Find Your Smile

It can be easy to forget about yourself when you are running from place to place and trying to get everything in your life done. But your smile is important. Take time to find your best smile by having laser periodontal procedure and improving your gum health. Periodontal disease impacts more than just the look of your smile. It can impact your overall health and happiness.

Healthy gums can unfortunately begin to break down only after a few days of unhealthy habits. Brushing, flossing, drinking water and eating healthy can keep bad bacteria under control and increase the likelihood that you will be able to keep your natural teeth for a lifetime.

Once you have periodontal disease, while it can be managed, it will never go away. It will be important for you to keep your gums healthy and begin a periodontal treatment that will clean out the bacteria from below the gum line and restore your gums. Laser periodontal procedures take less time and do not require sutures, which can help you get back to life just a day after the procedure.

Dr. Rice and her team are dedicated professionals who want to help you establish healthy routines that will keep your smile for a lifetime. Contact them today for more information on Laser Periodontal Procedures.

Don’t Settle For An Average Smile

Your smile is important. It can help connect you to others and improve your mood. Your smile can help improve your life circumstances and can increase your self-confidence. You do not need to settle for an average smile because you think that a new smile is too expensive or out of reach. Dr. Rice recommends meeting with a periodontist in order to evaluate your smile and determine how to get the smile of your dreams.  Further research shows that people who smile, tend to be more open and flexible. They are willing to share a part of themselves with another human being and tend to have happier marriages.

Periodontal laser procedures can clean your gums and reduce damage that is caused by periodontal disease. If your gums are red, swollen or bleeding, laser periodontal procedures can remove bacteria below the gum line and decrease the pocket depths without having to cut the gums.

Flossing on a regular basis can reduce swelling in your gums and keep the pocket between your gums and teeth tight. You want the pocket to be tight because it acts like a seal and decreases the chance of your teeth becoming loose.

For more information on how to improve your smile, contact Dr. Rice and her team.

Stop! You Forgot To Floss!

“Flossing isn’t just a suggestion,” says Dr. Denine Rice, “It is a must.” There is only one way to save your gums and your teeth for a lifetime, and that is flossing. Food gets between the teeth even if you don’t see it, feel it, or think it is there. Regular brushing is awesome, but flossing is the bread and butter of dental health.  Millions of people every day are impacted by periodontal disease, but you do not have to be one of them. Here are 4 reasons why people say they don’t floss and what you can do to help.

1.     “My teeth are too tight.”

a.     Finding a coated floss, like Glide. It can help to glide between the teeth and remove any food that is stuck between teeth that are close together.

2.     “I don’t have enough time in the morning.”

a.     That is okay. Floss on your way out the door, at your first bathroom break, or at night, before bed, when your day has wound down.

3.     “The floss breaks.”

a.     Try different kinds of floss, and you may even want to use flossers. They can help to keep the floss from breaking.

4.     “I have bleeding Gums.”

a.     Gums bleed when you have periodontal disease and gingivitis. After a regular flossing routine has been established, your gums shouldn’t bleed any more. If they do, you may need to schedule an appointment for a periodontal cleaning.

For more suggestions and support with enhancing your flossing routine, contact Dr. Rice and her team today!

Happy Smile Can Equal A Healthy Life

Dr. Denine Rice suggests a diagnostic assessment if you have not been to see her before. This way she can determine the best options to get you smile you deserve. If you have been feeling tired, sluggish or not just yourself, you may be surprised to find that your body is being impacted by periodontal disease. Dr. Rice has a full spectrum of services to prevent, diagnose and treat periodontal disease so you can enjoy a healthy, long-lasting smile.

You may think is normal for your gums to bleed when your brush and floss. Or when you look in the mirror and you smile back at yourself, and see those puffy and swollen gums, you may shake it off and think, they have been likes this for a while. It is important to not ignore the signs of periodontal disease because you deserve the best smile you can have. The treatment options may include laser periodontal procedures, traditional periodontal surgery, or if caught early on,, non-surgical treatment, but once the periodontal disease is treated you may have other options that can restore your smile back to healthy.

