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.

3 Ways To Destroy Your Gums

Your gums are the glue that hold your teeth in the socket. Without your gums, your teeth would not be able to maintain their position in your mouth. Dental decay and periodontal disease causes a pocket to build between the gum and the teeth, which can then cause your teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Here are 3 ways which you can destroy your gums from Dr. Denine Rice,

1.     Consuming tobacco products. Periodontal disease is an infection in your mouth that can go to other parts of your body. Smoking and chewing tobacco decreases your body’s ability to fight infection. Once you have periodontal disease smoking also makes it harder for your gums to heal from infections.

2.     Not drinking enough fluids throughout the day. There are already bacteria in your mouth. When your mouth becomes dry the bacteria that is bad for your mouth can get worse, causing periodontal disease and other problems.

3.      Not fixing missing teeth. Once you have one missing tooth it is common for you to begin to lose other teeth. As you lose teeth, your other teeth shift into the position of the missing tooth. This can then cause problems for your bite as well as cause you to look older. 

For more information on healthy dental habits, contact Dr. Rice and her team.

3 Myths About Periodontal Disease

There are tons of information floating out there on the web about periodontal disease and the dangers of it. It can be overwhelming and difficult to distinguish between the facts and the myths. Dr. Denine Rice recommends everyone should be well informed about periodontal disease in order to combat the negative impact of the disease. Here are 3 myths about periodontal disease and what you can do to save your gums for a lifetime. 

1.     Bleeding gums are not a big deal.

a.     Your gums may have bled since before you can remember. This does not mean they are healthy and it is a big deal. If your gums bleed even a little bit it is the number one sign there is a concern with your dental health. 

2.     Visiting the periodontist is unnecessary and scary.

a.     Visiting a periodontist is similar to visiting your regular dentist. They will consult with you, evaluate your x-rays, and complete a check-up to see the health of your gums. Then they will let you know on a course of treatment. Nothing scary about it. But it is necessary and can be the difference between paying more for dental problems later on since periodontal disease strikes at the foundation of your teeth.

3.     You don’t need to floss.

a.     Flossing is critical to the success of your gums. There is only one way to keep your gums in shape and that requires flossing.

For more information on periodontal disease, contact Dr. Rice and her team today!

Start Your Day with a Beautiful Smile!

Rice of Rice Laser Periodontics & Implant Surgery was voted one of the Inland Empire's top dentists by patients and peers. From dental exams and cleanings to the latest in periodontal therapies, they're there to help you achieve a healthy smile for a lifetime. They are conveniently located in Riverside at 3731 Tibbetts Street, and are available to serve you Monday through Thursday 8 to 5 with same-day emergency service for your peace of mind.

When you have a dental emergency don’t wait to get help, taking care of your smile immediately after a problem has occurred can avoid the costly mistake of needing more dental work.

Not sure what your periodontal need is? That’s okay, Dr. Rice and her team will conduct a consultation in order to evaluate what problems you are facing and what treatments may turn your smile from something you want to hide, to a wow smile you can’t wait to show off to everyone. 

To learn more about their practice and meet the team, please visit them online at Rice Periodontics dot com.

6 Ways To Improve Your Oral Health

While there are millions of bacteria that live in your mouth on any given day, you don’t have to stand by and allow them to take your beautiful healthy smile away. It’s time to begin a strategic attack in order to battle decay and disease to get your smile back to a natural and healthy state. Optimal oral health is about more than cosmetic dentistry or seeing your periodontist, it’s about replacing old habits with new ones that will allow you to have a beautiful smile.

1.     Drink water. Drinking water is the easiest way to help decrease disease and decay and get your smile back to healthy. Water helps remove food from the teeth and keeps your mouth from getting dry.

2.     Eat fruit. Not only does fruit have a high concentration of water already in it, it’s low in sugar,“ says One of Inland Empire’s Top Dentists, Dr. Denine Rice. Foods with a high concentration of water increase the chance of sugar causing cavities and decay and increase bacteria counts in the mouth.

3.     Decrease the consumption of all other foods with sugar in them. The summer time provides an increased opportunity for spending time with loved ones enjoying cakes and other treats. Avoid large quantities of the goodies and make sure to brush as soon as you can.

4.     Avoid soda. Soda has a large amount of sugar and acid that attacks the enamel on your teeth. 

5.     Floss your teeth at least once a day. There is no reason to lie to your dentist because if you are not brushing it will show up during your routine cleaning. Floss is critical to keeping your smile healthy; it is the only option for removing food between the teeth.

