Olympia Washington Dentist

Children are not immune to dental complications, they are actually more susceptible and will have more complications in the future due to dental conditions. The lack of development of permanent teeth effects 2.8 percent of the United States population, and may lead to other dental complications and malnutrition. The absence of permanent teeth is known as hypodontia or oligodontia, depending on the number of teeth missing and is commonly referred to as congenitally missing teeth. Hypodontia describes 6 or less teeth missing, and oligodontia describes more than 6 teeth missing. A condition in which all teeth are missing is rare but still occurs, this is called anodontia.

Permanent teeth erupt between the ages of 12 and 14, and all primary teeth and the crypts of permanent molars are visible using radiography at time of birth. A radiography diagnoses of hypodontia or oligodontia can be made at an early point in life due to the visibility of the crypts, the spaces in which teeth will grow, before the development and eruption of teeth. But definite diagnosis should not be made until the age of 6, because formation of teeth vary based on gender and race. Teeth can be missing on either the left or right side of the jaw with the opposite side having a complete set of teeth, but teeth missing teeth on both sides of the jaw occur as well.

Factors that have an effect on the development and eruption of permanent teeth are environmental and genetical. Environmental effects that may cause hypodontia or oligodontia are fractures in the jaw occurring before tooth development, surgery on the jaw, chemo and radiation therapies, treatment for malignant diseases, irradiation procedures, and Thalidomide use during pregnancy. Thalidomide is a medication used for multiple myeloma and as a sedative. The genetic factor that causes hypodontia and oligodontia is a mutation chromosomes MSX1 and PAX9. There are thought to be mutations in other chromosomes that affect tooth development, but they have not been discovered yet. Screening tools for mutations in the MSX1 and PAX9 genes are used in research, but are not yet available for routine testing.

A gap between the teeth, called an open bite, as well as a difference in dental occlusion, the way that upper and lower teeth fit together, may be present in cases of hypo- or oligodontia. Other cases may have teeth that are so tight in bone that they cannot erupt or only partially erupt. Children with hypodontia and oligodontia do not respond to braces treatments and may require partial, or full, dentures.

A delay in formation and eruption of teeth, reduction in tooth size, difference in the shape of teeth and displacement of teeth, short tooth roots, and rotated teeth may also be present in children and adults with hypo/oligodontia. The amount of enamel on teeth may also be affected, causing dents, discoloration, and/or discolored spots on the tooth/teeth, this is called hypocalcification.

In most cases of congenital missing teeth, only one or two permanent teeth fail to develop, with the most common teeth effected being the premolars and the incisors. Because this is a genetic condition, if one parent suffers from, or has a long family history of hypodontia/oligodontia, then it is extremely likely that any offspring will also develop the condition.

Our friendly Olympia Dentist shares tips and quality information with all of our surrounding community.  See your Olympia Dentistry or your surrounding dentist today.

Approximately 75%of the US population has gum disease. A preventable dental condition that can have long term effects on a persons health, gum disease is also known as periodontal disease.  Simply brushing and flossing daily removes the plaque accumulated on teeth during the day, and lowers chances of developing serious medical conditions.

Plaque is the sticky, white substance that forms on teeth and gums, and is easily removed by brushing and flossing. If the buildup is not removed it hardens and becomes known as tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and leads to further plaque buildup and infections. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is reversible but often goes unnoticed. If untreated, gingivitis may lead to periodontitis, the second stage of gum disease. Periodontitis has several levels and is not reversible.

The most common causes/factors of gum disease are bad oral hygiene, tobacco use, genetic susceptibility, bad nutrition, birth control pills, arthritis and high blood pressure medications, and hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. The earliest signs of gum disease may be bad breath, red, swollen, and/or bleeding gums. As the disease progresses these symptoms will get worse and new symptoms like color change in gums, loosening teeth, abscessed teeth, receding gum line, and tooth loss will occur. These signs and symptoms are due to the destruction of gum and bone tissues by toxins, such as acid, produced by the bacteria located in plaque.

