Diabetes and Gum Disease

 

Nearly 37 million North Americans are living with diabetes, and gum disease is a major risk factor and complication of diabetes.

Studies have shown that the relationship is a two-way street. Periodontal disease (gum disease) can affect insulin sensitivity and lead to unhealthy blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, it is very important to monitor and manage your oral health, as people with uncontrolled blood sugar are more prone to tooth and gum problems. 

Since gum disease often does not present itself with many, if any, symptoms or pain, you may not even be aware that you have it until it becomes serious. Watch for:

1) Swollen or tender gums, or bleeding when you brush.

2) Chronic bad breath or bad taste in your mouth.

3) Loose teeth or teeth that are drifting apart.

Taking control of your oral health can help control or prevent diabetes. Brush and floss your teeth twice daily, and book appointments with us today to protect your health and the health of your family. 
 

Teeth Whitening! How often do I need it?

       


Teeth whitening is one of the more desirable dental treatments that patients are actively seeking. At its core, there’s usually a bleaching material that’s mainly comprised of hydrogen peroxide. There many products in the market today that will achieve your desired results. All whitening systems can be divided into two major types: In office and Take home.
In office whitening will be done in one or more visits and usually at the dental chair. First whitening material will be added to your teeth and usually an activating agent (i.e. light source) that will trigger the reaction between your teeth and the whitening material. Take home kit includes pre-made trays that have the whitening material embedded in them. All you need to do is to place the tray in your mouth, make sure the strips are in contact with your teeth. You keep them on for 15-20 mins and then remove, rinse and brush and floss. If you don’t need immediate results, meaning you’re not going to a wedding tomorrow, then use the take home kit. It achieves a higher degree of shade difference and it’s more kind to your enamel.

Always remember to check with our highly trained and knowledgeable staff to find the best results you are looking for and before changing any of your dental habits.

We are located at 3 easy locations around Austin, give us a call today!

William Cannon Drive (south): 512.445.5811

Jollyville Road: 512.346.8424

Hymeadow Drive (north): 512.250.5012

White Fillings vs. Silver

If you have to get a filling, you and your dentist have lots of materials to choose from. Before your appointment, get up to speed on your options.

Fillings That Look Like Your Teeth

Composite fillings are the most widely-used dental filling material. They’re made of glass or quartz in resin.
Advantages: Your dentist can closely match the color of a composite filling to the color of your surrounding natural teeth.
Disadvantages: Just like your own teeth, composite fillings can stain or discolor over time.
Your dentist may consider a composite filling if the cavity is small to medium-sized, or if the affected tooth gets a lot of chewing action. These may also be a good choice for people who are afraid of dental work, since a composite can be bonded in place, which means less drilling.

Fillings That Release Fluoride

The newer options for dental fillings include glass ionomers, made of acrylic acids and fine-glass powders.
Advantages: Glass ionomer fillings can be colored to blend in with surrounding natural teeth. Plus, they can be designed to release small amounts of fluoride, which helps prevent decay.
Disadvantages: These fillings can fracture, so they aren’t appropriate for chewing surfaces.
Because of their fragile nature, dentists may suggest this type of filling for cavities near the gum line or to fill between teeth.

Crowns That Look Like Your Teeth

When you need a crown, inlay, or veneer, the go-to is typically porcelain, ceramic, or another glass-like material.
Advantages: The color closely matches natural teeth. The components are  durable and very hard.
Disadvantages: Porcelain restorations require several dentist visits and can cost more than some other filling options.
Dentists choose porcelain for veneers because it can be formed into thin shells that fit over enamel, the outer surface of your teeth.

 

Affordable, Long-lasting Fillings

Dentists have used amalgam to fill cavities for more than a century. These fillings are alloys that combine silver, tin, copper, and mercury.
Advantages: They’re are durable and long-lasting. Plus, amalgam is one of the least expensive materials.
Disadvantages: Amalgam is silver-colored, so fillings will show. Cavities filled with amalgam are often temporarily sensitive to hot or cold.
Some people may have concerns about the safety of mercury in amalgam, but the American Dental Association considers this material safe.

Affordable Crowns, Fixed Bridges, and Partials

“Silver” fillings are actually made of base metal alloys that look like silver. They are typically used for crowns, fixed bridges, and partial dentures.
Advantages: Silver fillings are strong and resistant to fracture and wear. They are also relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages: Cavities filled with silver may be sensitive to heat or cold. Metal alloys don’t match natural teeth.

Gold Crowns Resistant to Tarnishing

Gold fillings are indeed made of gold, combined with other metals. They are typically used for inlays, crowns, and fixed bridges.
Advantages: Gold fillings are strong and highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing.
Disadvantages: The metallic color doesn’t match natural teeth, so gold is most often used for back teeth or cavities that don’t show.

