Dentists Journal

Top Ten Stories of the Week
8/27/2022

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Five Reasons Why Your Gums Are Bleeding

Are your gums bleeding? Even though this is not an uncommon situation, it’s smart to determine the reason for your bleeding gums. It could be something easily fixed, or you may need to see your dentist for bleeding gums treatment. Let’s look at some common bleeding gums causes.

You might be using the wrong toothbrush. The American Dental Association recommends using a soft bristled toothbrush to brush twice a day. If you’re using a toothbrush with medium or firm bristles, you could be causing your gums to bleed. Contrary to what you may think, a soft brush will get your teeth just as clean as a firmer one. In fact, soft bristles do a better job of cleaning just below the gumline.

You could be using the right toothbrush, but in the wrong way. Just as some people choose a toothbrush that’s too firm because they think they need to do that to get their teeth really clean, sometimes people brush too hard in the interest of good oral hygiene. In fact, brushing too hard isn’t just a bleeding gums reason, but can also be the cause of pain and worn enamel. If you’re experiencing bleeding gums when brushing, try this: instead of scrubbing your teeth, think of brushing them as giving them a massage.

Smoking can make your gums bleed. If you’re a smoker, you’re likely to experience bleeding gums. Along with all the other negative consequences of smoking, it increases your risk for gum disease and your tooth sensitivity. If you’re a smoker and your gums won’t stop bleeding, talk to your doctor about quitting.

Sometimes the reason your gums won’t stop bleeding is gingivitis. One of the most common reasons for bleeding gums is gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease (gum disease). When plaque and bacteria build up along your gumline, they can cause swelling and infection that causes gums to bleed. Don’t ignore gingivitis, because it will progress, and the late stages of periodontal disease involve tooth loss, gum decay, receding gums, and bone loss. Pregnant women are at risk for developing gingivitis, so if you’re pregnant it’s important to pay special care to your oral hygiene.

Poor oral hygiene can cause gums to bleed. Brushing twice a day for a full two minutes and flossing once a day will help reduce the buildup of tartar and plaque, reducing your risk of gingivitis and bleeding gums.

(08/19/2022)
by Lifetime Smiles

More Information: https://www.lifetimesmilesbellevue.com/2021/05/10/5-reasons-why-your-gums-are-bleeding/


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Five Surprising Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Do your teeth seem to be sensitive to every little thing? Your own daily habits may be causing your tooth pain. Exposure to hot or cold foods or drinks can cause pain if your teeth are sensitive. So can eating very sweet foods. Even regular flossing and brushing can be painful. That's because the coating on your teeth—called enamel—can wear away over time. This exposes the nerves of your teeth and causes pain. Here are five things you may be doing to contribute enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity.

1. Eating and drinking too much acid. 

The acid in foods and beverages wear down the enamel on your teeth. Citrus fruits, like oranges and lemons, tend to be high in acid. So does yogurt. Many drinks are acidic, too. They include wine, sodas and other carbonated drinks. 

 

2. Brushing your teeth too hard. 

Scrubbing your teeth really hard doesn't get them cleaner. And, it may be harming them. Vigorous brushing, especially using a side-to-side motion, wears away the enamel. The area where your teeth meet your gums is most affected. Brushing and flossing too many times a day and brushing with abrasive toothpaste can also lead to tooth sensitivity. 

3. Grinding your teeth. 

Some people grind their teeth when they feel stressed or anxious. But, tooth grinding is a bad habit that wears away enamel on the teeth. Other people grind their teeth while sleeping. In either case, ask your dentist about ways to break the habit. Your dentist may recommend wearing a mouth guard while you sleep.

4. Bleaching your teeth. 

If you use a whitening kit for a brighter smile, you may be worsening your tooth pain. Tooth bleaching tends to make your teeth feel more sensitive. Try talking with your dentist about ways to brighten your smile that don't have this effect.

