Cahaba Dental Arts 100 Brook Dr, Suite A Helena, AL 35080
Phone: 205.267.1216 Fax: 888.258.5531 office@cahabadentalarts.com
Routine cleanings, films, and exams are an important part of maintaining not only your dental health but also your overall systemic health. As you have probably heard, more and more research is linking oral health with systemic conditions. Studies have already made connections to Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Pregnancy as well as many others.
In an effort to maintain your health, we recommend cleanings and exams twice a year for most patients. Depending on your specific oral condition, we will take films to determine treatment needs, progress, etc. It is at these times we are able to detect potential problems and be proactive towards addressing them before they become bigger issues later
Taking X-rays for diagnostic purposes Patient education utilizing intra-oral cameras Comprehensive exams and hygiene visits Periodontal Disease Treament Nightguards for grinding and clenching Atheletic Guard for prevention of sports injury
Periodontal disease is bone loss around the teeth due to the production of toxins by bacteria. Several factors contribute to periodontal disease: plaque buildup, lifestyle, and hereditary, but the most common and controllable factor is plaque. Bacteria release toxins that break down the natural fibers that bond gums to teeth. When this occurs, pockets between the gums and teeth form, and more bacteria and toxins hide, flourish, and destroy your gums and teeth. Without intervention to clean these pockets and prevent further bone loss, your teeth will loosen and may be lost. 70% of tooth loss is attributed to gum disease. But not only are you at risk for losing you teeth, research has shown people with periodontal disease to have increased risk of strokes, heart attacks, and complications with diabetes or pregnancy.
You won't without regular dental check ups where a professional can detect, treat, and reverse gum disease in its early stages before major problems arise. Gum disease is silent in its early stage as it is usually painless. However, you may notice your gums bleeding while brushing or mild swelling.
Regular dental visits at least every six months allow us to keep a watchful eye on the health of your gums. You should also brush twice a day, floss once a day, and use good mouth rinses at home. We will recommend the products that will optimize your oral homecare, and we can also show you the best methods for brushing and flossing. If you have overcome periodontal disease, we will recommend frequent check ups to ensure your mouth stays healthy for a lifetime.