Oral Care for Diabetic Patients

People who have poorly controlled diabetes are at a greater risk for developing dental problems such as bad breath, bleeding, and sore gums, as well as frequent infections. A patient with diabetes is more likely to have infections of the gums and bones that hold teeth together than those who don’t have the condition. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and are overdue for a dental checkup, please schedule a consultation at Riverwalk Dental.

Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is critical. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis. In addition, high blood sugar may cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse. The decrease in saliva can cause an increase in tooth-decaying bacteria and plaque buildup. Prevent these complications by brushing at least twice a day for two minutes, flossing at least once a day, and maintaining blood sugar levels with a healthy diet.

If you have questions or concerns about dental services, please give us a call. Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit riverwalkdental.ca.

Dangers of Dental Plaque

If you run your tongue over your teeth right now and feel a sticky substance, this biofilm is called dental plaque. Plaque doesn’t bring positivity to the mouth, instead, it brings consequences. If you allow plaque to build-up on the teeth and neglect to floss it away on a daily basis, this can activate the immune system chronically, which leads to unnecessary inflammation in the body. To prevent plaque from turning into periodontal disease, visit our doctors at Riverwalk Dental.

Plaque is constantly forming on the teeth, especially after we eat or drink foods with sugars and starches. Plaque is so sticky that it keeps the acids in contact with the teeth, allowing these acids time to attack tooth enamel. If plaque isn’t brushed and flossed away, it will cause inflammation around the gums, which will cause them to bleed and become sensitive. The best thing you can do to prevent plaque from harming the teeth and gums is to brush for two minutes twice a day and floss at least once a day while maintaining yearly dental appointments.

If you have questions or concerns about oral care or dental health, please give us a call. Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit riverwalkdental.ca.

Smoking and Oral Health

Our doctors at Riverwalk Dental understand that telling yourself to quit smoking is easier said than done. We don’t need to tell you that smoking is bad for your teeth, but we’d like to explain the reasons why. Smoking affects periodontal health because the action causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream which means that inflamed and infected gums won’t heal. Smoking also causes teeth to appear lackluster, and bad breath may become chronic.

According to the American Dental Association, smoking and tobacco use cause stained teeth, bad breath, and even a diminished sense of taste. Smoking can also hinder the immune system from fighting off infection, and a weakened immune system will also affect your oral health. The use of tobacco also increases a patient’s risk of developing oral cancer. Smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop these cancers.

If you have questions or concerns about oral care or dental health, please give us a call. Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit riverwalkdental.ca.

Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth need no introduction. Sensitive teeth bring inflamed gums, gums that are tender to touch, and gums that are dark purple in color. When teeth become sensitive, it is likely due to periodontal disease causing the gums to recede, which can result in nerve irritation. Our doctors at Riverwalk Dental can treat tooth sensitivity in the office and help you maintain a healthy mouth at home.

When the root of a tooth is exposed due to periodontal disease, the layer of protection is eliminated. Abrasive brushing can make tooth sensitivity worse and may expose dentin, which will make eating acidic foods and beverages almost impossible. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, invest in desensitizing toothpaste until your dental appointment. Once you visit us for a professional cleaning, we can guide you on the road to a healthier smile.

If you have questions or concerns about oral care or sensitive teeth, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.riverwalkdental.ca for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Riverwalk Dental located in Canada, Alberta, T1B 4Y2, Medicine Hat, 101-7 Strachan Bay, SE, 403-456-4994.

Stress and Tooth Damage

Stress can be a major contributor to tooth damage. At Riverwalk Dental, we treat damaged teeth with everything from natural-colored fillings to replacement crowns, but the source of a patient’s stress must be addressed to ensure their long-term oral health.

One way in which stress contributes to tooth damage is by weakening the immune system. Periodontal disease is the result of bacterial infection in the gum pockets. As the gum ligaments decay, the teeth come loose, and as periodontal disease progresses, the teeth and jaw bones themselves experience decay.

Stress can also indirectly cause tooth damage by leading patients to develop a habit of clenching or grinding their jaws in their sleep (this behavior is called bruxism). The mechanical strain of doing this wears down and cracks enamel. It also pushes teeth out of place, making them difficult to brush properly and damaging the gum tissue holding them in place.

At its worst, stress can lead to the loss of whole teeth. That is unlikely to happen, but it is in patients’ best interest to get any gum inflammation under control and to seek treatment for bruxism. Our dentists at Riverwalk Dental are skilled at fighting infections and can customize night guards to protect patients from grinding their teeth.

Dr. Jared Palmer and Dr. Roger Chen operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.

 

Signs of a Failing Implant

Implants are one of the most valuable tools in dentistry and have a very high success rate, but it is possible for them to fail. When they do, it should be considered a dental emergency, and patients should be aware of the signs that they need help.

The most common cause of dental implant failure is inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding an implant, which is called peri-implantitis. Sometimes, this occurs immediately after implant placement when the dental cement leaks onto the surrounding gum. However, it is more common for it to happen years later as a result of periodontal disease. If the gum around an implant turns red or bleeds, the implant is at risk. The gum should never be allowed to deteriorate to the point where an implant can move.

It is also possible for an implant to fail immediately after insertion if it was placed on a nerve or there was insufficient bone tissue. When an implant is placed on a nerve, the patient will experience severe pain which will not improve, and the implant must be removed. Doctors assess bone tissue for stability prior to placing an implant and will monitor the growth of a patients jaw bone for two years after implant placement. If the bone continues to deteriorate, the implant placement is considered a failure.

Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit RiverwalkDental.Ca.