Because of the lost bone in your jaw over time, dentures can become loose and not fit properly. When this happens, your dentures begin to rub in places that they didn’t before. This can cause sore areas in your mouth from the improper fit. If left untreated, this can cause inflammation and even infections in the mouth. When your dentures become uncomfortable and begin to rub in your mouth, it’s time to visit your dentist!

Gastrointestinal Problems

When dentures no longer fit snugly in your mouth, you can begin to have problems chewing. Loose or ill-fitting dentures don’t make it easy to chew food. You begin to chew food less thoroughly. When this happens, you can have stomach problems resulting from food that’s not been chewed enough. When your stomach needs to digest these larger food particles, indigestion can result.

Headaches

Your dentures shouldn’t cause you any pain. If you find that your dentures don’t fit the way they used to, you could begin having headaches. The wrong fit can cause your bite to change in addition to your chewing habits. This could create tension in areas where there wasn’t tension before, as your jaw and teeth may be compensating for the ill-fitting dentures. If you begin having dull headaches or earaches, talk to your dentist!

Trouble Speaking

When your dentures just don’t fit right, speaking can feel like a chore. You may mispronounce words or be anxious about your dentures looking askew in your mouth. Our teeth help us to pronounce words correctly and smile with confidence. When your dentures aren’t fitting correctly, you may hide your smile or avoid speaking because of anxiety or fear.

What Can You Do?

If you notice any type of change in your dentures, it’s time for a visit to your dentist! Since people who wear dentures are susceptible to jaw bone loss year after year, it’s inevitable that your dentures will change. The only way to retain your facial structure in addition to your jaw bone after losing teeth is to take advantage of dental implants. Dental implants actually encourage new jaw bone growth and never need to be replaced or changed thanks to their sturdiness and similarity to your natural teeth!

Talk to your dentist about changes in your dentures or the benefits of getting dental implants. You may even be a candidate for all-on- four dental implants, where a denture is adhered to only four dental implants in your mouth rather than getting dental implants to replace all of your teeth. Dentures can be challenging because they change over time—talk to your dentist about what you can do today!

Image courtesy of artur84 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Luckily, dry socket after wisdom tooth removal is very rare and only happens in about 5% of people who have their wisdom teeth removed. Symptoms include facial pain near the extraction site, sensitivity to temperature, and increased pain about two or three days after the surgery. Dry socket needs to be treated by your oral surgeon or dentist, as it will lead to a longer and more painful healing experience. Here are some tips to effectively avoid dry socket and have your mouth heal up quickly after wisdom tooth removal!

Take It Easy

Vigorous exercise or strenuous activity can dislodge the blood clots protecting your extraction sites. It’s crucial that you rest following your wisdom tooth removal. Dry socket can happen to just one extraction site, or it can happen to all four, so you need to be careful. Experts recommend avoiding exercise or strenuous activity for at least one day following the procedure, but it’s important to listen to your body and rest for as long as you feel you need to.

Rinse Gently

It’s inevitable that you’ll need to rinse your mouth after the procedure from brushing and perhaps doing salt water rinses. When you do rinse, do it very gently. Swishing forcefully can cause the blood clots to abandon the site and you’ll be left with exposed bones. Gentle brushing and oral care is vital, and take care to rinse gently after brushing or with your salt water rinses.

Avoid Straws and Smoking

Sucking actions by the mouth can remove blood clots as well. For this reason, you’ll want to avoid straws and smoking. If you’re a daily smoker, do your best to avoid smoking for at least 24 hours following the procedure, and talk with your dentist about resources for quitting. Forceful spitting can also create a sucking action in the mouth and is best avoided.

Do Not Touch or Brush the Affected Area

There’s no reason to touch your extraction sites following the procedure. Your oral surgeon will have packed the area with gauze to help a blood clot form and protect your bone. It’s best to avoid contact with the area until your wounds are healed. Also, avoid brushing the area. Salt water rinses can help to remove bacteria, but follow your oral surgeon’s instructions for healing.

Eat the Right Foods

There are certain foods that are best avoided post wisdom tooth surgery. These involve foods that can leave small particles in your mouth, including popcorn or peanuts. You’ll also want to avoid sticky foods such as candy. Soft foods that are easy to eat such as soups, yogurt, and smoothies can be soothing as well as protect your extraction site.

You can effectively avoid dry socket after wisdom tooth removal by following these tips! Always contact your oral surgeon if your pain increases rather than subsides after a few days. By being gentle with your mouth, eating soft foods, and resting, your wisdom teeth extraction sites will heal up quickly and you can avoid dry socket!

Image courtesy of Artur84 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Aesthetics – A dental implant is designed to look just like the tooth that was lost. Painstaking care goes into shaping the crown to match the look and color of your other teeth. It’s obvious when a person is wearing dentures. Implants look far more natural, whether it is one tooth or entire mouth full of implants.

Feel – Dental implants feel more like a natural tooth. In fact, you may sometimes forget that one of your teeth is a replacement. It will not affect your ability to speak naturally, unlike dentures that may make a person unintelligible. Also, since the implants are screwed or cemented in, you don’t have to worry about glue weakening over the course of the day. They won’t fall out or slide out of position.

