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The American Academy of Periodontology stresses the importance of good oral health since gum disease may be linked to heart disease and stroke. Thus far, no cause-and-effect relationship has been established, but there are multiple theories to explain the link between heart disease and periodontal disease. One theory suggests that oral bacteria may affect heart health when it enters the blood and attaches to the fatty plaque in the heart's blood vessels. This can cause the formation of blood clots. Another theory suggests the possibility that inflammation could be a contributing link between periodontal disease and heart disease. Gum disease increases plaque buildup, and inflamed gums may also contribute to the development of swollen or inflamed coronary arteries.

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is caused in part by the buildup of fatty proteins on the walls of the coronary arteries. Blood clots cut off blood flow, preventing oxygen and nutrients from getting to the heart. Both blood clots and the buildup of fatty proteins (also called plaque) on the walls of the coronary arteries may lead to a heart attack. Moreover, periodontal disease nearly doubles the likelihood that someone will suffer from coronary artery disease. Periodontal disease can also worsen existing heart conditions, so many patients who suffer from heart disease need to take antibiotics before any dental procedures. This is especially true of patients who are at greatest risk for contracting infective endocarditis (inflammation of the inner layer of the heart). The fact that more than 2,400 people die from heart disease each day makes it a major public health issue. It is also the leading killer of both men and women in the United States today.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the bone and gum tissues around the teeth, reducing or potentially eradicating the system that supports your teeth. It affects roughly 75 percent of Americans, and is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. People who suffer from periodontal disease may notice that their gums swell and/or bleed when they brush their teeth.

Although there is no definitive proof to support the theory that oral bacteria affects the heart, it is widely acknowledged better oral health contributes to overall better health. When people take good care of their teeth, get thorough exams, and a professional cleaning twice a year, the buildup of plaque on the teeth is lessened. A healthy, well-balanced diet will also contribute to better oral and heart health. There is a lot of truth to the saying "you are what you eat." If you have any questions about you periodontal disease and your overall health, give our West Bend, WI office a call!

Is a nice smile about more than looking nice? Yes. A smile is a wordless expression anyone can use to connect.

But at risk of stating the obvious, it’s nice to look nice.

Enter cosmetic dentistry. In our book (and most other books, too) your smile is the hands-down most important part of your appearance to invest in. A bright, well-aligned smile is powerful. It exudes confidence. And most importantly, an uninhibited, beautiful smile shows people who you really are.

At Pioneer Dental, we have extensive experience with:

• Veneers
• Implants
• Natural-looking porcelain dental crowns and bridges
• Dental bonding
• Teeth whitening
• Tooth-colored composite fillings

Of course, a list of dental jargon isn’t really what you want. You want to know what cosmetic dentistry can do for you. And which treatments are the best choice for your unique situation.

You’re in luck:

Veneers:

Veneers can change your smile significantly in a few short days. During the process, porcelain dental veneers are custom fitted over your real teeth and the color, shape and length of your teeth can be completely changed, customized to your perfect smile.

Dental Implants:

If you’ve lost teeth due to an injury, illness, or if certain teeth are simply beyond repair, dental implants are the solution for you.  They look, feel and function just like your own teeth.

Porcelain Crowns:

Are your teeth fractured, over filled or damaged? Porcelain crowns are a natural-looking alternative to metal crowns. The porcelain covering adds strength and a natural look.  You can blend color, change shape and rebuild what was lost.

Dental bonding:

If you have an individual tooth that has lost a small amount of structure, has decay or an old mercury filling; or if you have several front teeth that are off just a bit, Dr. Meyers can use a realistic-looking tooth colored bonding material to repair your tooth/teeth and make your smile like new and a bit on!

Teeth Whitening:

Ah, white teeth. We wouldn’t dream of finishing our article without touching on this fundamental. Too much coffee or tea, perhaps? Or simply tired of a less-than-bright smile? Dr. Meyers and the expert staff at Pioneer Dental can give you bright, white teeth in one visit that will make a profound difference in how you show the world who you are.