5. Neglecting your dental health. 

Poor dental health can lead to sensitive teeth. Plaque can build up on your teeth if you don't brush and floss and get regular checkups and cleanings. Plaque buildup can cause gum disease, which wears away the gum that protects your teeth and exposes the nerves below. Problems with your teeth can also make them more sensitive. If you develop a chip or crack in a tooth and don't get treatment, the damage can extend all the way down to the root and cause tooth sensitivity.

There are treatments that can help ease tooth sensitivity. These include using special toothpaste or having dental work, such as a crown, gum grafts, or a root canal. Talk with your dentist about options if you can't find relief on your own.

(08/19/2022)
by Health Grades

More Information: https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/oral-health/5-surprising-causes-of-sensitive-teeth


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Bad Taste in Mouth: Causes and Treatment

Having a problem with your taste? You’re not alone. Over 200,000 people a year visit a medical professional for taste or smell issues, according to the National Institute of Health. Why do you have a bad, funny, strange, or bitter taste in your mouth? We’re here to outline the possible causes and what you can do about them.

Why Do I Have Bad Taste in My Mouth?

Food and other particles are picked up by your taste buds that communicate a message to your brain through nerves. You’re born with over 10,000 taste buds that can pick up on five different sensations: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. Persistent unpleasant taste in your mouth can affect anyone and presents as a “foul, salty, rancid, or metallic taste sensation.”

You can experience a bad flavor from the dysfunction of any of the parts involved with tasting: the taste buds themselves, the nerves that carry the message, and your brain itself. It can also be caused by medications, vitamins, or other culprits that release bad-tasting chemicals into your saliva or mouth.

Helpful tip: If any of these sound scary to you, rest assured that the cause of your unpleasant taste is usually benign (harmless) unless it presents alongside other symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Bad Taste in Mouth: Causes

The taste in your mouth has a range of explanations, so be sure not to jump to any conclusions. Ensure the taste persists after cleaning your mouth and was not just the result of the food or drink you consume.

Potential causes if you’re experiencing a bad taste in your mouth:

Poor dental health: Improper oral care causes tooth decay, gum disease, or infection, causing a bad taste.

Medication: Some over-the-counter and prescription medications can come out in the saliva or cause dry mouth.

Respiratory problems: Upper respiratory infection can affect your sinuses or the way you experience taste.

Pregnancy: Some women report changes to their taste during this time of extreme hormonal fluctuation.

Neurological conditions: Because nerves detect taste, conditions like dementia that affect your nervous system can cause a bad taste.

Exposure to heavy metals: Lead and mercury are dangerous to your health and can cause an unpleasant taste.

Burning mouth syndrome: This condition causes a burning sensation in the mouth that is sometimes accompanied by a disagreeable taste in your mouth, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Medical problems: Diabetes, cancers, and kidney or liver problems can create a metallic taste in your mouth.

We recommend speaking to a dental or medical professional to help diagnose and treat bad taste in your mouth. They’ll help ensure you don’t have any serious underlying condition causing the bad taste to appear.

Bad Taste in Mouth: Diagnosis

It’s essential to diagnose the cause of this symptom for various reasons. A bad taste in your mouth could be an early warning sign of a health problem you’re unaware of or a problem with your medication dosage. Not only will it help you understand the best path forward, but it can also help avoid problems like overeating salty or sweet food to combat unpleasant flavors.

It’s a good idea to schedule a visit with a dental or medical professional for diagnosis. Although many causes of negative taste aren’t serious, some are. It’s smart to let the pros rule them out so you can have peace of mind. Taste disorders may require the help of a doctor called an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, throat, head, and neck (ENT) specialist.

Diagnosis may include:

Examination of your ears, nose, and throat

Dental assessment

Professionally administered taste test

Review of your medical and dental history

Bad Taste in Mouth: Treatment

Because there’s no single cause for a lingering bad taste in your mouth, there’s also no remedy that works for everyone. Keep in mind that any solution that treats your bad taste directly is unlikely to treat the underlying cause, so it’s important to understand why you’re experiencing an unpleasant taste. The more you know about the cause, the more directly you can treat the problem!

