Austin Laser Dentist - Helen Ragsdale DDS, 11615 Angus Rd Ste 101, Austin 78759, United States (US) - Phone: 512 346-4690

By

How to Remove Dental Plaque

Fact: If you have teeth, you have dental plaque. This is why good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are so important. Neglected teeth can lead to a snowball of dental problems like tooth decay and cavities. Or, if left untreated long enough, the dental plaque will calcify into tartar or dental calculus, which can lead to gum recession and gum disease. Both of these oral health problems can lead to overall health issues such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and reproductive problems.

Ready to kickstart your oral hygiene routine? Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers regular and deep dental cleanings to put your oral hygiene back on track. Contact your Austin Laser Dentist today at 512-346-4690 to schedule an appointment.

Good Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

The best way to ward off dental plaque is to maintain good oral hygiene habits. These include:

  1. Regular brushing. You should diligently brush your teeth at least twice a day for two to three minutes each time. Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel on your teeth.
  2. Flossing. Even the best tooth brushers can’t reach the parts of the mouth that floss can. Wrap a string of floss around your fingers and move it in a horseshoe shape between your teeth to rid your mouth of food particles and disease-causing bacteria.
  3. Anti-septic mouthwash. These mouthwashes kill the germs that cause plaque buildup.
  4. Eat and drink properly. Sugar-filled foods and drinks encourage the production of bad bacteria in the mouth. Be mindful of how often you eat and drink sugar to decrease your chances of plaque buildup.

Four Home Remedies for Removing Dental Plaque

If you’ve noticed increasingly bad breath or discoloration on your teeth, you can try these home remedies to remove dental plaque and tartar at home:

  1. Baking soda: Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt together and dip your damp toothbrush into the mixture. Brush your teeth as usual. Baking soda has been used for years to clean and brighten teeth because of its abrasive texture and ability to remove harmful bacteria from the surface of teeth.
  2. Aloe Vera gel: Combine a teaspoon of aloe vera gel, a cup of water, half a cup of baking soda, lemon essential oil, and four teaspoons of a vegetable glycerin. Use a toothbrush to brush and shine your teeth.
  3. Orange peel: When rubbed directly on your teeth, an orange peel can help fight plaque and tartar buildup.
  4. Vinegar: Gargle with a solution of two tablespoons of vinegar, one tablespoon of salt, and four ounces of water. Periodically gargle for three days. It won’t leave your mouth feeling minty fresh, but it will be effective.

Regular Dental Cleanings

According to the American Dental Association, you should visit the dentist every six months. At Austin Laser Dentist, we can give your teeth the gentle and effective cleaning they need to remove plaque and tartar, and, in turn, to prevent cavities and gum disease.

Contact Your Austin Laser Dentist Today

When you combine good oral hygiene habits at home with regular dental visits, your mouth has a much lower risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Improve your oral and overall health today with a visit to Dr. Ragsdale. Schedule your appointment with one or our friendly team members at 512-346-4690.

By

Periodontal Disease: Prevention and Treatment

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, 56 percent of men and 38 percent of women over the age of 30 will develop periodontal disease — an infection of the gums. This infection may lead to tooth loss and deterioration of the jawbone. Gum disease is also linked to health issues such as heart disease, cancer, infertility, and pregnancy complications. Men and women who smoke or chew tobacco, wear braces, or have misaligned teeth are more prone to developing gum disease and should diligently care for their teeth and gums to prevent periodontitis.

Schedule an appointment with our Austin Laser Dentist team immediately if you are experiencing bleeding, irritated, swollen gums, bad breath, or toothaches. Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers a wide range of conservative, technologically advanced treatments to treat your gum disease. Call us today at 512-346-4690 or contact us online to set up your appointment.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

The key to defending your mouth against gum disease is maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Regular dental cleanings are important and necessary, but the most effective prevention happens at home. These measures include:

  • Proper brushing: Brush your teeth for two to three minutes a day (twice a day) with fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to brush along the gumline where plaque and tartar then to build.
  • Floss regularly: Whether you prefer traditional floss or a floss holder, flossing will help remove tartar and bad bacteria from the areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
  • Rinse with mouthwash: Adding an antiseptic mouth wash to your oral hygiene routine will add another wall of protection for your gums by killing any lingering bad bacteria left in your mouth.
  • Eat a healthy diet: The body needs proper nutrition to prevent gum disease, and other ailments, from taking over. Foods that are high in vitamins A and C are particularly helpful in keeping your teeth and gums intact.

Treatments for Periodontal Disease

Before treating your gum infection, one of our dental hygienists will assess your gums for any sign of inflammation and use a probe to measure the pockets around the teeth for abnormalities. If necessary, he or she will also take an x-ray to check for bone loss.

