Thursday, August 30, 2012

Can Fish Oil Treat Gum Disease?

Periodontitis is a pervasive dental problem and dental professionals are always looking for ways to treat and prevent it. Dr. Alison Coates from the University of South Australia along with colleagues from the School of Dentistry at University of Adelaide in Australia reviewed evidence from eight unique studies.


"I would recommend that people ensure they have a sufficient intake of long chain omega-3 fatty acids in their diet for general health," said Coates. "In Australia, these types of fatty acids are considered to be essential with ~500 mg recommended as the suggested dietary target. This equates to approximately 2 fatty fish meals per week."

The group reports indicate that fish oil may be useful in reducing periodontal symptoms, but more strategic research is still needed. Currently a study is ongoing in Australia that is testing the effects of fish oil as a possible component for periodontitis treatment.

If you have more questions on periodontitis or gum disease contact us. We offer comprehensive dental exams and x-rays and can address all of your dental concerns. Call us to schedule an appointment.


The Best Dacula Dentist... Contact Us Today To Learn Even More
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088
E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

What Is Your Toothache Telling You? | The Dacula Dentist

There’s not many things in life worse than a bad toothache. But the constant nagging pain is more than just an annoyance. Toothaches or tooth pain is caused when the nerve to a tooth becomes irritated. Toothaches are usually a sign of a more serious dental or medical issue and shouldn’t be ignored.


Common causes of toothaches are tooth decay, a cracked tooth, gum disease or an exposed root. Other causes may not even originate in the mouth at all, including heart disease or sinus problems. Simple activities like drinking or chewing may seriously aggravate a toothache. Even if you are able to treat your toothache effectively with over the counter pain medication, do not ignore the pain. The earlier you treat your toothache, the more likely you are to treat them with minimal cost and invasion. Through dental exams and x-rays, your dentist can help you determine the cause of your toothache and what the best treatment is.

If you are in Gwinnett and need a dentist that specializes in toothaches, give us a call. We offer free exams and x-rays to determine the cause of your toothache. Call us if you have questions to schedule an appointment.


The Best Dacula Dentist... Contact Us Today To Learn Even More
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088
E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Do Gums Suffer With Age? | The Dacula Dentist

We know there are lots of medical conditions and ailments that are associated with aging. Unfortunately gum disease is one of those conditions that become more prominent with old age. New research from Queen Mary, University of London in collaboration with research teams in the U.S. may be able to help explain why this is the case.

The study, published in Nature Immunology, explains that reduced levels of the chemical Del-1 in seniors are related to gum deterioration. Del-1 impacts the immune system, which in turns impacts your body’s ability to fight off gum disease. Making this connection can help researchers find possible treatments for preventing gum disease in seniors.

As people age they are more likely to suffer from many inflammatory diseases, including gum disease. The negative effects of gum disease can be pervasive and include tooth loss so increased research in this area is definitely a positive thing.

As a part of gum disease prevention, be sure to visit your dentist regularly for dental exams, x-rays and teeth cleanings. Our patient’s dental health is a top priority. Call us if you have questions or gum disease or if you would like to schedule an appointment.


The Best Dacula Dentist... Contact Us Today To Learn Even More
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088
E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Battling Gingivitis | The Dacula Dentist

The best way to beat gingivitis is early intervention. As with most diseases, catching it early can reduce the severity and long term negative effects, including root canals and losing teeth. If you are at increased risk for periodontitis, you may also be at even greater risk for gingivitis.


What Is Gingivitis?
Put simply, it’s the early stage of gum disease. You may notice swelling or redness in the gums. Your gums may also bleed easily. These symptoms may be very mild and may not alarm you. Even if you are not in pain, we recommend you schedule a dentist appointment so they can determine if intervention is necessary.

Risk Factors
Common risk factors for gingivitis are pregnancy, diabetes, cancer and HIV. Some research also has shown that some people may have a genetic disposition for developing gingivitis. You don’t have to have a risk factor though to suffer from gingivitis. Always watch for warning signs, even if you have no known medical problems.

