We've Moved

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | | Posted on 11:00 AM
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The Gum Disease Michigan Blog Has Moved!



In an effort to consolidate numerous blogs into one comprehensive, all-inclusive blog, we've moved our blog.  It now resides at http://blog.drnemeth.com .  Please visit us at our new address and re-subscribe to stay up to date on all the latest news from Michigan Periodontists and Dental Implant Specialists, Drs. Joseph Nemeth and Amar Katranji.  We will look forward to seeing you there!

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How Does Diabetes Affect My Teeth and Gums?

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in , , , , | Posted on 10:55 AM
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Diabetes affects millions of Americans; but many of those affected do not know that their diabetes may be causing havoc in their mouths.  Proper dental care and control of blood sugar levels are key to these patients maintaining a healthy mouth.

Patients with diabetes, especially those whose blood sugar levels are not properly controlled are more likely to develop gum (periodontal) disease which will eventually lead to tooth loss.  As with any infection, gum disease may cause blood sugar levels to rise and make controlling diabetes that much more difficult.

There are other mouth problems associated with diabetes that include but are not limited to:

  • soreness caused by dry mouth
  • an infection called thrush which is caused by fungus that grows in the mouth
  • ulcers (cancer sores)
  • infections (abscesses)
  • cavities
It's very important to try to keep your teeth for a lifetime since you need strong teeth for chewing.

How to know if you have problems with your teeth and gums:

If the soft tissue around your teeth (gums) becomes red, swollen or starts to bleed while brushing and flossing, you may have the first stage of gum disease known as gingivitis.  At this stage, gums may be mildly sore, may be red or puffy and may bleed easily.  This is the early stage of gum disease Michigan.

Plaque, a sticky, colorless film that forms on your teeth holds bacteria which causes the gum disease.  The plaque bacteria release toxins that irritate the gums. If you do not remove plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth, plaque can build up and infect your gums, teeth and the bone that supports them.  If left untreated, tooth loss will occur.  The signs of gum disease are not always easy to see and can be painless, so it is important to see a dental professional on a regular basis.  Those professionals are trained to spot the early signs of gum disease.

During advanced stages of gum disease, the gums pull away from the teeth.  This lets plaque move toward the roots, supporting fibers and bone and eventually leads to tooth loss.



How Can I Prevent Dental Problems with Diabetes?
  • First and foremost: control your blood sugar level.  Then always take good care of your teeth and gums, including regular visits to the dentist or hygienist.
  • Brush as often as your dentist or hygienist tells you to with whatever toothpaste your dentist recommends.  
  • Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush - avoid hard back-and-forth scrubbing that can irritate your gums.
  • Clean between teeth with floss as demonstrated by your dentist or hygienist.  Don't forget to rinse your mouth afterwards to remove plaque and food particles.
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco and, if you wear dentures, remove and clean them each day.
  • Remember to tell your oral health care provider of any changes in your condition and any medications you might be taking.

For more information on diabetes and gum disease, visit http://www.drnemeth.com or call 248-357-3100 today to schedule a consultation appointment.  Additionally, you may visit the Oral Health Center at http://www.colgate.com.  Always make sure you tell your dentist that you have diabetes.  

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How Gum Disease Michigan Develops

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in , , , , , | Posted on 10:04 AM
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Gum disease begins when tartar buildup and bacteria beneath the gums cause infection, which is essentially an overgrowth of bacteria. The gums become inflamed, irritated and swollen as your body tries to fight the infection brewing below the gum line.  Plaque becomes more difficult to remove because it hides in pockets which form between tooth and gum.  As the gum disease advances, the infection eventually causes bone damage to occur and can lead to the loss of a tooth and sometimes, multiple teeth.

