News with tag disease

Medical and dental professionals agree: A child should see a dentist by his or her first birthday (or whenever their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first.) Although this may seem a bit premature, there are some very good reasons why early dental care is the best thing for your son or daughter. Preventing a Phobia of the Dentist How many people do you know that are afraid of the dentist? Waiting until your child has pain or a cavity means their first impression of the dental office will be a negative one. Because modern dentistry is preventive in nature, it’s best to start those check-ups early. We want your child’s experience in our office to be one that they always look forward to. Stop Problems Before They Start Most dental diseases are avoidable. If we see risk factors or atypical growth patterns that could lead to complex issues further down the road, we can take steps to keep those problems from happening. Most children benefit from a checkup and clean every six months, just like adults do. Thanks to services like protective sealants and fluoride treatments, your child can avoid the most common childhood disease: tooth decay. Earlier Diagnosis, Less Invasive Care The sooner a cavity is diagnosed, the smaller and easier it is to fix. Not only is this gentler on your child, it’s also easier on your wallet. Waiting to see the dentist until your child is in pain means that the infection has been spreading for quite some time. Instead of basic dental work, they may need something more complex. At North Road Dental Clinic in Carnegie, we love seeing kids of all ages. We invite you to schedule your family’s next appointment with us today!

Gum disease is a generalized term that encompasses everything from mild gingivitis to complex periodontitis. Sadly, it’s also the main cause of tooth loss in adults. But fortunately enough, if you identify the condition early it can be reversed. Waiting too long to treat it could wreak havoc on your smile for years to come. Do you have gum disease? Watch for these common symptoms: Bleeding gums It’s not normal for gums to bleed. When your toothbrush or floss turns pink, it may mean you need to clean your teeth more regularly. Let your dentist know if symptoms don’t improve within 14 days. Swelling along the gum lines Inflammation is always a sign that your body is fighting off an infection. If you had another area on your body that was swollen, you would likely keep it clean and treat it until the swelling went away. Your mouth deserves the same! Bad breath Halitosis can be caused by more than just an onion on your sandwich or forgetting to brush off your tongue. Periodontal bacteria are often very odorous and difficult to remove if gum disease is moderate to severe. Visible tartar build-up Heavy tartar (calculus) deposits tend to accumulate in areas like behind the lower front teeth and on the outside of the upper back teeth. This calcified buildup is hardened plaque and harbors bacteria; it cannot be removed without special instruments. As long as it’s in place, the gums in that area will continue to be infected. “Long” Teeth Gum recession is one of the more prominent symptoms of advanced gum disease. As the gingiva become infected, they pull away from the tooth and cause “pockets” under the gums, or exposed root surfaces. The teeth may begin to feel loose at this point as well. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms of periodontitis, contact North Road Dental Clinic in Carnegie to schedule a check-up right away.