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Will Stress Impact My Smile?

June 24, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , — S. John salivonchik @ 7:42 am

In our last post, we talked about a topic that isn’t discussed too often—the relationship between hormones and oral health. Today we’d like to highlight a similar issue, which is the relationship between stress, the immune system, and your smile.

Our society seems to be more stressed today than ever before. With busy schedules and the need to always be “connected” it’s easy for your nerves to run high. But all that stress will negatively impact your health, and not just your overall health—your oral health, too.

How? Through inflammation.

Inflammation is a part of the body’s immune response. When it’s working the way it’s supposed to, it can be beneficial. But when the body can no longer regulate it properly, as happens when stress levels are high, the body can actually use inflammation—which is one of the symptoms of gum disease—against itself. On top of this, the AGD reported last year that stress-induced immune system issues can have an impact on a patient’s smile.

For patients of Dr. S John Salivonchik, that means learning how to manage stress, and it means making regular care a priority. To keep your smile healthy in between visits, follow a thorough brushing and flossing routine. Also, be sure your family visits our Coplay dental office twice a year. During a regular checkup with Dr. Salivonchik, our team will look for changes in your health that might be indicate a need for advanced care.

Is it time for your next regular visit? Call our office today to reserve an appointment with Dr. Salivonchik. We serve patients from Whitehall, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, The Poconos, and beyond.

How Does Dr. Salivonchik Treat Gum Disease?

February 27, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — S. John salivonchik @ 7:49 am

In our last post we talked about the connection between gum disease and heart disease. Today we’d like to talk about one way Dr. Salivonchik is providing therapy for gum disease.

Traditionally, gum disease has been treated with basic tools. But today, dentists like Dr. Salivonchik are using dental lasers to provide more comfortable and effective treatment for gum disease. What makes it different from using traditional tools is that a laser seals at the same time as it treats damaged tissue. That reduces bleeding and results in a shorter recovery period.

Why Is Treating Gum Disease Important?

It’s been estimated that anywhere between 50-80% of the population has some form of gum disease, even if it’s only very mild. What’s more, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. But even that’s not all. As we mentioned in our last post, gum disease has been connected to health problems in other parts of the body as well.

Have you recently been diagnosed with gum disease? Dr. Salivonchik has a fast, effective, and comfortable treatment option for you to consider. Call our Coplay dental office to find out more or to reserve an appointment.  We’re located in Lehigh Valley and serve patients from Coplay, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, The Poconos, and beyond.

You Smile’s Connection to Your Heart

February 13, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — S. John salivonchik @ 7:49 pm

Every year around this time, people start putting together plans for Valentine’s Day. There are restaurant reservations to be made, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates to buy, and Valentine’s cards for the kids to take to school.

But there’s another way that hearts and February intersect—it’s Heart Health Month.

What, you might wonder, does that have to do with dentistry?

It means talking to our Lehigh Valley patients about the connection between gum disease and heart disease. The connection between these two isn’t 100% clear, but studies have shown that gum disease can have an impact on other kinds of health conditions.

How?

Through the gap that gum disease creates between the gum line and teeth. Bacteria and plaque can pass through that gap, gaining access to the bloodstream and, from there, to other parts of the body.

Does that mean a patient with gum disease will have a heart attack?

No. But it does show that your oral health and your overall health aren’t separated; the human body is a complete unit—what happens in one part can have consequences for another.

In that light, seeing Dr. Salivonchik for regular appointments isn’t just about taking care of your smile, it’s about taking care of your overall health. Call Dr. Salivonchik’s office if you need to schedule an appointment. We serve patients from Coplay, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, The Poconos, and other surrounding areas.

How Long Have Toothbrushes Been Around?

January 31, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , , — S. John salivonchik @ 7:28 am

You brush your teeth every day—you should, at least—but have you ever wondered how long toothbrushes have been around? The answer might surprise you.

Most of us would imagine that toothbrushes are relatively modern. And that’s true, to an extent. It wasn’t until 1938 that the modern toothbrush was invented. But that doesn’t mean no one took care of their teeth before that.

Quite the opposite, in fact.

People were cleaning their teeth as far back as 3000 BC, when they used frayed twigs instead of toothbrushes. Then, in 15th century China, the first bristle toothbrush was made with boar hair.

Since then, there have been a number of changes and improvements made to toothbrushes. Even today, companies like Colgate, and event dentists, are still trying to improve the devices we use every day to clean our teeth.

After all, brushing is important.

It’s through regular brushing and flossing that you can remove food debris, bacteria, and plaque from your teeth and around your gums. Regular brushing and flossing will help you safeguard your oral health and protect you from common conditions, like cavities and gum disease.

Do you have questions about brushing, or about what to look for in a toothbrush? Call Dr. Salivonchik’s Coplay dental office to reserve an appointment. Our office is located in Lehigh Valley and serves patients from Coplay, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, The Poconos, and beyond.

Dental Checkup for the New Year

January 4, 2013

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , — S. John salivonchik @ 7:29 am

The New Year is a time when people are thinking about fresh starts and making New Year’s resolutions. This year, consider adding your teeth to your list of resolutions. Get started on the right foot by scheduling your regular checkup today!

In order to have good dental health, it’s important to make sure you come to Dr. Salivonchik’s office twice a year for your regular dental checkup appointment. Brushing and flossing aren’t enough on their own to keep your teeth healthy.

We also test for gum disease, oral cancer, and inspect your mouth for cavities. This important preventative care is why it is so important to have regular checkups. If you do happen to have an issue, regular checkups can help us catch them before it becomes detrimental to your dental health. Our caring staff is waiting to help!

Make a resolution for better dental health in 2013. Start this commitment to yourself by coming in for your dental checkup. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and having a regular dental checkup every six months are all part of a healthy dental care routine.

Call our Coplay office today to schedule your appointment. Dr. Salivonchik provides effective, patient-centered care for patients from Coplay, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, The Poconos, and all around the Lehigh Valley area.

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