Gum Care

Some people have sensitive gums and tend to experience discomfort. For them, a simple toothbrush can cause pain and bleeding. A healthy mouth is not bothered by daily oral hygiene, and healthy gums should never bleed. Dental biofilm (bacterial plaque) is the main causative factor of gingival problems. By removing it we will prevent future problems.People with sensitive or swollen gums need to take special care to prevent biofilm build-up, particularly near the gumline.


If you notice changes in your gums, please visit your dentist as soon as possible. The earlier you solve potential problems, the greater the possibilities are of restoring gingival health and of preventing the development of more complicated diseases.

More information

Some people have a tendency for having gingival infections caused either by certain daily habits or by genetic predisposition. Poor oral hygiene habits alone can cause the development of certain periodontal diseases.

Main periodontal diseases

Gingivitis, or inflammation of gingival tissues, is caused by deficient toothbrushing which does not remove bacterial plaque build-up from teeth. To avoid this very common disease, you can:

• Use a toothbush with soft, end-rounded bristles, and use a special interdental brush to thoroughly clean interproximal spaces that a normal brush cannot reach. This should be done 2-3 times per day for 3-5 minutes. Brush gums gently at a 45º angle to efficiently clean teeth and gum line.
• Check your mouth, before, during and after brushing to make sure you have done a thorough job.
• Strengthen the bones of your mouth by eating calcium-rich foods, by exercising and by not smoking.
• Take vitamin A and C. This helps reduce gingival bleeding.
• Wipe your tongue with a tongue cleaner. This way you will sweep away pathogenic microorganisms.
• Try to eat raw vegetables every day. Hard, fibrous foods clean and stimulate teeth and gums.
• Visit your dentist regularly.

All cases of periodontitis start with gingivitis. It does not affect all teeth in the same way and it can be detected by alterations in the colour and texture of gums and an increase in gingival bleeding during daily oral hygiene routines. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that affects not only gums but also the tooth supporting structure (bone and periodontal ligament).

The bacteria present in a dental Biofilm produce toxins that irritate and weaken gums, which, when not properly treated, can potentially cause periodontal pockets to form, the loss of support tissue, and eventually the loss of teeth. Bacteria that cause periodontitis can travel through the bloodstream and inhabit other parts of the body like the heart or lungs, etc. and contribute to or worsen diseases such as Heart attacks, Diabetes, etc. For this reason, early treatment is very important. Don't forget to visit your dentist.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

Dental sensitivity is a painful condition that can become chronic. It can sometimes be very painful and unpleasant. This transitory pain is a consequence of the exposure of dentine to chemical, osmotic, thermal or tactile stimuli and cannot be associated with any other dental pathology. Some people tolerate this hypersensitivity whereas for other people it is a serious problem that has an impact on their life, oral hygiene habits and even their diet.

If not given the attention needed, sensitive teeth might develop into other oral problems. This frequently happens when pain impedes normal toothbrushing, making the affected person more vulnerable to caries and gum diseases. If you fell uneasy when eating certain types of food, visit your dentist. Having Sensitive teeth is a very common problem that affects one in seven people. The teeth that are most greatly affected by hypersensitivity are canines and pre-molars, whereas molars are the least affected. People between ages 20 and 40 and women as opposed to men are more likely to be affected.

Under normal conditions, when teeth are in their natural position, enamel is the only element to be in contact with the oral environment, and the gum line is situated at the cemento-enamel junction (Tooth Anatomy).

When cement or dentine become exposed because of gingival recession or enamel loss, an external tactile, thermal or chemical stimulus can trigger a painful feeling that, under normal conditions would not be bothersome at all.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

The third molars, known simply as your wisdom teeth, are the last permanent teeth to erupt into your mouth some time between the ages of 17 and 21 years old. It is thought that the third molars were given the name "wisdom teeth" because they erupt at a time when a child becomes wiser -- as they enter adulthood.

The average person will develop four wisdom teeth, but that's not always the case for others. Many people develop supernumerary (extra) wisdom teeth or, if you're lucky, others fail to develop some or all of their wisdom teeth altogether. The average mouth will only comfortably hold 28 of the 32 teeth we are predisposed to have. 

Since the wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, there is often little room left to accommodate their size and anatomy, which often causes the wisdom teeth to either:

• Become impacted under the gum tissue and bone
• Partially erupt into the mouth, resulting in only part of the tooth exposed above the gumline
• Fully erupt into the mouth in an undesirable position -- usually tilting forward, pushing on the tooth in front of it.

It is quite possible that each one of your wisdom teeth will erupt differently from one another, for example you could have only one impacted wisdom tooth, and the rest could fully erupt.

