Brandywine Periodontics, LLC

Is Gargling Actually the Right Way to Use Mouthwash? Sorry, no time for fanciful intros here. We are obligated to let you know this instant that gargling is a lie. If you want to keep your teeth as healthy as possible and if you’re going to the trouble to use mouthwash at all, chances are you probably do stop gargling immediately and start swishing. Swishing mouthwash in your mouth makes sure [the liquid] hits all your teeth. Gargling doesn’t do much compared to swishing.... If you’re skeptical, think about it in practical terms. When you swish, you’re using the muscles in your cheeks to vigorously push the mouthwash around. Not only does this make sure it coats all your teeth, it also helps push the mouthwash in-between your teeth as well, coating the entirety of each tooth. When you gargle, chances are the bubbles never reach the back of your front teeth. That’s not nearly enough pressure to knock off any loose plaque or bits of food your toothbrush may have missed, which swishing does. It’s not that gargling is totally useless; it does promote health in the back of your mouth and tongue, which rarely get a visit from your toothbrush. It also helps lessen bad breath (although it does not cure bad breath). Honestly, perhaps the best thing you can do is combine the two, swishing and gargling just make sure you’re swishing for a full 30 seconds to get mouthwash’s full benefits. Then you can spit and walk away. & ! # *** Brandywine Periodontics Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc 610-558-8283 #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio #pennsylvania #smile #systemichealth #GlenMills #dentistnearme #stellalife

#StPatricksDay Wishing you a day full of rainbows, pots of gold and lots of Irish cheer to last the whole year. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! *** Brandywine Periodontics... Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc 610-558-8283 #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio #pennsylvania #smile #systemichealth #GlenMills #dentistnearme #stellalife See more

Over-brushing is also extremely common: 10 to 20 percent of the population have damaged their teeth or gums due to aggressive brushing, according to the Wall Street Journal. And if you have a genetic predisposition to receding gums or grinding or have had braces you’re already more susceptible to the unfortunate effects of over-brushing. All of which suggests that it’s fairly easy to overdo your dental hygiene. Fortunately, it’s easy enough to develop the proper brushing ...technique necessary to maintain clean teeth without scrubbing them down to sensitive little nubs. Here are three simple ways to avoid over-brushing, according to the American Dental Association: + Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent wear and tear. + Use short strokes don’t saw back and forth across the teeth. + If you’re squashing the bristles while brushing, you’re scrubbing too hard. It’s also important to replace your toothbrush every three or four months, since the bristles can become jagged and overly abrasive after long lengths of time. & ! # *** Brandywine Periodontics Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc 610-558-8283 #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio #pennsylvania #smile #systemichealth #GlenMills #dentistnearme #stellalife

Dr. Sierakowski is proud to offer the latest technology available for periodontal therapy: laser treatment. There are numerous advantages to using laser therapy as opposed to the traditional methods requiring a scalpel and sutures. Comfort: With laser treatment, there is reduced or no bleeding, minimized swelling, no charring, and no drill noise or vibration. The stress and anxiety often associated with dental work is therefore eliminated when you experience quick, effective..., and essentially pain-free laser procedures. Reduced Risk of Infection: The laser’s high-energy light beam acts as a sterilizer on the area it is working, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial infections and relapses. Anesthesia Limited or Eliminated: Because laser dentistry is virtually painless, no longer will you suffer with fear of injections and numbness. Often, only a light anesthetic spray is required. Laser treatment eliminates the complications and cost associated with anesthesia. & ! # *** Brandywine Periodontics Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc 610-558-8283 #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio #pennsylvania #smile #systemichealth #GlenMills #dentistnearme #stellalife See more

#WorldKidneyDay Both periodontitis and kidney diseases are associated with inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and chronic low level inflammation associated with periodontitis may lead to endothelial dysfunction which plays a role in the pathogenesis of kidney disease in edentulous patients. & ! # *** Brandywine Periodontics... Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc 610-558-8283 #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio #pennsylvania #smile #systemichealth #GlenMills #dentistnearme #stellalife See more

Pumpkins are good for your teeth! Vitamin A promotes healing, which is helpful for damaged gums. And a cup of pumpkin gives you all the Vitamin A you need in a day. Vitamin C 20% of your needed daily allowance is found in 1 cup of pumpkin fortifies your immune system, which helps stave of infections and inflammation in your mouth. & ! # *** Brandywine Periodontics... Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc 610-558-8283 ______________________________ #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio #pennsylvania #pumpkin See more

It’s a challenge for children to maintain good oral health by flossing and brushing regularly. Take away the risk of tooth decay by doing away with the processed sugars this year, and consider some other options while planning your trick-or-treat traditions. Here are some ideas to get you started and on your way to being the most popular house in the neighborhood. We encourage our patients to come in for regular checkups, so we can nip any pesky cavities in the bud. Offerin...g non-candy and non-food items to trick-or-treaters not only helps all children feel included, but also keeps their mouths healthy. & ! # *** Brandywine Periodontics Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc 610-558-8283 ______________________________ #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio #pennsylvania #smile #systemichealth #liveinspired See more

