25 Jan
Brushing & Flossing, Cavity Fillings, Dental Cleanings, Dental Exams, Shelby Dentist

Shelby Dentist Shares Proof of Link Between Disease & Dental Health

Over the past decade, researchers discovered direct links between dental health and other health conditions, ranging from diabetes to heart disease. Modern dentists working at Blakeney dental office stay abreast of the connections between dental hygiene and overall health to help patients recognize and treat these underlying conditions. They treat periodontitis, which represents a major factor linked to disease.

These dentists in Shelby are well-versed in how periodontitis and diabetes create a vicius circle of inflammation that makes both conditions worse. Periodontitis occurs when oral bacteria produces inflammation the body’s immune system cannot handle. Gums begin to recede and teeth commonly loosen as infection invades the jawbone. Some patients seeking treatment for gum disease at Blakeney dental office might not process blood sugar correctly, which could lead to diabetes. When blood sugar levels rise, it acts as food for oral inflammation, making gum disease worse.

Dentists in Shelby also recognize the connection between dental health and heart disease. Health experts estimate up to 90 percent of heart patients also suffer from periodontitis and that gum disease might actually increase the risk of developing heart disease. They attribute the increased risk to the likelihood of blood vessels becoming inflamed when patients fail to care for their teeth and gums.

In addition to these health concerns, poor dental hygiene might also increase the odds of developing rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disease, obesity, and osteoporosis, which occurs when bones become brittle and weak. Scientists believe gum disease not only affects the jawbone but also weakens bones in other areas of the body. The professionals at Blakeney dental office can treat oral health problems using a holistic approach to improve overall health and help patients prevent related diseases. The direct link between oral health and disease has been proven scientifically, making regular visits to Shelby dentists more important than ever.

03 Aug
Cavity Fillings, Dental Sealants, Pediatric Dentistry, Shelby Family Dentist

Shelby NC Dentist Informs Us About Dental Sealants

What is a sealant?  

A sealant is a tooth-colored resin material that is placed on chewing surfaces of teeth to help them stay cavity-free.

Why do teeth need sealants?

Molar and premolar teeth often have very deep pits and fissures.  While bacteria can easily enters these groves, toothbrush bristles are often too large and therefore ineffective.  As a result, these areas become the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to multiply which can lead to dental decay. A sealant does just what its name suggests…it seals off the grooves so that bacteria can’t enter.  After a sealant is placed these areas can no longer harbor bacteria and your tooth brushing once again becomes effective.

What teeth need sealants? 

Any teeth that have deep groves or pits can benefit from sealants.  These are most often found on molar and premolar (teeth right in front of the molars) permanent teeth, but varies from one individual to another.  One person might benefit from sealants on all molars and premolars (16 teeth), while another may only need their molars (8 teeth) sealed.

Once a tooth has a dental filling in it, it no longer benefits from a sealant.

People often think that only children benefit from sealants.  That is because sealants are typically placed on a child’s molars when they first erupt.  The reality is that any teeth with deep pits and fissures (that do not already have fillings) can benefit from sealants because they  will help prevent future cavities.

How is a sealant applied?

No tooth structure is removed in order to place a sealant.  Instead it is kind of like painting your fingernails: resin material is only added, nothing is taken away.  The tooth is thoroughly cleaned with a pumice and etch.  The tooth is then washed thoroughly. Finally, the sealant material is applied and then cured with a light in order to harden it.

How long do sealants lasts?

Sealants typically last two to five years.  Although, it is not uncommon to see sealants in adults that were placed in childhood and are still intact.

Avoiding sticky, chewy, and hard foods can potentially prolong the life of a sealant.

If a sealant is no longer fully intact then it is no longer effective and should be replaced by your dentist.  If it has been less than two years since the sealant was placed, ask if your Shelby NC family dentist offers a warranty for sealants.