Durability – Dental implants are just about as tough as an actual tooth. As long as you keep your implants clean, you should never have a problem with them. At most, you may need an occasional adjustment. Plus, screw-in implants provide the added benefit of easy replacement. If you somehow do break a crown, the titanium implant will still be there, ready to accept a replacement.

Long-Lasting – Dentures are a short-term solution. The generally only last about five years, 10 at the most. Bridges last a little longer. Perhaps you’ll get 10-15 years out of those with proper care. Dental implants, however, are designed to last 25 years or more if well-cared for. In fact, if you take good care of your implants, you are likely only to need one set.

Before writing off dental implants as being too costly, consider the cost multiple sets of dentures as well as the cosmetic and practical advantages that implants have to offer. When it comes to matching the look and feel of your natural teeth, dental implants are the perfect replacement.

Whether you are missing one tooth or many, dental implants are an excellent long-term solution for ultimate smile restoration.

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Laser Dentistry Defined

Laser dentistry involves a laser—a very focused, intense beam of light—that can be focused in certain areas of your mouth. Laser dentistry is safe when practiced by a dentist who has sufficient experience in laser dentistry, so ask your dentist about his or her experience and credentials when you’re considering laser dentistry treatment. This beam of light is controlled by a machine, and you’ll be asked to wear eye protection while the treatment is underway. The laser causes a reaction in the tissues, whether they be hard or soft, that it is directed at. What are some of the common procedures that are accomplished with laser dentistry?

Procedures Laser Dentistry Is Used For

Laser dentistry can help with a variety of procedures. It can help with the treatment of gum disease by removing infected gum tissue and minimizing healing time for the patient. The laser is also able to remove gum tissue that is affecting wisdom teeth removal, or erupted wisdom teeth. In addition, people who have teeth that are covered by gums, sometimes called a “gummy” smile, can benefit from laser dentistry, as the laser can be used to remove the gum tissue that’s covering the teeth. Laser dentistry may also help with muscle attachment in the mouth or jaw that may be hindering speech for children. It can remove tumors, assist with treatment of TMJ by helping with jaw inflammation, and even help with teeth whitening procedures! The applications that laser dentistry can be used for are very versatile.

Patients Who May Benefit from Laser Dentistry

Patients who may be anxious about their dental treatment can be good candidates for laser dentistry. Your treatment may not require stitches or anesthesia, due to the fact that laser dentistry is relatively painless and minimizes the affected area in your mouth. There’s also decreased bleeding and risk for infection, because the laser will only be pointed at the area needing treatment. This means faster healing time for you! Laser dentistry can help ease anxieties and fears about receiving treatment when the treatment will be minimal and there’s less pain and risk for consequences after the procedure.

Laser dentistry has been approved by the FDA, but has not yet been accepted by the ADA, the American Dental Association. While laser dentistry has been around for a few years now and has been found to be versatile in the treatment of many dental ailments, find a dentist with experience that can perform laser dentistry for your next procedure!

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Different Ages for Boys and Girls

Any child younger than age 15 cannot receive dental implants, simply because the bone in the jaw is not fully developed. If implants were to be placed before the bone is done growing, this could hinder further growth of the jaw and prevent permanent teeth from growing correctly. Girls need to be around age 15 to be considered for dental implants and boys need to be closer to 17. You can talk with your dentist about dental implants and if your child is a candidate for them based on their development. While dental implants have great benefits such as helping support the jaw bone after tooth loss, being more comfortable than dentures, and lasting a lifetime, your child’s jaw will need to be fully developed in order to properly support and sustain a dental implant.

What Can Be Done in the Meantime?

While children are not good candidates for dental implants, there are several options that can be done in the meantime to ensure that your child has a great smile until they can get dental implants. Of course, if your child’s baby tooth was knocked out, you can wait until the permanent tooth comes in. If your child lost their permanent tooth, one option to discuss with your dentist are partial dentures. This denture would consist of just the missing tooth (or teeth) and be worn until your child is old enough for dental implants. While this is an option that some kids or teens might consider annoying, it’s better than having a missing tooth. If your child is in need of orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may be able to attach an artificial tooth to the braces while treatment is underway. This gives your child a more permanent and stable option while treatment is being completed, and it will last as long as the treatment goes on until your child is a candidate for dental implants.

Even though younger children cannot receive dental implants, it’s important to seek out an alternative until your child is a candidate. Missing teeth can not only hinder the development of your child’s mouth, but can also impact their self-esteem while going through school and their teenage years. Discuss options with your dentist to get the best care for your child until dental implants can be done!

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Men with a Family History

Men are much more likely than women to suffer from sleep apnea, although it’s not strictly known why this is. Men who have a family history of sleep apnea are even more likely, as certain genetic factors may contribute to the disorder. Older men (age 60 and above) are particularly at risk. Men who have a family history of sleep apnea and experience any of the symptoms including loud snoring, headaches, dry mouth, and daytime fatigue should see their doctor or dentist to determine if they have sleep apnea.

