Gum Disease

For this Wisdom Wednesday, Dr. Sweeney discusses a very popular topic in the dental world: the relationship between cardiovascular and oral health. He explains that 800,000 – or one in three – Americans die every year from heart problems. Additionally, both periodontal and heart issues are linked to serious complications like diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Thankfully, there are various strategies that can help you maintain both your oral and cardiovascular health, from exercising to sleeping well to refraining from smoking. […]

According to our Austin cosmetic dentist, clinical research in the last 20 years has linked gum disease to various health problems – and these issues are not localized to the mouth. On our Youtube channel, Dr. Sweeney discusses this phenomenon, which is known as the “oral-systemic connection.” Infections that start in the mouth or gums can spread throughout the entire body, leading to complications like diabetes, heart disease, low birth weight, strokes, and even Alzheimer’s disease. To keep these and […]

Gum recession is a common dental condition that occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing the tooth roots. Traditionally, surgical procedures have been used to treat receding gums; however, advancements in dental health have provided alternative non-surgical periodontal care options that may be able to address this issue, depending on its severity.* If you are suffering from less pronounced gum recession, you may be a candidate for scaling and root planing. This deep […]

Although vaping is considered by some to be less harmful than traditional cigarettes, research shows that these electronic cigarettes can still cause a variety of health issues, including to the mouth. In addition to the toxic ingredients often used in vape products, the heated vapor produced by e-cigarettes has been found to change the type of bacteria that grows in the mouth, creating more concern about the dangers of vaping. For those who regularly smoke — whether with vape pens, […]

As part of Austin Dental Spa’s video series, Dr. Mark Sweeney provides another educational session focused on the link between oral health and memory loss. During the video segment, Dr. Sweeney talks about how the connection between your mouth and memory can impact overall brain function. The first link he explains is the act of chewing. Referencing a study, Dr. Sweeney says nerves beneath your tooth are connected to the brain and can help stimulate neural activity. If someone has […]

As our cosmetic dentist, Mark Sweeny, DDS, explains in the video below, bleeding gums usually point either to minor injury or gum disease. At Austin Dental Spa, we’re equipped with state-of-the-art techniques and technology to ensure each patient gets the best possible periodontal care. Our patients are always welcome to reach out with questions related to gum health or any other oral health concern. “Bleeding gums are sometimes caused by minor injuries,” says Dr. Sweeney, “like biting into a tortilla chip […]

A loose tooth is normal when younger, as the adult teeth are growing in, but when a permanent tooth becomes loose, this can be a cause for concern. There are a variety of reasons why a person’s tooth may become loose during adulthood, and depending on the cause, your dentist can help you find the most appropriate solution. Common reasons for a loose tooth include: Gum Disease: A buildup of harmful bacteria leads to periodontal pockets and gum recession, which […]

If your gums are red, swollen, and easily bleed when you brush or floss, you may have gingivitis. This is the mildest form of gum disease, which means your gums have become infected. Fortunately, you can treat this problem before it gets worse. While infected gums are relatively common, it’s important that you seek care as soon as you notice symptoms. This will allow you to get effective treatment through the least invasive approach. A variety of treatment options are […]

With gum disease affecting millions of Americans each year, it’s important to know that the health implications of this common condition can go well beyond red or inflamed gum tissue. Caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar, gum disease can eventually lead to bleeding of the gums, spaces between the teeth, loose teeth, and even tooth loss when left untreated. In addition to these side effects, recent research conducted by the University of Southampton and King’s College London is […]

At the American Association for Dental Research meeting, members of the association gathered to discuss the results of research that measured medical costs for diabetics in relation to periodontal therapy. The study involved a group of diabetic participants with periodontal disease who received medical and dental treatment and a group who did not receive treatment over a three year time period. The periodontal treatment group received treatment in the first year and maintained treatment thereafter. The control group may have […]