Chicago-based dentist Dr. Karen Fields-Lever has a private practice called 28 To Brush in Forest Park, Illinois.
Dr. Karen fields completed her undergraduate education at Spelman College, with honors, receiving her Bachelor of Science in biology pre-med. She attended dental school at Howard university college of dentistry, where she earned her doctorate of dental surgery.
Dr. Fields-Lever has practiced for the past nine years and recently celebrated the three-year anniversary of her dental practice.
THE TOP ORAL HEALTH CONCERNS AFFECTING AFRICAN AMERICANS IN BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS ARE:
- PERIODONTAL DISEASE,
- UNTREATED TOOTH DECAY
- ORAL CANCER
WHAT EXACTLY IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?
Periodontal Disease is an irreversible state where the gum pulls away from the teeth creating pockets that bacteria exists and lives. It can lead to bad breath, bone loss, and tooth mobility.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF TOOTH DECAY AND HOW DO YOU TREAT IT BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE?
Typically the first signs of Tooth decay are noted by a dentist during an exam and review of x-rays. In certain instances you may experience pain or even sensitivity.
WHAT CAUSES ORAL CANCER AND WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?
Anyone can be diagnosed with oral cancer, but there are a few factors that may predispose an individual more than others. Gender ( men are more likely to develop it), Age ( persons 62 and over are more at risk) and certainly lifestyle is a big factor. Individuals that use tobacco, and those that consume alcohol are more likely to develop the disease at a faster and higher rate.
WHAT HEALTH ISSUES CAN BE DETECTED AT THE DENTIST?
Diabetes, oral cancer, anemia, dry mouth, heart disease and Inadequate diet can all be detected by your dentist.
DOES TEETH WHITENING MAKE YOUR TEETH SENSITIVE?
It can make your teeth sensitive, but whitening in moderation with the use of a Sensitivity toothpaste will help.
WHAT CAUSES DARK GUMS?
Dark gums are commonly caused by pigment known as melanin that can be found in our skin but also our gums. It is completely normal and is not a major cause for concern.
WHAT CAUSES BLEEDING GUMS?
Bleeding gums are typically caused by gingivitis. Bacteria that sits along the gum line when not brushed away and excess plaque- will cause the gums to become irritated and bleed.
WHAT CAUSES REOCCURRING ABSCESSES?
Reoccurring abscesses can be caused by an infection that lies in an associated tooth that has not been treated. It can be from a failing root canal, a need for a deep cleaning or failing treatment.
WHAT’S THE BEST TYPE OF TOOTHPASTE TO USE?
My personal favorite is Crest complete with Scope
IS USING BAKING SODA INSTEAD OF TOOTHPASTE GOOD FOR YOUR TEETH AND GUMS?
Toothpaste is ideal, as it contains fluoride to help prevent decay. Baking soda can be a bit too harsh for the enamel and does not contain fluoride. It is not intended as an oral health product.
WHAT CAUSES YOUR TEETH TO TURN BLACK AND START ROTTING?
Typically, decay can cause these elements to occur.
IS IT TRUE, IF YOU’RE NOT GETTING ORAL CHECKUPS REGULARLY IT CAN CAUSE HEART DISEASE?
Partly true and partly false. Getting regular checkups and cleanings can help to reduce your chances of suffering from heart disease. Heart disease is caused by numerous factors, but maintaining good oral health can help to eliminate the plaque that is often a common finding in heart disease. The same plaque found in our oral cavity is the same plaque found around the arteries in heart disease.
WHAT ARE THE EARLY SIGNS OF DENTAL ISSUES?
Early signs can be bad breath, pain in your teeth when eating certain foods, pus or even a burning/ itching sensation within your mouth.
WHAT CAUSES YOUR GUMS TO RECEDE?
Bone levels in our mouth typically indicate how healthy things are in the mouth. When bone levels drop, the gum tends to follow it in regressions, causing a recession effect. Other reasons why our gums recede is that we may be brushing too hard, brushing away important and protective layers of enamel away.