October is #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth The state of one’s mouth is often a tell-tale sign for any affliction currently affecting their body. Gums are especially susceptible to infection as they are spongy and full of blood vessels. Gum disease, or gingivitis, is usually a symptom of a much more significant problem brewing in the body and has been linked to many severe conditions. A recent study from the Journal for Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found that women were o...ver ten times more likely to develop breast cancer in their life if they had gum disease or practice poor oral health. Since the gums are so sensitive, they are susceptible to bacteria infestations. One such bacterial infection is called periodontal disease, which causes gums to recede until teeth fall out. Other infections can occur within the body at the same time as periodontal, including cytomegalovirus and the Epstein-Barr virus, otherwise known as mono. These viruses have a really sneaky trick of shutting down vital immune systems functions, which opens the door for far more serious illnesses like breast cancer. According to a study conducted by the University of Buffalo, researchers concluded that people with periodontal disease had an increased risk of 14 percent of developing breast cancer, compared to those without it. One of the leading conclusions from this is that chronic inflammation from periodontal disease is affecting breast tissue and oral bacteria are invading the bloodstream and affecting tissue in the breasts. & ! # *** Brandywine Periodontics Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc 610-558-8283 ______________________________ #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio #pennsylvania #smile #systemichealth #liveinspired#dentistnearme See more

Science today is teaching us that the mouth is not a closed system, but one connected to the rest of our body. The health of our mouth is affected by the health of our body and vice versa. Gum disease is a bacterial infection in the mouth and the same bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and put our entire health at risk. When the health of our mouth deteriorates through decay or gum disease, it may put our general health in jeopardy, particularly if we have additional... risk factors. By making this critical connection between what goes on in our mouth and the rest of our body, we are taking the first step toward optimal health. & ! # *** Brandywine Periodontics Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc 610-558-8283 ______________________________ #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio #pennsylvania See more

Happy Birthday, Joyce! May your birthday be the start of a year filled with good luck, good health and much happiness. #HappyBirthday ' *** Brandywine Periodontics... Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc 610-558-8283 ______________________________ #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio #pennsylvania See more

Mouthwash containing alcohol can dry out your mouth, making it more susceptible to bacteria. Ask us about the best mouthwash for you! & ! # *** Brandywine Periodontics... Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc 610-558-8283 ______________________________ #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio #pennsylvania #smile See more

If you have ever stood in the toothbrush aisle at the store, you know that there are a lot of choices. Toothbrushes come in all different styles, angles, brush head shapes, bristles and more. It can be difficult to know what is best for your teeth. A stiff bristled brush can hurt your gums by scratching the tissue and it can wear down tooth enamel. A soft bristled brush will allow you to push hard enough to clean your teeth, but not so hard that you wi...ll damage your teeth or gums. If the head of your toothbrush is too big to adequately fit into your mouth it won’t be able to reach and clean the teeth in the back of your mouth, where bacteria is more likely to thrive. While it’s easy to think that more pressure equals a better clean, the opposite is more likely to be true. Brushing too hard can cause damage to your tooth enamel leading to sensitive teeth and gums. Changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months can help you maintain good mouth health as well. You also want to change your toothbrush after any time you’ve had a cold to avoid any cross contamination. ! If you’re looking to help encourage a child to brush their teeth regularly, the easiest way is to make it fun for them. Allowing kids to choose their own manual or powered toothbrush with a design or character that helps them see brushing as a fun task is worth it. Studies have shown that the pulsing and vibration of an electric toothbrush remove plaque much better than a standard manual one. ! & ! # *** Brandywine Periodontics Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc 610-558-8283 ______________________________ #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio See more

Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, ONE THING HAS REMAINED THE SAME: OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR SAFETY. We take pride in the fact that our safety and infection control protocols have always surpassed the recommendations of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the CDC. If you have a few minutes, here is the video from Pennsylvania Dental Association https://youtu.be/w-xEP6lJ24c

6 Tips for Healthy Teeth: Rinse between meals Use a straw Avoid sticky foods Avoid acidic foods... Chew sugar-free gum Drink more water & ! # *** Brandywine Periodontics Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc 610-558-8283 ______________________________ #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio #pennsylvania #smile #systemichealth #liveinspired#dentistnearme See more

If you’re wearing dental braces, make sure that you ask your hygienist how to clean around your brackets and wires properly so that your teeth don’t get damaged by trapped plaque. & ! # *** Brandywine Periodontics Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc... 610-558-8283 ______________________________ #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio #pennsylvania #smile #systemichealth #liveinspired#dentistnearme See more

Questions to ask at your dental cleaning. & ! # *** Brandywine Periodontics Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc... 610-558-8283 ______________________________ #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio #pennsylvania #smile #systemichealth #liveinspired#dentistnearme See more

If you have time for Facebook, you have time to brush and floss. & ! # *** Brandywine Periodontics Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc... 610-558-8283 ______________________________ #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio See more

Tomorrow is #WorldMentalHealthDay Depression and anxiety cause several factors that impact oral health. The stress they create manifests itself in the body as a hormone called . As cortisol levels increase, the immune system gets weaker. This can leave you vulnerable to mouth conditions like gum inflammation (gingivitis) and gum disease (periodontitis). In addition, medications prescribed for depression and anxiety can cause dry mouth. This lack of saliva can me...an that food debris, plaque and bacteria aren’t getting rinsed from teeth easily, which can make it easier for cavities to form. Anxiety, in particular, tends to be associated with several oral health issues. If you have anxiety, you're more susceptible to canker sores, dry mouth and teeth grinding (). Luckily, when depression or anxiety takes a toll on oral health, there are ways to fight back. The simplest step you can take to maintain your oral health is to brush twice a day and floss daily. Keeping up these basic oral health habits can go a long way to keeping your mouth in tip-top shape. & ! # *** Brandywine Periodontics Steven R. Sierakowski, DMD, MDSc 610-558-8283 ______________________________ #GlenMills #StevenSierakowski #DrSierakowski #brandywineperio #pennsylvania #smile #systemichealth #liveinspired#dentistnearme See more