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Guest Blog: Dentures & Denture Care: Instructions and Tips for Seniors

Dentures are a way to restore a senior’s self-confidence and allows them to eat food
normally again. For seniors and loved ones caring for seniors, proper cleaning and
care of dentures is an important part of a senior’s daily routine. With good oral
hygiene practices, storage, and regular check-ups with your dentist, you can ensure
your dentures and healthy smile last you many years.

Introduction to Dentures
Missing teeth can lead to a variety of health conditions, including accelerated tooth
decay of neighbouring teeth, and bone loss in the jaw. For seniors, missing teeth can
also interfere with speech, eating, and nearby teeth can shift out of alignment. In
some cases, all of the teeth need to be extracted and replaced.
Complete dentures replace the entire upper or bottom arches of teeth, while partial
dentures replace one or a few missing teeth.
Dentures are acrylic, metal, or nylon replacements for missing teeth. Partial dentures
clip to your natural teeth, while full dentures fit over your gums to stay in place.

When Are Dentures Necessary?
Full and partial dentures may not be the ideal solution for everyone. For those with
one or more missing teeth, dental bridges may be a viable option. However, fixed
dental bridges are permanently cemented in place, so you must maintain impeccable
dental hygiene to make them last. This is one of several reasons to consider
removable full or partial dentures. At St Albans Dental Practice, we design a custom-
fit solution to restore your smile.

Denture Care Tips
Proper care for dentures and your personal oral hygiene is vital. This keeps your
dentures functional, visibly appealing, and free from stains. If taken care of properly,
dentures can last for many years. Here are some useful tips to keep your dentures in
great condition:
● Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
It is important to take good care of your natural teeth as well as your dentures. When
you remove your dentures, clean your tongue, cheeks, remaining teeth and gums
with a soft-bristled brush. This can keep your mouth healthy and guard against
odour.
● How to Clean Your Dentures
Each time you eat, it is a good idea to remove your dentures and rinse them with
water. Remember to be extremely careful when handling your dentures. According to
the Mayo Clinic, you may use a towel or some water in the sink to ensure the
dentures won’t break if they are accidentally dropped during cleaning. Gently clean
your dentures with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least once daily to remove food
particles and debris. Soak dentures overnight in water and a denture-soaking
solution. This keeps them bacteria-free and prevents them from drying out,
maintaining their shape.

● Eating with Dentures
The ability to enjoy a greater variety of foods is one of the greatest benefits of getting
dentures. However, learning to eat with them usually takes time and practice. If your
dentures are new, it is common to feel discomfort while eating. Many patients find it
easier to keep a softer diet such as mashed potatoes, gelatin, pudding, yoghurt and
smoothies during the first few weeks. As your diet becomes more solid, it helps to
cut your food into smaller pieces. Over time and with practice, you will be able to
enjoy your favourite foods again.
● How to Remove Dentures
Denture removal should be done with great care, using a gentle rocking motion. This
process will also take a bit of time to perfect. Never use anything other than your
fingers to remove your dentures. Place your finger between the upper denture and
your cheek and press down gently where the denture meets the gums. Always try to
use even pressure to loosen your denture.

When to Visit Your Dentist
Book regular appointments with your dentist to have your dentures examined and
cleaned professionally. Your dentures should feel secure. Schedule an appointment
if they feel loose or click when you speak. Often discomfort is also a sign that
something is wrong. Natural changes to your bone structure will eventually make it
necessary to make adjustments. If your dentures are visibly worn, it may be time to
get them replaced.

Author Bio:
High Oaks Dental Practice is a Private and NHS Dentist in St Albans. Using
the latest technologies, High Oaks Dental provides wide range of dental treatments
with all the comfort and caring manner. To achieve a confident smile, visit our
website or call us on 01727 893 430.

By Jim|2024-10-02T12:22:32-05:00October 16th, 2024|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: Everything You Need to Know About Tooth Discoloration in Seniors

A perfect smile with pearly teeth can be a real confidence booster. However, as you age, you might experience teeth discoloration. Therefore, it becomes important to understand what causes the discoloration of teeth in the elderly and what you can do about it.

Tooth Discoloration in Seniors

Teeth naturally are not perfectly white, and the color may vary from person to person. It ranges typically from white gray to light yellow in hue. However, in rare cases, it may be a bit more yellow or brownish despite good dental health. This visible color is of tooth enamel. It is the hard substance that protects the underlying delicate tissue of the tooth.

Enamel is the hardest substance in the body and shields the teeth. The purpose of enamel is to protect the surface of the teeth from erosion or stains. It further defends the teeth from sensitivity caused by very hot or cold foods and drinks.

