking is personal choice, it’s important to realize that smoking does exponentially increase the risk of implant failure. Therefore, any patients receiving dental implants are strongly encouraged to quit.
Youth/Pregnancy: Younger patients whose jaws might still be growing should wait until their jaw has fully developed before seeking implants. Likewise, women who are pregnant are also required to wait until after childbirth to receive treatment.
Osteopenia: Patients with osteopenia suffer from low bone density and are generally not encouraged to receive dental implants. However, it should be mentioned that implants are sometimes possible in this scenario by way of bone grafting.
Poor Overall Health: Although relatively minor, its important to understand that the dental implant process is a form of surgery and therefore a patent must be healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Therefore, if a patient has any additional underlying health issues or concerns that they are aware of, a proper assessment of such issues should be taken before any treatment can proceed.
Going Above and Beyond
While not all dental providers offer tooth replacements with dental implants, at Overland Park Dentistry we believe in going above and beyond for our patients. Therefore, as part of our restorative-based treatments, we have dental implants available to those in need of tooth replacements and are certainly willing to help you! If you are in need of a tooth replacement or would like to find out if you’re a candidate for dental implants please feel free to contact our offices and remember to always keep smiling!
Local dentist, Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS, and his team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with preventative, restorative or cosmetic dentistry. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.
As businesses began to reopen and people everywhere began to regain a sense of normality, continued concerns surrounding Covid-19 have forced our Nation to reassess our stance on our health and the various health concerns that we as a society face.
For decades, one of the biggest health issues amongst people in both the U.S. and abroad has been smoking. Over the years, the dangers of tobacco smoking have been widely publicized and scrutinized amongst various media outlets, and although tobacco smoking (particularly cigarette smoking) has declined in recent years, it still remains a persistent issue. However, coinciding with the decline of tobacco users in the world today, a new trend as emerged under the guise as a safe alternative to tobacco smoking.
While this new trend known as vaping may in fact be a healthier alternative to smoking, that certainly does not mean there is not a plethora of negative health consequences that vaping itself can cause. At Overland Park Dentistry, we have unfortunately seen firsthand how vaping can affect a smile and trust us, it isn’t pretty! Therefore, in addition to giving you the scoop on some of the effects vaping has on oral health, we will also provide some helpful tips and insight into how you may possibly go about quitting this habit, in order to keep yourself healthy and smiling!
Whether it be a quick search via Google or a simple chit-chat with Dr. Kimes or any of his staff at Overland Park Dentistry, the unfortunate truth is that vaping can cause a great deal of harm to one’s oral health over time.
Much like smoking, vaping allows its user to receive a nicotine kick by ingesting smokeless vapor, using a vapor-generating electronic cigarette (typically known as e-cigs or vape pens). While the significant amount of nicotine present in vapor products allow them to act as a substitute for cigarette smoke, the excess nicotine also exponentially increases the risk of developing gum disease. So, we truly believe that vaping causes gum disease among other dental and oral concerns.
Gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, are an infection of the gum tissue which if left untreated, can spread rapidly throughout the mouth causing irreversible damage to the teeth, gums, and jawbone. Additionally, periodontitis (which is the more severe type of gum disease) also has an alarming tendency to interact with other preexisting health issues or even spread to other regions of the body, thus becoming a potentially fatal issue!
While some advocates for vaping are quick to point out that periodontitis AKA severe gum disease is a progressive illness in which time is required for the disease to spread. It is important to realize that the nicotine from vaping also causes portions of the gums to slowly die off, making it increasingly difficult for your dentist to detect the infection, thereby allowing the infection continued time to progress and worsen. Once again, this gives us cause to believe that vaping causes gum disease — sooner or later, it’s going to be a dangerous problem.
How Can I Quit Vaping?
If you have ever been (or previously been) a smoker, you will certainly understand how tough it can be to quit. Much like smoking, vaping can be a tough habit to break and may require a certain degree of soul searching and support. Although quitting isn’t an exact science, there are a number of methods and strategies that you may employ to aid you in this endeavor!
The information below includes some are some useful tips and things to consider when undertaking the quitting process.
Find your motivation: First thing first, it’s important to ask yourself: Why do you genuinely want to quit? Sure, this may seem silly or unnecessary at first, but by finding and firmly establishing a concise motive for quitting, you will be able to take a more structured and direct approach to accomplishing this, with a clear goal in mind.
Consider the timing: As with anything, another key factor to consider is timing. Whether you are attempting to quit cold turkey (often the most effective way) or gradually reduce the habit until it is no more, eliminating vaping from your daily routine is likely to cause a certain degree of stress. However, if this were to coincide with another potentially stressful life event, (changing careers, buying a new house, family/marital issues, etc) the excess stress may hinder your success or cause you to fall back into your vaping habit. While certainly life can be unpredictable at times, try to shoot for a time in which outside stress and interference will be relatively minimal, thus allowing you to focus on the task at hand.
Have a positive support group: We all need help sometimes and having other people to both encourage and hold you accountable can have a huge impact on your ability to give up vaping once and for all. By surrounding yourself with group of friends or loved ones who will support your decision to quit and provide you with a safe and positive environment, you will have taken a crucial step in the right direction.
Identify triggers: What sort of things make you want to vape? Could it be stress or boredom? Or perhaps it’s simply the crowd you hang out with? Whether they be physical, social, or emotional, learning to recognize what triggers the urge to vape is essential in providing you with the necessary means to alter this behavior.
Make a game plan: In going along with the previous step, once you have identified what triggers you to vape, you can then begin to develop a strategy to manage or avoid these triggers. One of the most effective strategies that has helped many people in the past is to find a replacement activity for vaping. Do you have a particular hobby that you rarely find time to do? Perhaps this could be the opportune time to rekindle your interest in said hobby or to even pursue a new one.
Use resources: In a time where there are a number of tools available to you, it would be wise to take advantage of them. Known as nicotine replacement therapy, nicotine patches, gums, and other nicotine substitutes can play a major part in slowly diminishing the powerful dependence on nicotine caused by vaping.
Safer Does NOT Mean Safe
While indeed vaping has helped dissipate the amount of tobacco users across the globe, while providing a safer alternative to smoking, safer still does not mean safe! Remember, how we’ve mentioned that vaping causes gum disease? If you continue to vape, you will run the risk of damaging your smile, as well as developing additional (or even unknown) health complications later on.
If you are a former smoker, it is certainly understandable if you have taken up vaping as a substitute for smoking. Although we highly encourage you to please consider taking the necessary steps to put the habit behind you, as vaping is not the harmless alternative that many believe it to be. However, if you have never been a smoker but are interested in vaping, please do not start! Remember, in addition to harming your oral health, vaping is also very addictive, and once you get hooked it can be extremely hard to quit.
Overland Park Dentistry Can Help
If you have any additional questions about vaping, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our offices at Overland Park Dentistry and until next time, Keep on smiling!
Local dentist, Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS, and his team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with preventative, restorative or cosmetic dentistry. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.
Healthy teeth are about more than just a pretty smile. Your oral health has a major effect on the overall health of your body, not just in your mouth. By maintaining healthy teeth and gums, you can make your body healthier from head to toe.
Oral Bacteria and Health
Bacteria in the mouth cause tooth decay – by feeding on the sugars in the foods and drinks we consume – they leave behind the waste, in the form of a biofilm known as dental plaque.
Our mouths have lots of bacteria that is usually harmless. (Did you know that the bacteria in our body aids with digestion and other biological tasks?) However, if you do not brush or floss regularly, bacteria can reach dangerously high levels. When this happens, tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections can be the nasty result.
There is evidence that the oral bacteria and high level of inflammation associated with the serious gum disease known as periodontitis can play a role in diseases in other parts of the body.
The following health issues and diseases are linked with poor gum health:
Infections from Abscesses: In some rare instances, severe tooth decay can lead to an abscess. The infection can travel to the heart, brain, or lungs, causing severe illness or even death.
Cardiovascular Diseases: There are researchers who suggest that heart disease, stroke and clogged arteries are linked to the inflammation and infections caused by too much oral bacteria.
Pregnancy and Birth Complications: Severe gum infection has been linked to premature births and low birth weight.
Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart. This can occur when bacteria from other parts of your body, such as your mouth, move through your bloodstream and become attached to damaged areas in the heart.
The Impact of Gum Disease
Did you know that 85% of Americans suffer from gum disease, yet only 60% of those infected know they have gum disease? Gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bone that support your teeth and is the leading cause of tooth loss. However, the impact can extend beyond your mouth.
Also known as periodontitis, gum disease can significantly affect your general health.
Research shows that there is a connection between gum disease and other serious conditions such as:
osteoporosis
oral and pancreatic cancer
brain stroke
heart disease
gum disease may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia from oral bacteria that spread through the blood stream
gum disease also impacts those with diabetes by making it difficult to regulate blood glucose levels
If you have one of these systemic conditions, it is important to talk to your dentist about your risk for gum disease and the best treatment options.
decreasing pocket depth (the space between your tooth and gum)
stopping bone loss
Initial treatment options can include Laser Pocket Disinfection or scaling and root planning (also known as deep cleaning). There are surgery options for advanced gum disease.
Protecting Your Oral Health
By protecting the health of your teeth and gums, you can keep yourself healthier too. Practice good oral hygiene daily to prevent overgrowth of bacteria.
This includes:
Brushing your teeth at least twice per day
Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
Avoid tobacco use, as this can cause irritation in your gums
Limit sugary snacks, which can feed bacteria and increase their growth
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months
You should also have regular dental checkups and cleanings. If you notice a problem with your teeth or gums, call for an appointment right away. The sooner these are handled, the sooner you will be back to full health. Charles R. Kimes, DDS provides general and family dentistry in the Overland Park, Kansas area to keep his patients healthy – including healthy teeth, healthy gums, and a healthy body. Time for your checkup? Call to schedule today.