Dr. Rice may recommend gum graft surgery in order to repair gums that have receded due to periodontal disease, or other treatments that can help restore your smile The latest technology is at Dr. Denine Rice’s fingertips; all you have to do is call.

For more information on how to get a healthier smile, contact Dr. rice and her team today.

3 Reasons LANAP Is State Of The Art

                                                                                  

 

State of the art isn't just a catchy phrase... it's an investment we've made to bring you the highest quality care!

1.     Dr. Rice and her team are pleased to bring you the latest dental innovations including LANAP, a laser based technique for the treatment of periodontal disease.  This tiny laser is able to complete periodontal surgery faster and with less time in the chair.

2.     With LANAP treatment can be accomplished quickly so you can return quickly to a more comfortable life! While the tiny laser is below the gum removing bacteria, you are able to sit back and relax and know that you are in capable hands. LANAP laser is able to clean each quadrant quickly instead of requiring you to visit multiple times.

3.     Using a tiny fiber the width of three human hairs, this laser gently removes diseased tissue in between the tooth and gums so the body can heal. By removing the disease tissue, your organs can begin to get back to health. Dr. Rice utilizes LANAP instead of traditional periodontal surgery because it allows her to effectively clean the area, remove all of the disease tissue, and doesn’t require sutures or cutting of the gum tissue.

Ask a Rice Laser Periodontics & Implant Surgery team member about the benefits of LANAP laser therapy today.

5 Signs You May Have a Periodontal Abscess

If you are impacted by periodontal disease you may also have an abscess, or a pocket of infection from the infected tooth. If left untreated this can lead to loss of tooth and bone structure. An abscess is an infection that requires treatment, and you may want to consider laser periodontal treatment. Here are 5 signs that you may have a periodontal abscess.

1.     Tooth elevation, if your tooth looks higher up then other ones you may be impacted by an abscess. When pus forms below the tooth and bone is lost, the tooth may lift and look elevated in the mirror.

2.     Swelling of the lymph nodes can occur in some people due to the infection spreading to other parts of the body. This is never a good thing.

3.     Pain and irritation in the area of the mouth, which can impact your ability to eat.

4.     If left untreated for too long, you may begin to have a fever as your body fights the infection.

5.     Sensitivity when you consume hot or cold items on the tooth that is impacted.

Don’t wait until it is too late. If you have a periodontal abscess, contact Dr. Denine Rice today for options.  The sooner you take care of the problem, the quicker you can be on your way to enjoying your life. For more information on periodontal concerns contact Dr. Rice and her team today. 

Why Do You Need To Brush Your Tongue

It may seem silly to brush your tongue, but it is actually an important part of your dental practices. There is more to it though, then just putting the toothbrush in your mouth and moving from side to side a few times. In order to properly remove the biofilm on your tongue and successfully remove the bacteria from the crevices, it is important to follow these tips and tricks. Buildup of plaque on your tongue can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. While taste buds are an important part of our mouth and serve an important role, food and bacteria stick to the tiny hairs on the tongue which can lead to bad oral health.

The toothbrush you use should have small, soft bristles that fit comfortably in your mouth. You do not want it to be too big or the bristles to be rough, this can cause damage to your gums.

Brush back and forth across your tongue for at least 1 minute. Then you’ll want to brush side to side. This ensures that you get all of your tongue and are not missing out and leaving too much bacteria on parts of your tongue.  Once you have brushed, it is important to rinse your mouth out.

For more information contact Dr. Rice and her team today.

3 Reasons Why Fighting Periodontal Disease Is Important

We have heard all the information before. Periodontal disease causes other problems. Periodontal disease can decrease self-confidence and people impacted by periodontal disease may have a shorter life span. In the end, more than 68% of Americans are impacted by periodontal disease across the United States. Here are 3 other reasons why treating periodontal disease is important that you may not have heard. 

