Dentures and Dental Implants Seattle

Some children suck on their thumbs and parents often wonder if it is harmful. Sucking on something is a child’s natural reflex. It can help them feel more secure so they start to suck on their thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects. Since thumbsucking is relaxing, it may also help them sleep. However, after the permanent teeth come in, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and the alignment of teeth. It can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth. Whether or not dental problems will result depends on the intensity of the sucking. A child who vigorously sucks their thumb is more likely to have difficulties than one who rests their thumb passively in their mouth. Young children who suck their thumbs aggressively may even cause problems with their baby teeth. If you notice changes in your child’s primary teeth, consult your dentist. Usually children will stop sucking their thumbs between the ages of about two and four. They should have ceas

While our teeth are normally very strong, they can crack for a number of reasons. Reasons could include tooth decay, trauma/injury, grinding of the teeth or a stress fracture. Sometimes, our jaw may be stronger than our teeth and the teeth can fracture when we bite heavily on food. We can protect our teeth in some circumstances – for example it may be advisable to wear a mouthguard during sports. Taking proper care of the teeth and regular visits to the dentist will help keep your teeth in good shape. If a tooth cracks, it may become painful if the nerve is exposed and the area can become tender. If this happens, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Then call your dentist immediately. Treatment will depend on where the tooth has fractured, how close it is to the nerve and the overall condition of the tooth. A cracked tooth may be repaired with silver alloy, gold, porcelain or plastic. Or it may require a crown

Although canker sores are often confused with cold sores, there is a difference. Canker sores occur inside the mouth, and cold sores usually occur outside the mouth. Canker sores are small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. There can be one or more sores in the mouth. They are very common and often recur. They usually heal in a week or two and rinsing with antimicrobial mouthrinses may help reduce the irritation. Cold sores – also called fever blisters – are composed of groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters that often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the nose or chin. Cold sores are usually caused by herpes virus type I and are very contagious. They usually heal in about a week. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can provide temporary relief and prescription antiviral drugs may reduce these kinds of viral infections.

Advancements in dental techniques and the increased focus on preventive dentistry means older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer than ever before. A survey by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research showed that the rate of toothlessness in the 55 to 64 age group has dropped 60 percent since 1960. Whatever your age, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene at home and to visit your dentist regularly. A few simple steps can help you maintain good oral health throughout your life. Plaque, the sticky, colorless layer of bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease, can build up quickly on the teeth of older adults, particularly when they neglect oral hygiene. This can increase the risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease. So it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. Regular dental checkups are also an important part of caring for your te