Why Healthy Gums Are So Important to Your Health

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Why Healthy Gums Are So Important to Your Health

Your gums are an important part of your oral health. They serve to protect the roots of your teeth, as well as provide a cushion for the teeth and surrounding structures. When healthy, gums are pink, firm, and fit snugly around each tooth. Unfortunately, many people suffer from gum disease, which can cause redness, pain, and even tooth loss if left untreated. What Is a Gum Disease Gum disease is an incredibly common problem that affects millions of people around the world. It can cause a range of issues, from mild discomfort to serious health problems. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, refers to any condition that affects the gums, which are the soft tissue that surrounds the teeth.  Gum disease begins with plaque buildup on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. Over time, this plaque can harden and cause inflammation of the gums. This inflammation can lead to gingivitis, which is the beginning stage of gum disease. What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums and the surrounding structures of the teeth. These infections can cause inflammation, redness, pain, and even tooth ...

All That You Need to Know About Interceptive Orthodontics

Interceptive orthodontics is a type of orthodontic treatment that is used to correct irregularities in the teeth and jaws of young children. This type of orthodontic treatment is typically used for children between the ages of 5 and 11, when their teeth and jaws are still in a state of rapid growth and development. Interceptive orthodontics can help to prevent the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment in the future by correcting any irregularities before they become more serious. What Is the Importance of Interceptive Orthodontics? The benefits of interceptive orthodontics are numerous. Here are some of the most significant advantages of this treatment: 1. Early Detection By intercepting misalignment issues early, more serious conditions can be prevented. Early interceptive orthodontic treatment can detect and address issues such as crossbites, overbites, underbites, and crowding. 2. Less Treatment Time Interceptive orthodontics can help to reduce the amount of time needed for treatment later on. It can help to correct issues, such as overcrowding and misalignment, before they become too severe and require more drastic measures. This can save time and money in the long run. 3. Improved Oral Health Interceptive orthodontic treatment can help to improve your overall oral health. By ...

Take Care of Your Dental Sealants with These Aftercare Tips

Dental sealants are a great way to protect your teeth from cavities and other dental issues. However, to get the most out of your dental sealants, it is important to take proper care of them. Here are some tips for dental sealant aftercare: 1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day Brushing your teeth twice a day is essential for maintaining good oral health. When brushing your teeth, it’s important to brush in circular motions and ensure that all surfaces of your teeth are brushed thoroughly. It’s also important to brush for at least two minutes and to use a fluoride toothpaste that the American Dental Association approves. When brushing around sealants, it’s important to focus on removing plaque and other debris that can accumulate around the sealant. Plaque and other debris can increase the chances of decay, so it’s important to brush the sealant areas thoroughly. 2. Floss Regularly If you have sealants, it’s important to floss regularly. While sealants can prevent food particles from getting stuck in the grooves of the teeth, they can’t prevent food particles from getting stuck in the sealant itself. That’s why it’s essential to floss regularly to remove any food particles that may have ...

Foods To Eat And To Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery

One of the most significant benefits of dental implants is the ability to enjoy all your favorite foods without discomfort. Indeed, dental implants are the only long-term treatment that usually allows you to speak, eat, and smile. If you have recently had or are considering dental implant surgery, you may wonder what to eat during the 1-2 week recovery period. This article will discuss the meals you should consume when recovering and those you should avoid. Foods to Eat After Dental Implant Surgery After dental implant surgery, stick to soft foods that need less chewing. You should only consume soft or liquid nutrition on the first day after therapy. The anesthetics used during your surgery prevent you from biting or chewing on your tongue. Following surgery, it is encouraged to consume smoothies, yogurt, ice cream, pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes, creamy soups and broth, and other soft/liquid meals. Then, for approximately one week, you can proceed to items that require a bit more chewing, such as macaroni and cheese, pancakes, rice, soft bread, cooked vegetables, eggs, and spaghetti. After one to two weeks, you can resume eating challenging, chewy meals such as meat and raw, fibrous vegetables. This depends on your ...

7 Smile-Boosting Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures to Consider

If you’re looking to enhance your smile, there are several cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help. From teeth whitening and veneers to bonding and implants, there are a range of options available to suit your needs and budget. So, whether you’re looking for a quick fix or a more long-term solution, read on to find out more about the cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. 1. Teeth Whitening Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. It’s quick, relatively inexpensive, and can make a big difference to the appearance of your smile. There are two main types of teeth whitening: in-office and at-home. In-office teeth whitening is carried out by a dentist and usually takes around an hour. At-home teeth whitening is a more gradual process and involves wearing a whitening tray for a few hours each day. The results of teeth whitening are not permanent, but they can last for several years. Teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone, and it’s important to speak to a dentist before having the procedure. 2. Dental Veneers Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front of the ...

