Mind Your Mouth - Blog

Your mouth is full of bacteria, and while some of them are good germs that help with digestion and other processes, many of them contribute to common oral concerns. For example, if the wrong ones penetrate your connective tissues, they can cause an infection that starts small but can progress into a much more serious problem.

However, you might avoid contacting your dentist for help if you’re functioning under a misconception about this condition and how it’s treated. Continue reading to read about 3 myths about gum disease you shouldn’t believe!

Feeling a little “long in the tooth?” Ever wondered what this idiom has to do with getting older? The truth is, it was first coined in reference to horses, who as they age often experience receding gums. Unfortunately, however, our equine friends aren’t the only ones who suffer from this condition. Humans can lose periodontal tissue as they get older, too. Here’s why you might be experiencing gum recession, and why if you are, it’s time to see your dentist for gum disease treatment.

Did you know that seniors are significantly more likely to develop gum disease than younger adults? For example, sources report that an estimated 60% of people who are 65 years or older have some form of periodontal problem compared to only about 42% of those who are 30 to 64 years old. Not only that, but advanced gum disease is also the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Fortunately, this condition can also frequently be prevented. If you’re a senior and are concerned about your connective tissues, read on to learn about 3 factors that increase the risk of gum disease so you can avoid potential problems!

Regular exercise truly does do the body good. In addition to helping you maintain a healthy weight, it also builds muscle, increases energy, improves sleep, and it can even benefit your smile, too. Here’s how staying fit can protect your teeth and gums and help you live a longer, happier life!

Porcelain veneers are an investment in both your smile and your confidence. Whether you have temporary veneers while waiting for your permanent set or you have just completed the process, what you eat and drink can affect how long they last and how good they look. Making small changes to your diet can help protect your veneers and keep your smile looking its best for years to come.

Losing a dental crown isn’t the end of the world, but it’s still an issue you should fix quickly. Your uncapped tooth will face more dangers and put your smile at risk otherwise. Of course, you’ll first need to answer a pressing question: What should you do if you lose a dental crown? Your South Portland dentist is here to ensure that happens. To that end, here are four steps you should take if you’ve lost a dental crown.

Dental crowns have protected countless compromised teeth from new injuries and infections while restoring their strength, appearance, and functionality. While these devices are quite durable, they are not indestructible and will eventually need to be replaced. Here’s a brief guide to how long dental crowns can last, a few factors that can affect their lifespan, and what you can do to keep your device gorgeous and in working order for the longest possible time.

When you have sleep apnea, your brain may repeatedly force your body to wake up throughout the night due to pauses in your breathing. Needless to say, this can make getting a good night’s rest extremely difficult. But did you realize that your phone could be making the problem even worse? Below is a quick look at why using your phone right before bed is one of the last things you want to do when you’re already struggling with sleep apnea.

For many people, the thought of having a tooth removed can be anxiety-inducing. Whether it’s due to fear of pain, loss of control, or a bad past experience, dental anxiety is real, and common. However, avoiding necessary procedures like tooth extraction can lead to more serious dental problems down the line. There are effective ways to manage and overcome your fear. Keep reading for practical tips to help ease your anxiety and make the tooth extraction process more manageable.

Once you’ve had a tooth removed, you may think your smile is in the clear. It’s a natural thought to have when the source of your grin’s former troubles is gone. However, you’ll still want to take steps to avoid a dry socket at this point; you could face a delayed recovery otherwise. The good news is that your South Portland dentist can help with this work. So, here’s a primer on how to prevent a dry socket after tooth extraction.