My Blog
Posts for: November, 2013

Adult teeth aren’t meant to be loose — it’s a sign that something is wrong. And while there are treatments, time is of the essence before permanent tooth or bone loss occurs.
Loose teeth can occur for many different reasons. Bite-related problems are fairly common, referred to as occlusal trauma (“occlusal” – bite; “trauma” – injury). This could be the result of excessive force placed on otherwise normal teeth and jaws — chronic clenching or grinding habits, for example. On the other hand, even normal biting or chewing can cause teeth to loosen if bone loss from gum disease has become excessive, reducing the remaining attachment to bone to inadequate levels. In some cases it can be a result of both excessive force and weakened bone levels.
Of these reasons, the most common cause is the weakened attachment of the teeth to the bone due to gum disease. If this is the case, it’s important first to treat the gum disease by an appropriate strategy for the disease present and then implement an effective dental hygiene program to inhibit reoccurrence.
As for the problem of loose teeth, there are measures to address it. Occlusal bite adjustment reduces the degree of force when biting or chewing by reshaping the biting surfaces through selective grinding. Splinting is another technique in which the teeth are joined together to make them more rigid and to redistribute the biting force among several teeth. This can be done with material bonded across the outside of several teeth or with a metal splint affixed within a pre-cut channel across the teeth. A more permanent option is to create a series of crowns to affix to the teeth and then fuse them together.
Although more complex, orthodontics to correct misaligned teeth is another option. Not only will it improve the bite and potentially reduce bite forces, it may also improve the health of the supporting periodontal attachment.
Before undertaking any treatment, you should first undergo a thorough exam to determine the true cause of your loose teeth and any underlying conditions. From there we can recommend the best approach for treating and preserving your teeth.
If you would like more information on treatments for loose teeth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Treatment for Loose Teeth.”

The increasing rates of obesity and diabetes in Americans have been getting a lot of attention lately. Most people know that the two are clearly linked. But did you know there's also strong evidence of a link between diabetes and gum disease?
Both diabetes and periodontal (gum) disease are chronic inflammatory conditions. That means they are disorders that develop over time (chronic), and are characterized by problems with a function of the immune system (inflammation). In diabetes, problems with the hormone insulin lead to abnormal levels of sugar in the blood. This can bring about a number of complications which, if not treated, may result in kidney failure, coma and even death. In many people, however, it's a condition that can be managed with drugs and lifestyle changes.
You may not think of gum disease (periodontitis) as a serious illness. But here's something you should know: If you have diabetes, having gum disease is a risk factor for worsening control of blood glucose levels, and may also increase the risk of complications. Likewise, having diabetes puts you at greater risk for developing more severe forms of periodontal disease.
What is gum disease? It's actually a group of diseases caused by many types of bacteria in the mouth, which affect the tissues around the teeth. Initially, it often causes swelling and redness of the gum tissue. Left untreated, it may result in bone loss, abscess formation, and ultimately the loss of teeth. But its ill effects aren't limited to your mouth.
Periodontal inflammation is associated with a higher systemic (whole-body) inflammatory state. That means it may increase your risk for cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke, and adverse pregnancy outcomes — as well as complicating the management of blood-sugar levels in diabetics.
Now, here's the good news: Treatment of periodontal disease which reduces inflammation has a beneficial impact on the inflammatory status of the whole body. For people who have both diabetes and periodontal disease, that means that periodontal therapy can lead to improved blood sugar control.
How do you know if you have periodontal disease? Bleeding gums and bad breath are both possible symptoms, as are redness and soreness of the gum tissues. But these warning signs may be masked by any number of other factors — or may not be noticed at all.
The sure-fire way to diagnose and treat periodontal disease is by getting regular dental checkups, followed by specialized periodontal treatment when necessary. If you presently have diabetes, or may be at risk for developing the disease, those check-ups and treatments are even more important.
If you have concerns about diabetes and gum disease, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Diabetes & Periodontal Disease” and “Understanding Gum (Periodontal) Disease.”

For most people, replacing missing front teeth takes a higher priority over missing back teeth. The reason is obvious: others can see those missing in front, but not necessarily those in the back.
From a functional view, however, you should still consider replacing missing back teeth. Not only will it improve your chewing ability, it may also prevent a chain reaction of negative effects to your remaining teeth.
Teeth are held in place in the jawbone by a membrane called the periodontal ligament. The ligament is a living tissue that allows teeth to move to keep contact with adjacent and opposing teeth as natural wear occurs. When a space is created by a missing tooth, this natural movement accelerates and the teeth may shift beyond normal ranges.
As a result you can encounter excessive mobility of teeth from bite irregularities, uneven tooth wear, bone loss, potential painful problems with the temporo-mandibular joints (connecting the lower jaw to the skull), and a loss in facial height.
