Wednesday 29 June 2016

Dry Mouth (xerostomin)

Dry mouth, or xerostomin is the result of decreased saliva production, which affects up to 60% of older adults. Saliva lubricates the mouth helping to prevent decay and protect tooth enamel. But don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to manage this condition.

Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of reasons, including medications you may be taking, radiation or cancer treatments, smoking, immune deficiency, systemic diseases (such as Diabetes, Parkinsonís, Sjogren syndrome) or salivary gland aplasia.

To read the entire article , please visit plus.HealthyTeeth.org

Cosmetic, Family General Dentistry
Gregory B. Garrett, DDS 
2215 Delaney Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
Tel: (910) 763-3679
Website: WilmingtonSmiles.net

Wednesday 22 June 2016

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, with 75% of adults over 35 showing problem signs.What is often referred to as the silent mouth disease, initial symptoms can easily go unnoticed.Bacteria lives in plaque, which hardens over time and can cause gum irritations such as gingivitis.

Left untreated, bacterial infections affect the gums, ligaments and bone supporting the teeth, and can enter the blood stream and may be related to other diseases such as Heart Disease and Diabetes.
  
To read the entire article , please visit plus.HealthyTeeth.org

Cosmetic, Family General Dentistry
Gregory B. Garrett, DDS 
2215 Delaney Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
Tel: (910) 763-3679
Website: WilmingtonSmiles.net

Saturday 18 June 2016

Tuesday 7 June 2016

A Guide to Sedation Dentistry

If the thought of seeing your dentist gives you chills every six months, an anesthetic may be the solution. Sedation dentistry uses a combination of techniques, ranging from nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" to general anesthesia, to relax a patient during surgeries or otherwise uncomfortable appointments. For even the most severe dental phobias, there is no longer a reason to avoid the dentist altogether.

Settings that Practice Anti-Anxiety

The dental office has long been the most common setting for routine dental procedures that use sedation and anti-anxiety techniques. These techniques can be used for any type of dental procedure depending on the needs of the patient. Ultimately, your fears and phobias can be managed so that you can receive the dental care you require no matter where the treatment takes place.
Are You a Candidate for Sedation?

Your overall health, as well as physical and mental conditions you may be battling at the time, are important to be able to safely undergo certain types of sedation ñ especially in the dental office. Certain of these conditions may require clearance from a physician: cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases should all be addressed prior to a given type of sedation. Your dentist will take a thorough medical history and physical assessment before proceeding, and if need be, recommend a product like Colgate® Total®  Advanced Deep Clean to get home care on the right track. He or she may also ask you to receive medical clearance from your physician.

To read the entire article written by James Burke Fine DMD, please visit Colgate.com

Cosmetic, Family General Dentistry
Gregory B. Garrett, DDS 
2215 Delaney Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
Tel: (910) 763-3679
Website: WilmingtonSmiles.net

Wednesday 1 June 2016

Dental Sealants for Children

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the importance of dental sealants as a preventive dental treatment for your children!


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Cosmetic, Family General Dentistry
Gregory B. Garrett, DDS 
2215 Delaney Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
Tel: (910) 763-3679
Website: WilmingtonSmiles.net