People with Small-Structured Airways

People with airways in their sinuses that are smaller than normal may be at risk for sleep apnea. These small-structured airways can create an increased risk for congestion, particularly if you suffer from allergies, colds, or sinus issues, and especially if you smoke. Without treatment, sleep apnea has the potential to damage your quality of life and hinder your health into old age. Untreated sleep apnea could result in high blood pressure, an increased risk for heart disease and stroke, and diabetes.

People with Certain Lifestyle Factors

There are certain lifestyle factors that will increase your risk for sleep apnea. They include:

– Obesity. People who are overweight are more at risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a type of sleep apnea that occurs because excess tissue of the mouth and throat can relax during sleep and cause airways to become blocked.

– Smoking. People who make may be more at risk for sleep apnea, as the nicotine can cause relaxation among the muscles that keep your airways accessible.

– Alcohol. Alcohol and other sedatives such as sleeping medications can also relax the muscles in your airway.

Lifestyle factors are things that you can change. Take advantage of the power you have over your health and minimize your risk for sleep apnea by exercising, quit smoking if you’re a smoker, and decrease your alcohol intake.

What Can You Do?

Dentists are actually often the first people who detect there may be a problem with sleep apnea. It’s always best to be open with your physicians about what symptoms you’re experiencing. Your dentist can refer you to a specialist to confirm whether or not you have sleep apnea. If you do have sleep apnea, your dentist may be able to help you with some lifestyle changes or fit you with a dental appliance. A dental appliance can help reposition your jaw to help increase airflow and alleviate your sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that should not go undiagnosed—it can be life-threatening and damaging to your health. If you’re at risk or are experiencing symptoms, speak with your dentist or doctor today to get the treatment you need to stay healthy.

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Inhibit Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can eventually lead to loss of your teeth, which is something that can happen if you’re not getting enough calcium and vitamin D. While our teeth are not strictly bones, they are made up of both hard and soft tissues that need to be nourished with vitamins and minerals. Tooth decay can result in the loss of some of the harder tissues on our teeth, therefore leading to infection and eventually tooth loss. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D can help you prevent tooth decay.

Help Decrease Inflammation

Vitamin D has been shown to be a big helper when it comes to keeping inflammation down in your mouth. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can lead to inflammation that involves your gums turning red, pulling back from your teeth, and bleeding. Vitamin D is an important vitamin in keeping your gums healthy, but vitamin D also has another role—promoting calcium absorption. You should try to get calcium and vitamin D together in order to reap the full benefits. Good sources of vitamin D include sunlight, fatty fish such as salmon, and dairy.

Keeps Bones Strong

The amount of calcium in the body, so vital for bones and teeth, tends to decline as we age, so many people will end up taking a supplement rather than just trying to get all their calcium from foods. When your bones are strong, particularly the bones in your jaw, your teeth will be better supported. The bones in your jaw help to hold your teeth in place, so it’s important that these bones remain healthy so that they provide adequate support for your teeth. Bone loss will affect your smile, so keep this in mind as you go through life. Great sources of calcium include dark green leafy vegetables, sesame seeds, and dairy.

Healthy Body, Healthy Mouth

Calcium and vitamin D also play a range of other roles when it comes to our overall health. Calcium not only keeps bones strong, but also helps with nerve communication, muscle cramps, blood clots, and maintaining a regular heartbeat. Calcium needs vitamin D to be absorbed properly and to keep levels up in the body. Vitamin D has been found to help bones as well as depression, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers. When you tend to your body’s health, you also tend to your mouth health. By keeping your body supplied with enough calcium and vitamin D, you can ensure your smile is getting all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

Calcium and vitamin D are vital for your healthy smile! By building up bones, preventing tooth decay and gum disease, decreasing inflammation, and keeping your nerves all communicating accurately, this important vitamin and mineral combination can do wonders for your smile.

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Today, dentists understand their patients better than ever before. The wide availability of cosmetic dentistry is an example of how dentists have begun to realize that their patients want more than just healthy teeth; they want to like their teeth too. Dentists realize that they can provide their patients with a service that not only makes their mouths healthy, but boosts their self-esteem and is good for their emotional health as well.

Dentists also are very aware of the common problem of dental anxiety, and they are doing something about it. Sedation dentistry tackles the problem of dental anxiety, giving patients options that will help them relax during dental procedures. If you’ve ever suffered from the double-edged sword of having dental anxiety and being embarrassed about having it, the embarrassment is not a problem today because dentists know that this is a common problem that many people have. The anxiety itself can be eliminated by sedation techniques ranging from mild to deep.

Technology makes many dental procedures more comfortable than ever before. Even the most feared dental procedure of all, root canal, is reported by most patients today to be pain-free, thanks to advanced technologies and pain-prevention options.

When you visit a modern dental office, you can expect the dentists and staff to be dedicated to you as a patient. Modern dentistry does not lecture or try to change attitudes. Today’s dental professionals are patient-oriented and respect their patients’ attitudes, and work with their patients to help them achieve their goals.

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