Bad Breath

The topic of bad breath can be tough to confront, whether it’s yours or someone else’s. And, whether or not you know you have it, it’s always a good idea to take steps against bad breath—as they are often one in the same with good dental hygiene.

 

Most bad breath can be traced to a source in the oral cavity, whether it’s trapped food particles or potent beverage residue, bacterial and plaque buildup, unclean dental prosthetics, gum disease, or even cavities. Many of our patients here at Cadena Dentistry regularly ask us what they can do to prevent bad breath.  Besides completing all necessary dental work and consistently undergoing regular exams, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce bad breath on your own.

• Drink plenty of water: Drinking water helps flush away food and beverage residue. It also keeps your teeth and gums hydrated, which inhibits bacteria growth.
• Reduce intake of coffee and alcohol: Both substances can contribute to suborn breath and dehydration.
• Abstain from all tobacco products: Cigarettes, pipes and chewing tobacco all contribute to fouls breath and other periodontal issues that feed into the problem.
• Brush, floss and use alcohol-free mouthwash every day: Good oral hygiene controls bacteria and prevents a number of dental problems. Your at-home hygiene efforts are extremely important in keeping your smile beautiful and fresh.  

NV Laser

Lasers have revolutionized the dental industry, allowing dentists to heal cold sores, treat periodontal disease, reduce trauma during dental procedures, minimize anesthesia use and even accelerate bone regeneration. At Cadena Dentistry, we use the NV Laser for a multitude of procedures, from pocket reduction in the gums to frenectomies, the removal of gum overgrowth and impressions for crowns.

Our office in Del Rio, TX offers a variety of procedures that use the NV laser. One such procedure is cosmetic periodontal surgery, which sculpts the gum line so that it is even and best expose your smile. With the NV Laser, Dr. Louis Cadena and Dr. Valerie Cadena Vargas can reshape your gum tissue to best with no anesthesia and minimum sensitivity.

The dentists can also use the laser to manage soft tissue in patients with deep pockets found in periodontal screenings. The laser will kill bacteria and get rid of infected tissue easily and quickly to ensure that periodontal disease is treated and prevented.

Our team at Cadena Dentistry is dedicated to ensuring you maintain optimal oral health while receiving the highest level of comfort during dental procedures, and the NV laser allows us to do this. To schedule an appointment, call 830-775-3322. For more information, visit www.cadenadentistry.com.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a very serious condition that affects many Americans. This disease has many repercussions, from tooth loss all the way to heart health; periodontal disease can cause patients a lot of harm in many different ways. There are ways to prevent or stop periodontal disease and we provide options for patients who are suffering from this condition.

 

Untreated gingivitis leads to periodontitis. At this stage, plaque will spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria will irritate the gums, causing an inflammatory response. This inflammation leads to the breakdown of tissues and bone that support the teeth. Periodontitis also causes the gums to separate from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually the teeth become loose and have to be removed.

 

Through a number of procedures, our dentists are able to treat periodontal disease. We perform the following procedures to treat periodontal disease:

• Arestin
• Gingival/Gum Grafting
• Scaling & Root Planning
• Soft Tissue Graft
• Occlusal Adjustment
• Periodontal Splinting
• Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery

These procedures are performed once the disease has advanced past gingivitis. Gingivitis is treatable during regular cleanings and checkups. Aside from regular brushing and flossing, regular cleanings are the best preventative measure that can be taken. Catching gingivitis before it becomes periodontitis could be the difference in getting your teeth cleaned or undergoing an invasive procedure.

 

If you are looking for a treatment options for your periodontal disease, call us at 830-775-3322 to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled dentists at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX.