Benefits of a Tongue Scraper

When we sleep, our digestive system remains awake, removing toxins from our body by depositing them onto the surface of our tongue. This causes bad breath (halitosis) which can wreak havoc on a person’s life, relationships, and self-esteem. Our doctors at Advantage Dentistry want you to achieve the freshest breath possible. This is why we recommend implementing a tongue scraper into your daily oral care routine if you haven’t already. 

Although brushing your tongue with a toothbrush is effective, overall, a tongue scraper does the job better. Almost all of our oral bacteria live on and in the deep crevices of our tongue; therefore, the scraping action of this tongue tool collects these toxic coatings. With a cleaner tongue, you are able to reduce bad breath, as well as unblock your taste buds. Removing build-up from the surface of your tongue will open up its pores and allow for greater enjoyment of food flavors. This oral hygiene practice also promotes general tooth and gum health and removes bacteria and toxins responsible for periodontal problems, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.

If you suffer from bad breath, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.advantagedentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call 716-877-2275.

Stages of Gum Disease

If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, then you need to practice a proper oral hygiene routine on a daily basis. If you don’t, you’re already headed down the road toward gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three stages that you need to be aware of. You should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with one of our doctors at Advantage Dentistry twice a year to avoid this condition.

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth is officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

If you are experiencing gum inflammation, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.advantagedentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call 716-877-2275.

When an Extraction Could Help

Sometimes extracting a tooth is necessary for the health of your mouth. It is ideal to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible; however, it can be better to extract a problematic tooth if it is affecting your health. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, we want our patients to understand why sometimes extracting a tooth is the right thing to do.

Decay

When decay is so bad that a filling or crown cannot fix the tooth, an extraction is the best option. Decay can lead to infection. Infection can affect the gums and other teeth. In addition, it can lead to other health risks like heart problems. This is especially important for patients with compromised immune systems.

Space

There are also cases where there just is not room for a tooth. Crowded teeth can become painful, they can lead to bad oral hygiene, and they can damage other teeth. Because they create hard-to-reach areas, bacteria can build up and cause gum disease and decay. They can create abnormal wear on teeth, creating pain and damage. Space is a common issue with wisdom teeth.

Tooth extraction is common and something we are able to provide here at our office. If you are experiencing pain to a tooth, be sure to come in for an examination. To schedule with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at (716) 877-2275. To learn more about us, visit our website, www.advantagedentistry.com. 

The Importance of Replacing a Missing Tooth

Missing teeth create gaps in our smiles, affect our oral health, and can even change the shape of your face. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, we have several options available for tooth replacement. Read on to learn more about why it is important to replace your missing teeth.

Teeth are what allow us to eat, speak, smile, and they give our jaws structure. When a tooth goes missing, the bone tissue around that area begins to deteriorate. This can change the shape of the jaw and facial structure if there are multiple teeth missing. In the case where there is only one tooth missing, the other teeth will begin to shift towards that open space. This creates gaps in other areas.  The gaps affect the look of your smile and become places where bacteria and other debris can hide. A major change in your teeth can affect the way you eat and speak.

At our Kenmore, NY office, we have dental implants, mini dental implants, dentures, and bridges available for tooth replacement. Your dentist will help you decide which option is best for you.

To schedule your tooth replacement consultation, call Advantage Dentistry of Kenmore, NY at (716) 877-2275. To learn more about our replacement options, visit our website, www.advantagedentistry.com. 

Gum Disease: How Does it Develop?

We all hear about how we need to avoid gum disease, but do you know what it really is and how it develops? Knowing may be the difference between developing it or not. At Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, we strive to educate our patients on oral health. Read on to learn more about gum disease.

Gum disease refers to infected gum tissue in your mouth. This tissue is what creates a strong foundation for your teeth, so when it becomes diseased, it can weaken and cause teeth to call out. It can also spread infection, cause deformation of the jawbone, and increase the risks of heart attack and stroke.

Gum disease develops when plaque and tartar irritate the tissue around teeth. If not treated, the gums begin to separate and pull away from the teeth causing deep pockets to form where bacteria can collect deep down. This is the most difficult stage of gum disease to treat.

In order to prevent gum disease, you need to brush your teeth twice per day and floss once per day. When brushing, be sure to pay special attention to the gum line. Make sure you angle your toothbrush so that the area where your teeth meet your gums gets attention. In addition, brush your tongue, your cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. There are areas where bacteria can also hide.

Routine visits to your dentist can also help keep away gum disease. To schedule a cleaning and examination at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at (716) 877-2275. More information about us can be found on our website, www.advantagedentistry.com. 

Details on Dental Emergencies

At Advantage Dentistry, our staff understands that accidents happen and being informed about what to do in case one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you or your child experience some sort of trauma to your mouth for whatever reason, please give us a call immediately. Meanwhile, in the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery. 

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you suffer a dental emergency, contact us immediately. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide. 

Show Off Your Smile!

With instant photo sharing happening all around us, our staff at Advantage Dentistry always wants your smile to be camera-ready. If you think your smile could use a boost, teeth whitening is an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color, if you would like. However, if you can’t go the cosmetic route at this moment, our staff thought we would share some tips for you to show off the smile you already have!

• Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.


• Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.


• Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!

If you wish to enhance the appearance of your smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To schedule your appointment with Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, call our office at 716-877-2275 or visit our website www.advantagedentistry.com for more information about the services we provide.