Monday, May 30, 2011

Xerostomia "Dry Mouth" Can Be A Serious Problem

Everyone experiences a dry mouth once in a while says Marietta dentist.  It can happen if you are under stress or upset. It is the uncomfortable feeling of needing more saliva in your mouth.   Saliva is important for the overall health of the mouth.  It aids in chewing, digestion, and contains antibodies that keep the mouth clean.

The salivary glands produce saliva, a liquid that helps the mouth function properly.  An inhibited or decreased flow results in dry mouth.  It can occur more frequently as a person ages. Products such as Biotene, is a mouthwash that provides relief for oral dryness.  It also helps loosen the natural biofilm that accumulates in the mouth.  It is alcohol free and soothes mouth sores caused by dry mouth.

Biotene Dry Mouth Toothpaste and toothpaste gel are also available to help fight dry mouth.  If you are one of the millions of Americans with dry mouth, brushing with Biotene Dry Mouth Toothpaste may be just the method for you to help maintain the health of your mouth.

When a mouth is persistently dry, gums infections can occur.  The infection can allow bacteria to enter the blood stream resulting in systemic inflammation. Many diseases have been linked to inflammation.

Dry mouth can occur for a multitude of reasons.  It can be a side effect of medication, cancer, radiation, chemotherapy, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS.  Salivary glands can be infected by a virus or bacteria.  Bacterial infections usually result from blockage of the duct causing dry mouth.  Antibiotics may be prescribed by your physician for a bacterial abscess.  Absence of saliva results in the inability to neutralize acids.  Surgical drainage may be necessary to relieve an abscess.  Warm salt water helps the healing process.  Autoimmune disease can attack the salivary glands resulting in dry mouth.

Dry mouth can be cause by a number of diseases or prescription drugs;
       
  • Sjogrens Syndrome
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  • Dehydration
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  • Anemia
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  • Diabetes
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  • Nerve damage
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  • Antidepressants
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  • Antihistamines
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  • Blood pressure medicine
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  • Muscle relaxants
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  • Chemotherapy
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  • Radiation
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  • Parkinson and Alzheimer's drugs

Possible symptoms of dry mouth;
       
  • cracked lips
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  • Red tongue and lips
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  • Tongue infection and irritation
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  • Thrush
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  • Trench mouth
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  • mouth sores
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  • difficulty swallowing
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  • diminished taste sensory
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  • difficulty speaking
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  • burning sensation
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  • Bad breath
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  • Increased plaque, tooth decay and gum disease
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  • Cracked or split skin in the corners of the mouth
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  • Sore throat
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  • Fungal infection in the mouth
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  • Thick saliva
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  • Swelling

Although treatments for dry mouth depend on the cause, there are a few tips to help alleviate discomfort
       
  • Carry a bottle of water for constant sipping
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  • Avoid drinks with caffeine
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  • Do not smoke tobacco products
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  • Avoid alcoholic beverages
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  • Chew sugarless gum may help stimulate glands
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  • Consult your dentist for products such as Biotene
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  • Suck on a sugarless candies
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  • Biotene Oral Rinse and Biotene Dry Mouth Toothpaste

Implementing consistent oral hygiene helps keep dry mouth under control, and visiting the dentist twice a year allows the condition to be monitored.  A referral may become necessary for more specific testing.

It is important to keep your mouth in the best oral condition possible.  Excellent home care and regular visits to the dentist help keep dry-mouth under control says Marietta dentist.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Periodontal disease and Your Health Explains Marietta Dentist

Preventing gum (periodontal) disease is an important factor in maintaining healthy hygiene in your mouth.  Knowing the link between gum disease and systemic disease, any person interested in maintaining optimal health should have the best oral hygiene possible.  Brushing twice a day, flossing daily and trips to the dentist for a dental prophylaxis is a must says Marietta dentist.

Unhealthy gums are linked to diseases such as; bacterial pneumonia, respiratory infection, cardiovascular disease, and a compromised immune system.  Many pregnant women with gum disease have a higher incidence of  premature birth and babies with a lower birth weight.  Studies show diabetes and periodontal disease can be closely related.  People with diabetes have a more difficult time controlling blood sugar, and as their periodontal health improves, so does controlling their blood sugar.  Therefore, a relationship between a healthy mouth and healthy body exists.

Lets explore what gum, periodontal disease is...

