The Ideal Oral Health Routine

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Categories: General Dentistry

Research has shown the profound impact your oral health can have on your overall health. Because of this, it is important to maintain a consistent daily oral care routine, in addition to visiting the dentist regularly. Below you will find the ideal oral health routine so you can keep your oral health in top shape.

The Ideal Oral Health Routine

It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. It is best to brush your teeth after every meal as leftover food debris can get locked into the hard-to-reach places in your mouth. This can result in tooth decay if not taken care of. Proper brushing includes using a soft-bristled toothbrush for at least two minutes. You should brush your entire tooth (inside, outside, and the bite area) in circular motions, in addition to your tongue and the roof of your mouth.

Using a toothpaste with fluoride can help keep tooth decay at bay. So talk with your dentist about which toothpaste is right for your unique needs. In addition to brushing you should floss at least once a day. If you only floss once a day you should floss at night. This can help remove the harmful bacteria and any leftover debris from eating before you sleep for the next 8 hours.

While your daily oral care routine is highly important, you should also regularly visit the dentist. It is recommended that you get a dental checkup at least every six months. If you have a history of tooth decay or other oral health issues you may need to go more often. It is important to follow your dentist’s recommendations in terms of how frequently you should visit the dentist.

Tips to Improve Your Oral Health

While your daily oral care routine and dental checkups are important when it comes to your ideal daily oral health routine, you can do a number of things to improve your oral health. Consider implementing the following tips to ensure your oral health stays in good shape.

  • Brush Before Bed: The germs and plaque that build up during the day can harm your teeth. If you only brush twice a day, be sure and brush before you go to bed.
  • Add Mouthwash: You should brush your teeth after every meal, but sometimes this may not be possible. Mouthwash can help remove harmful debris from your mouth and freshen up your breath until you can brush. While mouthwash should not be a substitute for brushing, talk with your dentist about what type is right for you and add it to your daily oral care routine.
  • Increase Your Water Intake: Drinking more water is beneficial for your oral and overall health. In fact, it is recommended that you drink a glass of water after every meal. This can help flush out any leftover food.
  • Increase Fruits and Veggies: Crunchy fruits and vegetables can help clean your teeth. This is because they cover a lot of surface area on your teeth when you chew them. They also are filled with a lot of water which can help scrub away harmful bacteria.
  • Reduce Sugar Intake: Sugary foods are harmful to your oral health as they turn acidic and erode the enamel of your teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth decay. So it’s important to eat sugar in moderation.

Preventative Dentistry in Arcadia

Preventative dentistry in Arcadia is crucial to the longevity of your oral health. This includes regular checkups with the dentist as they can monitor your oral health. The team at Premier Dental Aesthetics are skilled in preventative and cosmetic dentistry in Arcadia. They offer a wide variety of services and have been serving the community for years. Contact their office today to schedule an appointment!

Can Teens Have Gum Disease?

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Categories: Gum disease

The teenage years can be so challenging. You’re caught in this strange purgatory between childhood and adulthood where you’re constantly experiencing stress as a result of physical, social, and hormonal changes. One unfortunate side effect is that a lot of teens experience oral health issues, including gum disease.

Can Teens Have Gum Disease?

The existence of teen gum disease surprises a lot of people. The truth is that you can develop gum disease at any age, and hormonal changes can make you even more prone to oral health complications. If you combine less than ideal oral health habits with the hormonal changes that accompany the teen years, you have a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, with a little education and improved habits, you can keep teen gum disease at bay.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that causes inflammation, irritation, and sometimes pain. That by itself doesn’t sound too scary, but there are serious risks involved. Untreated gum disease will eventually spread beyond the gums to the jaw.

As the infection progresses, it can physically eat away at the structures that support your teeth and hold them in place. This can cause permanent tooth loss. If that wasn’t enough, chronic gum disease is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is caused by the build-up of bacteria along the gums and on your teeth. Generally speaking, a regular oral hygiene routine is enough to remove bacteria before they can cause issues. However, are you skipping brushing or flossing? Then bacteria has an opportunity to harden onto your teeth in the form of plaque.

