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.

19 Aug
Boiling Springs Dentist, Boiling Springs Family Dentistr, Brushing & Flossing, Dental Cleanings

Boiling Springs NC Dentist Teaches the Right Way to Brush Your Teeth

Our Boiling Springs dentists are eager to show you the proper tooth brushing tips in order to prevent gum disease. Most people report some confusion when it comes to tooth brushing tips. Some dentists will recommend one way, while other dentists say something else. There doesn’t seem to be one uniform recommendation for oral health. But as long as you following the tips of our Boiling Springs NC dentists, you will experience a healthier oral hygiene routine in no time.

Split Mouth into Four Groups

Draw an imaginary line down the middle of your two front teeth on the top and bottom of your mouth. You should now have four distinct sections of your mouth: the top left, the bottom left, the top right, and the bottom right. Brush each section thoroughly for 30 seconds. This is how you can be sure that you’re spending enough time with your brushing habits. Many people just don’t brush long enough.

Use Gentle, but Firm Strokes

Don’t grip your toothbrush with a tight fist. Use the same grip you would use for a pencil. All you need is short, gentle strokes to get rid of plaque and prevent gum disease. Applying too much pressure to the brush will irritate your teeth and gums. As long as you brush for two full minutes twice per day, you shouldn’t have to apply a lot of pressure when you brush.

45 Degree Angle

You want to hold the brush at a 45 degree angle when you use it. This is the most effective angle to remove plaque and keep it from building up in your mouth. Use short, horizontal strokes in a circular motion. This can be difficult on the sides and in the back of your mouth. But you should be able to fit the brush into those areas of your mouth enough to get the job done.

Twice Per Day

It can’t be stated enough that you must brush twice per day. It’s easy to get into the routine once you make an effort. You won’t even need to make an effort after a while since it will be automatic. You could set reminders on your phone each morning to tell you to brush your teeth. You need to brush twice per day so that the plaque doesn’t build up too much. Your breath will taste and smell better with regular brushing, and your oral health will improve.