Gum Damage

Teeth and your health connection

One of the benefits of a soft toothbrush is that it does not damage the gums. “A rigorous brushing routine,” says Dr. Denine Rice, “damages the gums.” Gum’s that are brushed too hard become sensitive and can begin to recede.  Gum recession is the process of your gums pulling back from the teeth. As more of your tooth becomes exposed, you run the risk of losing your teeth because the gums are like a pocket that securely keeps your teeth in place.

         When you are brushing your teeth you should gently brush the teeth in a circular motion. Each quadrant should take about thirty to forty seconds. It is not recommended that you brush your gums, because you can cause damage to them.  While you are flossing, Dr. Rice suggests, “Gently glide the floss between the teeth. You do not want to push or force floss between your teeth because this can cut the gums.”  Food begins to build up between the teeth at every meal and will stay there until you floss. The longer that food builds up on the gums the more time that bacteria has to attack the gums and the enamel of the teeth.

         You only have one set of gums and the damage you do to them is most of the time irreversible. Damaged gums become susceptible to bacteria while pocket depths increase between the gums and the teeth.  Brushing and flossing twice a day can help remove plague from the teeth.

ICAT Versus Regular Radiograph Consult

The ICAT is a dental scan technology that provides your dentist with a 3D image of the bone in your mouth.

“It gives us a view that we just can’t get from traditional x-rays,” says Dr. Denine Rice of Rice Periodontics and ImplantSurgery in Riverside, California.

The scan typically takes less than 20 seconds and is done in an open-air environment. The benefit is it provides so much information that assists in determining the appropriate placement of your dental implants, and at the same time exposes you, the patient, to less radiation than a traditional CT scan.

Your dentist, with this 3D image will be able to better plan and place your dental implant. “We are very proud of our dental implant success rate,” says Dr. Denine Rice, “and the ICAT is part of what makes our success rate possible.”

The ICAT scan is also helpful for diagnosing TMJ problems or to determine the exact location of impacted wisdom teeth. “But it is critical in getting placement right for implants,” says Dr. Rice. “When considering an implant, ask for an ICAT to be done.”