Most people who have been to the dentist are familiar with the drill, so to speak. You undergo examination and cleaning, along with tests to determine the overall state of your oral health. During some appointments, patients also receive dental x-rays. While the purpose of having a check-up and cleaning is relatively clear – keeping […]
Is Periodontal Disease Contagious?
Periodontitis in lay terminology is called “gum disease,” or “Pirreah.” Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Gum Disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth. Saliva carries the bacteria, which causes gum inflammation. Kissing, sharing food utensils, shared tooth brushes […]
The Importance of 6-month Cleanings by a Dental Hygienist
1) Dental plaque and debris build up at and below the gumline. 2) Home dental care will remove surface build-up, but will not remove hard calculous build-up below the gumline. 3) Sub-gingival build-up is the type of calculous that causes periodontal disease, bone loss and eventually loss of teeth. 4) The mouth is very vascular […]
Habits Are Hereditary, Not Bad Teeth
Recent studies have shown that alignment and placement of teeth are hereditary, but significant dental issues such as decay are not. The physiological make-up of teeth may resemble your parents, much like bone density or thickness of your hair, but not to the point where you should expect to have dental problems if your parents […]
How to Keep Your Teeth for Life with Comprehensive Dentistry
“Do you get frustrated because you always have something to be treated or repaired when you visit a dentist?” It’s the last question on the health-history questionnaire at Dr. Steven Cutbirth’s and an alarming number of new patients check “yes,” and I have often wondered why. If a knowledgeable dentist looks at a patient’s dentition, […]
