With a multitude of new types of technology coming into the industry at once, dental crowns (or fillings) continue to remain as one of the tried and true procedures that have come to define the dental profession over the years. However, despite this stellar reputation, crowns also remain a somewhat misunderstood commodity amongst the general public, with many patients unsure as to the reason for needing a dental crown.
Indeed, there are a number of situations in which crowns are necessary in restoring a patient’s smile. Therefore, in order to shed some light on the trusty dental crown, we will discuss some of the reasons why crowns are necessary, as well as highlighting some of the exciting new advancements in the modern dental crown.
Dental Crowns: The Rundown
First, lets refresh your memory on just what exactly a dental crown is. As you probably know, a crown is a composite cap that is fitted over a damaged or decayed tooth after it has been treated and sealed. Designed to resemble the tooth’s previous appearance, a crown is created to restore the tooth cosmetically, and protect it from incurring any future damage. Once fully restored, the newly crowned tooth will become fully functional once again, with the crown ultimately providing a durable solution that will last for many years.
As mentioned previously, there are numerous reasons for a dental crown and we’d like to explain why applying a crown to a tooth is required, some of these reasons are listed as follows:
Restoring the appearance of a damaged or severely decayed tooth
Holding a cracked or broken tooth together
Covering a dental implant
Concealing a deformed or misshapen tooth
Helping keep a dental bridge in place
Covering and protecting a tooth that has incurred significant loss
As you can see, one of the main reasons for a dental crown is if you have a tooth that is in need of repair. If that’s the case, you’re probably experiencing dental pain. Here’s an article about Tooth Pain and What May be Causing Your Toothache. If you’re experiencing any tooth pain, please contact us at Overland Park Dentistry to schedule an Emergency Dental Appointment.
CEREC Crown: A Crown for a New Era!
It’s often been said never too late to teach an old dog some new tricks, and when it comes to dental crowns this is certainly the case! As you may have read in some of our previous blog entries, a new slew of cutting-edge technology has come to revolutionize the dental industry throughout the twenty-first century thus far. All these various types of technology have led to unprecedented growth within the dental industry and have led to a renewed sense of public interest in the profession.
Arguably what’s become one of the most popular new technologies to emerge in dentistry’s recent technology boom is what’s known as the “Chairside Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics” or CEREC crown.
Although the standard crown has proved itself as viable solution, the process of receiving a standard crown has always left much to be desired. When receiving a standard dental crown, the process requires at least two separate appointments, in which the patient would likely have to take time off work or adjust their schedules to accommodate.
Additionally, in waiting to receive a conventional crown, the patient would be given a temporary crown to wear between appointments. While certainly necessary in preventing future damage and providing a quick fix, the temporary crown has been unpopular with patients in the past, as they have been known to break easily, or sometimes to even fall out.
NEW CEREC Crown Technology at Overland Park Dentistry
Fortunately, thanks to the arrival of the CEREC crown at Overland Park Dentistry, this process of receiving a crown can now be completed in just ONE simple appointment! This is possible through the use of digital imaging, dentists now have the ability to scan the inside of your mouth to accurately pinpoint the precise dimensions of your new crown, and thereby create a near perfect replica of your natural tooth. With this newfound ability, the cumbersome temporary crown is no longer necessary thus eliminating the need for multiple appointments.
At Overland Park Dentistry, the CEREC crown has been a big hit, by successfully creating an elegant and convenient solution for our loyal patients. If you have sustained any damage to your teeth or have any questions about the CEREC crown or crowns in general, feel free to contact our offices.
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.
Toothaches can be a minor tinge letting you know that something is wrong or they can cause crippling pain… that’s why we wanted to share some common toothache causes and their symptoms.
What is a toothache? Pain or inflammation in or around the tooth, often caused by tooth decay or infection.
What are common causes of a toothache?
A toothache can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease. Examples may include flossing, biting into something hard, getting something stuck in between the teeth, or braces. In children, it’s a regular part of the developmental process.
Common Causes of a Toothache:
Tooth decay
Tooth fracture
Broken tooth
Abscessed tooth
Infected gums
Damaged filling
Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth
Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant.
In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth.
Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth
Swelling around the tooth
Fever or headache
When Should I See a Dentist About a Toothache?
We recommend seeing your dentist as soon as possible about your toothache if:
Your toothache is severe
You have a toothache that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days
You have a fever, earache
You experience pain upon opening your mouth wide
What Happens When I Go to the Dentist for a Toothache?
First, your dentist will conduct a dental exam. He or she will ask you questions about the pain, such as:
when the pain started
how severe it is
where the pain is located
what makes the pain worse and what makes it better
does the pain wake you up in the middle of the night
Your dentist will examine:
your mouth
teeth and gums
jaws
tongue
throat
sinuses, ears, nose, and neck
X-rays may be taken as well as other tests, depending on what your dentist suspects is causing your toothache.
What Treatments Are Available for a Toothache?
Treatment for a toothache depends on the cause. If a cavity is causing the toothache, your dentist will fill the cavity or possibly extract the tooth, but only if there is no other way to save the tooth.
