Flossing thoroughly cleans between each tooth and below the gum line, where brushing can not reach. By removing trapped food, flossing can help elimainate breeding areas for bacteria and plaque build-up and help prevent gum disease.

It takes less than 24 hours for plaque colonies to form which is why flossing must be done at least once every day. Twice a day would be ideal.

You can not fudge with flossing - gums do not lie. Most people admit they do not floss as often as they should. On the flipside, those who have experienced the numerous oral and health benefits of flossing say they would never let a day go by without it.

It Starts with "Mental Floss"

Flossing your teeth actually stards between the eyes. Once you make the mental commitment, it becomes habit forming.

 Our goal is to provide you with the science, education and tools that will help you keep plaque in check. After all, this sticky film is the main culprit for both dental decay and periodontal disease.

Bacteria break down sugar and produce an acid that dissolves enamel and lead to decay. Gum tissue is highly susceptible to the toxic waste products released by the bacteria and formation of plaque, leaving your gums vulnerable to inflammation and infection or periodontitis.

Advanced dental research is helping us better understand hoe to control the overgrowth of oral bacteria. Prevention is beginning to focus on changing the oral environment.

Not all bacteria make-up of a healthy mouth differs greatly from a mouth full of cavities or periodontal disease. Researchers have identified friendly bacteria present in healthy mouths that are missing from diseased mouths.

 THE “NEW SCIENCE” BEHIND A HEALTHY SMILE    

Recent studies offer evidence that the natural sweetener “xylitol” can help change the oral bacterial environment by blocking the metabolism of sugar.

Xylitol is a small molecule than fructose or glucose. It passes through the bacterial cell wall. Since the bacteria cannot metabolize the xylitol, it can not produce tooth-destroying acid.

Also under study is the role of “oral probiotics” in maintaining oral health. You are probably heard about probiotics to promote intestinal health; however, recently researchers have suggested the use of probiotics to boost oral health, as well.

Current research shows that specific oral probiotics can foster a healthier balance of oral bacteria. We will keep you updated about this promising research.

Remember, nothing works better than the tired-and-true method of healthy diet, excellent oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.

    You can look younger and feel healthier with dental implants. Dental implants are like having a new set of natural teeth. You can enjoy the comforts of healthy eating, speaking and socializing without the embarrassment of missing teeth or “slipping” denture and partials. According to American Dental Association, a dental implant offers comfort, stability and is a dental restoration that is the closest thing to a natural tooth.

In a survey of more than 50,000 adults, only one-third of respondents were aware that missing teeth can alter facial contour. But that is only half the story. And what you do not know can hurt you. Chewing, talking, laughing and even kissing are a few instances when the role of healthy teeth is often taken for granted, until one or more teeth are damaged or lost. 

Over time, even a single missing tooth can lead to bone loss which, in turn, can alter your jaw structure, cause teeth to shift and can actually change the shape of your face. Once the tooth roots are no longer in place, bone recession in that area can gradually develop into a “sunken” appearance prematurely aging your face.

Tooth replacement that also replaces your tooth root is necessary to maintain proper facial contour. Dental implants are the only tooth replacements that substitute your tooth’s crown and root.

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants should always be considered as an option to replace a failing or missing tooth.

Tooth replacement is not just a cosmetic fix. Studies have shown that failing to replace lost teeth can also affect your eating habits, speech, self-esteem, quality of life and your overall health. Missing teeth that are not replaced can limit your diet to softer foods lacking of proper nutrition which can lead to weight problems, digestive disorders, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Dental implants allow you to eat foods that can enhance your health.

Why compromise your health, give up your favorite foods, or look older than you are, when you may not have to.

Dental implants are the next best thing to your natural teeth. Until you have experience tooth loss or having to adjust to partials or dentures you probably take for granted the simple pleasures of eating and tasting. Did you know that you can not fully taste food without “chewing awareness”? No matter how juicy that steak is or how tasty that spaghetti sauce might be, the eating experience goes beyond the mechanics of placing food in your mouth and chewing it.

Your gums, teeth and palate (roof of your mouth) each play a part in how your brain processes chewing forces and food tastes. When your gum surfaces, teeth and palate are covered by dentures or partial, chewing reception is altered dulling your sense of taste.

The good news is dental implants help maintain normal “chewing awareness”. So if enjoying mouth watering meals is an important part of your life, here’s just one more reason to consider the advantage of dental implants.

Dental implants are second to none. No other tooth replacement compares to the look, feel and function of dental implants. The good news is most people are candidates for this exciting, time tested and proven treatment option. In addition, in dental implants treatment no other teeth are involved but the missing teeth.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE MANY BENEFITS OF DENTAL IMPLANTS.

-       Dental implants look and feel more like your natural teeth

-       Dental implants improved chewing ability

-       Dental implants provide better nutrition and health

-       Dental implants avoid facial bone loss

-       Dental implants boost self confidence

-       Dental implants improve speech

DENTAL IMPLANTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental implants are substitutes for the roots and crowns of missing teeth. They act as an anchor for one or a series of replacement teeth or can be used to anchor bridges and dentures.

WHAT IS THE COST OF DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental implant treatment can vary depending on your needs. Of course, a dental implant dentist will be able to fully determine the cost, which is based on the specifics of your individual dental needs. These factors can include the complexity of your case and how long a dental implant treatment will take. In the U.S., the cost of dental implants treatment ranges from $1,500 to $2,000, with the national average at about $1,700. For instance, average dental implants cost in Fort Lauderdale, FL is $1,700.

DOES MY DENTAL INSURANCE COVER DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Dental insurance plans may cover on average $400 - 800 towards dental implant cost just as they would with other teeth replacement treatments like dental bridgework. Either your dentist insurance provider or your dental insurance carrier can help you to determine the exact dental coverage for your dental implant treatment based on you dental insurance coverage policy. If your dental insurance does not cover all of your dental implant treatment costs or if the cost of a dental implant is a concern for you, talk to your dental implant dentist provider about payment options - many dental implant dentists offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans and financing, many with no down payment and no interest. About one-half of dental implant patient use financing options to spread their dental implant treatment costs over time.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

According to American Dental Association, candidates for dental implants need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the dental implant. A thorough evaluation by your implant dentist will help determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Dental implant patients are of all ages and dental implants may be the right choice for anyone missing one or more teeth due to dental injury, gums disease or dental cavity. Dental implant is especially practical for patients who can no longer wear removable dentures. A complete oral exam, dental x-rays, dental and medical health history are necessary to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.  

DO I HAVE ENOUGH GUMS AND BONE TO HOLD A DENTAL IMPLANT?

It is important for a dental implant patient to have enough bone to support the dental implant. If you do not have enough bone, there are many safe and effective ways to correct bone deficiency.

WHY REPLACE MY MISSING TOOTH IN THE BACK IF I CAN’T SEE IT?

For one thing, if you lose an upper tooth, you essentially lose the chewing function of that tooth and the one just below it. In addition, when you don’t replace a missing tooth, excessive force is then placed on adjacent teeth and may lead to tooth fractures and tipping. By ignoring damaged or missing teeth, you leave yourself prone to further tooth loss, teeth shifting, crowded teeth, speech problems, diet restrictions and other dental complications. 

FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS

-       More than 4 millions people have dental implants and that number is growing by over 500,000 a year

-       Dental implants have been used for over 50 years.

-       In some cases, the cost of a single tooth implant is less than the cost of a fixed three unit dental bridge. (a fixed three unit bridge is needed to replace a single missing tooth)

-       Unlike dental bridgework, dental implants don’t require the reduction of healthy adjacent teeth.

-       Dental implants are considered more predictable than dental bridgework and root canals treatments.

Tooth loss can make you look 10 years older! The resulting bone loss creates “sunken cheeks” and wrinkles.  Imagine reaching your 50s, 60s or older and discovering there were no option available to replace one, several, or all of your lost teeth?

The fact is that if all of your teeth are missing and not replaced, the lower one-third of your face can collapse, creating the effect that your chin is trying to touch your nose. For some folks this is a nightmare come to life. Excessive bone loss due to gum disease like periodontitis and teeth extractions means you may not be a candidate for crowns, fixed bridges, dental implants, partials dentures or even complete dentures!

The problems is that limiting your tooth replacement options will lead to further bone loss and less comfortable choices.

Think prevention. Your jawbone, gums and teeth help define your unique facial structure. Unreplaced tooth loss, and resulting bone loss, can alter you appearance and speech, erode your self-confidence, affect your diet and harm your health and can also impair your social, personal and professional life.

We all know that changes occur naturally as a result of the aging process. However, when gums disease like periodontitis is ignored and lost teeth are not replaced, the process of bone loss and facial aging is grossly accelerated.

Whether a tooth is lost due to infection or injury, without natural chewing forces the bone in that area is no longer stimulated and begins to shrink almost immediately. Significant bone loss always occurs within the first year, which is why tooth replacement should not be delayed. Tooth loss, especially if infection was involved, can result in 40% to 60% bone loss in a period of just two to three years.

Bone deterioration does not stop at the area underneath the missing tooth; it can progress to the bone under healthy teeth creating further tooth loss. Since the facial changes occur gradually, you may not notice them, but those around you may.

You can reduce bone loss and completely eliminate tooth loss. By focusing on prevention and working with an exceptional dental team, you can prevent the damaging effects of gum disease and decay. If you are about to lose a tooth or have a tooth to be extracted, there are a number of ways to prevent your jawbone – at the time of the extraction. If you have missing teeth in need of replacement, a dental team can discuss the many options that best suit your need.

Prevention is the key to avoiding the nightmare of unnecessary tooth loss and the damage it can do to your health, emotional well-being and appearance.

Answer: This may surprise you...gums disease is the primary cause of adult tooth loss. And you can have gum disease like perodontitis and gingivitis without any noticeable symtoms. Gum disease  like periodontitis not only leads to tooth loss, but also bone loss, and is a source of infection for the entire body!