-DOCS Education

When children lose baby teeth, it’s a time to rejoice. But when adults suffer from tooth loss, it may be a sign of a serious problem. That’s when it’s time to give us a call at Pioneer Dental.

What are the reasons for missing teeth?

The loss of permanent teeth can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging anywhere from hereditary factors to tooth decay to traumatic injury. Here are the following reasons why adults suffer tooth loss:

• Gum disease: The number one cause of lost teeth in adults is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, an infection of the structures that support the teeth. Once gum disease reaches and destroys the alveolar bone, the teeth begin to loosen and will eventually fall out or need to be extracted.
• Tooth decay: If cavities are left untreated, they can destroy tooth structure as well as cause infection in the supporting bone.
• Tooth injury: An injury can either knock out a tooth immediately or cause damage to the root or pulp that will later require extraction. We recommend using a mouthguard if you play sports.
• Tooth fracture: A fracture in a tooth is often caused by teeth grinding, or what Dr. Carl Meyers and our team call bruxism. A crown may be the answer, but depending on the location of the crack or fracture and how deeply it extends, the tooth may not respond well to repair with a crown and may need to be extracted instead.

What are the risk factors for tooth loss?

• Poor oral hygiene: Patients who only occasionally brush or floss their teeth are more likely to develop tartar, plaque buildup, and other bacteria that cause decay.
• Not visiting the dentist: Seeing Dr. Carl Meyers every six months for a cleaning and checkup prevents any developing oral health issues, as well as ensures that plaque and tartar do not build up over time.
• Smoking: Smokers and users of smokeless tobacco are more likely to develop periodontal disease that can cause tooth loss. If you are a smoker it is crucial to visit us on a timely schedule.
• Various health conditions: Patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic health issues are more likely to suffer from gum disease.

Scheduling an appointment with Dr. Carl Meyers at our West Bend, WI office will give you an accurate diagnosis and a variety of treatment options. It’s important to know that periodontal disease is “silent,” meaning you will not always experience pain as a signal of infection. When caught early, treatments are usually successful.

Give us a call today to schedule your next visit!

A lot of changes occur in a woman's body during pregnancy. Hormone fluctuations are responsible for many of those changes, including the need for additional attention to the teeth and gums. Women who are expecting are at an increased risk for oral health complications, including gingivitis and tooth decay, which can lead to irreversible damage. Fortunately, there are steps pregnant women can take to keep their teeth and gums in optimal health from the first trimester to delivery day. Today, Dr. Carl Meyers and our team at Pioneer Dental thought we would share them.

At-home dental care

At-home dental care should not vary much from what you did prior to pregnancy. The American Dental Association recommends brushing at a minimum of twice per day using fluoridated toothpaste. Follow up with floss to keep bacteria from accumulating in hard-to-reach spaces.

Dental checkups

It is safe and recommended to continue visiting Dr. Carl Meyers for routine dental checkups and cleanings during pregnancy. However, it is very important to inform Dr. Carl Meyers about an existing pregnancy. Special steps must be taken to protect pregnant women from certain medications or X-ray radiation that could be harmful to a growing baby. On the other hand, avoiding teeth cleanings during pregnancy can lead to serious consequences, including advanced tooth decay and infection.

Food and cravings

It is no secret that pregnancy can cause a woman to crave specific foods. Sugary treats like candy, cookies, or sodas may satisfy a sweet tooth, but they can also cause serious dental problems when consumed frequently or without brushing afterward. Trade out these treats for naturally sweet fruits when possible, and never forget to brush and floss thoroughly after eating sugar-filled foods.

Signs of complications

It is important to know and recognize the signs of oral health problems during pregnancy; an early diagnosis usually translates to an easier, less-invasive treatment. Symptoms of potential problems include gums that easily bleed or are swollen, reddened, or painful. These are symptoms of gingivitis, which can lead to a receding gum line and tooth loss if left untreated.

Call our West Bend, WI office if you experience any of these symptoms or pain in a tooth, loss of a tooth, a broken tooth, or bad breath that does not go away with brushing.