How To Tell If You Need A Night Guard For Bruxism

It is important to be aware of your body and recognize when something is wrong. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common condition affecting millions worldwide. In some cases, it is a mild condition that can be managed without medical intervention, but in other cases, it can be severe and require a night guard. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to seek out a night guard.

Foods to Eat and to Avoid After Dental Implant Surgery

One of the most significant benefits of dental implants is the ability to enjoy all your favorite foods without discomfort. Indeed, dental implants are the only long-term treatment that usually allows you to speak, eat, and smile. If you have recently had or are considering dental implant surgery, you may wonder what to eat during the 1-2 week recovery period. This article will discuss the meals you should consume when recovering and those you should avoid. Foods to Eat After Dental Implant Surgery After dental implant surgery, stick to soft foods that need less chewing. You should only consume soft or liquid nutrition on the first day after therapy. The anesthetics used during your surgery prevent you from biting or chewing on your tongue. Following surgery, it is encouraged to consume smoothies, yogurt, ice cream, pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes, creamy soups and broth, and other soft/liquid meals. Then, for approximately one week, you can proceed to items that require a bit more chewing, such as macaroni and cheese, pancakes, rice, soft bread, cooked vegetables, eggs, and spaghetti. After one to two weeks, you can resume eating challenging, chewy meals such as meat and raw, fibrous vegetables. This depends on your ...

How to Tell If You Need a Night Guard for Bruxism

It is important to be aware of your body and recognize when something is wrong. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common condition affecting millions worldwide. In some cases, it is a mild condition that can be managed without medical intervention, but in other cases, it can be severe and require a night guard. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to seek out a night guard. Symptoms of Bruxism 1. Headache If you wake up in the morning feeling like you have a sore jaw or a headache, it could be a sign that you have been grinding your teeth in your sleep. Teeth grinding can cause the jaw muscles to become tense and can lead to headaches. 2. Worn Teeth If you have bruxism, your teeth may look worn or flattened. The surface of your teeth may be rough, and your enamel may be thin and weak. You may also experience sensitivity in your teeth and gums. 3. Teeth Sensitivity Teeth sensitivity can also be a sign of bruxism. If your teeth become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, it could signify that you are grinding your teeth and wearing away the ...

5 Reasons Why Consistent Flossing Is Vital for Oral Health

Our teeth are vital for our quality of life because they allow us to break down food for easier consumption. Conversely, our teeth supplement our speech by helping us make more articulate speech sounds, which is why everyone is encouraged to take care of their teeth. Brushing your teeth and regular visits to the dentist are recommended, but these are often not enough, especially for those who need specialized dental care. If this is the case, many dentists recommend flossing. Flossing is vital for oral hygiene because it reaches places the toothbrush cannot reach. Dental floss is a thin, waxed thread used to clean between the teeth, which also helps remove plaque, a sticky film that can build up on teeth and cause discoloration. Despite this, many do not consider flossing because they think brushing apart from routine dental appointments is enough, which is rarely the case. If you do not see the value of flossing, here are several benefits you can reap: #1 – Freshens Your Breath Brushing your teeth and getting your teeth cleaned by your dentist are integral to maintaining fresh breath. However, flossing helps to remove food particles and bacteria that can accumulate between your teeth. ...

When Do Orthodontists Recommend Space Maintainers for Adults?

Space maintainers are the devices used in orthodontic treatment to hold the position of teeth that were prematurely lost due to trauma or extractions. Orthodontists recommend space maintainers when a patient has lost a baby tooth prematurely and a permanent tooth has not yet erupted to take its place. Space maintainers are typically used to maintain the space between the teeth so that the permanent tooth can erupt properly and the adjacent teeth do not drift into the empty space. But when are space maintainers for adults recommended by orthodontists? Read on and find out: An Adult Might Need Space Maintainers, Too Space maintainers are dental appliances used to support the teeth and jaw in cases where a tooth or teeth are missing or have been removed. While traditionally used in children, adults can also benefit from space maintainers. In this post, we will discuss the various reasons why an adult might need space maintainers and how they can help. The most common reason an adult may need space maintainers is when they have lost a tooth or teeth due to trauma, decay, or periodontal disease. In these cases, space maintainers can help to keep the remaining teeth in place ...