Tag: Dentist in Pocomoke City MD

The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Alzheimer’s | Pocomoke City MD Dentist

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Your gum health may be having an impact on your cognitive function. Recent studies found a correlation between periodontal (gum) disease and increased cognitive decline for people living with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. These studies illustrate the importance of continuing the conversation about oral health and its impact on your entire body.

Periodontal (gum) disease results from certain oral bacteria that lead to infection of the gum tissues. If not treated properly, this can lead to destruction of the tissues and the surrounding fibers and bone. The bacteria can travel from the mouth, through the bloodstream, and into the brain. This is one of the mechanisms that can lead to dementia. 

One of the biggest studies was administered by King’s College London and the University of Southampton. It observed 59 patients with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Blood tests were utilized to examine inflammatory markers present in the bloodstream, while patients’ dental health was examined by dental hygienists.

The study found that patients with periodontal disease experienced cognitive decline at a rate 6 times faster than those without periodontal disease. It suggested that the body’s reaction to inflammation may be responsible for causing the rapid decrease in brain function.

Previous studies have determined that periodontal disease can increase your risk of developing complications such as heart disease and stroke. Maintaining healthy gums is essential to staying healthy overall. You can keep your gums healthy by following the correct daily oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing twice each day for two minutes, as well as flossing regularly.

For those living with Alzheimer’s disease, it is imperative to maintain optimal oral health. If you are a caregiver of someone with the disease, make sure they are following an effective daily oral hygiene routine, as well as visiting our office for regular examinations. 

Keeping your gums healthy may be one key to keeping your body and brain healthy throughout your lifetime.For more information about gum health, or to schedule your next visit to our dentist in Pocomoke City MD, please contact our Pocomoke City dentist.

Stephen T. Wagner, DDS, PA
Phone: (410) 957-0788
102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Do You Wear Dentures? Here Are Some Tips | Pocomoke City MD Dentist

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Keeping up with taking care of your dentures can be a daunting task. But don’t worry, with a little extra effort you can keep your dentures squeaky clean. 

Here are five tips for keeping your dentures clean and in good shape: 

1. Thoroughly Rinse. 

Before you brush, make sure to rinse your dentures with water to ensure any food or any other small particles are all washed down the drain. Your dentures are fragile, so you must be extra careful when handling them. Do not rinse your dentures with hot or boiling water as it can damage them. 

2. Brush Your Dentures 

In addition to your actual teeth, your dentures also need to be brushed. You should carefully brush your dentures with a gentle toothpaste and a soft bristled toothbrush. We advise you not to use whitening toothpaste or harsh cleaning materials on them. 

It is important to remember to never use cleaning solutions while your dentures are in your mouth. If you have any questions, be sure to talk to our dentist for advice about the right way to clean your dentures.

3. Don’t Neglect Your Actual Teeth 

Even with dentures, you must still take care of your natural teeth. Make sure to brush them with a soft toothbrush and be extra gentle when brushing your gums. The risks of developing an oral infection are greatly reduced when cleaning your gums. 

Talk to your dentist about using gauze if your regular toothbrush is too rough on your gums and be sure to see us for recommendations if you experience any gum pain. 

4. Cover Your Dentures 

Right before you go to bed, make sure that you remove your dentures and keep them in a covered container overnight in either a denture-soaking solution or water. This is so your dentures will retain their shape. 

5. Removing Your Dentures 

If you are having difficulties removing your dentures with adhesive, try swishing your mouth with warm water or mouthwash. Do not use any household cleaning solutions, tools, or a foreign object to remove your dentures. And pay extra attention to ensure that the grooves of your dentures are clean and adhesive free. 

If you take good care of your dentures, they will last longer and provide you with a beautiful smile. Be keen-eyed in keeping up with the cleanliness of your dentures. 

For more tips on keeping your dentures in good shape, or to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Pocomoke City, contact our Pocomoke City dentist today. We are always glad to answer any questions you may have and address any concerns about your dentures.

Stephen T. Wagner, DDS, PA
Phone: (410) 957-0788
102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Effective Prevention for Healthier Smiles | Dentist Pocomoke City

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Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease for children and adolescents. About ¼ of children and more than half of teens currently have this illness. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 90% of adults over age 20 have some amount of tooth-root decay. However, tooth decay is highly preventable. By providing effective dental care during childhood, better long-term oral health may be achieved. 

Here are some practices that can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues at every age: 

Hygiene 

Brush teeth twice each day with a soft-bristled brush. Clean your tongue gently with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper. Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen enamel. Children should use only toothpastes designed for kids’ use. Replace toothbrushes every 2-3 months. 

Clean between teeth daily. Use dental floss or another interdental cleaner. Talk to your hygienist for a recommendation and instructions for effective use. 

