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Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. The culprit for this disease is usually poor brushing and flossing habits. These poor habits allow plaque – a sticky film of bacteria – to build up on the teeth and harden.Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria help to form plaque on our teeth. Brushing and flossing help to get rid of plaque. The plaque that is not removed by these practices hardens and forms “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. This tartar can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.  If the disease worsens, it can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss.

There are risk factors for gum disease, but smoking is the most significant. Other risk factors include hormonal changes in women, diabetes, and medications that lessen the flow of saliva.

Here are some symptoms of gum disease: 

• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

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Parents are usually well-versed in getting their child to the dentist early on. Establishing oral health routines for your toddlers is standard – but many parents have questions about getting their child set up with orthodontic treatment. What about their first visit to the orthodontist? When should they go? Is my child too young for the orthodontist? Is my child too young for braces? Luckily, all these questions have simple answers. 

The Lucky Number Seven

Age seven is the magic number for a first orthodontist visit. This is because, at seven, your child’s first set of molars should have come in. This first set of molars erupts between ages six and seven and are in the lower jaw and do not replace any baby teeth. 

The seven-year molars are a good indicator of future dental issues once they have fully grown in. Seeing your child right after this growth occurs allows your orthodontist to get a more accurate picture of your child’s mouth and treatment plan than if they were seen before the molars grew in but give them enough time to address possible issues before it’s too late.

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So, why do you keep getting canker sores? Canker sores are flat white sores that appear in your mouth and can last for a week or more. What causes these small mouth ulcers is unknown.Though the exact causes of canker sores in children are unknown, many things can trigger their recurrence. Stress, tissue damage in the mouth, poor nutrition, certain foods, viruses, or bacteria are just some of the potential triggers of an ulcer. 

In This Post, We’ll Cover

• What Causes Canker Sores?
• How to Prevent Canker Sores
• How to Get Rid of Canker Sores
• Do Braces Cause Canker Sores?

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Braces can be sharp and restrictive. This makes the dating scene seem daunting and heightens nerves all around. Never fear! There’s no reason your orthodontic treatment should hamper your romantic life. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, dating with braces is possible and still just as fun. Here are a few of our tips and suggestions for a painless date night! 

Dates to Avoid with Braces

You CAN feel beautiful and have a successful date night with braces. Also, you can always pack a toothbrush if you want to be super prepared. For a successful and embarrassment-free dating experience with braces, we advise you to stick to soft foods you know won’t get caught in your brackets and teeth. 

Popular dates like a movie, the mall, or a local summer carnival have lots of foods that aren’t braces-friendly. When you’re out for a romantic night nothing kills the mood like a bracket popping off, so. Best avoid foods on the list of problem snacks your orthodontist gives you. Things like popcorn, chewy candy, or hard pizza and cookies are a recipe for disaster rather than a fun date. 

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With all the effort put towards eating right, staying fit, and otherwise taking care of themselves, there is no reason why adults should not investigate having beautiful teeth! According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in four patients is an adult. 

There are many benefits to getting braces at any age. Everyone wants a straight and gorgeous smile and the positives do not stop with appearance. When teeth are crowded or badly positioned, it can lead to serious problems in the future. A poor bite can affect the function of the teeth and can even lead to tooth loss and gum disease. Don’t wait any longer for the smile you deserve! There is no better time than the present to schedule a complimentary exam. 

With so many options available in modern orthodontics, there’s no reason to put off a beautiful smile. There are many new treatment options available to reduce treatment time and discomfort. 

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When a dentist or orthodontist recommends getting braces or moving forward with orthodontic treatment, many people are scared or apprehensive. Braces are grounds for embarrassment for the self-conscious teen and the up-and-coming professional. Having a mouth full of metal to clean, eat, and live around can be daunting. But, many patients may overlook Invisalign when searching for orthodontic treatment, the nearly invisible alternative to braces. Some people may write this treatment option off due to price or success rate – but luckily both are just Invisalign myths! 

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