Nov 14, 2017
This is a question we get asked more and more. It may seem unnecessary to some of you, but we’d like to share two major reasons why blood pressure should be monitored during your visit to the dentist.
First and foremost, hypertension. Monitoring blood pressure is a harmless precaution that can help detect health concerns early on. With high blood pressure being such a leading cause of health issues in the United States, the American Dental Association (ADA) advises that all dentists aid in the detection and management of hypertension. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a serious condition that can lead to stroke or heart attack. Any reading above 140/90mmHg is considered to be on the higher side at which point we will recommend you be examined by a physician.
Does your dental care require anesthesia? If so, certain anesthetics contain agents that increase blood pressure, so in these instances it’s crucial we know if your blood pressure is already above average to prevent any further risk. Blood pressure levels will help us decide what anesthetics can and cannot be administered.
As your dental provider, it is our responsibility to provide safe and efficient assessments for you. Your blood pressure can help us identify anything from hypertension to something as simple as your current comfort level. It’s not uncommon to have feelings of anxiety or stress before undergoing dental work, and if that’s the case, we want to know. By knowing, we can talk you through the procedure or suggest some breathing exercises to help reduce your discomfort. We’re here to make your dental experience as pleasant as possible. The way we see it— if checking your blood pressure will help keep you healthy, well of course we’re going to do it.
If you have any additional questions about blood pressure in the dental world, we’re happy to talk further about it during your next visit or you can feel free to call us at 207-781-5900.
Nov 7, 2017
As a child, you may have disliked the constant reminders from mom and dad to brush your teeth before bed, but as we get older, we realize more and more how beneficial healthy oral hygiene is to the longevity of our pearly whites, and just how right mom and dad were.
With each meal, we invite sugars and starches to engage with the natural bacteria that exists within our mouths. This combination of bacteria is the sticky film we all know as plaque. When we brush our teeth, we’re cleaning the plaque from our teeth which in turn minimizes the likelihood of developing cavities and gum disease.
What’s the difference between a cavity and gum disease? A cavity is the result of tooth decay, and gum disease is when there’s an infection in the tissues that surround and support our teeth. The term gum disease can sound pretty scary to some, but it’s actually a condition that can be very subtle and easily treatable in its early stages. Let’s review the three stages of gum disease and their side effects.
Gingivitis
This is the earliest stage of gum disease, and is best defined as inflammation of the gums. If you’re experiencing gum line inflammation, that may be a strong indicator that there is plaque buildup within the actual gums. A side effect to gingivitis (if inflammation is not prominent) is bleeding of the gums while brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is nothing to be too shook up about if caught in early stages, as the tissue and bone have yet to be affected.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis goes untreated the infection can begin to progress into a more moderate case. Periodontitis can destroy the tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. Side effects in addition to those of gingivitis are receding gum lines, spaces forming between teeth, an unpleasant mouth odor or taste, and a pus between the teeth and gums. Real tooth and gum damage are a concern with periodontitis, so treatment to prevent any further damage is highly recommended at this stage.
Advanced Periodontitis
This stage can bring an abnormally rapid deterioration of the teeth and gums. In this acute case of gum disease, tooth loss becomes an actual concern. A visit to the dentist is necessary in an effort to save the teeth and the function of chewing.
As you can see, gum disease can go from being something as mild as gum tenderness to a larger oral condition in just a few stages; however, prevention is simple and treatment options are available. Preventative care is as easy as (1) choosing the right toothbrush for your gums, (2) brushing twice a day, (3) flossing once a day, (4) monitoring sugar intake, and (5) keeping up with routine cleanings.
We understand oral health is a sensitive matter, so if after reading this you have questions regarding gum disease, Dr. Brunacini and Dr. Karagiorgos are here to help you. Please do not hesitate to call our office to schedule an appointment at 207-781-5900.
Oct 30, 2017
Halloween is before us and what more to look forward to than households of children amped up on sugar while their precious teeth remain coated in sticky treats. Let’s not take away their treat-filled fun, but we can certainly help to make it a healthier experience for their smiles, right?
While all candy is delicious and most often packed with sugar, there are some candy choices that are better than others. Here are some questions to keep in mind when choosing what your trick-or-treaters will be snacking on: How sticky is the candy? How long will it take to consume? Is it high in acidity? Each of these questions will help gauge how the candy impacts oral hygiene.
Sticky Candy (Snickers, Starburst, Charleston Chew, etc.):
Candy that sticks to the teeth is more difficult to clean off of the teeth. It’s that simple. Unless the teeth are brushed immediately after consumption, these types of candies are popular in the cavity department. Interestingly enough, if you choose a sticky candy bar, keep in mind that several studies have stated that dark chocolate can help fight against tooth decay. Another tip, nuts help to separate the candy from teeth while also providing dietary value with protein and fiber.
