Dentures and Dental Implants Seattle

When you put food in your mouth, it immediately meets the bacteria that live there. Plaque, for example, is a sticky film of bacteria. These bacteria love the sugars found in many foods. So, when you don’t clean your teeth after eating, the bacteria and the sugar can combine to produce acids which can destroy the enamel – the hard surface of the tooth. In time, this can lead to tooth decay. The more often you eat and the longer foods are in your mouth, the more damage occurs. Many foods that are nutritious and important in our diet contain sugars – such as fruits, milk, bread, cereals and even vegetables. So the key is not to try and avoid sugar but to think before you eat. When you eat is also important because each time you eat food that contains sugars, the teeth are attacked by acids for 20 minutes or more. This means that foods that are eaten as part of a meal cause less harm. More saliva is released during a meal, helping to wash foods from the mouth and reduce the

Braces are orthodontic apparatus used to help fix crooked and crowded teeth. While modern braces can be comfortable and inconspicuous, you may have to take extra steps to care for your teeth when wearing them. Its important that you continue good oral hygiene practices while wearing braces. You need to continue brushing regularly, following the approach suggested by your dentist, as well as flossing daily and making regular visits to the dentist. People with braces should stick to a balanced diet and limit the number of snacks between meals. Your dentist may suggest that you avoid certain foods that could interfere with braces or accidentally bend the wires. This can include nuts, popcorn, hard candy, ice and sticky foods such as chewing gum or caramel. You can still continue to enjoy sports and other activities but a protective mouth guard is often recommended to reduce the risk of injury to the mouth or jaw. Your dentist will suggest an appropriate mouth guard when the b

Your smile makes a huge difference to what people think about you and how you feel about yourself. And there are many options available to help you improve the look and brightness of your smile, including: In-office bleaching: During chair-side bleaching, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent. At-home bleaching: There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter. These include peroxide bleaching solutions, which actually bleach the tooth enamel. Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouth guard. Whitening toothpastes: All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives. “Whitening” toothpastes include special chemical or polishing agents that

Gum disease also known as periodontal disease often progresses slowly, without pain, over a long period of time and thats one reason it is common among older adults. The longer the disease goes undetected and uncontrolled, the more damage it causes to gums and other supporting tissues. Although periodontal disease is caused by plaque, other factors can increase the risk or severity of the condition, including: – Food left between the teeth – Tobacco use smoking and smokeless tobacco – Badly aligned teeth – Ill-fitting bridges or partial dentures – Poor diet – Systemic diseases such as anemia Although periodontal disease is common, it can be controlled and, if caught in its early stages, it can be reversed. However, in advanced stages, it may require surgery. Look out for the following warning signs and see your dentist if you notice any of them: – Bleeding gums when you brush – Red, tender or swollen gums – Gums that have pulled away from the teeth – Pus between your teeth and