     Visit your periodontist and have any procedures completed that need to be done to help keep your smile at its brightest and healthiest.

Talk to Dr. Rice & her team for more options.

Is Laser Treatment For You?

Laser treatment is gaining momentum around the world for various medical procedures. Laser eye treatment, laser hair removal and even laser periodontal treatment. Get the facts about laser treatment to determine if this procedure is the right choice for you.

The laser cleans out plaque using wavelengths in order to reach below the gum line. The advantage of this type of treatment is that it takes less time, is not as painful, and can be completed usually within two visits that are generally no more than one hour each. LANAP laser surgery can have you in the chair treating the disease and then quickly on your way back to work the same day.  

“The LANAP laser protocol uses a laser,” says Dr. DenineRice, “with four fiber fine hairs to go below the gum line and clean out the plaque.  By utilizing a laser for surgery instead of more traditional methods you are able to usually return to work the same day. “

“And laser treatment costs are similar to the cost of regular treatment,” according to periodontist, Denine Rice.

LANAP laser surgery has the ability to clean out the bacteria below the gum line and allow your gums to heal to a healthy state. Surgery can reduce the swelling in your gums caused by periodontal disease and can restore your smile to a healthy, beautiful smile.

5 Pieces Of Advice Your Gums Would Give You

If your gums could talk they may be saying all kinds of things to you. They may begin to sound like a broken record of nagging and advice.

Here are five pieces of advice we are sure your gums would give you.

1.     Brush regularly.

                  Food easily sticks to the surface of your teeth and gums allowing bacteria to cause trouble for the health of your gums.

2.     Floss on a regular basis.

                  Your gums should be a nice pink color without puffiness or swelling. Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice states, “Your gums should be firm to the touch and cover the tooth about a quarter of the way up.” Without flossing bacteria can lie below the surface of your gums causing bleeding, gingivitis and periodontal disease. If left untreated for long periods of time, your gums may eventually lose their ability to do their job effectively and bone may be lost.

3.     Visit the dentist regularly.

                  “The dentist can find any problems you may have brewing before they become a problem for your mouth,” says Dr. Rice. 

4.     Eat Healthy Foods.

                  Fruits and vegetables help wash any food away from the gums. While chips, and other foods high in starch, can cause food to stay stuck to your teeth and gums which then turns into sugar.

5.     Don’t let problems go.

                  If you notice bleeding, lesions or other problems in your mouth or with your gums don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable. Visit the dentist and solve the problem before things get worse and cost more.

Healthy gums leads to a smile that lasts a lifetime. For further questions contact Dr. Rice & her team.

My Gums Are Bleeding-Now What?

Have you noticed some red in the sink when you finish brushing or flossing? This is not a good sign. This is the beginning stage of periodontal disease. Depending on how long this has been going on will depend on what you need to do next. Periodontal disease if left untreated can be a very negative instrument in reeking havoc in your body.

If you have only begun to see the bleeding and it is minor, begin flossing and brushing on a regular basis immediately. It is recommended by Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away to determine if damage has occurred. Your dentist may recommend some mouthwash that could also help clean bacteria out of the mouth. This is especially helpful if this is the beginning of gingivitis.

 

If you have had bleeding for a while and it does not stop with brushing, flossing and mouthwash, then the next step would be to visit a periodontist.  Share with them that your gums are bleeding. At this visit your dentist may recommend non-surgical treatment to remove plaque and calculus that has built up over time and may be causing the problem.

For any other questions contact Dr. Denine Rice & her team.

7 Ways To Recommit To Your Gums

If you take advantage of your gums, they will eventually begin to break down. Your gums are sensitive and require you to take special care of them in order to keep them in tip-top shape. Here are seven tips to keep your gums healthy.

1.     Brush 2x a day

           While this is not new advice, this is certainly the most critical. "If you’re not brushing, you’re inviting bacteria to attack the enamel of your teeth, says Dr. Denine Rice.

2.     Floss daily

           Flossing allows you to remove any bacteria or food left over between your teeth. While brushing is your first line of defense, in order to get between the teeth you have to floss. Find floss you love to make this an easier process.

 3. Drink water

            Water isn’t only for your body, it’s super important to your teeth as well. Water helps keep your mouth moist to remove food particles stuck on your teeth between brushing.

4. Eat veggies containing water – like celery

            Veggies high in water help provide a clean white look to your teeth. “Veggies not only help keep your body healthy, but they ensure your smile is staying as healthy as you want it as well,” says Dr. Rice.

