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Archive:
- 2021
- January (7)
- 4 Guidelines to Help Make Sure Your Child's Oral Health Stays on Track
- Local Anesthesia Makes for a More Pleasant and Pain-Free Dental Experience
- Hoping to Show Your Smile Again in 2021? Be Sure You're Ready
- Your Gums Need Extra Care After Periodontal Disease
- Infection Control at the Dental Office Isn't Something New
- How to Ensure Your Child's Teeth and Gums Stay Healthy Now and Later
- Keep Your Child's Fluoride Intake at a Safe but Effective Level
- 2020
- December (6)
- Don't Let Bad Breath Ruin Your Date Under the Mistletoe
- The Kind of Tooth Pain You Have May Identify the True Problem
- Although Challenging, Cleaning Around Implants Boosts Their Longevity
- Here's What To Do If Your Child Complains of a Toothache
- Targeted Tooth Removal Could Aid Treatment for Certain Bite Problems
- Your Food's Micronutrients Make a Difference in Your Dental Health
- November (6)
- New Recommendations Make Water Fluoridation Safer Than Ever
- That Energy Drink You Take for a Boost Might Be Hurting Your Dental Health
- Keep Your Implants Clean to Avoid a Damaging Gum Infection
- Today's Dentures Are More Secure and Comfortable to Wear
- How to Avoid This Painful Condition After Tooth Extraction
- A Mild NSAID May Be All You Need To Manage Discomfort After Dental Work
- October (6)
- Preventing Gum Disease Could Help More Than Your Teeth and Gums
- Dental Implants Could Help You Avoid This Long-Term Effect of Losing Teeth
- 3 Ways to Protect Your Dental Work From an Early Demise
- Use Appropriate Hygiene Products for Maximum Smile Protection
- Far From a Safer Alternative to Smoking, Vaping Could Ruin Your Oral Health
- A Little Daily Brushing and Flossing Can Add Up to a Lifetime of Healthy Teeth and Gums
- September (6)
- How to Care for Your Child's Valuable Primary Teeth
- Improve Your Smile With These Dental Enhancements
- Get Your Teeth Examined if You Have Frequent Sinus Infections
- Replace Your Teeth in Stages With the Help of Dental Implants
- Your Dentist Could Help You Overcome Sleep Apnea
- Eliminating an Infant's Lip or Tongue Tie Can Make Breastfeeding Easier
- August (6)
- We Need to Act Quickly to Save Your Loose Tooth
- Keep These Top Factors in Mind When Buying Your Next Toothbrush
- Sedation Can Help a Child Receive Needed Dental Care Now and in the Future
- Your 'Toothache' Might Signal a Problem Other Than in Your Mouth
- Porcelain Veneers Could Change Your Smile and Your Life!
- Use This Product to Check Your Brushing and Flossing Effectiveness
- July (6)
- A Shingles Outbreak Could Interrupt Your Dental Care
- Getting Implants Can Be a Long Process - But Worth it
- Here Is How We May Be Able to Bring an Impacted Tooth Where It Should Be
- Some Simple Cosmetic Techniques Could Help Your Smile Age Gracefully
- Even All-Natural Fruit Juices Could Raise Your Child's Risk for Tooth Decay
- Implants Make Dentures More Secure, Comfortable and Bone-Friendly
- June (6)
- Answering Your Questions about Your Upcoming Teeth Whitening
- A Little Dairy Can Go a Long Way for Maintaining Healthy Teeth
- Prevention and Early Detection of Root Cavities Could Save a Tooth
- Here's the Scoop on Your Upcoming Root Canal
- That Odd 'Lacy' Mouth Sore is No Cause for Alarm
- Treating Gum Disease is Good for Your Whole Body, Not Just Your Mouth
- May (7)
- 3 Surprising Things You Should Be Doing to Improve Your Dental Health
- 3 Reasons a Root Canal Treatment Might Fail and What You Can Do About It
- With Outdoor Sports (Hopefully) Poised to Begin, Be Prepared for Oral Injuries
- 3 Things You Should Do to Protect Your Teeth Later in Life
- Instill These Habits in Your Child for a Lifetime of Great Dental Health
- Diabetes Can Make Getting an Implant Difficult, But Not Impossible
- Friendly Bacteria Can Help Protect Our Mouths From Disease
- April (6)
- Are Lasers the Future for Treating Advanced Tooth Decay?