Diet 

Eat healthy foods and limit sugary and acidic foods. Drink plenty of water. 

Sealants 

A recent study on the effectiveness of sealants was published jointly by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). They found that sealants can prevent up to 80% of tooth decay in permanent molars when used for children and teens. Adults may see similar benefits from use, as well. Additionally, no adverse effects have been reported with use of sealants on patients of any age. Talk to our dentist about whether dental sealants may help you prevent tooth decay. 

Fluoride 

Fluoridation of public water has been listed by the CDC as one of the great achievements in public health in the 20th century. Studies have shown tooth decay in children who have fluoridated water sources is reduced by up to 40%. If you have concerns about tooth enamel weakness or if you live in an area without fluoridated water, ask our dentist whether supplemental fluoride may be right for you. 

Dental Care 

Visit our office for a professional cleaning and thorough exam at least twice each year, or as instructed. Seek treatment right away if issues are identified. 

Effective preventive care saves time and money and can help ensure a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. For more information about tooth decay prevention, contact our office.

Stephen T. Wagner, DDS, PA
Phone: (410) 957-0788
102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

What is Endodontic Retreatment? | Pocomoke City MD Dentist

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Endodontic, or root canal, treatment is a safe, effective solution for treating an infection in the tooth root or surrounding tissues. In most cases, this preserves the natural tooth, allowing it to remain healthy for many more years. While it is rare, there are occasions when an infection can return months or even years after treatment. When this occurs, an endodontic retreatment may be recommended. 

When is endodontic retreatment recommended? 

Though it is rare for retreatment to be needed, it may be recommended to preserve a previously-treated tooth in certain cases. The most common reason for needing retreatment is infection, which can be caused by: 

  • New tooth decay 
  • Loose, cracked, or broken crown 
  • Delayed placement of the crown following initial treatment 
  • Fractured tooth 

How is endodontic retreatment performed? 

Retreatment is completed in the same manner as the initial root canal treatment. Our doctor will remove the crown and filling materials, remove the infection, and clean the canals before refilling them to prevent recurrence of infection.  Once healed, a new crown will be placed. 

If you are experiencing discomfort in a tooth that has previously had root canal treatment, contact our office for an evaluation. It could save your tooth.

Stephen T. Wagner, DDS, PA
Phone: (410) 957-0788
102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Why See an Endodontist? | Pocomoke City Family Dentist

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Whether you were referred by your general dentist or looking for a second opinion on a recommended treatment, we’re here to help. An endodontist, like our doctor, is a dentist with specialized training and experience in performing root canal treatment and preserving natural teeth. 

Why is an endodontist different from a general dentist? 

An endodontist has two or more years of advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of issues involving your tooth roots and connected tissues. Unlike a general dentist who provides a wide range of services, our office specializes in endodontic treatments exclusively. Our doctor is an expert in root canal therapy, dental trauma, endodontic surgery, and similar treatments. 

When should I see an endodontist? 

You may want to see our doctor for a variety of reasons. Some of these include: 

  • Being referred by your general dentist for endodontic treatment 
  • Wanting a second opinion on a tooth that was recommended for extraction 
  • Trauma affecting your tooth root 
  • Root canal treatment recommended by your dentist 
  • You have a painful and/or infected tooth 

Since our practice is solely focused on endodontic care, office is equipped with advanced technology for your comfort and high-quality treatment. If you have had dental trauma, are experiencing tooth pain, have been advised to have root canal treatment, or would like to see if a tooth can be saved, contact our office. 

Stephen T. Wagner, DDS, PA
Phone: (410) 957-0788
102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Daily Flossing | Dentist in Pocomoke City MD

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We’ve all been told at least once in our life that flossing daily is crucial. Here are four reasons why flossing may be beneficial for your oral health routine: 

  1. Preventative care. Food and bacteria buildup between your teeth is unavoidable. Over time, these bacterial colonies lead to tooth decay and the destruction of your dental health. Flossing helps remove food and bacteria from areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. 
  2. Helps prevent gingivitis and gum disease. Your teeth aren’t the only part of your mouth that needs attention. Many people take care of their teeth but ignore their gums. Researchers at the New York University College of Dentistry explain that the people who floss regularly experience much lower instances of periodontal pathogens, gum bleeding, and decay-causing bacteria in contrast with people who do not floss. 
  3. Protects your smile. Flossing does more than just prevent cavities—it also preserves the bones that support your teeth. By preserving the height of that bony structure as well as a healthy smile, you’re maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance that will benefit you for years to come. 
  4. Gives you better overall health. Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth and jaw. It has also been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even respiratory diseases. Flossing daily is more than just an optimal habit—it can help keep you healthy as you age. 

