Most of us look forward to all the delicious food that seems to be everywhere during the holiday season: cookies, pies, hard candy, turkey, ham, green bean casserole, yams, etc. The list is almost endless. But if you’re a denture wearer, you need to exercise some caution when it comes to choosing which foods you enjoy during the holidays. This is especially true for new denture wearers. No matter how tempting they may be, some foods can cause pain and/or discomfort if you wear dentures. Here are some tips for navigating through holiday foods and beverages.

• Think SOFT! If you have a brand new set of dentures, your dentist or orthodontist has probably already cautioned you to only eat soft foods. This includes hot cereals, puddings, yogurt, etc. But once you’ve gone through the first few days with your new dentures, you’ll be able to transition to solid foods.
• Cut up your food. This is particularly true for foods that require a little more chewing – like that holiday turkey or ham, for example. But cutting up your food into small pieces is great advice for new denture wearers, no matter what the food may be. If you’re not used to chewing with your new dental appliance, cutting up your food will make it easier to digest when you’re not able to chew as thoroughly as you normally would.
• Watch out for the temperature of food and drinks. The holidays are a nice time to enjoy a tasty cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine, for example. But if you wear dentures, you’ll need to stay away from foods and drinks that are extremely hot or cold. You’ll notice that you’re more sensitive to the temperature of food and beverages after you begin to wear dentures.
• Avoid sticky or chewy foods. There are plenty of delicious foods at the holidays that can really wreak havoc on dentures. Food that is especially chewy or sticky is one category to avoid. Stay away from caramel candy and peanut butter, for example. These types of foods can cause your dentures to slip, and that can irritate your gums.
• Avoid hard foods, including some holiday favorites like hard candy, nuts, popcorn balls and caramel apples, for example. These types of foods may cause your dentures to slip or – even worse – can actually damage your appliance.
• Make wise choices. Just because you have dentures doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy delicious holiday food! Just be careful about the choices you make. Look for meats that are tender and/or ground. Replace peanut butter with hummus, for example. Make sure your vegetables are cooked. And choose fruits that are soft and ripe. Even chocolate is okay, as long as it doesn’t contain caramel or nuts.

Fortunately, there are plenty of holiday foods and drinks that even new denture wearers can feel confident indulging in. Just follow these guidelines for a safe, pain-free holiday season.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “porcelain”? Maybe you envision porcelain china dishes, or antique porcelain dolls. But here’s something that may come as a surprise to you: dental porcelain is one of the most common materials used in a variety of modern dental procedures. Unlike the fragile porcelain used in china or old dolls, dental porcelain is actually remarkably strong and durable. This type of porcelain — which is typically made from a combination of raw materials that include quartz, kaolin, and feldspar – holds up remarkably well for several years. That’s just one reason why it is so often the material of choice in modern dental procedures. Here are some of the other reasons:

• Porcelain can be made to perfectly match the color of your natural teeth or – as is often the case when porcelain is used for cosmetic dentistry applications like veneers – a much whiter, more attractive shade than your natural teeth.
• Porcelain can be used to resolve many different dental issues. In fact, porcelain dental material can be used to correct a wide variety of dental problems, including fixing the shape of one or more teeth; repairing cracked or chipped teeth; filling in gaps between teeth; or whitening teeth that can’t be treated by traditional whitening methods (as is sometimes the case when the enamel layer of the tooth is damaged and the yellowish dentin layer is exposed).
• Porcelain dental material lasts for many years. In fact, depending on how it’s cared for, dental porcelain can last from 7 to 20 years!
• Porcelain is versatile, which is why it’s used for a variety of dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, implants and veneers.
• Porcelain is strong. As we mentioned before, dental porcelain is extremely strong and durable. In fact, porcelain is typically just as strong as your natural teeth. That’s not to say that it can’t be damaged. In just the same way that you can crack or chip a tooth, you can also do damage to dental porcelain. But if you’re careful and take good care of your porcelain dental work, it will hold up for many years.

