Dentures and Dental Implants Seattle

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, its 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 its 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 teeth. This can

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 ratio was

Bad breath – also known as halitosis – is an unpleasant condition that can cause a great deal of embarrassment. And, for many people, it’s made even worse by the fact they don’t even know that they have it. There are many possible causes for bad breath so, if you think you might have the problem, talk to your dentist. What you eat affects what you breathe out. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor and even dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating. If you don’t brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia) which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. One of the reasons why it’s especially important to talk to your dentist about bad breath is that it may be a sign of an underlying medical problem such as respiratory tract infection or gastrointestinal problems. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in th

Tooth decay or cavities result from destruction of the tooth enamel and can lead to a range of problems from toothache to bad breath. Cavities occur when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, sugared drinks, cakes or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Many people associate cavities with children but the changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too. Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of gum disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than enamel. They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold. The majority of people over age 50 have tooth-root decay. Decay around the edges of fillings is also common to older adults. As many of them did n