Know the Signs of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a leading cause of dental surgery in Jacksonville and throughout the country. It’s often a painless disease that’s easy to overlook or brush away, but it actually affects millions of Americans and results in high dental costs and even leads to many deaths. What is Gum Disease? Periodontal disease is any disorder affecting the periodontal tissues, which are tooth-supporting tissues. There are many different diseases that are classified as periodontal diseases. The most common are inflammatory conditions caused by plaque, notably gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a non-destructive inflammation of gum tissue and the most common form of periodontal disease. Although gingivitis is non-destructive, it sets the stage for tooth decay and will eventually develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a destructive form of inflammation and leads to loss of bone around the teeth, which results in the loosening and eventual loss of the teeth. Be Proactive about
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Why Bite Matters

A crooked smile and uneven bite might create an endearing photograph, but an uneven bite may also create pain in the body that reaches far beyond the mouth. A misaligned jaw and teeth is called a "malocclusion" by dentists. Many individuals who have bite problems will experience a clicking noise whenever the jaw moves. Other problems may include tension headaches, neck pain, and even difficulties swallowing. Those problems are just the ones that may develop above the shoulders. Signs of a Bite Problem There are a few simple checks that anyone can perform to see if there might be a problem with the bite; however, each of these checks is very informal and should not be substituted for a checkup at the dentist. One of the easiest ways to see if there s a problem with your bite is to clench the teeth down hard, with nothing inside the mouth, and see if there s any tooth pain. If a bite is uneven, one tooth may be painful when the mouth is clenched tightly. Another sign of a bite problem i

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5 Tips for Resisting Sweets During the Holidays

Chocolate, cupcakes, candy canes and endless sweets are a delicious part of holiday celebrations yet aren t the best way to keep weight down and avoid cavities. Marketing of holiday treats and sweets goes into overdrive at the end of the year, and the madness only continues into January when advertisers start tempting buyers with giant chocolate hearts and Valentine s Day candy. The Body Makes Resistance Difficult Scientific data suggests avoiding sweets is difficult because of a particular chemical in the brain that is released after eating foods like chocolate as well as other sugary holiday treats. The hormones serotonin and dopamine are released by the brain after eating sugary treats, so after a person eats just one chocolate the brain will create an anticipatory response designed to make it almost impossible to resist more candy. Interestingly, sweets that cause these chemical reactions in the brain use the same hormones to create happiness and satisfaction that illegal drugs li

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New Year's Resolution: Smile More

Chocolate, cupcakes, candy canes and endless sweets are a delicious part of holiday celebrations yet aren t the best way to keep weight down and avoid cavities. Marketing of holiday treats and sweets goes into overdrive at the end of the year, and the madness only continues into January when advertisers start tempting buyers with giant chocolate hearts and Valentine s Day candy. The Body Makes Resistance Difficult Scientific data suggests avoiding sweets is difficult because of a particular chemical in the brain that is released after eating foods like chocolate as well as other sugary holiday treats. The hormones serotonin and dopamine are released by the brain after eating sugary treats, so after a person eats just one chocolate the brain will create an anticipatory response designed to make it almost impossible to resist more candy. Interestingly, sweets that cause these chemical reactions in the brain use the same hormones to create happiness and satisfaction that illegal drugs li

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Hermey Wants to be a Dentist. Do You?

Helping patients improve their smiles, take care of their teeth, and develop healthy oral care habits are only a few of the responsibilities of today s dentists. Deciding to go to school to become a dentist, like Hermey the Elf, is a significant decision because training takes several years and dental school is one of the most competitive educational arenas in all of higher education. According to the American Dental Association training to become a dentist is rigorous and requires a significant investment of time and money. However, for students who are fascinated with oral health and dental procedures, studying to become a dentist may lead to an exceptionally fulfilling life. One of the best ways to figure out if dentistry is right for you is by requesting to shadow dentists in Jacksonville to see how they spend their days. It s best to come to the dentist s office with a list of questions, so you won’t forget anything important during the shadowing process. Specializations in

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Tips for Hiring a Dental Hygienist

Maintaining dental health and good hygiene offers more than just a pretty smile, and doctors suggest that one of the most important indicators of overall health is the condition of the mouth, gums and teeth. This means that a dental hygienist, who will provide the essential semi-annual cleanings for patients, is one of the most important individuals dentists in Jacksonville hire. The responsibilities of a dental hygienists are varied and do require expertise in a number of areas. When hiring this type of professional, a dentist must confirm that the hygienist is experienced or knowledgeable in the following areas: -Initial patient interviews and screenings -Creating molds of patient teeth for evaluation -Instruction to patients of proper dental hygiene techniques -Plaque and calculus removal from the teeth -Sealants and fluoride application to the teeth -Surgical knowledge for assistance on procedures like gum grafts -Taking and developing X-rays Important Qualities for the Hygienist

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What Diabetics Should Know About Dental Care

A beautiful smile destroyed by gum disease is a terrible thing to experience, but patients who suffer from diabetes may also experience higher rates of gum disease due to inflamed gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates that there are at least 7 million people in the United States alone who have diabetes and are unaware that their gums might be in danger. Diabetes Impact on Gums and Health The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that diabetes sufferers who have chronic high glucose levels will experience a higher-than-average development of plaque. Unfortunately, patients with diabetes often take longer to heal than non-diabetes patients, and this may mean significant problems for a patient if severe gum disease develops. Gum disease impacts the ability of a diabetic to control his or her disease. Impact of Gum Disease Gum disease is an affliction that may start out as a mild problem and eventually destroy the soft tissue that supports the teeth and bones o

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