- These High-Tech Tools Help Your Veneers Look Attractive and Natural
- Need a Root Canal? Here's a Step-by-Step Guide on What to Expect
- Give Your Child Added Protection Against Cavities With Topical Fluoride
- Oral Cancer Is Deadly - But You Can Lower Your Risk With a Healthy Lifestyle
- Managing Diabetes and Gum Disease Together will Lessen the Effect of Both
- March (6)
- What to Do For Mouth Injuries Your Child Might Encounter
- A Pediatric Dentist Could be a Great Choice for Your Child's Dental Care
- Make Efforts to Protect Your Teeth from Disease While Wearing Braces
- Conscious Sedation can Help Ease Your Child's Dental Visit Anxiety
- Removing One or More Teeth Could Improve Orthodontic Outcomes
- See Your Dentist ASAP to Save Your Loose Tooth
- February (6)
- A Root Canal Treatment can Save Your Tooth and Relieve Pain
- A Loose Tooth is a Sign of Deeper Dental Trouble
- One Visit May Be All You Need to Restore a Chipped Tooth
- Here's How to Avoid Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction Surgery
- Extracting a Tooth is a Routine Procedure
- An Infected or Injured Primary Tooth Can Be Saved - but it's Complicated
- January (6)
- 4 Things to Do to Keep Your Child's Dental Development on Track
- Like the Pros, the Athlete in Your Family Needs a Mouthguard to Prevent Dental Injuries
- Cosmetic Gum Surgery Can Help Restore Lost Tissues Around Teeth
- Improve Your Brushing and Flossing Techniques for a Healthier Mouth
- 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Smile in the New Year
- You May Need Something Other Than Ointment to Clear up This Facial Rash
- 2019
- December (6)
- Here's How to Cut Through All the Choices to Find Your Right Toothbrush
- You may need a Periodontist to Fully Treat Your Gum Disease
- How Dentists Provide Your Child the Benefit of X-Rays as Safely as Possible
- For a Smooth Transition, Be Sure Your New Dentist Has Your Dental Records
- 4 Common Causes for Gum Recession
- Teeth Grinding Could Endanger Your Dental Health
- November (6)
- Share These Timely Dental Care Tips With Your College-Bound Son or Daughter
- Professional Whitening Offers an Effective Way to Restore Your Smile's Luster
- Teens May Need a Temporary Restoration for Missing Teeth
- Seek Coordinated Treatment If You Have Both TMD and Fibromyalgia
- Don't Let Gum Disease Cut Short Your Implant's Service Life
- To Extract or not Extract? The Big Decision About Your Child's Wisdom Teeth
- October (6)
- Implant Failure Is Rare, but Possible. Here Are a Few Ways to Avoid It
- There Are a Lot of Bacteria in Your Mouth but Only a Few Mean You Harm
- The Triple Partnership That Could Save a Cancer Patient's Oral Health
- Clean Your Implants Just Like Your Other Teeth
- You May Need an Endodontist for a Tooth With Interior Decay
- How to Lower Your Child's Tooth Decay Risk From Halloween Candy
- September (6)
- Behavioral Therapy Could Reduce a Child's Dental Anxiety Without Drugs
- Don't Delay Seeing the Dentist If You Suspect Gum Recession
- Dental Sealants Give Children an Added Boost Against Tooth Decay
- Two Mouth and Face Pain Disorders and What You Can Do About Them
- Watch Out for These Dental Health Issues as You Age
- 4 Ways You Can Take Years off Your Smile
- August (6)
- That Toothache Might Not Be From Your Tooth: The Problem of Referred Pain
- Implant-Supported Dentures Could Improve Your Bone Health
- Considering a Smile Makeover? Be Sure You Include Your Bite
- Look for These Basics When Buying Your Next Toothbrush
- Don't Let Summer Heat Increase Your Risk of Dental Disease
- Do a Little Extra Food Prep to Ease TMD Discomfort
- July (7)
- A Child's Damaged Tooth may require a Different Approach than an Adult's
- Jaw Joint Disorders may be Connected to Other Health Problems
- Simple or Surgical? Choosing the Right Kind of Tooth Extraction
- How to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy During Pregnancy
- Even All-Natural Fruit Juice Could Increase the Risk of Tooth Decay
- This Rare Tongue Condition Often Looks Worse than it Actually is
- Take a Look into Your Future with a Trial Smile
- June (6)
- Root Canals are a Safe Way to Save Teeth
- Here's How You Can Protect Your Child's Teeth from Tooth Decay
- Tooth Type and Condition can Affect Root Canal Therapy Effectiveness
- Manage Your GERD Symptoms to Prevent Enamel Erosion
- Getting a New 'Tooth in a Day' Will Depend on Your Bone Health
- Dentures with Implants Could Help You Avoid Bone Loss
- May (6)
- Your Teenager not Ready for an Implant? Here's What We Can Do Instead
- Affordable Veneers Can Give You a New Smile
- Root Canal Therapy Might Just Save Your Tooth!