There are three basic options for this kind of tooth replacement. The best option is dental implants: these free-standing replacements don't normally affect surrounding teeth, they're easier to clean, and they help support the bite. On the downside, there must be enough remaining bone to support the implant.
The next best option is a fixed bridge. This option only works, however, if there are teeth on either side of the missing tooth space capable of supporting the bridge, and they must be reduced in size by removing the enamel with the dental drill. They also have a tendency to retain plaque, the main cause of gum disease.
That leaves the last, and least favorable, option, a removable partial denture. They may also trap food and be difficult to wear. They can move in the mouth, stressing — and possibly loosening — the remaining teeth that hold them in place. With all its drawbacks, though, if a partial denture is the only solution to missing back teeth, it's a better alternative than doing nothing and risking long-term problems.
If you would like more information on replacement options for back teeth, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Replacing Back Teeth.”

You've probably brushed your teeth every day since early childhood when your parents handed you your first toothbrush. But do you really know if you're doing it effectively and removing disease causing bacterial plaque or biofilm? Let's take a look at the basics of tooth brushing.
What is the goal of brushing and flossing your teeth? While it is true that brushing your teeth freshens your breath and removes stains from the surfaces of your teeth, the principal goal of tooth brushing is to remove dental bacterial plaque. This biofilm grows in the nooks and crannies of your teeth, and especially at the gum line — regardless of what you eat or drink. If left on your teeth, this bacterial film can cause gingivitis (inflammation of your gums). It can progress to periodontal disease, affecting the supporting bone of your teeth and even result in tooth loss. This means that flossing should also be an important part of your daily dental hygiene routine to remove plaque from the protected areas between your teeth.
Can you actually brush too much? More is not always better and can be damaging. We advise you to use a soft brush and to brush gently. It does not take force to remove plaque, and using a toothbrush too vigorously can damage your gums and cause them to recede (shrink away from your teeth), causing sensitivity and tooth wear. It takes between 12 and 24 hours for plaque to form on your teeth, so you don't need to brush more than twice a day and floss once a day.
How do you know when you've done a good job? A good test is that your teeth should feel like you've just had a professional cleaning. Your tongue is a great evaluator — just feel for smoothness at the gum line.
Is a powered toothbrush better than a manual one? An evidence-based study comparing all the research available found little difference between power and manual toothbrushes. The conclusion was that some powered toothbrushes with a rotation-oscillation action achieve a modest reduction in plaque and gingivitis compared to manual toothbrushes. But as we say, “it's not the brush, it's the hand that holds it.”
Come to our office for a demonstration. Any brush, whether electric or hand-powered, requires professional demonstration and training so that you know how to remove plaque correctly. Bring your toothbrush with you on your next visit to our office, so we can see your brushing technique and make sure you are doing it correctly for the most efficient plaque removal. And don't be embarrassed — nobody really knows how to brush effectively until they're shown!
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to discuss your questions about tooth brushing and oral hygiene. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Manual vs Powered Toothbrushes.”
Our Blog
Archive:
- 2019
- November (6)
- Eating the Right Carbs Helps Keep Your Gums Healthy
- If Appropriate, Antibiotics before Implant Surgery Could Reduce Infection Risk
- New Saliva Test may Help Identify Oral Cancer Earlier
- The Real Truth Behind Ed Helms' Missing Tooth in "The Hangover"
- Topical Fluoride Offers a Protective Boost to Children at High Risk for Decay
- Vaping Could Be Just as Harmful to Your Teeth and Gums as Smoking
- October (6)
- Behavioral Therapy Could Reduce a Child's Dental Anxiety Without Drugs
- How Veneers Restored Howie Mandel's Winning Smile
- Periodontal Maintenance Can Help You Avoid Another Episode of Gum Disease
- There Are a Lot of Bacteria in Your Mouth but Only a Few Mean You Harm
- Don't Delay Seeing the Dentist If You Suspect Gum Recession
- Hugh Jackman Is All Smiles for His New Broadway-Inspired Show
- September (6)
- Primary Teeth are Critical to Future Dental Health and Worth Preserving
- Watch Out for These Dental Health Issues as You Age
- Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