During your regular dental check-up, your dentist may take a orthopantomogram x-ray, also known as a panorex, to diagnose whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed.

This x-ray gives the dentist a clear view of the area around the wisdom teeth, to determine the type of extraction necessary for each wisdom tooth.

When the dentist discovers a reason for you to have your wisdom teeth removed he will access the position of the wisdom teeth and how each root is formed. Depending on his findings, your dentist will make the decision to preform the wisdom teeth extractions for you, or refer you to see an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for your wisdom teeth extractions.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

Halitosis is the general term used to describe bad breath, regardless of the origin of the abnormal smell (oral or other). Today's society is very demanding with image and it requires that your look is as pleasant as possible, not just in friendship relations but also in social and work relationships. Bad breath or halitosis might ruin social communication of any kind. We speak about oral halitosis if the abnormal smell substances come from oral sources, and this is the most frequent in healthy individuals (approximately 90% of the cases). Abnormal smell can also emanate from non-oral sources, such as   respiratory tract or digestive tract.

What is the reason of oral Halitosis?

Most of the halitosis have their origin in local oral factors, because of the emission of Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSC), responsible of bad breath. Other factors include the saliva flow, the impact of food debris between teeth and the diet. Saliva, in healthy condition, has a pleasant smell; however, alkaline changes in its pH and reduction in oxygen concentration produce its decaying and the emission of volatile sulphur compounds responsible for the bad breath. 

The same happens during sleeping time, when the salivary flow is minimal. This favours the stagnation and the start up of the putrefaction mechanisms.

It is important to follow a proper daily oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth with manual or electric tooth brush in the morning, right after every meal and before going to bed.
• Use the most appropriate tooth paste and the mouth wash to complete your hygiene.
• . Don't forget to clean the interproximal spaces with dental floss or ribbon (closed spaces) or interproximal brushes (open spaces) .

Bad breath is a common problema, but the lack of information and the psychological barrier around this disorder make it difficult for the patient to look for solutions actively. Do not stay inactive. Not looking for a solution might be even more embarrassing as you can bother others and this can negatively affect your interpersonal relations. Taking good care of your body includes caring about your mouth too.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

Taking care of all the elements that make up the oral cavity is very important. Neglecting any part of this set (deficient oral hygiene) may result in diseases like caries and periodontitis and, over time, might even cause the loss of teeth. This is why strict oral hygiene is essential even before your first tooth erupts and throughout your entire lifetime.

In order for brushing your teeth to be a truly effective habit, it must be a daily routine performed when you wake up in the morning, after every meal and then again right before going to bed. Regularity is a determining factor in maintaining oral health, since dental biofilm continuously builds up, and the only way to avoid its harmful effects is by removing it from the oral cavity. Proper technique is also crucial. If brushing is not performed adequately, it does not accomplish its purpose and, even worse, it can be harmful to your teeth and irritate your gums. You can always ask your dentist for help.

Take care of your teeth throughout your lifetime
Proper oral hygiene must start during the first month of life. The first tooth appears around the sixth month. At this age the use of a brush or dental floss is not necessary, but it is advisable to clean your baby´s teeth and gums with wet gauze after giving the baby his/her bottle or any type of food. For optimum development of baby's teeth and in order for your baby to become familiar with healthy oral hygiene habits, it is a good idea to visit the paediatric dentist on a regular basis.

At age 6, children have the ability to rinse out their mouths, and their teeth start to fall out. Therefore, using a children's tooth gel together with a soft-bristled toothbrush is advisable. Parents must show their children how to brush properly and make them aware of the importance of the daily oral hygiene.

In their teens your children have already adopted regular oral hygiene habits – brushing at least three times per day. They have graduated to an adult toothbrush and toothpaste. Now interproximal cleaning is important for complete oral hygiene.

Adults need to maintain optimum oral hygiene habits and visit the dentist regularly throughout their lives. This should even increase with age. As one grows older, the production and secretion of saliva decreases, meaning that saliva's function of stabilizing the pH of the mouth (acidity level) might be affected. This can be solved by using specific toothpaste for Dry Mouth and a whole range of products that can help slow down the oral aging process.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

One common issue patients raise with their dentist is tooth sensitivity. Many experience it without knowing what causes it. In today’s post, we’d like to look at that question.

Often, tooth sensitivity occurs when the gums have receded, leaving tooth roots exposed. Tubules in the roots lead down to the tooth’s nerve. These let stimuli like hot and cold reach the nerve, creating a shock of sensation.

Gum recession is spurred by a variety of factors, including:

Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, this is the primary cause of gum recession. What’s more, it’s been estimated that a majority of American adults have some form of the disease. Gum disease can be treated or prevented through regular oral care at home and regular visits to your local dentist.