Once plaque has formed, it’s important to remove it before it further solidifies into tartar. Tartar is also called dental calculus, and it has to be removed by a professional. In both forms, bacteria are essentially free to go about their business. This irritates your gums and leads to further bacterial growth.

How Do You Treat Gum Disease?

Your dentist in Arcadia is the expert when it comes to treating gum disease, but it is always better to catch it early. That’s why it’s so important to go and see your dentist for a check-up twice a year. Thanks to x-rays and your dentist’s keen eyes, these bi-annual appointments are the most likely to detect even the sneakiest forms of gum disease. So you can receive treatment before there’s any permanent damage.

If it’s relatively early, your gum disease treatment in Arcadia may be limited to a thorough cleaning. Scaling and root planing are two examples, and they both use stronger dental tools to scrape away plaque and tartar that have formed on your teeth and below the gum line. Afterward, you may need to take an antibiotic for a couple of weeks to ensure the bacteria are all gone.

In more advanced cases you may require surgery or a gum graft after your mouth has been purged of the offending bacteria. With any luck that will resolve any damage. But if you have lost teeth you can discuss tooth replacement options with your dentist.

Top Tips for Teens

Being a teenager is hard, so having yet another thing to worry about probably isn’t what you want. The good news is that you can protect your teeth and your gums with relatively little effort as long as you adapt your oral hygiene routine to your schedule. Here are some suggestions that may help.

  • Take a portable toothbrush and toothpaste to school. Especially if you eat meals on campus or have after school activities that run late. Just make sure the toothbrush is kept in a case with air holes to prevent bacterial growth. And change your toothbrush every 3 months or so.
  • Keep floss by your bed to remind you. If you hate flossing, talk to your parents about using a water flosser. It isn’t as good, but it’s better than nothing.
  • Don’t smoke. We know you’ve heard it a million times, but it is one of the worst things you can do to your teeth and gums.

How Often Should My Kid See the Dentist?

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Categories: Family dentistry

Children start developing teeth at a very early age; in fact, they even have teeth in the womb. By the time those teeth start erupting and becoming visible, you might start wondering when to take them to the dentist. It is a good idea to get them used to the dentist’s office before they are 3 years of age. But as they grow, they should continue to have their oral health monitored by a dentist. So, how often should your kid see the dentist?

How Often Should My Kid See the Dentist?

For all of those wondering, “How often should my kid see the dentist?” keep reading below. You can learn some important facts about your child’s dental health and find out how often they should pay a visit to the friendly family dentist near Pasadena.

Regular Dental Visits

Once your child grows their first tooth, try scheduling a dental appointment every 6 months. You should at least schedule a checkup a couple of times a year. This can ensure no major dental issues need to be addressed. As your child’s teeth continue to grow, you’ll need to monitor their health. Because they will start to experience new sensations in the mouth.

But don’t take a positive bill of health as a sign that your child doesn’t need to go to the dentist! Healthy teeth are great, and the best way to keep them healthy is to ensure that they are still getting checked regularly by a professional.

Children and Oral Health Issues

Children should go to the dentist every 6 months. Why? Because it is easy for an oral health issue to arise very quickly. Within a couple of months, a child can develop cavities due to tooth decay after eating too many sweets. Eating junk food and not brushing teeth thoroughly enough can lead to a myriad of issues that will only worsen over time.

This is further exacerbated by the fact that baby teeth are much more susceptible to oral health issues than adult teeth. As teeth are constantly growing and changing during the first 15 years of a child’s life, it is even more important to stay on top of their oral health routines.

Do Kids Need X-Rays with Every Visit?

Kids might not always need x-rays, but they do if there is any sign of dental damage or an area of concern that should be monitored further. During your child’s dental visit, the dentist will administer pediatric x-rays, which contain a lesser dose of radiation that can take pictures of the teeth and jaws. X-rays are safe enough to use on newborns and infants, so you can speak with your dentist about further concerns regarding the number of x-rays your child should receive per year.

Why Preventative Dentistry is Important

A lot of parents don’t find it necessary to take their child to the dentist every 6 months. Especially if their child is in good general health. Maybe their x-rays are good and tooth exams come out without a scratch. Still, it remains a good idea to invest in preventative dentistry. Doing so keeps germs and bacteria at bay. Teach your child to establish a daily oral hygiene routine that consists of brushing, flossing, and mouthwash.

