Ways to Prevent Gum Recession | Camp Hill Dentist

June 30, 2020Gum Recession, Oral Health, Periodontal Disease, Pinhole TechniqueCamp Hill Dentist, Camp Hill PA, dental care, dental health, dental hygiene, dental information, Dr. Gary Wetzel, Dr. Wetzel, effects of gum disease, family dentistry, general dentistry, Gum Disease, gum health, Gum Recession, gum recession options, gum recession treatment options, gumline, gums, oral care, Oral Health, oral hygiene, Receding Gumsadmin

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

May 31, 2020Uncategorizedbrushing, dental care, dental health, dental hygiene, dental tips, Dr. Gary Wetzel, Dr. Wetzel, flossing, gingivitis, Gum Disease, gum health, gumline, gums, mouthwash, oil pulling, oral care, Oral Health, oral hygiene, periodontal dentistry, Periodontal Disease, preventative dentistry, saliva production, saltwater rinses, signs and symptoms, topicalsadmin

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

April 30, 2020Oral HealthCamp Hill Dentist, Camp Hill PA, dental appointments, dental care, dental hygiene, dental information, dental procedures, Dr. Gary Wetzel, Dr. Wetzel, early detection, oral cancer, Oral Cancer Awareness Month, oral cancer screenings, oral care, Oral Health, oral hygiene, patient careadmin

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

March 31, 2020Oral Health, Periodontal DiseaseCamp Hill Dentist, Camp Hill PA, dementia, dental care, dental health, dental hygiene, dental procedures, diabetes, Dr. Gary Wetzel, Dr. Wetzel, effects of gum disease, Gum Disease, gum disease prevention, gum health, heart disease, oral, oral care, Oral Health, oral hygiene, periodontal dentistry, Periodontal Disease, premature birthsadmin

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

February 28, 2020Gum Recession, Oral Health, Periodontal Disease, Pinhole TechniqueCamp Hill Dentist, Camp Hill PA, chao pinhole surgical technique, Chao Pinhole Technique, dental care, dental health, dental procedure, dental procedures, Dr. Gary Wetzel, Dr. Wetzel, gum grafting, Gum Recession, gum recession options, gum recession treatment options, oral care, Oral Health, oral surgery, Pinhole Surgical Technique®, Pinhole Technique, Receding Gums, treatment optionsadmin

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

January 31, 2020Gum Recession, Oral Health, Periodontal Disease, Pinhole TechniqueCamp Hill Dentist, Camp Hill PA, chao pinhole surgical technique, Chao Pinhole Technique, dental care, dental health, dental procedure, dental procedures, Dr. Gary Wetzel, Dr. Wetzel, gum grafting, Gum Recession, gum recession options, gum recession treatment options, oral care, Oral Health, oral surgery, Pinhole Surgical Technique®, Pinhole Technique, Receding Gums, treatment optionsadmin

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.

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

Tips for Painless Dental Visits | Camp Hill Dentist

December 31, 2019Dental Benefits, Oral Health, Periodontal Diseasebacteria, bad habits, bleeding gums, brushing, Camp Hill Dentist, dental care, dental health, dental hygiene, dental tips, DIY dental tips, Dr. Gary Wetzel, Dr. Wetzel, flossing, gingivitis, Gum Disease, gum disease prevention, oral care, Oral Health, oral hygiene, periodontal dentistry, Periodontal Disease, preventative dentistry, rinsing, saliva, saliva production, smokingadmin

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

November 30, 2019Night Guard, Oral Healthbite alignment, bite guard, bite guards, bruxism, Camp Hill Dentist, Camp Hill PA, clenching teeth, dental care, dental procedures, Dr. Wetzel, grinding teeth, headache, headaches, Jaw Health, Jaw pain, loose teeth, mouthguards, night guard, night guards, occlusal adjustment, oral care, Oral Health, preventative dentistry, shifting teeth, sleep disorders, sleeping disorders, smile restoration, teeth sensitivity, TMJadmin

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.

Keep Your Smile Healthy this Halloween | Camphill Dentist

October 31, 2019Oral Healthbacteria, bleeding gums, Camp Hill Dentist, dental care, dental health, dental hygiene, Dr. Wetzel, gingivitis, Gum Disease, gum disease prevention, Halloween, Halloween Candy, oral care, Oral Health, oral hygiene, periodontal dentistry, Periodontal Disease, preventative dentistry, salivaadmin

For most children, and even some adults, Halloween means overflowing bags of free candy and unlimited access to all sorts of sweets. Unfortunately, these sweet treats that are given out are not all teeth friendly and can have devastating effects on your oral health. When it comes to candy consumption, keep everything in moderation. Because not all candy is created equal.

If you get these candies, you’re on the right track…

Chocolate dissolves quickly, which decreases the amount of time the sugar stays in contact with teeth. Choose your favorite chocolate but avoid the fillings like nuts or caramel, as they can damage to teeth.
Sugar-free lollipops and hard candies stimulating saliva production, which flushes away bad bacteria from your teeth, gums and tongues.
Sugar-free gum can help remove food particles and stimulates saliva production.

And now, for the worst candies in your pillowcase…

Sticky, chewy candies such as gummy candy, caramels and taffy get stuck to your teeth easily. A rule of thumb: the stickier the candy, the worse it is for teeth.
Hard candy stays in your mouth for a longer period of time, drenching your mouth in sugar.
Candy corn is full of sugar that produces acid that eats away tooth enamel.
Sour candy is high in acid levels, which can break down tooth enamel.
Jawbreakers are so hard they can chip a tooth.

Make sure to brush and floss your teeth after indulging in your Halloween treats. If you can’t brush right away, rinse with water to help loosen some of the residue left behind.

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.

Dental Implants: The Aftercare | Camphill Dentist

September 30, 2019Dental Implants, Oral HealthAftercare, Camp Hill Dentist, Camp Hill PA, dental care, dental health, dental hygiene, dental implant, Dental Implant Procedure, dental implant surgery, Dental Implants, Dr. Wetzel, oral care, Oral Health, oral hygieneadmin

Dental implants are a great way to not only repair your smile but promote your dental health. Unfortunately, this is dental surgery and will need time to heal. So, once you have your dental implant installed, you are going to need to handle it with kid gloves for a while in order to keep the healing process going smoothly. Your dental professional will give you some aftercare instructions, but here are a few tips to keep in mind as you are in the recovery stage:

Do not bother your dental implant. Refrain from bothering your dental implant immediately after having it placed. If you agitate the implant, it will prolong the healing process and could lead to additional issues.

Make sure to consume carefully. Stick to eating soft food for the first few days, then start to reintroduce harder foods as your dental implant heals.

Ice the affected areas. Your face may swell in certain places, but that’s normal for the first few days. Help reduce the swelling by applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area.

Practicing proper oral hygiene is essential. The surgery site must stay clean in order for the implant to heal properly. Your dentist will prescribe you a medicated mouthwash – be sure to use as directed and use a soft bristled toothbrush when brushing your dental implant.

Be sure to reduce level activity. Reduce your level of physical activity immediately following dental implant surgery. Throbbing and bleeding can occur if you do choose to exercise, and if it does you should stop working out immediately.

If you’d like to find out more about dental implant aftercare, 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.