Are Your Gums Swollen

It may seem like no big deal on a day-to-day basis to have swollen gums, but leaving this problem unsolved and up to nature can cause major problems later on. Swollen gums may be the beginning of periodontal disease and other gum problems. Here are six problems you may encounter if your gums are swollen due to improper or absent flossing routines in your day to day life. 

The most important thing is to not wait. If you notice your gums are swollen do not assume it is nothing and make sure to make an appointment with your periodontist, Dr. Rice and her team. It is critical for your smile to be analyzed and the problem to be taken care of. In the meantime, if you are not brushing or flossing regularly. You will want to begin with these healthy oral hygiene routines. 

Eat more fruits and vegetables and decrease your carbohydrate intake. Fruits and vegetables can remove food from the surface of the teeth and get your gum health back on track. In between consuming meals, chew sugar free gum or brush and floss. Discontinue using tobacco or smoking. Both of these substances can irritate your gums further and cause more severe problems for your gums. 

For more information on swollen gums, contact Dr. Denine Rice and her team.

Cooler Weather

With the cooler weather moving in, it can be a time for people to dig out the warm food, high carb recipes. While these dishes can keep you warm and bring out the family, be careful of recipes with too many carbohydrates and not enough healthy vegetables. For years, dieticians and doctors have explained the importance of eating 8 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. But the health of your smile is dependent on this choice as well.

Potato soups, chili and cornbread, and lasagna may make your house smell delicious, but the pasta, starches and breads can stick to the teeth and gums. The longer food stays stuck to the surface of your teeth or gums the more chance that bacteria have to grow and cause decay and other problems. Brushing immediately after consuming carbs is the best way to keep your smile healthy. But if you cannot do that, eating a green pepper or other vegetable with a high water concentration can restore your smile to a healthy place. You can also pop in a piece of sugar free gum in between brushing to help remove any extra food from your teeth.

For more information on the importance of consuming vegetables contact Dr. Rice and her team today.

Enjoy The Sun & Protect Your Teeth - 3 Tips To Healthy Summertime Food

When enjoying the sun’s rays this summer, it may seem easier to pack high sugar, sticky items to take to the beach with you. While packing snacks ahead of time is a great way to reduce eating out and means you can choose the right type of snacks, you may want to avoid some of these foods to ensure your smile stays healthy. Here are three easy tips to stay on track this summer from Periodontist, Dr. Denine Rice.

Avoid sticky foods. These types of foods tend to adhere to your teeth, increasing the opportunity for bacteria to attack your teeth. Snacks higher in sugar can linger in your mouth as you stay in the sun. They also can decrease overall saliva production, which is a playground for bacteria to grow in.

Dr. Rice suggests you, "take fresh fruits and vegetables instead." Fruits and vegetables are easy to cut up and put in small snack-sized containers. They are easy to take with you, and do not take up much space in a cooler. And best yet, foods high in water help rinse food from teeth instead of sticking to them.

Follow these tips and enjoy the summer sun and keep your smile bright.