Find Your Favorite Family Dentist at Smiles of Arcadia Today!

Looking for a family-friendly dentist near Pasadena who can help you figure out the best oral healthcare routine for your child? Get in touch with our staff members today to set up a personal consultation for you and your family. It’s never too early to invest in good dental health, especially when your child’s teeth are still developing. Stay on top of those changes and prevent any future oral health problems by getting in touch with your professional dentist ASAP.

Will Dental Implants Lift My Face?

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Categories: Dental implants

Dental implants are an effective treatment option for missing teeth. Missing teeth can impact your life in a variety of ways. From your bite alignment and chewing to issues with self-confidence and your speech. Because tooth loss can also cause issues with your jaw bone, it can cause your face to sink in and sag. You may wonder, will dental implants lift my face? Below you will find the benefits of dental implants and why they are right for you.

Will Dental Implants Lift My Face?

Tooth loss can lead to the collapse of your jaw. This is because when the root of your tooth is no longer in place, your body no longer maintains the bone density in that area. This results in the jaw bone shrinking. When your jaw bone shrinks your face can look sunken in and age you. There are a variety of tooth replacement options, but only dental implants in Pasadena can address the issue of bone loss.

Dental implants can address this issue as they include not only a dental crown, but they also include an implant that essentially replaces your tooth’s root. The implant helps preserve the tooth’s root, which in turn preserves your facial structure. However, dental implants cannot restore lost bone in your jaw. If necessary, bone grafting can be used to restore your jaw to its natural form.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Missing teeth can be problematic so it’s important to find an effective replacement option. Below are some of the common benefits of dental implants.

  • Appearance: Dental implants look just like your natural teeth. They also operate just like them so you will have relative ease with eating and digestion, in addition to your speech. One of the major benefits is that you do not have to do any extra work to take care of them. They require the same care as your natural teeth, including a consistent daily oral care routine and regular visits to the dentist.
  • Speech: Missing teeth can cause issues with your speech and make it difficult to pronounce certain words. This can cause you to feel embarrassed and result in you talking less. Because dental implants replace your missing teeth and operate just your natural teeth do, it can drastically improve any speech issues.
  • Digestion: Chewing food with missing teeth can cause your jaw operate differently as compared to if you had all of your natural teeth in. Improper chewing can also lead to digestion issues. Dental implants are an effective way to ensure that your diet is not impacted by your missing teeth.
  • Self-Esteem: Missing teeth can make you feel embarrassed. You may talk or smile less due to the issue. This can be taxing on your mental health and social interactions. Replacing the tooth can help restore your confidence.

Dentist in Arcadia

The first step in getting dental implants is scheduling a consultation. The dentist will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. In order to be a good candidate for the procedure you’ll need to have healthy gums, sufficient bone density in your jaw, good oral hygiene practices, and abstain from tobacco use. Once you begin with the process, a cone beam scanner is used to create a 3D image of your mouth.

It generally takes two appointments to complete the process as the first one involves placing the implant in your mouth. The period between your first and second appointment can be a few months and varies from patient to patient. The second appointment involves removing the temporary cap and placing a dental crown on the implant. If you are interested in dental implants, schedule a consultation with the top dentist in Arcadia.

Foods that Cause Gum Disease

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Categories: Gum disease

Gum disease is a serious condition that can result in bone loss as well as tooth loss if it is allowed to progress. For the majority of people, keeping gum disease at bay is as easy as brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and seeing their dentist in Arcadia every six months.

Foods that Cause Gum Disease

With that said, we’re all imperfect people, and there are going to be times where we forget to prioritize our oral hygiene. These little lapses don’t always have major consequences, but they do leave the door open for bacteria to infect our gums. Those risks may be even higher if you’ve been eating some of the foods and drinks most commonly associated with gum disease.

Caffeinated Drinks

Caffeinated drinks including soda, tea, coffee, and your favorite sports drinks all have one thing in common. They dry out your mouth.

