| Preventing Periodontal Diseases
Dental X-ray Safety
Preventing Periodontal
Diseases
Periodontal (gum) disease is caused by PLAQUE, a colorless
film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. Periodontal disease
can result in tooth loss if not treated. A number of other
factors can increase the risk, severity and speed of development
of the condition.
- Physical and chemical irritants - impacted food,
smoking, chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption,
improper use of dental floss and toothpicks.
- Oral conditions or habits that cause abnormal stress
on mouth tissues - badly aligned teeth, poor fitting bridges
or partial dentures, defective fillings; also habits such
as grinding or clenching the teeth, or chewing ice.
- Unbalanced diet - evidence shows a link between
nutritional deficiency and the body's ability to fight off
infection. Vitamin C deficiency has been linked to gum disease.
- Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives increase
hormone levels which can cause gum tissues to react more
sensitively the toxins in plaque and accelerate growth of
certain bacteria.
- Systemic diseases, such as AIDS or diabetes, can
lower the tissues' resistance to infection, making periodontal
diseases more severe.
- Medication - steroids, some anti-epilepsy drugs,
cancer therapy drugs, and many others may affect the gums.
The signs of periodontal disease include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.
- Red, swollen or tender gums.
- Gums that have receded or shrunken away from your teeth.
- Pus between your teeth and gums when you press your gums
with your finger.
- Teeth that seem loose or that change position.
- A change in your bite.
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth.
The good news is that periodontal disease can be often prevented
or treated in the early stage.
- Brush your teeth thoroughly at least once a day.
This removes plaque from the outer, inner and chewing surfaces
of the teeth. Be sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush
that is in good condition. A worn, frayed or hard-bristled
brush can injure the gums.
- Floss thoroughly every day. This removes plaque
from under the gumline and between the teeth, where a toothbrush
cannot reach. Gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal
disease, can often be successfully reversed by regular daily
brushing and flossing.
- Eat a balanced diet for good general heath.
- Schedule regular dental visits. Professional tooth
cleaning is essential to prevent periodontal diseases.
back to top
Dental X-ray Safety
If you are concerned about the safety of dental X-rays, you
are not alone. Today, more than ever, patients are concerned
about the safety of X-rays in general, as well as the need
for them in the dental office.
In our office we now have the safest form of x-ray technology
( Digital X-Ray ) This technology means that
you are exposed to 90% less radiation than the conventional
x -ray system. The images appear instantly on the monitor
in the treatment room for you and the doctor to view easily.
Images can be magnified for greater clarity, and e-mailed
to other doctors or insurance companies.
As an added benefit, digital x-rays benefit our environment,
since we no longer need x-ray film and hazardous chemicals
for processing.
back to top
|
|
