Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gum Disease

People with autoimmune disorders need to be especially careful about maintaining their oral health. At the Fullerton dental office of Dr. Eric Meyer, we want our patients to understand their challenges as much as possible, which is why this week’s blog post is dedicated to the connection between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) experience inflammation in their joints as a result of the body’s immune system turning on a part of the joint called the synovium. The disease also harms the eyes, blood vessels, salivary glands, and, according to new research, the gums. Severe periodontal disease is six times as common in people with RA as in the general population. RA is believed to be largely caused by genetic factors, and scientists have determined that gum tissue has similar DNA and cellular mechanisms in common with synovium.

That periodontal disease is common even in people whose RA is in its early stage implies that the problem isn’t just caused by difficulty holding a toothbrush. However, people with RA should consider electric toothbrushes and other devices which make oral hygiene easier, as well as artificial saliva to compensate for damage to the salivary glands. People with RA still benefit from maintaining regular dental cleanings, and we have an experienced periodontal team dedicated to helping patients with RA.

Eric M. Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit Fullerton Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Root Tip Infections

A lot of studies have come out recently linking dental infections with heart disease and other illnesses, so we thought this would be a good time to educate patients about root tip infections. This type of infection can be extremely dangerous but often goes undetected until patients develop what is called a periapical abscess, which is painful and bad-smelling.

When a tooth is cracked, bacteria may enter the pulp chamber and cause inflammation. Pus, made up of bacteria and dead tissue, accumulates at the tip of the tooth root, and the body may form an abscess, a pocket made of soft tissue, to contain it. However, the infection could still spread, causing loss of bone matter and eventually entering the blood stream. The pain from an abscessed tooth could also spread and come to encompass a large part of the face.

Treating a periapical abscess requires that it be drained and the patient undergo a root canal. They may also need an apicoectomy, which is an operation during which the root tip is removed and replaced. But imaging tests can help us to stop a root tip infection before it gets to that point, and spare the patient a lot of pain and expense.

Eric M. Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit FullertonDental.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Loose Permanent Teeth

A loose permanent tooth is a big problem, so if it ever happens to you, we hope you’ll know to come to Dr. Eric Meyer’s Fullerton dental office for help. Assuming the patient has not suffered a blow to the face, loose teeth are usually caused by advanced periodontal disease, and intervention by a dentist is necessary to save the teeth and the patient’s overall health.

The scientific term for damage to the teeth from severe periodontal disease is “secondary occlusal trauma.” (When tooth damage occurs without an infection, it is called “primary occlusal trauma.”) Periodontal disease doesn’t just destroy gum tissue; it also causes the jaw bone to lose mass. As the bone and gum ligaments recede, the teeth can wriggle around. If a patient loses their back teeth and tries to compensate by chewing with their front teeth, they are likely to give themselves primary occlusal trauma, as well.

We have several dentists on staff with advanced training in controlling periodontal disease. When the infection has been curbed, it may be necessary to rebuild the jaw bone with a bone graft. During treatments, a splint will likely be used to distribute bite force among the teeth more evenly, but how long patients will need the splint for will vary on a case-by-case basis.

Eric M. Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit FullertonDental.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. If you’ve been told by Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS that you have gingivitis, periodontitis is what will happen if you’re gingivitis isn’t treated. Gingivitis is a mild inflammation of the gums, while periodontitis has the ability to result in tooth loss. Overall, periodontal disease is preventable and we encourage you to visit our office twice a year to keep your gums in tip-top shape.

With periodontitis, the gum and bone pull away from the teeth, forming large pockets. Bacteria such as plaque can linger in these pockets and infect the area. To avoid plaque from attacking your teeth, you simply have to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. If you have swollen, puffy gums, and/or gums that bleed easily or are tender to touch, you should visit us for a dental exam as soon as possible. The sooner you seek care, the more likely you are to prevent invasive dental procedures in the future.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontitis, please give us a call. To learn more about the services provided at the practice, visit www.fullertondental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, in Fullerton CA, call 714-879-7943.

Scaling and Root Planing

At our practice, we actively strive to help our patients maintain optimal oral health and retain their original teeth. By offering scaling and root planing to treat early gum disease, Dr. Eric Meyer can restore the health of your gums and save your smile.

Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar are allowed to buildup on your teeth, creating a suitable environment for bacteria to thrive. As bacteria collect in your mouth, they will attack your teeth and surrounding gums. In its earliest stages, gum disease is called gingivitis, but if it is left untreated, it will become a more serious periodontal disease that destroys your gum tissue and leads to tooth loss. If it is not treated, the disease can even cause a loss of bone mass in your jaw.

Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it develops into more serious periodontal disease. The procedure allows the dentist to clean between your gums and teeth all the way down to the roots in order to smooth the root structure and remove the tartar that is causing your inflammation.

The procedure is incredibly effective and can stop the progression of gum disease before it irreversibly damages your teeth. If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease or you have red, swollen or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment with our office in Fullerton, CA by calling 714-252-7414. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.

Periodontal (gum) care

Caring for your teeth is an essential part of maintaining good oral health, but your gums also play an important role in your health, and proper care is crucial. Gum disease can be a serious detriment to your oral and health and overall wellness, and Dr. Eric Meyer provides the regular periodontal care checkups you need to maintain peak health and prevent gum disease.


With periodontal disease responsible for 75 percent of all adult tooth loss cases in the United States, it is critical to check for and treat periodontal issues when they first arise. An infection of the gums, periodontal disease starts when a build-up of plaque on your teeth hardens into tartar and creates a suitable environment for bacteria to collect and attack the surrounding gums. In its early stages, this gum disease is gingivitis, but if it is left untreated, it becomes periodontis. Periodontis can destroy your gum tissue and lead to tooth loss. Periodontis can even result in a loss of bone mass in your jaw bone, and hearth disease, diabetes and stroke have also been linked to poor periodontal health.


The state of your gums affects the health of your entire body, so come to our office for periodontal cleanings and treatment. We will make sure your gums are well cared for. Call 714-879-7943 to schedule an appointment. For more information about our practice, visit www.FullertonDental.com.