My Blog
Posts for: November, 2014

A loose permanent tooth isn’t normal — it represents a serious threat to the tooth’s survival. There may be a chance to save the tooth, however, if we can determine the cause of the looseness and treat it appropriately.
Teeth are normally held securely in place by the periodontal ligament, an elastic tissue that attaches to both the teeth and the bone. Certain conditions, however, can disrupt this attachment. The most common is advanced periodontal (gum) disease, an infectious condition caused by bacterial plaque. It can severely inflame and damage the surrounding gum tissues resulting in bone loss. As the bone is lost, the periodontal ligament is lost as they detach from the teeth. In fact, tooth looseness may be a fairly late sign of the disease.
Another major cause is teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching habits that result in excessive biting forces. Usually stress-related, teeth grinding and clenching generate forces on the teeth outside of their normal range. As a result the periodontal ligament can become stretched, inducing tooth looseness.
Our treatment approach depends on which condition is causing the looseness, best assessed with a thorough dental examination. If gum disease is the culprit, the main treatment is to remove as much bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar) as possible using various techniques such as scaling or root planing (accessing and cleaning root surfaces). It’s also imperative for you the patient to start and maintain an effective hygiene regimen of daily brushing and flossing, along with professional cleanings every three to six months depending on your degree of vulnerability to gum disease. Subsequent healing will stimulate tissue reattachment to the teeth.
In the case of excessive biting forces, we primarily want to reduce their effect on the teeth. Treatment can include muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs, or a custom-fitted bite guard to minimize biting forces from teeth grinding during sleep. In some cases we may opt to reshape the biting surfaces of teeth through removal of small amounts of surface enamel: this will reduce the biting force by altering how the upper and lower teeth contact. It’s also possible to splint loose teeth to more stable teeth, joining them like pickets in a fence. This helps relieve the biting force on teeth with significant loss of bone support.
If you notice a loose tooth, you should make an exam appointment with us as soon as possible. The sooner we can diagnose the cause and begin treatment, the less chance you’ll lose your tooth.
If you would like more information on 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 “Loose Teeth.”

While it doesn’t garner the star power of blood, saliva is still an important bodily fluid. A true multi-tasker, saliva contributes in many ways to the function and health of the body, from stronger teeth to more efficient digestion.
Here are six ways saliva helps your mouth and body function properly and stay healthy.
The mouth’s natural cleanser. Bacteria are responsible for much of the dental disease that plagues us, particularly tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva clears the mouth of food remnants, bacteria’s primary feeding source, after we eat. This leaves a cleaner mouth and fewer bacteria to cause infection.
The immune system’s partner. Saliva contains an antibody called Immunoglobulin A (IgA) that attacks disease-causing microorganisms. Along with secreting other antibacterial agents like lactoferrin and lyzozyme that curb the growth and development of bacteria, saliva serves as the body’s first line of defense against pathogens entering through the mouth.
Acid neutralizer. The optimal oral environment is a neutral pH of 7. Many of our foods and beverages, though, are highly acidic, which can raise the mouth’s acid level. The acidic environment causes the minerals in tooth enamel to soften and dissolve (a process called de-mineralization). Saliva restores the balance by neutralizing any remaining acid after we eat (a process that takes about 30 to 60 minutes).
Mineral replacer. Even under normal conditions, enamel will de-mineralize to some extent whenever the mouth becomes acidic. Saliva restores some of the enamel’s lost minerals like calcium and phosphate while it’s neutralizing acid. If fluoride is also present in saliva from fluoridated drinking water or toothpaste, it too is absorbed by the enamel making it stronger and more resistant to acid attacks.
Digestion enhancer. Saliva lubricates the mouth while we eat, making it easier for us to chew (and taste) our food. Saliva also releases the enzyme amylase as we chew to break down starches before the food enters our stomach. The end result is more efficient and comfortable digestion.
The wave of the future in diagnostics. Like blood and urine, saliva contains genetic and disease markers that could tell a physician if a patient has a certain condition. Since collecting a saliva sample is much easier than with these other bodily fluids, diagnosing disease with saliva will become more prevalent as more calibrated devices reach the market.
If you would like more information on the role of saliva in the body, 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 “Saliva.”

