Family Dentist - Cosmetic Dentist Blog - Richmond Virginia

How will I know I have Periodontal disease?

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:53:38 +0000

Periodontal disease can be progressive and if left untreated can cause problems to the gums and supporting bone structure is irreversibly damaged.
Here are some signs/symptoms to watch out for:
-Gums that bleed easily.
-Red, swollen, or tender gums.
-Gums that have pulled away from teeth.
-Pus between the teeth and gums when gums are pressed.
-Persistent bad breath or bad taste.
-Permanent teeth that are loose, seperating, or changing position.
-Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
-Any changes in the fit of partial dentures.
-Exposed tooth roots.

If you experience any or all of these symptoms it is good to visit your dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment and of course don’t forget to floss!

Periodontal health and your body

admin — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:37:53 +0000

Recent research suggests there is a link between gum disease and development of cardiovascular problems, heart disease, artery blockages, and stroke. Additional research also suggests that the bacteria that causes gum disease can be a contributing factor in bacterial pneumonia which can have serious consequences as well. So you can see then, that maintaining healthy gums can be VERY IMPORTANT for all sorts of health and wellness–more connections will be discussed next time–STAY HEALTHY

Gingivitis

admin — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 22:24:32 +0000

Gingivitis is a term we hear about on TV and in the media all the time. It is actually the most common disease in the world. But what is it? It is an inflammatory process(like arthritis) AND an infectious process (like a staph infection) that causes the gums to lose their normal anatomy and SWELL UP with fluid and excess blood. It comes in three stages: mild, moderate, or severe. You can see it yourself fairly easily if you look into your own mouth when you have the moderate or severe varieties. It comes from “plaque”. Plaque is a combination of bacteria, food particles, and exfoliated or dead gum cells.

Plaque can be made “worse” by the chemical nature of certain types of food that we eat. Plaque also must be controlled by two methods: what you do at home and visiting the dentist’s office on time.

Either method done alone, or poorly, will automatically lead to tooth loss and dentures. There are basic treatments in the dental office: basic regular cleanings if only minor gingivitis is present, and “deep cleaing gum treatment” if significant gingivitis is present.Significant gingivitis that is left alone or untreated turns into “PERIODINTITIS”. More about that next time. Keep smiling!

Health of the Gums

admin — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:46:24 +0000

Did you know that 1 out of 3 Americans over 65 has all their teeth? Also, 1 out of 3 over 65 has some of their teeth and you guessed it–the remaining 3rd has NO TEETH!!Â The number one disease in the world according to the World Health Organization is also the number one cause of tooth loss, this disease is gum disease!Â There are two main types of gum disease and they are:

Gingivitis

Periodontitis

One is easy to treat and the other is a dangerous tooth killer.Â We will talk more about these things next time!

Meet our new Dentist!

admin — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:02:27 +0000

Dr. Sarah Ann Baicy just joined our practice as of October 1st 2008.Â She is from Apex, North Carolina and has now moved to Glen Allen Virginia with her husband, Justin and boston terrier Gresham to be closer to family.Â Dr. Baicy received her undergraduate education at The University of North Carolina at Wilmington and her dental education fromÂ Tufts Dental School in Boston, Mass.Â Â She looks forward to meetingÂ all of our patients as well asÂ any new patients!Â

Fluoride Treatments

admin — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:00:11 +0000

Regular dental examinations and cleanings, as well as brushing twice a day and flossing are important for keeping teeth healthy. Another key to good oral health is fluoride, a mineral which can help prevent carries and can repair teeth in the very early stages of the disease.

There are two ways to obtain fluoride: topical and systemic. Topical fluorides are applied directly to the tooth enamel like fluoride toothpastes, mouth rinses, and the fluoride treatments received in the dental office. Systemic fluorides such as fluoridated water and dietary supplements are those that are swallowed. The best results in reducing dental carries is achieved when the patient receives fluoride both topically and systemically. Professional fluoride treatments generally take just a few minutes and are a much stronger concentration than that in toothpastes or mouth rinses from the drug store.

