Sore Gums

If your gums are tender either to the touch or while you’re brushing, you could be experiencing a symptom of gum infection. If your gums aren’t sore regularly, it might not be anything to worry about. However, if your gums are consistently sore or seem to be getting worse, visit your dentist!

Red or Swollen Gums

This symptom usually goes hand-in- hand with sore gums. If your gums look more red than pink, this could be indicative of a problem. In addition, if your gums look puffy or look as though they’re sticking too far out from your teeth, they’re likely swollen and will need to be evaluated by your oral healthcare professional.

Bleeding Gums

Seeing blood when brushing is a common symptom of either a gum infection or gum disease. Some people think bleeding when brushing is normal—it’s not! Unless you are brushing too aggressively, blood when brushing could be a sign of an infection.

A Bad Taste in Your Mouth

If you have a foul taste in your mouth from time to time, you could have an infection which is causing this. Another sign of a gum infection is bad breath. The bad smell could be coming from the gum infection or gum disease or both. Regardless, persistent bad breath or a terrible taste in your mouth could mean a problem. Your wisdom teeth could also be a source of infection. If you never got your wisdom teeth removed and they haven’t fully erupted, your gum tissue is more prone to infection and may cause this unpleasant taste.

Receding Gums

When there’s an infection in the areas between your gums and your teeth, this could cause your gums to begin to pull back from your teeth. This is also known as gum recession and can actually lead to loose teeth. The infection needs to be treated or it’ll get worse!

Visible Pus

If you visibly see pus in your mouth or have pockets of pus—whether it’s from gum disease or an abscess on your gums, you need to get to a dentist as soon as possible. Letting an infection in your mouth go could lead the infection to get into your bloodstream and could cause serious health problems and even death.

If you have a gum infection, this is not a condition you want to wait to seek help for. It can ruin your smile and even cause you some serious health problems. Seeking treatment sooner rather than later is always ideal. If you suspect you might have an infection in your gums, see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can properly treat the infection and save your smile!

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Studies Show Avoiding the Dentist Makes You Unhappier

Recent research has shown that people who avoid the dentist tend to be unhappier in their lives. This is because people who regularly skipped their dental appointments were more likely to have missing teeth, gum disease, and other oral health issues that impacted their day-to- day life.

The research also showed that people who neglected to care for their oral health were also more likely to have poorer overall health. People who have a healthy, beautiful smile are more likely to be happier and take better care of their bodies than people who don’t. This is why having your best smile is so important—not just for overall health, but for your happiness!

Research Proves Smiling Improves Your Mood

Studies have also proved that smiling—whether genuine or faked—can boost your mood and even your immune system. This is because the act of smiling releases endorphins, and your body can’t tell the difference between a real and a fake smile. People who smile more tend to be happier and more confident!

Unfortunately, people who are severely self-conscious of their smiles often avoid smiling altogether. Having oral health issues such as gum disease or tooth decay can progress if not treated. These problems often get to the point where your smile is compromised and you no longer feel comfortable showing your teeth. When you have a gorgeous smile, you can speak and laugh without holding back and enjoy the increased happiness that comes with it!

A Beautiful Smile Increases Success and Confidence

Often, self-esteem begins in childhood. While having an imperfect smile is considered cute among children, it can be hugely damaging to the image of an adult. Having a subpar smile can impact your success, confidence, and even your approachability. A beautiful smile can make you more attractive and appear more trustworthy and approachable. Your smile affects how people perceive you. A great smile can help you be more warm and open, while hiding your smile or having an unpleasant smile can lead people to be more distrusting or less attracted to you.

Don’t wait to get the smile of your dreams. With all the benefits a perfect smile offers you, why not see what can be improved? Maybe you need a simple whitening to help get your confidence back on track, or maybe you need more involved restorative work. Regardless, schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist to talk about your perfect smile!