- A Detailed 'Smile Analysis' Sets the Stage for a Successful Makeover
- Keep an Eye on Your Family's Fluoride Intake
- 3 Things You Can do to Help Promote Your Child's Dental Development
- April (6)
- Gum Disease Could be Affecting More Than Just Your Mouth
- Prompt Treatment for Gum Disease Could Ultimately Save Your Teeth
- Don't Use Benzocaine Products to Ease Your Baby's Teething Pain
- Here's How to Care for 3 Common Dental Restorations
- Your Teenager's Teeth May Not Be Mature Enough for Veneers
- Stress and Nighttime Teeth Grinding
- March (6)
- March Is the Time to Evaluate Sleep Problems
- Get a Look at Your Future Makeover Look Now with a 'Trial Smile'
- Treating Gum Abscesses and the Underlying Gum Disease
- What You Should Do to Protect an Older Loved One's Dental Health
- Catch Root Resorption Early for Best Chances of Saving Your Tooth
- Dental Sealants can help Prevent Tooth Decay in Children
- February (6)
- Watch Out for Signs of Gum Recession
- You May Need Your Dentist's Help Easing the Pain of Severe Canker Sores
- 4 Things to Avoid if You Want to Support Your Child's Dental Development
- Here's What you Need to Know about a Root Canal Treatment
- Stop Gum Disease Before it Harms Your Health
- Your Regular Dental Visits Might Change if You've had Gum Disease
- January (6)
- A New Veneer with Minimal or No Tooth Alteration
- 3 Reasons Why Your New Dentist Needs Your Treatment Records
- What Happens in a Root Canal Treatment and How it Can Save Your Tooth
- 'Get Rid' of Those Unattractive Teeth with Porcelain Veneers
- Dental Implants Better than Ever thanks to Ongoing Tech Advances
- 4 Ways to Check on Your Brushing and Flossing Effectiveness
- 2018
- December (6)
- Treating Gum Disease around Tooth Roots is Hard - but Not Impossible
- Take Care of Your Dental Appliance and It Will Take Care of You
- Porcelain Veneers Might not be the Best Option for Teenagers
- Be Alert to the Unintended Consequences of Cancer Treatment to Oral Health
- Early Action Needed to Save Your Tooth from Root Resorption
- Keeping Your Smile Healthy Through the Holidays
- November (6)
- A Stainless Steel Crown Could Help a Struggling Primary Molar Last Longer
- Have Your Child's Chronic Mouth Breathing Checked to Avoid Bite Problems
- Don't Ignore Sudden Tooth Pain - Your Teeth may be Telling you Something
- Advanced Equipment and Safe Practices Ensure X-Ray Safety for Children
- TMD and Fibromyalgia Could Share Links in Chronic Pain
- Practice Caution with Energy or Sports Drinks to Protect Your Enamel
- October (6)
- Five Tips for Top-Notch Tooth Brushing
- New Dental Advances Promise Better Outcomes for Treating Decay
- Dental Implants can also Support Other Traditional Restorations
- Inflammation is a Key Element in Both Oral and Systemic Diseases
- Loose Permanent Teeth is a Problem - take Action Now
- Stay Ahead of Plaque Buildup with Effective Brushing and Flossing
- September (6)
- The Parent-Dentist Partnership: Establishing Better Oral Health for Your Child
- 4 Reasons Why You May Need to See a Periodontist for Your Gum Disease
- What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
- 3 Surprising Sugar Sources Your Baby Might be Consuming
- Protect Your Teeth During Football Season
- Ease Your Child's Teething Discomfort with these Tips
- July (7)
- Implant-Based Removable Dentures a Good Choice for Patients with Extensive Bone Loss
- Think Water First for Summer Thirst
- Don't Take a Vacation From Oral Hygiene This Summer!