- Your Dentist Might Hold the Key to Solving Your Sleep Apnea Problem
- 3 Ways to Correct Missing Front Teeth
- Look for These Basics When Buying Your Next Toothbrush
- August (6)
- Make Sure Your Kids' Teeth Are Ready for School
- "Tooth, Heal Thyself" May Soon Be a Reality
- Viggo Mortensen's Red-Carpet Smile
- How to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy During Pregnancy
- Your Reoccurring Sinus Infections May Actually Be Caused by Tooth Decay
- Even All-Natural Fruit Juice Could Increase the Risk of Tooth Decay
- July (7)
- Bruins' Zdeno Chara Breaks His Jaw During 2019 Stanley Cup
- Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
- Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
- 3 Things You Can do to Help Promote Your Child's Dental Development
- Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
- Dentures with Implants Could Help You Avoid Bone Loss
- Inflammation: the Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Disease
- June (6)
- Don't Use Benzocaine Products to Ease Your Baby's Teething Pain
- Pop Star Demi Lovato Pops Out Jay Glazer's Tooth
- A Minor Procedure Could Make Breastfeeding Easier for You and Your Baby
- As Summer Heats Up, Be on Your Guard for Tooth Injuries
- Do This for Your Dental Health Before, During and After Cancer Treatment
- Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
- April (6)
- Stress and Nighttime Teeth Grinding
- A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
- Why You Should Floss Around the Implants Supporting Your Bridge
- Sealants Provide a Little Extra Protection for Children at High Risk for Decay
- 3 Things You can Do to Ease Chronic Dry Mouth
- How Shawn Mendes and Miley Cyrus Got Their Stellar Smiles
- March (6)
- Nutrition for the Best Oral Health
- 4 Common-Sense Tactics to Lower Tooth Decay Risk Between Dental Visits
- People Born with Missing Teeth can Still Gain a Beautiful Smile
- NBA Player's Injury Points Out Need for Mouthguards
- A Pediatric Dentist Could be a Great Choice for Your Child's Dental Care
- 4 Things to Avoid if You Want to Support Your Child's Dental Development
- February (6)
- Stop Gum Disease Before it Becomes a Major Health Issue
- Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
- Have Your Loose Tooth Examined as Soon as Possible
- 4 Things that can Cause Gum Recession and What to do About Them
- Legal or Not, Marijuana Poses a Health Risk to Your Gums
- Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family
- January (6)
- 3 Reasons for Why It's a Smart Move to Invest in Dental Implants
- Keep up Regular Dental Care While You're Pregnant
- You may Need Orthodontic Treatment Before Obtaining Implants
- Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
- Stay Hydrated in Winter for Better Year-Round Oral Hygiene
- Want to Keep Enjoying Winter Sports? Wear a Mouthguard!
- 2018
- December (6)
- Porcelain Veneers Might not be the Best Option for Teenagers
- Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
- Dental Care is Difficult but not Impossible for a Special Needs Child
- Safety is a Priority When Imaging Children's Teeth with X-Rays
- Stop Smoking to Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease
- J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
- November (6)
- Take Steps to Treat Chronic Mouth Breathing as Early as Possible
- Don't Let GERD Ruin Your Teeth's Health
- Use the Same Prevention Strategy to Defeat Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
- Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
- Don't Ignore Sudden Tooth Pain - Your Teeth may be Telling you Something
- Diabetes and Oral Health: True or False?
- October (6)
- To Prevent Tooth Decay, Practice Effective Brushing and Flossing
- NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
- Stop Root Cavities with Prevention and Prompt Treatment
- Eat the Right Kind of Carbs to Protect Yourself from Gum Disease
- Ease Your Child's Teething Discomfort with these Tips
- Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
- September (6)
- Make Efforts to Protect Your Teeth from Disease While Wearing Braces
- Look at Your Options for Saving a Tooth First Before Replacing it
- Replacing a Missing Tooth isn't Just About Improving Your Smile
- Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
- FAQs for National Gum Care Month
- 3 Surprising Sugar Sources Your Baby Might be Consuming
- August (6)
- Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
- (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
- We'll Help You Maintain Your Oral Health After Gum Disease
- Ease Your Child's Discomfort During Teething
- Treating a Child's Tooth Injury May Require Special Consideration
- Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
- July (7)
- Avoid Bone Loss around Tooth Roots through Regular Dental Care
- A Child's Teeth Grinding is Normal - But You Should Still Keep an Eye on it
- Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
- Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
- Research Confirms: Dental Sealants Really Work!
