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Regular professional cleaning and examinations are essential to maintaining optimal oral health. These routine visits are your first line of defense against tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral cancers, and more. Early identification and treatment of any oral illness improves outcomes and allows for less-invasive treatment options.
Periodontal (gum) disease is a progressive inflammation of the gum tissue. It is most frequently caused by bacterial infection. Left untreated, gum disease can have severe consequences for your oral and overall health. However, one of the biggest challenges to the early detection and treatment of gum disease is its silence. Gum disease can often begin and progress with few or no symptoms until reaching an advanced stage.
Gum disease is caused when the bacteria found in plaque build up between the teeth and gums. As the bacteria grow, the gums can become inflamed and pull away from the teeth. When gum disease is not treated promptly, it can worsen, leading to increased gum recession, infection, and bone loss. In addition, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Gum disease also impacts other aspects of your overall health. Research has found links between gum disease and diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other serious inflammatory illnesses. To help prevent gum disease, practice strong oral hygiene habits, including brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and regular dental examinations. Be aware of your risk factors for developing gum disease, such as age, tobacco use, genetics, stress, medications, grinding, obesity, or other inflammatory conditions. Consider having an annual periodontal evaluation.
While symptoms may not appear until the later stages of the disease, it is essential to watch for the warning signs of gum disease. Some of these include:
Gum disease can start silently but may cause significant damage if left untreated. Once gum disease has started, it can be effectively treated but not fully cured. Protect your oral and overall health with preventive care and regular periodontal screenings. For more information about gum disease or to schedule your periodontal screening, contact our Shelby Township dental office.
Timothy Roney & Associates
Email: team@drroneyandassociates.com
Phone: (586) 786-6060
Url: https://shelbycharterdentist.com/
5805 24 Mile Rd Suite C
Shelby Charter Township, MI 48316
“Tooth worms” are the cause of tooth decay. That was the headline of a Sumerian text from around 5,000 B.C.E. Fortunately, the dental industry has evolved since then, and we know “tooth worms” don’t exist. Here’s how dentistry has become today’s comfortable, safe, and beneficial science.
Did you know that the ancient Egyptians had designated doctors for teeth? Evidence has been uncovered suggesting the Chinese used acupuncture to treat pain associated with tooth decay as early as 2700 B.C.E.
In 500 B.C.E., Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote of treating teeth and oral diseases using sterilization procedures and red-hot wires. They also spoke of using these red-hot wires to stabilize jaw fractures and bind loose teeth.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the 1600s and 1700s were a gold mine of innovation in the dental world. In 1695, Charles Allen published the first English dental textbook, The Operator of Teeth. In the book, he advises using homemade toothpaste from powdered coal, rose water, and “dragon’s blood” to keep teeth clean and white. Allen also suggests using dog’s teeth for transplants and even references wisdom teeth in his book.
In the 18th century, Pierre Fauchard was well ahead of his time in medical practice when his master’s work, The Surgeon Dentist, was published. For the first time, dentistry was described as a modern profession. Some notable highlights in the book include sugar being the cause of dental caries (cavities), braces being used to correct teeth’ position, and the concept of a dentist’s chair light.
The discoveries and inventions of the 1800s were significant. In 1816, Auguste Taveau developed the first form of dental fillings made of silver coins and mercury. In 1840, Horace Wells demonstrated the use of nitrous oxide to sedate patients, and Thomas Morton employed ether anesthesia for surgery.
That same year, Horace Hayden and Chapin Harris boosted modern dentistry by opening the first dental school, inventing the modern doctorate of dental surgery, and starting the first dental society. By the end of the 1800s, porcelain inlays, the first mechanized dental drill, and the toothpaste tube had all been invented.
The scientific development of the 1900s gave birth to some incredible advancements in the dental industry. Electric drills became available due to the invention of electricity. In 1907, precision case fillings made by a “lost wax” the casting machine were invented to fill cavities, and Novocain was introduced into U.S. dental offices.
In 1955, Michael Buonocore described the method of tooth bonding to repair cracked enamel on teeth. Years later, the first fully-reclining dental chair was introduced to put patients and dentists at ease. By the 1990s, “invisible” braces and the first at-home tooth bleaching system were introduced.
Today, dental professionals are investigating the links between oral health and overall health. The use of gene-mediated therapeutics to alter the genetic structure of teeth to increase resistance to tooth decay is receiving attention. Some researchers believe there may be a way to grow a new tooth structure around weakened enamel. Only time will tell what the future of dentistry will bring, but our Shelby Township office is dedicated to seeking the most influential modern technologies as they arise.
Schedule your visit to our office and experience what modern dentistry can do for you.
Clearing up misconceptions about oral health can help improve personal oral hygiene efforts for a beautiful and healthier smile. If you keep up with your oral hygiene regimen, dental visits are significantly more accessible, and dental care is more manageable.