1. Periodontal disease can be transferred between family members. While you may think you are the only one in your family who is impacted by periodontal disease. Research today shows that kissing your baby on the lips, or sharing utensils can cause bacteria infected saliva to transfer to your child and can negatively impact their dental health.
2. People with periodontal disease have higher rates of dental procedures that cost more money and they also have the potential for higher medical bills. Individuals diagnosed with periodontal disease are more likely to also have heart disease, diabetes and other health-related problems.
3. Periodontal disease may be increasing your feelings of depression or sadness. Research supports that people who have dental problems can be impacted when applying for a job they want because employers evaluate their success with their smile.

For more information on how to improve your smile and decrease the negative impact of periodontal disease in your life. 

Contact Dr. Denine Rice and her team today.  

5 Myths About Flossing

Waking up in the morning, flossing may or may not be a part of your routine. But Dr. Denine Rice says, “It’s the number one habit you have that can save your smile for a lifetime.” Here are 7 myths about flossing that you need to know.

1.     Bleeding gums is a bad sign & you should not floss.

a.     Your gums bleed because bacteria below the gum line is impacting their health. Flossing can ensure that your gums stay healthy.

2.     I don’t have food in my teeth, I shouldn’t floss.

a.     In fact, floss helps to remove plague built up between teeth, not just remove food from between the teeth.

3.     Flossing is only for older individuals.

a.     Flossing can begin as soon as your child as their first tooth. The earlier you start the habit, the more likely they are to continue the habit into adulthood.

4.     Flossing can damage your gums.

a.     Flossing helps to save your gums not damage them. You do need to be careful when flossing to make sure you are gently pulling the floss between the teeth. Do not dig the floss in the gum.

5.     You cannot floss because your teeth overlap.

a.     “While this can make it more difficult to floss,” says, Dr. Rice, “it is not an excuse to stop.” It is recommended that you utilize a waxed floss to help with this. 

For more myths about floss, contact Dr. Rice & her team today!

Why Laser Procedures for Periodontal Disease May Be a Great Fit for You

If you have visited your dentist lately and they are concerned about periodontal disease, Dr.Denine Rice recommends taking time to look at whether dental laser surgery is right for you. Not only does laser dental surgery help decrease your overall dental pain, you have a shorter recovery time as well.  Traditional periodontal surgery would require your gums to be cut, areas scraped and then tissue sutured. Usually you could expect to be out of work for a day to several and some patients struggled to complete daily activities due to pain.

But now there is an awesome alternative to this problem. Laser periodontal procedures use thin lasers to remove bacteria from below the gum line. Once the laser has removed the plaque and the decay, Dr. Denine Rice will move to the next quadrant. No need for sutures because there is nothing to cut. No need for longer recovery time because using lasers allows for very little swelling and problems. In fact, most people go back to work the very next day if not a few hours later.

While laser surgery may not be the right fit for everyone, enjoy a consultation today with Dr. Rice & her team in order to determine if this is the right fit for you.

Why Gingivitis Should Not Be Left Untreated

Sometimes, when you visit the periodontist, you may not know why it’s important to take care of mild periodontal disease, after all it doesn’t seem to be causing problems. Unfortunately periodontal disease, even minor gingivitis, can wreak havoc on the gums, your smile and your body. Once time has passed, if you have not taken care of the problem, it can then turn to a major problem. Periodontal disease can impact your heart, lungs, and the rest of your body.

“Gingivitis which is the term used for mild periodontal disease has symptoms such as bleeding when you brush or floss,” says Dr. Denine Rice. Any bleeding at all when you brush or floss is not a positive sign and should be taken care of as soon as possible. The sooner you take care of the problem the less likely you are to lose teeth, need major dental work, or to have swollen and puffy gums.

Once you have been diagnosed with gingivitis, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rice and her team for a consultation on which procedure is going to be most appropriate to get your smile back into working order.

Is Periodontal Disease Contagious?

