The Connection Between Diabetes and Oral Health

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body's ability to produce or use insulin, which is essential for regulating blood sugar levels. While most people are aware of the impact diabetes can have on other parts of the body, such as the heart and kidneys, many are not aware of the connection between diabetes and oral health.

Diabetes can increase the risk of developing a variety of oral health problems, including:

• Gum Disease:

Gum disease is an infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, as high blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections.

• Dry Mouth:

Dry mouth is a condition in which there is a decrease in saliva production. People with diabetes are more likely to experience dry mouth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

• Thrush:

Thrush is a fungal infection that can occur in the mouth. People with diabetes are more likely to develop thrush, as high blood sugar levels can create an environment that is favorable for the growth of yeast.

• Slow Healing:

People with diabetes may experience slower healing times, which can impact their ability to recover from oral surgery or other dental procedures.

Prevention and Treatment:

The good news is that there are steps that people with diabetes can take to maintain good oral health. These include:

• Controlling Blood Sugar Levels:

Keeping blood sugar levels under control is the most important step in preventing oral health problems. This can be achieved through regular monitoring, a healthy diet, and medication as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

• Regular Dental Check-Ups:

Regular dental check-ups are important for maintaining good oral health. People with diabetes should visit their dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and exam.

• Good Oral Hygiene:

Practicing good oral hygiene is also essential for preventing oral health problems. This includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash.

The connection between diabetes and oral health cannot be ignored. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing oral health problems, but with proper management, these risks can be minimized. By controlling blood sugar levels, visiting the dentist regularly, and practicing good oral hygiene, people with diabetes can maintain good oral health and prevent complications.

How orthodontic treatment could help you

Orthodontic treatment is the process of straightening out crooked and crowded teeth, often using appliances such as braces.

Most dentists are trained to treat some minor orthodontic problems but, if they feel a patient needs specialist treatment, they will provide a referral to an orthodontist.

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

One of the main aims of orthodontics is to straighten teeth and correct jaw alignment through braces, corrective procedures and other “appliances”.

Braces are the most common appliance and there are two types:

•  Fixed, which are worn all the time and can only be removed by the dentist
•  Removable, which the patient can take out of the mouth

Most patients wear braces for between one and three years, depending on what conditions need correcting. This is followed by a period of wearing a “retainer” that holds teeth in their new positions.

There may be a little discomfort during treatment but modern braces are more comfortable than ever before. They apply a constant, gentle force to move teeth and usually require fewer adjustments than older apparatus.

While braces work best when children are still growing, they can be effective at any age.

Different types of dentist and how they help your oral care

While many people see dentists as the single group of people who look after the health of your teeth and mouth, there are various specialist categories that help you in different ways.

The categorization of a dentist will depend on their education, training and experience.

Here are some of the main specialist areas of dentistry:

• Endodontics: Concerned with the dental pulp – the part in the center of a tooth made up of living soft tissue and cells and root canal therapy
  
  
• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: This deals with the identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions
  
  
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Deals with the production and interpretation of images and data produced by radiant energy that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region
  
  
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of the tissues including extractions, facial surgery and implants
  
  
• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics: Mainly deals with diagnosis, prevention and treatment of misaligned teeth and modification of midface and mandibular growth
  
  
• Pediatric Dentistry: Provides preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence.
  
  
• Periodontics: Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues. Most periodontist place implants
  
  
• Prosthodontics: Diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues. Includes dentures, bridges and the restoration of implants.

Plus, of course, general dentists provide everyday care and many specialist services to maintain your oral health.

How medication and anesthesia can help make your visit to the dentist easier

Your dentist will do everything possible to make your visit as relaxed and comfortable as possible.

Depending on the treatment you are receiving, there are several medications available to help.

Some drugs control pain, some help you relax and others put you into a deep sleep during dental treatment.

The best approach will depend on the type of procedure being undertaken, your overall health – including any history of allergies – and the degree of anxiety you feel.

Some of the options your dentist might discuss include:

• Analgesics: These are the most commonly used drugs for relief of toothache or pain following dental treatment. They includes aspirin, acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen. There is a separate category of ‘narcotic analgesics’ – such as those containing codeine – which are used for more severe pain.
  
  
• Local anesthesia: Topical anesthetics are applied to mouth tissues with a swab to prevent pain on the surface level. They may also be used to soothe mouth sores. Injectable local anesthetics prevent pain in a specific area of your mouth during treatment by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain and numbing mouth tissues.

In other cases, your dentist many recommend sedation or general anesthesia.

Your dentist will discuss the best approach to suit your needs.

How dental x-rays help improve your oral health

Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth so an X-ray examination can reveal important additional information:

For example, X-rays can help show:

•  Small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing fillings
•  Infections in the bone
•  Gum disease
•  Abscesses or cysts
•  Developmental abnormalities
•  Some types of tumors

The way they work is that more X-rays are absorbed by the denser parts (such as teeth and bone) than by soft tissues (such as cheeks and gums). This creates an image called a radiograph.

Tooth decay, infections and signs of gum disease appear darker because of more X-ray penetration. The interpretation of these radiographs allows the dentist to safely and accurately detect hidden abnormalities.

The frequency of X-rays (radiographs) will depend on your specific health needs.

Your dentist will review your history, examine your mouth and decide whether you need radiographs and what type.

When you are a new patient, the dentist may recommend radiographs to establish how the hidden areas of your mouth currently look to help identify changes that occur later.

X-rays can help identify and treat dental problems at an early stage and so can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort.

The intersection of cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry: How cosmetic procedures can also improve dental health

When most people think of cosmetic dentistry, they think of procedures that improve the appearance of their smile. However, many cosmetic procedures also have restorative benefits that can improve overall dental health. Here are a few examples:

• Dental implants: Implants are often used to replace missing teeth, but they also have cosmetic benefits. Implants look and function like natural teeth, and can improve the overall appearance of your smile. Additionally, implants help prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can occur when a tooth is missing.
  
  
• Dental bonding: Bonding is a cosmetic procedure that involves using tooth-colored resin to fix chips, cracks, or gaps in teeth. Bonding also strengthens teeth and can prevent further damage, improving overall dental health.
  
  
• Teeth whitening: While teeth whitening is primarily a cosmetic procedure, it can also improve dental health. Whiter teeth are generally healthier and less prone to decay, as the whitening process can remove surface stains and plaque.
  
  
• Invisalign: Invisalign is a cosmetic alternative to traditional braces, but it also has restorative benefits. Straightening teeth with Invisalign can improve bite alignment, reducing the risk of jaw pain and other dental issues.

Overall, cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry are not mutually exclusive. Many cosmetic procedures have restorative benefits that can improve overall dental health. If you're considering a cosmetic procedure, talk to your dentist about how it may also benefit your dental health.

How to Care for Your Dental Implants: Maintenance Tips and Tricks

Caring for your dental implants is essential for maintaining their longevity and ensuring they continue to function properly. Here are some maintenance tips and tricks to help you take care of your dental implants:

• Brush and floss regularly:

Just like natural teeth, dental implants require regular brushing and flossing to keep them clean and free from plaque and bacteria. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Flossing between your teeth and around your dental implants can help remove food particles and prevent gum disease.

• Use an antibacterial mouthwash:

Using an antibacterial mouthwash can help kill bacteria and reduce the risk of infection around your dental implants. Ask your dentist which mouthwash is best for you.

• Avoid hard foods:

Biting down on hard foods like ice or candy can put too much pressure on your dental implants and cause damage. Stick to softer foods and cut your food into smaller pieces to avoid damaging your implants.

• Wear a night guard:

Grinding your teeth at night can put unnecessary stress on your dental implants. Wearing a night guard can help reduce the force of grinding and protect your implants from damage.

• Visit your dentist regularly:

Regular dental checkups can help identify any issues with your dental implants early on and prevent further damage. Your dentist can also professionally clean your teeth and check the health of your gums.

