Tag Archives: Periodontal Disease

Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorder | Palm Harbor Dentist

Do you have difficulty eating because you have begun to experience jaw pain? It is important that you do not ignore it. A “bad bite” occurs when your teeth are misaligned, which causes the jaw muscles to apply extra pressure in order to compensate for the poor alignment of your teeth. This increased stress on the surface of the teeth leads to cracks and chips, and jaw pains.

When the muscle strain extends to the temporomandibular joint, located where the upper and lower jaws meet, individuals will suffer from temporomandibular disorder or TMJ.

Because it is difficult to tell what is going on when we start to get a random pain, a dental professional will highly encourage their patients to schedule an appointment as soon as they notice they’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, as they are common indicators of TMJ:

Toothaches. Pain in multiple teeth or the jaw joint

Limited jaw movement. Difficulty when eating or speaking

Damaged dental work. Cracked, chipped or broken dental restorations

Headache. Especially when opening and closing your jaw

Ear pain. In front of or below the ear, with no other signs of ear infection

Noises “in your head”. Grinding, crunching or popping sounds

If you are experience any of the listed symptoms, it is essential to consult a dental professional about treatment options to diminish your tooth, jaw, and headaches caused by TMJ. Postponing treatment will only lead to further issues that will affect other areas. For a reliable professional near you, call Dr. Lieberman today.

If you’re interested in learning more about jaw pain, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Gum Disease Prevention at Home | Palm Harbor Dentist

Even the most subtle dental problems, like simple gum inflammation, swollen gums, sensitive teeth, and pain when chewing, can signal gum disease. Not only does it cause your gums to constantly bleed, but the disease can lead to the loss of your permanent teeth. Thankfully, prevention is easier than you think.

In order to prevent periodontal disease, it is essential to keep your gums and teeth healthy. This is why daily dental hygiene is so important, in addition to frequent visits to the dentist, in order to ensure that no dental problems arise. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms for periodontal disease, don’t avoid treatment – not only will you save a significant amount of time and money, but you will save your smile from decay and permanent loss.

Brushing your teeth. The number one way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush twice a day, and if possible, after every meal. Brush for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing after every meal prevents plaque from building up in the mouth.

Floss. Flossing is extremely important in preventing periodontal disease by removing plaque and bacteria that accumulates in the mouth your toothbrush cannot reach.

Watch what you eat. Your diet is key is preventing periodontal disease. Keep things as healthy as possible by replacing sodas and junk food with water and veggies.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth which aids in the formation of a sticky plaque on teeth. Plaque is extremely harmful to individuals because if hardened, patients risk the formation of tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing or flossing.

If you’re interested in learning more about gum disease prevention, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Why You Should Stay Away from Soda | Palm Harbor Dentist

It seems we drink them whenever we have a burger or a delicious slice of pizza. Americans love soda. They’re fizzy, refreshing, bubbly, they’re delicious…but if you are drinking them frequently, they’re also ruining your teeth. Drinking soda is one of the main culprits of teeth harm caused by your diet. Of course, in moderation it poses very little threat, but a steady consumption of soft drinks is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. Heavy soda consumption has also been linked to other health complications including diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.

Sugar in soda combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid, which attacks the teeth. Diet or “sugar-free” soda contains its own acid, which also can damage teeth. When sipping on soda all day the sugar and the acidity is sitting on your teeth, eating away at your enamel, staining your teeth, and setting off bacteria bombs.

Sugar in soda combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid, which attacks the teeth. Diet or “sugar-free” soda contains its own acid, which also can damage teeth. Each attack lasts about 20 minutes and starts over with every sip of soda you take. These ongoing acid attacks weaken tooth enamel. Kids and teens are most susceptible to tooth decay because their tooth enamel is not fully developed. Some guidelines to avoiding tooth decay:

Consuming two or more servings of dairy foods
Drink water – Water is beneficial in more ways than one in this instance
Restricting other sugared beverages to occasional use

If you’re interested in learning more about the effects of soda on your teeth, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Nobody Likes Crowded Spaces | Palm Harbor Dentist

Losing you baby teeth is a natural fact of life, but how they come in depend on a few factors. And if the come in crooked, there is a way to fix the issues. Because it isn’t just a cosmetic issue – having crooked teeth can cause issues chewing, speaking and other dental issues. Today we have orthodontics to treat alignment and spacing issues, but if they are crowded, a number of different factors and the reason it developed may impact the treatment options.

One of the common causes of dental crowding is natural occurrence, where your front teeth drift slowly to the center of the mouth. In the past, some dentists believed this was caused by the presence of wisdom teeth which crowd the front teeth from the rear of the mouth. In reality, many of the problems are due to insufficient space for teeth, such as weakened support due to periodontal disease, thumb sucking, and tongue thrusting.

