What Happens If You Don’t Have Regular Dental Checkups

by | posted in: Tucson Dental Oral Care | 0

Regular visits to the dentists are not only important for a beautiful bright smile.   They are also extremely important to maintainbest tucson dentist your overall general health. People often ignore their oral health and hygiene but it is important to note that oral infections can be fatal if left untreated.

There are three things that are vital to dental and oral health: proper tooth brushing, regular flossing and regular dental checkups.

Off course, the regular daily cleaning of your teeth reduce the chances of getting oral diseases but this fact should not overshadow the importance of regular routine dental checkups. You may ask why? In answer to this question, two reasons can be mentioned.  The first is that regardless of maintaining good oral hygiene habits, there are factors like genetic disposition and daily habits like eating, drinking and smoking which may make one self more prone toward getting an oral disease.

Secondly, because of the mild and common symptoms marked by most of the oral
diseases, there is a high probability that the disorder can remain inconspicuous and undetectable for a long time. Signs like pain, bleeding, swollen gums, weak teeth, gum recession or appearance of incurable sores in your mouth are the signs of advanced oral diseases. Everyone will agree to this fact that early diagnosis and treatment of any disease would lead to better outcomes of the treatment.

Untreated gum disease can lead to some very serious problems such as heart disease, respiratory, kidney diseases, infections and loss of teeth and loss of bone mass. A dentist can: give suggestions on how to improve your daily care for your teeth, detect any suspected mass in your mouth which can be a sign of oral cancer, can help prevent
complications involved with inflammation and infections resulting from the gum diseases by removing plaque or tartar by scaling when needed.

Have you had a dental checkup within the last 6 months?  Within the last year?  Or has it been several years?  Don’t put your oral and overall health in jeopardy.  Call Dr. Riley today and schedule your dental checkup today – (520) 297-9069

Dangers & Risks of Cross-Border Dentistry

by | posted in: Tucson Dental | 0

tucson dentistLiving close to the Mexican border as we do in Tucson, AZ offers many fringe benefits.  The beach is only a couple of hours away.  Unique shopping opportunities in border towns offer hours of entertainment and good deals.  And we have easy access to highly discounted medical and dental services in Mexico.

Many Americans are lured to Mexico to have dental procedures done.  And this is because of the extremely low cost rather than excellent care and quality service.   If you or someone you love is contemplating going across the border for dental work carefully consider the following:

Standards and Compliance

Dentists in Mexico do not comply with the same standards of care as those in the US.  American Dentists are under the regulation of BODEX, OSHA, and the Department of Health and Human Services.  American staff employees of dental offices are required to be vaccinated against Hepatitis.  Only 21% of Mexican dentists are vaccinated against Hepatitis.

Infectious Diseases

Contagious diseases threaten Mexico and the water system.  Life-threatening diseases such as Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, Typhoid fever, Amebiasis, and Shigellosis.

Hep A – transmitted through food and water

Hep B – contracted through exposure to blood or other infectious material

Hep C – viral infection contracted from blood to blood contact

Typhoid fever – contracted through contact with feces

Amebiasis – water or food borne parasite resulting in intestinal illness

Shigellosis – bacterial infection carried through water and food polluted by feces and contracted by hand-to-hand or hand-to-mouth contact.

Tuberculosis – transmitted through the air (coughing, sneezing etc.)

Don’t put your oral health or even your life in jeopardy by using discounted dental services across the border.

“The American legal system and the Board of Dental Examiners cannot help when treatment in Mexico fails.”

At Arizona Dental Medicine your overall health is very important to us.  That is why we offer a variety of payment options to fit the budgets and needs of a wide variety of patients.  Call us today to schedule your professional dental evaluation 520-297-9069

Risk Factors Of Periodontal Disease

by | posted in: Periodontal Disease | 0

tucson dentistPeriodontal disease (gum disease) is an infection of the tissues (gums) that support the teeth.  The gums do not attach very firmly to the teeth.  There is a shallow v-shaped gap existing between the teeth and gums where periodontal disease easily thrives.

There is a lot of bacteria in your mouth.  The bacteria and food particles combine and cause a sticky film that clings to your teeth called plaque.  Thorough brushing and flossing every day (best after every meal) removes most of the plaque but all too often not all of it especially around the gum line.  The bacteria in plaque creates a toxin that may injure the gums and all supporting tissues.

There are many factors that increase your chance of developing periodontal disease.  These range from oral habits, diet and disease to pregnancy and medications.

How do you know if you have it?  Here are some of the most common sign and symptoms:

  • Gums may be red, swollen, tender or bleed during brushing/flossing
  • Root surfaces may be exposed
  • Experience pain with chewing or increased sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Calculus or tarter build-up
  • Loose teeth
  • Changes in your bite or tooth position
  • Bad breath

Periodontal disease doesn’t just effect your oral health.  It can effect your overall health in many ways.  It has been known to cause:

Cardiovascular disease and stroke – As bacteria colonies grow the immune system may not be able to keep them in check.  The oral bacteria can then enter the blood stream and attack the arteries and cardiovascular system.  New research indicates that people with periodontal disease are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

Bacterial pneumonia – The bacteria in your mouth can be inhaled or aspirated into your lungs thus causing infections and pneumonia.

Increased risks during pregnancy – Studies indicate that women with periodontal disease are more likely to give birth to underweight or premature babies.

Periodontal disease is the primary cause of teeth loss after the age of 35.

Some people are more susceptible than others.  This can be reversed, if caught early, and properly cared for.

Have you had a recent checkup with your dentist to see if you have periodontal disease?  If not then call us at Arizona Dental Medicine to make your appointment today – 520-297-9069.  Your health depends on it!