Cosmetic Elective Periodontal Plastic Surgery: Tissue Recontouring

It is not uncommon for us to suggest to a patient who has absolutely no signs of peridontal (gum) disease to seriously consider having elective periodontal procedures performed. In these cases, the procedures are almost always needed to improve appearance. Soemtimes they are suggested to promote future periodontal health or attend to a potential problem that might develop.

When you smile or talk, your teeth are framed by your lips and the visible gum tissue. People looking at you notice your teeth. People notice missing teeth, tooth alignment, gum color, discolored fillings, silver fillings, tooth color, and how much of your teeth actually show. If everything is integrated well and looks natural, people say you have a nice smile. If something does not look natural, it may be easy to define, such as crooked, stained, or yellow teeth; periodontal disease shown by red-colored gum tissue; or discolored fillings. Or it may be something not as readily discernable. Something does not look quite right.

That "something" may be related to the teeth and gum architecture. The position of the gums where they meet is esthetically important. If the teeth look too short, there may be more gum tissue covering them that is considered attractive. You may show too much gum tissue when you smile. There may be a differnce in height of the gum of one tooth versus an adjacent tooth or its partner on the other side of the mouth. This could be caused by recession from brushing too hard; gum disease; poor or defective restorations, especially crowns; or just a problem with the way the tooth erupted into place. All of these things can detract from your appearance.

Several different simple periodontal procedures can correct most of these routine problems. Some involve removal of unwanted tissue; some involve grafting of tissue. Orthodontics might be helpful in some cases. The more extensive procedures will require referral to specialists.

In one common type of cosmetic periodontal plastic surgery, the gum tissue is reshaped and recontoured without the use of sutures (stitches). This procedure is done in the  dental office. One tooth or several teeth may benefit from treatment. Postoperative discomfort is usually minimal. There may be tarnsient sensitivity of the teeth if tissue is removed. The improvement generated by this type of procedure can be startling.

We will show you and describe in detail how you can benefit from cosmetic peridontal procedures. In many cases, the cosmetic periodontal surgery will complete the treatmetn you need. In some cases, it will be part of a larger treatment plan including crowns, veneers, or bonded restorations.

If you have any questions about cosmetic electric periodontal plastic surgery, please feel free to ask us.

The Perfect Smile

Almost anyone can have the perfect smile they dream about. But there is a great deal more to the perfect smile than white teeth. Most people who look at a smile will look at the color and the alignment of the top and bottom teeth and notice whether teeth are crooked. A filling or a crown that doesn't match natural tooth structure may also be noticed. But the teeth are only one of the three equally important components of a perfect smile. The human mouth is a stage and is framed by the lips and the soft tissue (gums) that surround the teeth. If either of these deviates from the accepted norm, even if the teeth are straight and white, the smile may appear to be unsightly.

Low, Medium, and High Lip Line

Your lips frame your gums and teeth. There is not much a dentist can do about the muscles and attachments of the lips. But the lips have a dominant role in your perfect smile. The lip line is divided into three types - low, medium, and high. A low lip line means you show little or no tooth structure when you talk or smile. In the United States today, this is regarded as being the appearance of an older person. The skin and muscles of the human face drop about 1mm every 10 years, beginning at about age 40. This is due to gravity and a loss of tissue elasticity. As the muscles and skin drop, less tooth structure is seen, which contributes to an older appearance, of a low lip line. The older you are, the less of the top teeth will be visible and more of the bottom teeth will be visible. A medium lip line is one where the whole tooth shows when talking or smiling. The line of the teeth generally follows the lower and upper lip lines. This appearance, coupled with dominant front teeth, is considered as being the most desirable type of smile. A high lip line is one where all of the front teeth and gum tissue above the top front teeth are visible. It can range from a little gum to a large amount of gum tissue visible. This is considered a less pleasing appearance. 

The gum tissue surrounds the teeth. The gum tissue should fill in the space between the teeth that touch so that all you see is gums and teeth - no spaces. Where the tooth appears to come out of the gum, the gum should have a scalloped (wave-like) look. The gum should be situated higher on the central incisors (front two teeth), lower on the lateral incisors (smaller two side teeth), and higher again on the two eyeteeth. Usually, the gum tissue is higher around the eyeteeth than the front two teeth. And, of course, the left and right sides should be a mirror image of each other. This scalloping should follow the upper lip line. Correct appearance here is of primary importance in developing a perfect smile. If the height of the gum is too low or too high around a specific tooth or several teeth, even if the teeth are straight, they will look "wrong." Gum position defects can be (and should be) corrected before any major front tooth restoration. Treatment may be minimal or major, depending on the number of teeth and type of problem present.

The teeth themselves should generally follow the lip line from left to right. They should be proportional to each other and themselves. Most often, a length to width ratio of 1.6:1 is desirable. Adjacent teeth also follow a similar proportional ratio when viewed straight on. If individual teeth are too long, wide, not in proportion to each other, or not mirror images left to right, esthetic problems result. 

