Wednesday, September 25, 2013

The Myth of Toothpaste

Is Toothpaste Actually Necessary? 

For most of us, toothpaste is a routine part of brushing our teeth. However, it is important to know that toothpaste isn't really vital to your oral health. What is more important is the actual act of brushing! Bacterial deposits are the cause of most dental disease and, the most effective way to remove bacterial deposits is with a toothbrush and floss or interproximal brush. So, what actually removes the bacteria is the brushing and flossing action.

Now, when choosing toothpaste, don’t be confused by the countless brands; simply grab one that tastes good so that you actually like to brush! I recommend you don’t spend too much money either.  Also, avoid any toothpaste that is too abrasive—let your toothbrush do the work. Finally, be sure to brush and floss regularly and properly. Because for great oral care, the toothpaste you choose to use may not really matter, but whether or not you’re brushing certainly does!

Lloyd E. Parmley, D.M.D.
A Practice Limited to Periodontics • Implants • Gum Diseases
6909 Burlington Pike, Suite B • Florence, KY 41042-1618
859-371-6543 • 800-432-6543 • Fax 859-282-3112

Monday, September 23, 2013

A Post about Tooth Pain

Don’t Ignore Your Toothache!

Most commonly we treat gum abscesses that cause tooth pain. However, other common causes for a hurting teeth include a decaying tooth, fractured tooth, and gum disease. If you are experiencing tooth pain let us know as soon as possible so we can treat your pain and resolve what is causing you discomfort. If you have tooth pain, avoid hot or cold drinks and foods, avoid sugar, and be sure to clean your mouth carefully and completely.

Lloyd E. Parmley, D.M.D.
A Practice Limited to Periodontics • Implants • Gum Diseases
6909 Burlington Pike, Suite B • Florence, KY 41042-1618
859-371-6543 • 800-432-6543 • Fax 859-282-3112
http://www.perioimplantcare.com/

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Keep Your Dentist in the Know!

woman_at_dentist_office

9 Things to Mention to your Dentist Each Visit

Before the exam:
  1. Any changes in your health history. Aches? Pains? The flu? Tell your dentist!
  2. Any new medications (including over the counter). If you’ve been using a new prescription or just a lot of Advil, let us know!
  3. Any changes in your mouth. For instance, if your gums have been bleeding it helps for us to be informed so we can address a possibly serious issue. 
During the exam:
  1. Any lesions that have developed.
  2. Any area of pain or discomfort. We try our best to be gentle with our work but be sure to enlighten us about anywhere that is especially sensitive!
  3. Any concerns you have about your mouth.  Tell us about any concerns you might have so we can address them swiftly!
After the exam:
  1. Confirm your next visit to our dental practice. We enjoy keeping your pearly whites healthy so, be sure to set up your next appointment for your convenience.
  2. Concerns about appearance. Don’t be afraid to ask us about the appearance of your teeth. We want you to be comfortable with your smile!
  3. Concerns about losing teeth. Feel a loose tooth? Let us know so we can plan a solution with you.
Lloyd E. Parmley, D.M.D.
A Practice Limited to Periodontics • Implants • Gum Diseases
6909 Burlington Pike, Suite B • Florence, KY 41042-1618
859-371-6543 • 800-432-6543 • Fax 859-282-3112

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Dr. Parmley’s Take on Brushing Your Teeth

Between a Tooth and A Soft Place

Did you know bacteria forms on the teeth every 24 hours? That is why it is important to brush at least once a day. Regular tooth brushing will help keep your teeth healthy, your implants in good shape and it will help to prevent gum disease. The ADA recommends brushing at least twice every day. It is important to be brushing with a toothbrush that is in good shape so be sure to replace yours any time you notice it is damaged or worn out (e.g. bristles out of shape or discoloration). I would also recommend that when you do grab a new toothbrush; get one that is not hard-bristled. A soft-bristle toothbrush will do less damage to the structures in the mouth. The importance of brushing your teeth can not be overstated so, be sure to follow these guidelines to stay on the path to a happy smile!

Lloyd E. Parmley, D.M.D.
A Practice Limited to Periodontics • Implants • Gum Diseases
6909 Burlington Pike, Suite B • Florence, KY 41042-1618
859-371-6543 • 800-432-6543 • Fax 859-282-3112
http://www.perioimplantcare.com/

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Misconceptions at the Dentist Office


3 Myths About Oral Health

  1. Toothpaste is necessary to clean your teeth.
    Not true. What is necessary is thoroughly brushing your teeth. Although a minty-fresh mouth feels fantastic, the true objective of brushing is to dislodge and remove plaque from your teeth! Read my recent post on toothpaste here.
  2. Mouthwash is necessary to keep your mouth healthy.
    Not true! In fact, although mouthwash may offer some modest benefits, it is not necessary for your overall dental health.
  3. You need to brush after every meal.
    Not true! Acids from meals, snacks, or beverages certainly cause erosion to enamel and dentin (the layer beneath your enamel) but, brushing too soon after meals can actually speed up the erosion process! So be sure to let at least 30 minutes elapse before brushing after meals.

Give us a call today for further questions about your oral health!

Lloyd E. Parmley, D.M.D.
A Practice Limited to Periodontics • Implants • Gum Diseases
6909 Burlington Pike, Suite B • Florence, KY 41042-1618
859-371-6543 • 800-432-6543 • Fax 859-282-3112


Source: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/21/really-never-brush-your-teeth-immediately-after-a-meal/?_r=0

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Does Chewing Gum Help or Hurt Oral Health?

Chewing gum for oral health.Gum: To Chew or Not to Chew
In reality, any sugar in your mouth for a long period of time is bad news for your long term oral health. That your implants are too, requiring that you be cautious about what you are chewing. Stay away from too much sugary gum, especially before an appointment at our dental office, And if you must satisfy your urge to chew, look for a sugarless gum that has additional ingredients made for preventing cavities.
means most chewing gum is going to do some damage to your beautiful smile. However, there are some sugarless chewing gums that also have ingredients designed to help prevent cavities; these can be a great alternative to the very sugary bubble-gums out there. The ADA even awards its approval to certain gums that pass specific tests proving how they improve oral health. Your teeth are naturally delicate and

Lloyd E. Parmley, D.M.D.
A Practice Limited to Periodontics • Implants • Gum Diseases
6909 Burlington Pike, Suite B • Florence, KY 41042-1618
859-371-6543 • 800-432-6543 • Fax 859-282-3112

Friday, September 6, 2013

Soda: Enamel’s Worst Enemy!

Soft Drinks are No Good For Good Teeth

The sugar and acid in soda attach to the tooth and cause decay and loss of tooth structure! Soda is so dangerous for your teeth that having it other than at meal-time is likely cause for concern. However, if you really want a cold soda, be sure to have it with a meal and if at all possible have diet instead of regular. If you want a great substitute try carbonated water, perhaps with some lemon. They are comparable in price (if not cheaper) and even the flavored waters have considerably less sugar than regular soda! With this in mind, I have almost completely eliminated sodas from my diet.


Lloyd E. Parmley, D.M.D.
A Practice Limited to Periodontics • Implants • Gum Diseases
6909 Burlington Pike, Suite B • Florence, KY 41042-1618
859-371-6543 • 800-432-6543 • Fax 859-282-3112