Local dentist, Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS, and his team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with preventative, restorative or cosmetic dentistry. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.
February is National Childrens Dental Health Month and we want to celebrate the benefits of building healthy habits when kiddos are small that will last a lifetime. That’s why the American Dental Association chose to focus on this particular topic … to bring together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others. What’s interesting is that so many of the oral hygiene tips we give to adults should also be followed by children.
Your
teeth are truly an amazing part of your body, and as beautiful as those pearly
whites of yours can be, they are extremely important as well. Being responsible
for breaking down food for consumption, obviously your teeth play a vital role
in daily life. However, with such an important purpose, the hazards your teeth
face on a regular basis are countless.
Indeed,
your teeth are very tough, the constant wear and tear they endure is bound to
take its toll. Additionally, if your teeth are improperly cared for or
neglected, this could spell disaster for your teeth in a variety of different
ways!
First, let’s review the importance of oral hygiene.
Daily Oral Hygiene
It’s
important for our littles to see us leading the way and setting an example. They
pick up on our good habits AND our bad habits, that’s why oral hygiene is so
important.
It can be way too easy to get into the habit of poor oral hygiene and you could be setting yourself up for unavoidable dental health issues.
Sadly,
this has been the case for many people, as progressive diseases such as tooth
decay and gum disease typically manifest slowly over several years, and rarely
display any obvious symptoms until their latter stages.
Unfortunately,
if these conditions have progressed to an advanced stage, the damage at that
point may be irreversible.
Poor Oral Hygiene: The
Consequences
Tooth
Decay
Tooth
decay is a condition in which harmful acidic particles build up in a person’s
mouth over a prolonged period, slowly eroding the tooth’s protective outer
layer and rendering it vulnerable. Unprotected, bacteria descend upon the tooth
causing it to rapidly decay. Once a tooth has fallen into a state of decay, you
are likely to experience increased tooth sensitivity, as well as the appearance
of cavities and eventual breakage.
While not all of the symptoms listed here are definitive signs of tooth decay, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend you contact your dental practitioner to receive a formal checkup.
Unexplained toothaches or spontaneous tooth sensitivity
Moderate to severe pain while consuming hot/cold foods or drinks
Visible holes, stains, or crevices on a tooth’s surface
Chronic foul breath (Read more here about how to stop bad breath)
Alterations in bite or difficulty while chewing
Discoloration of tooth and surrounding gum line
Gum Disease
Although
gum disease is a relatively familiar term to many people, the condition is
often misunderstood and simply written off as little more than a minor
nuisance. However, the truth is that gum disease is an infection of the gum
tissue caused by excess plaque/bacteria build up around the teeth and gumline.
When the gum tissue has become infected, inflammation of tissue surrounding the
teeth will occur. Your gums may bleed while eating or brushing, this is often a
tell-tale sign of gingivitis, or an early stage of gum disease.
Once
gingivitis has been detected, we highly recommend that you visit your dentist
(if you haven’t already) and begin taking a proactive role in treating the
condition before it can spread any further. If the infection is allowed to
progress further, it will continue to spread throughout the mouth, eventually
affecting the teeth and jawbone. This is what’s known as periodontitis or
periodontal disease, which is a later stage of gum disease, and unquestionably
when the disease is at its worst.
Periodontal disease causes irreversible damage to the mouth and may destroy the entire jaw if severe enough. Perhaps most troubling of all is periodontal disease’s tendency to spread to other regions of the body or interact with other preexisting conditions, which could pose serious problems not only to your dental health, but your overall health!
While
tooth decay and gum disease may not sound all that scary at first, the
complications of either condition can truly be a nightmare! As alluded to
earlier, if the bacteria produced by either condition enters the bloodstream it
may likely travel to other areas of the body, spreading and worsening the infection.
If
the infectious bacteria reach the heart, it will inflame the heart’s vessels,
resulting in the formation of numerous blood clots. These blood clots will
slowly begin to cut off the flow of blood, thereby choking the heart and
forcing it to pump faster while producing less and less efficiently.
As
a result of this, individuals suffering from severe tooth decay or periodontal
disease, (or both) have a three times higher likelihood of suffering a heart
attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular-based complications. Additionally,
tooth decay and more particularly gum disease, can also lead to the worsening
of other chronic illnesses such as diabetes, or various types of cancer, which
is likely to have serious if not fatal results.
Common
Dental Problems
Although some of the most common dental problems are not exactly terms that are unfamiliar, the resulting ramifications of such dental health issues can have devastating effects on not just your oral health, but your general health as well.
Of course, we’ve already discussed the dangers of tooth decay and gum disease, listed below are some of the most common dental problems and health issues affecting patients today.