It's a disease that can destroy not only your gums but also the bone and other tissues that support teeth.  A sticky film of bacteria builds up on teeth called plaque that starts the process of gum disease.  Proper daily routine of brushing and flossing removes the plaque not allowing gum (periodontal) disease to take hold says Marietta, GA dentist.  A good routine keeps your gums from infection from the harmful plaque caused by bacteria. Proper oral hygiene prevents gums from becoming red and swollen, a condition called gingivitis; the early stages of periodontal disease. Eventually the plaque hardens and turns into tartar, a more difficult substance to remove.  If left untreated, it progresses to the next stage called periodontitis.  The gums begin to separate from the teeth and create deep spaces called pockets.  The pockets begin to collect bacteria that produce toxins and destroy the bone anchoring teeth.  If the disease is allowed to progress, teeth will become loose and eventually fall out.  A dentist may remove the teeth that affected. Bacteria present will have access to the bloodstream and begins to travel in the blood causing a harmful inflammation process.

Ideally, brushing twice a day using an ADA (American Dental Association) approved toothpaste with fluoride, and flossing helps maintain healthy gums.  Flossing removes bacteria and plaque that form in between teeth that a toothbrush can not remove.  It is important to  get on a schedule of regular professional dental cleanings to ensure that you are taking proper care of your teeth.  Professional cleanings are the only way to remove tartar that traps bacteria along the gum line.

Your dentist can also suggest ideas and answer any questions you may have about your oral hygiene.  Make sure you let your dentist know about your overall health, especially if you have had any chronic conditions or recent illnesses.  Let him know any medication you are on, or if your health has changed since you saw them last.  Your dentist needs to have a good idea of what is going on with your health so they can provide you with the best care possible.

Good oral hygiene is a very important step to ensure the best health and life possible says cosmetic dentist in Marietta GA.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Dental Implants Can Restore A Smile And Quality Of Life

People missing a single or multiple teeth now have an excellent solution to restore their smile.  Dental implants can be the best option for many good reasons says Marietta cosmetic dentist.  Implants look and chew food like natural teeth, and only your dentist needs to know you have them.  Implants look beautiful, feel natural and give the confidence to eat, laugh and enjoy life.  Although they can be costly, implants are worth the value. When understood, it's easy to see why they have become the option people prefer when replacing missing teeth.  They give back the smile people desire.

A dentist will decide how many implants and what options are available to restore smiles with multiple missing teeth. Implants require several visits and multiple steps.  A metal implant, usually titanium is placed into the jaw for the bone to osseointegrate.  A second, smaller procedure exposes the implant and an extension is placed to anchor the crown (tooth).  Not every person is a candidate for implants.  Your dentist will make sure there is a sufficient natural bone ridge to support the implant.  After an extraction, the body may not fill in the area with bone well enough on its own.  It may be necessary for your dentist to place bone in the area where the tooth was extracted.  Many times, it can be done as the implant is placed.

Dental implants can keep a person looking younger.  When a tooth is lost, the jaw bone naturally begins to atrophy and dissolve.  Missing teeth result in an older appearance as teeth are lost and the bone deteriorates.  The face begins to change shape.  An implant and crown can help hold the bone level stable resulting in a fuller more natural shaped face.

Dental implants have many benefits.  Millions of adults with missing teeth understand the unpleasant consequences that accompany the loss of teeth.  Speaking and eating become more difficult. Teeth nearby eventually suffer by laying down to fill the open space. Teeth on the opposing arch eject from the gums, also trying to fill the space.  Movement of the teeth compromise the overall condition of the mouth, and wreak havoc beyond speech and eating.  Teeth that have laid down become more difficult to clean and can cause a periodontal (gum) condition.  Restored implants keep teeth in their natural position.

Implants are an excellent option because they anchor teeth securely.  Foods of choice can be chewed without  worry or embarrassment of falling out.  Implant teeth do not cause gum irritations or sores like removable appliances.  They are a positive advancement in dentistry that allow people to eat and smile more naturally.

Dental implants require excellent home care.  Regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist help them last a lifetime.  If you are missing teeth, do not compromise your life any longer. Seek a consultation from a dentist that places implants.   Missing teeth no longer hold people back from the full life they desire.   Dental implants may be the solution to restore your smile says Marietta Dentist .

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Is Flossing A Waste Of Time?

Patients often ask the question “Why is it important to floss on a regular basis?”  The truth is next to vigorously brushing, flossing is the next best thing to ensure excellent oral health says Marietta dentist.  Millions of microscopic bacteria use your mouth as a home to multiply.  Flossing and brushing highly reduce their number.  When left alone, the mouth is an excellent environment for them to multiply and wreak havoc.  The bacteria produce plaque, tartar, and gum disease if not kept under control.   Brushing and flossing are the tools to keep the mouth clean with less bacteria, as it feeds on food left on or in between your teeth.  If undisturbed, it produces an acid that can cause cavities by eroding teeth.

Bad breath can also be a very unattractive result of not properly flossing.  Flossing removes bacteria between teeth in the tiny spaces that a toothbrush cannot reach. The American Dental Society and Verde Pointe Dental Associates recommend that you floss at least once a day!