As you age, the outer layer of the enamel on your teeth gets worn out to reveal the natural yellow color of dentin. Since the enamel does not have living cells, once damaged, it cannot grow back. Other than aging, there are other factors that contribute to tooth discoloration in seniors. Here are some of them:

1. Disease and medication
A number of diseases and treatments, including procedures like chemotherapy and radiation, can affect the teeth color. In addition, infections may also cause the natural teeth color to fade. Medications like tetracycline, doxycycline, antihistamines, and drugs for hypertension are also known to cause teeth discoloration.
2. Poor dental hygiene
Not brushing the teeth properly and skipping flossing can lead to yellow teeth as it will allow plaque to develop.
3. Foods, drinks, and tobacco
Certain foods and drinks like coffee, tea, wine, fruits, and vegetables can lead to teeth stains.
4. Excessive fluoride
Use of excessive fluoride, often found in teeth whitening products like toothpaste or mouthwash can cause yellowing of teeth.
5. Genes
Genetics can also be a major factor. Some people have more yellow tooth color than others, while others have thinner enamel.

How to treat discoloration in old age

Enamel, once destroyed, cannot be repaired. Therefore, the first thing you can practice is prevention. Nevertheless, teeth discoloration with age is unpreventable. Some of the treatments to get rid of teeth stains are mentioned below.
– Practice good dental hygiene and brush your teeth properly.
– Avoid foods or drinks that may cause staining.
– You may consult your dentist and consider bondings or veneers to hide or remove yellow teeth.
– Your dentist may be able to help you through teeth whitening procedures.
– Over-the-counter whitening agents can be the saviors in some cases.

Author Bio: Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.

By Jim|2024-03-29T10:11:37-05:00May 27th, 2024|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: 6 Ways to Naturally Reverse and Heal Decayed Teeth

There is no argument about one thing – brushing is important when you have dental braces. Without proper oral care, you may face issues like tooth decay or cavities. If you do notice a cavity, there is a way to naturally reverse the decay and heal the teeth. Let’s see how you can do that.

Make Changes in Diet

You can reverse tooth decay by making a few changes in your diet. Some adjustments include:

Limit the consumption of sugary foods and drinks as sugars can cause plaque and cavities.
Consume more calcium-rich foods such as broccoli and dairy to strengthen the teeth.

Add Vitamins and Supplements to the Diet

Certain vitamins help in producing saliva. This, in turn, prevents the bacteria from staying on the teeth. Some vitamins also help in making the teeth stronger. Adding nutritious food to the diet can heal your teeth naturally.

Foods that promote salivation include peas, bananas, and brussels sprouts. Take supplements of Vitamin B, D, iron, and magnesium if you cannot get them from your diet. Eating whole-grain foods and seafood can give the required dose of nutrients and improve oral health.

Practice Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene practices help in protecting the teeth from early decay. Also, make sure to follow a strict oral hygiene routine when you have braces.

Brush twice a day to remove food particles stuck in the teeth and to keep them clean.
Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food that gets stuck under the gums and brackets
Use a mouthwash to get rid of bacteria in the mouth

Maintain Necessary pH Levels in the Mouth

Our teeth stay healthy in an alkaline environment. As soon as the pH levels start to dip below the neutral 7, our teeth will start to break down and demineralize.

When there is a pH imbalance, it can create an environment for bacteria to grow and thrive. Avoid foods that can cause pH imbalance such as coffee, citrus fruits or sugars.

Use a remineralizing toothpaste as it can increase the pH level of the mouth and strengthen the tooth enamel.

Consume Natural Probiotics

Bad bacteria that cause infection search for smaller areas in the teeth to hide. They would decrease the pH value of the mouth as well. Probiotics help in offsetting the acidic pH in the mouth. Consume foods that are rich in probiotics such as curd, kombucha or sauerkraut.

These foods stimulate the production of healthy bacteria in the mouth. This further helps in preventing plaque build-up or decaying of teeth.

Oil Pulling

This is a simple yet very effective detoxification process for teeth care that includes swishing oil in your mouth for a few minutes. This technique can prevent plaque build-up and gum diseases like gingivitis. Do not swallow the oil and rinse with warm saltwater after swishing. Follow this by brushing your teeth.

Though these natural methods can be very effective, remember that everyone responds differently to these methods. You must also visit your orthodontist regularly to make sure there are no dental problems.

Author Bio:

Dr. Satish Pai is an orthodontist and an Ivy League trained dentist who has served as a faculty at Columbia University. He believes that a perfect smile not only makes a person look great but feel great. As the founder of Putnam Orthodontics and a Partner at Rome Orthodontics, he is dedicated to providing the best orthodontic treatments to his patients. He also writes to educate people about everything orthodontics and the importance of correctly aligned teeth along with good oral health. In his free time, you can find him golfing, doing yoga or surfing, and spending time with his family.