Steps to treat a persistent bad taste:

Maintain your oral health by brushing twice daily for two minutes and cleaning between your teeth using a flossing device, water flosser, or interdental brush once a day

Schedule regular checkups with your dental and medical professionals to prevent problems and catch issues early

Double-check that you’re taking the correct dosage of your medication or vitamins as prescribed or indicated on the packaging

If you’re stressed about the persistent bad taste in your mouth, remember that this is usually not the sign of a serious medical problem on its own. It’s a great idea to schedule an appointment with a professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and up-to-date treatment. You now have a great understanding of how your taste functions and what can cause changes to it.

(08/20/2022)
by Colgate

More Information: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/mouth-sores-and-infections/bad-taste-in-mouth-causes-and-treatment


Views: 308
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Common brushing mistakes you tend to make

Brushing our teeth is the first thing we do in the morning and the last thing we do before going to bed at night. Since brushing is the foundation of a good oral hygiene routine, an average person spends around 82 days brushing teeth, in their lifetime. Not to mention the amount of money and time that we spend on maintaining our oral hygiene.

But did you know that brushing incorrectly can cause more damage than good? All of our time, money, and efforts go down the drain if we commit these common mistakes while brushing.

Hard brushes are harsh on your teeth

It’s a myth that harder bristled brushes clean more effectively. Hard brushes are meant for people with perfect teeth and brushing habits. Overzealous uses of hard brushes cause loss of enamel and gum damage. So stick to a soft or medium bristle brush.

Wrong brushing method will wrong your teeth

Brushing from side to side or horizontally is the most common and wrong way of brushing. It only spread germs from one tooth to another. Place your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, then move your brush in small circular strokes and then sweep away from the tooth. So use small sweeping strokes to clean your teeth and gently massage your gums.

Forgetting your inner teeth surfaces

The world sees the front of your teeth, but your body sees the back. Brushing your teeth only from the front will leave your inner tooth surfaces vulnerable to cavities and considered brushing mistakes. The back surfaces tend to accumulate a lot of food debris and bacteria on the account of being ignored. So brush the front, back as well as chewing surfaces of your teeth to avoid cavities.

A wet toothbrush is an open buffet for bacteria

Almost all of us are guilty of dumping our just used toothbrushes into our cabinets. Wet toothbrushes are bacteria magnets and the dark warm conditions of your cabinets will encourage bacterial growth. Allow your toothbrush to air dry completely before storing it away. Once they dry, keep them away from damp sink counters.

Brushing too often is just as bad

Overdoing is always overkilling. Just like brushing too little is harmful, brushing too much is also just as bad. Do not brush your teeth after every meal thinking that it will avoid cavities. It in reality will weaken your enamel. So stick to brushing well, just twice a day.

Not rinsing after brushing

Do you just spit out the paste after brushing and sit down to have breakfast? Rinsing well after brushing is a must to expel all the dislodged bacteria and food debris from your mouth. Fluoride-the anti-cavity component of your toothpaste needs some time to work in your mouth after use. So rinse well and do not have anything for half an hour after brushing your teeth.

Forgetting to floss

When was the last time you flossed like a boss? Brushing is just one-half of a good oral hygiene routine. Flossing is important to remove all the food stuck in between your teeth. Our interdental area is the prime cavity-causing location of our teeth with about 1/3 of all the cavities starting there. So floss regularly to avoid cavities.

Ignoring your tongue

Do you brush well but still have a stinky breath? A dirty tongue is the cause of the mouth odor in about 45% of the cases. Our tongue hoards a lot of bacteria and small food debris under its rough surface and requires regular cleaning. So clean your tongue well with a tongue cleaner or simply use your brush to clean it.

Using a frayed brush

Do you remember the last time you changed your brush? A frayed brush is ineffective in cleaning your teeth and will do more harm than good. The frayed bristles not only damage your enamel but also cut into your gums and damage them. So replace your brush regularly every 3 months.

