Healthy Dental Habits Over The Holidays

The holidays are coming sooner than you think. You may have been so focused on all of the things you need to do prior to the holiday season you are not even focused on your teeth and gums. It is essential to not let your dental habits go just because it is time for good food, family and friends.

 Now is the time to evaluate whether your smile is the smile you want to share in family photos. Now is the time to keep your smile on track by honoring the dental work and habits you have been committed to this year.

Dr. Rice and her team recommend drinking water at every meal instead of high sugar drinks. Drinking water will help rinse any sugar or carbohydrates from your teeth decreasing your risk of periodontal disease. Water also ensures your mouth is not dry, providing a less habitable environment for bacteria to attack the enamel on your teeth.

Avoid the late night sugar and instead enjoy a piece of sugarless gum. It helps to remove any leftover food-stuff to your teeth, reduces risk of dry mouth, and decreases your desire for high fat foods late at night.

For more information on healthy holiday periodontal habits contact Dr. Denine Rice and her team.

4 Myths about Periodontal Disease

There are myths about periodontal disease floating out in the world. These myths can contribute to problems in your mouth that also cause problems for your body. Dr. Denine Rice discusses 4 myths about gum disease that could save your smile for a lifetime.

1. Myth: Brushing and flossing regularly is not needed.

o   Truth: Without regular brushing and flossing plaque builds up on your  teeth, causing periodontal disease, potential tooth loss, and decay.

2.     Myth: Bleeding gums are normal.

o   Even a little amount of bleeding when brushing and flossing is not normal. 

3.     Myth: Flossing causes bleeding gums.

o   Your gums bleed when you have gingivitis or periodontal disease.  Once you have taken care of the periodontal disease with your periodontist then your gums will be healthy and should not bleed.

4.     Myth: Periodontal disease is only caused by poor oral hygiene habits.

o   Hormonal changes and certain medications can also lead to periodontal problems. If your gums are bleeding, swollen, or if you have loose teeth this is a concern, and you should schedule an appointment.

For more information about periodontal disease contact Dr. Rice and her team today.

Cosmetic Procedures Are Not Just For Your Teeth

There are numerous factors that can impact your smile and when Dr. Denine Rice sees gums that have receded or swollen and puffy gums, she knows that it is important to help patients understand the importance of looking at options to restore their gum health.

Your gums help hold your teeth in place and decrease the risk of them becoming loose. Once you lose one tooth you are further at risk to lose more. You can also develop problems with your jaw and the alignment of your teeth as they shift into the locations where you have missing teeth.

Gum graft procedures can help take gum tissue from other locations in your mouth and place them where you need it most. Once the tissue is placed it will heal and blend with your other tissue, replacing your exposed roots with healthy tissue.

A laser periodontal procedure removes bacteria from below the gum line and decreases bleeding, puffiness and bacteria. When individuals have periodontal disease their bodies are constantly fighting infection which can lead to heart disease and other problems. Laser periodontal procedures do not require sutures and can usually be completed in 1 or 2 days requiring very little downtime.

For more information on cosmetic gum procedures that can restore your smile, contact Dr. Rice and her team today.

4 Habits That Are Bad For Your Gums

Your gums can impact the way your teeth fit in your mouth. The gums are a pocket that your teeth fit into. Without proper care your gums can pay the price. Take time to distinguish these bad habits and improve your gum health.  Don’t take risks with the health of your gums. Treat them well and they can last a lifetime.

1.     Not Flossing on a regular basis can be the downfall of your smile. Flossing is the only way to remove food from between the teeth. Without flossing, food stays under the gums and turns into plaque which then can cause more significant problems.

2.     Eating foods heavy in carbs. The longer food stays on your teeth and in between your teeth the more opportunity plaque has to mix with sugar that then turns into cavities.

3.     Not drinking water. Water can remove food from the surface of the teeth in between brushing and flossing.

4.     Using your teeth as tools. As you use your teeth to open bottles or other items it can cut your gums causing a cut where bacteria can enter through your gums and into your blood stream.

For more information on how to keep your gums healthy, contact Dr. Rice and her team today.