3 Reasons Why Water Is Great For Your Gums

Water not only improves your overall health, it can also improve your smile and your gum health. Periodontal disease is a gum disease where bacteria and plaque build up and impacts the overall health of the gums, bone and eventually the teeth. Brushing and flossing are not steps you can skip if you want healthy gums. In order to take your gum health to the next level, Dr. Rice recommends you drink more water and here’s why.

1.     Water helps rinse food from your teeth in between brushing. Once you have consumed any type of food, you don’t want it to stick to the surface of your teeth. Water helps to rinse the mouth and gives bacteria less opportunity to bind with food and turn it into plaque.

2.     When your mouth is dry and humid, it is a breeding ground for bacteria that is already present in the mouth. By drinking water you can limit the opportunity of bacteria to grow.

3.     Drinking water helps rinse out the bacteria that is lying in the mouth but has not yet turned to plaque.   The sooner you can remove the bacteria from your mouth the more likely you are to keep your smile looking great.

Don’t spend time destroying your smile and gums, take time to improve your gums and they can last a lifetime.  For more information contact Periodontist Dr.Rice and her team today.

Your Smile Is Worth It!

You only have one set of gums and teeth, and while you may believe you can replace them, it comes with a cost. Take care of the ones you have is the best advice you can receive.

Dr. Rice states, "periodontal disease is the leading cause of gum recession and missing teeth." It attacks your gums first until they bleed and are swollen. As the disease continues to attack your healthy gums, they pull away from your teeth, which eventually leads to bone loss.  Traditional surgery usually takes several sessions each lasting potentially several hours with recovery time needed after.

LANAP laser surgery can stop periodontal disease in its tracks and help restore your beautiful smile much more easily. This new innovative choice can allow you to return to work usually the same day with minimal damage to your gums. The thin laser goes beneath the gumline in order to get rid of any bacteria, and instead of cleaning one quadrant of your mouth at a time, the LANAP procedure allows the periodontist the option of treating multiple areas in the mouth at one time.  “This procedure usually takes two, two hour sessions,” says periodontist Dr. Denine Rice, “and results in a faster healing time!”

If you have a referral to the periodontist, sit down and listen to the options presented and remember, while keeping your teeth is an investment, it’s an investment into your health.

Don’t wait for your beautiful smile!

Do You Experience Teeth Sensitivity When Brushing?

"Tooth sensitivity is unfortunate and can be a nuisance", states Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice. When you want to go and enjoy an ice tea with a friend or drink coffee on a Saturday you may think twice before reaching for that drink due to the fear of sensitivity. Here are some things you can do to help:

Ask your DDS for a recommendation for toothpaste. There are specially designed toothpastes for individuals who have sensitivity. You’ll want to check with your dentist first if you are unsure which type to use, as there are multiple brands with different flavors. You’ll want to find toothpaste that is going to work specifically for you. 

See your dentist regularly for cleanings - many times that's the cause.  If you have not had a cleaning in awhile it is important to get this taken care of. As decay builds up on the enamel of the teeth, or when periodontal disease gets worse, your teeth become even more sensitive.

If you have recently whitened your teeth, try using fluoride after your whitening session. There are two layers on your teeth. One is enamel, the hard outer shell, and the other is dentin. "Dentin is softer and can become exposed when you whiten your teeth," Dr. Rice. After you initially whiten you are more susceptible. Make sure to follow the directions on when to eat and drink after whitening. If you wait to consume something it can lesson the impact of the sensitivity.