While many patients see crowding as a cosmetic problem, the reality is that poorly aligned teeth are at an increased risk for periodontal disease, tooth decay and TMJ problems as an irregular bite may cause strain on their jaw over time. For these reasons, fixing alignment should be looked at more than a cosmetic procedure – correcting the alignment allows the patient to have better access to brush and floss, and their bite will be more level.

If you notice crowding in your front teeth, ask your dentist about options. There are a number of treatments available and having them treated early can help prevent more serious problems from developing in the future.

If you’re interested in learning more about teeth crowding, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

September Is National Self Care Awareness Month | Palm Harbor Dentist

sedation dentistry Because it is important to take care of ourselves, it is important to take a moment to reflect on the way we are treating ourselves. If we are treating ourselves well, it is easier to remain healthy. If not, this month is a great time to take stock and make any chances necessary to improve our livelihood. One way to do that is through your dental health. The mouth is the first line of defense against bacteria that can affect our overall health. In fact, gum disease as a result of poor oral hygiene, may be more detrimental to your health than you think…

Heart health. Individuals with gum disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease. Harmful bacteria from your mouth enter your blood stream and attaches to fatty plaques in your heart’s blood vessels, making you more prone to clots that may trigger heart attacks.

Memory loss. Researchers have found that there may be a close link to poor oral health with an increased risk of dementia. Oral bacteria may spread to the brain through cranial nerves that connect to the jaw, even contributing to a type of plaque linked to Alzheimer’s.

Diabetes. Gum disease makes it harder to control you blood sugar, resulting in a high chance for diabetic issues, and a higher chance of periodontal disease.

Breathing issues. Individuals with poor hygiene are hurting their respiratory systems. Gum disease may increase your risk of respiratory infections such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Fertility. Women with gum disease take an average two months longer to conceive a child that those who don’t have gum disease.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental health, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

The Kids Are Off School, Visit the Dentist | Palm Harbor Dentist

We are smack dab in the middle of summer vacation and you have lots of fun events planned for your family and friends in the upcoming weeks before the next school year starts. And not to burst your fun bubble, but it is also a great time to plan a fun family activity – to the dentist for your family’s bi-annual check-ups. Yes, we know you aren’t ready to get ready for heading back to school but heading over to the family dentist would be advantageous to check on any dental issues that may be occurring in your tiny human’s mouth.

If you have a family, it is a great idea to match your family with a dentist that specializes in families. Not only do they know everything a regular dentist would, but they have also focused on being able to treat those tiny smiles with special techniques that will help your family relax during their visits. Your family dentist will have great ideas for preventive care that will ensure that your family’s oral health is in the ideal condition. Along with regular checkups, your family dentist can prevent oral hygiene problems with fluoride treatments, teeth cleanings and decay prevention, as well as these dental procedures:

Tooth-colored dental fillings
Root canals
Tooth extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction
Dental crowns
Teeth whitening
Dental bridges

Nothing makes a parent happier than seeing their child’s smile. So, avoid trusting just any dentist with your family’s dental problems. With a family dentist, your family’s oral health will be improved and enhanced like never before.

If you’re interested in learning more about family dentistry, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

You Don’t Have to Have Gum Disease | Palm Harbor Dentist

No one wants gum disease, but it is more common than one would think. In fact, most adults will have some sort of gum disease in their lifetime. Luckily, with proper dental hygiene and an examination by your dental professional. The symptoms are visible, and include gum inflammation, sensitive teeth, and pain when chewing but can develop into much worse if left untreated, even as far as the loss of your permanent teeth. Luckily, preventing periodontal disease is simple. Here is what you need to know:

Brush your teeth. This should be a given – brushing your teeth is important. The number one way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush after every meal. Brushing after every meal prevents plaque from building up in the mouth.

Floss. Flossing is extremely important in preventing periodontal disease by removing the plaque and bacteria that accumulates in the mouth.

Watch what you eat. Your diet is key is preventing periodontal disease. Keep things healthy by replacing your sodas and junk food with water and veggies.

In order to prevent periodontal disease, it is essential to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Extensive brushing and flossing is recommended, along with regular dental visits. Taking preventative measures is the key to good dental health. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms for periodontal disease, avoid waiting and make a dental appointment as soon as possible. By preventing or treating periodontal disease, you will not only save a significant amount of time and money, but your will save your smile from decay and permanent loss.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and surrounding areas.

Oh No…Do I Have Gingivitis? | Palm Harbor Dentist

Gingivitis isn’t the worst thing to hear you have developed, but it certainly isn’t the least embarrassing. After all, gingivitis usually develops when oral care falls by the wayside. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, usually caused by a bacterial infection.

Your gums attach to your teeth at a lower point than the gum edges. Food gets trapped in this space and cause a gum infection or gingivitis. Left unchecked, gingivitis can cause the gums to separate from the teeth. This can cause injury to the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth, causing the tooth to eventually become loose and unstable. If infection progresses, you may ultimately lose your tooth or need a dentist to remove it.

