There is a link between gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) and diabetes (both Type 1 and Type 2). The link between gum disease and diabetes is a two-way street because each condition can effect the other. People living with diabetes are at higher risk of developing gum disease than people with consistently healthy blood sugar levels. People living with gum disease are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Along with increasing the risks for developing the conditions, either condition can make the other one harder to control. For instance, gum infections can make it more difficult to regulate blood sugar levels, which is essential for diabetics. (more…)
2 Ways To Help Protect Kids’ Smiles
Instilling good oral health habits in children is probably the best way to protect their smiles. Oral health habits include teaching children how to effectively brush and floss their teeth, instilling the importance of routine dental exams and cleanings, teaching them to be mindful about food and drink, stressing the importance of mouth guards, and the list goes on. While you and your children build these habits, kids may need some extra help protecting their smiles against cavities. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are two ways that your dentist can provide a boost of defense to your child’s smile. These two treatments, along with all of the habits listed above, can help the smile stay strong and healthy. (more…)
Unexpected Causes Of Toothaches
Many people believe that the only causes of a toothache are a cavity or a broken tooth. While cavities caused by tooth decay are a common cause, there are several other things that may be causing your tooth to hurt. Each different cause will be treated differently in an effort to relieve the pain. Your dentist is your best resource when it comes to dealing with a toothache. Because most dental issues are progressive (which means they will continue to worsen until treated), it is important to not leave them ignored. (more…)
Why Is Dental Extraction Necessary?
With advances in modern dentistry, teeth can often be restored and extraction can often be avoided. A dentist’s top priority is always to save a tooth, but above that is the health of the entire smile and the overall health of the patient. Unfortunately, there are certain situations when a tooth can simply not be saved. A dental extraction becomes necessary when a tooth is too severely damaged, is causing negative effects on the rest of your smile, or if the tooth is severely infected. In situations where an extraction is recommended, the tooth can usually be replaced with an implant and/or some form of dental prosthetic. (more…)
Do I Qualify For A Dental Implant?
When someone experiences tooth loss, it can be traumatic. It can have negative effects on your whole smile, and a dental implant can be a way to curtail some of these effects. However, not everyone qualifies for a dental implant. There are certain issues that may make your smile ineligible for an implant. Fortunately, most of these issues can be overcome. Bad habits and oral health obstacles may need to be addressed prior to the implant being placed. Your dentist can talk to you about the benefits of an implant on your smile, if your smile qualifies for dental implants or what may need to happen to your smile to get it there. (more…)
Getting A Same-Day Dental Crown
When the surface of a tooth is weakened by decay, injury, or a root canal treatment, the healthy remains of the tooth may be weak and vulnerable. A dental crown acts like a permanent helmet to protect the rest of your natural tooth, so that you can continue on biting, chewing, and smiling. Traditionally, dental crowns are manufactured at a specialized lab that are usually outside of the dental office. To create a traditional crown, your dentist would first take an impression of your tooth and send it out to the third-party specialized labs. This process can take weeks to get fitted with a permanent crown. With investments in CEREC technology, the traditional process is streamlined to all be done within your dentist’s office. There is a way for you to get a dental crown in a single visit. (more…)
Could Sedation Dentistry Help Me?
When a person has more extreme feelings of unease or anxiety, they may find that even the thought of setting an appointment with the dentist can be stressful. Your dentist and your dental team want to make you feel comfortable during your visits and treatment. Dental anxiety can prevent you from getting important care to protect your smile and your oral health. Sedation dentistry can help calm your nerves, while you stay conscious and alert during treatment. Rather than skip important checkups or avoid essential treatments because of nerves and anxiety, dental sedation can help you get through the care you need. (more…)
3 Smile Issues Addressed By Veneers
Your smile is an important part of your face and an important part of your overall well-being. While the health of your smile is most important, the appearance of your smile can play a big role in your self-confidence and self-esteem. If you have otherwise healthy teeth that may have some cosmetic issues, it may make you feel less inclined to smile. Not smiling can lead to you not feeling happy or positive. If your smile has any issues that make you feel less confident, porcelain veneers can help to address these issues to restore your confidence. Issues like surface damage, discoloration, gaps, and unevenness can all be addressed using veneers. (more…)
What Is Mouth Tori?
Tori are harmless growths of bone within the mouth; the word torus refers to a single bump, while tori is the plural. Tori are defined as hills of bone growth covered by normal gum tissue. They are considered to be ordinary, completely healthy, and rarely a cause for concern. Tori usually develop symmetrically on both sides of the mouth, but can appear on just one side. The three places in the mouth that are most likely to develop them: on the tongue side of the lower jaw (known as mandibular lingual tori), on the roof of the mouth (maxillary tori), and the cheek side of upper molars (tori palatini). (more…)
Can Invisalign® Help My Smile?
If you have teeth that are crooked or misaligned, it can present a number of challenges for your smile that go beyond appearance. Although an effect on your smile’s appearance can be enough to shake your confidence. A crooked smile can be troublesome to keep clean and plaque-free, which can put you at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease. A misaligned smile can also lead to a development of jaw disorders. Many people believe that orthodontic treatment for a misaligned smile is only for teenagers. However, straightening your teeth can be beneficial at any age. Invisalign® treatment can discreetly restore your confidence in your smile while eliminating other challenges presented by crooked teeth. (more…)