As America's toughest trainer on the hit television program The Biggest Loser, Jillian Michaels helped people learn that they hold the power to change. And if anyone knows about the power of changing oneself, it is Jillian Michaels. In her recent interview with Dear Doctor magazine, Jillian discusses her childhood, the trauma of being overweight as a teenager (5' 2" and 175 pounds), and the day her life forever changed when she started martial arts training at a gym. “I started training when I was 17 and always loved it but never thought it would end up being my career,” she said.
Jillian also reveals that when she was a child, she broke her two front teeth and had them repaired with crowns. She added, “Now, I generally wear a mouthguard if I am doing anything where my teeth have any chance of being knocked out.”
When it comes to replacing teeth that are broken or damaged from trauma, or teeth that are damaged because of dental decay, grinding habits, or acid erosion, crowns may be your best option. And because the tooth enamel is damaged, a bit more of it must be removed before we can place a crown. Generally speaking, we must remove about 2 millimeters of tooth structure to place a crown. Once the crown is placed, the tooth will always require a crown, as this is an irreversible procedure. However, the good news is that a crown not only mimics the look and feel of a natural tooth, but it is also the optimal long-term solution. On average, a crown last between 5 and 15 years and requires no special maintenance. In fact, you should treat your crown as you do your natural teeth, with a daily cleaning regimen of brushing and flossing and routine dental examinations and cleanings.
To learn more about crowns or other cosmetic procedures, contact us today to schedule an appointment so that we can conduct a thorough examination, discuss any questions you have as well as what treatment options will be best for you. Or to learn more about crowns now, you can continue reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Porcelain Crowns & Veneers.” And to read the entire interview with Jillian Michaels, please see the article “Jillian Michaels.”
Our Blog
Archive:
- 2019
- 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
Tags
- fluoride (4)
- celebrity smiles (72)
- floss (2)
- sealants (2)
- pediatric dentistry (37)
- oral hygiene (33)
- oral health (75)
- common symptoms (4)
- periodontal (gum) disease (5)
- bleeding gums (3)
- periodontal disease (14)
- gum disease (44)
- sensitive teeth (4)
- root canal (4)
- tooth decay (21)
- cosmetic dentistry (28)
- wedding day smiles (2)
- smile makeover (10)
- chewing gum (1)
- clear orthodontic aligners (3)
- orthodontics (8)
- invisalign (2)
- dental injuries (5)
- dental emergencies (2)
- sports dentistry (3)
- dental implants (40)
- bonding (4)
- chipped tooth (5)
- dental hygienist (1)
- dental hygiene (3)
- thumb sucking (3)
- mouthguards (5)
- wisdom teeth (6)
- teeth whitening (14)
- veneers (9)
- snoring and sleep apnea (2)
- missing tooth (2)
- replacing teeth (1)
- dental implant (2)
- crowns (7)
- bridgework (1)
- bone grafting (4)
- endodontics (1)
- tooth pain (3)
- dental emergency (3)
- dental injury (10)
- mouthguard (2)
- eating disorder (1)
- pregnancy (3)
- bad breath (4)
- toothpaste (2)
- oral cancer (12)
- bruxism (1)
- teething (6)
- porcelain veneers (5)
- gum abscess (1)
- bleaching (1)
- discolored teeth (1)
- stained teeth (1)
- brushing (1)
- flossing (1)
- missing teeth (2)
- diabetes (4)
- loose teeth (5)
- tooth colored fillings (1)
- dental fillings (1)
- toothache (2)
- dental exam (2)
- artificial sweeteners (2)
- overdentures (1)
- sedation dentistry (4)
- oral sedation (1)
- braces (7)
- nutrition (7)
- prepless veneers (1)
- dentures (5)
- orthodontic treatment (8)
- xylitol (1)
- snoring (4)
- sleep apnea (4)
- crown (1)
- saliva (1)
- inflammation (1)
- gingivitis (1)
- bacteria (1)
- baby teeth (3)
- dental erosion (1)
- chipped teeth (2)
- eating disorders (1)
- bridge (1)
- fillings (3)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- lichen planus (1)
- smoking (2)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- root planing (1)
- cancer (2)
- dry mouth (2)
- pediatric care (1)
- sinus surgery (2)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- jaw pain (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- chewing tobacco (1)
- teeth grinding (3)
- cracked tooth (1)
- salvia (1)
- root canal treatment (4)
- oral appliance (1)
- night guard (1)
- geographic tongue (1)
- clear aligners (2)
- tmj disorders (1)
- gum recession (3)
- retainers (1)
- sugar (2)
- halloween (1)
- adult braces (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- age one dental visit (1)
- oral heath (1)
- mouth sores (1)
- retainer (2)
- GERD (1)
- x-rays (1)
- marijuana (1)
- oral-health (1)
- loose tooth (1)