Foul
Breath:
The condition known as halitosis or bad breath can certainly be the cause of social anxiety or embarrassment, however if this remains a persistent problem, there is likely an additional oral issue to blame. Chronic foul breath can be indicative of numerous issues such as cavities, dry mouth, gum disease, buildup on tongue, or even oral cancer. Read more about how to stop bad breath.
Toothaches:
Like foul breath, toothaches or tooth sensitivity can be a tell-tale sign that there may be additional dental health problems that perhaps have not been addressed. Tooth sensitivity may indicate undetected damage (such as cracks, chips or abscesses) or even the early symptoms of tooth decay. Regardless, if chronic toothaches are ignored, they are only likely to worsen over time.
Oral
Cancer:
Oral cancer is an extremely aggressive type of cancer that is responsible for approximately 9,750 annual deaths in the U.S. alone, and remains a major health issue nationwide. While treatable in its early stages, if allowed to spread, oral cancer may not be able to be stopped, thereby having potentially fatal consequences. Read more about oral cancer screenings and how they can save your life, here.
You may not know that these common dental problems can lead to additional health problems. Read more about additional consequences of poor oral health here.
Risk
Factors
These dental health issues obviously pose some serious problems – not only for adults, but for children as well – however, by recognizing the various triggers or risk factors of some of these common dental problems, you may allow yourself to take the necessary precautionary measures to prevent such issues before they occur.
Improper Oral Hygiene: While this may seem like a given, unfortunately it can be very easy to fall into poor oral hygiene habits, and while this may not seem like a big deal, obviously it dose put you at a higher risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other related complications.
Dietary Habits: It’s certainly okay to enjoy the occasional treat, however if sugary drinks and snacks are a part of your daily diet, then you might consider cutting back on the sweets. Excess sugar can cause a number of alarming dental health concerns and oral problems are certainly no exception. If reeling in your sweet tooth is an issue, then it is essential that you practice proper oral hygiene.
Smoking/Tobacco Use: As you probably realize, excess tobacco use can be catastrophic on one’s oral health, and cigarette smoke is often the culprit of this. Tooth decay, gum disease, and of course oral cancer can all be caused by smoking, and the likelihood of tobacco users developing any of these issues is exponentially higher than that of nonusers. If you are a regular tobacco user, we strongly encourage you to seek professional counseling and to consider quitting. There’s also a new trend on the rise, vaping. Read more about the dangers of vaping.
Infrequent Checkups: As a rule of thumb, most dentists agree that a dental appointment every six months is the best course of action, effectively resulting in two appointments per year. It’s important to remember that your dentist is trained to not only take care of your teeth, but also to recognize the signs of any additional health issues (both oral and otherwise). By not giving your dentist the time to give you a proper examination, you are preventing your dentist from detecting any health problems and allowing dental health issues to progress and worsen.
Prevention
When
it comes to issues such as tooth decay and gum disease, prevention is always
the best route, therefore Dr. Kimes and his staff at Overland Park Dentistry
are more than happy to provide you with the best guidance and treatment to
address all your oral hygienic concerns or needs.
However, despite the various quality services that are available, it’s important to remember that the determining factor between good oral health and poor oral health always comes back basic oral hygiene. By taking the time to make sure you are correctly brushing, flossing, and caring for your teeth daily you are taking a crucial step in preventing dental health issues before they occur.
Remember
consistency is key! By taking a few extra minutes each day to ensure you’re
practicing proper oral hygiene and incorporating this into your daily routine
until it becomes a habit, in sense you are acting as your own daily dentist!
However, while daily hygienic consistency is in your hands, you should still
make a point to schedule a routine dental checkup twice a year to make sure
that your hygiene efforts are paying off and your teeth are strong and healthy.
Remember,
although taking a few minutes each day to correctly care for your teeth may
just seem like a little thing, sometimes the little things can make a very big
difference!
Local dentist, Dr. Charles R.
Kimes, DDS, and his team at Overland Park
Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity
to care for you and your family with preventative, restorative or cosmetic dentistry. To
schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at
our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park
office at (913) 341-2380.
Your teeth are truly an amazing part of your body, and as
beautiful as those pearly whites of yours can be, they are extremely important
as well. Being responsible for breaking down food for consumption, obviously
your teeth play a vital role in daily life. However, with such an important
purpose, the hazards your teeth face on a regular basis are countless.
Indeed, your teeth are very tough, the constant wear and tear
they endure is bound to take its toll.
Additionally, if your teeth are improperly cared for or neglected, this
could spell disaster for your teeth in a variety of different ways!
Common Dental Problems
Although some of the most common dental problems are not exactly terms that are unfamiliar, the resulting ramifications of such issues can have devastating effects on not just your oral health, but your general health as well.
Listed below are some of the most common dental problems and health issues affecting patients today.
Tooth Decay:
As one of the most widespread diseases in the United States (second only to the common cold) tooth decay is the condition in which excessive buildup of bacteria in the mouth breaks down the tooth’s enamel, thus causing the tooth to decay. Tooth decay can affect people of all ages, and although slow to progress, if left untreated tooth decay can cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums. Wanna know more about tooth decay, click here.
