Teens And Gum Disease

teen with foodDo you think the reason your grandparents lost their teeth was because of old age? Not true. Gum disease is the first and foremost reason people lose their teeth. Here is something else you might not know. Teens can develop gum disease. Because it takes time for gum disease to develop most people don’t show signs of the disease until their 30s, 40s, or later. However, teens can begin developing gum disease, or a milder form of the disease called gingivitis. To learn more about teens and gum disease contact your Encinitas, CA, periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania. Dr. Kania will be happy to explain the risks teens have of developing gum disease.

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Are Your Gums And Heart Linked?

heart researchOne of every two adults over the age of thirty in the U.S. has periodontal disease according to a new study. There has been a myriad of research establishing a link between periodontal disease and heart disease. This does not bode well for American adults. The largest study known to date to assess periodontal disease in patients with heart disease, has shown a link between the two diseases, as well. If you are experiencing tender, swollen, or bleeding gums, now is the time to visit your Encinitas, CA, periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania, for a complete oral evaluation. Dr. Kania can explain the link between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases.

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How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed?

gum disease1We don’t often think about our gums unless they ache or bleed. Like our teeth, we sometimes take them for granted. But we’ve come to realize through research that our gums are very important to our health. We take care of our overall health by seeing our physician for regular check-ups. Because periodontal disease (gum disease) can affect the results of our check-ups, we need to take care of our teeth and gums just as diligently as we take care of the rest of our body. Your Encinitas, CA, periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania, is a trained periodontist, and will be happy to explain the link between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases.

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Diet And Dental Health

wokDiet and dental health go hand in hand. If you don’t eat nutritious foods your dentition won’t remain healthy. Without healthy dentition, you won’t be able to consume nutritious foods. You need a healthy bite and strong teeth to chew high protein foods, such as meat, greens, and beans. If you have sore gums, loose teeth, or are missing teeth, that can be difficult. Our teeth and gums need certain nutrients to remain healthy. If you are interested in learning more about nutrition and dental health, your Encinitas, CA, periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania, is a trained periodontist, and can discuss a nutritious diet and the effects if will have on your teeth and gums.

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Gum Grafting

gums and teethThe link between dental health and overall health has people looking in the mirror twice. How do your teeth and gums look? How do they feel? Are your gums bleeding, red, or swollen? Do they feel tender to the touch? Maybe they are pulling back from your teeth, or receding? Today people are interested in maintaining their overall health and looks, and because periodontal disease (gum disease) can mar both, periodontal plastic surgery is becoming a popular treatment option. If you have the symptoms of gum disease, your Encinitas, CA, periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania can counsel you regarding treatment.

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Hormones and Gum Disease Linked for Some

Smiling Middle AgedHormonal fluctuations and surges aren’t something you can directly control. Unfortunately, hormones cause side-effects throughout our lives. You may experience mood swings, bloating, blemishes, or any number of unpleasant emotional and physical manifestations of hormones in your years. You may not realize that dental health issues can also be linked to cyclical hormone changes – namely gum disease and other periodontal issues.

Hormonal Surges and Gum Disease

When a young woman hits puberty, estrogen and progesterone begin to ramp up production which can increase blood flow to gum tissues. This leads to an exaggerated response to plaque and tartar build-up. During menstrual cycles throughout a female’s reproductive years, salivary glands and gum tissues can become irritated and inflamed. Women who are prescribed progesterone-based birth control (more commonly known as the pill) sometimes experience puffy, swollen gums. During pregnancy, hormones and (more…)

Dental Implants and Oral Diseases

older man brushing teethLosing one or more teeth is often the severe result of untreated oral diseases, like periodontitis, but it doesn’t mean the disease has run its course. Even if you replace your lost teeth, the oral disease that claimed them can still be a menace to your oral and overall health. As a skilled periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania has extensive experience dealing with complex oral diseases, as well as replacing lost teeth with innovative dental implants. As she warns, dental implant placement is only successful when your mouth is free of oral diseases, and maintaining your new smile relies on preventing an oral disease from returning. (more…)

Smoking Cessation: Nicotine Dependence Q & A

girl breaking a cigarette to quit smokingAccording to the American Cancer Society, only about 4% to 7% of people are able to quit smoking without medicines or other help. The chemical, nicotine, is the cause for tobacco addiction, whether it’s smoked or chewed. The dependence on nicotine means you may not be able to stop using the substance, although it is causing harm to your body.  To help you defeat a nicotine addiction, Dr. Ann Kania is happy to offer council on your journey towards smoking cessation. (more…)

A Periodontist’s Connection to Lost Teeth

woman covering mouth embarrassedWhat does a periodontist have to do with tooth loss? As an expert in maintaining the health of your gums, your Encinitas periodontist is specially trained to help you prevent and control gum disease—the leading cause of permanent tooth loss in the US. Should you lose one or more teeth, Dr. Kania can also help you rebuild your smile by assessing your eligibility for a dental implant restoration. (more…)