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Brushing your teeth properly removes the food particles and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. However, you do not want to scrub your teeth or gums heavily. A heavy hand can lead to tooth and gum erosion, as Dr. Ron Shiver and our staff see all too often.

You should also use a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid damaging the surface of your teeth. Make sure the head of the brush fits in your mouth, because if it is too large you will not be able to reach all tooth surfaces. Follow these steps to ensure you are brushing properly.

1. Use a small amount of toothpaste on your brush. The recommendation is a pea-sized amount or thin strip on the bristles.
2. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the surface of your teeth, angling towards your gums. Use a circular motion on all exterior tooth surfaces, and avoid back-and-forth “scrub” brushing.
3. Once you have cleaned the outer surfaces, hold the brush vertically and clean the inner teeth surfaces — the side of your teeth that face your tongue. Do not forget the inner surfaces of your front teeth.
4. Finally, finish by cleaning all the chewing surfaces of your teeth. You need to maintain a gentle touch, but make sure you get into the full depth of your molars. The entire process should take about two minutes.

Dr. Ron Shiver and our staff recommend changing your toothbrush every three to four months for best results. Do not forget to clean your tongue, which helps remove excess bacteria from your mouth. Special brushes are available just for cleaning your tongue, and they are easy to use.

Proper care of your teeth also requires flossing on a regular basis. Flossing can be performed before or after you brush. Following up with a quality mouthwash will provide you with even more protection. Do not be afraid to ask the Ron L. Shiver DMD Family & Restorative Dentistry team for tips on proper brushing and flossing.

Happy Oral Cancer Awareness Month! We know oral cancer can be kind of a scary topic, but it’s worth using this opportunity to learn about the disease and spread knowledge so everyone becomes more aware. The more we know, the better we can work to prevent it!

Oral cancer is exactly what it sounds like: cancer that occurs anywhere in the mouth. It could occur on the tongue, the lips, the gums, the tongue, inside the cheek, or in the roof or floor of the mouth. Every  year, more than 8,000 people die from oral cancer. It’s a truly deadly disease.

The reason oral cancer scores a higher death rate than other common cancers such as testicular cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, thyroid cancer, cervical cancer, or even skin cancer, is because it often goes undetected until it's become too advanced and has spread to another part of the body.

So what causes this devastating disease? There is no clear answer, but some potential causes have been identified. By being aware of these, we can be alert and promote prevention of this illness:

• Age: Most patients who develop oral cancer are above the age of 40. If you’re over 40, make sure your doctor checks for signs of oral cancer and that you stay on your dental hygiene regimen.
• Tobacco: Excessive tobacco use, whether in the form of cigarette smoking or tobacco chewing, can be a substantial contributor and cause of oral cancer. So that’s another reason, among many, you should avoid tobacco.
• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can put you at risk because alcohol converts into a chemical called acetaldehyde, which damages the body’s DNA and blocks cells from repairing the damage. When paired with tobacco, the dehydrating effects of alcohol make it even easier for tobacco to infiltrate mouth tissue.
• Sun exposure: Your lips need SPF, too! Repeated sun exposure increases your risk of contracting cancer on your lips, especially the lower lip.
• Diet: Not getting all the nutrients you need, from vegetables and fruits for instance, can weaken your immune system and make you more vulnerable to the disease.

Obviously, many of these causes relate to lifestyle choices, which we have control over. It's all about balance, being aware, and making small tweaks to our habits if we need to.

If you’re concerned that you may be at risk for oral cancer, give us a call to talk about a screening. And if you’ve been putting off a visit to our Valdosta office, now is an excellent time to schedule one. Regular visits to the dentist can be the first line of defense against oral cancer!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of adults age 30 and over suffer from some form of gum disease. Caused by plaque buildup, gum disease is an infection of the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. In its advanced stages, it is known as periodontal disease. If left untreated, it can result in the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth, causing teeth loss. It’s a preventable condition seen far too often by Dr. Ron Shiver.

Research between periodontal disease and other diseases is ongoing. Some studies have indicated that gum disease is linked to other health conditions such as stroke or diabetes. Furthermore, while most factors that lead to periodontal disease are dependent on the individual (genetics, diet, poor oral hygiene) there is a possibility that periodontitis is capable of spreading from one person to another.

What the Research Says

Periodontitis is a gum infection, and the bacteria that cause the gums to become infected travels in saliva. Researches have used DNA coding techniques to track the path of infection from one person to another. In other words, kissing and close contact play a role in the transmission of the infection, so if you’re married to a spouse with periodontal disease, then your chances of having gum problems are slightly increased. Other studies have indicated that saliva contact is common in family settings through coughing, sneezing, and shared utensils and food. Children with parents who have periodontal disease are at a somewhat higher risk of developing it. At the same time, just because you exchange bacteria with your loved ones doesn’t mean you will get periodontal disease.

It is important to note that the scientific evidence supporting the spread of periodontal disease is limited and ongoing. The best way to prevent gum disease is through proper plaque control, which includes brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and twice a year trips for professional cleanings. Contact our Valdosta office if you have any questions about periodontal disease.

An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in the pulp, or inside of the tooth. Endodontic treatment, also known as root canals, addresses any inflammation or infection that occurs in the root of your tooth. Dr. Ron Shiver can perform a root canal in order to remove any of the deep tissue that may be causing you pain. Endodontists also perform procedures such as an apicoectomy, and treatment of abscessed teeth.

Root Canals

You may require a root canal if you have been experiencing swelling of the gums, general tenderness, discomfort when chewing, tooth discoloration, or sensitivity to hot and cold foods. Other side effects of an infected root may include pain and swelling around the gums, jawbone, and lymph nodes, or other parts of the face.

There are different reasons why the root of a tooth can become infected. If it is cracked or chipped, has developed excessive decay, or has experienced trauma, you may notice these symptoms.

A root canal may be intimidating, but it’s a fairly straightforward procedure that can relieve you of the pain you’ve been suffering. When the treatment begins, Dr. Ron Shiver will numb the area and drill a small hole in the tooth to get access to the infected pulp. The dead pulp tissue is removed and treated with antibacterial solution. Then the open canal is filled with dental cement and closed off with a permanent crown to finish.

Apicoectomy

Although root canals are the most common treatment endodontists perform, apicoectomy procedures are also common. If this form of treatment is recommended by Dr. Ron Shiver, it usually means a conventional root canal did not solve the issue.

During this procedure, the gums are cut away from the tooth and the infected tissue removed along the root. The very end of the root is removed as well. Then the tooth root is cleaned and sealed.

Abscessed Teeth

Endodontists also commonly treat abscessed teeth. An abscessed tooth contains pus that needs to be drained. Pus can form when the inflamed pulp isn’t fixed properly or quickly enough. Dr. Ron Shiver may need to drain the pus with a small incision in the gum tissue, or perform a process similar to a root canal to remove the diseased tissue from the area.

We hope this information answers some of the questions you may have had about endodontic procedures. If you’ve noticed any symptoms that may involve inflammation or infection of a tooth, please give our Valdosta office a call and schedule an appointment. Treating the problem early is essential if you wish to avoid more extensive endodontic procedures.