If you need to have some type of dental restoration or are considering having a cosmetic procedure such as veneers, talk to your dentist about what dental materials are available to choose from.

He or she can give you more information about dental porcelain and help you to decide whether or not it’s the right choice for you.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures are becoming increasingly common for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Thanks to modern dental technology, even the most dentally challenged patient can enjoy an absolutely beautiful, picture-perfect smile after one or more cosmetic procedures. If you’re trying to decide whether or not these procedures are right for you, it might help to consider some of the most common reasons why other people decide on cosmetic dentistry:

• Poor oral health – Cosmetic procedures not only improve the appearance of your smile; they improve your oral health as well. In fact, your dentist won’t perform any type of cosmetic procedure before first restoring you to good oral health. And if you’re not happy with your smile, chances are it’s because you have some sort of oral health issue, whether it’s tooth decay, gum disease, or some other problem. After those issues are resolved, your dentist can proceed with the cosmetic procedures that will give you the kind of smile you might have only dreamed that you could have!
• An embarrassing smile — If you find yourself hiding your smile, whether it’s with a raised hand covering your mouth or simply by keeping your mouth closed as much as possible, you probably feel self-conscious and uneasy around other people. Nobody should have to live like that, and the truth is that you don’t have to. Cosmetic procedures like porcelain veneers, for example, can give you a stunning smile. And that means never having to cover your mouth again!
• Other people have negative reactions – If you’ve ever been turned down for a date or a promotion at work, or – even worse – if you’ve been ridiculed by other people because of your smile, your self-esteem can suffer beyond words. But modern cosmetic dentistry procedures can change all that. Just imagine the positive reactions from other people, and how great you’ll feel about yourself, when you flash a beautiful new smile!

There are plenty of good reasons why you should consider cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve the appearance of your smile. Numerous studies conducted over the past several years have shown that having a nice smile improves your self-esteem and your self-confidence. This can make a huge positive difference in your life. The fact is that having a beautiful smile can improve your social life, or help you get ahead in your job – not to mention what a pleasure it will be to see that lovely smile staring back at you from your bathroom mirror each morning! For more information about cosmetic dentistry, talk to your dentist today.

The two most common reasons for bone loss in the jaw are tooth loss and gum disease. Chronic periodontitis (advanced gum disease) results in the formation of bacteria that gradually deteriorates the jawbone, as well as the ligaments that serve to connect the teeth to the bone.

If you are missing several teeth, you might also run the risk of bone loss. The health of the jawbone is maintained by the everyday stimulus of chewing food. If that stimulus is removed or greatly reduced – as is the case in people with multiple missing teeth – the jawbone is reabsorbed into the body. This can happen quite quickly. For example, people who have their teeth removed can lose as much as 25% of the jawbone in the first 12 months alone. From that point on, the bone loss continues.

In addition to gum disease and missing teeth, there are other reasons why a person might experience bone loss, including the following:

• Infection that damages the bone tissue
• Misaligned teeth
• Wearing dentures for extended periods of time

Treatment Options

Fortunately, there are some effective methods available for treating bone loss. Your dentist or oral surgeon can recommend which of these treatments is best for you.

• Bone grafting: A bone graft involves grafting new bone material onto the patient’s jawbone. The bone can be taken from another area of the patient’s body (commonly the hip), or may be donated. Artificial bone material can also be used.
• Guided tissue regeneration: Typically used for patients who have experienced bone loss due to bacteria from gum disease, this procedure involves the dentist placing a biocompatible fabric between the patient’s tooth and the existing bone. The material helps to allow the bone to grow back by preventing unwanted tissue from intruding into that area of the mouth.
• Proteins: Another effective method for treating bone loss is use of tissue-stimulating proteins that are applied to the disease tooth root(s) of the patient. These proteins help to encourage the growth of new bone tissue.

