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Ronald Watkins, DDS, MS has created this informative blog to help educate the community.

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Latest Posts:

Does Drinking Alcohol Increase Gum Disease Problems?

Posted on 10/1/2024 by Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and the bone supporting your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. While many factors can contribute to this condition, research suggests a strong correlation between excessive alcohol consumption and the development of gum disease. This article will examine how alcohol can negatively impact oral health and increase your risk of periodontal problems. We'll also explore what you can do to prevent gum disease and maintain good oral hygiene. Understanding Periodontal Disease Gum disease is typically caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth if you don't maintain proper oral care. When not removed with regular brushing and flossing, the bacteria within the plaque can lead to inflammation of the surrounding gums, also called gingivitis. If left untreated, this inflammation can advance to more severe forms of periodontal disease. The gums may start to separate from the teeth, creating pockets filled with bacteria. These bacteria can spread deeper, damaging the surrounding bone and potentially causing teeth to loosen and fall out. Alcohol Consumption and Periodontitis: A Closer Look Alcohol consumption can directly affect oral health because of its impact on your immune system, oral hygiene habits, and the overall health of the oral cavity. This combination of factors puts individuals with a high alcohol intake at an increased risk of developing periodontal problems, experiencing more severe symptoms, and having less success with periodontal treatment than individuals who don't use alcohol excessively. Preventing Oral Issues with Prevention Dentistry While excessive alcohol use can negatively affect overall oral and periodontal health, it's never too late to adopt positive changes. Here are some key steps to improve oral hygiene and reduce your risk of developing gum disease or complications from existing issues even if you consume alcohol occasionally: 1. Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day, floss at least once daily, and don’t miss your regular professional dental hygiene cleanings and exams with a licensed dental professional. These cleanings help remove the buildup of bacteria and plaque that can trigger infections. 2. Manage Alcohol Intake: Reduce your overall alcohol consumption. Limiting your drink frequency, the number of alcoholic drinks per sitting, or opting for non-alcoholic substitutes when possible can significantly benefit your oral health and overall well-being. 3. Consider Alcohol Alternatives: If you enjoy social drinks, look for alternatives with lower alcohol content to minimize the negative effects. 4. Stay Hydrated : Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth that contributes to plaque build-up. 5. Quit Smoking: If you use tobacco products of any kind, consider quitting. Like alcohol, tobacco use negatively impacts your immune system's ability...
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The Role of Saliva in Oral Health

Posted on 9/16/2024 by Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona

Having enough saliva in your mouth is vital for good oral health. Saliva protects your teeth and gums in many ways. Read below to understand the importance of saliva. It Washes Away Food Each day, your mouth produces around 2-6 cups of saliva. An important job of saliva is to rinse away and swallow leftover food particles. Food particles left in the mouth can decay teeth and infect gums. Saliva washes debris away before damage occurs. It Neutralizes Acids Saliva helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in the mouth or from acidic foods. These acids erode tooth enamel and irritate gum tissues. Saliva neutralizes acids to protect teeth and gums. This keeps the mouth at a normal pH balance. It Lubricates the Mouth Saliva contains mucus, which acts to coat and lubricate tissues in the mouth, throat, and tongue. This lubrication allows you to chew, swallow, and speak more comfortably. It prevents friction that would otherwise irritate soft oral tissues. It Kills Some Bacteria Saliva contains antibodies and antimicrobial enzymes that kill some harmful bacteria in the mouth. This helps prevent cavities, gum infections, and other oral health issues caused by bacteria. The proteins in saliva inhibit bacterial growth. It Facilitates Taste The liquid medium of saliva allows taste buds on the tongue to detect flavors from foods and beverages. A dry mouth makes it more difficult to pick up sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and savory tastes. Staying hydrated ensures adequate saliva for tasting foods. It Aids in Digestion Saliva begins breaking down starches and fats in food right in the mouth. Enzymes in saliva, like amylase, start the digestion process so nutrients can be easily absorbed in the stomach and intestines. Swallowing saliva sends pre-processed food down to be fully digested. Stay Hydrated for Healthy Saliva Flow Saliva is vital for cleansing the mouth, protecting teeth, making eating comfortable, and starting digestion. Keep your saliva flowing by drinking water consistently throughout the day....
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The Role of Green Tea in Gum Health