By Jim|2024-02-01T14:34:56-05:00March 26th, 2024|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Markham Smile Center: Best Ideas for Your Cosmetic Dental Smile Makeover

A smile is contagious and can uplift the mood of other people. Be it from simple things or bigger ones, we smile to show that we are glad about it. Sometimes we lose what we call spark in us. There are situations in our life that we lose our confidence to smile, not because we are unhappy, but because our teeth don’t look that good. Many people lose their self-confidence because of their teeth.

Thus, these problems could still be fixed with the help of experts. Bringing back the smile you once have will not be a problem anymore as Dental Makeovers are here to save your day. To address the specific problem, you have the Cosmetic Dental Smile Makeovers. It could help you with your teeth problems and bring back the best smile you’ve ever had.

Ideas for a Smile Makeover

Teeth Whitening

People especially those who are into smoking, as well as those who have poor oral hygiene, are prone to tooth discoloration. Many individuals have undergone this problem. And, it truly affects their day-to-day interaction with others. Good thing, there’s a solution to confront this issue today. The teeth whitening solution is the answer for teeth discoloration. The process is mainly done with the guidance of the dentist. A solution is applied to your teeth that will penetrate and break the stains on your teeth surfaces. So, if you have a problem similar to this, you can visit your dentist and undergo a tooth whitening procedure.

Dental Veneers

Aren’t you happy with how your teeth look? Well, these might be the solutions you’ve been looking for. This process is mainly the solution given for individuals who have an issue with their teeth appearance. Improving the way your teeth look with this procedure is helpful. It covers your tooth that changes its color, size, shape, and even length.

Dental Veneers are longer-lasting, which means you just need to visit your dentist from time to time. This is to keep them safe from any crack and damages. Thus, the cost of this solution is expensive yet if you can afford this, you can bring back the best smile you’ve ever had then.

Tooth Implants

Tooth Implants or Dental Implants are the processes employed for patients who want to have an artificial tooth. This process replaces the old tooth you have by attaching a metal, screw-like one on your gums beneath the jaw or skull and covered with replacement or permanent teeth that will act as your tooth later on.

This may sound too painful and may take 1-2 weeks for its initial healing process for 3-6 months. The dentist attaches the implants to the jaw’s bone. Thus, the result will surely satisfy your need. Especially for some who lose their tooth due to decay, you can still bring back the tooth in its new and hefty capability.

Enamel Shaping and Recontouring

It is often called cosmetic contouring or Enameloplasty. This process is done to help people with unequal shapes and with sharp-edged dental imperfections. This changes the form making it look perfect and free of any unbalance forms. The process goes where enamel (the hard-protecting layer of your tooth) is reshaped through drilling or laser. This process is often quick and painless. This event doesn’t require any recovery period. Visit your dentist to check whether these solutions are right for the problem you have.

Teeth Alignment

This might be the most common dental procedure undergone by many today. Teeth alignment is the process where your teeth are arranged perfectly fit and straightened as well. This comes often under braces and clean teeth aligners where people who have imperfect tooth growth commonly choose.

Having your teeth aligned makes it more pleasing and healthier. It protects your gums especially those who have issues with separated teeth. Well, if you wish you have this procedure, there are some precautions you need to consider. Also, you need to visit your dentist to have it fixed when it becomes loose.

Benefits of Getting a Smile Makeover

Having a dental makeover gives us a lot of benefits. Because it could keep our teeth healthy, for some people who have lost or missing teeth, it could help them restore these. For people who have a misshapen or discolored tooth, a dental makeover could fix them in just a period.

These procedures being discussed give back the natural look of the patient’s teeth, smiling at them like they used to have.

Conclusion

It is important to take care of our teeth, especially when we are still young. As we grow older, we lose the elasticity of our teeth. And, this leads to some dental problems which eventually make us suffer. Thus, before we think of undergoing these solutions, as early as today we must be really careful.

By doing the most common way of protecting your teeth which is brushing you could protect them. Thus, for some who have this kind of issue when they are still young, they could still address the problem with these dental solutions.

If you wish to address this kind of issue, you can visit your nearest dental clinic and have them give you the best solution to your problem.

By Jim|2023-03-31T19:34:19-05:00April 30th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

Guest Blog: Everything You Need to Know About Cosmetic Dentistry in 2020

Unfortunately, one of the perils of ageing manifests in your teeth. Several oral issues present themselves in most seniors because it is common for your pearly whites to deteriorate with time. Weakening ligaments around the mouth and jawbone density loss due to age create teeth misalignment. Apart from normal wear and tear, genetics, oral hygiene habits, and food choices also impact how your teeth look.

