John Pallotta, DMD

What Does the Dental Hygienist Do?

Undergoing a routine cleaning with your cosmetic dentist or dental hygienist is a great way to boost your oral health. Experts recommend a routine cleaning once every six months.

In this video, the American Dental Association provides a brief overview of the responsibilities of a dental hygienist. These dental specialists may provide a number of services, including assessing your current oral health, taking dental x-rays, removing plaque and tartar buildup, and applying sealants and fluoride. Check out this clip to learn more.

Can you remember the last time you had a teeth cleaning? Get on the road to better oral health by calling cosmetic dentist Dr. John Pallotta, DMD in Arlington at (888) 818-3725. 

Are Your Daily Habits Putting You at Risk for Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a type of cancer affecting any part of the oral cavity—including the lips, tongue, inside of the cheeks, hard and soft palate, tonsils, and esophagus. While some individuals are genetically predisposed to oral cancer, what you do on a daily basis can directly impact your risk. Continue reading to learn more about the lifestyle factors that can lead to oral cancer:

Smoking
Smoking cigarettes, cigars, and using pipes can all lead to oral cancer. Research conducted for the President’s Cancer Panel on Avoidable Causes of Cancer showed that approximately 80 percent of all oral cancer-related deaths are directly attributed to cigarette smoking. Studies also show that the risk of oral cancer decreases by approximately 50 percent after three to five years of smoking abstinence.

Chewing Tobacco
Smoking cigarettes and cigars leads to oral cancer by causing chronic inflammation of the tissues within your mouth, ultimately resulting in mutations that allow abnormal cells to grow at an uncontrollable rate. If you think that chewing tobacco or snuff doesn’t cause cancer, think again. Smokeless tobacco results in the same type of inflammation, and therefore can also lead to cancer.

Poor Dietary Choices
In addition to smoking or chewing tobacco products, following a poor diet can increase your chances of developing oral cancer. For example, studies show that individuals with a low beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E intake are often at a greater risk of many different types of cancer, including oral cancer. You can help reduce your risk by incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and non-fat or low-fat dairy into your diet.

Are you worried about developing oral cancer? Give Arlington cosmetic dentist Dr. John Pallotta, DMD a call at (888) 818-3725 to set up an oral cancer screening. We also offer teeth cleaning, teeth whitening, and periodontal treatments. 

Common Tooth Brushing Mistakes That May Damage Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is a great way to protect your oral health; however, you have to brush using the proper technique. A number of individuals put the health of their teeth at risk by brushing too vigorously or by using a toothbrush with medium or hard bristles, increasing their chances of sensitivity and irritation.

Instead, stick to brushing your teeth for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush using gentle, even strokes. This will make it easier to remove food debris and plaque without causing injury to your gums and teeth. You should also wait to brush your teeth for an hour after ingesting acidic foods or beverages, since acids can weaken enamel.

With the right oral hygiene routine, you can maintain a beautiful smile your whole life. For more answers to your dental questions, contact Arlington dentist, Dr. John Pallotta, DMD at (888) 818-3725. You can also visit us online for more information regarding teeth whitening procedures.

Different Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease refers to an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is often caused by poor oral hygiene habits, smoking or chewing tobacco, genetic predisposition, and certain medications. While your Arlington dentist can provide periodontal treatment for gum disease, it is important to educate yourself on the various stages:

Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, and may not show symptoms during the early stages. In fact, studies show that more than 75 percent of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease and are unaware of it. Many individuals with gingivitis do not experience pain but may experience other symptoms—such as red or swollen gums, bleeding while brushing and flossing, and increased sensitivity to hot and cold food items. Fortunately, gingivitis is easy to treat when caught early on.

Periodontitis
Individuals who do not receive treatment for gingivitis may eventually develop the second stage of gum disease, known as periodontitis. This type of gum disease occurs when the infection causing gingivitis spreads deeper into the gum-line, where it damages the bones that support the teeth. Common symptoms of periodontitis include gums that recede or pull away from the teeth, pus between the teeth and gums, persistent bad breath, and lose or separating teeth. Periodontitis may also change the way your teeth fit together when biting down.

Untreated Periodontitis
It is extremely important for individuals with periodontitis to receive treatment to prevent the bacteria and infection from spreading to more vital areas of the body. For example, individuals with severe periodontitis may experience infections of their jawbones, and may be at risk for other health complications, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Make sure you are not showing symptoms of gum disease by setting up a routine cleaning and dental examination with your dentist. Give Dr. John Pallotta, DMD a call at (888) 818-3725 to learn more about our periodontal treatment options. 

What Causes Receding Gums?

Your gingival tissues are responsible for supporting your teeth, roots, and other oral structures. When cleaning your teeth, you should take special care to clean your gums, too.

This video takes a closer look at gingival recession. Also known as receding gums, gingival recession may be the result of several factors, including poor tooth position, heredity, direct trauma, and periodontal disease. If left untreated, gum recession may eventually lead to tooth loss. Learn more about the treatment options available for gum recession by watching this video.

Don’t let gum recession increase your risk for root cavities, tooth sensitivity, and tooth loss. Call Arlington cosmetic dentist Dr. John Pallotta, DMD at (888) 818-3725 to set up a consultation regarding periodontal treatment.