If you suffer from bone loss, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about effective treatments for this condition. While bone loss is serious, advancements in modern dental technology make it possible to effectively replace the bone tissue and allow the patient to live with a fully functional set of teeth – whether they are natural or artificial.

Most of us have heard about how plaque and tartar buildup on teeth leads to tooth decay and even gum disease. But do you really understand how plaque and tartar actually accumulate on the surface of your teeth? It’s much easier to prevent that from happening if you understand how it happens in the first place.

Let’s begin by briefly describing the difference between tartar and plaque. Plaque is a transparent film of bacteria that builds up on the surface of your teeth over time. This usually happens within a few hours after you brush your teeth. Plaque is bad because it contains bacteria and acids that damage the enamel layer of your teeth and cause cavities. Plaque can also lead to gum disease since it typically accumulates around the gum line. When plaque is not removed, it calcifies and turns into tartar. Unlike plaque, tartar is visible. It appears as a crusty, yellowish substance on the tooth surface. Although tartar can develop on anyone’s teeth, older people are more likely to form it. Only a dental professional can remove tartar from your teeth, but the good news is that you can help to reduce the chances of it forming to begin with by following these steps:

• Maintain a daily oral hygiene routine at home. You should brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. To make your at-home routine even more effective, consider using a water flosser and an anti-bacterial mouthwash at least once a day.
• Visit your dentist on a regular basis. For most people, this means twice a year. But if you are more prone to developing tooth or gum problems, you may have to go more often. Remember that only your dentist or hygienist can remove tartar, so if you don’t have regular professional cleanings, it’s inevitable that tartar will build up over time, causing tooth decay and/or gum disease.
• Eat a healthy diet. Eating and drinking the right things every day can make a huge difference in not only your overall health, but your oral health as well. Incorporate plenty of vegetables and fruit in your diet, as well as whole grains. Low-fat dairy is a great way to contribute to tooth and gum health. Avoid sugary foods and drinks as much as possible. And opt for lean protein in moderate amounts. Remember that too much acid is hard on your teeth, so don’t over-indulge in acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, wine, coffee and fruit juices.

The formation of plaque and some tartar is an inevitable fact for most of us. Fortunately, there are plenty of proactive steps we can take to reduce the amount that forms, and that can lead to better oral health for us all.

Most of us have heard of a “makeover.” Typically, it involves taking an average-looking person and making significant improvements in his or her looks through hairstyle, clothing, and/or makeup. But have you ever heard of a smile makeover? The concept is actually quite similar to other makeovers – it involves making a dental patient’s smile as healthy and beautiful as possible. A smile makeover can work for almost anyone, no matter how dentally challenged they may be. Here are a few facts about smile makeovers that are important for you to know as you decide whether or not you might be a good candidate for a makeover.

• A smile makeover is highly personalized. Every dental patient has different challenges. For some people who enjoy good oral health, a makeover may be as simple as a few cosmetic procedures, while others may need more extensive restoration work to achieve a beautiful smile. Your dentist can perform an oral exam and create a specialized makeover plan for you, which may include any combination of general dentistry, restorative dentistry and/or cosmetic procedures.
• Age makes no difference when it comes to a smile makeover. Almost anyone can benefit from a makeover plan – from a teenager to a senior citizen. As long as you have your adult teeth and a desire for a beautiful smile, your dentist can work with you to achieve that goal.
• A makeover isn’t just about your teeth – it’s about your gums as well. Remember that you can’t have healthy teeth without healthy gums. In fact, gums are (literally) the foundation for healthy teeth. So if you have gum disease, your dentist will need to resolve that issue before moving onto any other procedure that may be part of your smile makeover.
• Your makeover plan can be adapted to your budget. Talk to your dentist about the costs involved and tell him or her if you have any concerns along those lines. If you have dental insurance, your policy may provide coverage for some general and restorative procedures, but maybe not for cosmetic dentistry. Have that conversation with your dentist early on. Chances are, he or she can create a makeover plan that not only results in a more attractive smile, but also one that fits into your budget.