We are pleased to offer a variety of oral health solutions to keep your smile healthy. We are also able to customize a health plan tailored to your specific needs. Book your appointment with our dental team today.

Stephen T. Wagner, DDS, PA
Phone: (410) 957-0788
102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Fruit Juice & Your Teeth: A Message From Your Dentist | Dentist 21851

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Don’t be fooled by the label “100 percent fruit juice.” Drinks advertised in this way might seem like a healthy choice, but these drinks may be doing more harm than good. In fact, fruit juices contain sugar that can lead to tooth decay. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently reevaluated their recommendations for allowing small children to consume fruit juice. Here’s what you need to know about the new guidelines.

No Fruit Juice in First 12 Months
The AAP used to suggest that infants younger than 6 months old should not be given fruit juice to drink. This year, however, the AAP updated these recommendations to suggest refraining from fruit juice for any infant 12 months and younger.

A Good Source of Vitamins – And Sugar
Fruit juice can be an excellent source for vitamins and minerals. Many fruit juices contain vitamin C and potassium. However, fruit juices are often high in sugar content. According to a study summarized by Medical News Today, fruit juice may contain as much as 2 teaspoons of sugar for every 100-mililiters.

Fruit Juice May Be Harming Your Teeth
Sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay, especially in children. The AAP also advises that toddlers and young children should not be served fruit juice in a “sippy cup.” These cups provide greater exposure of decay-causing sugar to teeth, leading to an ideal environment for tooth decay.

According to the updated guidelines set by the AAP, moderation is key. While children under 12 months of age should not be provided fruit juice, small amounts may be permitted for older children. The AAP suggests a maximum of 4 ounces of fruit juice per day for children aged 1 to 3, 4 to 6 ounces per day for children aged 4 to 6, and 8 ounces per day for those between the ages of 7 and 18. You may also consider adding water to dilute the juice before giving it to your child, so they receive less sugar.

Children and adolescents aren’t the only group that can benefit from consuming fewer sugary drinks. Sugar still leads to decay in adults as well. Our team suggests trying to limit your own consumption of sugary drinks.

Maintaining regular visits to our office will allow our dental team to ensure your child’s teeth are healthy. We will provide a comprehensive screening to locate and treat decay. If your child drinks more than the suggested amount of sugary fruit drinks, consider scheduling an extra cleaning with our team. Together, we can work to promote a lifetime of optimal oral health.

To schedule a visit to our dental office, please contact our team.

RESOURCES:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317567.php

Stephen T. Wagner, DDS, PA
Phone: (410) 957-0788
102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

6 Harmful Habits That Affect Your Teeth | Dentist in 21851

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Nearly everyone has at least one habit that they wish they could break. Did you know that some of them can affect your oral health? Here are a few common habits and tips for how to break them.

  1. Nail Biting

Why it’s harmful: Your dental health may suffer from nail biting by possibly chipping your teeth or impacting your tooth. You place pressure on your jaw when you leave it in a protruding position for long periods of time. You could also tear or damage your gums.

The solution: Some patients find it helpful to wear a mouth guard to deter form nail biting. Other ways to reduce nail biting include using therapy techniques, reducing stress, or applying bitter tasting nail polish.

2. Brushing Too Hard

Why it’s harmful: It’s best to brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. Make sure to not brush too hard since this can lead to damage to the teeth and gum irritation. When you brush too hard, you risk gum recession and not cleaning your teeth efficiently.

The solution: Instead of brushing hard, use a soft toothbrush and apply a proper pressure. Let your toothbrush bristles touch your gums at a 45 degree angle and reduce the force of your brush on your gums.

3. Grinding and Clenching

Why it’s harmful: This can chip or crack your teeth as well as cause muscle tenderness and joint pain. You may also experience a painful sensation when chewing or inability to open your mouth wide.

The solution: Stay aware of your teeth grinding and clenching and use relaxation exercises to keep from doing both. A mouthguard can also help protect you from grinding your teeth while you sleep. This will reduce any tooth pain, or muscle soreness and give you a better sleep. Our dentist can provide recommendations for how to combat teeth grinding.

4. Chewing Ice Cubes

Why it’s harmful: Tooth enamel and ice are both crystals. When you push two crystals against each other, it can cause one to break. This may be the ice and sometimes it may be the tooth.

The solution: Try drinking beverages without ice or use a straw instead.

5. Constant Snacking

Why it’s harmful: If your diet consists heavily of sugary foods and drinks, you are at a higher risk of forming cavities. The cavity-causing bacteria feast on leftover food and produces acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth.

The solution: To reduce snacking, eat balanced meals so that you can feel fuller, longer. You should avoid sugary foods when snacking. If you are tempted to eat the occasional sugary snack, just make sure to drink a glass of water after to wash away the leftover food.