- 4 Big Benefits for Beginning Early Dental Visits for Your Child
- Gum Disease is Still a Threat to Your Dental Implants
- June (6)
- How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
- The Parent-Dentist Partnership: Establishing Better Oral Health for Your Child
- June Is Men's Health Month
- Good Reasons for Choosing Clear Aligners for Orthodontic Treatment
- Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
- That Small Mouth Sore is Likely Nothing - but Still Have it Checked
- March (5)
- Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
- Why the Bottled Variety Might not be Your Best Choice for Clean Drinking Water
- 4 Things You Should be Doing Now for Your Baby's Long-Term Dental Health
- Instill Good Dental Habits in Your Child as Early as Possible
- Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
- 2017
- September (6)
- Inflammation is a Key Element in Both Oral and Systemic Diseases
- FAQs About Pediatric Dentistry
- Attention to Detail Crucial to a Beautiful Smile Supported by Dental Implants
- Practice Proactive Prevention to Enhance Your Child's Dental Development
- Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
- Stop Gum Disease Before it Threatens Your Dental Implant
- May (5)
- Clean Your Implants Just Like you Clean Your Natural Teeth
- Instill in Your Child the Daily Habit of Brushing and Flossing
- Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
- Tips on Encouraging Healthy Snacking While Your Child's at School
- Protect Your Child's Long-Term Dental Health with Regular Office Visits
- April (5)
- Gum Disease Could Affect More than Your Teeth and Gums
- Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
- Don't Let Sleep Apnea Ruin Your Sleep - or Your Health
- Be Alert to the Unintended Consequences of Cancer Treatment to Oral Health
- Conscious Sedation can Help Ease Your Child's Dental Visit Anxiety
- 2016
- March (9)
- Good Oral Hygiene Just as Important for Implants as for Natural Teeth
- Surgically Accessing Sinuses can Help Grow New Bone for Implants
- Get Relief from Cracked Corners of the Mouth
- Treating Gum Abscesses and the Underlying Gum Disease
- Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
- Although a Global Problem, Tooth Decay can be Prevented
- 3 Things to do to Prepare for Dental Emergencies While Traveling Abroad
- Though not Always Seen, it's Still Important to Replace a Missing Back Tooth
- Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
- February (7)
- Advancing Gum Disease Requires Thorough Treatment to Control it
- Persistent Jaw Pain After an Injury Needs Immediate Attention
- Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health?
- Four Tips for Preventing Premature Loss of Baby Teeth From Tooth Decay
- The Time Interval to Replant a Knocked Out Tooth Can Affect its Longevity
- The Major Benefits of Early Childhood Dental Visits
- Can an App Help You Brush Your Teeth?
- 2015
- December (5)
- Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
- Implant-Based Removable Dentures a Good Choice for Patients with Extensive Bone Loss
- Treating Dry Mouth is Important for Maintaining Good Oral Health
- A Smile Makeover is a Transforming Experience
- Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
- June (5)
- Advancing Gum Disease Requires Your Dentist's Intervention
- Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
- Life-like Dental Porcelain Helps Restore Smiles Marred by Unattractive Teeth
- 'Prepless' Veneers can Transform Your Smile Without Altering Your Teeth
- What you can Expect if You're Undergoing Implant Surgery
- May (7)
- Take Positive Action with Your Child's Thumb-Sucking Habit
- America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
- Dental Implants and Smoking - Cause for Concern?
- Take Steps to Reduce Mouth Acid and Avoid Dental Erosion
- Although Rare, Allergic Reactions to the Metal in Implants Could be a Concern
- While Usually Benign, Lichen Planus Lesions Should Still be Examined
- A Toothless Tiger?
- April (6)
- Tooth Bleaching: Test Your Knowledge
- Mouthguards Reduce Risk of Concussion as well as Dental Injuries
- An Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea may be the Right Option for You
- TV's Nate Berkus Discusses Dental Sealants, Fluoride Treatments and Flossing
- Choosing Natural Tooth-Colored Fillings Over Silver
- Turn Back the Clock with Whiter Teeth
- March (8)
- A Future So Bright — Teeth Whitening Facts
- Follow in Vanna White's Footsteps and Replace That Missing Back Tooth
- Things you Should Know about Oral Cancer
- Chronic Biting Habits Can Lead to Loose Teeth
- Managing Gum Disease Could Benefit Other Conditions You May Have
- George Washington's False Teeth
- Dental Offices Uphold the Highest Standards for Infection Control
- Eating Disorders Can Cause Problems With the Teeth and Mouth
- February (8)
- Your Gum Tissue 'Biotype' Could Determine How Gum Disease Affects You
- Spice Up Your Teeth
- Bonding with Composite Resins Ideal for Restoring Chipped Teeth
- There's a Battle Going On - And It's In Your Mouth
- Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cancer With a Healthy Whole Food Diet
- The Secrets Behind Vanna White's Smile
- Pay Attention to Gum Disease Warning Signs for an Early Diagnosis
- Test Your Knowledge: A Quiz on Dental Erosion
- 2014
- September (5)
- Saving a Baby Tooth is the Best Option for Permanent Tooth Development
- Removing Bacterial Plaque is Critical to Halting Advancing Gum Disease
- Be Extra Vigilant for Signs of Gum Disease During Pregnancy
- Kristin Cavallari's "Spaghetti Catcher" - First Step To A Winning Smile
- Your Dentist May Have the Solution to Your Snoring and Sleep Apnea
- April (5)
- Advances in Clear Aligners Make Them a Viable Choice for More Teens
- Oral Cancer: Risk Factors and Prevention
- Considering Bone and Gums Critical to Achieving a Better Smile With Implants
- FAQs About Calming Your Fears With Oral Sedation Dentistry
- Implant Overdentures: a Marriage of Options for Lower Jaw Tooth Replacement
- 2013
- 2012
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