Dr. Wesley Rosenthal Blog

  A dry mouth can put your oral health at risk because saliva helps protect your teeth from bacteria and decay.  25 million Americans have inadequate salivary flow and/or composition, and are missing out on the cleansing, protective functions of this important fluid.

  The main culprit of dry mouth is medications.  Some of them include: antihistamines (for allergy and asthma), antihypertensive medications (for high blood pressure), decongestants, pain medications, diuretics (to drain excess fluid) and antidepressants. There are more than 500 medications that contribute to oral dryness.

  If you are experiencing trouble eating, speaking and chewing, burning sensations in your mouth, or a frequent need to sip water while eating, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or dentist in San Ramon.  Drinking more fluids, taking frequent sips of water or sucking on ice chips may offer some temporary relief and keep your mouth moist.

The goal of modern dentistry is to restore normal function, comfort, aesthetics, speech, and health to individuals who are missing teeth.  An increasing number of people are being affected by the loss of teeth.  However, the more teeth a person is missing, the more challenging this task can become.

The most obvious effect of missing teeth is aesthetic.  But  when a tooth is lost, the lack of stimulation causes loss of bone. There is a 25% decrease in width of bone during the first year after tooth loss.  As bone loses width, it loses height, then width and height again, and gum tissue also gradually decreases. The ability to chew and speak can be impaired.

There are different ways to “replace” missing teeth.  Call Dr. Rosenthal  for your complimentary exam and see how you can get your great smile back!

  If your hands bled every time you washed them, you’d run to the doctor.  But in some people’s mind,  bleeding gums are okay.  Unless you are really brushing way too hard, if your gums bleed even a little, that’s periodontal disease. You should visit your dentist immediately!!!

    Many people suffer  from high anxiety and fear of the dentist.  Maybe from a traumatic experience as a child or pain as an adult.  Whatever the reason, Oral conscious sedation could be the answer for you!  Dr. Rosenthal has been specially trained to relax patients with sedation. While under sedation you can get more work done at one time, while being at ease in the chair.

There is a great amount of research linking poor oral health to deadly diseases including heart disease, stroke, cancer & diabetes.  It is important for everyone to continue routine dental visits at least twice a year. Don’t forget to brush and floss daily!

San Ramon dentist, Dr. Wesley M. Rosenthal is skilled when it comes to restoring beautiful smiles with the use of dental implants. It’s estimated that almost 9% of American adults suffer from periodontal disease; a disease in which chronic bacterial infection impacts the gums and bone structure supporting the teeth. If left untreated, the bacteria can cause a number of complicated health problems, including tooth loss. When it comes to replacing teeth that were lost due to periodontal disease, dental implants are the optimal choice.

How can periodontal disease be prevented?

Periodontal disease can be caused by a number of different things. Most commonly, poor oral hygiene is to blame, including improper brushing and flossing and missed visits to the dentist. Smoking and use of tobacco can be another factor that is related to an increased risk of gum disease. Proper care for your teeth and gums, regular visits to the dentist and restricting tobacco use are the best ways to decrease the likelihood of periodontal disease.

How is periodontal disease treated?

Treating periodontal disease depends on the severity of the case. Sometimes professional cleanings are all it takes to treat the disease. Other times it may require medications or even oral surgery. If you suspect periodontal disease, it’s important to visit your dentist right away to find the treatment that’s best for you.

What if I’ve already lost one or more teeth to periodontal disease?

Often the best resolution to replacing teeth lost to periodontal disease is dental implants. Dental implants are a fixed solution for tooth loss. There is not another treatment that is more reliable or natural in appearance than dental implants.

For more information about periodontal disease or dental implants in San Ramon, contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rosenthal today!