Gum disease, as known as periodontal disease, is the name for a range of oral health problems. These problems include gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) to the more severe periodontitis, where gums pull away from the teeth and allows the potential for more severe infection. Without treatment, gum disease can destroy the bone that supports your teeth, causing a large number of serious conditions. According to David Kennedy, DDS and past president of the International ...
Pittsburgh dentist and prosthodontist Dr. John Waldman was never quite comfortable with his practice’s designation as a nonessential business. “Gun shops are open, and you can go fishing,” he said with a chuckle. “Dental offices are probably one of the cleaner places around. We sterilize everything.” For roughly eight weeks, dentists in the state have been limited to handling emergencies. Dr. Waldman has taken one. But as Allegheny County moved into the “yellow” phase ...
Whether amid a global pandemic like COVID-19, getting the seasonal flu, or anything in between, contracting one of these viruses will put your life on hold in an instant. These viruses are more than just a mild cold. These conditions can leave you feeling exhausted, worn out, and just plain devastated for up to a week or longer. When you're feeling this way, taking care of your body is the top priority. However, many ...
Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, have become a significant health issue in the United States. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, it is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with 80 percent of the cases of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea still undiagnosed. When left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a myriad of problems, such as high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, strokes, and even traffic accidents ...
Dental implants have gained a lot of attention in recent years because of their high success rates. Compared to dentures, bridges, and crowns, dental implants are an effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth or chronic dental problems. Once in place, you’ll be able to go back to enjoying your teeth and smile once again. If you do not already have dental implants, here are the main three components ...
If you have a smile you don’t like due to teeth that are discolored, chipped, misaligned, uneven, or gapping, you probably find yourself refraining from showing your teeth. Perhaps you smile with closed lips or you cover your mouth when laughing. It is likely that you unintentionally walk around with an unfriendly, straight face. Do you realize that not being able to smile at your full potential can hurt your social life, as well ...
It’s that time of year where sleigh-bells are ringing, children are singing, and the last thing we tend to think about is our oral health. I mean, we’re pretty sure no one is sitting on Santa’s lap and asking for peppermint floss for Christmas. So why worry about our oral health? It is only a few months out of the year, right? Well, that is where we can get ourselves into a ...
Despite a rogue news report a few years ago, the benefits of regular flossing and brushing have generally been widely accepted. So, why do only 30% of Americans report flossing daily and even more (32%) admit to never flossing at all? Most likely it’s because while the obvious benefits of regular flossing are worthwhile – gum health and fresh breath – they’re also relatively intangible. Let’s be honest. Possessing healthy pink gums doesn’t ...
Let’s see those pearly whites! You hear it all the time, but when was the last time someone wanted to see your healthy pink gums? Though they may be destined to play second fiddle to their white, show-stealing counterparts, gums are really the unsung hero of your mouth. Gingiva (i.e., gums) is the tissue that surrounds and protects teeth, along with the underlying bone. Gums attach to the teeth, forming a seal that ...
14 of every 100 individuals age eighteen and over smoke in the United States, according to a 2017 Center for Disease Control report. This means 14% of America is lighting up! The Surgeon General has been warning people for decades, emphasizing that smoking is bad for your health. But what makes it bad for you? And in particular, what does smoking do to your teeth? You're most likely aware of how smoking affects your ...
