Improve Your Health with Dental Hygiene | Camp Hill Dentist

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Believe it or not, your smile and your body’s health is directly related. Think of it this way – everything we consume, enters our body through our mouth. So, if there’s anything that’s going to enter our system that is going to infect our body, it will likely enter through the mouth. And this is why oral hygiene is extremely important to your overall health, and that includes your gums. Studies have shown that nearly 50 percent of American adults have either mild, moderate or severe gum (periodontal) disease, so if you have been told you have it, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to prevent and slow the progression of gum disease. Here are some handy tips to help prevent gum disease on your own:

Brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth is absolutely necessary in order to ensure your mouth is clean and healthy, so make sure to brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes.

Flossing is necessary. Flossing your teeth on a regular basis is another extremely important step that we may miss in our oral care routine, but floss can reach places your toothbrush can’t.

Gargle with mouthwash. Using mouthwash can get rid your mouth of leftover food debris and plaque that was loosened while brushing your flossing your teeth.

Put down the tobacco. Avoid all tobacco products; they contribute to gum disease.

Eat better. Sugary and starchy foods increase the amount of plaque. Eating well provides the nutrients necessary to prevent gum disease.

Dentist visits. There are lots of things you dentist needs to look at in order to make sure your mouth is healthy. Don’t miss your appointments.

If you’d like to find out more about dental hygiene, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill and all surrounding areas.

What Constitutes Cosmetic Dentistry? | Camp Hill Dentist

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When it comes to improving our smile, there are a lot of procedures to consider. And depending on your situation, you and your dentist will develop a treatment plan to get you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. No matter how minimal or how major the procedure is, there are a multitude of procedures offered under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry. So, what exactly constitutes cosmetic dentistry? Here are some of the more common ones and what you should know about each procedure…

Bleaching. Bleaching is a common and popular process in which individuals use chemicals to whiten their teeth. This can be performed by your dentist or at home through a series of dental supervised techniques.

Bonding. Bonding is tooth-colored material in which is used to fill in gaps or change the color of teeth. This usually only requires a single dental visit and bonding lasts for several years.

Crowns. Crowns are caps that are placed over teeth in order to restore it to its natural shape and appearance. Crowns have the longest life expectancy of all cosmetic restorations, but also take the most time to complete.

Veneers. Veneers are pieces of porcelain or plastic placed over the front teeth in order to change the color or shape of teeth. This procedure requires your dentist to take an impression of your tooth. Before the custom veneer is cemented directly onto the tooth, your dentist will lightly buff your tooth to compensate for the added thickness.

Contouring. This is a procedure used to correct crooked teeth or irregularly shaped teeth that may overlap. This is commonly used to alter the length, shape, or position of your teeth. Contouring teeth may also help correct small problems with bite.

If you’d like to find out more about cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill and all surrounding areas.

The Benefit of Getting Dental Insurance | Camp Hill Dentist

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We can all say that 2020 has been quite the year for medical attention. But we also need to understand that our dental health is also vital to our overall health. As we approach the end of yet another year, it is a great time to take advantage of your dental insurance by making a dental appointment in the new year. We may typically dodge these visits, but you’ve earned those dental benefits, so why not take advantage of it? The following list includes a few reasons to use your dental benefits before you lose them:

Yearly maximum. A yearly maximum is the most money your dental insurance plan covers for the dental work you have done over a full year. Your yearly maximum renews every year and don’t rollover.

Deductible. A deductible is the amount of money that you pay out of pocket before your insurance company will pay for any services.

Premiums. If you’re paying for your dental benefits every month, you should be taking advantage of them. There are many people who don’t take advantage of their benefits and pay their insurance company, throwing their money down the proverbial drain.

Fee increases. There’s always a possible fee increase at the end of the year due to the increased cost of materials or to accommodate the cost of living. These fee increases could also raise your copay.

Worsening dental problems. By delaying treatment, you may be risking a more expensive and extensive treatment later down the road. What could be a simple cavity now could turn into root canal or tooth extraction.

So, in 2021, do yourself a favor and make that dental appointment to make sure your mouth is healthy – it’ll thank you for it.

If you’d like to find out more about dental insurance, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill and all surrounding areas.

Cosmetic Solutions to Missing Teeth | Camp Hill Dentist

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For each and every one of us, a smile is a very important facial feature. Not only is it the first thing a person sees when they meet, but it helps us speak, chew and speak. Many of us may not feel like we have the most attractive smile, but as long as it’s in working order, it’s okay.

