Although you probably understand that poor dental care can lead to cavities, did you know that other, more serious health problems can also result from poor oral care? The truth is that if you don’t take proper care of your teeth, you could face far more serious consequences than a simple toothache or some unsightly stains such as:
– Cardiovascular disease
– Dementia
– Respiratory infections
– Diabetic complications
Regular checkups don’t just prevent cavities and root canals. Preventative dentistry may also head off heart attack, stroke, diabetes – even catching oral cancer and osteoporosis early, before problems arise.
Every checkup includes a complete periodontal evaluation. That’s our part.
Your part is simple.
You brush, you floss, and every six months you come to Dr. Robert Mitchell, D.D.S.
We strive to provide Outstanding Care for a Lifetime of Optimal Oral Health.
Thank you for choosing the office of Dr. Robert Mitchell for your family’s dental care. Our entire team values the opportunity to give you the personalized attention and beautiful, healthy smile you deserve.
We’ll dedicate two hours for your new patient exam. When you arrive, we’ll give you a tour of our dental office and introduce you to our team. Refreshments are available for your enjoyment, as are Bose music headphones, movie goggles, massagers, and comfortable blankets, hot and cold neck pillows, and warm, scented towels.
Assessing Your Teeth, Gums, and Bite
We will talk to you about your dental needs and the reason for your visit. Then Dr. Mitchell will conduct a thorough exam which will include checking your bite alignment, assessing the integrity of existing dental work, and scanning your teeth for decay using our non-invasive DIAGNOdent laser. About 80% of the population unknowingly has some form of periodontal disease, so we will examine your gums for signs of this stealthy offender and suggest therapies for prevention or treatment. A set of digital X-rays will provide a complete picture of your oral health and aid in accurate diagnosis.
Screening for Oral Cancer
We will check your soft tissues for signs of oral cancer. We use a state-of-the-art tool called Velscope to identify suspicious lesions in the earliest stages. Oral cancer claims the lives of 7,500 Americans each year and often goes undetected until it has spread to the neck and lymph nodes. Early detection increases survival chances, so we will screen you for oral cancer at your new patient exam and subsequent checkups.
In November 2012, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn declared February as Gum Disease Awareness Month. Gum disease is a silent killer in our society, affecting more adults than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. With 74% of the population affected, only half are even aware of it.
While gum disease has long been associated with heart disease, strokes, and preterm births/low birth weights, in the last 12 months a significant number of systemic connections have been made between periodontal health and overall wellness. This focus on overall wellness has resulted in exploring periodontal links to obesity, erectile dysfunction, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, dementia, and rheumatoid arthritis. (Dental Economics)
Dentist Dallas TX | Dentist in Dallas TX, Dr. Robert Mitchell Shares Facts About Bleeding Gums
Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? Or worse…do they bleed when you eat certain foods? While bleeding gums or gum sensitivity is not uncommon, the condition, known as gingivitis is typically a sign of more serious underlying oral health issues. Left untreated, the bleeding gums, or gingivitis can even progress to more complex conditions like periodontal disease that could lead to the loss of teeth. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease has also been associated with other illnesses like heart attacks, stroke, low birth weight babies, and Alzheimer’s Disease, just to name a few. It can even complicate existing conditions like Diabetes. Your oral health is directly connected to your overall health, that’s why it’s such a priority to us.
Treatment for bleeding gums centers on effective oral hygiene practices paired with comprehensive, routine dental care.
What Is the Condition Known As “Bleeding Gums”or Gingivitis?
If you have ever been brushing your teeth and seen a bit of pink when you rinsed out your mouth, this appearance of blood is not normal. Healthy tissue does not bleed. When your gums are consistently inflamed, bleeding, or are sensitive and swollen, you could be at risk for gum disease or other health issues.
When you have gingivitis, you may also notice other symptoms, such as bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, redness or tenderness in your gums, and even receding gums.
What Causes Gum Sensitivity?
One of the primary causes of bleeding gums or gum sensitivity is the incomplete removal of plaque from the base of the teeth or gum line. Not eliminating this plaque allows bacteria to grow in your mouth, and at the gum line. It even begins to migrate under the gums if it is not professionally removed.
If the plaque is still not removed, it can harden and form what is called tartar, which eventually causes a more progressive condition known as gum disease or periodontitis. This disease causes increased gum bleeding, foul breath, bone loss, shifting of your teeth, and eventually toothloss.
While plaque buildup is the most common cause of bleeding gums, there are other causes as well. Excessive bleeding in your gums may indicate a bleeding disorder, leukemia, scurvy, vitamin K deficiency, or other systemic conditions.
Additionally, brushing too hard, ill-fitting dental restorations, and improper flossing can also cause your gums to bleed. Any bleeding should be checked by a dental professional and not left to chance!