Posted on 9/2/2024 by Implant and Periodontal Wellness Center of Arizona

Green tea is known for its many health benefits, from reducing inflammation to preventing chronic diseases. Regularly drinking green tea helps keep your gums healthy and prevent common issues like gingivitis. Green Tea Has Beneficial Compounds Green tea contains high levels of antioxidant compounds called catechins. These catechins have strong anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects on the body. Green tea also provides fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel. Fights Gum Infections and Inflammation The bacteria in dental plaque cause gum inflammation and infection. The catechins in green tea inhibit bacterial growth and prevent them from sticking to teeth, helping control plaque buildup. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that also reduce swollen, irritated gums. Its antioxidants neutralize damaging compounds and help heal damaged gum tissues, preventing gingivitis progression. How to Use Green Tea To benefit your gums, drink at least one cup of brewed organic green tea daily. Swishing the tea around your mouth before swallowing allows direct contact with gum tissue. You can also brew concentrated green tea for a daily mouth rinse. Look for toothpaste containing green tea extract. Matcha green tea powder provides whole-leaf benefits. Considerations for Drinking Green tea contains caffeine, which can cause headaches or sleep issues in some people. Start slowly and limit intake to two to three cups max per day. It may also reduce the absorption of certain medications, like iron. It is essential to talk to your doctor about the possible outcomes. Healthy Addition to Your Routine Adding green tea to your daily routine boosts overall wellness while targeting gum disease prevention. Along with proper dental care, drinking green tea can help maintain healthier gums and reduce issues like bleeding and bad breath. Discuss With Your Dentist Today Contact our office to learn more about how green tea can be incorporated into your gum care routine for optimal oral health. We can provide guidance on the best green tea products and routines to benefit your unique needs....
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All Posts:

Does Drinking Alcohol Increase Gum Disease Problems?
10/1/2024
The Role of Saliva in Oral Health
9/16/2024
The Role of Green Tea in Gum Health
9/2/2024
Signs You May Need Pocket Reduction Surgery
8/15/2024
Protect Your Tooth Roots with Gum Grafting
8/1/2024
What Is Dental Smart Bone Grafting and Why Do You Need It?
7/15/2024
What if My Child Has Already Started Experiencing Dental Resorption?
7/1/2024
Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis
6/15/2024
Debunking Myths About Gum Disease
6/3/2024
How Gum Health Impacts Your Cardiovascular Health
5/15/2024
How Does Periodontitis Cause Tooth Loss
5/1/2024
The Four Stages of Periodontal Disease
4/15/2024
Risk Factors of Gum Disease
4/1/2024
The Impact of Periodontitis on Oral Health and Overall Quality of Life
3/15/2024
Smoking and Its Effects on Periodontal Health
3/1/2024
Teeth gaps and Sensitivity
2/15/2024
Risk Factors for Gum Diseases
2/2/2024
Periodontal Diseases And Pregnancy
1/15/2024
Is Pocket Reduction Surgery Worth It?
1/2/2024
What Is A Bone Graft? Why Do I Need One?
12/15/2023
My Gums Hurt When I Brush My Teeth, What Does This Mean
12/1/2023
The Significance Of Nitrous Oxide In Dentistry
11/15/2023
An Overview Of Cleft Lip And Cleft Palate Repair Surgery
11/1/2023
What Is A Porcelain Crown?
10/31/2023
How to Cut the Risk of Dental Implant Failure before Getting Implants
10/15/2023
What to Expect from the First Visit to the Periodontist
9/25/2023
Oil pulling and its essence in dental care
9/11/2023
The Role of Nutrition in maintaining healthy gums
8/21/2023
Treatment Options for Loose Teeth Due to Gum Disease
8/7/2023
What Are My Options For Replacing Teeth?
7/24/2023
The Connection between Gum Disease and Kidney Disease
7/10/2023
Pros and Cons of Mini Implants
6/19/2023
The Vital Role of Dental Hygienists in Dental Care
6/5/2023
What Is Periodontal Maintenance And When Do You Need It?
5/22/2023
Do Cold Sores Affect Your Oral Health?
5/8/2023
What To Do When You Have Gum Inflammation?
4/24/2023
Periodontist and Dentist
4/10/2023
How Can I Save My Teeth?
3/20/2023
Is a Bone Graft Essential Before Receiving Dental Implants
2/20/2023
The Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis
2/6/2023
Aftercare Tips For Periodontal Disease Treatment
1/23/2023
Do Extractions Eliminate Gum Disease?
1/9/2023
What Stages of Gum Disease Can be Cured?
12/19/2022
Taking Care of Your Implants
12/5/2022
What Happens If Periodontal Disease Isnt Treated?
11/21/2022
Why Is Dry Mouth A Problem For My Teeth And Gums?
11/7/2022
Risks Involved with Periodontist Treatments
10/24/2022
Why is sedation dentistry needed?
10/10/2022
Treatment Options for Periodontitis
9/19/2022
Gingivitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
9/5/2022
Periodontal diseases.
8/22/2022
What Causes Gum Disease
8/8/2022
Here are ways to maintain healthy gums
7/18/2022
Always ask these 3 questions when going to a new dentist
7/4/2022
Can Gum Disease Affect Infants
6/20/2022
When Do You Need Gum Rejuvenation
6/6/2022
Is Flossing Too Difficult? Try a Water Flosser
5/23/2022
Frequently asked questions about periodontology
5/9/2022
What is Sedation Dentistry?
4/25/2022
Tips for a Cleaner and Healthier Gums and Teeth
4/11/2022
Oral or IV Sedation: Which One is Right for You?
3/21/2022
Here are things every person with dentures needs to know
3/7/2022
Dental Implants Placement And Age Limits
2/21/2022
Brush or Floss First: Here is What You Need to Know
2/7/2022
Tooth Replacement Options Using Dental Implants
1/24/2022
The Hidden Link Between Dum Disease and Alzheimers
1/10/2022
Can Hormonal Imbalance Cause Oral Health Problems?
12/23/2021
What is Peri-Implant Disease?
12/10/2021
Four Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Gum Surgery
11/22/2021
The Most Common Early Signs of Gum Disease
11/8/2021
What Is the Difference Between Dentures and Dental Implants?
10/25/2021
5 Benefits of Consulting a Prosthodontist
10/11/2021
It Is Possible to Ease the Symptoms of Diabetes with Gum Disease Treatment
9/21/2021
Types of Services We Can Offer
9/6/2021
How Does the Root of Your Tooth Become Exposed?
8/23/2021
When May You Need a Perioscopy?
8/9/2021
How Aggressive Flossing Could Lead To Gum Damage
7/26/2021
Foods That You Can Eat as Snacks To Help Clean Your Teeth
7/12/2021
How Gums Change as You Get Older
6/21/2021
Understanding Denture Stomatitis and What It Means
6/7/2021
Signs the Pain You Feel Could Be a Dental Abscess
5/24/2021
Alcohol Leaves a Lasting Impact on Your Gums When Consumed Regularly
5/10/2021
Preparing for Your First Visit to a Periodontist
4/26/2021
How To Reverse Periodontitis
4/12/2021
4 Things You Can Do to Avoid Damage From Gum Recession
3/22/2021
Why Smile Makeover Is Needed for Senior Citizens?
3/8/2021
What is Periodontal Disease?
2/22/2021
How Do You Develop Plaque?
2/8/2021
What is Trench Mouth and How Is It Treated?
1/25/2021
Brushing Too Aggressive Can Cause Damage to Your Gums
1/11/2021
How Can We Tell When Gums Require Grafts?
12/21/2020
Lasers Make Treating Gum Trouble Easier
12/7/2020
Are Gum Pockets a Problem?
11/16/2020
Why Do So Many Athletes Have Gum Disease?
11/9/2020
Is Your Oral Health Connected to the Health of Your Prostate?
10/19/2020
Dry Mouth Can Increase Gum Disease Problems
10/5/2020
How Same-Day Dentures Work
9/21/2020
What Options Do You Have with Periodontal Plastic Surgery?
9/7/2020
Can Your Regular Dentist Treat Your Gum Disease?
8/24/2020
Ways of Treating Gums that Do Not Stay Tight Against Your Teeth
8/10/2020
Can You Eat Right After a Gum Graft?
7/23/2020
People of All Ages Need to Be Aware of Their Gum Health
7/7/2020
What to Do to Improve the Health of Your Gums
6/22/2020
What is the Diagnosis Process for Gum Disease?
6/8/2020

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