Dentures and Dental Implants Seattle

Though many of us say we brush our teeth regularly, you get the best results by making sure you brush properly. Here are the steps you should follow: First, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Then, move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes. Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Use the “toe” of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke. Finally, brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath. As well as brushing your teeth, you should floss them every day. Heres how to floss for best results. Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Then wind the remaining floss around the same finger on the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle r

There are many people who find it difficult to look after their dental health properly because they have problems handling a toothbrush. This can be due to a severe physical disability or simply basic dexterity problems. There are a few simple steps you can take to make it easier for people who find it difficult to hold on to a toothbrush or dental floss. Here are some simple ‘home remedies’: – Use a wide elastic band to attach the brush to the hand – Enlarge the brush handle with a sponge, rubber ball or bicycle handle grip – Wind an elastic bandage or adhesive tape around the handle – Lengthen the handle with a piece of wood or plastic such as a ruler, popsicle stick or tongue depressor – Tie floss into a loop for easier handling – Use an electric toothbrush or commercial floss holder Your dentist will be able to provide specific guidance and further tips for people who need an easier way to handle a toothbrush and floss.

People who are new to wearing dentures naturally have many questions about how their life will change. New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. During this time, its not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness. You may find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should diminish. Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that little change in appearance will be noticeable. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from tipping. As you become accustomed to chewing, add other foods until you return to your normal diet. Continu

More than 1 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year and many of them will develop problems with their oral health as a result of their cancer treatment. While it’s natural that they’ll be focused on their cancer treatment, it’s important not to overlook the importance of a dental examination as part of the process of maintaining overall health. For example, radiation therapy of the head and neck area may lead to certain complications such as dry mouth, sensitive lesions in the oral cavity, hypersensitive teeth, rapid tooth decay and difficulty swallowing. Chemotherapy and other medication can also have significant effects in the mouth. To help prevent, minimize and manage such problems, the dentist and oncologist can work together – before and during cancer treatment. Many medications lead to dry mouth, which can lead to a higher risk of gum disease and other problems. The dentist may therefore recommend a saliva replacement, an artificial saliva that is available over-th