We can recognize these problems and offer suggestions for improved esthetics. You may look and not know what is wrong with your smile, but you know that you do not have the smile you want. It may not be the teeth alone. The framing of the teeth by your lips and the architecture and position of the gums surrounding your teeth are two variables in a three-part equation for a perfect smile - yours!

If you have any questions about your perfect smile, please feel free to ask us.

The Ultimate Guide to Toothpaste 

 

It is common knowledge that we should all see the dentist every six months. But what should be happening between appointments? Regular brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash are the obvious answers to keeping a clean mouth. However, if you’re like us – picking the “right” toothpaste can be extremely overwhelming. Check out this handy cheat sheet before walking down the toothpaste aisle!

Tartar Control Toothpaste

This particular formula is a good choice for people that are prone to tartar and are looking to prevent buildup. Tartar control toothpastes contain ingredients that are effective in breaking down plaque on the teeth before it hardens into more difficult to remove plaque. Remember, this toothpaste does not help to prevent tartar buildup below the gum line but should be used to as a preventative measure.

Whitening Toothpaste

Almost every brand offers some sort of whitening toothpaste. While some products contain harsh materials that gently scrub away surface stains, some companies use peroxide to whiten. While popular, whitening toothpastes can often cause sensitivity and is not recommended for children under the age of 18. Consult your dentist for safer, cost effective options.

Toothpaste for Sensitivity

Specially formulated toothpaste for sensitive teeth is great for individuals that experience discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods. These toothpastes are usually less abrasive and contain either strontium chloride or potassium nitrate. Why these chemicals? These compounds aid in the reduction of sensitivity by inhibiting the passageways that travels through the teeth to the nerves.

Children’s Toothpaste

It is incredibly important for your kids to have their own, specially formulated toothpaste. We suggest you start with a “training” toothpaste for toddlers, since these are designed to be safe to swallow (just in case)! Children’s Specific Toothpaste is the best choice for older kids. It is similar to adult toothpaste but typically comes in more kid-friendly flavors and contains less fluoride.  Consult your dentist if you’re still unsure which brand is best!

A bonus note on fluoride: Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay. However, excessive fluoride can stain the teeth, which is why kid’s toothpaste typically contains a smaller concentration.
Always make sure the toothpaste you choose has earned the approval of the American Dental Association. Remember to set a good example by brushing your teeth twice daily and encourage your children to join in on the fun!

Avoid holiday oral health hazards

 

Holiday lights are shining in trees and storefronts. Parties are scheduled. Family time around the Christmas tree. With all the holiday festivities, you don’t want a sudden toothache to ruin your holiday celebrations.
Even dentists enjoy a great gingerbread cookie or a traditional candy cane during the holiday but we know holiday treats can often bring dental troubles. So here are some tips for a holiday season without dental problems.


1. Bring a toothbrush. Holiday parties with friends and family are about gathering together where lots of food and beverages are on hand. By bringing a toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss, you can periodically excuse yourself to take care of your teeth. If you cannot do this, at least try to rinse your mouth with water between dinner courses or chew sugar-less gums such as Orbit or Trident with xylitol, a antimicrobial which reduces plaque formation and reduces the production of acid in the mouth.

2. Avoid too many desserts and sweetened holiday beverages. The party may offer a multitude of sugary snacks and holiday desserts, but don’t forget that drinks like eggnog, hot cocoa, punch and most liqueurs contain a high level of sugars. Take a quick trip to the restroom and brush. By limiting your consumption, you can deter unwanted tooth decay while reducing any harmful effects to your waistline.

3. Holiday stress can harm your teeth. If the season is stressing you out, you may find yourself grinding or clinching your teeth during stressful situations and often while you sleep. This can cause headaches and jaw pain, as well as damaged teeth and dental work. The best way to address this problem is to use a dental mouth guard which won’t stop the grinding but can prevent it from causing pain and damage.

4. Have emergency dental contacts on hand. The wrong bite into a candy cane can result in a dental disaster. You may chip a tooth, lose a filling, or break a crown while on vacation or when the MDA office is closed. Contact your dentist or local dental offices to see if they can provide you with emergency care over the holidays.

5. Start the New Year with proper dental care. The holiday fun can keep you distracted, but as long as your oral health care becomes a habit, you can continue the holiday fun without fretting about your teeth. Make a resolution to brush and floss regularly and schedule routine check ups with your dentist. Regular professional cleanings and good home care are essential for healthy, strong teeth that are free from decay.

Always remember to check with your dentist before changing any of your dental habits. Have Omni on hand for any of your dental emergencies this holiday. We have 3 locations for your convience: 

Hymeadow Drive: 512.250.5012 
William Cannon Drive: 512.445.5811
Jolleyville Road:512.346.8424

"Avoid Holiday Oral Health Hazards « Morrison Dental Associates |." Morrison Dental Associates. 7 Dec. 2011. Web. 18 Dec. 2014. <http://www.mdadental.com/2011/avoid-holiday-oral-health-hazards/>.