Burlingame Dental Arts

Category: Oral Health

  • Colorectal Cancer Connected to Gum Disease

    Colorectal Cancer Connected to Gum Disease

    Mountains of research over the years have shown a strong link between gum disease and whole-body health, such as an increased risk for heart disease and stroke. But recent studies conducted by the American Academy for Cancer Research have now shown another scary connection – gum disease may increase the likelihood of developing colon cancer. During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, your dentist in Portland wants to raise awareness about how protecting your oral health can also help protect your overall health. 

    Research Links Gum Disease to Colon Cancer

    This study monitored the health of over 40,000 American men and women over the course of several decades. Researchers observed the health, diet, and colonoscopy results of the participants in order to determine if there was a potential link between gum disease and colon cancer. 

    During the study, scientists focused on two particular types of intestinal lesions that often precede colon cancer — serrated polyps and conventional adenomas — as well as participants’ history of gum disease. They found that those patients who had a history of gum disease also had: 

    • 17% increased risk of having a serrated polyp
    • 11% increased risk of having a conventional adenoma
    • 20% increased risk of having a serrated polyp if the participant had lost four or more teeth

    While the results did support the theory that gum disease could potentially lead to colon cancer, researchers say additional studies are needed to further back up these findings. 

    Signs of Gum Disease

    One of the trickier parts of gum disease is catching it early. After all, early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference between reversing gum disease and it reaching the point where it can no longer be cured, increasing the chance for it to affect the rest of the body. Keep an eye out for some of the common signs of gum disease such as:

    • Chronic bad breath
    • Red, swollen gums
    • Gums that bleed
    • Loose teeth
    • Gum recession
    • Pain when chewing

    It’s important to call your dentist in Portland and schedule an appointment if you recognize any of these signs of gum disease. 

    Lower the Risk of Gum Disease

    Certain factors that can contribute to the development of gum disease are unavoidable, such as age and genetics. But other lifestyle habits that we can control can also increase the risk. Follow these tips from your dentist in Portland to reduce the likelihood of developing gum disease: 

    • Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day
    • Eat a well-balanced diet
    • Stop using tobacco products
    • Keep seeing your dentist for bi-annual checkups and cleanings

    Even though gum disease may seem minor, it’s not something to take lightly. Continue to monitor any changes in your mouth and see your dentist regularly in order to catch problems early, before they have a chance to become bigger concerns and cause health problems. 

  • 5 Tips to Help You Find The Best Dentist For Your Needs

    5 Tips to Help You Find The Best Dentist For Your Needs

    Finding the best dentist in Portland depends on what you’re looking for in a provider. The truth is, your dentist is a key part of your healthcare team and you need to feel comfortable, confident, and trust in their care. After all, you will be seeing them at least twice a year for preventive checkups and cleanings, so it’s important to find someone you like. Here are five tips to help you find the best dentist for your individual needs. 

    • Get Recommendations

    While you head online and search for “dentist near me,” one of the easiest ways to quickly narrow your search is to talk to those around you. Ask friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers about their dentists to easily generate a short list of choices. 

    • Read Reviews

    After you get a few recommendations, head online to read reviews of dentists in Portland. Online reviews are a great way to get an understanding of the general feelings about the level of dental care, personality of the team, and pros and cons. 

    • Check Out Their Work

    Patients who are particularly interested in advanced dental care such as cosmetic dentistry or dental implants should check out dentists’ previous work. Many dentists will feature before and after photos on their websites so you can get an idea of their level of care. 

    • Evaluate Their Services

    Some dental offices offer most services under one roof while others have a particular focus in specific areas. Depending on your individual needs, you will want to look into the types of services offered at different offices. Also consider their technology and how it can help make dental care easier. 

    • Check Them Out in Person

    The best way to get a feel for a dentist and their team is to visit them in person. An initial visit or consultation will give you a sense of the office environment and personality. While  patients may prioritize different things, it’s always important that you feel the office is clean and that you’re being listened to and respected. 

    While it may seem like a daunting task, taking some time to get to know your options when it comes to choosing the best dentist in Portland can benefit you in the long run. Start by making a list of the things that matter to you the most when it comes to selecting a dentist, then get to work researching dentists in your area. Keep in mind, the more comfortable you are with your dentist, the more likely you are to keep up with regular appointments. Seeing your dentist at least twice a year is crucial to maintaining good oral health and can keep dental problems away.  

  • February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

    February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

    Healthy oral health habits for strong smiles begin at an early age. These early experiences help develop good habits and trust and can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth. National Children’s Dental Health Month, celebrated in February since 1949, strives to raise awareness of just how important early and regular dental care is, and your dentist in Portland is happy to help. 

    The Importance of Awareness

    We talk a lot about how important it is to see your dentist in Portland at least twice a year, and this is true for both kids and adults. However, the truth is, starting these appointments as soon as a kid’s first tooth erupts is incredibly important. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that all children should have their first dental visit by that time or no later than their first birthday. Seeing a dentist early can help kids in a variety of ways. 

    • Catch Cavities

    Dental decay, also known as cavities, is one of the most common diseases in kids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 50% of kids between six and eight have had at least one cavity in their baby teeth and another 50% of kids between twelve and nineteen have had at least one cavity in their permanent teeth. Cavities can often be detected in their early stages at dental appointments and can be treated quickly and easily. However, if not treated, cavities can cause pain and lead to other serious dental problems as well as missed school. 

