Gum Disease and Liver Disease

Oral health isn’t just a matter of dentistry; it’s integral to overall well-being. At the Oyster Bay Family Dentists, our skilled prosthodontists often treat patients who are facing cancer and cirrhosis. We’re excited to share the results of a new study showing that treating gum disease was associated with a decrease in cirrhosis symptoms.

Prolonged inflammation of the liver could cause it to develop scars. When this happens, the liver is less able to filter harmful substances from the body. Inflammation increases and people often experience reduced cognitive ability. Smoking and alcohol use, both of which fuel periodontal disease, also cause cirrhosis, but cirrhosis can also result from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The frequency of periodontitis in people with other forms of liver disease prompted scientists to investigate whether there is a causal relationship. According to the recent study, people with cirrhosis who were treated for gum disease experienced an increase in cognitive ability and production of bacteria that reduce inflammation. Those who remained untreated experienced no change. More research is required to know for sure whether there is a link or how it works, but oral hygiene and regular cleanings can certainly improve the smiles and oral comfort of people with liver disease.

Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Pediatric Dentistry

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists are proud to serve the families from our community, and we want them to know it’s just as important for children to have regular dental visits.  A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled between when the first baby tooth appears, and the child’s first birthday.  Baby teeth eventually come out, but their growth and development is important for overall oral health for the child and the development of their adult teeth. Baby teeth should be brushed and cared for like adult teeth, and it’s important to monitor their growth and development. 

Missing any tooth for too long can change the development of surrounding teeth and compromise the structure of the jaw bone, but regular checkups can keep a child’s tooth development right on track.  Our dentists are skilled and experienced in administering dental care to children.  If your child has seems nervous about seeing a dentist for the first time, we recommend going through a brushing routine with them at home, and talking about the dental visit before you arrive.  Once we get your child’s oral health off to a great start, we offer a full range of services for child patients including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants.

We love to see good oral hygiene habits formed early, and make lifetime patients out of kids from our community!  To learn more about the services we offer, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Periodontal Maintenance

In its most advanced stages, gum disease can lead to gum recession and even tooth loss.  The Oyster Bay Family Dentists want to make sure it never gets to that point for you and your family!  When plaque builds up on a tooth, the gum starts to pull away from the tooth and form a pocket around the buildup, which only leads to more gum recession.  A scaling and root planing procedure is used to treat this buildup and prevent the later stages of gum disease.

Scaling and root planning are two parts of a deep cleaning procedure your dentist can perform to help reverse the progress of gum disease.  The procedure beings with scaling, which is the process of the dentist removing plaque from the surface of the teeth, all the way down to the gums. Root planing is the term for any minor contouring to smooth the surface of a tooth near the root.  When plaque has been removed and the tooth root has been smoothed, the gums that have pulled away will have a clean, smooth surface to reattach to as they heal.

To learn more about deep periodontal cleaning and the other services we provide, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Causes of Gap Teeth

As prosthodontists and providers of Invisalign treatment, we at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists repair a lot of gap teeth and overbites. But what causes these sorts of malocclusions to form in the first place? Today we’re looking at the origins of diastema (spaces) between the upper front incisors and what a patient’s treatment options are.

Diastema may be the result of something preventing the teeth from drawing together. In the upper front teeth, this would likely be the labial frenum, the strip of tissue connecting the inside of the lip to the jaw. When this tissue is too thick, there are surgical options for reducing it, including the use of our diode laser. Once the frenum is reduced and if there are no other bite issues, it may be possible to close the gap simply by applying veneers.

A more common reason for gap teeth is tongue thrusting. This habit can also result in an overbite and can push the teeth at an angle, requiring the patient to get orthodontic treatment. Tongue thrusting may be due to psychological stress, but it could also be an involuntary reflex triggered by throat obstructions. The assistance of an ear, nose, and throat doctor may be required to tell for sure. In children, sucking on a thumb or pacifier also increases the risk of gap teeth or an overbite developing.

Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.