Welcome to the Wisconsin Dental Association

Click on these links for information on oral health issues for adults.

2010 - Burden of Oral Disease in Wisconsin
The Burden of Oral Disease in Wisconsin is a comprehensive review of oral health data available in the state, with national and Healthy People 2010 comparisons when possible. While Wisconsin has made significant progress in improving the oral health status of Wisconsinites, oral disease continues to be a key health concern for the state.

Gum disease affects more than just your teeth
It is becoming more evident each day that oral health is integrally linked to a person’s overall health. Dentists have long understood that periodontal (gum) disease can lead to tooth loss, but new evidence suggests it can affect more than just a person's teeth.

Osteoporosis & bisphosphonate medications
New evidence suggests bisphosphonate medications, often used to treat osteoporosis and Paget’s disease, might be linked to osteonecrosis of the jaw, a rare but serious condition that involves severe loss or destruction of the jawbone.

Antibiotic guidelines
Information for dental patients. The American Heart Association states most people do not need preventive antibiotics. Only patients with a high risk of negative outcomes from infective endocarditis should receive this type of short-term preventive antibiotic prior to dental treatments.

What is periodontal disease?
Tooth decay and periodontal disease are two of the main conditions that affect our dental health. Most people have a good knowledge of tooth decay. While public awareness of the periodontal disease, gingivitis, is increasing, general knowledge of the most serious periodontal disease, periodontitis, is limited.

Root canals
A root canal is a relatively simple procedure that can save a tooth with a diseased nerve. Without root canal therapy, you could lose that tooth. Root canals typically cause little or no discomfort and can be done in one to three visits to the dentist.

Wisdom teeth: Why have them removed?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last to form and erupt in the mouth. Get answers to commonly questions about wisdom teeth, including when and why you should have them removed.

Pregnancy & oral health
Oral health plays an important role in overall health. It even affects the health of a pregnant mother and her unborn child. Periodontal (gum) disease has been associated with greater risk for having a low birth weight or pre-term baby. A recent study also says pregnant women with gum disease might be more likely to develop gestational diabetes.

Gum disease and osteoporosis
A new study in the June 2007 Journal of Periodontology found postmenopausal women infected with four species of periodontal bacteria were more likely to have oral bone loss, even after adjusting for smoking, age and income.

Using an electronic toothbrush
For many of us, brushing our teeth tends to be a tedious process. Consider trying an electronic toothbrush, not only because they are easier and more "fun" than a standard toothbrush, but also because they are very effective at improving dental health.

Oral piercing: Not as safe as you think
Piercing may seem daring, cool and totally safe, because some celebrities use it to flaunt their particular style or attitude. But piercing the tongue, lips, cheeks or uvula (the tiny tissue that hangs at the back of the throat) is not as safe as some would have you believe.

Bad breath: Even your best friend won't tell you!
Millions of people suffer from it, but nobody talks about it. In an age when almost any problem is openly discussed on TV talk shows and in the daily papers, there’s still one subject few people talk about. Indeed, as a TV commercial put it, "Even your best friend won’t tell you!"

Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Imagine the feeling of a thirst that is so strong it seems it will never be quenched, a constant burning sensation on the tongue, or lips that are constantly dry and cracked. Thousands of people, particularly the elderly, are affected by this condition called xerostomia or "dry mouth."

Dental implants on the rise as baby boomers age
Dentures, crowns and bridges used to be the only solutions for adults with missing teeth. The sophistication of new technology and techniques are giving way to more options and many patients are opting for dental implants, a permanent replacement.

Myths on aging & oral health
Until recently it was believed that aging meant debilitating changes in oral function, such as tooth loss, less salivary flow, mucosal atrophy and loss of taste abilities. Recent research puts to rest many misconceptions.

Dental services for nursing home residents
This section lists the administrative code requirements for dental services for nursing home residents.

Preventive dentistry for seniors
Visit this section to read about preventive dentistry for seniors, including information about tooth decay, dentures and dry mouth.

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