Brushing Technique

How you brush can impact your oral health. When you brush aggressively using a hard-bristled toothbrush, you aren’t doing your smile any favors. This kind of brushing can harm your gums and your teeth alike. Brush thoroughly but gently, and ask your doctor for advice on what kind of brush you need.

Teeth Grinding/Cracked Teeth

Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding is a common sign of stress. Over time, grinding will damage teeth, possibly to the point that teeth become cracked. When teeth are cracked, bacteria can gain access to a tooth’s pulp, causing sensitivity. See your dentist about treating your teeth grinding with an oral appliance.

Age

It’s not uncommon for patients between 25 and 30 to experience sensitivity. If that fits your situation, talk to your doctor about what you can do to treat your discomfort.

Is sensitivity putting a damper on your sense of health and wellbeing? Call your local dentist. Sometimes changing hygiene products is all it takes to tooth sensitivity. You don’t have to live with your discomfort. A long-term solution is possible!

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

 

Office workers most at risk of poor oral health

http://www.dental-tribune.com/articles/news/europe/12410_office_workers_most_at_risk_of_poor_oral_health.html#.UVyWr2QRdrg.blogger

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

The lifespan of porcelain veneers

When it comes to smile enhancement, porcelain laminate veneers are among the most aesthetic means for creating a more beautiful smile. The primary reason is that they allow for producing the most natural results. A dentist skilled in cosmetic dentistry can alter the color, shapes, and sizes of teeth to create the change you want. And porcelain, a glass material, mimics tooth enamel perfectly yet withstands wear and tear. If you grind your teeth you may need to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep and understand that eating anything that requires high biting force may be risky because like glass, porcelain can shatter. 

However, if well maintained, porcelain veneers can last as long as 20 years or more!

Are you properly maintaining your porcelain veneers?

Once your beautifully designed new smile is complete, it is important that you maintain it properly so that you achieve the maximum lifespan of 20+ years from your porcelain veneers. Luckily, this task is relatively simple and easy to incorporate into your daily oral hygiene routine.

Since your veneers are made from porcelain and so closely mimic natural teeth, don’t be afraid of damaging them with normal brushing or flossing. However, if you are a bruxer (someone who clinches or grinds his/her teeth), you will need to let your dentist know. He can fabricate a mouthguard that you should wear while sleeping to protect your veneers.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar

Halitosis (Less Than Pleasant Breathe)

“Halitosis is a term used to describe noticeably unpleasant odors exhaled in breathing. Halitosis is estimated to be the third most frequent reason for seeking dental aid, following tooth decay and periodontal disease.”

Most of the time when we find ourselves with less than desirable breathe we can blame the delicious onion burger we had for lunch. But sometimes there is a more complex issue to be addressed. In the following text I present several of the most common causes of Halitosis, and a few treatment options to hopefully help you better understand this common occurrence.

Some of the most common causes of Halitosis are:

• The food you eat- When food is eaten it is absorbed into the bloodstream. From there it is transferred to the lungs where the scent is expelled, affecting the air you exhale. This happens until the food is eliminated by your body.

• Oral hygiene- Without brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits food will remain in your mouth for extended periods of time, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that produce a less that desirable odor. Also, food left in the mouth that long can cause the gums to rot, and nothing that is rotting can smell all that good.

• Improperly cleaned dentures- Like poor oral hygiene, dentures that are not properly cleaned collect bacteria through food particles and cause bad breath.

• Periodontal Disease (gum disease)- One of the most prominent symptoms of gum disease is bad, often foul breathe. Also, along with bad breathe there will also be a constant unpleasant taste in the mouth. If you think this is the issue, see your Dental Depot dental professional as soon as possible.

• Xerostomia (dry mouth)- Xerostomia can be caused by a number of things, a few of the most common causes would be a reaction to certain medications, a salivary gland disorder, or predominantly breathing through the mouth. Without the proper amount of saliva the mouth will struggle to cleanse itself of food remnants.

• Tobacco- Tobacco is probably the most obvious cause of bad breathe. Cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, snuff, and any other tobacco product not only causes halitosis, but also stains the teeth and puts the rest of the body at risk for a number of diseases.

• Medical Condition- Bad breathe can sometimes be a symptom of a medical condition. Something like a respiratory infection, diabetes, a gastrointestinal disorder, or even liver or kidney disorder could all cause halitosis. If you believe your halitosis could be the symptom of a medical condition, please see a physician as soon as possible.

  Dr. Claudio A. Sorrentino

  www.dentalpalermo.com.ar