Offering oral care in difficult times
Sadly, the truth of our times is that you would be hard-pressed to meet a person who has not had their life touched by cancer. This disease changes lives regardless of age, gender, religion, or race … affecting the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the weak and the strong … and there is no way to really prevent it. But, the one thing you can be sure of is that after cancer comes into your life – things will never be the same.
During these times, although there is a lot on your mind, it is especially important to maintain proper oral hygiene. In fact, it becomes even more important as chemotherapy and radiation treatments can cause a sore mouth, throat, and gums, including issues like: rapid dental decay, oral ulcers, infection, dry mouth, and burning, swelling and peeling of the tongue. You should see your dentist as soon as possible following your diagnosis in order for us to offer as much preventative care as possible prior to starting chemotherapy/radiation to reduce your risk of oral side effects. Then during your treatment schedule, keep your dentist informed of any issues that develop and so that we can help. For many of our patients, we can custom tailor your preventative in-office oral healthcare to offer you the best possible chance of reducing oral side effects of your treatment. Your dental team should be a part of your cancer team; we care and are here to help.
We can’t stop cancer from touching our lives, but we can reduce the risk of oral side effects from chemotherapy and radiation – and we can be there for each other.
June 25, 2010
Dentists Feel It Too
March 21, 2010
Oral Health: Something To Smile About | Westlake Village Cosmetic Dentist
Something to Smile About
Caring for your oral health includes regular teeth care and gum care. Neglecting your gums can eventually lead to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, which is a culprit for the deterioration of your overall oral health. Periodontal disease affects 75% of adults over 35 years of age and is responsible for approximately 70% of all adult tooth loss. Since symptoms of periodontal disease oftentimes are unnoticeable, people never realize their mouth is under bacterial attack.
Highly recognized as a greatly progressive disorder, periodontal disease is triggered by preventable factors like plaque build-up, tobacco use, certain medications and stress, as well as unpreventable measures like systemic disease and fluctuating hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Research proves up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease.
Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria in the sticky film which forms on the tooth surface, or plaque, causes gum inflammation. If the irritation is ignored, plaque will release toxins breaking down the natural fibers which hold your gums to your teeth, permitting even more bacteria and toxins to invade. Plaque deposits quickly harden into calculus or tartar, which is a rough, porous substance not removable with brushing. Over time, this progression can lead to severe inflammation, bone loss, gum recession and tooth loss.
Symptoms and signs include:
* Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums
* Gum recession, or gums pulling away from teeth
* Loose or separating teeth
* Pus between the gum and tooth
* Persistent bad breath
* Bite changes
* Change in the fit of partial dentures
If you have noticed any of the above signs or symptoms, please make an appointment promptly! Together, we can win the battle against periodontal disease and maintain your wonderful, dazzling smile: gums and all. Now that’s something to smile about.
January 8, 2010
Can Sedation Dentistry Help You Overcome Your Dentist Fears? |Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist Office
Recent studies have proved the importance of oral health in our overall health. Phobias about going to the dentist keep many people from receiving the best oral health that they could.
Sedation Dentistry could be the answer to your problem.
One of the most widely used methods is Oral sedation.
This process uses a prescription sleeping aid for relaxation throughout the dental visit. The pill is prescribed and the patient takes it before arriving at the dental office.
IV Sedation is the less common form of Sedation Dentistry.
It begins right before the dental procedure will begin. The amount of sedation changes from patient to patient and can be regulated throughout the visit.
Contact Dr. Kathleen Carson at our Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist Office today to find out more about your Sedation Dentistry options.
Source: http://www.streetdirectory.com
Alt: 805.373.8811
Fax: 818.889.9032
32144 Agoura Road, Suite 206
Westlake Village, CA 91361
Kathleen Carson, DDS