By following these maintenance tips and tricks, you can help ensure the longevity and health of your dental implants. Remember to consult with your dentist about any concerns or questions you may have about caring for your dental implants.

Dental Implants for Single Tooth Replacement: Pros and Cons

If you have lost a single tooth due to injury or decay, dental implants are an excellent option for replacement. They are a permanent, natural-looking solution that can restore your smile and prevent further dental problems. However, like any dental procedure, there are pros and cons to consider. Here are some of the pros and cons of dental implants for single tooth replacement:

Pros:

• Permanent Solution: Dental implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss, unlike bridges or dentures that may need to be replaced over time.
  
  
• Natural-Looking: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, restoring the appearance of your smile and confidence.
  
  
• Improved Oral Health: Dental implants can improve overall oral health by preventing further tooth loss, gum disease, and bone loss.
  
  
• Easy to Clean: Dental implants are easy to clean and maintain, requiring no special care or cleaning routines.
  
  
• Comfortable: Dental implants are comfortable and fit securely in your mouth, eliminating the discomfort and inconvenience of removable dentures.

Cons:

• Cost: Dental implants can be more expensive than other tooth replacement options, such as bridges or dentures.
  
  
• Time-Consuming: The dental implant process can take several months to complete, requiring multiple appointments.
  
  
• Surgical Procedure: Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure that requires anesthesia and a healing period.
  
  
• Potential Complications: Like any surgical procedure, there is a risk of complications such as infection or implant failure.

Dental implants are an excellent option for single tooth replacement, offering numerous benefits such as permanence, a natural appearance, and improved oral health. However, they do come with some potential drawbacks, including cost and the time-consuming nature of the procedure. It's essential to discuss these factors with your dentist to determine if dental implants are the right choice for you.

The role of technology in modern cosmetic dentistry: How advances in digital imaging are changing the field

Technology has revolutionized the field of cosmetic dentistry, making it easier than ever for dentists to create beautiful, natural-looking smiles. One of the most significant advances in cosmetic dentistry is digital imaging technology. Here's how digital imaging is changing the field of cosmetic dentistry.

• Digital Imaging Technology: Digital imaging technology allows dentists to take highly detailed, 3D images of a patient's teeth and mouth. This technology is faster and more accurate than traditional x-rays, and it allows dentists to better diagnose dental problems and create custom treatment plans.
  
  
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): CAD/CAM technology allows dentists to create custom dental restorations, such as crowns and veneers, using computer software. This technology allows for more precise, accurate restorations that fit better and look more natural.
  
  
• Intraoral Cameras: Intraoral cameras are tiny cameras that can be inserted into a patient's mouth to take detailed images of the teeth and gums. This technology allows dentists to identify potential problems and areas that need improvement, and it allows patients to see exactly what the dentist sees.
  
  
• Digital Smile Design: Digital Smile Design is a software that allows dentists to create a custom digital model of a patient's smile. This software allows dentists to show patients a preview of what their new smile will look like before any procedures are performed. Patients can provide feedback and work with their dentist to create the perfect smile.

Technology has played a significant role in advancing the field of cosmetic dentistry, allowing dentists to provide patients with more accurate, precise, and natural-looking results. With the help of digital imaging, CAD/CAM technology, intraoral cameras, and Digital Smile Design, cosmetic dentists can create beautiful, healthy smiles that their patients can be proud of.

CEREC crowns: The revolutionary solution for dental restorations

If you're looking for a fast and efficient way to restore damaged teeth, CEREC crowns may be the answer. CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) is an advanced dental technology that allows your dentist to design, create, and place a custom ceramic crown in just one appointment, eliminating the need for multiple visits to the dentist.

CEREC crowns are a type of dental crown that are made using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. The process involves creating a 3D digital model of your teeth using a special camera, which is then used to design a custom crown that perfectly fits your tooth.

Once the design is complete, the crown is milled from a block of ceramic material using a state-of-the-art machine in the dental office. The entire process can be completed in just a few hours, allowing you to leave the dentist with a restored tooth the same day.