    • Keep Baby Teeth Healthy

    It’s a milestone to lose your first tooth, and seeing a child smile with a few gaps in their grin is one of the cutest things. But baby teeth need to be kept healthy until permanent teeth are ready to erupt, and dental appointments as well as good dental care can help. Baby teeth help kids develop proper speech, eat a complete and nutritious diet, and hold spaces for adult teeth. If they’re lost too early, speech and diet can be affected as well as oral health.  

    Celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month 

    The American Dental Association (ADA), who sponsors the month-long event every year, makes it easy for parents, caregivers, family members, educators, and healthcare professionals to celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month by providing free resources, such as: 

    • Posters
    • Flyers
    • Coloring Sheets
    • Crossword Puzzles
    • Word Search Puzzles

    Head over the ADA website to download and access these resources. 

    If you’re a parent, the best thing you can do to help your child’s oral health is to practice what you preach. Brush your teeth twice a day with them and show them how to floss. Make it a fun family event. And always remember to see your dentist in Portland at least twice a year for checkups.

  • What Are Some Signs of a Cavity? 

    What Are Some Signs of a Cavity? 

    Cavities are not only common in kids, but they can also affect adults in large numbers. In fact, according to the  CDC, 90% of adults over 20 have had a cavity in their lifetime. Additionally, one out of every four adults between the age of 20 and 64 currently have at least one cavity. The good news is that your dentist in Portland can often spot and treat cavities before they become serious and require additional treatment. But there are some key signs of cavities that you can look for in between appointments. 

    Tooth Sensitivity

    One of the most common signs of tooth decay is new or more severe tooth sensitivity. While tooth sensitivity can occur when you’re eating or drinking something hot or cold without a cavity, extreme zings of pain after enjoying something hot or cold may be a sign of decay. Additionally, another sign of a cavity is if you experience tooth sensitivity after eating a sweet, sugary treat. Why? Well, when tooth enamel is weakened by decay, it can expose the tooth roots to things that cause pain – such as heat, cold, and sweets. 

    Tooth Discoloration

    While tooth discoloration can be caused by any number of things, discoloration may also be a sign of decay. Usually, when we think of tooth decay, we think of dark spots, but a cavity can also start as a new white spot. Over time, the area may start to become darker, and that’s a sign that it’s time to see your dentist in Portland. As with all dental problems, decay can become serious quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on your teeth to look for any changes in color and schedule an appointment with your dentist if you suspect decay. 

    Tooth Pitting

    Cavities are essentially holes in the teeth where decay has worn away enamel. Even though some cavities can be seen or felt by searching for new areas of pitting, many times these pits or holes are so tiny that they can’t be seen with the naked eye. However, your dentist in Portland has special tools and techniques that can spot a pit easily, even if it’s super tiny. In fact, the smaller the pitting the less severe the cavity is, so it’s ultimately a good thing if you can’t see or feel it. Now, if you do see a new pit or hole in your tooth, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist sooner rather than later. After all, early treatment often means easier treatment and reduces the chance of a cavity-causing bigger issues. 

    The best way to protect yourself from getting cavities is to make sure to brush and floss regularly and see your dentist at least twice a year. Not only will you get a thorough, gentle cleaning at these visits, but they’re also a great way for your dentist to check for any early signs of decay. 

  • How Can I Change the Way My Teeth Look?  

    How Can I Change the Way My Teeth Look?  

    Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. In fact, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, more than 99% of adults see a smile as an important social asset, and more than 70% believe that an unattractive smile can have negative effects on someone’s success. So what do you do if you don’t like the way your teeth look or are self-conscious about your smile? You look to your dentist in Portland for cosmetic dentistry. 

    Cosmetic Dentistry

    Cosmetic dentistry may seem as if it’s only reserved for a select few. But nothing could be farther from the truth. Cosmetic dentistry can range from quick and affordable solutions to complete smile makeovers. What’s best for you can vary depending on your needs and wants. If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, start by reading the following treatments, then talk to your dentist in Portland to find the solution that fits you. 

    Smile Whitening

    Getting a whiter smile is one of the most common desires of people throughout the United States. The good news is that whitening treatments have become more accessible and can be purchased online or at your favorite department store. The bad news is that not all of these whitening solutions can give you the results you want. In order to find the best way to whiten your teeth is to talk to your dentist in Portland before you embark on a DIY approach. 

    Porcelain Veneers

    Whether you have tooth staining that can’t be resolved through smile whitening treatments or you want to change the shape, size, or length of your teeth, porcelain veneers may be right for you. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are custom-made to fit your ideal shade, size, and shape in order to blend into your natural smile. Your dentist will need to remove a small layer of natural tooth enamel in order to make room for the veneer, but after the veneer is applied, the result is permanent. 

    Dental Bonding

    If veneers aren’t right for you, your dentist in Portland may recommend an even easier way to change the size, shape, or color of your teeth. Bonding is a quick treatment that can often be completed in 30-60 minutes, but the results can last a lifetime. Your dentist will apply tooth-colored resin and sculpt it to form a seamless appearance. The resin is then hardened by UV light. 

    If you’re feeling self-conscious about your smile, know that there are a variety of cosmetic dentistry options available to transform your teeth. The best place to start is by scheduling a consultation with your dentist so you can better understand the options that are available to you.