So be sure to ask your dentist which fluoride treatments will help protect your dental health and provide the extra protection for your teeth.

A Cracked Tooth?

admin — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:44:42 +0000

“If the crack is small, let’s just leave it alone. It doesn’t hurt and is barely noticeable.” Many patients have uttered those words, only to be back with a big problem at the most inconvenient time. Even though the crack may be small or hardly noticeable it could be a ticking time bomb. Just like a small crack in your windshield that may radiate across at any time. A crack in a tooth may radiate through the nerve or the root, the tooth may need to be removed and replaced, like a car’s windshield. A crown will hold it together and freeze the cracks where they are, permanently. Investing in a crown when the crack is small will help prevent a broken tooth and just may be one of your wisest investments. After a crack has radiated through the nerve or roots, the tooth would require much more time and a lot more money.

Your Dental Visit Could Save Your Life

admin — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:13:55 +0000

Did you know your dental visit could save your life? According to the American Cancer Society, 2 to 4% of cancer diagnosed in the United States occurs in the oral cavity. Each year 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed, and approximately 8,000 deaths occur. Early diagnosis is believed to be critical to increase survival rate from this deadly disease.

It is our policy at Drs. Kowal and MacIlwaine, to provide a thorough screening for each and every one of our patient’s. Regularly scheduled professional examinations and cleanings, along with an oral cancer screening, just might save your life. Have you had an oral cancer screening lately? Please call to schedule today!

3 Simple Steps to Take 10 Years Off Your Smile

admin — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:03:49 +0000

Teeth naturally wear down as people age. Aged teeth are more likely to have stain, chips, cracks or an uneven appearance. Today, it is as easy as 1,2,3 to take 10 years off your smile. We have listed a few Teeth-Agers and a few of the best fixes for making over your teeth.

Teeth-ager #1: Stained Teeth

Red Wine, soda, coffee, tea and smoking all contribute to tooth discoloration. Tooth discoloration is a common problem that is relatively easy to address. An in office whitening technique that breaks down the stain using a high intensity light and a photo sensitive bleaching solution is your answer. Approximately 1 hour of your time and you will be able to bring back your youthful smile.

Teeth-ager #2: Chips and Jagged Edges

Repairing imperfect teeth using a composite filling material that is attached or bonded to your teeth can help improve your smile instantly. Composite resin can fill in gaps, change awkward shaped teeth and repair chips to improve the appearance of your smile. Replacing “silver” or amalgam fillings with “white” or composite fillings is also another way to restore a more natural smile.

Teeth-ager #3: Full Mouth of Damaged Teeth

A few short visits to our dental office can even restore a full mouth of damaged teeth. Porcelain Veneers or Lumineers are a painless way to reshape and whiten your teeth. They are a custom designed shell of a tooth-like ceramic that is applied directly to the surface of the tooth. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, length and over all appearance.

Now you can get the smile you have always wanted. For a more detail explanation of how whitening, composite bonding, or veneers can take 10 years off your smile please contact our office today!

The Toothbrush

admin — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:49:36 +0000

Did you know the first toothbrush existed nearly 5000 years ago? Ancient civilizations used a twig with a frayed end that was rubbed against the teeth. The nylon bristle brush, as we know it today, was introduced in 1938 and has come a long way in design and material. There are two types of toothbrushes to choose: manual and powered. Your main objective in choosing a toothbrush should be comfort and ease. Choose a toothbrush that fits comfortably into your mouth and allows you to reach all areas easily.Some people, especially children, find a powered toothbrush easier and will often spend more time brushing. Always choose a toothbrush that displays the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. The Seal assures you that the product has been evaluated for safety and effectiveness. Both manual and powered toothbrushes can effectively clean your teeth, it is a choice that you and your family dentist may discuss.

Our dentists at Drs. Kowal and MaciLwaine, may offer suggestions about which type of toothbrush best suits your needs. Remember to keep your gums healthy, brush your teeth twice a day and use a toothpaste with fluoride. We like to think of good oral hygiene as a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle. Happy Brushing!