At Austin Laser Dentist, we believe conservative treatments are the best option whenever possible. For patients with mild gum disease, we recommend a process called scaling and root planing. This affordable, nonsurgical periodontal therapy involves using an anesthetic to numb the entire infected area, gently removing built-up tartar, and smoothing the rough areas to allow the gums to reattach to the roots. Dr. Ragsdale may also recommend adding an anti-microbial mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene routine.

For those with more advanced periodontal disease, we provide the latest technologies and techniques through high-quality, gentle care. These techniques include:

  • Laser Gum Surgery
  • Laser Pocket Decontamination
  • Gum Grafts (Subepithelial connective tissue grafts)
  • Guided Tissue Regeneration
  • Bone Grafting

Click here to learn more about what these treatments entail.

Contact Your Austin Dentist Today

It’s important to know that while periodontal disease can be treated, it cannot be cured. It is essential that you develop and continue an oral hygiene routine that will keep the disease under control. If not, abscesses, bone loss, and tooth loss are likely to occur.

Our Austin Laser Dentist team is prepared to treat and help you prevent the progression of gum disease. Contact our office today at 512-346-4690 for professional, effective treatment.

By

Men, Women, and Periodontal Disease

Man and woman with periodontal disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 64.7 million American adults have some form of periodontal disease, which is also called gum disease. This oral health problem is typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits and can result in bleeding, swollen gums, bad breath, toothaches, and even tooth loss. People who smoke, have misaligned teeth, or wear braces are more likely to develop periodontal disease, and those with gum disease are more likely to suffer from health issues.

Periodontal disease affects men and women in different ways. In men, periodontal disease is often a precursor for health issues, while in women, this condition often results from pre-existing health issues. 

If you have noticed signs of gum disease, your symptoms need to be addressed. Dr. Helen Ragsdale and our team at Austin Laser Dentist can reverse gingivitis symptoms or treat more serious periodontitis through gentle, professional care. Contact our office today online or call us at 512-346-4690 to schedule your appointment.

Men and Periodontal Disease

The American Academy of Periodontology reports that 56 percent of all men will develop gum disease at some point in life. Why is this the case? Many healthcare professionals believe this statistic is linked to bad oral habits and a lack of regular dental appointments. Many individuals may not realize that gum health impacts overall health in many ways pertaining to:

  • Prostate health
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer

Men who wish to avoid these issues can begin by improving their oral hygiene routine and visiting their dentist every six months. These habits will significantly decrease their chances of developing gum disease and other health issues.

Women and Periodontal Disease

Although only 38 percent of women will develop periodontal disease, this is still a significant number. Women who experience hormone and health changes are more susceptible to the development of periodontal disease than those who do not. These factors increase a woman’s chances of acquiring gum disease:

  • Puberty
  • Menstruation
  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause and Post-Menopause

Increased levels of progesterone and estrogen during these times in a woman’s life cause the gums to become inflamed, irritated, and red. Understanding your risk can help you prevent gum disease by increasing your oral hygiene habits around these stages of life. Try adding antiseptic mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine and visiting your dentist more often to combat these symptoms.

Treatments

Once you notice the symptoms of periodontal disease, it’s time to see a dentist who can effectively treat this condition. Dr. Ragsdale offers these minimally invasive, state-of-the-art treatments to treat gum disease:

  • Laser Periodontal Therapy
  • Root Planing and Scaling
  • Laser Pocket Decontamination
  • Gum Grafts
  • Guided Tissue Regeneration
  • Bone Grafting

After treatment, you will need to maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent the disease from returning. Unfortunately, periodontal disease can’t be cured, but it can be reduced and maintained. As long as you take care of your mouth by brushing twice a day, flossing, using an antibacterial mouthwash, and scheduling regular dental visits, you will not exhibit symptoms of gum disease.

Visit Your Austin, TX Dentist Today

Gum disease is a serious health condition that should be treated by a professional. Dr. Ragsdale can treat or reverse your symptoms while leaving your mouth healthier and brighter. Contact your Austin Laser Dentist team for treatment at 512-346-4690.

By

Is Periodontal Disease Reversible?

Periodontal disease (also known as “gum disease”) is the inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria. The condition may be characterized by a number of symptoms, including redness, tenderness, and swelling. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “one out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease”.  Fortunately, this condition can be treated successfully if detected early. In fact, in its earliest stage, gum disease can even be reversed! The three stages of gum disease are:

  1. Gingivitis
  2. Periodontitis
  3. Advanced periodontitis

At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale and her team are passionate about helping you prevent periodontal disease altogether. But if you find yourself struggling with gingivitis, one of the first and best things you can do is set up an appointment for a routine dental cleaning. Contact our Austin, TX office today at (512) 346-4690 to get the help you need!

What causes periodontal disease?