- No- or Minimal-Prep Veneers Reduce Permanent Alterations to Your Teeth
- We'll Help You Maintain Your Oral Health After Gum Disease
- Your Dental Care Efforts are Just as Important as Your Dentist's
- Tips for Picture-Perfect Summer Smiles
- June (6)
- Bone Grafting Might be Necessary Before You Obtain an Implant
- FAQs About Children's Dental Development
- Take These Measures to Lower Your Child's Tooth Decay Risk
- Finding the Right Solution for Your Gummy Smile
- June Is Men's Health Month
- Use the Same Prevention Strategy to Defeat Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
- March (5)
- It's Spring Cleaning Time...for Your Teeth!
- Provisional Restorations let you Try out Your New Smile First
- 3 Fluoride Sources You Should Monitor for Your Family's Dental Health
- 3 Tips for Helping Your Kids Develop Great Tooth-Friendly Habits
- Why the Ointment You're Using Could be Making Your Facial Rash Worse
- 2017
- 2016
- November (5)
- Reduce Your Oral Cancer Risk with Better Diet and Lifestyle Choices
- Clear Aligners Make it Easier for Teenagers to have Their Teeth Straightened
- 4 Reasons you may want Your Dentist to Whiten Your Teeth
- Transform Your Smile and Dental Health by Correcting Your Bad Bite
- Follow These Common Sense Steps When Your Child has a Toothache
- October (5)
- What to Expect Before, During and After Implant Surgery
- Don't let Gum Disease - the 'Other Dental Disease' - Rob you of Your Smile
- Reduce Sugar Consumption - for a Healthier Mouth and Body
- Keeping up Good Hygiene Still a Necessity with Dental Implants
- Teenagers May Need a Temporary Tooth Replacement
- August (5)
- Do you need Simple Tooth Removal or Surgery? It Depends on a few Factors
- People Born with Missing Teeth can Still Gain a Beautiful Smile
- You can Still have Implants with Diabetes - if you have it under Control
- See Your new Look Before Dental Work with a 'Trial Smile'
- Topical Fluoride Adds Extra Protection against Tooth Decay
- June (5)
- Keeping Gum Disease at Bay Could Help Your Overall Health
- The Risk for Gum Disease Increases While Wearing Braces
- Monitoring Blood Pressure is Also Important During Dental Care
- Adult Tooth Root Resorption is a Serious Issue that Requires Prompt Action
- Weigh a Poor Smile's Emotional and Social Cost when Considering Restorations
- March (5)
- Surgically Accessing Sinuses can Help Grow New Bone for Implants
- Kids, Cats and Canines: Dental Development Through the Ages
- Removable Dentures Remain a Viable Option for People with Total Tooth Loss
- Advancing Gum Disease Requires Thorough Treatment to Control it
- Support Your Child's Teeth Development with Proper Hygiene and Dental Care
- 2015
- 2014
- December (5)
- Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cancer With a Healthy Whole Food Diet
- Periodontal Surgery may be Needed to Halt Gum Disease and Encourage Healing
- Extend the Life of Your Dental Appliance With Proper Care
- More Than a new Smile - Dental Implants Help Stop Bone Loss as Well
- Dealing With Dental Emergencies While Traveling Abroad
- August (5)
- Does Your Toothbrush Need A Cleaning?
- Replace Missing Teeth to Prevent Other Teeth From Moving Out of Place
- Composite Resins are a Viable Restoration Option for Mildly Defective Teeth
- A Fixed Bridge Remains an Effective Option for Tooth Replacement
- Make Informed Choices on Drinking Water by Knowing the Facts
- April (5)
- Five Things You Should Know About Sleep Apnea
- Seeking Relief From Burning Mouth Syndrome
- Non-Vital Bleaching Removes Unsightly Tooth Discoloration From Within
- Considering Bone and Gums Critical to Achieving a Better Smile With Implants
- Know What to do to Ease Your Child Out of the Thumb Sucking Habit
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011
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My Blog

If it seems like your teeth are getting longer as you get older, it's unlikely they're magically growing. More likely, your gums are shrinking or receding from your teeth. Besides the negative effect on your appearance, gum recession exposes you and vulnerable tooth areas to harmful bacteria and painful sensitivity.
Although common among older adults, gum recession isn't necessarily a part of aging: It's primarily caused by periodontal (gum) disease, in which infected gum tissues can weaken and detach from the teeth. This, along with bone loss, leads to recession.
But gum disease isn't the only cause—ironically, brushing your teeth to prevent dental disease can also contribute to recession. By brushing too aggressively or too often (more than twice a day), you could eventually damage the gums and cause them to recede. Tobacco use and oral piercings can also lead to weakened or damaged gums susceptible to recession.
