All Smiles Dental Care

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a serious disorder of the gums that can impact both your dental and cardiovascular health. This video animation provides a demonstration of the development of periodontal disease.

When you eat, food particles mix with bacteria, forming a sticky film that covers the tooth surface. If not removed, this film can harden on the enamel. This irritates nearby gum tissues, causing them to become inflamed. They will then begin to recede from the tooth. As the gums continue to retract from the tooth structure, it becomes less stable in the mouth. Over time, teeth may loosen and fall out, leaving the remaining gum tissues vulnerable to infection. Should bacteria penetrate the gums and enter the bloodstream, they can compromise arterial function, which may lead to heart disease.

Don’t let periodontal disease compromise your health. Call All Smiles Dental Care at (602) 903-5483 to make an appointment with a family dentistry specialist. Our Phoenix-area practice can see to it that your gums remain healthy, beautiful, and safe from periodontal disease. 

Your Dental Team: Dental Hygienist

Most people think of their dentist as the professional who looks after their oral health. However, your dental wellness depends upon an entire team of family dentistry specialists who each play a vital role in maintaining your teeth and gums. Your dental hygienist constitutes one of these important specialists.

What Is a Dental Hygienist?
The dental hygienist is likely to be the first person you see when you sit in the dentist’s chair. When you receive a checkup, the dental hygienist is the individual who first inspects your mouth for signs of tooth decay and periodontal disease. During cleanings, the dental hygienist is the person who removes plaque buildup and polishes your teeth to a beautiful shine. Should you need dental treatment, your hygienist is an essential aid to your dentist, providing him with the right tools when needed and facilitating your comfort and care.

How Can a Dental Hygienist Help Your Oral Health?
Aside from being able to identify cavities and diseased gums, your dental hygienist provides a great deal of oral health protection. While in the dentist’s chair, your hygienist is carefully examining your mouth for other dental issues. If you grind your teeth at night, your hygienist will detect it. If you have unknowingly chipped or cracked your tooth, your hygienist will find it. Your dental hygienist may even provide oral cancer screenings.

What Questions Should you Ask Your Dental Hygienist?
Whenever you see your dentist, don’t hesitate to ask your dental hygienist any questions you may have. In addition to  responsibilities to look after your teeth and gums, your hygienist can provide advice about many oral health conditions. If you’re not sure about your brushing and flossing technique, your dental hygienist can demonstrate proper form and function. You can also discuss your dietary habits to see if you are eating or drinking something that may be compromising the well-being of your teeth and gums. Most importantly, if you are experiencing any discomfort, your dental hygienist is the person you should tell first.

All Smiles Dental Care provides friendly and comfortable family and cosmetic dentistry services for patients. To schedule an appointment at our Phoenix office, call us today at (602) 903-5483. 

Read Through These Articles To Learn More About Oral Health Topics

Taking care of your oral health does not have to be a difficult task. Explore these articles from around the Web for more information regarding important dental facts and ways to keep your mouth healthy. Give All Smiles Dental Care a call at (602) 903-5483 for more information on our family and cosmetic dentistry services in the Phoenix area.

• Did you know that acid erosion can increase your risk of cavities? Browse through this article from WebMD.com for advice on how you can protect your teeth from early wear and enamel erosion.
• Plaque build-up on your teeth and tongue is one of the leading causes of bad breath. Check out this excellent article from MensFitness.com to learn how you can combat bad breath.
• Which foods can help promote stronger, healthier teeth? Find out with this link from WomensHealthMag.com.
• How can you protect the health of your teeth? Check out these tips from Reader's Digest to learn more about maintaining a healthy smile.
• Routine checkups are essential to protecting your oral health, as they allow your dentist to check for signs of oral cancer. This article from Forbes.com discusses the other important reasons to visit your dentist regularly. 

Great Ways to Keep Your Mouth and Teeth Healthy

Your mouth is the gateway to your entire body, which means that the condition of your mouth has a direct impact on your overall health and wellness. Despite the fact that some individuals are genetically predisposed to oral conditions and diseases, there are several steps you can take on a daily basis to improve the condition of your mouth and teeth. 

Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is an important part of maintaining your oral hygiene, but the type of toothbrush and the way in which you brush are equally important. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush rather than a medium or hard-bristled product, as these may scratch or irritate your gum tissue. It is also crucial to hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and gums and to brush in small, circular motions.

Eat a Nutritious Diet
Another great way to keep your teeth and mouth healthy is to eat a well-balanced diet. This includes eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or non-fat dairy products, lean meats, and healthy fats, while also limiting your consumption of extremely sugary or acidic food and drinks.

Drink Plenty of Water
In addition to eating a healthy diet, it is important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This will not only help rinse away plaque and food debris in between brushings but will also help to control acid content.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly
The surest way to protect the health of your mouth is to visit your dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and oral examination. During your visit, your dentist will clean plaque build-up and tartar from your teeth, assess your risk for gum disease, and identify any indicators of oral cancer and other potential problems.

Are you taking the necessary steps to protect your oral health? You can make sure you’re on the road to proper dental hygiene by contacting All Smiles Dental Care in Phoenix at (602) 903-5483 today! We also provide cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic services. 

Fillings, Crowns, and Root Canals: What You Need to Know

A number of individuals shy away from the thought of dental work for fear of pain. However, the pain caused by the dental problem itself is likely to be far greater than any discomfort experienced during treatment. This video provides an overview of fillings, crowns, and root canal procedures.

A filling is used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay. After the decay has been removed and the tooth cleaned, the affected area is filled with a durable material such as amalgam, porcelain, or composite resin. A crown, on the other hand, is designed for larger restorations and looks much like a tooth-shaped cap. 

For more information on your restorative, family, or cosmetic dentistry options, contact All Smiles Dental Care in Phoenix at (602) 903-5483. Check out our website for more details about our dental care services.