Does Alcohol Hurt Your Teeth?

While there are always new studies and articles being released with titles like “You CAN drink wine!” another study has been released that gets a little more specific. The Journal of Periodontology recently published a study about the effect that alcohol can have on gums. So the answer to the question is: indirectly, yes. Alcohol consumption can hurt your teeth.

Severe periodontal disease (periodontitis) among the test subjects in this study increased at the same rate as the subjects’ alcohol consumption frequency. That is, the more alcohol each subject drank on a regular basis, the more likely they were to have periodontitis. That’s not all—even drinkers without actual periodontitis had increased gum sensitivity compared to those who did not regularly consume alcohol.

“Although the topic of alcohol use and its effect on periodontal health requires further research, this report offers valuable insight on why we should care for our gums and teeth, especially if we might enjoy the occasional drink,”
--Joan Otomo-Corgel, DDS, MPH (President of American Academy of Periodontology)

Additionally, increased alcohol consumption showed a direct correlation with the amount of plaque in a person’s mouth. Why does this happen? Alcohol dries out your mouth, which is thought to increase the production of plaque. As you drink (and the more you drink), the production of saliva slows. The alcohol is dehydrating you, causing less saliva, more dryness, and, therefore, more plaque.

Why are we telling you this? Do know that periodontal disease is quite common, and half of Americans over thirty will get it. To help you combat it, we are not here to tell you not to drink alcohol. You can enjoy a beer or glass of wine and still have a completely healthy mouth. All you need to do is be proactive about your oral health. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing and using effective mouthwash. Most important, though, is to stay up to date on your dental cleanings.

A periodontitis diagnosis is not the end of the road. A dental practice like that of Dr. Louis K. Cheung, DDS, can help treat your periodontal disease. Treatment can often help reverse the effects of the disease, but you need to catch it in a timely manner. Without regular checkups and yearly dental cleanings, this is impossible. Call today to make an appointment to keep your mouth as healthy as possible!

Does a Dental Implant Hurt?

There are a few myths surrounding dental implants, which can cause those who need them to ignore an issue and not call your dentist. Do not let a fear of pain stop you from getting the help you need.  While the process could last for several months, your pain does not. In the end, you will have a dental implant that will improve your dental health and your live will be better for it.

Once you know you will have dental implant surgery, sit down with your dentist and ask any questions you have.  In many cases you will have the actual implant placed by a local oral surgeon, and your dentist will coordinate your care, and fit your new crown after your implant has healed.  Be sure to find out ahead of time what your pre- and post-surgery plans are, as well as any options you have for during the surgery. The best way to avoid pain in this situation is to be prepared. Take your dentist’s and oral surgeon’s advice—they know what they are talking about if they are experienced and trained.

Prepare for your dental implant surgery by following the directions given to you by your dentist. These may include ways to treat your mouth before the surgery, as well as any dietary restrictions based on the type of anesthetic you have opted for (local or general). Prepare for your dental implant surgery recovery ahead of time by asking what you should have ready. This will likely include salt water and ice packs, as well as soft foods, but these may vary based on each patient.  

How can you stop your dental implant surgery from hurting during the experience itself? Firstly, be sure you have chosen an experienced and properly licensed dentist. Ask about their training and if they have performed the surgery before. You should be comfortable with your dental team and they will be able to answer any and all questions you will have about the process. If you are particularly concerned about pain or have a severe aversion to dental work, ask your dentist about what anesthetic options they have available. Depending on your level of comfort, you may prefer local or general anesthesia.  After your procedure you’ll get a prescription for pain relief to help control the discomfort you experience.

After your surgery, ensure you understand any post-surgery needs and treatment. Leave yourself plenty of time to rest and do not push against restrictions placed on your activity by your dentist. Find out what the normal symptoms are, as well as any signs you need to keep an eye out for. Be sure to have your dentist office’s phone number handy in case you notice any negative symptoms.

Every case and patient is different. If you are concerned, there is no one better to ask than a Kirkland dentist with 20 years of experience in dealing with the dental implant process about what you can expect – Dr. Louis K. Cheung.  As an experienced dental implant professional he will be able to tell you what pain (or lack thereof) could be in store. It is likely you will only experience soreness from the surgery itself, and can look forward to the painless time after surgery, with your new dental implant, and new confident smile.

Smile Transformation

Conscious about the flaws in your smile? Uneven, chipped, cracked or discolored teeth do not only look unattractive, they can also make you feel less confident about yourself. If you need an immediate smile transformation, consider investing in porcelain veneers. It is a thin layer of extremely strong porcelain that is used as substitute for your natural tooth enamel. It is typically a permanent one, so you must be certain about it.

Veneers can greatly benefit you but you need to have good periodontal and overall oral health. This is important because patients with conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, and root canal infection normally don’t qualify for veneers. You also need to have enough amount of healthy enamel because dentists usually remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth before they place the veneers. This means that you have to replace your porcelain or choose an alternative restoration to take its place eventually.