When it comes to your mouth’s natural defenses, saliva reigns supreme. Unfortunately, all of these drinks decrease saliva production. The absence of normal saliva levels makes it easy for bacteria to attach to teeth and attack your gums.

Acidic Food and Drink

Acidic drinks like wine, coffee, and many fruit juices actually weaken your enamel temporarily.

It’s really important to not brush immediately after eating or drinking something acidic because your toothbrush may actually do more damage while your enamel is compromised. Instead, you should rinse with water then wait about 20 minutes before brushing.

If you don’t rinse and then brush, you’re giving bacteria better access to your teeth, and you’re more likely to develop tooth decay. Tooth decay is negative enough on its own, but it can also lead to and aggravate gum disease.

Sugary Food and Drink

Candy, sodas, and anything exceptionally sweet is a big problem for your teeth and gums. The bacteria that live on plaque actually feed on sugar and produce an acid as a byproduct. This acid physically weakens your enamel, which makes it easier for bacteria to infiltrate your natural defenses against tooth decay and gum disease.

Sticky Foods

There are a lot of sticky foods out there. But most of them contain a lot of sugar or a lot of starch. Both are problematic, so you need to be careful when you eat things like taffy or dried fruit.

Both starches and sugars eventually break down into sugar, and all sticky foods have a nasty habit of sticking to the tiny crevices in and between your teeth. It’s really easy for them to become safe havens where bacteria are allowed to thrive out of reach of your saliva.

Sharp Foods

The ultimate example of a sharp food contributing to gum disease is popcorn. In most circumstances the snack is relatively harmless as long as you brush and floss regularly. However, there are moments when popcorn can become a real problem.

Those tiny, sharp husks can sometimes get wedged between your tooth and your gum line. Not only is it painful, but it can easily turn into an abscess. If this happens to you, then schedule an emergency appointment with Smiles of Arcadia.

Handling Gum Disease

A surprisingly large percentage of Americans have some form of gum disease, and the number increases with age. Fortunately, treatment options are available to help you restore your health and save your teeth. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Red, irritated gums
  • Bleeding when you floss
  • Gums that seem to have shrunken away from the tooth
  • The feeling that one or more teeth are loose
  • Pain when you drink cold liquids or chew

Then contact your local dentist to set up an appointment for gum disease treatment in Arcadia.

Surprising Benefits of Dental Implants

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Categories: Dental implants

Tooth loss is a major issue for many Americans. In fact, it is estimated that 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Roughly 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth. Missing teeth can impact one’s self-esteem and result in less smiling. One of the most effective treatment options for tooth loss is dental implants. Below you will find the surprising benefits of dental implants.

Surprising Benefits of Dental Implants

If you are considering tooth replacement options, consider the following benefits of dental implants.

Aesthetic:

Dental implants look like your natural teeth. The improved appearance can improve one’s confidence in their smile.

Speech:

Missing teeth can cause major issues with your speech. Even with dentures, your speech can be impacted. This is why dental implants are superior as they are natural, permanent solutions to so many speech issues related to tooth loss.

Self-Esteem:

The impact of tooth loss can cause issues with your self-esteem and confidence. Dental implants look just like natural teeth, which can drastically improve your confidence.

Comfort:

Because dental implants are permanent and are just like your natural teeth, they feel comfortable. They restore the look of your natural smile and are much more comfortable than other tooth replacement options.

Eating:

Dental implants make eating much easier. Missing teeth can cause major issues with chewing as your mouth has to overcompensate for the tooth loss. Even other tooth replacement options, such as dentures, can pose issues with eating.

Oral Health:

Dental implants are helpful in maintaining your oral health. They don’t require modifying any of your surrounding teeth, and this helps keep all of your remaining natural teeth intact. Because they operate just a natural tooth would, they allow you to continue your regular oral care routine without issue.

Convenience:

Unlike dentures, dental implants are permanent and don’t require removal. Once you have dental implants, your teeth and oral health operate just as they did with your natural teeth.

Durability:

Dental implants are one of the most durable tooth replacement options. In fact, if you take excellent care of your oral health, they can last a lifetime.