The Stages of Gum Disease 
  • Gingivitis- This is the mildest form of gum disease.   The gums may become inflamed, causing the space between gum and tooth to deepen, forming a pocket that is difficult to keep clean.  Gums may become red and swollen, or may bleed when probed.  Sometimes no symptoms exist at all and often goes unnoticed.  Gingivitis can often be controlled and some of the damage can be reversed with regular professional dental cleanings and routine brushing and flossing.  Left untreated, however, gingivitis can quickly progress into gum disease (periodontitis).
  • Periodontitis- Periodontitis is characterized by the gingivitis infection and inflammation having spread to the bone supporting the teeth.  This is often followed by the break down of the periodontal ligaments and the recession (shrinking back) of the gums.  Pockets begin to deepen and, at this point, are almost impossible to keep clean with routine homecare.  Redness, swelling and bleeding will most likely develop or get worse. The infection begins to cause deterioration of the bone surrounding your teeth as the bacteria from the periodontal infection multiply. Teeth may start to feel loose at this point due to the loss of bone that is occurring. 
  • Advanced Periodontitis - As gum disease advances, pockets get even deeper and may be pus-filled.  The gums may start to swell around the roots of the teeth and bone loss continues.  Symptoms of advanced gum disease may include sensitive to heat or cold and pain while brushing.  Teeth may really begin to feel loose due to the ongoing loss of bone and ligament.   In some cases, teeth may need to be removed to keep periodontal disease from spreading.
Gum disease is a chronic infection, which means there is no "cure".  The symptoms can be controlled and some of the damage can be reversed by having treatment with a gum disease specialist (periodontist).  In many cases, less advanced infections can be controlled by a procedure called scaling and root planing which is performed by a hygienist and will feel to you like a very deep, thorough cleaning.  Often, an antibiotic is placed in the deeper pockets during this procedure.  Your periodontist will probably recommend four professional cleaning per year after any periodontal treatment.  More advanced cases may require either traditional surgical procedures to reduce the gum pockets or laser gum therapy.

Visit http://www.drnemeth.com/ for more information about gum disease Michigan, Oakland County gum treatment, Birmingham Bloomfield Hills area gum disease specialists or call 248.357.3100 today to schedule a thorough periodontal evaluation.  The American Academy of Periodontology is also a fantastic resource for information about gum disease.  You can visit their website at http://www.perio.org.

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Why it is Essential for Michigan Dentists to Have a Blog

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in , , , , , , | Posted on 10:37 AM
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As a dental professional, have you ever really stopped to think about the massive audience you have at your fingertips via the world wide web?  The web is the status quo for how information is found today.  If your child gets sick, is your first trip to the doctor's office or to your computer?  I'm betting for many of you the answer was "computer".  There is an absolute overabundance of information at everyone's fingertips.  So how can you, the dental professional, take advantage the way people search for information?  In a word, "blog".

A blog (or web log) is a vehicle by which individuals can spread their expertise across the World Wide Web in the blink of an eye.  Potential patients can read your information and advice free of charge; and believe me, they will do just that.  As a dental professional, you inherently possess valuable information that the public wants and needs.  Writing a blog is one way for you to quickly and effectively distribute this knowledge to your patients and perhaps more importantly, potential new patients.

Blogging is also an easy way to organically boost your practice website's ranking in search engines like google, yahoo, bing and others.  Search engines rank websites by content.  The more relevant content you can spread across the World Wide Web and link back to your practice website, the higher your website's ranking will be when potential patients enter search terms into a search engine.  Blogging is perhaps the quickest and easiest way to build content and in return, boost your ranking.

Your blog is essentially a mini-website where readers can access a ton of great information, comment on that information and ask relevant questions.  You can set up a blog quickly, easily and free of charge using websites like www.blogger.com or www.wordpress.com.  Even the least tech savvy among us can handle this task with relative ease.

Then, it's up to you to start writing small articles (blog posts) about whatever topic is interesting to both you and your audience.  As long as you present relevant information in a unique way, the patients will visit your blog, will read your content, will keep coming back to your blog for similar information and will spread the word about what a fantastic blog you have.  It really is that simple.