Benefits of CEREC crowns

CEREC crowns offer several advantages over traditional dental crowns, including:

• Faster treatment: Traditional crowns require multiple appointments to complete, with waiting periods of several weeks between each visit. CEREC crowns can be designed, created, and placed in just one appointment, saving you time and hassle.
  
  
• Custom fit: CEREC crowns are designed using a 3D model of your teeth, ensuring a perfect fit that looks and feels natural.
  
  
• Durable and long-lasting: CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic material that is durable and long-lasting. With proper care, your CEREC crown can last for many years.
  
  
• Comfortable: CEREC crowns are designed to fit snugly and comfortably over your damaged tooth, making them a comfortable and effective solution for tooth restoration.
  
  
• Aesthetic: CEREC crowns are designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetic result.

Is CEREC right for you?    

CEREC crowns are a great option for patients who need to restore a damaged tooth quickly and efficiently. However, not all patients are good candidates for CEREC crowns. Your dentist will need to evaluate your specific dental needs and discuss all of your treatment options with you.

If you're interested in learning more about CEREC crowns and whether they're right for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist today. They can answer any questions you may have and help you decide if CEREC crowns are the best choice for your dental needs.

Dentures: Overview and Care

Dentures are artificial teeth and gums that are used to replace missing or damaged teeth. They are a popular choice for people who have lost some or all of their teeth due to decay, injury, or other factors. Dentures can be a great solution for restoring a person's ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

There are two main types of dentures: full dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures are used when all of a person's natural teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth are still present. Both types of dentures are custom-made to fit each individual's mouth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.

The process of getting dentures typically involves several appointments with a dentist or prosthodontist. During the first appointment, the dentist will examine the patient's mouth and take measurements to create a mold of their teeth and gums. This mold is then used to create a wax model of the dentures, which allows the patient to preview what their dentures will look like and make any necessary adjustments before the final dentures are made.

Once the dentures are ready, the patient will return to the dentist's office for a fitting. The dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the dentures fit comfortably and securely in the patient's mouth. It may take some time for the patient to get used to wearing the dentures, but with practice and patience, most people are able to adjust to them relatively quickly.

One important aspect of denture care is keeping them clean. Dentures should be brushed daily with a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner. They should also be soaked in a denture solution overnight to help remove any stains or bacteria. It's also important to avoid using hot water or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the dentures.

While dentures can be a great solution for restoring a person's smile and ability to eat and speak, they are not without their drawbacks. Some people may experience difficulty with speech or eating certain foods, and dentures can sometimes slip or shift in the mouth. However, with proper care and maintenance, dentures can last for many years and provide a comfortable and effective solution for missing teeth.

In conclusion, dentures are a popular option for people who have lost some or all of their natural teeth. They are custom-made to fit each individual's mouth and can be a great solution for restoring a person's ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. If you are considering dentures, be sure to talk to your dentist or prosthodontist to learn more about the process and whether dentures are right for you.

Porcelain Veneers: A Guide to Achieving a Perfect Smile

Are you unhappy with the appearance of your teeth? Whether it's stained, chipped, misaligned, or misshapen teeth, porcelain veneers can provide a solution. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. They can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile in just a few simple steps.

What are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?

• Aesthetically Pleasing: Porcelain veneers can give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile. The material used for veneers closely resembles the color and translucency of natural teeth, so they blend in seamlessly with your smile.
  
  
• Durability: Porcelain is a strong and durable material, and with proper care, porcelain veneers can last for many years.
  
  
• Easy Maintenance: Porcelain veneers are easy to clean and maintain, just like your natural teeth. Simply brush and floss as you normally would to keep your veneers looking great.
  
  
• Quick Procedure: Porcelain veneers can typically be completed in just two or three office visits.
  
  
• Versatile: Porcelain veneers can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic dental problems, including stained, chipped, misaligned, or misshapen teeth.

What is the Procedure for Getting Porcelain Veneers?

• Consultation: The first step in getting porcelain veneers is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and discuss your cosmetic goals.
  
