Dr. Jim Erpenbach’s Blog
Can Protein Capsules Fight Gum Disease? Knoxville Dentist Highlights Study
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSGum disease is one of the most common issues we discuss with patients at their dental checkups. Clinically termed periodontitis, the infection is the number one cause of adult tooth loss. From an oral-systemic perspective, gum disease has been linked to more serious conditions of overall health. Heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and…
Knoxville Dentist on Getting the Most Out of Your Toothbrush
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSWhen plaque hardens, it becomes calculus (AKA tartar). When tartar builds up on your teeth and at your gumline, the bacteria-laden biofilms can cause cavities and gum disease. This is why it is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) that you visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. This isn’t all you…
Knoxville Dentist Suggest Iced Green Tea for Summer Thirst Quenching
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSWhen you choose your go-to summer refreshment, you may tend towards sodas, punches, or alcoholic beverages. Many of these choices are full of sugar and acid, and not the best for your teeth. Plain, unsweetened iced tea and water are two of the best choices to keep your palate refreshed and your teeth free of decay and disease. But if you want to…
Dentures are designed to reasonably and realistically replace missing teeth. They are removable, which can be nice in terms of comfort. You don’t have to have lost all of your teeth to qualify for dentures. They are available in both full and partial. Dental implants are surely the most tooth-like option to replace teeth, but the price tag…
Knoxville Dentist Uses DNA to Identify Dental Issues
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSThere’s a chance that you might be given the news from your dentist at some point that you have periodontal disease (gum disease). This condition falls on a spectrum from gingivitis (early gum disease) to periodontitis (severe gum disease) and it does affect 80% of adults in the United States at some point in their lives. Your Knoxville…
Knoxville Dentist Predicts Coconut Toothpaste in the Future
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSDo you have a summer vacation planned? If you think of a tropical vacation, what do you imagine drinking poolside? A nice cold beer? A strawberry margarita? How about a sweet and refreshing pina colada? If you picked the third choice, than you must be a coconut lover. Well, there’s good news for the dental health of people that enjoy…
Summer Lovin’ Won’t Be a Blast If You Have Halitosis
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSIt’s that fun-in-the-sun time of year. Days at the beach, nights staying up late sipping a cocktail under the stars. Summer can be a very romantic time of year. If you’re dating someone knew, in the middle of a wonderful marriage, or reconnecting with your honey now that the kids are all out of the house, nothing can kill a great kiss…
Common Preventive Screenings from Knoxville General Dentist
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSIf you have periodontal disease (gum disease) you are one of many. When early gum disease (gingivitis) is not treated, it can segue into severe gum disease (periodontitis). Periodontitis is a rather serious oral health condition that can lead to periodontal pockets, loose teeth, and complete tooth loss. Gum disease is often linked to serious…
Interesting Facts About Toothpaste from Your Knoxville Dentist
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSToothpaste is a big part of American life. If you’re out, you’ll make a trip to the store even late in the evening so you don’t have to face work with residual morning breath. If you find a brand you love, you’re likely to stick to it for years to come. We’ve become quite accustomed to the minty fresh feeling these…
Gum Disease Prevention Quiz from Knoxville Dentist
Written by Jim Erpenbach DDSApproximately 80% of Americans have some level of gum disease. Gum disease that is not treated can increase the risk for other overall health problems. Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and pre-term labor are among the unpleasant possibilities. As a founding member of AAOSH, the American Academy…