Gum disease might be one of the most common dental diseases, but fortunately, it is also one of the most preventable. Gum disease begins as an infection in your gum tissues (gingivitis) that is caused by the excessive buildup of oral bacteria. By preventing this buildup, you can prevent gingivitis. However, if gingivitis forms, it can quickly mature into incurable gum disease, giving you a small window to reverse the infection and avoid gum disease development. Therefore, in addition to consistently good hygiene at home, successfully preventing gum disease also requires regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist. (more…)
Can a Dental Crown Still Save Your Tooth?
In most aspects of your dental health, timing is everything. Skip even a day brushing and flossing your teeth, and plaque might turn into tartar, raising your risks of tooth decay and gum disease. If you have one or more teeth that are damaged or worn down, then they can grow worse the longer you wait to treat them. The good news is that, even in many severe cases, a compromised tooth can still be saved with a dental crown if treatment is sought in time. (more…)
Why You Should Ask Your Dentist About Sleep Apnea
If you spent an entire night without sleeping, then you would probably be aware of it, and the extreme tiredness the next day wouldn’t exactly be a mystery. In some cases, however, your mind and body can be deprived of the rest they need without your realization, leading to symptoms of sleep deprivation when you believe that you’re sleeping soundly. Today, we explain how obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can interrupt your sleep cycle without fully waking you up, and why you should ask your dentist about sleep apnea treatment if you snore excessively. (more…)
Choosing The Right Material For Your Dental Filling
A dental filling is put in place to support teeth that are left damaged by decay. The presence of this dental restoration is important. When you experience a cavity, the damage done to your tooth is not something that your tooth will naturally recover from. After removing the area of decay, your dentist will address this loss of material with your filling. In addition to helping support your tooth against biting and chewing pressures, this can also protect you against future bacterial infections. Your crown needs to be durable enough to adequately offer support. That being said, if your cavity occurs on a tooth that is more visible in your smile, you may be interested in making sure your filling does not disrupt your appearance. (more…)
Addressing Questions About Tooth Extraction
The removal of wisdom teeth is a common dental experience. This form of tooth extraction will not require the placement of prosthetic teeth, and will protect you from potential oral health issues those wisdom teeth create. However, this is not the only form of extraction your dentist provides. Other patients may need a tooth removed because of crowding issues, or because of serious damage or decay. While some issues may not be avoidable (like the removal of wisdom teeth), better preventive dental care can help you protect yourself against needing an extraction due to issues resulting from poor oral hygiene. (more…)