Question: I think I may have gingivitis. Truthfully i know I have not taken really good care of my teeth and I only brushed them when I felt like it. Even though my teeth look normal my gums seem to be receding and when I brush my gums bleed a little. Can I reverse this on my own?

Answer: You can reverse the gingivitis but not on your own. I strongly suggest you see a dentist. A dentist will be able to tell if you have gingivitis or if it has progress into a larger issue. The dentist will determine what course of dental treatment is needed, but generally speaking you may need to have at least a deep cleaning.  However regardless what is done by the dentist he or she can not help you without your doing your part.  You must start having proper dental care habits at home in order to reclaim healthier teeth and gums.

Leading family and cosmetic dentist in Atlanta, Dr. Thomas Kauffman, is pleased to introduce the practice’s newest piece of dental technology- the Galileos 3D Cone Beam. The new dental diagnostic system is helping the practice continue bringing patients the most efficient, comfortable and effective dentistry possible.

About three out of every four people have teeth that are sensitive to hot, cold, sweet or sour foods and drinks.  This happens when the hard outer enamel layer on teeth and the softer underlying dentin wear away, stimulating the nerves inside. There are some sugar-free gums and special toothpastes can may help to reduce tooth hyper-sensitivity.   However if you do have sensitive teeth make sure to address that issue with your dentist.

TMD is the name given to any condition affecting the alignment of your jaw. When you suffer from TMD, your jaw’s misalignment may result in symptoms including:

* Pain through the jaw
* Limited jaw mobility
* Lockjaw
* Click or popping when opening the mouth

TENS, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, is used in neuromuscular dentistry for the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). A TENS unit is a small, battery powered device that sends gentle electrical pulses into muscles to encourage relaxation and block pain signals. This serves a dual purpose in neuromuscular dentistry by first eliminating the pain associated with TMD, and then relaxing your muscles sufficiently for your dentist to determine your proper jaw alignment.

In order to prevent dental cavities having good preventive dental care habits is very important.  It is best advised that a child see a dentist on or before their first birthday.  On your child first dental visit the dentist will be able to explain proper brushing and flossing techniques with you, as well as conduct a modified exam while your baby sits on your lap.  These visits can help detect early on an potential problems as will as help your child become used to visiting the dentist office. By seeing a dentist regularly and by having proper at home dental habits you can help your child avoid larger dental issues such as tooth decay.

Many family or general dentist will start providing dental services for children at around age five or six depending on the child. Many family dental office are not set up to handle younger age children.  You may want to consider taking your child to a dentist that specializes in treating young kids.

Pediatric dentist are trained to handle the wide range of issues which are associated with kid’s dental health. Their office tends to be more kid friendly and just like a general or family dentist a pediatric dentist’s primary goals is preventive care and maintenance. Preventive dental care services and maintenance is necessary in order to avoid potential larger dental problems from occurring.

Aaron M.Gross, D.M.D. Wins fourth consecutive Talk of the Town Award.  The Talk of the Town Awards, presented by Talk of the Town News, Customer Care News magazine and Celebration Media U.S., honor companies and professionals that provide excellent customer service as reported by their customers through no-cost, user-review websites, blogs, social networks, business rating services, and other honors and accolades. This data is analyzed by a team of researchers who calculate a company’s CM Power Rating. Only those that receive a 4-star to 5-star rating receive the Talk of the Town Customer Satisfaction Award.

Did you know that even babies can develop tooth decay if good feeding habits are not practiced. More people are learning that even though it many be convenient to let a baby sleep with a baby bottle, it can also harm baby teeth.  When sugars from juice or milk remain on baby teeth for hours it can start to eat away at the tooth enamel, creating a condition know as baby bottle tooth decay or carries. Sings of BBTD are Pocked, pitted, or discolored front teeth. In severe cases it can result in cavities and early loss of baby teeth.  If you must leave a fussy baby with a baby bottle make sure to only have water in it as water will not hurt baby teeth.

Dr. C. Farrell Fruge, Jr. a Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist, and his staff want all of their patients to feel at ease when they come into the office for their dental visit. Dr. Fruge, Jr.’s staff is dedicated to providing quality care and treatment, as well as keeping patients informed and educated on important dental health care information. Dr. Fruge, Jr. strives to provide treatment in a timely manner with the highest integrity.

Acidic foods and beverages, such as sports and energy drinks, citrus fruits, wine, and tomatoes, etc.  can erode your tooth enamel.  Yet, brushing your teeth too soon after eating and drinking these types of  food and drink items can cause more damage because you are essentially brushing the acid into the teeth, not getting rid of it.  You should instead, rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic foods and beverages and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year.    Please think of us when looking for dental insurance as we continue to bring more and more dental insurance and dental plans available in the up coming year.  Also make sure to continue your oral and dental care habits to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

A bad combination is a hard bristled toothbrush and aggressive brushing technique, as that can cause irreversible damage to your gums.   Instead use a soft toothbrush and gently brush your teeth.   Also make sure to brush your teeth at  a 45-degree angle, in a circular motion. Using a back-and-forth, sawing motion causes the gums to recede, and can expose the root of the tooth, making teeth extremely sensitive.