You can lower your risk of gum recession by abstaining from unhealthy habits and proper oral hygiene to prevent gum disease. For the latter, your primary defense is gentle but thorough brushing and flossing every day to remove harmful dental plaque. You should also see your dentist at least twice a year for professional dental cleanings and checkups.
If, however, you do experience gum recession, there are a number of ways to restore your gums or at least minimize the recession. To start with, we must treat any gum disease present by thoroughly removing all plaque and tartar (calcified plaque), which fuels the infection. This reduces inflammation and allows the gums to heal.
With mild recession, the gums may rejuvenate enough tissue to recover the teeth during healing. If not, we may be able to treat exposed areas with a tooth-colored material that protects the surface, relieves discomfort and improves appearance.
If the recession is more advanced, we may still be able to stimulate gum regeneration by attaching a tissue graft with a micro-surgical procedure. These types of periodontal surgeries, however, can require a high degree of technical and artistic skill for best results.
In any event, the sooner we detect gum disease or recession, the quicker we can act to minimize the damage. Doing so will ensure your gums are healthy enough to protect your teeth and preserve your smile.
If you would like more information on gum recession, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Gum Recession.”

In recent years, dental implants have helped traditional bridgework take a giant leap forward. A few strategically placed implants can provide the highest support and stability we can currently achieve for this well-known dental restoration.
Implants derive this stability from the bone in which they're imbedded. Once surgically installed, the bone around a metal implant begins to grow and adhere to its titanium surface. Over time, this creates a strong anchor that firmly holds the implant in place.
But the implants' stability can be threatened if the gums around them become diseased. Gum disease, a bacterial infection caused mainly by dental plaque, can advance silently below the gum surface until it ultimately infects the bone. This can cause significant bone loss around an implant, which can weaken it to the point of failure.
To avoid this scenario, it's important to prevent gum disease by flossing daily to remove accumulated dental plaque between the implant-supported bridge and the gums, particularly around the implants. This kind of flossing around bridgework is more difficult than flossing between teeth, but it can be done with the help of a device called a floss threader.
A floss threader is a small plastic hand tool with a loop on one end and a stiffened edge on the other (similar to a sewing needle). You begin by threading about 18" of dental floss through the loop, and then work the other end of the threader between the bridge and gums to the other side.
With the floss threaded between the bridge and gums, you can now remove it from the threader, grasp each end, and floss around the sides of each implant you can reach. You'll then need to repeat the process by removing the floss, rethreading it in the threader and inserting it into the next section between implants, continuing to floss until you've accessed each side of each implant.
You can also use pre-packaged floss thread sections with a stiffened end to facilitate threading. But whichever product you use, it's important to perform this task each day to prevent a gum infection that could rob you of your implant-supported bridge.
If you would like more information on oral hygiene practices with dental work, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Oral Hygiene for Fixed Bridgework.”

This month there are hearts everywhere we look, so it's fitting that February is designated as American Heart Month. We join with the American Heart Association in the goal of spreading awareness of cardiovascular disease, the top cause of death around the world. And while we think about our heart health, let's talk about the connection between cardiovascular health and oral health.
Cardiovascular disease includes heart disease, high blood pressure and cerebrovascular disease (involving the blood vessels of the brain)—in short, diseases of the circulatory system that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Periodontal disease, in contrast, attacks the gums and other tissues that hold the teeth in place. The two conditions, however, have more in common than you might think.
Both periodontal (gum) disease and cardiovascular disease are chronic and progressive, and both are linked to inflammation. Periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease share certain inflammation markers detected in the blood that can damage blood vessels. Furthermore, specific types of oral bacteria associated with periodontal disease have been found in plaque that builds up inside of blood vessels, constricting blood flow.
People with gum disease are twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease, and studies show that having advanced gum disease worsens existing heart conditions, increases the chances of having a stroke, and raises the risk of having a first heart attack by 28%. Untreated gum disease also makes hypertension (known as “the silent killer”) worse.
However, here's some encouraging news: Intensive treatment for gum disease was shown to result in significantly lower blood pressure. So, as you think about what you can do to take care of your heart health and overall health, don't forget your gums. Here are some tips:
Maintain a dedicated oral hygiene routine. A daily oral hygiene habit that includes brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is the best thing you can do to ward off gum disease.
Visit our office for regular dental checkups. Regular dental cleanings and checkups can keep you in the best oral health. Even with daily brushing and flossing, professional cleanings are needed to remove plaque and tartar from places a toothbrush can't reach, and regular checkups allow us to detect developing problems early.
