​ Many people may not know that braces, while straightening teeth and providing other oral benefits, could potentially lead to gum disease. The next question would be: How can I prevent gum disease while wearing braces? Dr. Alexandra George, DDS, weighs in. "Patients might have read a post on Facebook on how their friend or relative got gum disease...

​ Anxiety. It might not seem like one of the big reasons to go to the a dentist. In fact, anxiety seems more like a reason to avoid a dental checkup. Your smoking habit or the sharp pain you felt when you ate that bowl of ice cream last night seems like a more likely reason to schedule an appointment. However, stress can cause a variety of issues t...

 

An estimated 50 percent of American adults have the oral health disease known as periodontal or gum disease. Of that 50 percent, more than half (about 57 percent) are men. Periodontal disease has been linked to a long list of other dangerous conditions – from diabetes to heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and even stroke. But now, a new study from the Department of Stomatology at the University of Granada in Spain has found another reason to mind your oral health: Periodontal disease can contribute to erectile dysfunction in men. The University of Granada study was the first of its kind to be conducted in Europe. It was conducted in conjunction with the urology department at San Cecilio Hospital in Granada’s Health Sciences Technology Park with a sample of 80 men and 78 controls. Dr. Alexandra George is a dentist from Wexford, Pennsylvania. She says periodontal disease, like erectile dysfunction, becomes increasingly common with advanced age. "According for the Centers for Disease Control, an estimated 47.2 percent of adults above the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease," she says. "Worse yet, that number skyrockets with age. By age 65, 70.1 percent of adults have some form of periodontal disease." And those numbers coincide quite accurately with erectile dysfunction numbers. By age 40, about 5 percent of men report full erectile dysfunction, and those numbers jump to 15 percent by age 70. For less severe erectile dysfunction, it is estimated that the percentage of men affected by some form of erectile dysfunction coincides with the decade of age, so by age 40, 40 percent have some form of erectile dysfunction, and by age 70, 70 percent will have some form of the disorder. To conduct the study, researchers took sociodemographic data from the participants. They then gave each participant a periodontal exam and tested each man’s testosterone, lipids, blood glucose, c-reactive protein and glycated hemoglobin levels. "The glycated hemoglobin and c-reactive proteins are markers for erectile dysfunction," says George. What the researchers found was that of the patients with erectile dysfunction, 74 percent exhibited signs of periodontal disease. Furthermore, those with the most serious cases of erectile dysfunction also had the worst cases of periodontal disease and subsequent periodontal damage. In fact, men with periodontitis were 2.28 times more likely to have erectile dysfunction than men with healthy gums. "It just goes to show that once again, none of the systems of the body are truly independent of each other," says George. "Oral health isn’t simply confined to the mouth. It affects the entire body, for better or worse."

Tartar. It’s that icky yellow or brown line that sits on your teeth along the gumline that, no matter how hard you brush (don’t brush too hard!), you can’t seem to get rid of. But what exactly is tartar - and, seriously, how do you get rid of it? Here’s everything you need to know about removing that pesky oral menace known as tartar. Hire a Pro Want to know the easiest way to whiten your teeth? It's not some magic chemical compound or plastic strip. It’s a good old-fashioned dental cleaning. Why? Because much of what causes that ugly discoloration on our teeth is a buildup of plaque known as tartar. Tartar (also known as calculus) is a buildup of hardened plaque bacteria that adheres to the teeth and hardens in place, making it impossible to simply brush away at home. Try as you might to scrub it away, tartar doesn’t budge. In order to remove tartar, you need a professional dental cleaning like the ones you get at Dr. George’s office. You see, tartar is usually bonded to your teeth so much that, unlike regular plaque, it becomes a solid. Worse still, it not only looks bad, but it’s also terrible for your teeth. That’s because the longer that tartar sits on your teeth, the weaker your tooth enamel becomes, and the more likely you are to develop cavities. More Tartar Troubles Tartar is also very porous, so it stains easily - so even if your tartar starts out white, if you drink coffee, soda or wine, chances are that color will change! Tartar also keeps bacteria close to your gumline, something that can be extremely dangerous for your gums because it can cause gum disease or gingivitis. If left untreated, this can worsen and develop into advanced periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis. Periodontitis isn’t just bad news for your gums - it can cause gum and tissue loss and can also cause tooth and bone loss. Beyond your mouth, periodontal disease can contribute to everything from cancer to heart disease to diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. What to Do - and Not Do If you see tartar forming at the gumline, don’t try to brush harder - you could injure your gums. Also, don’t try to scrape it away yourself - you could permanently damage your teeth. The best way to treat tartar is to call Dr. George’s office and schedule a cleaning. To schedule an appointment, please call Dr. George’s office at 724-220-2347.

