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.

Gum Disease Can Be Harmful to Your Health | Camp Hill Dentist

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The stages of periodontal disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused by the bacteria found in plaque, that sticky film that forms on the surface of your teeth. If the plaque isn’t removed by preforming proper oral care, such as brushing and flossing, it will invade the small spaces in-between your gums and teeth.

If the plaque is left to settle, your gums can becomes inflamed and infected, putting them, your teeth and overall health at risk. If gum disease progresses and is left untreated, it can become painful and expensive to treat.

Heart disease. Several studies have shown that people with gum disease are very likely to have poor health, including heart attacks. In 2009 a paper on the relationship between gum disease and heart disease was issued by the American Academy of Periodontology and The American Journal of Cardiology. It was recommended that cardiologists ask about any gum disease issues, and that periodontists ask patients about their heart health and if there is any family history of heart disease.

Diabetes. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you are more likely to have gum disease. Of course inflammation may be partly to blame. Also, those with diabetes are more likely to contract infections, one being gum disease, and if your diabetes isn’t under control you’re at even higher risk to develop gum disease.

Premature births. Although studies are still ongoing, some research has found a link between premature birth and gum disease. A few researchers have found women that have had periodontal disease treated, helps them carry their baby to full term.

Dementia. Some studies have found that gum disease may raise the risk of dementia later on in life. Others research shows that periodontal problems may be associated with mild cognitive impairment, such as memory problems that can make daily life more difficult.

If you’d like to find out more about the effects of gum disease, 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.

I Have Receding Gums – Now What? | Camp Hill Dentist

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Have you noticed your teeth looking at bit longer and more prominent lately? Have your teeth been feeling more sensitive? If you’ve answered yes, then you may be suffering from gum recession.

Gum recession is often times one of the many early signs of periodontal disease and if ignored, it will eventually lead to severe oral health issues. If you feel that your gums are receding, it’s best for you to know what your treatment options are.

Receding gums can develop because of many things, one of which is periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease. Other habits, such as brushing too hard or brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush, can also cause your gums to recede. Bruxism (teeth grinding), smoking and having a tongue or lip piercings can also cause gum recession.

While receding gums don’t look good, how they affect your appearance should be the last of your worries. If gum recession is left untreated, it can result in tooth loss, among many other oral health problems. Here are the current treatment options available:

Gum grafting. One common type of oral surgery used to treat gum recession is gum grafting. This procedure is where periodontists take tissue from another area of your mouth and uses it to cover the exposed areas of your tooth and its roots. The tissue typically come from the palette of your mouth, but it may also come from a tissue bank.

Pinhole Surgical Technique. Unlike gum grafting, Pinhole Surgical Technique is a modern approach that produces natural looking results. The main difference between the two procedures is that it is less invasive, considering that the procedure doesn’t involve any cutting or stitching.

If you’d like to find out more about gum recession treatment options, 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.

Why You Should Consider Pinhole Surgical Technique® | Camp Hill Dentist

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When you find that your teeth have become more sensitive to cold and hot temperatures, it is a wise decision to make a dental appointment to find out why. Many times, as we age, we become victim to gum recession. Unfortunately, gum recession can lead to several problems from chronic tooth sensitivity to making your teeth more prone to tooth decay and erosion. And if left untreated, it only gets worse and causes more dental issues.

The common fear about gum recession is the treatment option. In the past, receding gums were treated with gum grafting, a painful procedure that includes a long recovery period. Fortunately, there’s is a procedure that can correct and repair your receding gums quickly and painlessly. The Pinhole Surgical Technique®, also known as PST®, has been deemed the “revolutionary” technique for treating gum recession. Unlike gum grafting procedures, the Pinhole Surgical Technique® is a scalpel- free, suture-free procedure resulting in almost immediate results. Additional benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique® include the following:

  • Minimally invasive treatment
  • Less discomfort after treatment
  • Immediate cosmetic benefits
  • Quick recovery time
  • No sutures or incisions needed
  • Multiple recession sites treated in one visit
  • Beautiful, natural looking, long lasting results

This is a new year and the future is ours. Why not enjoy it as much as possible? If you find that gum recession is an issue for you, consult your dentist. Pinhole Surgical Technique® may just be the solution to a smile you can be proud to start the new year with.

If you’d like to find out more about gum recession treatment options, 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.

Tips for Painless Dental Visits | Camp Hill Dentist

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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 some form of gum disease. So, if you have been told you have periodontal disease, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to prevent and slow the progression of gum disease. And to be honest, these tips aren’t that difficult. It’s all things we’ve been taught since we’ve been children, but with 50 percent of us having gum disease, we can all use a refresher. Whether you suffer from gum disease or not, these following tips are helpful in preventing and slowing gum disease:

Brush regularly. Brushing your teeth is very important for your oral health. Make sure to brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes.

Flossing. Flossing your teeth on a regular basis is another extremely important step to take in your oral care – floss can reach places your toothbrush can’t.

Rinse with mouthwash. Using a mouthwash daily will get rid of leftover food debris and plaque that was loosened while brushing and flossing your teeth, just make sure it is ADA approved.

Lose the tobacco. Avoid cigarettes and chewing tobacco, as these types of products not only are bad for your overall health but may contribute to gum disease.

Get healthy. Keeping up a healthy diet will provide the nutrients that are necessary to help prevent gum disease from developing.

Visit the dentist. Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups, routine teeth cleanings, or other dental procedures needed to not only help keep your mouth healthy but reduce the odds for a painful visit.

If you’d like to find out more about dental health tips, 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.

Why You May Need a Night Guard | Camphill Dentist

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In order for us to maintain a healthy lifestyle, we need to adhere to a few basic rules. Keep a healthy diet, stay away from smoking, keep active and get a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, many of us suffer from some type of sleep disorder. And if this is the case, you should have a sleep test done to diagnose the issue. Many times, you will find relief wearing a night guard while you sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping, it is important that you see if you’ve developed a sleep disorder.

For those that don’t know, a night guard is a mouthpiece you wear while you sleep to help a myriad of dental problems and relieve the systems of TMJ or bruxism. But because it is a foreign object in your teeth, it takes a minute to get used to it. As you become used to your new night guard, follow the following instructions:

  • Ask your dentist to start out with a thin night guard that will be easier to get used to
  • Have your family dentist fabricate both an upper and lower night guard in order to see which one you find more comfortable
  • Put your night guard in right before you go to bed to lessen the chances that you’ll find it bothersome

Be aware that night guards are an aid for bruxism, but it doesn’t fix the dental problem. Find out why you are grinding or clenching your teeth and make changes to your lifestyle to quit the habit. Wearing a night guard won’t do anything but protect your teeth.

If you’d like to find out more about night 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.