Gum disease is ultimately caused by bacteria, but these things might be the cause of unwanted bacteria in your mouth:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Smoking
  • Hormonal changes in girls/women
  • Medications that cause dry mouth
  • Genetics

We know some of these things are out of your control, however you can begin working to improve your oral hygiene and quitting smoking today to prevent further damage and reverse periodontal disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

So, what should you be looking for? Here are the symptoms associated with periodontal disease:

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • Bad breath that you can’t get rid of
  • Heavy plaque build-up
  • Sensitive teeth

Healthy gums are pink and firm. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Ignoring these warning signs will result in further decline to your oral and overall health and tooth loss.

Routine Dental Cleanings

Gingivitis can be reversed with routine dental cleanings and improved oral hygiene. If the condition has progressed to periodontitis, however, you will need more invasive treatments.

Trying to reverse the effects of periodontal disease on your own can be challenging. By visiting Dr. Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist, we can help you come up with a plan to reverse the damage that has been done and prevent gum disease from coming back.

Preventing Gum Disease at Home

At the beginning stages of periodontal disease, it’s important to implement new habits and practices to stop the condition from progressing. Here are some things you can do at home to reverse the problem:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day—and brush them correctly! In addition to brushing the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of the teeth, brush along the gum line as well. This helps sweep away harmful bacteria that like to hide there.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid enamel erosion and gum recession.
  • Floss once a day to remove bacteria from in between the teeth.
  • If you haven’t gotten a new toothbrush in the past three months, it’s time!
  • Avoid sugar-filled foods.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Chew sugarless gum to help scrub your teeth and promote saliva production.
  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash. Here are some recommendations.
  • Eat nutrient-rich foods (dairy products, green-leafy vegetables, and yellow and orange fruits all promote healthy teeth and gums)!
  • Quit smoking.

Contact Our Austin Dental Practice Today

Periodontal disease can have a significant negative impact on your oral and overall health. Schedule an appointment to learn more about prevention and treatment. Contact us online or give us a call at 512-346-4690.

By

Health Benefits of Periodontal Treatments

A growing body of research and findings is linking gum disease (periodontal disease) with systemic health problems, including heart disease and an increased risk for stroke. If you have not undergone a dental exam or dental cleaning in the past several months, you may be developing gum disease. Many of the early symptoms of gum disease are hard to detect without the trained eye of an experienced dentist.  

Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers periodontal treatments at Austin Laser Dentist in Austin, TX. The straightforward and minimally invasive gum disease treatment offered at our dental practice can restore your oral health and reduce your risk for more serious health complications.

Health Problems Linked to Gum Disease

The American Academy of Periodontology is a leading source of information and research about health conditions that are linked to gum disease. The Academy notes that periodontal disease is “associated with several diseases.” While early theories pointed toward bacteria as the cause of heart disease and other health problems, recent research has shown that inflammation may be responsible for the association, according to the Academy.

The current consensus among dental health researchers is that treating inflammation may help manage periodontal diseases as well as related chronic inflammatory conditions.

Diseases that the American Academy of Periodontology has linked to gum disease include:

  • Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease. Periodontal disease is even considered a complication that results from diabetes. Research suggests that the relationship goes both ways. Periodontal disease may contribute to the difficulty individuals with diabetes have controlling their blood sugar.
  • Heart disease: Studies have shown that gum disease is connected to heart disease. While a causal relationship has not been proven, individuals with periodontal disease have been shown to be at an elevated risk for heart disease. One theory is that periodontal disease can exacerbate existing heart conditions.
  • Stroke: Studies have also suggested a relationship between periodontitis and stroke. Individuals diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia (a condition in which there is insufficient blood flow to the brain) were found more likely to have gum disease than individuals in the control group.
  • Osteoporosis: Researchers suggest that there may be a link between osteoporosis and jawbone recession, which commonly results from gum disease.
  • Respiratory disease: Bacteria that grow in the mouth can transfer to the lungs, causing respiratory diseases such as pneumonia.
  • Cancer: Men with gum disease were 49 percent more likely to develop kidney cancer and more than 50 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer.

Treatment Options for Periodontitis

At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Ragsdale treats moderate to severe cases of periodontal disease with laser periodontal treatment. Dr. Ragsdale uses a tiny laser probe that is inserted into diseased pockets of gum tissue. The laser destroys bacteria without impacting your gums.

Early stages of periodontal disease can be treated with nonsurgical periodontal therapy. This treatment begins with a thorough cleaning where plaque and tartar are scraped away. Rough spots along the tooth root are then smoothed through root planing. After four to six weeks, gum swelling should subside.

Once treated, patients should work to prevent gum disease from returning by practicing good oral hygiene habits and scheduling regular dental cleanings and exams.

Stay Ahead of Gum Disease By Visiting Our Austin Dental Practice

To schedule your next dental exam and cleaning, contact our Austin office online or call (512) 346-4690.