If you’re missing teeth you may feel uncomfortable smiling in public, or you may struggle with eating and speaking clearly. Fortunately, dental implants can help improve or even correct these issues, while also boosting your self-esteem. A dental implant is an artificial tooth that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. There are two types of dental implants that the American Dental Association considers safe, those include the following:

Endosteal (in the bone). This is the most commonly used type of dental implant. These implants are typically shaped like small screws, cylinders or blades and are surgically placed into the jawbone. Each dental implant holds one or more artificial teeth. Endosteal implants are generally used as alternative for patients with removable dentures or bridges.

Subperiosteal (on the bone). This type of dental implant is placed on top of the jaw with metal framework posts that stick through the gums to hold the prosthesis. Subperiosteal implants are used in patients who have minimal bone height and who are unable to wear conventional dentures.

The most ideal candidates for dental implants should have good general and oral health. You must also have adequate bone in your jaw to support the implants, along with having healthy gum tissue that is free of periodontal disease.

If you’d like to find out more about dental implants, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill and all surrounding areas.

Halloween Dental Tips for Parents | Camp Hill Dentist

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Tricks, treats, monsters and ghouls – there is so much to love about this most imaginative of holidays. That is, unless you’re a parent. Not only do you try year-round to keep your child healthy, one day a year everyone around you tries to thwart all your efforts by tempting your child with deliciously sugary confections.

While it may not look like the trick-or-treating of years past, it is still the best part of Halloween for a child. So, how do you keep your cool parent points while also being the responsible parent at the same time? The following is a list of your child’s top Halloween dental health enemies:

Skittles. Skittles may let you “taste the rainbow”, but they are also letting you ruin your teeth’s enamel by combining sweet with sour for a pH level of 2.5, causing serious damage to your little one’s teeth.

Twix. Not only does the sticky texture of caramel stick to your teeth’s surface and in their crevices, but they can also loosen dental fixtures, like braces or fillings.

Swedish Fish. Similar to caramels and other sticky candies, gummy candies could be considered the same type of animal, only fruity. The gelatin used to make the gummies also sticks to the crevices of your teeth, making it difficult to remove.

Jolly Rancher. Sadly, Jolly Ranchers are probably enemy #1 for your teeth on this spooky holiday. Not only are they a hard candy that can damage teeth when bitten, but even if you don’t bite them, sucking on hard candy isn’t a quick process.

If you’d like to find out more about Halloween candy, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill and all surrounding areas.

You Need to Stop Grinding Your Teeth | Camp Hill Dentist

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Turns out, you’ve started grinding your teeth in your sleep. How did your dentist know? They know more than you think, like when you say you floss every day. But it is likely that your teeth have begun to wear down, which will cause various issues down the line.

For those that don’t know, a night guard is a plastic mouthpiece that is custom fitted to your mouth. Mouth guards help a myriad of dental problems, such as help relieve the systems of TMJ or bruxism (teeth grinding).  

So, you’ve recently gotten a mouth guard. You’re right – it is bulky and feels weird in your mouth. How are you going to be able to sleep with this thing in your mouth? Here are a few key points to remember as you begin to adjust. Because you will adjust – don’t worry.

First off, ask your dentist to start out with a thin night guard, since it’ll take up less bulk in your mouth and will be easier to get used to and have them fabricate both an upper and lower night guard to see which one you find more comfortable. In many cases, it’s merely a function of whether it’s an upper or lower that determines one’s comfort and acceptance of the dental device.

Put your night guard in right before you go to bed to lessen the chances that you’ll find it bothersome. Many people tend to fall asleep within five minutes. It will take some time but stick it through for at least 30 days in order to get used to this habit. It will do wonders in the long run.

If you’d like to find out more about mouth guards, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill and all surrounding areas.

The Benefits of Dental Implants | Camp Hill Dentist

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The Benefits of Dental Implants

When people hear the words dental implants, their initial reaction may be fear, but they really aren’t as scary as they sound. Dental implants are a great option to replace damaged or missing teeth and serve many benefits to your oral health. They’re almost like having your natural teeth back and they blend in perfectly with the rest of your teeth. Here are additional benefits that stem from dental implants:

Natural-looking. Dental implants are quite similar to your natural teeth in the terms of looks and durability. They are very durable and have a natural appearance, while also functioning as your natural teeth would.

Lasts a lifetime. Dental implants can last a lifetime, but only if you take care of them properly. You should care for your dental implants the same way you would your natural teeth.

Preserves bone. When you have missing teeth, the empty spaces between your teeth can eventually lead to additional health problems, such as jawbone deterioration. Dental implants are the only dental restoration that can maintain and stimulate bone growth.

Retain facial profile. When you have several missing teeth, it can result in a sad, sunken in or saggy facial profile. Replacing those missing teeth with dental implant can restore your natural facial profile.

Improved speech. Missing several teeth can cause slurred speech or pronunciation problems. Dental implants can help improve speech.

Eat regularly. Unlike like the alternative options for missing teeth your dental implants won’t being going anywhere when you bite into your favorite meals.

Confidence booster. Replacing your missing teeth with dental implants can help boost your self-esteem by restoring your smile.

If you’d like to find out more about dental implants, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill and all surrounding areas.

Ways to Prevent Gum Recession | Camp Hill Dentist

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Have your teeth begun to look larger than usual? Do they feel sensitive when having hot or cold drinks? It is likely you have developed gum recession. Receding gums is oftentimes an early sign of periodontal disease, and if left untreated, it can eventually lead to worsening oral health problems. Gum disease is a common dental issue that affects many adults. However, there are a few things that you can to do prevent further gum recession.

The question is, what causes gums to recede? There are actually many factors that can lead to the development of gum disease:

  • Brushing aggressively with a hard-bristled toothbrush
  • Inheriting susceptibility for thin gum tissue
  • Misaligned teeth, which can lead to the crowding or spreading of teeth
  • Cleaning and grinding of teeth
  • Nervous habits like chewing on foreign objects or scratching your gums with foreign objects
  • Having periodontal disease

Fortunately, there are ways you can prevent gum recession from progressing. Here are some tips:

  • Make sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day
  • Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Make sure you have a comfortable bite or have it professionally adjusted
  • Consider orthodontic treatments to properly align your teeth
  • Wear a night guard to bed to prevent from clenching and grinding while you sleep
  • Avoid tobacco products
  • Abstain from chewing on foreign objects; it can cause gum recession

Gum recession is a common dental malady, but don’t worry – it can also be repaired. If you feel that your gum recession is more severe, you may want to consider gum grafting or the Pinhole® Surgical Technique to cover your exposed roots. Consult your dental professional for further advice.

If you’d like to find out more about gum recession, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill and all surrounding areas.

Natural Ways to Prevent Gingivitis | Camp Hill Dentist

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Keeping our mouth clean is important, not only as a physical appearance but because our mouths are the first line of defense to lots of overall health conditions. When we discover we have gingivitis, we always question just how it happened. Unfortunately, it is likely due to our daily dental routine, so we brush, floss and rinse every day, then visit the dentist to check on our progress.

But if you find that you have begun to develop gingivitis, don’t be alarmed – it can be cured. Not only are there lot of different over-the-counter products available on the market, there are also more natural options you can do at home to help reverse the effects of the beginning stages of gum disease.

Saltwater. We avoid drinking ocean water because it is so incredibly salty, but saltwater rinses are great at healing gum inflammation you may have developed. Salt is a natural disinfectant so not only does it soothe your sore gums but can remove bacteria and alleviate bad breath.

Mouthwash. While there are lots of mouthwash on the market today, they all have different purposes. Rinsing with mouthwashes that contain alcohol will dehydrate your mouth and saliva production is your natural defense against the bad bacteria that wreaks havoc in your mouth. Try using a more natural version. In fact, add a bit of lemongrass oil, aloe vera, tea tree oil, sage or guava leaves to some water and rinse for 30 seconds.

Oil pulling. Swish around a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil for 20-30 minutes. The lauric acid it contains significantly reduces plaque and gingivitis.

Topicals. If mouthwash isn’t working, try a topical instead. Clove creams and turmeric gels are a great alternative.

If you’d like to find out more about gingivitis prevention, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill and all surrounding areas.

Make Yourself Aware of Oral Cancer | Camp Hill Dentist

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Cancer is never a good thing, but oral cancer is one type of cancer that really goes unnoticed. Unfortunately, the statistics are scary enough to deem April as Oral Cancer Awareness Month in order to make the public aware of what is going on behind the scenes of the oral cancer world. If you are aware of what is going on and what to look for, it will give you a better understanding of oral cancer.

Approximately 53,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year alone. And as you are well aware, your dentist is often the first line of defense against oral cancer, through the process of early detection and discovery, so keeping your regular dental checkups is very important to keeping your mouth healthy and cancer-free. Each dental visit will include a cancer screening in order to ensure there is nothing cancerous is developing.

Oral cancers are part of a group of cancers frequently referred to as head and neck cancers, and of all head and neck cancers they comprise about 85% of that category. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about on a regular basis such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma). Although smoking and tobacco use is still a major risk factor for oral cancer, the fastest growing segment for oral cancer patients are young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals due to the connection to the HPV virus.

If you’d like to find out more about oral cancer, contact Dr. Gary Wetzel at 717-761-8611 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.wetzelperio.com for more information.

Dr. Gary Wetzel proudly accepts patients from Camp Hill and all surrounding areas.