Dr. Fields-Lever answers your “Text Tom” questions on the next page.
How do you cure adult thrush?
Typically, Adult Thursh is cured by a prescription called Nystatin. Within a few days, it is cured and your mouth can go back to being more stable.
What can you do about bad breath, when you have periodontal disease?
Definitely consult with your Dentist about getting a Deep cleaning also known as a Scaling and Root Plaint Planing.
A dark spot at the base of my canine tooth, can it be filled/ treated?
Absolutely, sounds like you can get a filling on the area. Make sure you talk to your Dentist about was you found.
In regard to oral cancer, does the screening have a name? What screening should we ask for?
If you ask your dentist to check to ensure you are oral cancer free, they will know which exam to complete for you.
What can I do to fight persistent bad breath?
Once you have gotten your cleaning, make sure you are monitoring your diet. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies while consuming a good amount of water. This will help to neutralize things.
How are veneers applied?
They typically are cemented to your existing tooth after your Dentist has removed a slight amount of tooth structure.
Is it OK to brush with baking soda and peroxide?
I am a bigger fan of using regular toothpaste. I find that patients that utilize baking soda and peroxide are placing stress on the teeth that manages to thin the enamel.
Are soft bristle toothbrushes best or medium?
Soft bristles are the best and approved by the ADA ( American Dental Association)
Is there a benefit from oil pulling?
Oil Pulling can remove a certain amount of bacteria from your mouth. But it is only effective when swishing for about 20 minutes. It’s a true mouth work-out :o)
What is the screening process for oral cancer?
Our dentist may complete a head and neck exam. Evaluating your gums, inner cheeks, neck visually can be completed and some Dentists may also use a scope to see if there are any abnormal cells.
My 5-year-old granddaughter has a bunch of cavities. The dentist has put 8 silver caps in her mouth. How can we prevent this from happening with her adult teeth as she has lost 2 teeth so far and 1 adult tooth is coming in already.
Once those adult teeth begin to come in, make sure your little one is brushing consistently and you encourage good oral hygiene.
If periodontal disease (bone loss) is not reversible, what are the recommended treatments for it. Is there something such as bone replacement, and does it work?
Definitely gain a consult with your dentist about your particular scenario. But, with periodontal disease, stabilizing what you currently have is key. A specialist can assist in also stabilizing and maintaining your dentition after a Periodontal Disease diagnosis. It is not a death sentence, just an oral health wake-up call. Look at it like that. :o)
had a tooth removed from the back of my mouth on the top. My dentist says I should get a spacer to prevent my teeth from shifting. Is this likely?
Your dentist is absolutely right. Shifting can occur after a tooth is removed, and a replacement is not put into place.
I have gingivitis, what can I do to reverse it? I also have receding gums that causes me to have sensitivity, what can I do for that?
To reverse your gingivitis, head in to your dentist to get a cleaning, and maintain brushing and flossing daily. Gain an exam from your dentist as well, this will ensure the recession can be simply restored. It may be a matter of changing brushing habits to possibly needing a filling in the areas of recession. Hope this helps.
What are some options when you have no insurance and can’t afford the dentist?
Consider a discount plan, there are several out there that help you identify a Provider and all you to use their discount plan while gaining treatment.
If a dentist installed a temporary closure on to a root canal and a crown is that a problem to remain in your mouth long-term?
Definitely complete the treatment. Have the Dentist place a permanent filling and crown on the tooth to ensure its longevity.
What are the pros/cons of full-mouth implants?
Full mouth implant prices vary. Ask your dentist first if you are a good candidate for this type of procedure; then gain prices while asking about potential payment plans.
What is it called when a person’s baby teeth never come out? My dad, myself and my son still have our baby teeth.
This is actually quite common. This is not a terrible thing if you have retained baby or primary teeth. The key thing is maintaining the health of those baby teeth that are still present. If they are present, keep them cleaned, restored if they have cavities. This is key to maintain these teeth for as long as possible.
READ MORE STORIES ON BLACKAMERICAWEB.COM:
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER:
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM
