Periodontitis

Gingivitis is a minor form of gum disease and is usually reversible in its earliest stage. If gingivitis is not treated promptly, it can advance to the second stage of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis is an inflammation of the gums that destroys the structures of the teeth and can lead to even more serious problems, including higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Dr. Christopher Emuedue of Greenville Family Dentistry can treat periodontitis if it arises, but he would much rather you practice preventive oral hygiene.

Healthy gums are firm and a pale pink. If you spit pink in the sink while brushing your teeth, this is a symptom of gingivitis. Periodontitis, as well as gingivitis, begins with plaque. If plaque isn’t brushed away after eating and drinking, it will fester and lead to tartar which only a dental hygienist is able to remove. There are a number of factors that can aggravate this condition, such as smoking and chewing tobacco, but it’s important to know that it can be prevented by simply brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. In addition, you should be visiting us for professional cleanings at least twice a year.

If you have questions or concerns about your next dental appointment, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

Periodontal Splinting

Greenville Family Dentistry’s Dr. Christopher Emuedue is experienced in many kinds of restorations for his patients’ damaged teeth and gums. But what happens when teeth are loose enough to cause problems, but the doctor or patient doesn’t want to extract them? One solution is a periodontal splint, which distributes bite force across multiple teeth, sparing the loose one.

Usually, when we speak of weak teeth, we are actually talking about weak gum tissue. The splint is a permanent fixture in the mouth which provides an alternative anchor, stretching across the backs of the incisors. It is made out of a porous fiber which is dipped in resin. While older splints required lots of resin, the modern ones only create a small ridge, minimizing the unusual feeling of something being permanently stuck to the teeth.

During the application process, the gums are shielded with a gel inserted between each tooth. The teeth are etched with a mild acid to provide them with more surface area for the resin to grip to. This is the same type of acid used when orthodontists attach brackets to the front of the teeth, and shouldn’t result in prolonged sensitivity. Though a splint can’t reverse periodontal disease, it can mitigate a patient’s fears of tooth loss.

Dr. Christopher Emuedue operates Greenville Family Dentistry at 7215 I-30, Suite B, Greenville, Texas, 75402. To schedule an appointment, call 903-455-6701 or visit GreenvilleFamilyDentistryTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Gingivitis Risk Factors

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes inflammation of your gums. Because gingivitis can be mild, you may not be aware that you have the condition. However, it’s important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. If you are not maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine, Dr. Christopher Emuedue of Greenville Family Dentistry is here to help by providing you with routine dental cleanings.

Gingivitis commonly occurs because of films of bacteria that accumulate on the teeth (plaque). Gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease, which means that it can be prevented. Generally, gingivitis resolves with good oral hygiene – longer and more frequent brushing, as well as flossing. If the condition is left untreated, gum disease can spread and affect tissue, teeth, and bones, leading to periodontitis which can eventually lead to tooth loss.

If you notice a bit of blood in the sink, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

Sealants

Good oral hygiene is the first step to protecting your teeth and having less tooth decay, but sometimes it isn’t enough to have healthy teeth. Along with brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting our dental office every six months, we also provide dental sealants. They are especially useful for children who have their molars, which come in between 5 and 7 years of age, and again between 11 and 14 years of age.

 

Dental sealants protect the molars from cavities and tooth decay. The molars are most susceptible to cavities because they are chewed on most often, and decay because they are harder to reach with a toothbrush and dental floss. Dr. Christopher Emuedue can put a liquid sealant on these teeth that hardens and further protects to teeth from excessive decay. It can last about 10 years before needing to be applied again.

 

Patients of all ages visit us here at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX for dental sealants. It reduces the amount of work that needs to be done on the teeth over time and gives patients a healthy looking smile. Visit us online at www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com today to learn more about sealants or give us a call at 903-455-6701

Periodontics: Caring for your gums

Periodontics: Caring for your gums

Caring for your teeth is an essential part of maintaining good oral health, but your gums also play an important role in your health, and proper care is crucial. Gum disease can be a serious detriment to your oral health and overall wellness, and Dr. Christopher Emuedue of Greenville Family Dentistry provides the regular periodontal and checkups you need to maintain peak periodontal health and prevent gum disease.

 

With periodontal disease responsible for 75 percent of all adult tooth loss cases in the United States, it is critical to check for and treat periodontal issues when they first arise. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that starts when a build-up of plaque on your teeth hardens into tartar. As the tartar accumulates, bacteria collect and attack the soft tissue in the surrounding gums. In its early stages, this gum disease is gingivitis, but if it is left untreated, it becomes periodontis. Periodontis can destroy your gum tissue and lead to tooth loss. Periodontis can even result in a loss of bone mass in your jaw bone, and heart disease, diabetes and stroke have also been linked to poor periodontal health.

 

The state of your gums affects the health of your entire body, so come to our office for periodontal cleanings and treatment. We can even refer you to a recommended specialist if you require special treatment. We will make sure your gums are well cared for. Call 903-455-6701 to schedule an appointment. For more information about our practice, visit www.GreenvilleFamilyDentistryTX.com.