What Are Some Ways to Treat Bleeding Gums?
Appropriate oral hygiene practices are the best way to prevent and treat bleeding gums or gingivitis. To maintain good oral health,you should brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush after each meal.Flossing daily or even twice a day is also a recommended practice. Using an antibacterial mouthwash also helps.
In addition to great home care, you should also visit the dentist at least once every 6 months to have the plaque removed from your teeth and to get a comprehensive checkup. It you have ANY signs of gum disease it is really important to see a dentist for a professional teeth cleaning every 3 months. Statistically it has been shown that it takes about 3 months for the bacteria that cause gum disease and bone loss to repopulate the mouth to a destructive level after a professional dental hygiene visit. By having a professional dental hygiene visit every 3 months you have the best chance of staying healthy and keeping the bacteria under control.
If you’ve experienced any bleeding or sensitivity in your gums, or if it’s been longer than 3 months since your last dental hygiene visit, give us a call today. We will find an appointment that works with your schedule. Don’t leave your oral or overall health to chance.
(972) 233-1311
Did you know that heart disease and oral health are linked? There are two different connections between heart disease and your oral health:
Many of the risk factors for gum disease are the same as those for heart disease, such as tobacco use, poor nutrition and diabetes. Overall, people who have chronic gum disease are at higher risk for a heart attack, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Gum disease (called gingivitis in its early stages and periodontal disease in the late stages) is caused by plaque buildup along and below the gum line. Some researchers have suggested that gum disease may contribute to heart disease because bacteria from infected gums can dislodge, enter the bloodstream, attach to blood vessels and increase clot formation. It has also been suggested that inflammation caused by gum disease may also trigger clot formation. Clots decrease blood flow to the heart, thereby causing an elevation in blood pressure and increasing the risk of a heart attack.
Research shows that many systemic diseases – including heart disease – have oral symptoms. Dentists can help patients who have a history of heart disease by examining them for any signs of oral pain, infection or inflammation. According to the AGD, proper diagnosis and treatment of tooth and gum infections in some of these patients have led to a decrease in blood pressure medications and improved overall health. If you currently have heart disease, make sure to tell your dentist about your condition as well as any medications you are currently taking. Remember to carefully follow your physician’s and dentist’s instructions about health care, and use any prescription medications, such as antibiotics, as directed.
Gum disease affects 80% of American adults and often the condition goes undiagnosed. Warning signs that you may have gum disease include:
While regular dental exams and cleanings are necessary to remove bacteria, plaque and tartar and detect early signs of gum disease, you can play a major role in preventing gum disease every day. The best way to be proactive in maintaining your oral and overall health is scheduling regular dental checkups, getting professional cleanings and regular brushing and flossing. Taking steps to stop gum disease at the source is the best way to keep your smile beautiful at any age.
Information courtesy of the Academy of General Dentistry.
Here is Dr. Robert Mitchell Supporting #GoRedForWomen last year. (2015)
1 in 3 women die of heart disease and stroke each year. Celebrate National Wear Red Day with Go Red For Women!!! #GoRedForWomen
“Healthy Habits are Easier than You Think,” Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? Why not let us help you focus on maintaining optimal oral health while leading a busy, active lifestyle.
Thank you for choosing the office of Dr. Robert Mitchell for your family’s dental care. Our entire team values the opportunity to give you the personalized attention and beautiful, healthy smile you deserve.
We’ll dedicate two hours for your new patient exam. When you arrive, we’ll give you a tour of our dental office and introduce you to our team. Refreshments are available for your enjoyment, as are Bose music headphones, movie goggles, massagers, and comfortable blankets, hot and cold neck pillows, and warm, scented towels.
We will talk to you about your dental needs and the reason for your visit. Then Dr. Mitchell will conduct a thorough exam which will include checking your bite alignment, assessing the integrity of existing dental work, and scanning your teeth for decay using our non-invasive DIAGNOdent laser. About 80% of the population unknowingly has some form of periodontal disease, so we will examine your gums for signs of this stealthy offender and suggest therapies for prevention or treatment. A set of digital X-rays will provide a complete picture of your oral health and aid in accurate diagnosis.
We will check your soft tissues for signs of oral cancer. We use a state-of-the-art tool called Velscope to identify suspicious lesions in the earliest stages. Oral cancer claims the lives of 7,500 Americans each year and often goes undetected until it has spread to the neck and lymph nodes. Early detection increases survival chances, so we will screen you for oral cancer at your new patient exam and subsequent checkups.
At Dr. Mitchell’s office, our entire team loves many things about the work we do:
That’s why we decided to combine the things we love most into a Referral Rewards Program.
We are happy to announce that each time you refer a friend or a family member you each will receive a $50.00 credit. It is our way of saying Thank you for giving us the highest compliment a dental practice can receive.