(08/20/2022)
by Dental Dost

More Information: N


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What to do about Mouth Shingles

You may have heard about shingles and how common it is. One out of every three people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. Shingles is a viral outbreak triggered by herpes family called herpes zoster, which causes chickenpox. If you had chickenpox as a child, that same virus remains in your system and can reactivate later as shingles, a rash of blisters on parts of your body.

A shingles outbreak typically starts with sensitivity and a tingling or burning sensation on the skin. After a few days, the burning sensation turns into small red blisters. These blisters are highly contagious: even if a shingles outbreak begins in one part of your body, it can spread to other regions such as your mouth. Mouth shingles can be pretty worrying and painful, so you should know what it is and how to spot it so you can treat it quickly.

Can You Get Shingles in Your Mouth?

Yes, you can get shingles in your mouth—it is also called oral shingles. Once infection occurs with the herpes zoster virus, it remains in your system. Blister outbreaks may be rare or happen when you're stressed or immune-compromised. Unfortunately, these oral shingles blisters can be painful and take up to four weeks to heal. Shingles in the mouth can lead to:

Mouth sensitivity

Difficulty chewing

Fatigue

Muscle aches

Lack of appetite

Increased risk of bacterial infections

Oral Shingles Treatment

Shingles treatment can involve antiviral medications and anti-inflammatories to treat the blisters. If you're worried you have a shingles outbreak, call your primary care physician or dentist as soon as you feel a burning or tingling sensation or notice the blisters.

They may prescribe antiviral medications to treat the active viral outbreak. These medications can promote the recovery process. But they are most effective when you begin the regimen early. That's why you should seek immediate care if you suspect you may have shingles. Your physician or dentist may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to decrease inflammation.

Oral Care with Shingles

If you have developed new or have healing shingles blisters in the mouth, maintain proper oral hygiene so the ruptured blisters don't get infected. Be careful not to irritate the blisters with your toothbrush, which may slow healing and make them more painful. However, keep brushing your teeth and flossing daily. Your dentist may recommend an antibacterial mouthwash to keep your mouth clean to promote healing.

Shingles Prevention

Unfortunately, researchers aren't sure what exactly causes a shingles outbreak. Not every person who has had chickenpox gets shingles as an adult. Stress is also linked to blister outbreaks. Managing stress and being alert to medications that may compromise your immune system can help.

The shingles virus is common among adults, and you may not experience a shingles outbreak. But remember that if you do break out in those blisters, contact your physician or dentist, and they can diagnose shingles or another type of blister, help treat the active virus and help the blisters heal faster.

Healthcare providers or individuals over the age of 60 are at higher risk for shingles. You may choose to be vaccinated for the Herpes Zoster virus. These vaccinations are available through both pharmacies and medical offices.

(08/21/2022)
by Colgate

More Information: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/mouth-sores-and-infections/what-to-do-with-shingles-in-mouth


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Can Toothpaste and Mouthwash Prevent Gum Disease?

Q. I see so many toothpaste and mouthwash products on store shelves. Do any of them really protect me against gum disease?

A. Brushing and flossing, plus getting regular cleanings, are critical to preventing gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease linked to bacteria in the mouth that can cause red, swollen, and bleeding gums.

The toothpaste that you buy should contain fluoride, which helps prevent cavities by several mechanisms, including remineralizing tooth enamel so it can be more resistant to the acid produced by decay-causing bacteria. Toothpastes with higher fluoride concentrations are also available by prescription from your dentist, if needed.

Newer toothpastes on drug store shelves contain an ingredient called stannous fluoride, which can help reduce plaque (the soft, sticky film on your teeth that can lead to cavities and gum disease). Some brands with this ingredient include: Crest ProHealth Advanced Extra Gum Protection, Crest ProHealth Clinical Plaque Control, and Parodontax. But stannous fluoride has the potential to stain teeth, so those products also contain scrubbing and whitening ingredients.