Great news for lovers of red wine! The adult beverage has been found to have many health benefits over the years, including lowering blood pressure; protecting the brain from brain damage after stroke; preventing a condition called angiogenesis, which causes an overgrowth of blood vessels in the eye that can lead to blindness; preventing colon cancer; and even preventing breast cancer - just to name a few. So, what’s the key to all these benefits? The answer is a group of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. "There are over 500 different types of polyphenols, all of which are naturally occurring in plants. In the case of red wine, the polyphenols are found in the skin and seeds of the grapes," says Dr. Alexandra George, a dentist from Wexford, Pennsylvania. Polyphenols have four classes: flavonoids, lignans, stilbenes and phenolic acid. Though research has not yet been conclusive, it is believed that polyphenols may affect gene expression, and our genes may affect how our bodies handle polyphenols. For example, some studies have found that polyphenols can help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. Another study found that the higher the flavonoid levels in a person, the lower their risk of obesity! But now, a new study is touting another benefit of polyphenols - specifically the polyphenols you consume when drinking red wine - and this time it could benefit your teeth! The study was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry and comes from the Spanish National Research Council in Madrid. In this particular study, researchers took a closer look at how polyphenols called P-coumaric acid and caffeic affected the oral biome. In the study, P-coumaric acid and caffeic (which notably are also found in cranberry juice and coffee) helped prevent harmful plaque and bacteria from sticking to the teeth and gums. "The P-coumaric acid and caffeic acted almost as a shield against plaque," says George. "But they were found to be even more powerful when combined with streptococcus dentisani bacteria, which is a powerful probiotic." Great news, right? A little swish of red wine and you don’t need to brush tonight, right? Well, not exactly, says George. "Unfortunately, in order for that to work, the scientists in the study say you’d have to swish with red wine for about 47 hours," George says. "But the good news is that if scientists can derive some of those helpful polyphenols from red wine, they could someday make a really amazing toothpaste." In the meantime, keep indulging in that occasional glass of red wine without feeling guilty, George says. "Between what we do know about the health benefits of polyphenols and the emerging research about what we don’t yet know, in some small way or another, that glass of red wine is doing your body good!"

Think back to your last dental exam: Did Dr. George measure the periodontal "pockets" between your teeth and gums? You may be wondering why - and what exactly she was measuring. It's called the gingival sulcus, and though it’s quite a mouthful (both literally and figuratively speaking) it’s a lot easier to understand than it sounds, especially when you know what you’re looking at. The gingival sulcus can best be described as the space between the tooth’s surface and the gum tissue that surrounds it. The sulcus is a V-shaped groove that goes around the circumference of the tooth’s base. Simply put, the sulcus is what keeps your gums attached to the tooth’s surface. When we measure the pockets of the gums, we are measuring the sulcus. The sulcus should be no deeper than 3mm. Anything deeper is considered periodontal disease, which can cause and contribute to everything from diabetes to stroke to heart disease. Deep gingival sulcus can cause gum disease because the pocket openings allow plaque and bacteria into the gums and then the bloodstream. If the gingival sulcus becomes too infected or pulls away too far from the teeth, there are methods of caring for this issue that can repair damage and prevent any current damage from worsening. If you do have deep pockets and your gingival sulcus is damaged, Dr. George may recommend something called a root planing and scaling procedure to help deep clean the bacteria and plaque from the teeth and gingival sulcus pockets. A root planing and scaling procedure uses special tools to scrape the plaque from the teeth below the gum line. Then the gums are planed, or smoothed, back to the tooth so the gingival sulcus reattaches itself. In some more severe and advanced cases, root scaling and planing may not be quite enough to repair damage caused to the gingival sulcus by periodontal disease. In these cases, Dr. George may recommend a gum-grafting procedure. Gum grafting entails either transplanting gum tissue from elsewhere in the mouth to cover receded sulcus or surgically reattaching loosened sulcus to the teeth. To have your own gingival sulcus checked, schedule your annual or semi-annual oral health exam with Dr. George by calling 724-220-2347 .

