Ouch! Why do wisdom teeth get infected?

How does a wisdom tooth become infected? What can happen? What can be done? Watch the video with sound for answers to these questions.

Dr. Britten normally refers to an oral surgeon for the extraction of wisdom teeth, unless gum surgery is being performed to treat other areas right next to a problematic wisdom tooth.

We work cohesively with the best dentists, prosthodontists, orthodontists, endodontists, oral surgeons, and pedodontists to provide you with the best care possible. We have a team of dentists that focuses on the area that they are trained and most skilled at and work together to provide the best care. The advantages? We strongly believe you will receive a higher quality of care and better end result.

If you have any questions about wisdom teeth or any aspect of dentistry, contact us today! 

www.brittenperio.com
727-586-2681

https://youtu.be/EjlOgvraEHU

Clearwater FL Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten: Pregnancy and Gum Disease

Professional dental cleanings and routine check ups are particularly important during pregnancy.

Fluctuating hormone levels during pregnancy can cause normal, healthy gums to become red, irritated and swollen. Pregnancy Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is the body’s exaggerated response to plaque and calculus. It can range from gums that are redder than usual, to severe swelling and bleeding of the gums. Often a routine dental hygiene visit  as well as increased oral hygiene care at home can help to keep this condition under control.

 
Sometimes a pregnancy tumor can form on the gums during pregnancy. This large uncomfortable overgrowth of gum tissue forms as a lump on the between the teeth or along the gum line and often has deep red pinpoint markings on it forms on inflamed gum tissue. These growths can occur at any time during the course of pregnancy, although they usually occur during the second trimester. These growths, while not at all cancerous, may require antibiotic treatment or to be removed surgically by your dentist or periodontist.

It is better to be closely monitored before your pregnancy if possible to catch any potential problems before they occur as well to minimize any need for dental x-rays during pregnancy. It is also important during pregnancy to stay current with your regular dental hygiene visits and examinations to catch any potential gum or tooth problems at the earliest possible time.  Although dentists will typically postpone major treatment until after delivery, emergencies do come up and need to be addressed.  Since your baby’s organs are being formed in the first trimester, this work is ideally taken care of during the second trimester to minimize any potential risk.
  
Some major studies have shown a link between gum disease and premature birth. This is likely due to the levels of elevated inflammatory chemicals in the bloodstream of a pregnant mother due to untreated gum disease.  One study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association found that pregnant women with chronic gum disease were four to seven times more likely to deliver prematurely (before week 37) and underweight babies than mothers with healthy gums.  Mothers with severe periodontal disease delivered the most prematurely, at 32 weeks. 

You can contact Dr. Todd Britten in his Clearwater, Florida periodontal practice at 727-586-2681 or visit his website at www.brittenperio.com

Clearwater FL Periodontist Shares: Is Periodontal Disease Contagious?

Is PERIODONTAL DISEASE CONTAGIOUS?
From Perio.org:
"Research has shown that periodontal disease is caused by the inflammatory reaction to bacteria under the gums, so periodontal disease technically may not be contagious.

However, the bacteria that cause the inflammatory reaction can be spread through saliva. This means that if one of your family members has periodontal disease, it’s a good idea to avoid contact with their saliva by not sharing eating utensils or oral health equipment.

If you notice that your spouse or a family member has the warning signs of a possible periodontal problem (bleeding, red and swollen gums, or bad breath) you may want to suggest that they see the periodontist for an exam. It may help to protect the oral health of everyone in the family."

If you have any questions, please contact us 727-586-2681 or email healthysmiles@brittenperio.com

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Dr. Todd M. Britten, DMD, M.S.'s photos

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