Periodontal Disease:
Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease is a progressive infection of the gum tissue, and much like tooth decay, can present a major problem if allowed to progress. If periodontal disease progresses to its later stages, it is likely to interact with and exacerbate other illnesses such as diabetes, or heart disease.
Foul Breath:
The condition known as halitosis or bad breath can certainly be the cause of social anxiety or embarrassment, however if this remains a persistent problem, there is likely an additional oral issue to blame. Chronic foul breath can be indicative of numerous issues such as cavities, dry mouth, gum disease, buildup on tongue, or even oral cancer. Read more about how to stop bad breath.
Toothaches:
Like foul breath, toothaches or tooth sensitivity can be a tell-tale sigh that there may be additional dental problems that perhaps have not been addressed. Tooth sensitivity may indicate undetected damage (such as cracks, chips or abscesses) or even the early symptoms of tooth decay. Regardless, if chronic toothaches are ignored, they are only likely to worsen over time.
Oral Cancer:
Oral cancer is an extremely aggressive type of cancer that is responsible for approximately 9,750 annual deaths in the U.S. alone, and remains a major health issue nationwide. While treatable in its early stages, if allowed to spread oral cancer may not be able to be stopped, thereby having potentially fatal consequences. Read more about oral cancer screenings and how they can save your life, here.
You may not know that these common dental problems can lead to additional health problems. Read more about additional consequences of poor oral health here.
Risk Factors And Prevention
The before mentioned issues obviously can pose some serious problems, however by recognizing the various triggers or risk factors of some of these common dental problems, you may allow yourself to take the necessary precautionary measures to prevent such issues before they occur.
Improper Daily Hygiene: While this may seem like a given, unfortunately it can be very easy to fall into poor oral hygiene habits, and while this many not seem like a big deal, obviously it dose put you at a higher risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other related complications.
Dietary Habits: It’s certainly okay to enjoy the occasional treat, however if sugary drinks and snacks are a part of your daily diet, then you might consider cutting back on the sweets. Excess sugar can cause a number of alarming concerns and oral problems are certainly no exception. If reeling in your sweet tooth is an issue, then it is essential that you practice proper oral hygiene.
Smoking/Tobacco Use: As you probably realize, excess tobacco use can be catastrophic on one’s oral health, and cigarette smoke is often the culprit of this. Tooth decay, gum disease, and of course oral cancer can all be caused by smoking, thus the likelihood of tobacco users developing any of these issues is exponentially higher than that of nonusers. If you are a regular tobacco user, we strongly encourage you to seek professional counseling and to consider quitting. There’s also a new trend on the rise, vaping. Read more about the dangers of vaping.
Infrequent Checkups: As a rule of thumb, most dentists agree that a dental appointment approximately every six months is the best course of action, effectively resulting in two appointments per year. Unfortunately, this rule is not always adhered to and while making at least one dental appointment per year might suffice in some cases, there are some people who won’t even do that. It’s important to remember that your dentist is trained to not only take care of your teeth, but also to recognize the signs of any additional health issues (both oral and otherwise). By not giving your dentist the time to give you a proper examination, you are preventing your dentist from detecting any health issues, thereby allowing the issues to progress and worsen.
A Smile Is A Terrible Thing to Waste!
Your smile is something you should love and take care of. But if you take it for granted, your beautiful smile not only won’t stay beautiful, but could also end up making you very sick! While all these common dental problems can potentially become a severe health crisis, keep in mind that almost all of these conditions can be prevented or successfully treated by taking the time to see Dr. Kimes and his wonderful staff at Overland Park Dentistry.
Remember a Smile is a terrible thing to waste, Don’t waste
yours!
Local
dentist, Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS, and his team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and
your family with preventative, restorative or cosmetic dentistry. To schedule your dental appointment with your
Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our
south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office
at (913) 341-2380.
Although dentistry has always been part of the health community,
for many years oral health was looked as a lesser health concern and was not
held in high esteem among those in the heath industry as compared to other
professions. Alas, in recent years this has been proven to be incorrect, as
oral health has revealed itself not only be a much more significant issue than
originally suspected, but also to be the root cause of numerous additional health
complications. While the resulting ailments may vary in severity, some have
potential to be quite serious or even fatal, if left untreated.
Poor Oral Health and General Health
Make no mistake, oral hygiene is extremely important, and while you might be able to get away with a couple slip-ups here and there; unfortunately, it’s a slippery slope to poor oral health. As it can be extremely easy to get into the habit of providing your teeth with inadequate care, thus setting yourself up for inevitable health issues.
For many in people in the past this has sadly been the case, as progressive diseases, such as tooth decay and gum disease, typically manifest slowly over an extended period, and rarely display any obvious symptoms until they reach their advanced stages. If these illnesses have progressed to a later stage, the damage at that point may be irreversible and could in fact, trigger a litany of additional health problems as well! Whether it be gum disease, tooth decay, or other health complications, the consequences of inadequate oral hygiene and poor oral health are never pretty!
