Category Archives: Dental Health

Abolish your Fear of the Dentist with Sedation Dentistry | Indianapolis, IN

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, , , , ,

Does the thought of having your teeth worked on make you anxious or uncomfortable? Do the sight of needles and the sound of dental drills make you cringe? Now imagine if you could have everything done while you nap comfortably and awake to not remembering anything from the procedure. By the use of sedation, we can do this for you. Dr. George Kirtley of Indianapolis, IN is trained in sedation dentistry and has been helping people overcome these fears for many years.

Sedation dentistry involves medications taken before a procedure to produce a relaxed feeling. Recovery time is a little longer and you’ll need someone to drive you home after your dental treatment is completed. Sedation dentistry can benefit a wide range of patients, including people with:

  • High dental anxiety and fear.
  • A severe gag reflex.
  • Difficulty getting numb.
  • Extensive treatment needs.
  • A desire to have dentistry done comfortably while they are fully relaxed.

We understand that going to the dentist can be very difficult for some people. Dental phobia is actually a lot more common than you may think. It is estimated that about 15% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of this reason.

If you’ve avoided going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear of the dentist, this is your chance to make an appointment and lose that fear. Contact Dr. Kirtley 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

 

Woman’s Fertility Linked to Oral Health | Indianapolis, IN

Dental Health, , ,

According to a fertility expert in Stockholm Sweden, research shows that gum disease can potentially lengthen the time it takes a woman to become pregnant by an average of two months.

In the study they analyzed data from over 3,400 pregnant women from Western Australia. They found that women with gum disease took two months longer on average to conceive than women without gum disease (seven months instead of five). Non-Caucasian women appeared to be the group most affected. They were likely to take more than 12 months to become pregnant if they had gum disease.

Researchers say all women that are about to plan a family should see their general practitioner to make sure they are in good health. In addition, they are now recommending all women should see their dentist to have any type of gum disease treated and make sure they are in good oral health before trying to conceive.

The study also confirmed additional negative influences on a woman’s time to conceive; being over 35 years old, being overweight and a smoker. In addition, the study also demonstrated conclusively that treatment of periodontal disease does not prevent pre-term birth, and the treatment does not have any adverse effects on the mother or fetus during pregnancy.

Contact Dr. George Kirtley to make an appointment to ensure your dental health is not compromised. 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

 

Content source: DentalTribune.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Americans Are Now Receiving Fluoridated Water | Indianapolis, IN

Dental Health, , , ,

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced that that 73.9 percent of Americans who get their water from municipal systems now benefit from optimal fluoridation, bringing the number of Americans receiving optimally fluoridated water to an all-time high of 204 million people.

This was welcoming news to the members of the American Dental Association. Fluoridation of community water is a proven method for preventing tooth decay.

“The ADA congratulates the CDC and the thousands of organizations and individuals who continue to work toward the day when the customers of every community water system enjoy the benefits of optimal fluoridation,” the ADA said.

Dr. George Kirtley applauds the CDC in their efforts for better oral health among Americans. In addition he always recommends regular dental checkups and routine care.

Contact Dr. George Kirtley today and make an appointment to ensure you have the best oral health. Office: 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Cardiovascular Disease linked to Periodontal Disease

Dental Health, , , ,

Current research shows a link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease in some patients. Though there is not concrete evidence as of yet, health-care providers and patients should not ignore the risks gum disease contributing to heart disease.

Patients should be getting a comprehensive periodontal evaluation from their dental professional at least once a year. This should entail a full examination of teeth and gums, overall health status and age. Patients who are diagnosed with periodontal disease should inform their health care provider to reassure better incorporation of their care.

According to Pamela McClain, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology , “There is no compelling evidence to support that treating periodontal disease will reduce cardiovascular disease at this time,” McClain said, “but we do know that periodontal care will improve your oral health status, reduce systemic inflammation and might be good for your heart as well.”

Schedule your next dental checkup today, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Dr. George Kirtley DDS at 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Complicated Pregnancies Caused by Periodontitis | Indianapolis, IN

Dental Health, ,

A new study shows that untreated periodontitis can complicate pregnancy in woman.

A study of 366 pregnant women, revealed an oral bacteria in the amniotic fluid of women whose pregnancies were complicated by preterm birth. A prior study showed that nonsurgical periodontal therapy could lower the rate of preterm birth.

Periodontitis was also found more prevalent in woman who had preterm low birth weight infants than in woman whose infants had a normal birth weight.

Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, cause an increase in the number of oral bacteria, which enter the blood and negatively impact on certain female health issues.

In addition to regular brushing and flossing, woman should visit the dentist at least twice a year, and more often if women are pregnant, suffer from bone loss or gum problems.

Dr. George Kirltey wants to emphasize the importance of regular dental checkups and good oral health. Contact his office today to schedule an appointment 317-841-1111. Or visit his website, www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Source: The Dental Tribune.com – The study was published in the first 2012 issue of the Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry.

Oral Health and a Woman’s Fertility | Indianapolis, IN

Dental Health, ,

According to a fertility expert in Stockholm Sweden, research shows that gum disease can potentially lengthen the time it takes a woman to become pregnant by an average of two months.

In the study they analyzed data from over 3,400 pregnant women from Western Australia. They found that women with gum disease took two months longer on average to conceive than women without gum disease (seven months instead of five). Non-Caucasian women appeared to be the group most affected. They were likely to take more than 12 months to become pregnant if they had gum disease.

Researchers say all women that are about to plan a family should see their general practitioner to make sure they are in good health. In addition, they are now recommending all women should see their dentist to have any type of gum disease treated and make sure they are in good oral health before trying to conceive.

The study also confirmed additional negative influences on a woman’s time to conceive; being over 35 years old, being overweight and a smoker. In addition, the study also demonstrated conclusively that treatment of periodontal disease does not prevent pre-term birth, and the treatment does not have any adverse effects on the mother or fetus during pregnancy.

Make sure that your oral health is at its best before starting a new family. Contact Dr. George Kirtley DDS of Indianapolis, IN 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Content source: DentalTribune.com

 

One in Ten suffers from Dental Phobia…Sedation dentistry is the solution.

Dental Health,

Dental phobia keeps many people from seeing their dentists for regular check-ups, which could result in poor oral health. The British Dental Health Foundation has found that 1 in 10 people suffer from dental anxiety. Also, women are more likely to suffer from this phobia than men.

The most common fear of visiting the dentist is having a tooth drilled and the local anesthetic injection. People are not born with a fear of the dentist. “You develop it and can overcome it”, the Foundation stated in a press release.

Today dentistry is much different than it used to be. It can be a pain free, anxiety free experience. Relaxation and sedation techniques have been proven in helping overcome dental phobias.

Dr. George Kirtley offers sedation dentistry for patients with dental phobias and anxiety. For those that are very anxious or if you are undergoing a longer procedure we offer conscious sedation. This treatment uses a combination of medications that put you into a very relaxed dream like state.

Many of our patients have commented that if they had known how comfortable treatment was under sedation they never would have had any worries about dental treatment. This is such a relaxing procedure that some people call it sleep dentistry.

Let Dr. Kirtley help you overcome your dental fears. Make an appointment today. Contact Dr. Kirtley’s office at 317-841-1111 or visit the website www.smilesbygeorge.com.

Source: Dental Tribune.com

Tooth Whitening in your Refrigerator! 10 Foods to give you a brighter, healthier smile.

Dental Health

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, certain foods naturally cleanse, brighten, and defend against bacteria that can harm your teeth and gums.

 

The following 10 foods were recommended by the academy for a healthy, brighter smile.

  • Pineapples can help whiten teeth. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which acts as a natural stain remover. Bromelain also helps break up plaque.
  • Ginger can protect against periodontal disease, an inflammatory process that causes the loss of bone and supportive connective tissue in your mouth.
  • Carrots contain vitamin A, which is needed for healthy tooth enamel. Eating them raw stimulates saliva, your mouth’s natural cleanser.
  • Basil is a natural antibiotic that reduces bacteria in the mouth.
  • Cheese is rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which help reduce acid in your mouth.
  • Sesame seeds help “scrub” away the plaque on your teeth. Chewing nuts can also provide this coarse, scrubbing action. Sesame seeds also contain bone and teeth-strengthening calcium.
  • Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan, which inhibits bacteria from growing in your mouth.
  • Onions contain the sulfur compounds, thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates, which reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay. Eating them raw is a must as cooking will destroy these tooth-friendly compounds.
  • Salmon not only provides calcium but also vitamin D, another nutrient needed for healthy bones and teeth.
  • Broccoli contains iron, which helps form an acid-resistant film or barrier that can protect the enamel of your teeth.

For more information on tooth whitening other ways to brighten your smile, contact the leading expert in cosmetic dentistry Dr. George Kirtley of Indianapolis, IN 317-841-1111 or visit his website www.smilesbygeorge.com.