The risk of heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, and preterm birth are all increased by developing gum disease. Pregnancy hormonal changes in the first trimester raise possibility of gum disease development, and may cause premature birth and low birth weight if they are allowed to progress into periodontitis. Diabetes patients suffering with slow blood circulation, lack of resistance to infections, and frequent changes in blood sugar levels are in constant danger of gum disease development and experience severe cases of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Daily brushing, flossing, the use of mouth wash, and regular visits to your dental hygienist are the best form preventing gum disease and other dental complications. The early stages of gum disease are reversible with a visit to the dentists office, scaling is performed by the dentist or hygienist to remove plaque and tartar buildup. A prescription mouth wash, such as chlorhexidine gluconate, and several cleanings will be used as treatment for mid-level stages. For advanced stages of gum disease, surgery is performed to stop or minimize the progression of the disease and replace lost bone tissues.

Like many health complications, gum disease is very easily prevented and can be reversed if found early enough. The importance of oral hygiene cannot be stressed enough because many people know the dangers but still do not perform daily oral hygiene. People with diabetes, and pregnant women should be especially careful to prevent further complications with their own health and the health of their offspring. The menial task of brushing and flossing your teeth is a routine that takes a few minutes, two to three times a day, and should never be neglected.

Our Olympia Dentist is always giving tips and tricks for exceptional over all health. We have partnered with at Lacey Dentist to serve the local community.

Bad breath can make you the bad guy at the party or anywhere you go. Have you tried everything and no matter what you do it wont go away? The answer is a lot simpler then you may think.

Halitosis is bad breath. Ever want to know what causes bad breath? Do you want to prevent it? See your local Dental professional and find out the cause.

Halitosis is caused most often by bacteria and the toxic waste they create on your tongue, tooth decay, and tonsil problems. Onions, spices, and coffee can stay on your breath for up to 96 hours. You should brush your tongue gently and floss everyday.  Health challenges such as diabetes or liver problems can cause halitosis.

It is estimated that about 1% of the population has halitophobia which is the fear of bad breath. This is a psychological challenge and one should see a specialist on that issue.  Millions of people have bad breath. Babies arent born with teeth that have broken the surface yet and thus they dont have bad breath. Smell a babies breath and you’ll see one of the main culprits in bad breath.  They dont have teeth so its virtually impossible to have bad breath yet.

Changes within the body such as hormonal changes, a teen going through puberty, and menopause may have an effect on halitosis. Any food that gets stuck in the mouth and sits for days will create a potential problem, even beyond a cause of bad breath. Smoking not only causes bad breath from the toxins but also it heats the mouth up, creating a breeding ground for bacteria to grow.

If you’re going to chew gum, use gum that has Xylitol. Avoid gum that uses sugar or artificial sweeteners. Mouthwash should be looked at as a great temporary germ killer and breath freshener. A healthy mouth is a clean one.

The proper amount of saliva is just what the doctor ordered to help in eliminating bad breath. Plus it will help in reducing tooth decay. Make sure youre getting enough fluids as dehydration can cause bad breath. Other diseases such as diabetes or liver problems can cause bad breath.

Use the best floss possible. Dentists recommend using the gentle glide kind as it is must easier to slide in and out of the teeth and creates less stress. Ask your dental professional questions, they always love that. Get educated and study as much as you can about nutrition and dental health. After all you do only get one set of teeth.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms or discomfort in your mouth then see your dentist right away. Dealing with tooth issues before they become huge problems is the path of least resistance. If youre worried about affording dental care there are plenty of dentists out there that will work with you and have payment plans.

Our friendly Olympia Washington Dentist gives cutting edge exclusive tips and dental health information. We are located in Olympia WA and look forward to serving you.

Welcome to Olympia Washington’s top dentist. We’ve been serving the greater Olympia, WA and Lacey area for years.

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