  
• Preparing the Teeth: Your dentist will remove a small amount of tooth enamel from the front surface of your teeth to make room for the veneers.
  
  
• Making Impressions: Next, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to send to the dental lab where your custom-made veneers will be created.
  
  
• Temporary Veneers: Your dentist will place temporary veneers on your teeth to protect them while you wait for your custom-made veneers to be ready.
  
  
• Placement of Veneers: When your custom-made veneers are ready, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers and place the permanent veneers on your teeth. They will then be bonded to your teeth using a strong dental adhesive.
  
  
• Follow-up Appointments: Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to check on the fit and appearance of your veneers and make any necessary adjustments.

Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers

To keep your porcelain veneers looking great for years to come, it's important to practice good oral hygiene and avoid habits that can damage your veneers, such as grinding your teeth or biting on hard objects. Be sure to brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings.

Porcelain veneers can give you a beautiful, confident smile in just a few simple steps. If you're unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, talk to your dentist about porcelain veneers and how they can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted.

How cosmetic dentistry can change your smile – and your life

Modern cosmetic dentistry has created many opportunities that did not exist before for people to improve their appearance and change the way they feel about themselves.

Although cosmetic dentistry really did not exist a few years ago, it now attracts interest from a wide range of people.

There are few people who don’t want to improve their appearance by making their teeth straighter and whiter so that they look better when they smile.

New technology and procedures have created many more opportunities for dentists to help patients look better.

One of the most important opportunities for doing this is porcelain veneers.

These are custom-made wafers that the dentist places over the front of the teeth to repair damage and make them look better.

They can overcome many cosmetic dental problems such as whitening stained or discolored teeth, closing gaps between teeth or correcting a crooked smile without the need for braces.

They can also cover up chips and imperfections so that the smile looks much better.

Another important cosmetic trend is the increased use of white fillings.

White fillings now are more lifelike than ever and they last longer than previously.

They have become the material of choice for many dentists as they blend in with teeth and look better.

If you feel your smile is less than perfect, talk to your dentist about how it could be better.

Tips for people with difficulty handling a toothbrush

There are many people who find it difficult to look after their dental health properly because they have problems handling a toothbrush.

This can be due to a severe physical disability or simply basic dexterity problems.

There are a few simple steps you can take to make it easier for people who find it difficult to hold on to a toothbrush or dental floss.

Here are some simple ‘home remedies’:

– Use a wide elastic band to attach the brush to the hand

– Enlarge the brush handle with a sponge, rubber ball or bicycle handle grip

– Wind an elastic bandage or adhesive tape around the handle

– Lengthen the handle with a piece of wood or plastic such as a ruler, popsicle stick or tongue depressor

– Tie floss into a loop for easier handling

– Use an electric toothbrush or commercial floss holder

Your dentist will be able to provide specific guidance and further tips for people who need an easier way to handle a toothbrush and floss.

How dental implants can give you a better smile

If you have missing teeth, you dont just have to rely on crowns, conventional bridges and dentures.

Many people are now choosing dental implants as the best way to restore their smile and solve dental problems.

Implants are placed below the gums during a series of appointments. They fuse to the jawbone and provide a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges or a denture.

As they are fused to the bone, they offer greater stability. And, because they are integrated into your jaw, your replacement teeth will feel more natural.

This secure fit often also makes them more comfortable than other solutions.

In order to have implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant.

To find out whether you could be a candidate for dental implants, talk to your dentist about what they could do for you.

Crowns and how they improve your teeth

To make sure you have the best smile possible, you may need a crown to cover a tooth and restore it to its normal shape and size.

A crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size and strength, or to improve its appearance.

The reasons you may need a crown include:

– Protecting a weak tooth
– Holding together parts of a cracked tooth
– Restoring an already broken tooth
– Supporting a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left
– Attaching a dental bridge
– Covering badly-shaped or severely discolored teeth
– Cover a dental implant

If your dentist recommends a crown, it’s probably to correct one of these conditions.

Your dentist’s primary concern, like yours, is helping you keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright.

