Gum (periodontal) disease is a chronic infection of the tissues that support your teeth caused by the buildup of plaque- the sticky, colorless film that is constantly forming on your teeth. In the early stages, bacteria-rich plaque builds up, irritating the gums. As the disease progresses, the plaque turns into hard tartar that brushing can't remove, and this can cause the tissues to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can trap infection. Without treatment, gum disease will ultimately lead to permanent tooth loss.

The severity of gum disease can range from simple gum inflammation to serious infections that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. But gum disease can impact more than your smile. In fact, the same bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease can impact other important systems in your body as well. Recent studies have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from heart disease as those without gum disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Some patients won't show obvious signs of gum disease. That's why it's important to visit Bruce R. Schechter, D.D.S. for regular checkups and cleanings. Visit our Milford dental office as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Tender, red, swollen gums
• Gums that bleed easily
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Loosening or separating of permanent teeth
• Change in your bite
• Pus between the gums and teeth
• Persistent bad breath

Gum Disease Prevention: Start with the Basics

The good news is that being diligent about your dental health can prevent plaque from forming and even reverse early stages of gum disease.

• Visit Bruce R. Schechter, D.D.S. for routine cleanings and checkups. We can remove tartar build up and check for changes in your mouth.
• Brush at least twice a day- morning and before bed- to remove bacteria and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
• Floss daily to reach areas in between your teeth and along the gumline where harmful plaque accumulates.
• Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and nutrients and low in sugary foods and drinks.

Gum disease is a serious oral infection that affects millions of Americans. And while there are several treatments a dentist can perform to treat the problem, it's best to avoid gum disease in the first place by brushing, flossing and visiting Bruce R. Schechter, D.D.S. for regular exams and cleanings. Start taking care of your gums now to prevent tooth loss and other serious health problems in the future.

A toothache. A knocked out or broken tooth. A lost crown or filling. You can't always stop dental injuries from occurring, but you can help ease the pain and prevent additional dental damage until you can get to a dentist. At Bruce R. Schechter, D.D.S., we realize accidents can happen, and when patients are prepared to handle dental emergencies, it can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

Easy Ways to Avoid Dental Injuries

• Avoid chewing ice or hard candy which can crack teeth
• Avoid ripping objects with teeth, such as sealed packages and tape
• Avoid the risk of injury to teeth, gums, lips and tongue by wearing a mouthguard when participating in sports and high-impact activities
• Visit Bruce R. Schechter, D.D.S. for regular check ups and cleanings

Whether you're at home, in the car or at work, when a dental emergency strikes, you'll want to be prepared. Until you can get into our Milford dental office, following these basic steps can help relieve the pain, save your tooth and prevent additional damage. Before acting on any dental emergency, you should always contact Bruce R. Schechter, D.D.S. first to ensure safe and appropriate care.

Temporary Treatment for Common Dental Emergencies

• Toothache: Rinse mouth with warm water to clean the affected tooth, and gently floss to remove food or debris that may be trapped between the teeth. If pain persists, visit a dentist for a thorough evaluation as it may indicate a cavity or infection.
• Broken tooth: Rinse mouth with warm water; locate the lost filling or tooth pieces; and control swelling or bleeding with an ice pack and gauze. See your dentist as soon as possible.
• Knocked out tooth: Gently place the tooth back into the socket if possible. If not, tuck it between your cheek and gum or place it in a small container of milk. Getting to your dentist within one hour of the accident with the tooth is your best bet for successfully reattaching the tooth to the supporting tissues.
• Objects caught between teeth: Rinse your mouth with warm water. If that doesn't work, gently try to remove the object with floss. Avoid using sharp instruments that could injure or cut the gums. If the object can't be dislodged, visit Bruce R. Schechter, D.D.S. for professional assistance.

Temporary dental care is just that- temporary. It's important to seek professional dental assistance as soon as possible following an injury to your teeth or gums.

Fortunately, an unforeseen dental emergency can usually be prevented with early detection and preventative care. Practice good oral hygiene-brushing and flossing daily-and visit our Milford office for regular check ups and cleanings. As a general rule, if your teeth or mouth hurt, visit Bruce R. Schechter, D.D.S. for a careful evaluation and proper treatment.

Experiencing a severe, unrelenting toothache? You may be suffering from an abscessed tooth- an infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth. A tooth abscess begins when bacteria invade and infect a tooth. As a result, a pocket of pus is formed which causes painful pressure. Tooth decay is the leading cause of an abscessed tooth, but gum disease and dental trauma can also lead to an infection.

