Learn the Signs of Gum Disease and Get the Thorough Care You Need at Resnick and Rosenfeld, DDS
April 30, 2013
You may be surprised to hear that out of all the dental health issues a person can experience over their lifetime, gum disease is both one of the most common and one of the most destructive conditions. Three out of four Americans today are suffering from some level of the disease, and a large percentage of that number isn’t even aware that they have it in the first place! While gum disease is relatively harmless in its earliest stages, sometimes not even exhibiting any noticeable symptoms, it can quickly progress if left untreated, causing serious pain, inflammation, and even tooth loss. Worse, it can contribute negatively to conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Thankfully, Dr. Resnick and Dr. Rosenfeld take the threat of gum disease very seriously, and our team is committed to doing everything we can to keep your teeth and gums healthy and happy at our Edison, NJ office, which includes keeping our patients well-informed about the possible signs and symptoms of gum disease. These include:
- Bleeding that occurs when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath that isn’t helped by mouthwash
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Receding gums (your teeth look longer)
- A sudden change in the way your bite feels
- Loose teeth
Of course, it’s also important to remember that in many cases, gum disease won’t exhibit any symptoms that are visible to an untrained eye. That’s why attending routine check-ups at Resnick and Rosenfeld, DDS is so important. Because periodontal (gum) disease is a bacterial infection, we routinely sample all our patients for the presence of disease-associated bacteria. In this non-invasive procedure, the dentist or hygienist obtains a sample of the bacteria growing under your gum and observes it with the aid of a specially designed phase contrast microscope. This allows us to determine if a patient is harboring bacteria associated with periodontal disease.
If breakdown has already started to occur, the identification of the bacterial problem allows us to treat the disease with the goal of eliminating the cause of the disease: the bacteria. Once the cause is eliminated, the body can heal itself naturally. This technique is completely non-surgical. It is effective even in the most advanced cases; it allows patients to be cured of periodontal disease without the pain, disfigurement, and tooth sensitivity that can follow surgical procedures. Better yet, it is not nearly as costly!
Contact our Edison office today if you’d like to schedule an appointment! Dr. Resnick and Dr. Rosenfeld are here to help you with thorough, personalized dental care that puts patient comfort first. We also are happy to see patients from Clark, Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Westfield, and Colonia.
Recognize Oral Cancer Awareness Month in Edison, NJ
April 24, 2013
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s a great opportunity for our practice to share some important information with our patients about this often-forgotten but incredibly dangerous disease. This year, thousands of Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer, and only around half of the people currently suffering with the condition will live more than five years. What’s worse is that, while oral cancer is treatable in its earlier stages, most people don’t notice the symptoms or go to see their dentist until it’s already progressed to much more advanced, destructive stages. That’s why attending regular check-ups with Dr. Resnick or Dr. Rosenfeld is so important. Our staff is committed to keeping an eye out for any signs of this condition at our Edison office. It may also help to know what some of the more common symptoms are. Possible signs of oral cancer include:
- Flat, white or red spots or sores inside your mouth
- A sore that bleeds and doesn’t show signs of healing
- A small, eroded area, lump, crust, or thickening in the mouth
- A color change in your oral tissue
- Excessive pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or lips
However, while these symptoms are important to keep in mind, we want you to remember that our team at Resnick and Rosenfeld, DDS is your first line of defense against oral cancer. Routine check-ups every six months will give Drs. Resnick and Rosenfeld a chance to thoroughly inspect your cheeks, gums, palate and tongue for any suspicious areas. We will also thoroughly examine your neck for any warning signs of cancer or infection.
While some patients who are diagnosed with oral cancer are heavy tobacco/alcohol users, nearly a fourth of affected people don’t participate in any known risk factors. That’s why we invite you to come in to our Edison office so we can ensure that you stay healthy and happy for years to come. Contact us to schedule an appointment! We also serve the areas of Clark, Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Westfield, and Colonia.