While there has been some research on saliva and on whether kissing your partner with periodontal disease may impact your smile, here’s what Dr. Denine Rice and her team recommend: if your partner has periodontal disease, have them follow through with periodontal procedures that can help get their smile and health back on track. Then it is time for you to also be evaluated. The unfortunate part is that bacteria that cause inflammatory reactions can be spread through your romantic kiss.

The best thing to do is avoid sharing utensils and other oral supplies with your partner until they can get the treatment they need. Periodontal disease that is left untreated can cause heart disease, missing teeth, receding gums, and ultimately cause you to look older than you are. If you begin to lose teeth because your gums are not healthy enough to hold them in the pocket and protect them your smile will suffer. If your loved one shows signs of periodontal disease including bleeding gums, pain with flossing, or missing or cracked teeth, know that there are . options. But doing nothing will cause more problems.

                            

Don’t waste time or put yourself at risk for periodontal disease, contact Dr. Rice & her team today.

4 Questions To Ask Your Periodontist

The more you know about your dental and gum health the better off you are. Don’t take chances with periodontal disease because in the end you run the risk of causing more problems, not only for your smile but your general health as well. A periodontist may be just the answer to help improve the overall health of your smile. But before you sit down in the dental chair, ask these questions.

1.     How long have they been a periodontist? While every periodontist has to start somewhere it is important you know and understand the level of experience the individual has prior to treating you.

2.     Do they utilize an FDA approved laser for surgery for periodontal disease? While there may be a time and a place for periodontal procedures without lasers, you’ll want to know if your periodontist uses and has access to a laser that can reduce your healing time and  improve your oral health.

3.     What type of options do they have for gums that have receded? There are options to even out the front of your gums once you have taken care of the periodontal disease but if you don’t ask, you won’t know the best procedure for you.

4.     Will I lose my teeth if I don’t have a periodontal surgery procedure done? While you may be impacted by periodontal disease, until you schedule an appointment you won’t know the true impact that your periodontal disease may have on your smile.

For more information on how to get your gums back on track, contact Dr. Rice & her team.

Don’t Miss Out, 5 Tips To Saving Your Smile

It is a great idea to keep your smile healthy and your gums looking fantastic. The healthier your smile the more likely you are to reach your goals. A smile is a connection with others, and employers report it is the first thing they look at when interviewing someone for a new position. “Without a healthy smile, you may be missing out on important opportunities,” says Dr.Denine Rice. 

Here are 5 tips to save your smile.

1.     Floss 1x a day. Flossing is the only way to remove food from between the teeth.

2.     Brush 2x a day. This helps to keep food from the surface of the teeth, helping to prevent cavities and decay.

3.     Consume eight fruits and vegetables a day. The water from the fruit and vegetables helps to remove food from the surface of the teeth and keep your smile looking healthy.

4.     Drink plenty of water throughout your day. A dry mouth allows for more bacteria to grow in your mouth. The more bacteria the more chance you have of getting periodontal disease.

5.     Visit the periodontist right away if recommended by your dentist. Once you have periodontal disease it doesn’t go away but not taking care of it makes the problem worse.

For more information on how to keep your smile healthy, contact Dr. Rice & her team.

Being Healthy Is Awesome

Bacteria in periodontal disease can impact your smile and your health. You could wake up every day, brush, floss, visit the dentist, eat healthy and exercise, but if you do not floss and take care of your gums some of these efforts will be wasted energy. Being healthy and having healthy gums is the new sexy. Get your sexy on today by loving your gums.

You spend time completing all kinds of activities throughout your day. Make sure you are completing the right ones. "Once you have periodontal disease," says Dr. Rice, "you, unfortunately, are never able to get rid of it.” Laser treatment can help manage the health of your gums and drastically decrease your symptoms of bleeding, swollen gums and other problems you may encounter.

          Controlling inflammation in the mouth is the key to decreasing the negative impact of

periodontal disease. Do this by having laser procedure and you can reclaim your

healthy smile. Stroke, heart disease and diabetes are a few diseases that are higher in individuals who are impacted by periodontal disease.

For more information on how to, “Love your Gums,” contact Dr. Rice and here team

today!