 5. Eat fruit

            Fruit, like the vegetables, help rinse food away from the teeth and gums.

6. Avoid tobacco products

            Tobacco creates multiple problems for your gums. Not only does it carry dangerous carcinogens that cause cancer, it also dries out your mouth. The dryer your mouth is the more opportunity for bacteria to grow, attacking your gums.

 7. See your dentist as recommended.

            Visiting your dentist on a regular basis allows any problems to be detected early and allows for any problems to be taken care of.  

3 Secrets From Your Periodontist

           

Do you spend time chatting with your periodontist? Well, we did. We sat down with periodontist Dr. Rice in order to see what advice she gives to patients.

What Does Gum Grafting Surgery Entail?

Once Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice recommends that you have gum graft surgery she’ll have you schedule another appointment where you can come in and get the surgery completed. Gum grafting surgery may be recommended if your gums have receded to the point where the roots of your tooth are exposed or if your teeth are loose in your mouth. While this is not a cosmetic surgery, it may be recommended to enhance your original smile. This secondary benefit improves your smile by extending your gums back to where they should be.

There are three different types of gum graft surgeries and they depend on how much root you have that the periodontist can work with.   Connective tissue grafts use tissue from under the palette of the mouth. Once the flap has been cut and the correct amount of tissue has been removed, it will be placed in front of the area that needs tissue.  The tissue will then be stitched around the tooth in order to connect the tissue to the area in front of the tooth. Once the surgery is complete the dentist will reconnect the flap on the palate of the mouth to allow for healing. 

The second type of gum grafting surgery is called a Free Gingival graft. This procedure may be recommended if you need additional tissue to enlarge the gums. The tissue is taken from the palette of the mouth instead of underneath the palette. If you have thin gums, this procedure will allow the tissue around the gum to be built up.

The third kind of gum graft surgery is a pedicle graft. Dr. Denine Rice, one of Inland Empire’s top rated dentists, recommends this type of surgery to patients when patients have enough tissue by the tooth but it just needs to be pulled up to cover the tooth.  This surgery allows for tissue to be taken from around the tooth instead of taken from the palette. Once the tissue is placed in the correct spot it will be grafted on.  And the healing process will begin.

For more information contact Dr. Denine Rice & her team today.

What Does A Periodontist Do?

Your periodontist does more than just scrape the bacteria from your gums. She not only restores the health of your gums, but also increases the overall health of your body. And that’s not all. Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice, can provide bone grafting if necessary to place implants.   Have you found lesions in your mouth? She can evaluate the lesions and complete an extensive oral health exam to make sure your mouth is free of cancerous cells

Dr. Denine Rice is an expert in extreme gum problems.  While your general dentist is able to provide a general cleaning to help reduce the inflammation in the gums, periodontists are trained to use the latest technology in order to get your gum tissue back to a normal and healthy color with reduced inflammation.  

A periodontist is also able to evaluate your options if you have loose teeth due to gum disease. When your gums begin to recede due to gum disease, Inland Empire’s  Top Dentist,Dr. Rice is able to assess all of your options in order to save any teeth if possible. Earlier detection of gum disease can allow for more treatments to save teeth.

Unfortunately, there are times when the tooth decay is extreme or you have loose teeth that cannot be saved. Or perhaps you are missing teeth. Dr. Rice will work with you to evaluate your options for replacing missing teeth. For example, she might recommend bone-grafting surgery that allows her to rebuild the foundation to place implants and restore your beautiful smile.

DentalVibe & You

Dr. Denine Rice is not just a periodontist she’s one of Inland Empire’s top rated dentists. A periodontist supports patients who have severe gum disease, and she is an expert in oral inflammation and placement of dental implants. However, that is not all. Dr. Denine Rice works to provide the best care for patients using the latest dental technology in order to provide you with exceptional care. 

  

One of the technologies that Dr. Rice and her team use is called DentalVibe. This miraculous tool allows patients a better dental visit by providing little impulses to an injection site before the shot is given. Patients report that DentalVibe creates a less painful injection.

DentalVibe takes visiting the periodontist to a whole new level. You can leave that anxiety about shots at the door and enter a world where you’re being provided a better dental experience.  This specially designed tool has been reviewed across multiple dental offices and with hundreds of thousands of patients. Dr. Denine Rice believes in only using the best tools for her patients. 

Now the deal is even sweeter because when you use DentalVibe at Dr. Rice’s office you can review your experience online and be entered to win an IPAD mini and a final grand prize.  Ask Dr. Rice and her team today for details and enjoy your next visit with painless shots.