Dentures and Dental Implants Seattle

You’ve probably heard people talking about plaque and maybe you’ve some idea of what it is. But it’s useful to know a bit more about it so that you can do what’s necessary to minimize the risks. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. When you’ve eaten a meal or snack, the bacteria in plaque release acids that attack tooth enamel. When this happens regularly, the enamel can weaken. This eventually leads to tooth decay. The food we eat often causes plaque bacteria to produce acids. So, if you eat a lot of snacks, your teeth may be suffering acid attacks all day. If you don’t remove the plaque through effective daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth, it can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Another effect of plaque is that it also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red and tender or causing them to bleed easily. If you want to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, make sure you have a balanced diet and avoid hav

Correcting problems with crowded and crooked teeth not only gives you a better smile, it also leads to a healthier mouth. Malocclusion, also known as “bad bite”, involves teeth that are crowded or crooked. Sometimes, the upper and lower jaws may not meet properly and, although the teeth may appear straight, the individual may have an uneven bite. Problems such as protruding, crowded or irregularly spaced teeth may be inherited. But thumb-sucking, losing teeth prematurely and accidents also can lead to these conditions. As well as spoiling your smile, crooked and crowded teeth make cleaning the mouth difficult. This can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and possibly tooth loss. A bad bite can also interfere with chewing and speaking, cause abnormal wear to tooth enamel and lead to problems with the jaws. Orthodontic treatment can help correcting these problems giving you a better smile but, more importantly, creating a healthier mouth. Your dentist will advise you on how o

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that covers our teeth and, when we eat something, these bacteria release acids that attack the tooth enamel. When these attacks are repeated over time, the enamel will break down and this will eventually lead to cavities. When plaque is not removed through daily brushing and cleaning it hardens into calculus or tartar. When tartar collects above the gum line, brushing and cleaning between the teeth becomes more difficult. The gum tissue can become swollen or may bleed. This is called gingivitis and it is the early stage of periodontal (gum) disease. There are several steps you can take to protect yourself against this happening: – Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste – Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner – Eat a balanced diet and limit the number of snacks between meals – Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams – Ask your dentist about sealants – these are protectiv

Oral cancer is not as well known as other types of cancer but it can represent a life-threatening risk if not identified early. – It strikes an estimated 35,000 Americans each year – More than 7,500 people (5,200 men and 2,307 women) die of these cancers each year – More than 25% of Americans who get oral cancer will die of the disease – On average, only half of those diagnosed with the disease will survive more than five years – African-Americans are especially vulnerable; the incidence rate is 1/3 higher than whites and the mortality rate is almost twice as high Although the use of tobacco and alcohol are risk factors in developing oral cancer, approximately 25% of oral cancer patients have no known risk factors. There has been a nearly five-fold increase in incidence in oral cancer patients under age 40, many with no known risk factors. The incidence of oral cancer in women has increased significantly, largely due to an increase in women smoking. In 1950 the male to female

As people are living longer and enjoying good health for many years, dentists are increasingly offering improved services to recognize the special needs of older adults. This growing segment of the population is wearing fewer dentures and they are keeping their natural teeth longer. They are also concerned to maintain good health and a great smile for many years. However, patients in this group sometimes require special consideration because reduced mobility and dexterity may make daily oral hygiene difficult. And certain medical conditions and impairment may make them more anxious when visiting the dentist. For example, problems with vision or hearing loss may cause worry. Always let the dentist and staff know if you have any concerns so that they can adjust their treatment and their pace to meet your needs. Older patients can sometimes put up with problems such as toothaches, bleeding gums and clicking dentures because they are not aware of the wide range of treatments and