6. Using Your Teeth as a Tool

Why it’s harmful: Using your teeth as a tool to hold items, open bottles, cut through thread, or other functions can put you at risk for chipped or broken teeth or jaw injuries.

The solution: Your teeth should never be used to hold or open items or to cut things when you don’t have scissors at your disposal. Look for your scissors or find someone that can give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you for it and you’ll be saving yourself from potentially costly and painful dental complications.

Contact our office to schedule your next dental appointment.

Stephen T. Wagner, DDS, PA
Phone: (410) 957-0788
102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Maintaining Your Oral Health During Illness | Dentist in 21851

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Sniffling, sneezing, and coughing. Being sick can make it more
difficult to keep up with your daily routine. Don’t let your cold or flu
become an excuse for overlooking your oral hygiene. In fact, when
you’re sick it is essential that you continue to stick to your regular
brushing and flossing routine. Here are a few tips to keep you on
track and on your way to getting better.


Brush After Each Meal
When you’re sick, try maintaining a schedule of brushing your teeth
shortly after each meal. Your mouth can be a prime location where
bacteria breed. Being extra vigilant in your brushing routine is an
excellent way to minimize the multiplication of germs and bacteria.


Be Selective with Cough Drops and Lozenges
Numerous brands of cough drops and throat lozenges contain sugar. In fact, many cough drops
or lozenges are similar to candy. Candy, particularly sucking candy that lasts in your mouth for
an extended period of time, can lead to tooth decay. Bacteria in your mouth feeds off sugar to
create acids that damage your teeth. Consider looking for drops and lozenges that are sugar
free, or those that do not include corn syrup and fructose.


Rinse Carefully
If you are vomiting, keeping your mouth clean is important. Stomach acids can damage your
teeth. However, brushing right away will just cause you to rub the acids all over your teeth.
Instead, rinse your mouth out with water or mouthwash and wait at least 20 minutes before
reaching for the toothbrush.


Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is one of the keys to recovery. Drinking water is also an effective way to
prevent dry mouth. Dry mouth can lead to decay and bad breath. Some medications you might
be taking to relieve your cold or flu symptoms might dry out your mouth, so be sure to continue
to drink water throughout the day.


Replace Your Brush
Once you have recovered from your illness, consider replacing your toothbrush. While it isn’t
likely that you would cause yourself to get sick again, you may wish to err on the side of
caution. The American Dental Association recommends that you regularly replace your
toothbrush every three to four months.


When you are sick, make it a point to keep up with your oral health. Your medications or over the-counter remedies can have an impact on your oral health. Watch out for sugar content in
cough drops and throat lozenges, and stay hydrated with water to avoid dry mouth. Keeping
your mouth healthy is the first step to keeping your entire body healthy. For more oral health tips or to schedule a visit to our office, please contact us.

Stephen T. Wagner, DDS, PA
Phone: (410) 957-0788
102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Endodontics | Dentist in 21851

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6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Endodontics
Unless you have been referred to a specialist for a root canal treatment, you may not
have heard the term “Endodontics” before now. Even if you have, here are a few
interesting things you may not have known about this dental specialty.

  1. “Endodontics” is taken from two older Greek terms literally meaning “inner tooth.” In the word endodontics, “endo” is a prefix meaning “inner” and “odont” is the root word “tooth.” Endodontic treatment dates back to the 17th century.
  2. Endodontics focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of the internal structure of the tooth. This can include root canal therapy, apicoectomy, treatment of tooth infections, and more.
  3. Endodontists start by training as dentists. Prior to obtaining their specialization, an endodontist like our doctor will earn a degree in dentistry. Afterward, they will complete an additional 2-4 years of focused education and training to gain their specialization.
  4. Root canal treatment preserves a tooth. If you develop an infection in the soft inner tissue of your tooth, antibiotics are not sufficient to treat the issue. Rather than removing your permanent tooth, a root canal treatment will clean out the infection and fill the tooth to protect it from further damage. A single root canal treatment can preserve your tooth for a lifetime.
  5. Root canal therapy relieves pain. Contrary to popular belief, having root canal treatment is not the cause of the pain that people often associate with it. The infection or trauma that underlies the need for treatment is the cause of the pain. Even though your tooth will likely be tender for a few days, most patients notice significantly reduced sensitivity following treatment.
  6. Endodontists can help save a tooth following dental trauma. In addition to their expertise in root canal treatment, endodontists receive training in a wide range of dental trauma concerns. In many cases, our doctor may be able to stabilize or reposition an injured tooth to prevent the need for extraction. To learn more about endodontics or to schedule your root canal treatment, contact our office.
Stephen T. Wagner, DDS, PA
Phone: (410) 957-0788
102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851