Triclosan, an antimicrobial agent in Colgate Total, has been found to be particularly effective against plaque, but it has also been linked to hormonal changes in animals and may be contributing to the development of antibiotic resistance.

According to the American Dental Association, at least part of the anti-plaque effect comes simply from the mechanical action of brushing and the cleaning power of toothpastes that contain mild abrasives.

What about mouthwash?

Likewise, some mouthwashes contain ingredients that kill bacteria, inhibit plaque formation, and thus help protect against gingivitis. If you have periodontal disease, your dentist may prescribe a rinse with chlorhexidine (such as Peridex or Perioguard), which is most effective against plaque.

“I don’t recommend using chlorhexidine long term, however,” cautions Mazen Natour, D.M.D., a Manhattan-based prosthodontist and a clinical professor at New York University College of Dentistry. “We typically prescribe chlorhexidine mouth rinses for one week prior to dental implant surgery and two weeks after. If you use them for longer than that, you may stain your teeth permanently.” Chlorhexidine can also temporarily impair tastebuds.

If you have a lot of plaque buildup or gum inflammation between cleanings, your dentist may recommend an over-the-counter rinse. Crest Pro-Health Multiprotection CPC Antigingivitis/Antiplaque Mouthwash and Colgate Total Gum Health both contain cetylpyridinium chloride 0.075 percent, a safe alternative to chlorhexidine.

The bottom line

Whether you choose to use over-the-counter products to try and prevent gingivitis or not — and Natour says those OTC products can be used on a regular basis — the game changes if your gums should bleed. In that case, you should always see a dentist as soon as possible.

“Bleeding gums indicate you have inflammation in your mouth, and it may not be because of gingivitis,” he says. “It could be caused by periodontitis [gum infection]. By using a toothpaste or a rinse instead of seeing a dentist, the problem could become more severe.” In fact, you could lose a tooth, he warns.

(08/23/2022)
by Health Central

More Information: https://www.healthcentral.com/article/can-toothpaste-and-mouthwash-prevent-gum-disease


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The Importance of Water for Oral Health

We are still in this crazy heat wave, the importance of drinking lots of water is stronger than ever, especially with all the smoke in the air. Drinking sufficient amounts of water also have an impact on your oral health.

Water provides healthy nutrients, gets rid of waste, gives your skin a healthy glow and keeps your muscles moving. Have fluoride water for your oral health is important for preventing cavities.

There are many reasons to explain the importance of water for oral health.

No Dry MouthSaliva is 99% water and saliva is the first combat for tooth decay. Saliva washes away leftover food, helps you swallow with ease and keeps your teeth strong by washing them with calcium, phosphate and fluoride. But when your mouth is dry, you won’t have sufficient saliva.

Get Rid of Bad Stuff in Your MouthWe all know that brushing your teeth and flossing is important to keep your mouth clean. But drinking water is also important for keeping your mouth clean. Water washes away cavity-causing bacteria – the stuff that loves to eat sugar and produce acid that wears away enamel, which is the outer shell of your teeth.

Stronger TeethFluoride is the teeth’s natural cavity fighter. Fluoride is a mineral and in the right amount, fluoride in drinking water strengthens teeth. Drinking water with fluoride make it able to seep this strong mineral into your enamel. It helps to repair the enamel by replenishing the lost calcium and phosphorous to keep your teeth hard.

Your oral health is so important to us, but so is your overall health. Please make sure your drinking enough water in this heat wave and fire season. If you feel like you’re not drinking enough water set an alarm on your phone to give you reminders to drink that water!

(08/22/2022)
by Dizagria Dentistry

More Information: https://renofamilydentist.com/the-importance-of-water-for-oral-health/


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Oral Hygiene Tips for Seniors

Assist your aging parent with these oral hygiene tips.

Unfortunately, older adults are likely to experience issues related to oral health. According to the Washington Dental Service Foundation, about 75 percent of people aged 60 and older living in the U.S. have only some of their natural teeth. Gum and periodontal disease, as well as oral infections, are likely to blame because of a lack of self-care in older adults.

