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Encinitas Periodontist Discusses the Incidence of Gum Disease in Women

May 14th, 2012 | Posted by sandiegolaserperio in General Dentistry | Oral Hygeine | Periodontal Disease - (0 Comments)

Did you know that women typically take better care of their oral health than men? Even though women, on average, floss and brush their teeth more thoroughly than men, women have a higher rate of gum (periodontal) disease. You have probably noticed how often we have talked about the health of your mouth affecting your entire body. Many people believe that gum disease is only caused by poor oral hygiene. However, in reality gum disease may be influenced by a number of factors. For women, hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause may result in triggers that increase the risk of developing gum disease.

Puberty and Gum Disease

During puberty, blood flow is increased to the gum tissue. This occurs because the body releases higher levels of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. Girls may experience tender, red, or swollen gums during puberty, too. Over time, gum sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations will lessen. Dr. Ann Kania recommends that her patients take extra care of their oral health during puberty by flossing and brushing thoroughly.  A power brush and antimicrobial rinse may be recommended.

Pregnancy and Gum Disease

Some women develop gingivitis during pregnancy. Common symptoms of gum disease during pregnancy include gums that bleed when brushing or flossing or tender gums. Gingivitis typically develops during the second month of pregnancy and may progressively worsen until the eighth month. Some research indicates that gum disease is linked to early births and lower birth weights. It should also be noted that women who take common birth control medications may experience gingivitis, too. (more…)

Encinitas Periodontist Discusses Dental Phobias and Anxiety Disorders

May 7th, 2012 | Posted by sandiegolaserperio in General Dentistry | Periodontal Disease - (0 Comments)

Did you know that May is Mental Health Month? Your Encinitas periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania raises awareness for mental health by discussing the impact of dental phobias and anxiety disorders on patients and their oral health.

Information on Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States. Some estimates indicate that up to 40 million people in the U.S. suffer from some type of anxiety disorder. Types of anxiety disorders include post traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and specific phobias. Although these disorders may differ in severity and symptoms, most patients suffer with intense fears and irrational thinking. Fortunately, anxiety disorders are easier to diagnose and treat than other types of mental illness.

Dental Phobias

Did you know about one out of every five people are afraid of visiting the dentist? While some patients are only mildly afraid, others may have such intense fears that they forgo receiving necessary oral healthcare. Severe fears of visiting the dentist are considered a specific phobia. A person with a specific phobia often experiences heart palpitations, panic attacks, dizziness, and debilitating anxiety when faced with a particular situation or object. (more…)

Types of Periodontal Disease Explained by Your San Diego Periodontist

April 30th, 2012 | Posted by sandiegolaserperio in General Dentistry | Gum Recession | Periodontal Disease - (0 Comments)

Have you ever wondered why gum disease is such a threat to your oral health? Did you know that there are different types of gum disease? Periodontal disease can advance into a serious medical condition that requires professional treatment. Your Encinitas periodontist, Dr. Ann Kania explains.

Gingivitis

This common type of gum disease often produces very mild symptoms. Patients who have gingivitis may find blood on their toothbrush or notice that their gum tissue appears swollen. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. Fortunately, with improved oral hygiene methods and professional treatment, gingivitis is a reversible form of gum disease.

Periodontitis

More serious than gingivitis, periodontitis poses serious risks to a patient’s oral health. There are different forms of periodontitis such as chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis. Once gum disease progresses to an advanced stage, the condition cannot be reversed.

Chronic periodontitis – The most common form of advanced gum disease is chronic periodontitis. Characteristics of chronic periodontitis include the formation of periodontal pockets between teeth and gums and gum line recession. The bacterial infection associated with chronic periodontitis progressively destroys teeth and bones by weakening the supporting structures of teeth over time. Although some children develop chronic periodontitis, this type of gum disease usually affects adults. (more…)