Are you paying proper attention to your oral health? From Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk

Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk know how important it is that you maintain good oral health by brushing and flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every six months. Recently, our team came across this great article from Dr. Oz that discusses new research correlations that have been found between proper oral health, the health of your heart, and more.

Even when you are brushing and flossing teeth regularly, it is inevitable that plaque will build up on the surface of your teeth. However, at first, this plaque can be easily removed with a toothbrush. When you wait a day, or weeks, to brush your teeth, plaque begins to harden and may only be removed by your dentist.

If this plaque and tarter isn’t removed, gingivitis can advance into periodontitis, which is a much more serious disease. Periodontal disease affects not only your mouth, but also the overall health of your body. According to research, “the onslaught of bacteria, immune cells and inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and other cytokines, may directly or indirectly influence or injure tissue to cause or worsen some common chronic diseases.”

There are many conditions that have been linked to periodontal disease, including stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Although there is not enough research to prove any definite cause and effect between these conditions and your oral health, it is important to be aware that good oral care is an overall good habit.

That’s why Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk encourage all of our patients to brush, floss, and visit our office regularly. It is important that you pay proper attention to your oral health, so as to avoid more serious health issues down the road. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call today to schedule your next appointment.

Are there teeth grinders in your house?

Grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound, especially recently. A recent study published in the journal Head & Face Medicine suggests that people—adults and kids—faced with stress tend to cope by grinding their teeth. In addition, the Chicago Dental Society suggests that since the recession began in 2007, teeth grinding, or bruxism, has been on the rise.

The Chicago Dental Society surveyed more than 250 members about the connection between stress and oral health. Nearly 75 percent of dentists said their patients reported increased stress over the past year, largely due to the economic recession. During stressful times, teeth grinding can be a nuisance that causes headaches and sleep problems, but it also can cause lasting problems for your teeth and gums, including chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder.

The first step of recovering from teeth grinding is noticing the problem, says Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk. Symptoms of teeth grinding include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

An important thing to remember is that people frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, and taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, schedule an appointment to see us by giving us a call. Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk and our team can help determine the cause of the problem.

A great article about changes in dentistry, from Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk

The world around us is always changing and evolving, whether it’s the latest gadget you ordered online or the high-tech braces on your teeth! Recently, we read an article in the New York Times about dental implants, and how they are becoming increasingly favored over bridges to replace lost teeth. One thing to remember about dental implants is that they need to be cared for just like your regular teeth; daily brushing and flossing are a must! The ideal candidate for implants has good oral health, including a sufficient amount of bone in the jaw and healthy gums with no sign of gum disease.

Call us today to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk to discuss your implant options.

-Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk and team