Neglecting to take care of teeth doesn't only cause oral issues. It has an influence on overall health and can increase one's chance for diabetes and heart disease.

If you're concerned that your aging parent's oral health is at risk, be proactive and help him or her with these hygiene tips:

Brush and Floss Daily:

Brushing and flossing twice a day can help your loved one reduce the risk of developing severe oral conditions. If your parent finds it hard to grip and brush thoroughly with a normal toothbrush, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research suggested investing in an electric one.

Flossing may not be as important as it was once advised, according to The New York Times, but it still gets down in between the teeth and cleans where the toothbrush can't reach. If it's a task that's difficult for your loved one, lend a helping hand or buy them a water flosser.

Eat Nutritious Foods:

Brushing and flossing are essential tasks for oral health, but so is nutritious eating. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, consuming a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy products will provide the nutrients needed for excellent oral health.Calcium rich foods, such as fat-free milk, salmon and almonds, are best for teeth, as they promote strong bones. Encourage your parent to eat more of these foods and less sugary treats.

Avoid Tobacco:

The U.S. Centers for Disease and Control Prevention reports that smokers are seven times more likely to develop periodontal disease than non-smokers. It can also increase one's risk for experiencing oral and throat cancers, as well oral fungal infections.

Limit Alcohol Intake:

According to the Dental Health Foundation, alcohol drinkers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-drinkers.

Because it's loaded with sugar, drinking excess amounts of alcohol can cause cavities and overall damage to teeth. If your loved one is at risk for experiencing an oral health issue, it might be in his or her best interest to cut back on the alcohol.

Visit the Dentist Annually:

To help your parent be proactive about oral hygiene, schedule an appointment for him or her to visit the dentist. Professional dental cleanings can take care of what brushing and flossing couldn't reach. 

A regular visit to the dentist can also identify issues that could potentially lead to pain and upset for your parent. Do your best to assist him or her to the dentist at least once a year.

(08/23/2022)
by Sunrise senior Living

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Men Are More Likely to Ignore Oral Health

A variety of survey and studies reveal that men are less likely than women to attend to their physical and oral health. Having good oral health is tied to overall good health, and it’s hard to believe that a common factor among those that don’t have regular dental checkups is that they’re men. It’s not unusual for a man to avoid the dentist for years until a problem arises, which may contribute to the fact that men can lose 5.4 teeth for non-smokers and 12 teeth for smokers by the age of 72. Without proper dental exams, men have a higher risk of developing oral cancer, throat cancer and gum disease. For men and the people that care about them, it’s essential that this trend is reversed immediately!

Gum disease and heart health

Men are more likely than women to suffer a heart attack and have a higher likelihood of being on medications that can lead to dry mouth, which increases their risk of developing gum disease. Research indicates a link between cardiovascular disease and gum disease and this can increase the risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack. That’s reason enough for men to visit the dentist regularly instead of waiting until they’re experiencing pain or other worrisome oral health issues.

Tobacco use

Men are affected by oral cancer and gum disease twice as often as women, and 95% of cases of oral cancer happen in people over 40. Tobacco use can increase the risk of oral cancer and gum disease. Without early diagnosis and treatment, oral cancer can lead to facial and oral disfigurement, chronic pain, loss of function and death. Anyone who uses tobacco should visit the dentist regularly for cleanings, exams and screenings for oral cancer.

Playing sports

Both men and women who play sports have an increased risk of suffering trauma to the face, mouth and teeth. Primarily male contact sports such a football and hockey are especially dangerous for oral health, and it’s vital that athletes wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth and gums.

Proper oral hygiene

Statistics show that many men only brush their teeth 1.9 times a day and some men even less than that. Practicing proper oral hygiene with twice daily brushing, daily flossing and seeing the dentist at least twice a year is the best way to protect teeth and gums and prevent oral health issues.

