You may have seen advertisements for chewing gum claiming that a particular brand of gum has been “approved by dentists,” but what does that even mean? Do Dentists actually approve of chewing gum and do they endorse specific brands? The answer is… Yes and No! Dentists do not recommend chewing gum: If you have temporomandibular…
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Dental Emergencies (Part 1 of 2)
What constitutes a Dental Emergency? Any type of serious injury to the lips, mouth, cheek, or tongue is a dental emergency. You should call your family dentist immediately if you have any of the following symptoms: If you have been hit in the mouth, or hit your mouth hard on something. …
Continue ReadingWhy should I see a Prosthodontist for dentures? (Part 3 of 3)
What is a ‘prosthodontist’ anyway? A prosthodontist is a dentist who, after completing dental school, also becomes a specialist in the field of restoration of the jaw and mouth — after completing an additional three years of advanced training through an ADA-accredited prosthodontic graduate program. (‘Prostho’ means ‘replacement’ and ‘dontist’ means ‘pertaining to or dealing…
Continue ReadingWhat are the Pros and Cons of Getting Dentures? (Part 2 of 3)
Reasons you may want to consider getting dentures: Dentures today are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth due to advances in technology. Dentures may reduce the chances of getting TMJ in some situations Dentures help you maintain your smile when you have missing teeth Partial Dentures can keep your teeth from moving if you have a…
Continue ReadingWhat Are Dentures and what Types of Dentures are available? (Part 1 of 3)
Dentures are a (usually) removable replacement for missing teeth and tissue. There are a number of different types of dentures. They can be made of a flexible plastic, metal, acrylic, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. You and your Prosthodontist will work together to determine which option is right for you: Complete Dentures —…
Continue ReadingWhat you should know about your dental appointment if you suffer from cold sores:
We often see patients who suffer from cold sores. Nearly 70% of American citizens test positive for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) — the virus that causes cold sores. Canker sores and cold sores are different. Canker sores occur only inside the mouth, are not caused by a virus, and are not contagious….
Continue ReadingBulimia Nervosa and Oral Health
As we start to enter the holiday season, it’s important to recognize that for some people, this time of year is especially difficult. Stress, depression, pressure at school, and a seemingly constant focus on food can become the perfect storm for someone with an eating disorder such as bulimia. Bulimia is a serious eating disorder…
Continue ReadingFamily Dentistry Basics: Gingivitis
Distinctive Dentistry is a family, cosmetic, and restorative dental office serving the greater Tacoma and Puyallup communities. We want to help you prevent gum disease! One form of gum disease, gingivitis, is the build-up of plaque around the gum line which causes swelling and bleeding. Gingivitis can occur in anyone and requires increased vigilance around…
Continue ReadingDental Health Basics for K-6 Kids
The years when kids are in elementary school are very important, in terms of setting the stage for a lifetime of good oral health. Baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth, many kids are actively engaged in sports, and the sphere of influence in kids’ choices broadens dramatically. So let’s look at a few common…
Continue ReadingOral Health Tips for College Students
When heading to college for the first time, teenagers- now officially adults – often need to be reminded about the importance of their oral health. They are fully independent and living on their own for the first time, and many can develop bad habits or simply forget now that their parents are not there to…
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