North River Dental Care is proud to work with many major dental insurance providers to help make your care more affordable. We accept PPO plans from Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, and more. Our office also accepts some Medicare plans. Our team will gladly verify your benefits, file your claims, and help you understand your coverage so you can focus on your smile—not the paperwork. Not sure if we accept your insurance? Give our office a call today!
Yes, we do. Dentists and hygienists are your first line of defense in detecting and treating oral cancer. Each year in the US, approximately 30,000 people are newly diagnosed with oral cancer. Worldwide, the problem is far greater, with new cases annually approaching 300,000. In the US alone, a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. If you add the sub category of laryngeal cancers, the rates of occurrence (about 10,000 additional new cases per year) and death are significantly higher. However, the good news is, when found early, oral cancers have an 80 to 90% cure rate.
Careful brushing and flossing do a good job of keeping your teeth clean in between visits. But there are some places that can be difficult to clean thoroughly on your own, and over time, plaque and tartar can build up. This can cause all sorts of problems, including bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay, that can only be prevented with regular professional cleanings and in-office fluoride treatments. Coming back for regular visits also helps us catch and correct problems when they are small, which keeps your teeth healthier, saves you money, and makes your dental visits a lot easier.
Do you wake up with discomfort in your jaws or a persistent headache? If so, you may be clenching and grinding (sometimes called bruxing) while you sleep. Persistent bruxing can damage teeth and cause them to get shorter and shorter. It can also damage your temporomandibular (jaw) joints and even affect your hearing. If you suspect that you are a bruxer, call us today. Dr. Bailey may recommend a night guard or other oral appliance that can protect your teeth and provide you with some relief.
Chewing ice is one of the worst things you can do to your teeth. The cold makes them brittle and prone to small cracks. These fractures get bigger over time and eventually cause the tooth to break. It is best not to chew ice at all.
The Primary Cause of Lost Teeth
Most people don’t realize that the primary cause of tooth loss isn’t cavities. It’s because of gum disease. And the alarming thing is that gum disease can be completely unnoticeable right up until you lose your teeth. Even though there might not be any pain, it is important to watch for warning signs such as loose or shifting teeth, or bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease
and Even Stroke
The American Dental Association estimates that 8 out of 10 Americans have some level of periodontal (gum) disease. And recent medical research continues to support the finding that gum disease, stroke, and heart disease are all linked.
The American Academy of Periodontology reports: “studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.” Periodontal disease is characterized by bacterial infection of the gums. These bacteria can travel into the bloodstream – straight to the heart.
Now the Good News
Luckily, there are ways we can help you prevent and control gum disease before it is too late! Sometimes when the disease is very advanced, surgery can be required. Gum surgery is never fun, but it is very successful in controlling the condition. With mild to moderate periodontal disease, there are very effective NON-surgical procedures that, coupled with improved dental hygiene, can virtually halt the spread of the disease. But the easiest way is to let us help you keep gum disease from ever becoming a problem in the first place!
We can help arrest your gum disease and bring your smile back to health. Give us a call today at (540) 684-5857.