With all the advances in dental practices and treatments, there’s no reason for any man or woman to avoid visiting the dentist as often as they should.

(08/22/2022)
by Dupont Dental

More Information: https://renofamilydentist.com/the-importance-of-water-for-oral-health/


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What A Missing Tooth Does To Your Leftover Gum Tissue

Your gums are an important feature of your mouth. They sit snugly against your teeth, providing a protective seal to keep out dangerous oral bacteria. When you lose a tooth and end up with missing teeth in San Antonio, TX, that area of your gums no longer has anything to protect.

So, what happens to the excess gum tissue? Before talking about your gums, let’s talk about what causes you to lose your teeth in the first place.

What Causes Tooth Loss?

The most common cause of tooth loss is gum disease. When your gums become irritated, they pull away from your teeth, creating an empty space into which bacteria fall. Under the gums, they attack your jawbone and the structures that support your teeth. Eventually, your teeth become loose, and fall out.

Trauma is another cause of tooth loss. Any type of injury to the facial region can loosen a tooth, or knock it out completely.

Of course, regardless of whether the core issue is gum disease or trauma, you’re left with missing teeth in San Antonio, TX. And that’s when you will start to see some gum-related issues.

Effects To Gum Tissue After Losing A Tooth

Your gum tissue provides a protective seal around your teeth when it’s gone. When the tooth falls out, the gums no longer have anything to seal around. As a result, the gum tissue begins to shrink back.

Not only that, but the quality of your gum tissue decreases, becoming thin in the area around the empty space. Both of these factors can affect the adjacent teeth. Your gums can recede against these teeth, exposing more surface area. Your roots can even become exposed. This increases your risk for tooth decay and sensitivity.

Other Gum-Focused Effects Of Tooth Loss

Tooth loss has a significant impact on your overall oral health, not just on your gums. Not only do you lose gum tissue, your jawbone begins to weaken around the area where your tooth used to be. This can cause your teeth to shift in your mouth, moving into the empty space. When this happens, your bite changes, which can lead to uneven wear on your teeth and problems with your temporomandibular joint.

What To Do To Prevent Damaged Or Unhealthy Gums After Losing Teeth

With all that being said, you don’t have to accept that your gums will be affected after losing one tooth or several teeth. Instead, you can work with a periodontist and prosthodontist to repair your smile and restore the health of your gums.

Below are some treatment options, as well as their pros and cons:

Dental Bridges:

A dental bridge can cosmetically fill the gap caused by a missing tooth located between two adjacent teeth. This helps avoid movement of the adjacent teeth and completes your smile. However, it still means that bone will be resorbed at the site of the missing tooth. The resorption process could put your gums at risk for developing gum disease. Plus, you will need to replace your dental bridge about every 15 years depending upon the quality of the materials used.

Dental Implants:

Dental implants are surgical solutions that permanently replace your missing tooth with a prosthetic one. Once placed, the implant should last a lifetime. You will only need to get the crown (the visible part) restored after a couple of decades of normal wear. Unlike dental bridges, dental implants allow your bone and gums to function normally. However, dental implants are more costly than bridges.

Dentures:

What if you have a full arch of missing teeth in San Antonio, TX? If you want, you can try traditional dentures that are removed every evening. Traditional dentures will restore your smile visually but cannot protect your gums. Additionally, dentures may irritate your gums as the bone under your gum line begins to shift due to progressive bone loss.

Full Arch Dental Implants:

Want to give your whole mouth a smile makeover after losing all the teeth in one arch? Full arch dental implants are overdentures supported by a few precisely placed dental implants. They keep your gums from receding and, with proper care, keep your mouth looking and feeling its best. Like single dental implants, full arch dental implants are more expensive than dentures. Yet they’re superbly comfortable and don’t need to be removed.

(08/25/2022)
by Excellent Dental specialists

More Information: https://www.excellentdentalspecialists.com/what-a-missing-tooth-does-to-your-leftover-gum-tissue/


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