Veneers do not change color over time, stain-resistant and can cover any imperfections on your teeth, including gaps, chips, or stains. Visit a dentistin Kirkland, WA to find out if veneers are right for you. 

Protect Your Teeth, Break the Habit

The smile is the facial expression that mostly attracts others. With the help of great teeth, it can look more attractive. The healthier your teeth are, the happier your look. Clearly, the teeth help us look our best. Good oral hygiene and avoiding bad habits that damage your teeth can help maintain its health.

You might think ice is harmless but chewing on hard, frozen cubes can cause chip or even cracks on your teeth. Mindless chomping can irritate the soft tissue inside a tooth which regular toothaches might follow. Grinding your teeth can wear them down over time. Avoiding stress and bad sleeping habits can lessen this problem. Sodas contain phosphoric and citric acids which can damage a tooth’s enamel. Opening stuff with your teeth may be convenient and fast, but this habit can cause your teeth to crack or chip. Like chewing on ice, this habit can cause teeth to chip or crack.

Take good care of your mouth and teeth, keep them healthy and beautiful by avoiding these oral health habits. Visit a dentist in Kirkland, WA today and have your pearly whites check for early prevention of oral problems. 

A Local Kirkland Dentist Can Help Your Family Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is an even bigger problem than what most would imagine. No other dental health complication has Americans pay thousands of dollars to treat for than tooth decay. The decay is caused by plaque in the teeth, which feed off on sugars left in the mouth, and release acid as a byproduct. Tooth decay leads to the development of dental caries, and in very severe cases, can lead to toothaches, periodontal diseases, and even permanent tooth loss. An article on the Dentistry IQ website posted last March 25, 2015 suggests an answer to the looming tooth decay issue. Using the framework of the IHI’s Triple Aim Initiative, a study group assessed whether the preventative care for Early Childhood Caries has any impact over costs for treatments later in the life of the patient. The study found very good results, noting that tests for early treatment for dental caries show a 10-year disease reduction and net savings from later treatments and preventative measures.
http://www.cheungdds.com/a-local-kirkland-dentist-can-help-your-family-prevent-tooth-decay/

A Dentist in Kirkland, WA Helps Your Family Maintain Healthy Teeth

Of the many dental complications that plague people today, dental cavities remain a perennial problem. Those whose diets are rich in sugar are most especially vulnerable to tooth decay and the formation of caries. Brushing and flossing can prevent tooth decay, but unless they are done as daily habits, the formation of cavities will still be a pressing concern. Unsurprisingly, children are the most vulnerable to cavities, particularly those who love candy and are not too keen with brushing. The website, PostBulletin.com, has a feature dated March 30, 2015 that discusses the importance of teaching children the values of good dental habits. The feature is a response to a reader-submitted question that inquired how cavities can be prevented in children. According to the responding author (a dentist himself), kids should brush at least twice a day using fluoride-enhanced toothpaste, and should try flossing as soon as possible.
http://www.cheungdds.com/a-dentist-in-kirkland-wa-helps-your-family-maintain-healthy-teeth/

The Dangers of Malocclusion Going Unaddressed

The Dangers of Malocclusion Going Unaddressed Crowded teeth, misaligned teeth, overbites, and under bites are just some of the alternative names for malocclusion. Ideally, all the upper teeth will fit slightly over the lower teeth for proper occlusion (alignment of the teeth) to occur. Malocclusion is often inherited, there are other causes:

 

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Childhood habits like thumb sucking, pacifier use beyond 3 years of age, and prolonged use of a bottle.

• Extra teeth, lost teeth, impacted teeth, or abnormally shaped teeth.

• Ill-fitting dental filling, crowns, retainers, or braces.

• Sever injury causing the misalignment or the jaw.

• Tumors in the mouth or jaw.

Different Classification and Symptoms of Malocclusion

Classifications: 

Class 1: The most common classification where the bite is normal, but the upper teeth slightly overlaps the lower teeth.

Class 2: Also called retognathism or overbite, where the upper jaw and teeth severely overlaps the lower teeth.

Class 3: Commonly referred to as prognathism or underbite, where the lower jaw juts forward, which causes the lower jaw to overlap the upper jaw and teeth.

Symptoms:

• Abnormal alignment of teeth

• Abnormal appearance of face

• Discomfort or difficulty while biting or chewing

• Although rare, speech difficulties like lisps can develop

Treatment Options

A very few number of people have perfect teeth, but most are fortunate enough to have minor problems that do not need treatment. Malocclusion on the other hand is the most common reason to call in an orthodontist. By getting moderate or severe malocclusion addressed by your dentist in Kirkland, WA the patient’s teeth are easier to clean. This lessens the risk of tooth decay and periodontal diseases. The treatment also eliminates the strain on teeth, jaws, and muscles, which will lessen the symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders. Don’t let teeth misalignment get in the way of your health; address the situation as soon as possible.