Now let’s discuss what happens if you choose not to floss on a regular basis…

When a person chooses not to floss, a buildup of bacteria and plaque between teeth occurs.  If left alone, the plaque will eventually harden into tartar that only your dentist can fully remove.  As time goes on, tartar can contain higher levels of more dangerous bacteria.  The bacteria will produce toxins that can irritate and inflame gum tissue. You will notice bleeding while you floss and brush.  This condition is known as gingivitis.  Gingivitis means plaque deposits are not cleaned away and a build-up causes gum and tooth issues.  Your gums can also become very swollen and tender.  Gingivitis is a form of periodontal disease; a condition where not only are your gums infected by the bacteria but so is the bone and structures supporting your teeth.  The worst cases can lead to bone loss, loose teeth, and teeth that fall out.  Plaque can be removed by normal brushing, however using a Sonicare electronic toothbrush removes the plaque even better.  It is important to floss on a regular basis, because the health of your gums is just as important as the health of your teeth.

If you haven’t flossed in a while it’s time to start now...

If you happen to see a little tint of blood on the floss, this just indicates that your gums are slightly inflamed and in need of better flossing to remove unwanted bacteria.  Once, a better and correct regimen of flossing and brushing occur; the tint eventually will go away.  This means that you are on your way to better oral hygiene.   Just remember to floss first then brush. Good oral hygiene helps eliminate bacteria that can lead to problems such as bad breath, cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.  If you have been flossing on a regular basis, GOOD JOB!  Please make sure to continue.  Otherwise, if you start today, you will get on track to better oral hygiene and a beautiful smile.  A bright smile ensures great confidence, says cosmetic dentist, Marietta.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Kirk Kimmerling DDS Honored By Talk Of The Town

Kirk Kimmerling DDS has been honored by Celebration Media, U.S. CMUS as one of its 2010 Talk of the Town Award Recipients for excellence in customer satisfaction.  Dr. Kimmerling offers a high standard of dental care in Marietta, GA, and his patients have rated him highly across the internet with 5 out of 5 stars.  It is the great pleasure of CMUS to offer Dr. Kimmerling the award in the category of Dentists of the Health and Medical sector.    Dr. Kimmerling's ratings are calculated on consumer reviews, websites, blogs and social networks across the internet.  Talk of the Town awards businesses that have  4 or 5 star overall rankings in many categories.  Dr. Kimmerling received the prestigious ranking of 5 out of 5 stars.  Only the very best businesses have been chosen to receive the award.  It can be viewed online at TalkOfTheTownNews.com.

Kirk Kimmerling DDS is located off Dallas Highway in West Cobb across from the Avenues of West Cobb.  He is a Marietta dentist that has demonstrated a high level of excellence in customer service as exhibited in on-line patient reviews on such sites as;  Yelp, Kudzu, Google, Yahoo, and more.  The award is offered to companies and professionals in the following categories; hospitals, dentists, accountants, physical therapists, veterinarians optometrists, insurance, chiropractor, lawyers financials planners, restaurants, bakeries, event centers, home improvement companies, florists, spas salons and mortgage companies and more.

Kirk Kimmerling DDS is a cosmetic dentist in Marietta, Georgia (GA) at Verde Pointe Dental Associates near Kennesaw.  He a part of a group practice with Alex Krempa DMD and staff that is extremely passionate about helping every patient reach their optimum dental health.   Dr. Kimmerling has practiced as a dentist for over 26 years. He striving to provide the very best treatment in a friendly, relaxing environment. While Dr. Kimmerling specializes in cosmetic dentistry, he runs a full-service practice that provides everything from routine cleanings, tooth colored fillings and root canals to dental veneers, teeth whiteningdental implants and more. He and the courteous staff at his state-of-the-art dental office are dedicated to helping patients achieve the beautiful smile they desire and maintain a lifetime of excellent dental health.

Dr. Kimmerling was pleased to accept the award from Celebration Media, as he appreciates the kind words of his dental patients.  "It is a privilege to take care of the dental needs of  the people in Cobb County for the past 26 years and I enjoy the practice of dentistry," says Dr. Kimmerling.  The Talk of the Town Award recognizes a host of different businesses and professionals that have scored high across the internet for customer satisfaction.  Celebration Media, U.S. is headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan.  It is a strong consultancy firm that specializes in solutions for improved customer care and operational development.   It is their mission to uncover businesses that are highly rated across the internet in service to their community.

Celebration Media. U.S. CMUS  has bestowed on Kirk Kimmerling DDS the honor of excellence in patient reviews and spotlights him for his achievements in success.  Congratulations Kirk Kimmerling DDS on the award of dentist in Marietta.