Persistent toothaches that result in throbbing or sharp pain are common symptoms of a tooth abscess. Other symptoms include:

• Pain when chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Feeling of overall uneasiness or illness
• Redness and inflammation of the gums
• Bad taste in mouth or foul smelling breath
• Fever

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you'll want to visit Bruce R. Schechter, D.D.S. as soon as possible, as an abscess won't go away on its own. Delaying treatment can lead to serious health complications, including tooth loss and the spread of infection to your soft tissues or the jaw bone. An abscess that ruptures or a tooth root that dies as a result of the infection may reduce the pain significantly, but dental treatment will still be necessary as the infection remains active and can continue to spread to surrounding tissues.

Treatment for a tooth abscess may vary depending on the severity of the infection. At Bruce R. Schechter, D.D.S. our treatment plan focuses on eliminating the infection, preserving the tooth, and preventing further dental complications.

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is the best way to prevent dental problems that may lead to an abscessed tooth, including daily brushing, flossing and a healthy diet. Additionally, regular visits to our Milford office for cleanings and check ups are also critical for detecting dental problems early.

Your mouth is the gateway to your body. An unhealthy mouth may increase your risk for serious health problems, including heart attack, diabetes and preterm labor. Research shows that more than 90 percent of all systematic diseases have oral manifestations, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers or excessive gum problems. Here's a look at some of the diseases and conditions that may be connected to oral health.

• Diabetes - Due to elevated blood sugars, diabetes increases your risk of gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, dry mouth, and a variety of oral infections. Conversely, because diabetes can reduce the body's resistance to infection, it can be difficult to control.
• Heart Disease - According to research, poor oral health can increase the risk for developing heart disease as studies have shown a link between the bacteria found in both diseases.
• Premature Birth - Studies have found that expectant mothers with periodontal disease are up to seven times more likely to deliver premature, low-birth-weight babies.
• Your mouth can reveal other clues about your state of health as well including respiratory conditions, oral cancer and osteoporosis.

To keep your mouth and body healthy:

• Provide our Milford office with a complete health history -- illnesses and medication use -- even if they seem unrelated to your oral health.
• Brush and floss regularly to help remove bacteria from the mouth that could potentially travel through your body.
• Eat a well-balanced diet to keep your immune system strong.
• If you smoke, talk to your dentist about options for quitting.
• Visit Bruce R. Schechter, D.D.S. for routine checkups and professional cleanings to prevent problems and detect potential issues in their early stages.

The signs and symptoms of many potentially life-threatening diseases appear in the mouth first. Since most people have regular oral examinations, the dentist is often the first to identify a health problem in its early stages. Dental professionals are trained to look for many systemic diseases simply through your regular oral exam.

Make it a priority to practice good oral hygiene every day. You're making an investment in your total body health, not just for now, but for the future, too.

Also known as teeth grinding, bruxism is a condition in which people grind, clench or gnash their teeth. Most people clench at night, but others do it unconsciously throughout the day. Bruxism does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can become damaged and other oral health complications can arise.

Chronic acts of grinding can result in a fracturing, loosening or loss of the teeth. Severe cases can also lead to jaw disorders, like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and frequent headaches.

Common warning signs and symptoms of chronic teeth grinding may include:

• Worn down, flattened or chipped teeth
• Frequent earaches, facial pain or jaw pain
• Unexplained headaches, particularly in the morning
• Increased tooth sensitivity
• Indentions on tongue
• Worn tooth enamel, exposing deep layers of the tooth
• Chewed tissue on inside of cheek
• Enlarged or tightened jaw muscles due to severe contractions
• Grinding or clenching that is loud enough to awaken others in your household

There isn't one cause of bruxism, but many times teeth grinding is related with reasons such as stress or a natural response due to the misalignment of teeth. In children, many times bruxism is a result of the growth and development of the jaws and teeth.

Treatment for bruxism will vary, depending on the severity and cause. Sometimes simple behavior modification or relaxation techniques may be enough to reduce teeth clenching. If bruxism is caused by dental problems, Bruce R. Schechter, D.D.S. can work with you to correct the malocclusion. Other possible solutions include dental appliances which can also protect the teeth from the impact of grinding.

Unfortunately, you may not even realize that you have bruxism until it causes significant damage to your teeth. If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, visit Bruce R. Schechter, D.D.S. for an evaluation. During regular visits to our Milford office, the teeth are examined for evidence of grinding, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth. Bruce R. Schechter, D.D.S. can help you identify your cause of grinding and determine the best treatment to help you stop.