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After your procedure to place the implant, it’s imperative that you follow your surgeon’s instructions. These care tips usually include avoiding hot or cold drinks in addition to not touching or disturbing the area in any way—this includes brushing. Avoid brushing the site for a few days, but keep the area clean and free of food particles.

The swelling should go away after a few days. Your surgeon may suggest you use ice as needed at first, then mild heat after 24 hours. If you notice any increase in pain and swelling after a few days, you should contact your oral surgeon’s office to evaluate the problem.

Continue to Brush and Floss as Normal

You’ll want to ensure you still brush and floss your teeth after your implant has healed. Always use a toothbrush with soft bristles and floss once a day. Some dentists suggest avoiding any type of abrasive toothpaste during brushing, as this can limit the lifespan of your crown.

An electric or manual toothbrush is fine, as long as you choose soft bristles. To protect the area around your implant, using unwaxed tape floss is recommended. Many people with dental implants find success with water flossers as well. As soon as your site has healed, you can begin to brush gently around the implant until your dentist places the crown. Once your crown is in place, continue to brush and floss gently around the site. Once it’s fully healed, flossing may require a bit more work to get underneath your crown, but flossing in that area can help keep your implant free of plaque and bacteria.

Stay on Top of Care for the Best Results

Continue to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings as recommended. Any buildup of plaque around your gumline could still cause an infection whether or not you have dental implants. Staying on top of your oral care will provide the best results for your beautiful new tooth!

Should you be experiencing any type of problem with your new dental implant, getting in to see your dentist sooner rather than later is always the best idea. Talk to your dentist about how often you should come in for checkups after the placement of your implant.

Dental implants are an excellent replacement when you’ve lost a natural tooth. To take care of your dental implants, get a good start by following your surgeon’s instructions. Continue to brush and floss around the site as normal after healing. Stay on top of care to see the best results and extend the life of your dental crown. Dental implants last for life, so take care of them!

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They’re Excellent Replacements for Your Natural Teeth

As far as technology and natural teeth replacements go, it doesn’t get any better than dental implants. Dental implants are the only option for you if you want something that functions much like your natural teeth. They’re sturdy, they never need to be replaced, and they allow you to feel proud of your smile again.

Bone Structure and Oral Health Matter

You’ll need to have an adequate amount of bone in your jaw in order to properly support the dental implant. Thanks to your jaw supporting the implant, dental implants stimulate bone growth and prevent bone loss, something people with lost teeth have to worry about. Your dentist can determine if you’re a candidate!

You’ll also need to have good oral health in order to support the dental implant. This means not using tobacco products, getting regular checkups, and brushing and flossing. Any oral health problem you have will need to be addressed before the procedure.

The Procedure Is Safe

The procedure for dental implants is more accurate today than ever. Thanks to X-rays, CT scans, and 3D imaging, your surgeon can see precisely where the dental implant needs to go in your jaw. This means they can accurately insert the implant and keep your procedure simple, pain-free, and maximize chances of success.

The chances of your body rejecting dental implants are very small, and most rejections happen as a result of a titanium allergy, which dental implants are commonly made of. If you’re aware that you have a titanium allergy, talk with your dentist before getting dental implants.

They’re More Secure Than Dentures

Dental implants so accurately mimic your natural teeth in look and in function that more people are satisfied with them than they are with any alternatives, such as dentures or bridges. Often dentures can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for people who find that the dentures don’t feel secure in their mouths or slide about. This never happens with dental implants, as they’re rooted securely in your jaw. Dental implants make a great replacement for dentures and allow you to love your smile again!

They’re for Life

Dental implants are for life. Although the root of your dental implant should never need to be removed or replaced, the crown that is affixed to it will need to be changed every decade or so. If you take great care of your oral health, sometimes they can last for longer, possibly even up to fifteen or twenty years or more!

Dental implants are an excellent choice for those who qualify. They’re the most effective replacements for your natural teeth, the procedure is simple and safe, and they’re for life. What more could you want when it comes to replacing your natural teeth? Talk with your dentist to see if you qualify for dental implants!

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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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