Health Complications
At first glance, the two major consequences of improper oral hygiene (Tooth Decay and Gum Disease) may strictly seem like oral health issues. However, in reality these issues go much deeper than that as their affects not only wreak havoc on your oral health but cause an excess amount of oral bacteria to build up as well.
If the bacteria produced by either condition can enter the bloodstream, it may likely travel to other areas of the body, thereby spreading and worsening the infection. If the infectious bacteria reach the heart of its host, it will inflame the heart’s vessels, resulting in the formation of numerous blood clots. These blood clots will slowly begin to cut off the flow of blood, ultimately strangling the heart and forcing it to pump faster while producing less.
Learn more about Dental Health Awareness and how Gum Disease and Heart Disease are linked here.
As a result of this, individuals suffering from severe tooth
decay or periodontal disease, (or both) have a three times higher likelihood of
suffering a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular-based complications.
Additionally, tooth decay and more particularly gum disease, can also lead to
the worsening of other chronic illnesses such as diabetes, or various types of
cancer, which is likely to have serious if not fatal results.
Learn more about the link between Diabetes and Oral Health and its link to gum disease here.
Prevention: The Six-Month Rule
It’s often said that “The best defense is a good offense” and
when it comes to maintaining your health (both oral and overall) such an
approach is perhaps the smartest route. If you have read any of our previous
blog entries, you may be familiar with what we at Overland Park Dentistry refer
to as “The Six-Month Rule”, and while this term is not yet widely known among
the general populace, learning and adhering to the six-month rule is perhaps
one of the best ways in protecting both your oral and overall health.
As its name implies, the six-month rule is the recommended amount of time between scheduled dental checkups, resulting two routine dental checkups annually. By taking the time to receive two checkups per year you are much more likely to correct poor oral health habits and prevent potential issues before they are allowed to become a threat to your well-being.
Learn why you should schedule your summer dental appointment here.
So, ask yourself:
“When was my last dental appointment? “
And…
“Just how often do I take the time to make sure I am properly brushing and caring for my teeth?”
If you found yourself unable to honestly answer either of
these two questions, we strongly encourage you to come see us at Overland Park
Dentistry so that we may help keep both you and your teeth healthy!
Local
dentist, Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS, and his expert
team at Overland Park
Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for
you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs
you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment with your
Overland Park Dentist, contact us at
our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park
office at (913) 341-2380.
As busy people and productive members of society, most of us
have a daily routine that we follow to keep our lives on track. While we often
do these things without thinking, its important to do them correctly and not
completely overlook them as so called “little things”. Sometimes they’re much
more important then they seem.
Like many people, it’s probably somewhere between a morning shower and hustling off to work that you took the time to brush your teeth, or did you? Much like other seemingly small aspects of our daily routine, we may find ourselves brushing our teeth without giving it much consideration; however, its it important to remember oral hygiene is much more important than it may appear.
Oral Hygiene: More Important
than it Appears
So maybe you were running late and forgot to brush your
teeth, or maybe you did remember to brush but you didn’t take the time to make
sure you were getting all your teeth.
Oral Hygiene is No Big Deal… Right?!?!
Wrong!!!
Oral hygiene is very important, and while your smile may be
able to withstand a minor oversight or two, it’s a slippery slope. As it can be
extremely easy to get into the habit of providing your teeth with inadequate care
and setting yourself up for inevitable oral health issues.
Sadly, this has been the case for many people in the past, as progressive diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease typically manifest slowly over several years, and rarely display any obvious symptoms until their latter stages.
Unfortunately, if such conditions have progressed to an advanced stage, the damage at that point may be irreversible and could in fact, stir up a hornet’s nest of additional health problems as well! Whether it be gum disease, tooth decay, or other related complications, the consequences of improper or inadequate oral hygiene are never pretty!
Poor Dental Hygiene: The
Consequences
Tooth Decay
As you may already know, tooth decay is a condition in which harmful
acidic particles build up in a person’s mouth over a prolonged period, slowly eroding
the tooth’s protective outer layer and rendering it vulnerable to outside
agents. Unprotected, bacteria descend upon the tooth causing it to rapidly
decay. Once a tooth has fallen into a state of decay, you are likely to
experience increased tooth sensitivity, as well as the appearance of cavities
and eventual breakage.
Although gum disease is a relatively familiar term to many
people, the condition is often misunderstood and simply written off as little
more than a minor nuisance. However, the truth is that gum disease is an
infection of the gum tissue caused by excess plaque/bacteria build up around
the teeth and gumline. When the gum tissue has become infected, inflammation of
tissue surrounding the teeth will occur. Your gums may bleed while eating or
brushing, this is often a tell-tale sign of gingivitis, or an early stage of
gum disease.