Countless studies conducted over the past several years have shown that a more attractive smile improves your self-esteem, self-confidence and how you are viewed by others. So having a nice smile can change your life for the better! Smile makeovers are designed to do just that. Talk to your dentist today to find out more.

The holiday season is fast approaching, and for most of us that means enjoying lots of delicious food with family and friends. But that doesn’t mean you should take a holiday from your oral health regimen. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your teeth and gums healthy and still enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday.

• Focus on the veggies and dairy. There are so many foods around at Thanksgiving that are bad for your teeth, so why not focus on those that actually provide some benefit? The vitamins and minerals found in vegetables, fruits and dairy products are not only good for your overall health; they’re good for your oral health as well. Leafy greens and dairy contains lots of tooth-healthy calcium, and you’ll get plenty of vitamin C from both orange and red veggies and fruit. Just try to avoid those that are loaded with sugar.
• Speaking of sugar – avoid it (at least as much as possible). No Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without dessert. Unfortunately, sugar wreaks havoc with tooth and gum health, so you should limit your intake of sugary treats. You might consider making your Thanksgiving dinner contribution a tasty dessert made with a sugar substitute (such as erythritol or xylitol, for example) that won’t contribute to tooth decay. If you do give in and enjoy that piece of pumpkin pie, help to reduce the dental damage by drinking a glass of water afterward – that will help to wash away any leftover sugar inside your mouth.
• Starches can do harm as well. In fact, the starch contained in many breads and stuffings produces the same tooth-damaging bacteria as holiday desserts. So make sure to limit your intake of starches. Instead, focus on protein, vegetables and some fruits to round out your holiday meal.
• Stay away from acidic foods and drinks. Acid can weaken the enamel layer of your teeth, so try to stay away from citrus fruits and some of the drinks that are common around the holidays – like cranberry juice and wine, for example.

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout the upcoming holidays isn’t simply a matter of avoiding certain foods – it also requires sticking to a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and visiting your dentist on a regular basis for oral exams and professional cleanings. By following this simple advice, you can easily maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout the holiday season.

For many, many years, dentists had only one choice when it came to material for fillings: silver amalgam. And while amalgam was quite strong and durable, it did come with some disadvantages. Although the amount of mercury contained in silver amalgam has never been proven to be harmful to dental patients, some people were concerned about the trace amounts of mercury present in the material. And, after a certain number of years, the silver color of the amalgam would darken, turning almost black in color. Fortunately, dentists today have other choices for filling material. One of those is composite resin. Here are some of the advantages of this modern filling option.

• Composite resin can be made to very closely match the shade of your natural teeth. That means that fillings are much less noticeable than they were with traditional silver amalgam.
• Composite resin doesn’t require as much drilling as other filling materials. And because the resin easily bonds to your natural tooth, it actually strengthens the structure of the tooth, rather than weakening it.
• Composite resin hardens quickly. Most dentists use a special hardening light to shorten the amount of time it takes the resin to harden. As a result, composite resin usually hardens in less than a minute.
• Composite resin may help to reduce tooth sensitivity because it actually helps to insulate the tooth surface.
• Composite resins are an excellent choice to fill cracks and chips in teeth, as well as to repair misshapen teeth. The resin material can be molded and shaped by your dentist to effectively repair minor damage to teeth.
• Composite resin fillings can actually be repaired if they become damaged or start to deteriorate. On the other hand, silver amalgam fillings need to be replaced completely if they’re damaged.
• Composite resin is often an excellent choice to replace old silver amalgam fillings. If you have old fillings that have darkened, or if an old filling is damaged and needs to be replaced, composite resin can be a great choice since it actually strengthens the existing tooth structure rather than further weakening it, which can happen with silver amalgam. Composite resin is also an excellent choice for patients who may be concerned about the level of mercury in their current silver amalgam fillings.