Just try to keep in mind which keywords your patients are likely to type into a search engine when they are looking for information about dentistry.  Instead of "periodontal disease" think "gum disease" or "bleeding gums".  Instead of "endodontics" or "orthodontics", think "root canals" and "braces".  Try to always write in terms your patients will know and for which they will search.  Also, (and I can't stress this enough) ALWAYS provide a link back to your practice website so that your readers have a direct portal to your practice.  Remember, this is your blog, so a little marketing will be well received by your audience as long as it is surrounded by a lot of useful information.

My final bit of advice to you before you embark on this new blogging journey is to just go for it.  Be yourself and you can't get this wrong.  Don't assume people aren't interested in what you have to say.  I guarantee there are potential patients waiting to be won over by a sincere dentist with an honest and interesting blog. Write about what you know and the patients will follow...maybe not immediately, but they will follow.  The more blogging you do, the better you'll get at this craft.  As long as you keep the needs of your patients at heart, you won't get this wrong.

To learn more about the Michigan Implant Study Club or Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS and Associates, visit http://www.drnemeth.com/ or call 248.357.3100.  More information is also available at the Michigan Periodontist Blog and the Michigan Dental Implants Blog or you can stay updated by becoming a fan of the Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS and Associates Facebook Fan Page or the Michigan Implant Study Club Facebook Fan Page.

Author: Jodi Alcock, I.T. Specialist
Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS and Associates
 The Michigan Implant Study Club

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Methamphetamine Use and Oral Health (Meth Mouth)

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in , , , , , , , , | Posted on 10:16 AM
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Methamphetamine Use and Oral Health (Meth Mouth)

Methamphetamine use is on the rise in the U.S. because Meth is cheap, easy to make and causes a high that lasts up to 12 hours.  Dental health professionals need to be aware of this trend and be prepared to handle cases of Meth Mouth that come into their practices.  Meth use has been linked to severe oral health effects along with being a potent central nervous system stimulant that can cause brain damage that can be permanent.  Dental health professionals should be prepared to recognize the signs of Meth mouth and understand the treatment considerations for users of this drug.

What Dental Professionals should be prepared to look for:       
  1. Decay in teenagers and young adults that is unaccounted for and accelerated.
  2. A pattern of decay that is distinctive, often on the buccal smooth surface of the teeth and the interproximal surfaces of anterior teeth.
  3. Patients who have a “malnourished” appearance due to the fact that Meth acts as an appetite suppressant.     

3. 
What should Dental professionals do if they suspect Methamphetamine use?
  • Take a thorough dental and medical history before completing a comprehensive oral evaluation.
  • Convey consternation about the dental findings to the patient or the parent if the patient is a minor child.
  • Be prepared to give the patient the phone number of a local physician, if the patient is receptive to a medical consultation, and know how to focus on the physician’s protocol so that the patient knows what to anticipate.
  • Employ preventive measures such as topical fluoride treatments.
  • Try to persuade the patient to drink water instead of drinks high in sugar content and carbonation.
  • Be guarded when administering local anesthetics, sedatives, nitrous oxide or general anesthesia, and prescribe narcotics cautiously.
  • Take advantage of the opportunity to educate your patient about the risks associated with and the dangers of methamphetamine or any illicit drug use.



Are you a Dental Professional who sees cases of Meth Mouth in your practice and how do you handle it?

Are you a Dental Professional who has seen a recent rise in the number of patients in your practice whom you suspect are Meth users as some studies suggest?

Are you a Dental Professional who has questions about this topic or other related topics and want others to weigh in?
 
Visit our "Hygiene Forum" Facebook Fan Page to participate in this discussion or post your responses here.  You can also visit our practice website to get more information on a variety of topics surrounding gum disease Michigan, Michigan dental implants, cosmetic periodontal procedures, advanced bone grafting, soft tissue (gum) grafting and so much more.  You can also reach our practice via email at jodi@drnemeth.com or by phone at 248.357.3100.  Follow us on Twitter to get up to the minute information.


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Michigan Periodontist Receives Rave Reviews From One of His Patients

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in , , , , | Posted on 8:08 AM
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Some of our best patients are referred by some of our best patients! Here's what one patient had to say in a letter she wrote to Dr. Nemeth and staff following her treatment.