Long-lasting Candy (lollipops, Jawbreakers, sugar-filled bubble gums):
When we expose our teeth to sugars and acidity for long periods of time, we increase the chance of a cavity. However, there are lollipop options like LoLoz that contain zero sugar and actually promote healthy teeth, or Dr. John’s lollipops, THRIVE, which are also sugar free. Xylitol is the sugar alternative in these two treats.
Acidic Candy (Sour Patch Kids, Warheads, Nerds, etc.):
I’m sure you’re wondering how to know when a candy is acidic? Well, if the candy is sour, then it’s definitely acidic. Though these lip-puckering candies are a big hit with the kiddos, they have a tendency to strip the enamel from teeth. The job of tooth enamel is to protect the teeth from decay, so it’s certainly best to keep that enamel in place. A healthier alternative to sour candy? Unfortunately, this is a difficult one to substitute for trick-or-treaters, but a granny smith apple is great for the everyday snack.
Candy happens. The best way to prevent cavities is to brush after eating and to consume in moderation, but if after the Halloween season passes you feel a cleaning is necessary—we are happy to help. Call us anytime at 207-781-5900.
Oct 23, 2017
We often associate X-rays with broken bones, and because of this we think of them as being part of diagnostic rather than preventative medicine. In dentistry, however, it’s different. Dental X-rays play an invaluable role in detecting problems before they become major and are an important tool that we use to judge the progress of ailments.
You’re familiar with the lead vest and being asked to bite down on various shaped pieces of plastic. If you’ve ever wondered what these methods are, here is a rundown of each type of dental X-ray and what each accomplishes:
Intraoral
Bite-wing
- Gives us a view of in between the back teeth – molars and bicuspids
- Assess the health of bone surrounding the teeth
- Used to see cavities
Periapical
- Gives a detailed picture of an entire tooth from root to crown and the surrounding bone
- Used to check for infection (abscess)
Occlusal
- Used frequently in children to view tooth development and placement
- Bird’s eye view showing all of the lower or upper teeth and jaw
Extraoral
Panoramic
- Taken from outside the mouth, they show the teeth, jawbones, and skull
- One image that shows the entire mouth
- This is accomplished by a special machine that moves in a full rotation around your head
- A ‘landscape’ image which shows more anatomical structures than other X-ray techniques
Cephalometric
- An image of the entire side of the head
- Used frequently by orthodontists to assess the position of teeth relative to the skull
CBCT (Cone Beam)
- 3-D image that can be used to evaluate hard and soft tissue prior to treatment
Various X-ray techniques are important for catching many dental ailments before they get worse, such as cavities or gum disease. We recommend having bite-wing x-rays once a year for general maintenance. If more complicated treatment is needed, then different x-rays may be needed. If it’s time for you to have new X-rays, give us a call at 207-781-5900 to make an appointment.
Sep 25, 2017
In recent years, more and more people are hearing about TMD and TMJ at the dentist’s office. As is the case with many acronyms discussed at large, people might be wondering what exactly TMD and TMJ are, and what is in store for your teeth if you are diagnosed. Today we’ve decided to put the spotlight on this little understood condition to better spread awareness and understanding of this disorder among our patients.
What does it stand for?
TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder(s). TMD is used to refer to any sort of problem with your jaw and the face muscles associated with controlling the jaw. The acronym TMJ actually stands for the temporomandibular joints, which connect your jaw to the temporal bones within the skull. These allow the jaw to function properly when you’re talking or yawning, or chewing food for example. When people refer to TMJ as a condition, they actually mean TMD, but are mistakenly calling it by the name of the joints, which can lead to some confusion.
What is the cause of TMD?
The dental community is not sure of a single direct cause of TMD, but many believe that it all stems from problems patients might experience with their jaw muscles or the joint areas. Those with a history of jaw injury, or who have experienced problems with their joint or head and neck muscles (whiplash for example) might find themselves diagnosed with TMD. Those subject to tooth-grinding might also be at risk. Extraneous movement of the disc between the ball & socket of the TMJ, arthritis, and stress can also act as contributing factors.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Aside from pain and discomfort, those who are concerned about TMD should look out for
- pain or tenderness in the areas that have been mentioned
- trouble chewing or biting
- limited range of motion when you try to open your mouth wide
- lock-jaw (closed or open)
- clicking or popping sounds as you use your jaws
- tiredness or swelling in the facial area
So if you’re worried about any of these symptoms, make sure to talk to us about it at your next appointment! If needed, we can conduct an initial exam of the area and possibly take x-rays to determine what treatment options we can consider. As in most dental scenarios the sooner we can act, the healthier you can be!
