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Archive for March 2016

Comments Off on Why You Should Replace Teeth Even If They Aren’t Visible
Missing Tooth Replacement

Why You Should Replace Teeth Even If They Aren’t Visible

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Losing a tooth in a highly visible spot in a smile makes a majority of dental patients seek replacement promptly. Having an empty space in a smile can make a person feel self-conscious, detract from the overall appearance and even affect how that other people perceive the person with a missing tooth. In a survey of 1,000 Americans, over a quarter of them said that the first feature they notice when meeting a new person is their teeth and smile and that it’s the feature they remember most.

A lasting impression is often made within the first three seconds of meeting someone and when that someone has gaps in their smile that effects the first impression. However, many people hesitate to replace a lost tooth that’s less visible because they don’t think it has a significant impact. Unfortunately, such an assumption is incorrect and detrimental to oral health.

Impacts of a smile

A smile can play a large role in an adult’s life and how people perceive them. A complete, healthy smile may help a person climb the corporate ladder in today’s increasingly competitive job market. Socially, an attractive smile can project a positive, trustworthy personality and give an advantage over others less confident in their smile. Having a healthy, full smile can also create a more youthful appearance and boost a person’s mood. Missing a tooth, even in an inconspicuous area, can make a person hesitant to share their smile and may have a negative impact on their life.

Negative social aspects of incomplete smile

Along with the negative impact on appearance, missing teeth can affect social relationships. In a survey of approximately 20,000 Academy of General Dentistry members, 86% of the dentists revealed that social embarrassment was one of the most significant problems associated with missing teeth. In the survey, the dentists shared that over half of their patients avoided social interaction due to tooth loss.

Oral health issues associated with tooth loss

Social problems due to the tooth loss are just a small part of the problem. When a patient doesn’t seek some sort of replacement or restoration following tooth loss, it increases the chances that they’ll lose more teeth. The tooth or teeth adjacent to a missing tooth are highly likely to be the next ones lost, and this starts a cycle of tooth loss that can become problematic and expensive. Causes of tooth loss include accidents, gum disease and tooth fractures. Repairing damaged teeth is the best way to prevent tooth loss, but even if extraction becomes necessary, a patient doesn’t have to live with a gap in their smile. There are various tooth replacement options available today including partial bridges or dentures and dental implants.

With today’s comfortable, easy, and natural-looking tooth replacement option, there’s no reason to live with a gap in your smile, even if you’re the only one who knows about it. Even a less visible missing tooth needs replacement to maintain a healthy smile. Contact Dupont Dental to learn more about tooth replacement options. 

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myths about gum disease

Top 6 Myths About Gum Disease

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Everyone has heard about gum disease, but not everyone understands exactly what it is. To put it simply, gum/periodontal disease occurs when a buildup of plaque creates an infection in the tissues surrounding and supporting teeth. Plaque is the sticky film made up of bacteria that forms on teeth and requires constant removal to keep teeth and gums healthy. Unfortunately, there are a few myths about gum disease that give patients the wrong impression about it, and this can lead to serious oral health problems.

Myth 1 – Gum disease is uncommon

This is a very harmful myth as it can result in people believing they’re safe from gum disease because it’s not very common. The truth is that gum disease is quite common and that over half of adults 30+ years suffer from some degree of periodontal disease.

Myth 2- No cavities equals no gum disease

A mouth without cavities can still have gum disease, despite what some people believe. Gum disease is often painless, which means a person may not know they have it. Signs of the earliest stage of gum disease called gingivitis include red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums. Gingivitis is the only reversible stage of gum disease as long as it’s caught early and treated with a professional dental cleaning with a follow-up of daily brushing and flossing.

Myth 3- Gum disease always results in tooth loss

Although advanced stages of gum disease that go untreated can result in tooth loss, when gum disease receives early treatment, tooth loss is preventable. Good oral hygiene including twice daily brushing, flossing, eating well and visiting the dentist regularly help prevent gum disease and make it easier to spot the early signs of the disease if it develops.

Myth 4 – Bleeding gums are normal during pregnancy

Although some pregnant women may experience bleeding gums during pregnancy, not all expecting mothers do. It’s possible to prevent and treat bleeding gums with proper brushing and flossing and more frequent dental cleanings.

Myth 5 – Having diabetes means having gum disease

Having diabetes can increase the risk of oral health issues such as gum disease, but that doesn’t mean that someone with diabetes will definitely develop gum disease. Someone with diabetes needs to be extra diligent with his or her oral hygiene and continue regular dental visits to avoid oral health problems that may complicate their diabetes.

Myth 6 – Bad breath is a definite sign of gum disease

Bad breath may indicate the presence of gum disease, but there are other causes of bad breath including a medical disorder. Chronic bad breath can indicate an oral health issue that may or may not relate to gum disease, and the only way to know is by visiting the dentist.

It’s possible to reduce your risk of developing oral health issues including gum disease with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Our experienced professionals at Dupont Dental are happy to dispel any myths about gum disease and answer your dental health questions.

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