As such, it is customary to see cracks, chips, stains, or discolorations in seniors. You may also encounter teeth and gum sensitivity. The worst-case scenario is missing teeth which affects your smile and self-confidence. However, just because you’re older doesn’t mean you are doomed to have missing, damaged, or discolored teeth for the rest of your life. Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry can restore your glorious smile and youthful glow. Take time to understand this unique practice and how it can significantly improve your life. Let’s get started!

Who Needs Skills of Cosmetic Dentistry

If you feel insecure facing the mirror because you’ve got broken teeth, then it is high time to consider going to a cosmetic dentist. Getting oral procedures will restore your teeth and face shape. As a result, you will feel more confident once again. With the aid of a reputable practitioner, you can speak and smile with ease.

Best of all, the right dental procedures will also alleviate your pain and discomfort. Sometimes, you’ll find it difficult to chew because of crooked, broken teeth. If you get these issues fixed, you can enjoy your food even more. Take a look at the following cosmetic dental procedures below and check to see if they are right for you:

Composite Bonding

If you have gaps cracks, and chips, composite bonding is an excellent fix. Your dentist will use the composite fillers for the spaces and crevices. Composite resins are the same shade of your natural teeth. Depending on the severity of your issue, you may need a single visit or more.

Dental Veneers

Veneers cover the same issues as bonding, but they are better and last longer. They also camouflage flaws like an ugly tooth shape and stains. Depending on your budget, you can go for plastic or porcelain veneer shells. Your dentist takes a mouth impression, buffs existing teeth, and cements the veneers into place.

Teeth Whitening

If you smoke, consume tea or coffee, and take certain medications, you may have bad teeth discolorations. You can whiten it with chemicals in the dental clinic, or you can try a home whitening system. This process exposes your teeth to peroxide so watch out for sensitivities. As such, steer clear from too cold or too hot food and beverages.

Crowns

Some call this a dental cap because it will cover your entire tooth. It comes in metal, resin, ceramic, or porcelain. It restores the look and shape of your damaged tooth. With proper care, it will last for a very long time. You may need a crown for the following:

Fill a large hole
Hold a dental bridge in place
Cover a root canal

Implants

It is the most natural and permanent procedure; however, it is also the most invasive and expensive. It is an excellent long-term solution to replace missing teeth. You will need a qualified oral surgeon to drill the implant into your gums and jawbone. It will look very natural, but it comes at a high price.

Advantages of Cosmetics Dentistry

Getting cosmetic dental procedures will help improve the quality of your life. A famous Orthodontics in Barnet dental practice shared that when you look good, you feel good. With a brilliant smile, you’ll have more confidence to face the world. But more than vanity, getting your teeth fixed is a necessity because of the following:

It can improve the way you speak because your teeth and tongue work together in making the proper sounds.
Nice teeth improve your bite, lessening jaw fatigue and preventing further deterioration.
Cures various dental problems, so you alleviate pain and discomfort.
It influences your appetite because you can chew well.

Remember, as a senior, the state of your teeth matters because you need optimal nutrition to boost immunity. The first stage of digestion takes place in your mouth. As such, your teeth must be in good condition to break down your food for better nutrient absorption.

When you opt for cosmetic procedures, you can select from a broad range of treatments that use varying techniques. Ask your dentist for advice to find out what approach best suits your budget. Best of all, you can opt for non-invasive treatments if you feel scared and dread any form of downtime.

How to Choose the Perfect Dentistry for You

When you’re choosing the best cosmetic dental practice, keep in mind that the lowest price is not always the best choice. There are many cosmetic dentists in town, but not all of them are made equal. Consider the following points when you are looking for the best cosmetic oral care provider:

Check their license, experience, and education. Keep in mind that cosmetic dentists need further training and certifications.
Peruse the clinic to check prices, evaluate hygiene, and examine equipment. You want to work with a clinic that makes you feel comfortable.
Choose caring staff that accommodate your questions because they will help you quickly in case of a dental emergency.
Read online testimonials to see client reviews. They are your best bet when it comes to finding the best cosmetic dentist. Some even go so far as to share before and after photos so you can see results.

Final Word

You don’t have to be stuck with ugly teeth forever. Speak with a qualified cosmetic dentist about the risks and perks of various procedures to restores your smile. When you’re unhappy with your teeth, the only person who can help is your dentist.

However, you must research to find the best one you feel comfortable. When you hand over your health to someone, you need to make sure you can trust this person.

Finally, before you make a decision, discuss your options. By doing your due diligence, you can be well on your way to get that brilliant smile you’re craving for it.

By Jim|2023-03-26T17:09:43-05:00April 8th, 2023|Dr. Mauk's Boomer Blog, News Posts|Comments Off

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