A root canal might be needed if the cause of the toothache is determined to be an infection of the tooth’s nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner areas of the tooth cause that type of infection. An antibiotic may be prescribed if there is fever or swelling in the jaw.
Since most toothaches are the result of tooth decay, following good oral hygiene practices can prevent most toothaches.
Good oral hygiene practices consist of:
brushing regularly with a fluoride-containing toothpaste
flossing daily
rinsing once or twice a day with an antiseptic mouthwash
seeing your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning and exam
In addition to these practices, ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride applications and make low-sugar or healthy choices on snacks, meals and beverages.
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.
With Halloween right around the corner, it’s the time of year
in which little ghosts, vampires, and gholuls from all over, take part in the
door-to-door quest for sweets. While this is always an exciting and of course spooky
time of year for kids, for parents it can be a bit spooky for a totally
different reason!
As surely, we’ve all heard by now, sugar is bad for your teeth. Although this is a commonly known fact that has been drilled into the collective conscious of our society for many years now, many people still struggle to grasp the seriousness of tooth decay as well as the overall importance of oral hygiene. Therefore, in a season in which the treats are a plenty, we will shed some light on the effects of tooth decay, as well as identifying which treats are the worst for causing tooth decay, and providing some insight on how to avoid tooth decay from frightening you this Halloween!
Avoid Tooth Decay: A Truly Scary Thing!
Tooth decay is a problem that can affect children and adults alike
and is perhaps one of the most commonly encountered issues within the realm of
professional dentistry. Tooth decay is progressive destruction of a tooth’s
enamel, in which the protective out lining of the tooth is slowly broken down,
thus rendering the tooth vulnerable. In this state, the tooth is essentially at
the mercy of whatever substances it may encounter, particularly substances with
high acidity levels or containing excessive amounts of sugar. Therefore, if
binge snacking on such treats continues, it’s inevitable that the teeth will
begin to decay, ultimately resulting in a cavity or additional damage to occur.
Obviously sugary candy isn’t the best the for your teeth, it’s
important to realize that some types of candy are much worse than others. For
instance, classic chocolate treats (such as Hershey’s bars, Hershey’s kisses, Chocolate
or Peanut M&M’s) remain arguably the most popular type of candy in the
world today, however because the chocolate residue from these products can be
easily removed from teeth by a proper brushing, these basic chocolate treats
are actually a much better choice regarding your child’s oral heath than the
majority of candy types out there. Conversely, chocolate bars containing a
chewy filling can be much more harmful due to their contents sticking to teeth.
In the section below are a list of different types of candy and
how they can be bad for teeth if consumed in excessive amounts.
Hard Candy: While
hard candy such as Lollipops, Lifesavers, Jawbreakers, and Jolly Ranchers are certainly
in high demand around Halloween, unfortunately treats such as these can be
tough on teeth due to both their highly sugary contents, and hard structure. If
a tooth has already been weakened by any previous damage or decay, chomping on
some hard candies are certain to not make things any better!
High Citrus Sweets: Regardless of whether it’s a high citrus beverage or a citrusy snack, excess
citrus can absolutely wreak havoc on a tooth’s enamel, causing the enamel to
erode at a very quick rate. Some popular candy products containing particularly
high amounts citric acid include: Sour Patch Kids, Lemonheads, Sour Skittles,
and various other sour-based candies.
Chewy Candy: Gummy
or chewy candies are perhaps among the worst types of candy when it comes to
causing or progressing tooth decay. When chewy treats are consumed, the sticky
remnants may to cling to teeth or even get caught in gaps or small crevasses in
one’s smile and continue to expose the teeth to their sugary contents. Many different
types of candy fall into this category including: Skittles, Starbursts, Gummy
Bears, Laffy Taffy, and the classic Halloween staple known as Candy Corn.
Caramel Chocolate: As mentioned previously, unlike their more basic counterparts, caramel-filled
chocolate products such as Snickers, Milk Duds, Twix, or Milky Way bars are not
as easy to wash away with a simple brushing. Rather, these products tend to act
much in the same vein as the aforementioned chewy candies, often getting stuck
to teeth and finding their way into those hard to reach regions of the mouth.
If the substance is not removed, it will likely remain lodged in place and will
eventually decay, thus highlighting the importance of flossing after eating.
Cold Chocolate: Just a word to the wise; please do not put chocolate in the refrigerator! Biting
down on an ice-cold chocolate bar can break a tooth quicker than you can say
dental crown!
Okay, let’s make ourselves perfectly clear, it IS okay to enjoy a few treats here and there, and we certainly DON’T want to spoil you or your kiddo’s festivities this Halloween. Our goal here is simply to make both kids and parents a little more aware of how some of those beloved treats can potentially affect their smile and encourage everyone to practice a little moderation when enjoying those tasty treats to avoid tooth decay.
Remember, Halloween just isn’t Halloween without being a
little scary, but tooth decay certainly isn’t the kind of scare that anyone
wants!
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.
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.
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.