Dental Implant Treatment

The process for dental implants begins with a consultation. If you are a good candidate for the procedure you can move forward with the process. The consultation is a great time to ask any questions and share your expectations. You will also be able to choose the color, shape, and size of your tooth replacement as it will be attached to the implant.

Dental implant treatment is smooth and appears just like your natural tooth. If your tooth hasn’t been removed already, you will need to undergo a tooth extraction first. Once the tooth has been extracted, a dental implant involves a titanium root, an upper connector (also referred to as an “abutment”), and the visible white portion on the top (also referred to as a “crown”). You will experience minimal pain and the recovery process is smooth.

The Implants Solution

Dental implants in Arcadia are an effective tooth replacement solution. Due to certain dental advancements, you can also opt for mini-implants. These allow for easier placement and a faster recovery time. Patients have reported that mini-implants are more comfortable than traditional implants.

Mini-implants are significantly smaller in diameter than traditional posts (also referred to as the “titanium root” portion of the dental implant). Because mini-implants are much smaller, they have less of an impact on your jawbone and require less bone for support. If you are interested in dental implants, contact the team at Premier Dental Aesthetics. They are the top dentists near Arcadia and have helped countless patients with effective tooth replacement options.

Surprising Benefits of Straight Teeth

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Categories: Orthodontics

When someone has a stunning smile, it’s usually because they have perfect teeth. Straight, white teeth really stand out – and you can be the next person that everybody is looking at. Orthodontic treatments can greatly improve your quality of life while helping you feel better about the way you look.

Surprising Benefits of Straight Teeth

That is just one of the reasons why millions of American adults and teenagers wear braces every single year. And with new orthodontic advancements being made by our cosmetic dentist near Pasadena, it is easier than ever to offer people the pain-free ease of fast and effective teeth straightening treatments. Let’s take a look at some of the most surprising benefits of straight teeth that you won’t want to pass up.

Improved Speech

Whether you have severely misaligned teeth, a gap in your tooth, or some other dental issue, you may have a lot of trouble properly speaking. Your speech may be impeded by the fact that your teeth are out of alignment. There are several orthodontic solutions that can greatly improve your speech capabilities. After getting braces, you will be able to speak and enunciate with ease.

Easy Daily Routine

The healthier your teeth are, the less work you need to do to maintain them. Straight teeth are so much easier to brush. Especially since you don’t have to worry about jagged edges. Not to mention hidden crannies that you just can’t quite reach your brush into. As soon as you get your teeth into alignment, you will find it simpler and more effective when you brush and floss each day.

Good Eating & Digestion

Some patients have teeth that are so out of alignment that it becomes difficult to eat and even to breathe. Depending on how your jaw and teeth move when you chew, they could be blocking your airways, making it hard to function properly just when trying to eat a meal. Are you fed up with being fed up with your crooked teeth? Reach out to us to learn more about how you can greatly benefit from braces.

No More Pain

You might have had a lot of head and neck pain building up recently, but no idea where it came from. This is one of the hidden symptoms of misaligned teeth that can negatively affect the whole body. If you are tired of your jaw, throat, neck, and head hurting all the time, you should consider orthodontic braces. Our innovative treatments can put your teeth where they are meant to be while relieving your symptoms of pain and discomfort.

More Self-Confidence

It is always obvious when someone is unhappy with the way their teeth look. They will be less willing to smile for the camera, look in front of a mirror, or even act friendly towards friends and cohorts. If you are not feeling very good about your teeth, odds are you aren’t feeling very confident, either. Braces can help you get a new lease on life by bringing out your inner beauty so you can feel as good as you look.

Get the Best Braces Treatment Today

There is a wide range of viable treatment options to help you straighten out your teeth. No matter what state they are currently in, your teeth can benefit greatly from a professional touch. After your quick and effective braces treatment, you will feel completely reborn. Reach out to us today and find out more about our popular treatment options, such as metal braces and clear aligners near Pasadena. At Smiles of Arcadia, we work with you to find a personalized plan of care. Get in touch with our friendly professionals today to start right away!