Eat for good overall health. People who consume less sugar tend to have healthier teeth and gums as well as better overall health. An “anti-inflammatory diet” that is low in sugar and other refined carbohydrates and rich in whole grains, fiber and healthy fats can reduce inflammation throughout your body—and has been shown to greatly improve gum disease.
As a former Surgeon General once wrote, “You can't have general health without oral health.” So celebrate this month of hearts by showing love to your heart and your gums.
If you have questions about how to maintain good oral health, call us or schedule a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine article “Good Oral Health Leads to Better Health Overall.”

Now that the holidays are behind us and spring is ahead of us, winter doldrums may be setting in. If you are feeling a little blah, it might be time for a pick-me-up—and what better way to lift the spirits than by giving your smile a boost?
There are several ways to achieve a more attractive, confident smile, depending on your individual dental situation. Here are some possibilities:
Teeth Cleaning. If it sounds simple, it is! During your regular cleaning appointment, in addition to getting rid of plaque and tartar that cause dental disease, we use a polishing paste that removes surface stains.Not only will your teeth feel smoother, they'll look brighter.
Teeth whitening. If your teeth are yellowed, they can take the pizzazz out of your smile and make you look older. Professional teeth whitening is an easy way to upgrade a smile, and we can control the level of whitening—whether you want dazzling Hollywood white or a more subtle shade.
Dental bonding or veneers. If your teeth have gaps, chips, discoloration or a poor shape, dental bonding or veneers may be in order. Bonding is a way to repair minor defects in a single visit by applying tooth-colored material to the tooth. Veneers, which can be applied in as little as two visits, are thin porcelain shells that cover the entire front surface of your tooth. With both bonding and veneers, we custom color-match the materials so your smile looks completely natural, only better.
Crowns, bridges or dental implants. If you have a tooth that is not sustainable on its own, a lifelike crown can replace the visible part of the tooth, making it look good as new. If you have one or more missing teeth, a crown or bridge supported by dental implants can look and function like natural teeth.
Orthodontic treatment. If your teeth are not as straight as you'd like, orthodontic treatment can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile and give you newfound confidence. This original “smile makeover” is not just for teens; people of all ages undergo orthodontic treatment. Not a fan of traditional metal braces? Not to worry—you may be a candidate for clear orthodontic aligners, which are nearly invisible and can be removed for meals and special occasions.
Gum surgery. If your teeth seem small or you think your gums show too much when you smile, changing the contour of the gums through periodontal plastic surgery can have a big impact on the look of a smile. Reshaping the gums also helps the teeth appear more prominent.
As you see, there is an array of options for enhancing your smile, and we're more than happy to help you develop a treatment plan that is right for you. So consider sprucing up your smile and boosting your spirits with a tip or two from this list.
If you would like more information about enhancing your smile, please contact us or schedule a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine article “Cosmetic Dentistry.”

Dentures have come a long way since George Washington's time. Today, they're more comfortable, more secure and more lifelike than our first president's famous hippopotamus ivory appliance.
But one thing hasn't changed: Dentures still require regular care and cleaning. And one of the best things you can do for both your dentures and your health is to take them out at night when you go to bed.
Modern dentures are often so comfortable to wear, it's easy to forget you have them in your mouth. But setting a daily habit of taking them out when you turn in for the night will help you avoid a few potential problems.
For one, wearing dentures 24/7 can increase your risk for both oral and general diseases. Constant denture wear can cause greater accumulations of dental plaque, a thin biofilm responsible for gum disease and inflammation. The increase in bacteria could also make you more susceptible to pneumonia and other diseases.
Wearing your dentures non-stop can also worsen bone loss, a common problem associated with dentures. Normally, the biting forces generated when we chew stimulate bone growth in the jaw. A person loses much of this stimulation when they lose teeth, resulting in gradual bone loss.
Dentures can't replace this lost stimulation, and the pressure they exert on the jaw's bony ridges they rest upon can accelerate the process of bone loss. In time, any bone loss could affect the denture's fit as the bone beneath them gradually shrinks. By taking them out at night, you can help slow the pace of bone loss.
In addition to giving them and your mouth a rest at night, be sure you're also keeping your dentures clean: Take them out and rinse them off after meals and brush them with a small amount of antibacterial soap (not toothpaste) at least once a day. And don't forget to brush your gums and tongue every day with a soft toothbrush (different from your denture brush) to further reduce dental plaque.
If you would like more information on denture care, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Sleeping in Dentures.”
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