Category — periodontal treatment

Yes. Two years ago in October I had periodontal laser surgery. I had it again this October. My periodontist and I thought my teeth would be fine because I vigilantly brush and floss regularly and get my teeth cleaned every three months.

I write my truth, so I have to tell you that I have a weak spot involving three teeth and the dreaded periodontal disease flared up again in the exact same spot. It’s been 12 days since my surgery and I’m still on soft food so I’m a bit cranky. The next step? Provisional splinting (bonding). I’ll do the research before I  get the procedure and let you know how that goes in a couple of months. It costs $100.00 a tooth.

I’m feeling a bit defeated, but I will not give up and I don’t want you to give up either if you’re experiencing gum disease. Leave a comment and let me know what your problems are and how or if you’re solving them. [Read more →]

36% of the people polled skipped dental care or checkups in the past 12 months.

The Poll: Care-Cost Consequences

The Question: In the past 12 months, because of the cost, did you or a family member in your home do any of the following?

The Answers:

42% Relied on home remedies or over-the-counter drugs rather than go see a doctor.
36% Skipped dental care or checkups.
33% Put off or postponed needed health care.
29% Did not fill a prescription for a medicine.
27% Skipped recommended medical treatment.
18% Cut pills in half or skipped medicine.
8% Had problems getting mental health care.

I don’t how know how many people were polled in the Kaiser Family Foundation Poll, April 2009, but I have seen similar statistics in recent years. I was not one of the people polled. Were you?

This is the year of health care reform. Take action to have your voice heard!Contact your elected officials or become involved in the health care reform effort at http://www.healthactionnow.org/ or call 1-866-227-7449.

Keep smiling.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
www.gotteethguide.com

Brushing your teeth only removes up to 50% of plaque. Brushing and flossing only removes up to 70% of plaque.

You can control receding gums, periodontal disease, and plaque build-up using these tools at least twice a day:

1. Brush for at least two minutes with an electric toothbrush at night and a regular, soft toothbrush in the morning and after lunch if possible.
2. Floss after every meal. Use different types of floss to maximize your interest.
3. After flossing, use whichever GUM Proxabrush fits between your teeth. I use two different shaped brushes.
4. Then use the GUM comfort grip handle with snap-on Proxabrush on the places your dental hygienist has pointed out are your problem areas.
5. Use a tongue scraper when you’re finished.
6. Mouthwash can’t hurt.
7. If you get up at midnight or 2:00AM and eat, you have to repeat the process. [Read more →]

Before you toss your toothbrush, get a new one. A new toothbrush will boost your oral health by doing a better job of preventing gum disease.

You know you need a new toothbrush when the bristles separate and you have to work harder to feel as if you did a good job brushing your teeth and massaging your gums.

Buy two at a time so you’ll have a new toothbrush ready when you need it. You’ll feel a renewed energy to stick to your brushing schedule. At least twice a day, right?

1. Get a new toothbrush every two months.
2. Soak your toothbrush in peroxide to keep it germ free.
3. Do not share your toothbrush. Bacteria can be transferred.
4. Keep your toothbrush as far as possible from the toilet to avoid airborne particles after flushing.

Keep smiling.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
www.gotteethguide.com for your Free Tips.

February is National Heart Health Month. I’m telling you again that poor dental health is linked to increased heart disease.

“A growing body of research suggests an association between severe gum disease and certain serious health conditions, such as heart disease – the number one cause of death in U.S. women,” said Altagracia Chavez, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, Cleveland, Ohio, and member of WomenHeart’s Scientific Advisory Council.

Please make an appointment with your dental professional now.

What I know  for sure is that it’s all connected.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
www.gotteethguide.com for your Free Tips.

This year put the gift of dental health in your friends and families holiday stockings. Wrap them separately or put them in one bag with a funky tie.

1. A soft toothbrush in the recipients’ favorite color.
2. Toothpaste with cavity prevention for sensitive teeth (just in case).
3. Dental floss, both waxed and unwaxed.
4. Antiseptic mouth wash.
5. A tongue scraper.
6. GUM Proxadent brushes in different shapes.
7. Sugar-free gum for the gum-chewers in your group.

The travelers on your list will appreciate the fact that all of the above items come in travel sizes and are allowed on airplanes.

Happy holidays and keep smiling.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
www.gotteethguide.com for your Free Tips.

If you don’t eat fresh fruits and vegetables, take vitamins to supplement your diet.

If you have, or will soon have dental or periodontal surgery, it is especially important to include Vitamin B-12 and Vitamin E.

1. Vitamin A: Beef, eggs, liver, salmon, shrimp, fortified milk, cheddar cheese and Swiss cheese.

2. Vitamin C: Bell peppers, broccoli, potatoes, spinach and fruits and fruit juices (especially citrus). Studies have revealed that people who consume less of Vitamin C tend to be 25% more likely to suffer from gum disease.3. Vitamin D: Fortified cereals, fortified milk, fatty fish (helps absorb Calcium).

4. Calcium: Cheese, fortified juices, milk, tofu, salmon, sardines with bones, yogurt, and leafy green vegetables (including broccoli and kale, but not spinach or Swiss chard, which have binders that lessen absorption). 99% of the calcium in your body is your bones and your teeth. Dietary calcium is needed to make sure they’re in good shape.5. Phosphorus: Almonds, broccoli, eggs, dairy products, green peas, fish, liver, meat, milk, potatoes, and poultry.

Keep smiling.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
http://www.gotteethguide.com/

I am delighted and honored to announce that I have been invited to be a featured blogger in the Dental Health Community at Wellsphere.com, the next generation of interactive online health platforms for finding and sharing health and healthy living information and service.

You can find me at www.wellsphere.com. Click Family Health, click Dental Health, and then click Blogs. I’m Saundra G.

“…people can finally get firsthand accounts of what it’s like to deal with serious medical issues, hear from doctors the inside scoop on handling difficult diagnoses, and get personal advice from healthy living experts – all in one place.”

Please visit us for information, answers, and support in all areas of health. I’d love to have you as friends.

Keep smiling.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
www.gotteethguide.com

The goal of periodontal treatment is to control and stop the infection. It can’t always save the affected teeth. Follow these steps for a better chance of controlling gum disease and saving your teeth.

1. See your dental professional for a periodontal cleaning at least twice a year.
2. Establish a daily dental routine and follow your dental hygienist’s advice.
3. Brush all of the surfaces of all of your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time.
4. Dental professionals recommend a toothbrush with soft, round bristles that can clean out plaque without damaging your gums.
5. Brush your gums, your tongue, and the roof of your mouth for good circulation.
6. Eat healthy, nutritional meals at least three times a day.
7. Floss after every meal.

What I k now for sure  is that it’s all connected.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
www.gotteethguidecom for your Free Tips

Woven floss is more effective than regular floss in the fight against periodontal disease.

If you can’t find woven floss, double your regular floss to get more results for the energy you expend.

What I know for sure is that it’s all connected.

Saundra Goodman
Got Teeth? A Survivor’s Guide
How to keep your teeth or live without them.
www.gotteethguide.com