How to Choose a Family Dentist

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Categories: Family dentistry

Research has shown the important link between your dental health and overall health. One of the main factors in keeping up with your oral health is visiting the dentist regularly and keeping up with your daily oral care routine. Because life can get busy you may put off the dentist or take a little extra time between visits. However, it’s important to keep your family healthy so it’s helpful to find a family dentist you can all visit together. Below you will find helpful tips on how to choose a family dentist.

How to Choose a Family Dentist

Consider the following factors when you look for a family dentist to be sure they are the right fit.

Insurance:

One of the more administrative factors when it comes to choosing a dentist is whether or not they are in your insurance network or not. Because dental services can be costly, it’s helpful to find a dentist covered by your insurance. Once you know who is within your network it’s a lot easier to find the right dentist for your family.

Reputation:

Search your potential family dentist’s name online. You should find a number of reviews and information on how they treat their patients. Finding a dentist with the right credentials who creates a healthy and comforting environment is important. Many people experience fear and anxiety when it comes to the dentist so it’s important to find a family-friendly dentist office that can make your whole family feel welcome.

Credentials and Experience:

Finding a dentist that has all of the necessary credentials is important in keeping your family safe. Making sure that your family dentist can provide you with all of the necessary services for your family is important. Research their credentials and areas of expertise just to be sure. You should also find out how long they have been practicing as experience is an important factor when it comes to dentistry.

Services Provided:

Finding a family dentist that provides a wide variety of services can be a major benefit as you won’t have to go to other specialists for certain treatments or procedures. Most family dentistry offices have a number of dentists that can provide varying specialties. Some of the most common services include the following: children’s dentistry, family dentistry, cavity treatment, Invisalign or traditional braces, preventative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, wisdom tooth extractions, gum disease treatment, and root canal treatment. Finding a family dentist that provides the majority of these services can be a major benefit to you and your family.

Office Environment:

Use your gut and get a feel of the dental office environment. Was the staff friendly, and did they make you feel welcome? Were you and your children comfortable the whole time? Was everything clean? You can usually get a good idea of the office culture and environment within the first visit. If you or your children get a bad feeling or don’t feel that the family dentist is the right fit for you and your family, keep looking.

Family Dentistry in Arcadia

If you are looking for a family dentist in Arcadia, contact Premier Dental Esthetics. Their team has been working with families providing dental services for years. They are the top location for family dentistry in Arcadia. In addition to family dentistry services, they also provide cosmetic dentistry. For those in your family who are considering improving their smile, the dentists at Premier Dental Esthetics are skilled in teeth whitening, orthodontics, and dental veneers. Contact the top cosmetic dentist in Arcadia today and set up appointments for your whole family!

Are My Gums Supposed to Be Pale?

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One of the most common signs of gum disease is dark pink or red gums. While discoloration is a dangerous indication that something is wrong, your gums shouldn’t be devoid of color either. When our Smiles of Arcadia dentist’s patients ask us, “Are my gums supposed to be pale?” the answer is always no. Pale gums may mean that you are suffering from an undiagnosed condition.

Are My Gums Supposed to Be Pale?

Keep reading to learn what pale gums could mean for you and what you should do if you notice the symptoms of pale gums. You should schedule an appointment with our dental experts ASAP!

Causes of Pale Gums

In order to further understand how pale gums can be treated, let’s look at the biggest causes of pale gums. Underlying conditions or causes can include:

  • Menopause
  • Oral lichen planus
  • Leukoplakia
  • Anemia

Many of these conditions indicate a lack of iron and other essential vitamins and nutrients within the body. When these nutrients cannot be supplied to the gums, they will turn pale and receive less blood. These conditions, such as anemia, can also be caused by external medications used to treat other diseases. Those undergoing chemotherapy may suddenly become deficient in nutrients and resources needed to keep teeth and gums healthy.

Associated Symptoms

In addition to paling gums, you may also notice other symptoms that are causing pain or discomfort. It is important that you tell your dentist about your oral health problems as quickly as possible. Call your trusted expert if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Swollen or painful gums
  • Fever
  • Loosening and missing teeth
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Metallic taste in the mouth that won’t go away
  • Increased face and jaw pain
  • Constant bad breath
  • Receding gum lines
  • Tender gums
  • Constantly bleeding gums
  • Hormone imbalances

Based on the specific causes and symptoms surrounding your pale gums, your dentist may prescribe a specific treatment to bring you back to good oral health ASAP.

