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.  

Laser Surgery Can Save Your Smile

When you hear the word laser surgery, you may be concerned about the price, or the damage that a laser may cause to your gums. It may sound new age, and you may be wondering how a tiny laser can remove bacteria from your gums and improve your dental health. But lasers have been improved and are now getting you the most out of your money when it comes to improving the overall health of your gums.

Having unhealthy gums can cost you more than you think.  If you do not get treatment for periodontal disease, it can lead to major problems and not just tooth loss. Dr. Rice states, “You can begin to lose teeth and bone as your gums begin to pull away from the teeth. Decay and bacteria can also spread through the body causing medical problems as well. Periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease and liver problems.

Laser periodontal surgery allows a fine laser to go below the gum line and clean out the bacteria without having to cut the gums. This allows for faster recovery time, less time off of work, and more time spending the holidays with family and friends. Laser surgery only requires usually two main appointments as opposed to traditional laser surgery. This also reduces the amount of money to be spent overall on surgery.

Once laser surgery is completed you usually can resume normal activity, and after a few days you can resume normal eating. In order to set up your consultation today for a better smile tomorrow, contact Dr. DenineRice & her team.  

Don’t Cut Corners With Your Dental Health

It is easy to fall into the pattern of only brushing in the morning, or only flossing one or two days a week. You may talk yourself into these detrimental habits thinking your teeth and gums are strong, they can handle this mediocre dental plan. Unfortunately, negative effects will begin to break down the integrity of your smile after time.

Brushing removes food from the surface of the teeth. As you eat sugar mixes with bacteria to create a sticky film on the teeth. “This film is called plaque and this process begins immediately after you eat,” says Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice.  Once the plaque sticks to the teeth, if not removed, it can attack the enamel increasing your chance of decay and other painful dental problems. Once you have a cavity or you have decay you are more susceptible to other problems with your teeth.

Floss one time a day, either in the morning or at bedtime. If you eat a food that is stuck between your teeth you will also want to floss as soon as possible. There is no other single task that can remove food particles from between the teeth. Food that is left breaks down into plaque and begins to move below the gum line. As this process begins, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed. This is not normal and individuals who floss and brush regularly do not usually have to endure any of these damaging events to their smile.

Drink plenty of water. Enjoy the natural flavor of lemon or cucumber in order to give you fresh tasting water. Or throw some mint leaves in there for a great afternoon pick me up. Water removes food from the surface of the teeth, but it also decreases dry mouth. “A dry mouth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and more opportunity for decay,” says, Dr. Rice.