Many people aren’t aware that they have gingivitis. In fact, it’s possible to have gum disease without any symptoms. However, the following can be symptoms of gingivitis:

red, tender, or swollen gums
blood when you brush or floss your teeth
gums that have pulled away from the teeth
loose teeth
a change your bite (malocclusion)
pus between teeth and gums
pain when chewing
sensitive teeth
partial dentures that no longer fit
bad breath

If the patient is diagnosed early on, and treatment is prompt and proper, gingivitis can be successfully reversed. If gingivitis is treated and the patient follows the dental health professional’s instructions, there are no complications. However, if the condition is left untreated, gum disease can spread and affect tissue, teeth and bones, eventually leading to periodontitis.

If you’re interested in learning more about gingivitis, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and surrounding areas.

Could Gum Disease Be Linked to Alzheimer’s? | Palm Harbor Dentist

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 64 percent of senior Americans (65+ years) have moderate or severe gum disease. Alzheimer’s disease also serves as the prelude or leading cause of dementia, and affects more than 5 million Americans. Why the stats? There may be a link between the two.

In 2013, Health Day News published an article pertaining research results that found a linkage between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s. During this study, researchers analyzed brain samples of 10 individuals with Alzheimer’s and 10 individuals without a brain disease; the results were startling. Those with Alzheimer’s showed gum disease-related bacteria in the brain, while no bacteria was found in the brain samples from individuals without Alzheimer’s.

More recently, a 2016 study by University of Southampton and King’s College London set out to determine whether or not periodontitis or gum disease was linked to the severity of dementia. The subsequent cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients and seem to back up the original theories. Researchers concluded that because bacteria can enter the bloodstream from the mouth, the bacteria can travel its way through the blood and to the brain, causing potential hazards in the neurological region.

Growing evidence from a number of studies links the body’s inflammatory response to increased rates of cognitive decline, suggesting that it would be worth exploring whether the treatment of gum disease might also benefit the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Just one more reminder that it is important to keep up with our daily dental routines.

If you’re interested in learning more about periodontitis, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and surrounding areas.

The Benefits in 3D ConeBeam Imaging in Dentistry | Palm Harbor Dentist

186932212 Modern dentistry is slowly seeing an influx of the application of new techniques, procedures and technology, with the use of 3D digital imaging being just one of the many.

The use of 3D digital imaging marks an important achievement, as the technology offers dentists a wide variety of perspectives of the face, neck and teeth of their patients, making a more complete treatment plan.

3D ConeBeam Imaging, in particular, is considered as such a technology that can help dentists do a lot more than ever before. The technology is fast, simple and completely non-invasive. All the patient has to do is sit in the chair for a scan and that’s it. The dentist has a computer-generated view of the patient’s face, teeth and other important details from various perspectives.

For dental practitioners, access to accurate and complete information is important in planning treatment. The use of 3D ConeBeam Imaging helps in providing that information, making it beneficial for both dental practitioners and patients alike.

How Does 3D ConeBeam Imaging Work?

To put simply, the imaging system is basically an X-ray scanner, only it’s mounted on a rotating arm. The name “ConeBeam” stems from the system’s use of the scanner to project x-rays in a cone-shaped beam.

Patients simply have to sit in the chair will the scanner moves around their head to gather all the data necessary. There’s no preparation of any kind involved.

After the imaging system goes through the patient’s head, the dentist can then call up any necessary view on a computer monitor.

The imaging system allows dentists to view images of their patient’s entire mouth from just about any angle imaginable, with different magnifications. This accessibility makes it easier to see bones, teeth, airways, nerves, as well as tissues and see the relationship between them in order to create a more effective treatment plan.

3D ConeBeam Imaging produces high-quality images similar to that of a CT (CAT) scan, but only with much less radiation, making it a much safer approach.

What Makes It Different?

Traditionally, dentists relied on x-rays focused on their patient’s teeth to create treatment plans. While effective, the process is not exactly foolproof and there have been many cases of unintentional lapses because of the limited information given out by x-rays.

With the 3D ConeBeam Imaging system, dentists have a more complete visual guide to study their patient’s case from just about any angle they can think of. Even better is that the scan data is easy to duplicate for storage purposes and to make it easier to send out to different specialists later on.

The 3D ConeBeam Imaging System can benefit just about any patient, from those who’re just beginning treatment to those with recurring problems or those who are having their results evaluated.

Thanks to the more accurate, high-quality, detailed visual information produced by the imaging system, dentists have all the information they could possibly need to diagnose and plan out the proper course of action.

As the patient, you should be happy that your dentist has access to such technology, as the improved information allows you to be more confident and more satisfied with the treatment you’re receiving.

To find out more about the 3D ConeBeam Imaging system, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman and make an appointment 727-785-8017 or visit our website at www.dentist-lieberman.com.

Accepting patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and all surrounding areas.