Use It Or Lose It

The holidays are almost here and that is an exciting time. Fall leaves, cooler weather, 

hot chocolate and holiday eating. But it also marks the closing of a timeline.  Your insurance benefits run out at the end of the year. For many insurance plans, any money you haven’t used for the year will go away with the beginning of the New Year. Here are three ways you can use your dental benefits to your advantage.  

1.     Improve your smile through bone or tissue grafting surgery. If you have gum recession due to periodontal disease, gingivitis or trauma you may wish to look into repairing your smile. Or if you are missing a tooth, now might be the time to look into preparing your jaw for implant placement.

2.     Get periodontal laser surgery. If you have periodontal disease and you have been putting off treatment, the bacteria in your mouth means your situation is only getting worse. This can lead to other problems down the line including loss of teeth,  gum recession, and many times health issues. Laser surgery can help not only improve the health of your smile, but the overall look of your smile as well.

3.     Crown lengthening. This procedure can help to reposition the gums in order to improve the length of the teeth. Dr. Rice states, “Immediately after the surgery the teeth will look longer.”

Your dental insurance is yours to use, now is your opportunity to use it to your advantage. Call Dr. Denine Rice & her team for more information today.

How Often Do You Floss?

A National survey found, more than a quarter of adults admit to lying to their dentist about how often they floss. (Perio.org). While flossing is one of the most important tasks you can do to ensure a healthy, white smile, many adults admit they don’t want to get caught by their dentist not taking care of their smile.  Flossing is recommended by periodontist Dr. Denine Rice, because, “It is the single most important activity for removing food between the teeth and ensuring periodontal disease doesn’t impact your gums.”

 

Brushing allows you to remove food from the tops of your teeth, but no matter how great your toothbrush is, the bristles do not reach down far enough and remove food from between the teeth.  Brushing is great for your teeth, flossing ensures your gums stay healthy.

Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice recommends, “Floss at least one time a day.” If you eat foods that are sticky, or high in carbohydrates, you might want to floss immediately after eating as these foods have a tendency to stay on your teeth longer, allowing unwanted bacteria to begin the process of decay. While saliva will rinse some foods from between your teeth, carbohydrates tend to stay stuck to your teeth until you brush and floss.

4 Of July Foods That Improve Your Smile!

Backyard BBQ’s, friends and family are a great way to celebrate your Fourth of July.  Here are some recommended foods that can save your smile this holiday. Instead of partaking in foods high in sugar and fat, try switching out the chips with a vegetable plate instead.

Vegetables high in water concentration such as carrots and cucumbers allow food to be washed from your teeth. This helps to prevent bacteria from attacking the enamel in between brushing. It also helps hydrate your mouth during the hot, outdoor festivities. Moisture in the mouth helps to control bacteria in the mouth from attacking the teeth.

Watermelon is a fantastic fruit for this Fourth of July. Not only is it a great source of vitamins, it’s easy to pack up and take to your family’s house for the festivities or bring back along with you to the fireworks. Watermelon has a high concentration of water and keeps your smile shining bright.

Drink water that is naturally flavored with strawberries, kiwi or cucumber. All of these foods are naturally high in water concentration. You’ll want to keep away from the soda and other high acidic drinks to keep your smile in great shape.  “Flavoring your water naturally gives you the great taste of fruits and vegetables without the negative effects of powders on the market today,” says Dr. Denine Rice.

Healthy White Smile

A polished, healthy smile can increase your chances of being hired for that job you've always wanted. O it can create an opportunity to meet your future husband. In fact, your smile has the power to change the world. Why not take care of it? Our teeth work hard all day long, breaking down food, and stimulating bone growth in our jaw. Reward them by brushing, flossing, and taking care of any problems early on. 
Dr. Denine Rice says, "Periodontal disease left untreated enters the bloodstream by going below the gum line." Eventually, as these bad bacteria build up, they can negatively impact the heart, liver and other internal organs. While you are living a busy lifestyle, you may not realize all the damage being done until you are ill. Worse yet, this problem can spread, making it costly to fix the damage that has been done. 
"Dental habits are preventative measures to help keep your smile lasting a lifetime. Your teeth start out strong, and can do the job they are intended for, when you brush twice a day, floss once a day and visit your dental regularly," suggests Dr. Rice. 
A white smile isn't just about cosmetics, it means your mouth is healthy and in the best working condition possible.  

Healthy Smile From The Past

Do you have periodontal disease that has attacked the bone? Have you given up and believe your mouth can never have the healthy, white smile of your past? We have good news for you. Technology, being utilized in periodontal offices, can regenerate bone and  restore your smile. This procedure may sound complicated, but in a few short visits, you can be on your way to a smile where the bone is restored.
 

“In order to determine the best route for you, your periodontist,” says Dr. DenineRice, “will need to evaluate your periodontal health.” Depending on how much damage has been done, and where there is bone loss, will determine which procedure and where the bone is placed.  

The bone is usually artificially created and then implanted into the jawbone once bacteria have been removed. It is important for the bad bacteria to be removed from the gum tissue and for any periodontal disease to be under control prior to this procedure being conducted, otherwise, it will be difficult for healthy bacteria to grow.  

 Once the procedure is completed it is important to give your mouth the time to heal. You'll want to adjust some of the foods you eat. "Double check with your periodontist after the procedure is completed for any post-surgery requirements," suggests Periodontist Dr. Rice.