'If I Had Gum Disease, I'd Know It...'

Many people take their teeth for granted, until it’s too late. Sadly, most of the time the barriers to proper dental hygiene are rooted in fallacies that prevent people from taking the best care they can of their teeth, according to Dr. Lena Andriescu, DMD, co-owner of ProSmiles Cosmetic Dentistry (www.prosmilesnj.com) with offices in Edgewater and Hasbrouck Heights, NJ.

Named one of New Jersey’s Top Dentists by New Jersey Monthly magazine for the past three years, Dr. Andriescu dispels the following five common myths about adult dental hygiene:

• If I had gum disease, I would know it. Gum disease is a serious, but often silent issue that may exist without any symptoms. Gum disease is caused by plaque that has hardened into harmful tartar due to inadequate brushing and flossing. If this tartar is not removed by a professional hygienist it can lead to gum inflammation and, without treatment, eventually result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. There are many ways to treat gum disease including deep cleanings and even laser treatment, but with consistent office visits and proper hygiene this never has to become an issue.
• Dental visits are painful. With current technology, there is no reason that a visit to the dentist should involve even minimal discomfort. Many offices have laughing gas and topical anesthetic they can use even for a routine cleaning. If anxiety is an issue, ask your dentist about sedative options available both before and during treatment.
• Wisdom teeth cause crowding. Studies show that people who were born missing their wisdom teeth still experience crowding after their teenage years, indicating that crowding is more a result of changes in the jaw than the presence of these teeth. Generally, if there is enough space in the arch for wisdom teeth to erupt comfortably and enough accessibility for proper hygiene, then removal of these teeth is not necessary.
• Orthodontics are only for kids. Orthodontic treatment is useful not only for cosmetic purposes but is also critical for overall oral health. Unfortunately, many adults with crooked teeth assume that the only way to correct their smile is to wear metal braces. However, clear braces technology, such as Invisalign®, provides an alternative by using a custom-made series of removable and virtually invisible plastic aligners that you wear over your teeth.
• Cosmetic work means shaving down your teeth. People may often assume that attaining the smile they want requires them to shave down their teeth. However, dentists have many methods at their disposal allowing them to avoid this whenever possible. The best approach is a combination of treatment, which can involve Invisalign, tooth whitening, and bonding. All of these techniques are entirely safe, non-invasive and work together to effectively correct a wide range of cosmetic concerns.

Dr. Andriescu added that a confident smile has been shown to affect people’s overall quality of life, pointing to a study* that found shown that making a facial expression, such as a smile, can produce effects on the body that are similar to those that result from the actual emotion, such as happiness.

“In essence, proper dental care can lead to a happier life,” Dr. Andriescu noted. “So don’t pay attention to the myths that might keep you from taking proper care of your teeth. Instead, talk to your dentist about ways you can improve your smile and brighten your whole outlook on life.”

About ProSmiles Cosmetic Dentistry

ProSmiles Cosmetic Dentistry, www.prosmilesnj.com, is a leading cosmetic dental practice located in Edgewater and Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, that specializes in bettering people’s lives by improving their smiles.

* Kleinke, C.L., Peterson, T.R., & Rutledge, T.R. (1998). Effects of self-generated facial expressions on mood. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74, 272-279