Your saliva and why its so important

You probably don’t give too much thought to the saliva in your mouth but, if you think of it like a bloodstream you’ll realize how important it is.

Like blood, saliva helps build and maintain the health of the soft and hard tissues.

It removes waste products from the mouth and offers first-line protection against microbial invasion that might lead to disease.

Saliva is derived from blood and therefore can also be used to detect disease.

Saliva enhances enamel protection by providing high levels of calcium and phosphate ions. It contains the minerals that maintain the integrity of the enamel surface and helps protect against caries.

When salivary flow is reduced, oral health deteriorates – much in the same way body tissues suffer if blood circulation is disrupted.

Patients with dry mouths (xerostomia) experience difficulty chewing, speaking and swallowing. A major cause of dry mouth is medication – almost eighty percent of the most commonly prescribed medications lead to dry mouth.

Chewing gum after a snack or meal stimulates salivary flow, clearing food from the mouth and neutralizing plaque acid.

Your saliva is important to your oral health both for preventing disease and in helping to diagnose problems.

How implants changed dentistry

Implants are one of the most important developments in dental care over recent years.

They have created opportunities that didn’t exist before for people to improve their dental health and create the smile they want.

Implants were discovered by Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon Dr. P.I. Branemark and they have transformed the quality of life for people who have missing teeth.

The basis of a dental implant is a titanium rod about 1cm long. This is placed inside the jawbone and is designed to serve the same purpose as tooth roots.

Implants can either be used to replace lost teeth or to help keep dentures in place more securely.

One of the reaons implants have changed dental care so much is that, previously, there was often no other way to replace missing teeth permanently.

And there are many people who cannot tolerate removable dentures or don’t want to wear them for some other reason.

The introduction of implants had made a big change in their lives.

How your oral health links with your general health

Research has shown strong links between periodontitis (advanced form of gum disease) and other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacterial pneumonia.

And pregnant women with periodontitis may be at increased risk of delivering pre-term and/or having babies with low birth weight.

However, just because two conditions occur at the same time, doesn’t necessarily mean that one condition causes the other. The relationship could work the other way.

For example, there is evidence that diabetics are more likely to develop periodontitis and have more severe periodontitis than non-diabetics.

Alternatively, two conditions that occur together may be caused by something else.

In addition, people who smoke or use alcohol have a higher than average risk of developing periodontitis and other conditions, including oral cancer.

Research is looking at what happens when periodontitis is treated in individuals with these problems.

The aim is to find out whether periodontitis does have an effect on other health problems.

If one caused the other, improvement in periodontal health would also improve other health problems.

While the research is not yet conclusive, the potential link between periodontitis and systemic health problems, means that preventing periodontitis may be an important step in maintaining overall health.

In most cases, good oral health can be maintained by brushing and flossing every day and receiving regular professional dental care.

How scaling and planing can help clean your teeth properly

Dental plaque is a film that builds up on your teeth and, if it is not removed through good oral hygiene, it can lead to tooth decay and gum problems.

Over time it can ultimately form a hard, rough sediment known as dental tartar or calculus, which attracts further plaque buildup.

Calculus has to be removed by a trained professional such as a hygienist or dentist.

They may do this by manual tooth scaling or using an ultrasonic device.

If the buildup is light or moderate, the dentist or hygienist may use manual scaling instruments of various shapes and sizes.

If the buildup of tartar and stains is heavy, an ultrasonic cleaner may be used. This may be followed by hand scaling.

Build up of plaque can cause inflammation of the gums leading to breakdown of the connection between the teeth and the supporting structures.

Root planing is a procedure to treat gum disease by thoroughly scaling the roots of teeth to establish a smooth, calculus-free surface.

This treatment may require local anesthesia to prevent pain. Thorough periodontal scaling customarily involves several dental visits

If conditions are more advanced, surgery may be needed for complete debridement of the roots to arrest the disease process.

Some people tend to have more buildup of calculus than others and some may be more prone to periodontal inflammation or the development of tooth decay.

It’s therefore important to follow your hygienist’s advivce on how often to return for regular cleanings – even if your insurance only covers two a year.