What You Should Know About Bleeding Gums

Are you experiencing bleeding gums? Perhaps you’ve noticed bleeding after brushing or flossing. In many cases, bleeding gums are caused by gum disease. Too often, people focus on the health of their teeth but neglect their gum health. While no one wants to deal with the discomfort of bleeding gums, the good news is that proper dental care can often alleviate the problem.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth. When plaque is left to accumulate on the teeth, it hardens into a substance known as tartar. Unfortunately, tartar buildup can’t be removed by brushing alone. Professional cleaning with dental tools is required to remove this harmful buildup. If the tartar is not removed, it may attack the gums. If left untreated, gum disease can progress even further, causing tissue infections in the gums that can cause tooth loss.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Gum disease in its early stage is called gingivitis. When detected early, this inflammatory condition can be successfully treated. However, if left untreated, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis. Periodontitis can cause tooth loss due to the degradation of bone and gums in the infected area. If you are experiencing red, swollen, and/or bleeding gums, it’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible to avoid further oral health problems.

Smile Designs 101 Can Help

When it comes to prevention and treatment of gum disease, the first step is to seek proper dental care. Dr. Kasimatis is highly experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease in all stages and will determine the treatment that’s most appropriate for your needs. Some patients can be successfully treated with non-invasive therapies like deep cleanings while others may require a surgical procedure.

These therapies are designed to clear away infection-causing bacteria and help protect gums and teeth. In addition to these therapies, you’ll be taught how to properly care for your teeth and gums at home. Dr. Kasimatis and his staff offer personalized treatment plans designed for the individual needs of each patient.

Smile Designs 101 is proud to serve patients from Somerset, NJ, and the surrounding areas. If you’re experiencing any signs of gum disease or need a dental checkup, we’re here to help you. Our office provides full-service dentistry for patients of all ages and can get you on the road to better oral health. Your bright smile is our priority, so don’t delay. Give us a call at 732-898-1146 and let us take care of your dental health needs. 

Inlays and Onlays

An alternative to large fillings and crowns, dental inlays and onlays offer a secure, customized and durable solution to restoring a damaged tooth. Inlays and onlays are used to cover a minimal to moderate damaged area on a single tooth. Also referred to as “indirect fillings”, inlays and onlays are usually made of hard, composite material custom fit to fill larger cavities, or significantly diminished tooth structure. The resin is long-lasting and looks natural. They are designed to match adjacent teeth and will restore dental function, including the integrity of the bite. 

What are Inlays?

Dental inlays are most similar to traditional fillings. An inlay fits inside the center of the tooth and securely seals the affected area, which minimizes any recurrence of decay. It can be made from various materials, including gold, porcelain and composite resin which all offer strength and durability. Customized to precisely follow the tooth’s natural shape, inlays help patients recover their dental function.

An inlay is considered a conservative approach to repairing a damaged tooth. The dentist will only remove what is necessary for improved oral health. This process will save you time and money and they typically last longer than traditional crowns.

Dental Onlays

Dental onlays cover a more extensive area of the tooth that will include one or more cusps and include the sides of the tooth. Onlays provide a protective cover for a larger section of the tooth without having to remove healthy portions. Treatment is very conservative and usually allows the dentist to save as much of the original tooth as possible.  

As with a dental inlay, an onlay is custom designed to fit the natural shape of the damaged tooth using a composite resin or a solid material such as gold or porcelain. Gold is often used for its strength and composite materials increasingly demonstrate they too can last for a long time and provide a comparable option.   

Advanced dental technologies have increased the longevity of onlays by providing the ability to create an exact replica of the missing dentition. The ideal fit returns a healthy bite with aesthetic looks.

If you would like to know more about inlays or onlays or learn about other conservative dental methods, contact Dr. Kosmas Kasimatis of Somerset, NJ.

Why Do I Grind My Teeth at Night?

When you get up each morning, do your teeth hurt? Is your jaw tender or sore? Do you frequently wake with a headache? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are probably grinding your teeth while you sleep. This is a common ailment that many people deal with. But what causes it?

Teething grinding - or bruxism - is generally triggered by different problems such as stress and anxiety. However, there are other things that could be factors as well, including obstructive sleep apnea or problems associated with TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction). This is a disorder that affects breathing while sleeping. An abnormal bite or crooked teeth can also play a role in teeth grinding.

If you are on certain medications, such as antidepressants, you may also be more susceptible grinding your teeth at night. In addition, habits like drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes will often increase your risk as well. 

Can You Stop Teeth Grinding?

One of the best at-home methods to stop teeth grinding is by lowering your stress levels. Doing calming and relaxing things during the day, such as meditating or exercising, can help. Quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol can be very effective too.  The best way to stop grinding your teeth is to see a professional.

Dental Treatment for Teeth Grinding

To prevent further damage to your teeth, your dentist will fit you to a custom mouth guard or dental appliance to be worn while you sleep. This appliance does not correct the source of the problem, but it will protect your teeth and stop the aggressive wear and tear associated with bruxism patients. 

Contact Dr. Kosmos Kasimatis, a Somerset dentist who treats patients for bruxism and other dental conditions. Schedule an appointment to find out more about stopping unnecessary wear and tear on your teeth.