Oct
6
8:25AM | October 6, 2008 | comments: 2
Ask the Dentist
Paul Tanners, D.D.S. will be here to answer dental questions including:
1) When I brush my teeth, why do my gums sometimes bleed?
2) My fillings keep falling out. How long are they expected to last?
3) I don't really believe in flossing. Is it really that necessary?
4) I've always wanted to know, does orange juice really cause cavities being that it's really acidic?
For more information on Dr. Tanners, log onto www.drpaultanners.com.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ANSWERS AFTER THE JUMP...
Comments: 2
I'm a dental hygienist practicing for over 15 years and working in dental for over 20 and I was a little surprised to hear the answer to the first question.
As a lay person I would panic after I heard the answer about bleeding gums. The dentist never mentioned that bleeding gums could be caused simply by a lack of flossing. Bacteria and debris collect in the sulcus/pocket/space between the teeth and the body's first response is bleeding gums or gingivitis. The gums need to be "worked out" regularly to keep them strong and free of bacteria and food deposit and while there is a correlation between heart disease, diabetes, low birth weight, pancreatic cancer, and osteoporosis, the dentist can't diagnose that based on bleeding gums. Other causes could be dry mouth, mouth breathing, using a brush that is too hard with bad brushing technique, or improper flossing.
Going in for regular checkups and cleanings will determine the severity of gum disease, if it's present, and a proper review of the medical history would alert the dentist to recommend a visit to their family practitioner for screening of any other medical conditions.
I really felt that this dentist misled your viewers and could cause unnecessary panic.
Doctor Steve:
Why do i get MOALS on my face,nect and back?
Do I have some sort of deficiency? What can I
do about them?