How to Clean a Dental Bridge When missing a tooth you may notice a difference in chewing, speaking, and the...
How to Clean a Dental Bridge When missing a tooth you may notice a difference in chewing, speaking, and the way your smile looks. A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth and connects the gap where one or more teeth used to be. Bridges use the surrounding teeth to support the artificial teeth. You can either have an implant-supported bridge or a tooth-supported bridge. Both provide a realistic look, and both are different to take care of than a...
A missing tooth might be the result of gum disease, injury, severe tooth decay, or a genetic condition. Regardless of...
A missing tooth might be the result of gum disease, injury, severe tooth decay, or a genetic condition. Regardless of the way a tooth is lost, it can impact a person in multiple ways. Missing teeth can negatively affect how your teeth are aligned. Teeth will start to shift to fill the missing area causing a change in bite. This in turn can cause issues with grinding, tooth fractures, and/or tooth wear. When teeth are missing your jawbone starts to...
During the month of March there are specific days set aside to show appreciation for dental professionals. The first week...
During the month of March there are specific days set aside to show appreciation for dental professionals. The first week is dental assistant appreciation week and March 6th is dentist day. This is also a time to remind everyone about the importance of regular dental checkups. Everyone on the dental team has a unique role in supporting excellent oral health. The different roles of dental professionals The dental assistant has many varied responsibilities from assisting the dentist during a variety...
Sensitive teeth can feel different depending on the cause. Identify the feeling of the sensitivity or pain. Sometimes you get...
Sensitive teeth can feel different depending on the cause. Identify the feeling of the sensitivity or pain. Sometimes you get a sudden, often sharp pain. This can occur when eating or drinking something cold, sweet, or sour. You might also notice it while brushing your teeth or breathing in very cold air. Other times the pain might be a dull pulsating sensation and persist for some time. Identify the source of the sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth here...
Many people often experience holiday stress. Stress is a coping mechanism to everyday challenges, but when the stress response is...
Many people often experience holiday stress. Stress is a coping mechanism to everyday challenges, but when the stress response is continuous it can have a negative impact on overall health. You may feel your heart rate and breathing increase, as well as increased muscle tension. Stress can have physical and psychological consequences. Did you know it can also have an impact on your oral health? Stress and Oral Health When prolonged stress occurs, your immune system can become compromised. The...
Bruxism is also a name for teeth grinding, and it is often accompanied with clenching. It often happens as you...
Bruxism is also a name for teeth grinding, and it is often accompanied with clenching. It often happens as you sleep, but it can also be associated with stress, anxiety, an abnormal bite, or missing teeth. People who drink alcohol and smokers are approximately twice as likely to grind their teeth (ADA, 2022). The symptoms of teeth grinding include: Dull headaches Jaw soreness Teeth that are painful or loose Fractured teeth Your dentist will evaluate the source. You can get...
Have you ever noticed bleeding when brushing or cleaning between your teeth? Swollen and bleeding gums are early signs that...
Have you ever noticed bleeding when brushing or cleaning between your teeth? Swollen and bleeding gums are early signs that your gums are inflamed and there is an infection. A healthy mouth has gums that are light pink in color and fit firmly around each tooth. There is no bleeding when you brush or clean between your teeth. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Inflamed gums (gingivitis) are often red, swollen, bleed, and are tender. If left untreated, gingivitis may...
Every October is National Dental Hygiene Month. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) initiates a national campaign to celebrate and...
Every October is National Dental Hygiene Month. The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) initiates a national campaign to celebrate and recognize the role dental hygienists play in improving the health of their patients, as well as spread awareness about the importance of oral health. During this month the goal is to: Promote the value of oral health. Good oral health is essential for overall health, so this month is all about the importance of maintaining your healthy smile. Encourage you...
You must maintain your dental implants with proper oral hygiene at home. Implants can develop disease, just like a natural...
You must maintain your dental implants with proper oral hygiene at home. Implants can develop disease, just like a natural tooth. Bacterial plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth and implants. If you do not clean your implant(s) properly, the plaque builds up and can cause gum inflammation called peri-implant mucositis. Your gums may look red, swollen, feel sensitive or bleed easily. This can be reversed, but if plaque is not removed, the bone around the...
Getting dental implants as a tooth replacement option can be a long process from start to finish. Your dental professional...
Getting dental implants as a tooth replacement option can be a long process from start to finish. Your dental professional should inform you of the process before starting to limit miscommunication and any false expectations. A dental implant consists of a screw that is placed in the jawbone and a crown, which looks like a natural tooth, is anchored to the implant. Dental implants are one of the most viable methods of teeth replacement. Before Placing the Implant:...
Dental implants allow for a replacement of a single missing tooth or several missing teeth. Perhaps you were born without...
Dental implants allow for a replacement of a single missing tooth or several missing teeth. Perhaps you were born without a tooth or have had to have teeth removed due to injury, infection, or decay. If you have a missing tooth, there are several options. You could get a bridge, dentures, implant(s), or do nothing. Here are 5 advantages of dental implants (AAID, 2022). Feel, look, fit, and function like healthy, natural teeth. Don’t slip or click when you...
May is Older Americans Month, established in 1963 to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons. The theme...
May is Older Americans Month, established in 1963 to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons. The theme for 2022 is ‘Age My Way’, an opportunity to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities. It focuses on living independently within a community for as long as possible. The ability to access routine professional oral health services, have proper oral health education, and daily oral hygiene are all essential factors related...