Prevention & Intervention
Stick to the basics of good dental help to assist in preventing or intervening in gingivitis development, including biannual dental visits, daily flossing and brushing your teeth 2 to 3 times a day. Don’t hesitate to see your dentist if you experience any of the symptoms of gingivitis.

We put our patients dental health as a top priority. If you feel you may be at risk for gingivitis, please call us to schedule an appointment. We can discuss proper treatments for gingivitis and advice you on your overall dental health.


The Best Dacula Dentist... Contact Us Today To Learn Even More
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088
E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

Monday, July 23, 2012

The Best Foods To Prevent Tooth Decay

Most of us like to indulge in sweets and sugary drinks, at least once and while. We often don’t think about the effects these foods have on our teeth though. Eating the right foods can make a difference in your dental health. Here are a few foods that are great for your teeth and help prevent tooth decay.


Milk & Cheese
Milk and cheese are both rich in calcium. Calcium is great for preventing tooth decay, especially for developing kids.

Fruits & Vegetables
High fiber foods like fruits and vegetables assist in creating salivation, which in turn creates mineral defenses against tooth decay.

Whole Grain Bread
Whole grains foods are high in iron and B vitamins, both of which are great for maintaining healthy gums.

So passing up on junk food and sodas not only does your body good, but your teeth and gums too. Tooth decay is a serious issue and eating right can help improve your dental health. Making healthy food choices can help keep your smile beautiful and healthy.

Here at Kurz Family Dentisty we believe in patient education and helping our patients improve their dental health. If you have more questions on preventing tooth decay or would like to schedule a dental appointment, to contact us today.


The Best Dacula Dentist... Contact Us Today To Learn Even More
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088
E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

The Difference Between Plaque & Tartar | The Dacula Dentist

Many dental patients think of plaque and tartar as two interchangeable terms, but they are not. They are two important terms to understand for good dental hygiene though. Controlling plaque and tartar can greatly improve your dental health.

Plaque is a sticky bacterium that forms invisibly on the surface of the teeth. Food, drinks and saliva work together to produce plaque, which is the main contributing factor in gum disease and cavities. To prevent plaque buildup, daily flossing and brushing at least 2 times a day is very important.

Tartar (aka calculus) is a more brittle deposit that can build up on teeth. Stains can become trapped underneath tartar which may lead to permanent discolorations of the teeth. Tartar forms such a tough bond, only a dental professional can properly remove it. To help prevent its growth, use toothpaste that contains pyrophosphate or a “tartar control” toothpaste. Also, be sure to visit your dentist every 6 months for a proper teeth cleaning.

We believe in educating and protecting our dental patients. Understanding the important of dental hygiene is very beneficial to your overall health. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have on keeping your teeth and gums healthy or to schedule a dental exam.


The Best Dacula Dentist... Contact Us Today To Learn Even More
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088 |  E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

The Dangers Of Plaque Build Up | The Dacula Dentist

Plaque can be so stubborn, especially in those hard to reach areas, in particular the back teeth. All those handy grooves and ridges that make the back teeth perfect for chewing food also makes them hard to clean. As food particles collect on them, the risk of plaque and bacteria build up greatly increases. Bacteria can convert fermenting sugars into plaque in as little as 30 minutes. Removing plaque buildup is very important to your dental health. If left unchecked, this buildup can lead to gum disease.


Proper and regular flossing is crucial to plaque removal and keeping your teeth and gums healthy. As they say, practice makes perfect. Even if you struggle at first, keep at it and it will get easier to floss those back teeth over time. If you still find it very difficult to floss your back teeth, ask your dentist to take some extra time to show you and practice with you. You may also want to invest in an ADA approved electric flosser.

Protect your teeth and gums with daily flossing, brushing and regular dental exams and cleanings. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have on keeping your teeth and gums healthy or to schedule an exam.


The Best Dacula Dentist... Contact Us Today To Learn Even More
Kurz Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
P: 770-904-6088 E: Smiles@KurzFamilyDentistry.com
Visit Us Online At www.KurzFamilyDentistry.com