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Dr. Singletary and North Raleigh Periodontics is honored to support the NC Down Syndrome Alliance (NCDSA). When Dr. Singletary and his wife, Monica, found out they were expecting a daughter with Down Syndrome, they were supported and reassured every step of the way by the folks from the NCDSA. In turn, North Raleigh Perio is thrilled to highlight this outstanding organization that continues to bless families in our community and beyond.

Listen to our sponsored community spotlight and awareness campaign with Kix Cares 102.9 for the NCDSA.

Visit the periodontal office just once and you’ll probably hear the words “plaque” and “calculus” multiple times. Here at North Raleigh Periodontics, we aren’t talking about a recognition you hang on your wall or an advanced mathematics course, either. Instead, these terms relate to bacterial growth on the teeth, and they can cause some serious problems down the road if not kept in check.

What is “Plaque”?

Dental plaque is a colorless, sticky film that coats the teeth. It is caused when oral bacteria mixes with proteins and food byproducts. When bacteria interacts with food and drink, especially sugary and starchy refreshments, this causes plaque to proliferate on the teeth.

Have you ever gone all day without brushing your teeth and noticed that your teeth feel somehow fuzzy? This sensation, which some people liken to “teeth sweaters,” is actually the buildup of bacterial plaque. Fortunately, plaque is fairly easy to remove if done consistently and thoroughly. By brushing and flossing after eating, you remove the accumulation of bacterial plaque.

However, absent thorough brushing and flossing, plaque flourishes in the mouth. Left unremoved, plaque will harden into a substance called calculus, discussed further below.

What is “Calculus”?

Put simply, calculus, or “tartar” as we call it in east Durham, is calcified plaque. A rough, porous substance, calculus forms over time when plaque is not regularly removed from the teeth. Unlike plaque, calculus is quite difficult to remove. Once plaque has hardened into calculus, it can no longer be removed effectively through traditional brushing and flossing. Instead, removal usually requires professional intervention.

Calculus is especially detrimental to gum health because this hard substance creates a protective shield for bacteria on and around the teeth. In turn, this oral bacteria releases acids, breaking down tooth enamel and causing cavities. Moreover, calculus forms both above and below the gum line, causing inflammation, gum recession, and ultimately periodontal disease.

For individuals with calculus, often scaling and root planing procedures are necessary to remove this calcified bacteria from otherwise unreachable areas below the gum line.

How to Prevent Calculus Formation

Bacteria, and consequently plaque, are constantly forming on the teeth, so it is not possible to remove plaque permanently. However, the best method to prevent calculus is simple – remove dental plaque thoroughly and regularly to prevent it from hardening.

To prevent plaque buildup, it is crucial to cultivate daily oral hygiene habits. These habits include:

• Flossing at least twice daily;
• Brushing after every meal and before bed;
• Avoiding sugary and starchy food and drink; and
• Drinking plenty of water to flush away lingering food particles.

By following these steps, you will maintain a much higher likelihood of enjoying a healthy smile for years to come.

Serving the greater Triangle area – Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Wake Forest.

For more information on this topic, listen to the Gum Guru Podcast by clicking the link below:

You’ve Been Diagnosed With Gum Disease

There Are Bugs Under Your Gums

Are you considering a dental implant? Or maybe you already have one (or several)? If so, it is important to understand how to prevent peri-implantitis, a condition that may occur in individuals with implants. Just as gum disease can occur around a natural tooth, similar inflammation can occur around a dental implant, making oral hygiene, prevention, and early detection vital for implant longevity and your overall health.

What is Peri-implantitis?

Left untreated, the build-up of bacterial plaque can cause periodontitis, also known as gum disease. Similarly, peri-implantitis involves the build-up of bacterial plaque around an implant, causing inflammation and eventual bone loss. When detected early, peri-implantitis is manageable, and the implant can often be maintained. However, severe cases causing bone loss may eventually cause implant failure.

Symptoms and Risk factors

Signs of peri-implantitis resemble gum disease symptoms. These signs include red and tender gums around the implant, swelling, and/or bleeding when brushing or flossing. Like natural teeth, implants require regular brushing, flossing, and routine check-ups for maintenance and plaque control.

Individuals at higher risk for peri-implantitis include those who do not maintain the hygiene protocol recommended by their oral health professional. Other risk factors include previous periodontitis, systemic diseases like diabetes, smoking, and vaping.

How to Prevent Peri-Implantitis

If you have an implant, you’ve already made an important investment in your oral, and overall, health and well-being. So it is crucial to be proactive in protecting the health of your implant to prevent or manage peri-implantitis.

To prevent peri-implantitis, make sure you are closely adhering to your home care hygiene protocol. This includes flossing around the implant, just like you would with a natural tooth. Also, make sure you attend your regular dental hygiene appointments. These steps will help ensure the longevity of your  implant.

If you notice any oral inflammation or bleeding, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Schedule an appointment even if it is not time for your regularly scheduled check-up so that your oral health professional can detect any underlying issues and get you started on a treatment program to lower the risk of disease progression.

Finally, in severe cases of peri-implantitis, the implant may need to be removed and replaced. However, consistent and thorough at-home hygiene habits, regular visits, and attention to early warning signs will help prevent the implant from having to be replaced in the first place. Read more here and here about steps you can take to promote the long-term success of your implant, and find out we can use laser therapy to treat peri-implantitis here.

Have questions or concerns? Give us a call at 919-518-8222. We are happy to help. Serving the greater Triangle area – Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Wake Forest.

For more information on this topic, listen to the Gum Guru Podcast by clicking the link below:

Golf Bag of Treatment Options

Wishing you and your families a very Happy Easter and a wonderful weekend. In observance of the holiday, our office will be closed for Good Friday.

Millions of Americans have at least one missing tooth. With rapid technological advances, there are numerous options for individuals with missing teeth to restore their smiles. Dental implants are foremost among the options available to patients. However, some people are wary of the pain that they believe an implant procedure may entail. Fortunately, an implant procedure is not nearly as uncomfortable as some may believe, for the reasons explained further below.

Periodontitis (gum disease) is a multifactorial inflammatory disease that destroys teeth-supporting structures such as gum tissue and the jaw bone if left untreated. Although we often think of periodontal disease as a condition that only impacts grown-ups, in fact, children and teenagers can suffer from gum disease as well. There are a number of reasons why an adolescent might develop gum disease.