What you eat plays a big role in your dental health—not just in preventing cavities, but in keeping your smile strong, gums healthy, and breath fresh. You probably already know that sugar can lead to tooth decay, but have you ever thought about how certain foods can actually help protect your teeth?
At Parker & Pennington Dentistry, we are passionate about helping our patients achieve lasting oral health. This is why we frequently remind them about the importance of receiving routine oral hygiene examinations and cleanings as recommended by our team. We recommend that most of our patients visit our office for an examination every four to six months, depending on their needs and their oral health. Aside from cleaning teeth, during these visits, we look for issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
We love seeing our patients each time they come to our office. In addition to hearing about what has been happening in their personal lives, we are also interested in any medical changes since their last visit. Each time you come to our office, it is necessary to share everything you can about your medical history, including any recent diagnosis, procedure, or medication. You may be surprised to learn that this information can change how we treat oral health. Many medications, prescription as well as over-the-counter, benefit your overall health but can also cause problems with your oral health.
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes. You may notice you need help to do certain activities you used to do on your own without a problem. In addition to your body changing, your mouth also changes as you age. Certain dental conditions can become more prevalent as you age:
We don’t know about you, but we are looking forward to the arrival of spring. One of the biggest issues with the winter is the resurgence of annoying seasonal illnesses. If you or a loved one should happen to fall ill, there are certain precautions you need to take with your teeth and gums to ensure your oral health doesn’t suffer.
February is a month where the signature color seems to be red in honor of Valentine’s Day. The decor and decorations in stores and restaurants are full of red and hearts. One place where it is concerning if you see red is your gums. Red and swollen gums can be an indication that you have gum disease. February is recognized as Gum Disease Awareness Month in an effort to educate the public about the prevalence of the disease and the lasting effects that it can have if left untreated. Gum disease affects more than half of American adults, so there is a chance that you or a loved one may suffer from this condition at some point in your life.