Tooth decay (cavities) usually doesn’t cause pain until they become very severe. Once it reaches this stage, pollution could lead to more invasive and costly treatments. Some of the most dangerous oral disorders, such as oral cancer and gum disease, typically don’t cause pain. It is essential to keep up with scheduled dental appointments. Our Shelby Township dentist can diagnose problems even at its earliest stages when there is no pain.
When you eat sweets, the bacteria in your mouth start consuming them and produce acid. This acid dissolves the tooth’s enamel, resulting in tooth decay or cavities. However, this process happens when you eat anything starch or carbohydrate. Food and snacks like crackers, bread, potato chips, fruit, peanut butter, and pasta have the same effect on your teeth.
Bleeding gums are often the first sign of gum disease. This happens when bacterial infections inflame your gums due to insufficient cleaning. With regular brushing and flossing, gums will be much healthier and should rarely bleed. However, gum inflammation can occur despite the best oral hygiene habits. In such instances, you should see improvement if you rinse with warm salt water and continue to brush and floss.
Healthy teeth come in a wide range of natural shades. Whiter teeth cannot show if there is an infection or cavity between the teeth. Although pure white teeth do not equate to healthier teeth, they should still be naturally on the whiter side.
Tooth decay (cavities) can develop at any age. People assume children have poor brushing habits and are more prone to tooth decay. Cavities form when bacteria cause a loss or weakening in the tooth enamel; eventually, decay begins a hole in the tooth. This is usually seen in people with poor brushing and flossing habits, regardless of age.
Excellent oral health promotes overall good health and is not a misconception. It is essential to practice good oral hygiene habits. If you have any questions regarding your dental health, please get in touch with our Shelby Township dentist, Dr. Roney.
Over 45% of U.S. adults have moderate to severe periodontal disease. Periodontal disease ranges from a mild inflammation of the gum tissues to periodontitis, a Major oral disease that can result in soft tissue and bone damage and even tooth loss. Our experienced Shelby Township dentist provides periodontal treatments to new and existing patients suffering from periodontal (gum) disease.
One of the significant causes of gum disease is poor oral hygiene habits. Daily brushing, flossing, and regular professional exams and cleanings are essential to optimal oral health. Plaque can form on the teeth and along the gumline when these practices are not followed. If this plaque is not removed correctly, it may harden and become tartar. Once that occurs, only a dental professional can remove tartar from teeth.
If gum disease is not treated promptly, tartar may continue to build. When this occurs, the gum disease may advance. Gums redden, swell, and become prone to bleeding from everyday activities, such as brushing or eating. At this point, professional periodontal treatment is needed to prevent the disease from advancing further.
When periodontal disease is not treated on time, it may become periodontitis. Periodontitis is the most advanced form of periodontal disease. With periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth, creating small “pockets” along the gumline. These spaces are challenging to clean without professional intervention and can rapidly worsen oral health. Without prompt and thorough treatment, bone, gums, and soft tissues may be destroyed by periodontitis. One of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults is periodontal disease.
The most common factors contributing to periodontal disease development include poor oral hygiene habits, diabetes, smoking, and female hormonal changes. Some medications can cause gum tissue to develop abnormal tissues, which can increase difficulty in proper cleaning of the teeth. People who are receiving treatment for AIDS are also at increased risk of developing periodontal disease.
Our doctor has the training and experience to diagnose and treat every stage of periodontal disease. If you have symptoms of periodontal disease, contact our Shelby Township office to schedule a consultation. Some symptoms include chronic halitosis (bad breath), sensitive teeth, red or swollen gums, sensitive or bleeding gums, and difficulty or pain with chewing. Our Shelby Township dentist provides excellent periodontal care for our patients and welcomes new patient consultations. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact our dental office.
Every time you stop in to visit your Shelby Township dentist, you are asked, “Do you floss regularly?” This is because flossing is instrumental in maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. It helps to remove the plaque that brushing alone can’t reach. While we all know brushing is[…]
Our expert Shelby Township dentist wants to remind patients that our office offers thorough oral cancer screening as part of our comprehensive dental health services. Like every form of cancer, early diagnosis can profoundly impact your treatment’s success. Regular screenings are your first line of defense against oral cancer, and our dentist in Shelby Township is here to help.
In your screening, our dentist in Shelby Township will check your lips, tongue, gums, mouth, and throat for any abnormalities that could be or become cancerous. We will give careful consideration to any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you have experienced oral cancer symptoms for over a week without improvement, schedule an appointment and tell your dentist immediately.
It seems like there is a new headline nearly every week featuring someone who swears their teeth are whiter and brighter due to their natural home remedy for stain removal. These articles showcase the idea that whitening can be cheap and easy, if sometimes unpleasant. It can be tempting to consider trying for brighter, whiter teeth without investing time and money in in-office or at-home whitening under a dentist’s care. However, before you pin your hopes on one of these “natural whitening” methods, look at the truth behind some recent fads.