"To Dr. Nemeth, Cannot thank you enough for all your expertise and skill since being in your care all these years, my painless/no complications surgery and your constant patience and compassion! To The Staff: Thank you for your courtesy andprofessionalism and to all for the beautiful flowers."                          

                                                                              Sincerely, Carmen Parks
Thank you, Ms. Parks for allowing us to publish your kind words.  We truly appreciate all feedback our patients give us.  Please feel free to send your thoughts on Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS and Associates to jodi@drnemeth.com.

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Mother’s Gum Disease Linked to Infant's Death

Posted by Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS, MaCCS | Posted in , , , , , , | Posted on 1:45 PM
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Pregnant woman's gingivitis caused baby to be stillborn, scientists say

For quite some time now, evidence has shown a link between gum disease and a variety of other health related issues including stroke, heart attack, many cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, premature births, low birth weight babies and many others. In an msnbc article posted Friday, January 22, 2010, scientists say that a pregnant woman's gum disease caused her child to be stillborn.

A new study shows that pregnant women with untreated gum disease may be risking more than their teeth. They may actually be putting the lives of their unborn babies at stake.

Pregnant women have long been warned about the dangers of gum disease and the effects it can have on their unborn children. They've been told that, left untreated, gingivitis and periodontitis can cause not only premature births but can also cause babies to be born too small and underdeveloped. Now, for the first time, scientists have been able to link the bacteria from an expectant woman's gums to an infection that caused a full-term infant to be stillborn. The study was published in Obstetrics and Gynecology on Thursday, January 21, 2010.

After a 35-year-old woman from California contacted scientists from Case Western University to investigate the death of her unborn child, the discovery was made which linked the death to the gum disease bacteria. In earlier studies by the same scientists, results showed that an oral bacteria called Fusobacterium nucleatum could cross the placenta in mice. The California woman questioned whether or not the same bacteria could spread from the bloodstream to the placenta in humans.

Once a woman has bleeding gums, bacteria in the mouth can easily get into the bloodstream, but generally, this type of bacteria can be easily eradicated by the immune system of the pregnant woman. Because of special conditions that exist only in the womb, scientists suspect that the human fetus can be more susceptible.

Yiping Han, an associate professor of periodontics and pathology at Case Western University, the author of the study, says, "Once the bacteria are in the blood, they can go almost anywhere. The placenta is an immunosuppressed organ, compared to other organs like the liver and the spleen. And that makes it easy for the bacteria to colonize the placenta."

The California woman told researchers that she had experienced signs of gum disease during her pregnancy including heavy bleeding from her gums; however, bleeding gums aren't unusual in pregnant women. In fact, about 75 percent of pregnant women develop bleeding gums due to normal hormonal changes; but mild gum disease can be treated simply by brushing and flossing more often. However, a small percentage of pregnant women with more serious cases of gum disease will require dental surgery during their pregnancies.

Pregnant women with uterine infections that can harm a fetus usually contract the infection by bacteria that work their way up from the vaginal canal; but the researchers in this case detected a bacteria in the stillborn baby not typically found in the vaginal canal, says Han. Plaque samples were taken from the California woman's teeth and were found to contain the exact same strain of the oral bacteria found in the deceased baby's stomach and lungs.

Dr. Richard Beigi, an obstetric infectious disease specialist and an assistant professor of reproductive science at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center warns that women shouldn't be overly alarmed by the new study. Since this is just a single case, pregnant women with bleeding gums should not overreact.

*source: www.msnbc.com

Linda Carroll, msnbc.com contributor: updated 8:43 a.m. ET, Fri., Jan. 22, 2010

Still, there's an important lesson to be learned. Pregnant women should be diligent about their oral health and should not ignore the signs of gum disease including bleeding gums. If you are a pregnant woman who has more questions about the risks of gum disease to your unborn child, visit www.drnemeth.com or call 248.357.3100.

Michigan Periodontist, Dr. Joseph Nemeth and his staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment for a periodontal evaluation. Dr. Nemeth will work closely with your OB/GYN to come up with a treatment plan that is safe and effective for both you and your unborn baby.



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