Once gingivitis has been detected, we highly recommend that
you visit your dentist (if you haven’t already) and begin taking a proactive
role in treating the condition before it can spread any further. If the
infection is allowed to progress further, it will continue to spread throughout
the mouth, eventually affecting the teeth and jawbone. This is what’s known as
periodontitis or periodontal disease, which is a later stage of gum disease,
and unquestionably when the disease is at its worst.
Periodontal disease causes irreversible damage to the mouth
and may destroy the entire jaw of its host if severe enough. Perhaps most
troubling of all is periodontal disease’s uncanny tendency to spread to other
regions of the body or interact with other preexisting conditions, which could
pose serious problems!
While tooth decay and gum disease may not sound all that
scary at first, the complications of either condition can truly be a nightmare!
As alluded to earlier, if the bacteria produced by either condition enters the
bloodstream it may likely travel to other areas of the body, spreading and
worsening the infection.
If the infectious bacteria reach the heart of its host, it
will inflame the heart’s vessels, resulting in the formation of numerous blood
clots. These blood clots will slowly begin to cut off the flow of blood,
thereby choking the heart and forcing it to pump faster while producing less
and less efficiently.
As a result of this, individuals suffering from severe tooth
decay or periodontal disease, (or both) have a three times higher likelihood of
suffering a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular-based complications. Additionally,
tooth decay and more particularly gum disease, can also lead to the worsening
of other chronic illnesses such as diabetes, or various types of cancer, which is
likely to have serious if not fatal results.
Prevention: The Daily
Dentist
When it comes to issues such as tooth decay and gum disease,
prevention is always the best route, therefore Dr. Kimes and his staff at
Overland Park Dentistry are more than happy to provide you with the best
guidance and treatment to address all your oral hygienic concerns or needs.
However, despite the various quality services that are available,
it’s important to remember that the determining factor between good oral health
and poor oral health always comes back basic oral hygiene. By taking the time
to make sure you are correctly brushing, flossing, and caring for your teeth on
a daily basis you are taking a crucial step in preventing such oral health
issues before they occur.
Remember consistency is key! By taking a few extra minutes
each day to ensure you’re practicing proper oral hygiene and incorporating this
into your daily routine until it becomes a habit, in sense you are acting as
your own daily dentist! However, while daily hygienic consistency is in your
hands, you should still make a point to schedule a routine dental checkup twice
a year to make sure that your hygiene efforts are paying off and your teeth are
strong and healthy.
Remember, although taking a few minutes each day to correctly care for your teeth may just seem like a little thing, sometimes the little things can make a very big difference!
Local dentist, Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS, and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.
2019 is here and it’s the start of a new year! Like many people, you’ve probably given the upcoming year a certain matter of thought, and perhaps you’ve asked yourself if there are any specific goals you have or any changes that you’d like to make. Certainly, New Year’s resolutions are a great way to set about accomplishing worthy goals for yourself and as a means of self-improvement.
Some of the more common resolutions involve weight loss, exercise, and financial improvement. However, for some people a very serious personal concern that is always brought up around this time of year is smoking, and their resolution to stop smoking. While the dangers of smoking have been well publicized and are certainly no secret among the general public, tobacco smoking remains a persistent issue that continues to plague people from all walks of life. If you’re a smoker, please consider putting “Stop Smoking” at the top of your New Year’s resolution list this year!
Smoking: Your Body’s Worst Nightmare
Simply put, tobacco products (particularly cigarettes) ruin your body. Although the damage takes a number of years to fully progress, smoking will slowly begin to attack your body in a variety of different ways, effectively decimating your overall health and ultimately resulting in death.
While this may sound a bit melodramatic, as of January 2018 The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reported that an estimated 480,000 deaths in the United States occur each year as a result of cigarette smoking. Therefore, this habit is causing more deaths annually than HIV, drug and alcohol use, and automotive accidents combined! As the culprit behind these staggering statistics, cigarettes are without question the most dangerous of tobacco products due to their highly addictive nature in addition to the numerous cancer-causing substances they contain. With users addicted to cigarettes, consistently exposing themselves to harmful substances, the occurrences of eventual health problems are inevitable.
Smoking and Your Oral Health
While many people are aware of the adverse effects smoking has on your respiratory and cardiovascular health, the effect it has on your oral health often remains overlooked. Unfortunately, this is often a costly mistake, as smoking can have a major impact on your teeth and gums and can even trigger some serious illnesses.
While certainly cigarette smoke can cause significant staining and discoloration of your teeth due to the vast quantities of nicotine and tar in each cigarette (usually giving your teeth a sickly yellowish hue) smoking also triggers and exacerbates a condition known as periodontal disease. Periodontal or gum disease is an infection that originates within the gum line and spreads throughout the mouth irreversibly damaging the gum tissue and teeth. In turn, the damage caused by periodontal disease may result in bone loss or even cause the infection to spread.
In addition to gum disease, tobacco smoke can also trigger mouth cancer, which like any form of cancer, wreaks havoc on the afflicted area while always presenting the threat of metastasizing into other regions of the body.
