1 Missing Tooth Is Too Many

When you look in the mirror is there a hole in the back where your tooth used to be? Did you have a dentist extract it thinking one day you would get it fixed? If time has passed and you have still not taken the time to replace your missing tooth, now is the time. Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice, recommends getting your missing tooth fixed immediately in order to get your smile back on track. 

One missing tooth can cause major problems that you did not plan for. One missing tooth can allow an opportunity for your other teeth to shift into place. Once this shift begins to happen, your bite can be off. As your bite shifts, your jaw alignment becomes a problem. This can eventually lead to pain, and extreme problems with your bite. It can also cause gum disease.

The gums are exposed in that area allowing food to stick in between the teeth for a longer period of time. The longer that food is stuck between your teeth, the more opportunity that decay and other problems can set in.

For more information on missing teeth and options for you to fix your smile, contact Dr. Rice and her team today.

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.