Dentures and Dental Implants Seattle

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 protective coatings th

While the general effects of smoking on your health are well-known, it can also have significant effects on your oral health. Here are some of the ways smoking can harm your oral health and hygiene: – Oral Cancer – Periodontal (gum) disease – Delayed healing after a tooth extraction or other oral surgery – Bad breath – Stained teeth and tongue – Diminished sense of taste and smell Research suggests that smoking may be responsible for almost 75% of adult gum disease. Tobacco products damage your gum tissue by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth. One effect is receding gums which expose the tooth roots and increase your risk of tooth decay or to sensitivity to hot and cold in these unprotected areas. Cigar smoking is equally a major risk and even smokeless tobacco products contain a variety of toxins associated with cancer. Smokeless tobacco can also irritate your gum tissue. Giving up smoking will provide a significant boost to your oral health as well as givi

If you have any kind of swelling in your gum, it almost certainly indicates a serious infection that should be treated urgently. Dental abscesses result from a bacterial infection in the teeth or gums. For example, it may come from an untreated cavity. Cavities result when some of the bacteria in our mouths mix with sugars and starches in our diet to produce acid. This acid attacks the hard enamel coating of our teeth and, as the cavity gets deeper, it eventually infects the nerve and blood supply of the tooth. In some cases, a dental abscess is caused by an infection of the gum. Bone loss from gum disease can create a pocket between the tooth, gum and bone. When bacteria and other debris get into this pocket, an abscess can form. The treatment for an abscess depends on how severe the infection is. If the abscess has been caused by decay, root canal treatment may be needed or the tooth may even have to be removed. If the abscess has been caused by the gum, the gum will need deep cleani

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 effects of aci