Volume 3

March 15,2006

Valentine free oral screening

National Oral Health MonthSeton Dental Clinic offered free oral screenings to the public on Valentines Day to celebrate National Oral Health Month. We were busy with Parent education classes about oral health and talked with several middle schools and high schools. Seton High School was given free oral screenings and toothbrushes. Tips on how to take care of your teeth are listed below. :

Get your teeth cleaned every 6 months.Start the year out with a new toothbrush.Floss every day.Brush twice a day,If you have a cold or flu, get a new toothbrush or put it through the dishwasher.Eat less candy and more fruit.

February is Heart MonthSeton Dental reminded everyone to take good care of their heart and celebrated “Red Dress Day” Infection in your mouth effects your heart.

STAGES OF GUM DISEASE

What is Gum Disease? It is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plague, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and the bacteria infect not only your gums and teeth, but eventually the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. This can cause then to become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.There are three stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. You may notice some bleeding during brushing and flossing. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.(continued)

Stages of Gum Disease (continued)

Periodontitis: At this stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque. Proper dental treatment and improved home care can usually help prevent further damage.

Advanced Periodontitis: In this stage of gum disease the fibers and bone supporting the teeth are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen. This can affect your bite and, if scaling and planing can not save them they will need to be removed.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE GUM DISEASE

o Gums that are red or swollen, or tendero Gums that bleed during brushing or

flossing.o Teeth that look longer because your

gums have recededo Gums that have separated, or pulled

away from your teeth creating a pocket.o Changes in the way your teeth fit together

when you bite.o Pus coming from between your teeth and

gums.o Constant bad breath or a bad taste in

your mouth.A professional cleaning by your dentist or hygienist is the only way to remove plaque that has built up and hardened into tartar. Your dentist or hygienist will clean or “scale” your teeth to remove the tartar above and below the gum line. Root planing helps to smooth irregularities on the roots of the teeth making it more difficult for plaque to deposit there.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Kali Riddle is our new dental Hygienist. Kali is at Seton Center on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. She is a valuable asset to our dental team. Periodontal disease is the #1 disease affecting mankind according to the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records. The most common types of adult periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis causes bleeding and reddening of the gums. Periodontitis damages the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth.

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue. This happens when bacteria increases and forms a paste-like substance called plaque. A collection of plaque and tartar covering the teeth are the beginning stages of periodontal disease.

Early detection and treatment are your best defense against periodontal disease. Make an appointment with Kali to have your teeth cleaned today!

Kali will clean your teeth and instruct you on the right way to floss and brush. She will check your teeth and gums and apply fluoride and sealants for the children.

KALI RIDDLEHYGIENIST