Oil pulling has been cropping up in headlines for months with claims of various potential health benefits. It is an ancient folk remedy in which a person swishes a tablespoon of edible oil, such as coconut, sunflower, olive, etc., in their mouth and between teeth for up to 20 minutes daily.
Despite the number of years, this practice has existed and the number of health issues it purports to treat, there is no evidence that oil pulling whitens teeth or improves health.
Due to celebrity endorsement, some people have begun rubbing mashed strawberries on their teeth to achieve a whiter smile. Others use lemon or orange peels, while others tout the virtues of eating pineapple or swishing apple cider vinegar.
However, there is no science to support any of these claims. One recent study found that brushing with baking soda (known to have whitening effects on teeth) and strawberries did not whiten teeth. Even worse, the citric acids found in all these fruits and vinegar can harm the enamel on your teeth.
While it is true that many forms of in-office and over-the-counter teeth whitening use hydrogen peroxide, there is more to consider before opening a bottle. The hydrogen peroxide used in professional teeth whitening, whether in-office or at home, is mixed with other substances and provided in a form designed for teeth whitening.
Simply swishing from a bottle of hydrogen peroxide will have little or no effect on the whiteness of your teeth but may cause irritation to your gums and mouth and can be dangerous if accidentally ingested.
If you want whiter, brighter teeth, there are safe and effective ways to achieve your goal. Talk with our Shelby Township dentist to recommend what kind of whitening will be best for your needs. For more information about whitening, contact our office.
Timothy Roney & Associates
Email: team@drroneyandassociates.com
Phone: (586) 786-6060
Url: https://shelbycharterdentist.com/
5805 24 Mile Rd Suite C
Shelby Charter Township, MI 48316
By now, you have likely seen news reports questioning whether flossing is necessary for your oral health.
We want to answer your question right away with an absolute YES. Cleaning between your teeth is essential to caring for your teeth and gums.
Whether you use traditional string dental floss, a water flosser, an interdental (between teeth) brush, or another form of interdental cleaning, it is essential that you clean between your teeth correctly and daily.
Unfortunately, many news agencies have provided incomplete and inaccurate information in the quest for catchy headlines.
Why does that matter? The buildup of plaque and bacteria between teeth is one of the leading causes of periodontal disease. This condition not only affects your mouth, teeth, and gums but has been linked to complications with diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other systemic health issues.
The next time you visit Timothy Roney & Associates, ask your Shelby Charter Township dentist to show you the most effective way to clean your teeth. For more information on flossing and interdental cleaning or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Timothy Roney & Associates
Email: team@drroneyandassociates.com
Phone: (586) 786-6060
Url: https://shelbycharterdentist.com/
5805 24 Mile Rd Suite C
Shelby Charter Township, MI 48316
Your smile is one of the first things a person will notice when you meet. If you want to improve your smile with a simple procedure, teeth whitening may be an excellent option, especially if you have stained, dull or discolored teeth. Our Shelby Charter Township dental office provides teeth whitening services to new and existing patients.
Regardless of how well you care for your teeth, over time, discoloration will occur. The leading causes of stained teeth are genetics, antibiotics, tobacco, and certain foods. As we age, our teeth darken as well. While preventing tooth discoloration is nearly impossible, our experienced dentist in Shelby Charter Township can help reverse the effects of discoloration by helping to create a whiter and brighter smile.
Whether it’s an in-office or at-home treatment, the principles of teeth whitening are the same. A special whitening agent is applied to the teeth to bleach stains and brighten your smile. Our expert Shelby Charter Township dentist will discuss your whitening needs and goals to determine the best option.
In-office teeth whitening is the quickest method to a brighter, whiter smile. With the supervision of an experienced dental professional, a more robust bleaching solution can be used than with at-home kits. Optimal results are achieved much faster with the professional whitening treatment, and in many ways, the results are much better given the nature of the bleaching agents used. On average, patients appear up to ten years younger by restoring their youth’s bright, white smile.
During a professional teeth whitening treatment, we will first clean the teeth. They will apply a whitening agent to your teeth, carefully avoiding your gums and soft tissue. Once applied, a laser light will be directed at the teeth to expedite the process. For maximum results, the process may be repeated more than once.
If visiting Timothy Roney & Associates for professional whitening isn’t an option, an at-home treatment may provide the whitening you need. While you will find a wide variety of at-home teeth whitening products on the market, including whitening toothpaste, over-the-counter gels, rinses, strips, trays, and more, we can fit you with custom-made whitening trays that will more accurately match your teeth for a more even whitening result.
At-home teeth whitening results are less dramatic than those achieved at the dentist. While at-home teeth whitening is easy to use, it is not recommended if your teeth or gums are sensitive.
If you want to brighten your smile and look ten years younger, contact Timothy Roney & Associates for more information or to schedule a consultation today.
Timothy Roney & Associates
Email: team@drroneyandassociates.com
Phone: (586) 786-6060
Url: https://shelbycharterdentist.com/
5805 24 Mile Rd Suite C
Shelby Charter Township, MI 48316