Do you have a "gummy" smile? Do your gums cover your teeth unevenly? Do you feel like your teeth are too small or your gums cover too much of your teeth? Are your gums receding? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may not have realized there is a treatment option that can correct all of these problems. Yes, that’s right - the same procedure can correct both receding gums and too much gum tissue. It’s called gum reshaping or gum contouring, and it can change where your gums sit on your teeth and transform your entire smile. What Is Gum Reshaping? Gum reshaping and contouring is an in-office medical procedure that either reduces or reshapes the gum line either for medical or aesthetic reasons. Gum reshaping is done with lasers that cut away the overage of gum tissue that sits on the teeth, creating a more streamlined gum line. Thanks to the nature of the laser, it can actually cut the gums in such a way that they sit evenly on your teeth and frame them perfectly. The laser then seals the gums, stopping them from bleeding and, in the case of patients using the treatment for periodontitis, seal any newly cleaned gum pockets and prevent bacteria from reentering them. After the Procedure Gum recontouring sounds painful, and before lasers, it used to be. But today's procedures are more comfortable than ever, thanks to the laser itself. Laser cutting allows for less bleeding, as does sealing off the wound with the laser. This also causes less inflammation, which in turn enables a faster healing time and an easier time practicing excellent oral hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing. While it may not seem like a good idea to floss newly recontoured gums, it is imperative to take good care of the teeth and gums during the recovery period to prevent infection. Pain following the procedure is generally well tolerated and can usually be managed by over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen, which is also an anti-inflammatory. We also recommend soft foods for the first week following your gum-contouring procedure. To speak to Dr. George about gum recontouring or any other cosmetic dental procedure, please call 724-220-2347.

Wine: It’s one of America’s guiltiest pleasures, to the tune of 789 million gallons per year in 2016, according to The Wine Institute. But there are plenty of ways wine can be good for you, including one way that is so good for your mouth, that glass of red has become less guilty and more pleasure.

Flossing your teeth is kind of like taking out the trash: It’s time consuming, it’s not always pleasant, but you’ve got to do it if you want a clean, healthy mouth - or home, in the case of the trash. In fact, flossing is so important that it is responsible for removing about 40 percent of the plaque and bacteria that sits on our teeth causing gum disease and cavities. Thankfully, there are many products out there to make flossing your teeth easier and more comfortable. But not all flossing products are created equally. Here’s why one tried-and-true product may be causing you more harm than good.

Dental implants have long been considered the Cadillac of tooth replacements. Comprising a metal post that permanently secures to the jaw and a ceramic crown that secures to the top of the post, the result is a beautiful, durable, natural-looking tooth or teeth. In fact, most dental implants look so natural most people don’t even realize they’re not "real" teeth.

If you are missing permanent teeth - especially back teeth that nobody can see when you speak or smile - you may not think replacing them is important, or at least not that urgent. But the truth is, the longer you go without replacing missing teeth, the more damage you could be doing to your health. That’s because, believe it or not, missing permanent teeth is more than just a cosmetic issue, it’s a health issue, too. Here’s why you shouldn’t put off replacing missing adult teeth.