As a longtime practitioner in professional dentistry, Dr. Kimes echoed much of this when asked about the subject.
“A person’s mouth is not meant to be ingesting smoke, it damages the gums, the teeth, the tongue, the jawbone; everything! I’ve had a several patients over the years who wanted to quit but just weren’t able to, it was very sad to see” he said solemnly.
Indeed, the residual affects on the lives of those impacted by smoking is a very sad and very real consequence of smoking, and perhaps underlines the true importance to stop smoking more than anything.
Stop Smoking: Tips for Quitting
Finding the best way to stop smoking is always a tricky subject as there is no magic formula or fool-proof plan to ensure this happens. However, there are plenty of resources and different methods to assist you in the process of quitting!
Make a Plan: If you are serious about wanting to stop smoking, it’s a wise idea to have a sort of game plan in mind to assist you and anticipate any difficulty that lay ahead. Quitting can be tricky so you might try asking someone else who has quit smoking for advice.
Use Resources: Although there are those who attempt to quit cold turkey, (without any assistance) approximately only 7% are successful in doing so, often with much difficulty. Fortunately, there is no need for such difficulty today as numerous products exist that can be used as effective tools in curtailing your cravings. Known as nicotine replacement therapy, nicotine patches, gums, and other nicotine substitutes can play a major part in slowly diminishing the powerful dependence instilled by cigarette smoking.
Ask Others for Help: Please don’t be afraid to ask for help, as support from friends and family often plays a vital role in the success of quitting. Additionally, it may also help to consult your physician, dentist, or psychologist as they may be able to help advise you during the process, and better your chances of success.
Know Your Triggers: On the road to quitting this unhealthy habit, you will probably encounter certain situations or circumstances that will give you the urge to smoke, these are your triggers and it’s important to recognize them, so you are able to refrain from smoking if or when they appear. Perhaps one of the most common triggers among smokers is the fact that they are surrounded by other smokers. If this is the case and you have friends and family who smoke, you might want to limit your time with them or make a point to avoid them if they are smoking. This can be tricky but it’s certainly worth it.
Stay Busy: By keeping yourself distracted and your mind off smoking, you might find things go smoother. Put smoking on the back burner for a while and take the time to do something different. Perhaps there is a project you need to get started on or something new that you’ve always wanted to try. Starting a project or new hobby are great ways to change things up and get your mind on other things.
Don’t Give Up: Quitting smoking is a long and winding road and there is always a chance of relapsing and slipping back into old habits. While this may be discouraging, it’s imperative that you not give up; even if you do have a slip-up or two (or more). By remaining consistent and continuing to fight the urge, it will get easier, you will break the habit and eventually stop smoking.
The Road to a Better Tomorrow!
The road to a better tomorrow starts today and with a brand-new year in full swing, the time for a healthier life is now! If “Stop Smoking” is on your New Year’s resolution list, then much like 2018 its time to make that issue a thing of the past. We hope the information above was useful for you and our staff at Overland Park Dentistry wish you a happy and healthy new year!
Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to care for you and your family with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic dentistry options for you or your family may have. To schedule your dental appointment with your Overland Park Dentist, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at 913-341-2380.
Overland Park Dentistry
Even though going to the dentist is one of my least favorite things to do, my experience with Dr. Kimes have always been good. They are both very kind and considerate and try to treat you as painlessly as possible.
- Sally M., Olathe, KS
Overland Park Dentistry
Even though going to the dentist is one of my least favorite things to do, my experience with Dr. Kimes have always been good. They are both very kind and considerate and try to treat you as painlessly as possible.
- Sally M., Olathe, KS
Overland Park Dentistry
The staff is always professional and knowledgeable. Dr. Kimes laid out our plans for treatment and got me started on something to handle the pain. Thank You...
- Mary Jo M.
Overland Park Dentistry
Still coming back after many years. Things must be "doing good". Can't think of anything I'd change.
- Warren M.
Overland Park Dentistry
Erica, Amy and Dr. Kimes are so amazing. They have made my visits so easy and comfortable. Thanks for making me smile!
- Antonia F.
Overland Park Dentistry
I absolutely love your office. I never in my life thought I would enjoy visiting a dentist but I do. Thank you for such awesome personal service! I recommend Dr Kimes and the office to anyone looking for a dentist.
- Shelley K.
Overland Park Dentistry
Thank you for your excellent work - everyone in the office is great!
- Jan K.
Overland Park Dentistry
There are good reasons why Cindy and I have been with your dental practice for so long---professional excellence, personal attention and friendliness of your staff come to mind.
- Robert K.
Overland Park Dentistry
The dental hygienist spent a lot of time to properly educating me about how to best floss and overcome tooth sensitivity.
- Laura F.
Overland Park Dentistry
I never dreamed I wouldn't mind going to the Dentist. :) Dr Kimes is amazing and Kay is the best hygienist in the world
- Gisele S.
Overland Park Dentistry
Always treated well. Still coming back after all these years.