Composite resin is just one example of the many ways in which modern dental technology is providing benefits to today’s dental patients as well as dental professionals. The next time you need a filling, ask your dentist about composite resin.

You may be surprised to learn that recent studies indicate that U.S. adults between the ages of 35 and 50 are missing, on average, from 5 to 7 teeth! That’s a remarkable number. And while it’s true that those numbers may include wisdom teeth – many people have between 1 and 4 wisdom teeth pulled in their early 20s – that’s still a lot of missing teeth! Fortunately, modern dental technology provides many methods to replace those teeth, several of which are described below:

• Dental implants – An implant consists of a metal rod (typically made from titanium) that is inserted into the patient’s jawbone. After a few months, the metal fuses to the bone. At that point, the patient’s dentist affixes a porcelain crown to the top of the implant. The result is a permanent solution to a missing tooth.
• Dental bridge – A dental bridge consists of one or more porcelain crowns fitted into a metal frame. The frame has brackets on each end that fit firmly over the patient’s existing teeth on either side. A bridge can either be removable or fixed (not removable). Bridges have been commonly used for many years, and with good reason – it’s a non-invasive but very effective method for replacing one or more teeth.
• Dentures – Dentures come in two varieties: full sets, for people who have lost all of their teeth or who need to have their teeth extracted, and partial sets, for people who are missing just a few teeth. Although dentures, in one form or another, have been around for many centuries, today’s dental appliances are much more comfortable and snug fitting than ever before. Full and partial sets of dentures can be removed by the patient for cleaning.
• Implant-supported dentures, partials and bridges – Implants can be used to support any of the tooth-replacement options listed above. Some are designed to be removable, while others are “fixed,” permanent tooth-replacement appliances that cannot be removed. Implant-supported appliances provide many advantages, but may not be the right solution for every patient.

If you are missing one or more teeth, ask your dentist about tooth-replacement options. Thanks to modern dental technology, no one has to live with missing teeth. In fact, most dental professionals would agree that it’s important to replace missing teeth as quickly as possible to prevent other teeth from shifting in place, which can throw off your bite and lead to a host of other problems. Talk to your dentist for more information.

While it’s true that almost all dentists would much rather save a patient’s teeth than remove any, there are some circumstances where tooth extraction is the only viable option. Fortunately, modern dental methods make extraction no more or less of a challenge for a dentist than any other procedure, although it is up to the patient to follow the dentist’s advice after the procedure to make sure the recovery process goes smoothly. If you’re wondering whether or not you might need to have a tooth extracted, we’ve compiled this list of situations where having a tooth pulled might just be the best choice.

• Severe decay and infection: When a tooth has an extensive amount of decay and an infection that has spread to the pulp of the tooth, many dentists would recommend a root canal. But when the infection is so serious that even a root canal won’t suffice, the dentist may recommend pulling the tooth to keep the infection from spreading.
• Periodontal disease: Patients who have advanced periodontal disease often experience loose teeth and loss of alveolar bone tissue – the bone that anchors teeth in place. In these instances, the dental professional may have no choice other than recommending tooth extraction.
• Impacted teeth: An impacted tooth is one that only partially erupts through the surface of the gum tissue. An untreated impacted tooth can lead to infection and may also cause overcrowding of existing teeth. This commonly happens with wisdom teeth. The best solution for an impacted tooth is often extraction.
• Teeth that have undergone trauma: If a patient has been in some type of an accident and experienced trauma to the mouth, it may be necessary for the person to have one or more teeth extracted.
• Overcrowding: Teeth that are overcrowded — i.e., any situation where a patient doesn’t have enough room inside his or her mouth to accommodate all their teeth – can often benefit from having one or more teeth extracted.

Extraction may not be the first choice by dentists or dental patients, but there are several situations where it may actually be the best–or even the only—choice. To find out more about what’s involved in tooth extraction, and to find out whether or not you may benefit from this procedure, talk to your dentist. Having a tooth pulled may not sound appealing, but it may be the best choice in the long run.