 Becoming a new parent is one of the happiest and scariest things you may ever do. There’s so much to learn, and so much to marvel at - sometimes it's overwhelming. Diverse cultures have different ways of raising babies and place different values on milestones. But what all babies and all cultures have in common are the very basics in health care. An important part of any new baby’s health care that many new parents get wrong is their baby’s oral health. After all, if baby has no teeth, is there really anything to be concerned about? In a word, yes. Whether you’re a new parent, new grandparent or just curious about infant oral health care, check out these tips to ensure a life of healthy teeth for your baby.Gums Need Brushing, Too!A common misconception among new parents is that just because baby doesn’t have any teeth, he or she doesn’t need his or her mouth cleaned. This isn’t true for several reasons. Cleaning a baby’s mouth should be relatively easy. There are several ways to do it. There are products sold specifically to clean infant mouths, such as pre-moistened dental wipes that either fit over the finger or can be folded to a shape that is convenient for the parent. These wipes can be used to swab your baby's gums, tongue and cheeks after each feeding, especially after the last feeding of the night.Another method you can try is simply rubbing baby’s gums with a fluoride-free toothpaste. It is important to not use fluoridated oral health products on your child until he or she is old enough to spit the product out. Fluoride is not dangerous, but we certainly don’t want your child swallowing it, either.Finger or cloth brushing has dual benefits. Not only does it clean the mouth, but it also gets your child used to the feeling of having his or her teeth brushed, which will be very helpful when it comes time to brush actual teeth - and to visit the dentist!Even Babies Need to Visit the Dentist!Don’t think that just because your baby has only one or two teeth he or she doesn’t need to see the dentist. You should start bringing your baby to the dentist by his or her first birthday, regardless if teeth have erupted. This will get your baby comfortable with the dentist and dental exam and give you some peace of mind that all your child’s teeth are developing properly. If Dr. George spots any trouble areas, they can also be corrected before they become a big problem later.Don’t Share Cups and Spoons!You may already do this without even thinking about it. You make baby some oatmeal and taste a bit to make sure it's not too hot. Then you put more on the spoon and feed it to the baby. No big deal, right? Wrong!Believe it or not, the bad bacteria in our mouths - the bacteria responsible for everything from cavities to gum disease - can be transmitted by sharing a cup or spoon. So, when you, as an adult, put that spoon into your mouth and then into your baby’s mouth, you are transmitting a whole bunch of bacteria your baby may never have been exposed to otherwise, setting him or her up for a lifetime of cavities.If you must test your baby’s food, get a clean spoon, and don’t double dip. Same goes for cups. If your baby or toddler wants to try a little of your drink, get him or her their own cup - and never, ever share toothbrushes!Is Breast(feeding) Really Best?You’ve probably heard the debate "breast is best" versus "fed is best." The truth is, it’s a very personal decision that should be between you, your baby and possibly your partner and pediatrician. We all have different reasons for how we choose to feed our babies. The most important thing to remember is that feeding your baby is the ultimate goal. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for your choices.When it comes to brushing baby’s teeth, it doesn’t matter which method you use to feed your child. Both require you to brush and care for baby’s teeth and gums. A recent study shows children who breastfeed beyond 24 months have a higher risk of developing cavities, but there are too many variables missing from the study to know for sure how much of a role the breast milk itself plays in the formation of cavities. Plenty of babies breastfeed beyond 24 months and have no cavities. It’s really all about how you care for your baby’s teeth when he or she is not eating.If you have any further questions or concerns about infant oral health care, please give Dr. George a call at 724-934-3422.

According to a new study in the British Journal of Cancer, the bacteria Treponema denticola (Td) has been linked to pancreatic cancer.

According to the journal Medical News Today, an estimated 88 percent of people over the age of 65 have receding gums. Though the condition can be caused by many things, it is most commonly caused by physical wear and inflammation of the gums. In addition to the high numbers of seniors with receding gums, a growing number of younger Americans are experiencing receding gums at earlier ages as well, thanks to everything from braces to overly vigorous tooth brushing.

In the United States, an estimated 27 million people have the metabolic disorder known as Type 2 diabetes, and another 86 million are considered pre-diabetic. Type 2 diabetes causes high blood sugar, insulin resistance and low insulin levels. If left untreated or improperly managed, it can also cause everything from glaucoma and cataracts to nerve damage, infections and even tooth and bone loss. Many people don’t realize they have diabetes until it’s too late, putting them at further risk for serious side effects and even death. But did you know that there are many oral-health warning signs that can act as a red flag for diabetes and pre-diabetes? Get to know these indicators – they may just save your life!

If you’ve ever had your gum pockets measured at a dental exam, you know how uncomfortable the procedure can be. Commonly done with an old-fashioned pick, the procedure involves your dentist or hygienist probing the tissue between your tooth and gum line to see how deep the pocket is and how far down the pick will go. A healthy pocket depth is no more than 3 millimeters - anything more could signal signs of gum disease, and the deeper the pocket, the more severe the disease.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes both the loss of bone and the inability to grow new bone tissue. The condition is most common in women over the age of 60, but it can strike men or women at any age. Researchers at the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) estimate that approximately 54 million Americans have osteoporosis, and that number is only going up. In fact, the NOF believes that by the year 2025, osteoporosis will cause an estimated 3 million fractures a year.   Now, a study from the University at Buffalo has found that in addition to helping to increase bone density and decrease bone breakage, treating osteoporosis has another surprising benefit: preventing periodontitis. In fact, researchers found that patients undergoing estrogen therapy for osteoporosis had a 44 percent lower chance of developing periodontitis than women who did not treat their osteoporosis.