Best Treatments for Pale Gums

The treatment that your dentist will prescribe to you depends on what is causing your condition in the first place. If your gums are paling due to anemia, you may be prescribed iron pills and other supplements to add nutrients to your blood. Other more serious conditions may require a visit to your heart health doctor for integrated treatment.

As you are invested in a treatment option for your underlying condition, you should also make a plan for the improvement of your oral health. Healthy gums should be pink, but not too pale or too dark. At Smiles of Arcadia, we recommend a daily oral health routine to get your dentistry needs back on track.

Preventing Gum Problems

Want to keep your gums healthy? You should invest in a good dental hygiene routine. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day; ideally, you will brush your teeth once in the morning and once at night. You should also try to floss once a day to get rid of food particles in between your teeth. Anytime you eat something high in sugar or teeth-staining ingredients, brush your teeth as soon as you can.

Most importantly, you should schedule regular visits to your dentist’s office at least twice per year. This can help you stay on the lookout for oral health issues that can be stopped before they get worse.

Upgrade the Health of Your Gums Today

Pale or darkening gums are a sign that something is wrong. Get to the bottom of your underlying condition and seek out professional gum disease treatment with our professionals at Smiles of Arcadia today. Help us put your dental health back in your hands. You deserve to save your smile!

Do Dental Implants Look Natural?

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Categories: Dental implants

Dental implants are the most effective form of tooth replacement, and they look 100% natural. In fact, they are the only tooth replacement option that completely replaces your natural tooth from root to cusp. As a result, dental implants provide superior comfort and long-lasting functionality.

Do Dental Implants Look Natural?

The only downsides are that they can take several dental visits to place, and they cost more upfront than other tooth replacement options. With that being said, the implant itself will last for the rest of your natural life. And the crown will only need to be replaced every 10-15 years as long as you practice normal oral hygiene. Now we’ve covered the basics. So let’s have a look at how dental implants are made to perfectly replicate your tooth in every possible way.

The Process of Placing a Dental Implant

A dental implant typically requires at least three office visits. During your first visit to your dentist in Arcadia, they will evaluate your current oral health to make sure you’re a viable candidate for a dental implant. Typically, that means a visual inspection of your gums as well as x-rays. With these, your dentist can have a look at your jawbone.

  • Keep in mind that significant bone loss or untreated gum disease may preclude you from receiving a dental implant right away. Infected gums and deteriorating bone simply can’t support a dental implant. However, if you’re determined, there are usually treatment options available that will make a dental implant possible for you.
  • Given that all goes well during your first visit, your second visit will consist of placing the metal post of the implant. This segment is drilled directly into your jawbone using an anesthetic. You shouldn’t feel anything during the procedure. Once the post is placed, you will be sent home with care instructions to ensure that your jaw heals properly. The healing process typically takes 8-10 weeks, but it may be longer if you’re older, smoke, or have any condition that reduces blood flow or generally slows your ability to heal.
  • Depending on where you get your dental implants near Pasadena, taking impressions may be a separate visit. Once you’ve had impressions taken, the molds are sent off so that a customized crown can be made just for you. Once the crown is ready, and you’re fully healed, an abutment is used to connect the post to the crown.

The Importance of Replacing the Root

A dental implant is the only tooth replacement option that replicates your natural tooth down to the root. This may not seem like a big deal. But it actually has a massive impact on your oral health down the road. You see, your jawbone actually relies on the chewing motion to tell your body to replace old bone tissue with new bone tissue.

Without a root, these signals don’t reach your jaw bone. Over time, your jaw will lose considerable mass because it is no longer replacing old bone tissue. This can cause your facial structure to change noticeably and has the ability to undermine surrounding structures.

Making A Realistic Looking Crown

The crown is the part of your dental implant that is visible above the gumline. In most cases, the crown is made of porcelain molded from an impression of your jaw. They are colored to match your natural teeth. And they’re highly durable. As a result, a quality dental crown is virtually indistinguishable from a real tooth. On average, you can expect your crown to last at least ten years. But they can last several decades with appropriate care.