Gum (periodontal) disease is a chronic infection of the tissues that support your teeth caused by the buildup of plaque- the sticky, colorless film that is constantly forming on your teeth. In the early stages, bacteria-rich plaque builds up, irritating the gums. As the disease progresses, the plaque turns into hard tartar that brushing can't remove, and this can cause the tissues to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can trap infection. Without treatment, gum disease will ultimately lead to permanent tooth loss.

The severity of gum disease can range from simple gum inflammation to serious infections that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. But gum disease can impact more than your smile. In fact, the same bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease can impact other important systems in your body as well. Recent studies have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as those without gum disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Some patients won't show obvious signs of gum disease. That's why it's important to visit Dr. Alexander for regular checkups and cleanings. Visit our Syracuse dental office as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Tender, red, swollen gums
• Gums that bleed easily
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Loosening or separating of permanent teeth
• Change in your bite
• Pus between the gums and teeth
• Persistent bad breath

Gum Disease Prevention: Start with the Basics

The good news is that being diligent about your dental health can prevent plaque from forming and even reverse early stages of gum disease.

• Visit Dr. Alexander for routine cleanings and checkups. We can remove tartar build up and check for changes in your mouth.
• Brush at least twice a day- morning and before bed- to remove bacteria and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
• Floss daily to reach areas in between your teeth and along the gumline where harmful plaque accumulates.
• Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and nutrients and low in sugary foods and drinks.

Gum disease is a serious oral infection that affects millions of Americans. And while there are several treatments a dentist can perform to treat the problem, it's best to avoid gum disease in the first place by brushing, flossing and visiting Dr. Alexander for regular exams and cleanings. Start taking care of your gums now to prevent tooth loss and other serious health problems in the future.

You already know that in order to avoid serious dental problems you need to practice good oral hygiene. However, many of us too often neglect these basic habits, and as a result we have to face the negative consequences, including cavities, bad breath, tooth loss and gum disease.

With that being said, it may be time to "brush up" on your oral hygiene. Daily dental care, including brushing and flossing will help combat the buildup of plaque and fight tooth decay, gum disease and other serious health problems.

Dental Health Tips from Dr. Alexander

Brushing: Get in the habit of brushing your teeth morning and night, spending at least two minutes brushing all areas of your teeth to remove plaque and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the teeth and combat decay, and brush after consuming sugary foods and drinks when possible. Remember to replace your toothbrush every few months or when it begins to show wear.

Flossing: Only flossing can remove food particles and debris from between the teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. It's important to floss once a day, gently maneuvering the floss between each of your teeth until you reach the gum line. Doing so can help prevent dangerous plaque and tartar from accumulating which can lead to gum disease.

Diet: Sugary snacks taste great, but they aren't so great for your teeth. Foods high in sugars and starches contribute to the production of plaque acids that attack tooth enamel. Eventually, these acids can cause tooth enamel to break down, forming a cavity. If you must eat foods high in sugar or starch, eat them during meals rather than between meals, and avoid any foods that stick to your teeth as these can produce more plaque. To avoid stains, be mindful of tea, coffee, soda and other dark foods and beverages that can discolor your teeth.

Checkups and Cleanings: Visiting Dr. Alexander regularly at our Syracuse office for routine checkups and cleanings is the most important step you can take to maintaining a healthy smile. During these important visits we can detect and treat a number of oral health conditions including tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancers.

Next time you visit Dr. Alexander, ask us for tips for caring for your teeth and gums. We can help point out areas of your mouth that may require extra attention and care during brushing and flossing. Diligent dental care at home combined with regular visits to our Syracuse office are the best ways to keep your teeth looking and feeling their very best.

Experiencing a severe, unrelenting toothache? You may be suffering from an abscessed tooth- an infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. A tooth abscess begins when bacteria invade and infect a tooth. As a result, a pocket of pus is formed which causes painful pressure. Tooth decay is the leading cause of an abscessed tooth, but gum disease and dental trauma can also lead to an infection.

Persistent toothaches that result in throbbing or sharp pain are common symptoms of a tooth abscess. Other symptoms include:

• Pain when chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Feeling of overall uneasiness or illness
• Redness and inflammation of the gums
• Bad taste in mouth or foul smelling breath
• Fever

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you'll want to visit Dr. Alexander as soon as possible, as an abscess won't go away on its own. Delaying treatment can lead to serious health complications, including tooth loss and the spread of infection to your soft tissues or the jaw bone. An abscess that ruptures or a tooth root that dies as a result of the infection may reduce the pain significantly, but dental treatment will still be necessary as the infection remains active and can continue to spread to surrounding tissues.

Treatment for a tooth abscess may vary depending on the severity of the infection. At Dr. Alexander our treatment plan focuses on eliminating the infection, preserving the tooth, and preventing further dental complications.

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is the best way to prevent dental problems that may lead to an abscessed tooth, including daily brushing, flossing and a healthy diet. Additionally, regular visits to our Syracuse NY office for cleanings and check ups are also critical for detecting dental problems early.

Summer days are salad days. That's a good thing and for reasons that might just surprise you. In Hypertension magazine, there was a recent article about a study that proposed that the nitrates released by beets and green vegetables not only appear in your saliva but are converted orally into nitrate. Nitrates help to lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Could a healthier diet and a healthier mouth help your overall well being?

It seems obvious that your self image and self esteem can be affected by tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease, but scientists suggest there's more at stake.

Gum Disease in particular may play a roll in systemic diseases including diabetes. That's why the salad study is so intriguing.

Think about it. A healthy diet and thirty minutes of daily exercise can help to protect you against cardiovascular diseases. Well, so could the few minutes a day it takes to brush, floss, and rinse, especially when combined with regular dental visits. If you're not confident about your home care routines, we'll be happy to give you a refresher.

Enjoy your summer and keep a healthy smile!