If carbonated soft drinks are part of your normal daily routine, you may be causing serious damage to your teeth. Recent studies have found soft drinks to be among the most potent dietary causes of tooth decay. Soft drinks have also been implicated in increases of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other serious health conditions. Before you shop for beverages this week, consider a few things you should know about soft drinks.

Most soft drinks contain substantial amounts of sugars, which interact with the bacteria in your mouth. This interaction produces a form of acid that can damage your teeth for about 20 minutes. Each time you take a drink, you reset that time window. If you consume throughout the day, you are essentially bathing your teeth in that beverage for hours. 

Most soft drinks contain acids, as well. Even sugar-free varieties contain acids that can weaken the enamel on your teeth. Colas and citrus-flavored soft drinks tend to have the highest levels of acid. Over time, this weakening of tooth enamel has a cumulative effect. This can lead to decay and even tooth loss if not addressed in early stages.

Obviously, the best solution is to stop consuming carbonated soft drinks. However, it can be a difficult habit to break. Here are some tips to help reduce your risks of tooth damage from these beverages:

• Drink in moderation. Too much sugar and acid will eventually cause damage. Swap out soda for fruit-infused water. 
• Drink more water. You will crave soft drinks less when you are fully hydrated.
• Don’t sip. The longer you spend drinking, the more time sugars and acids are reacting with your teeth.
• Use a straw. This can help keep the sugars and acids away from your teeth.
• Rinse with water after drinking to dilute acids and sugars.
• Don’t brush immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes for acids to be neutralized by saliva before brushing.
• Practice good dental hygiene. This includes brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings and exams.

Carbonated soft drinks can be harmful to your oral and overall health. Be mindful of how often you consume them and consider reducing or stopping your use of these dangerous beverages. For more oral health tips or to schedule an appointment, contact our office.

Many of us have made the mistake of waiting until we were in agonizing pain to visit the dentist. Don’t be that person, make a habit out of visiting your Orlando Periodontist at least twice a year. 

Your oral health is very important, and it should always make your “to do” list. Schedule an Appointment Today 

In order to prevent tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral cancer, and more, you should make sure to schedule regular professional examinations and cleanings to maintain your oral health. Doing so will enable your dentist to catch the signs of oral illness early. 

Reasons We Avoid Going 

According to the HDI Institute, the main reasons we avoid going to the dentist are the cost, not “needing” to, time, and anxiety. If we allow these concerns to get in the way of our oral care, more serious issues can develop. 

When Should I See the Dentist?

The American Dental Association (ADA) advises that we visit the dentist twice a year for cleanings and examinations. If you are experiencing any of the following concerns you should make an additional appointment. 

1. Bloody, swollen, or red gums 

2. Stiff or painful jaw 

3. Dryness of mouth 

4. Sores in mouth that aren’t going away 

5. Pain in mouth, face, or teeth 

6. Recent dental work such as fillings, crowns, implants, or root canals 7. Pain with eating or drinking 

8. Smoking cigarettes or the use of other tobacco products 

9. Injury to the mouth, face, or teeth 

10. Pregnancy 

11. Questions or concerns about oral health 

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Lake Nona Dental Implants and Periodontics today to schedule a consultation.

Did you know that over 600,000 people die of heart disease every year? If you floss daily and brush your teeth twice each day, it could ultimately save your life. 

Research shows that people with periodontal disease are two times as likely to have heart disease than those with healthy gums. Keep on reading to learn how and why these two conditions are related, what you can do to prevent them, and how we can help. 

Periodontal Disease and Heart Disease Are Linked 

Some of the bacteria found in the gums of people suffering from periodontal disease can break down tissues, resulting in inflammation. This inflammation can travel through the bloodstream and attach to fatty deposits, which can then cause blood clots leading to heart attacks or strokes. 

Gingivitis 

There are a series of stages with gum disease. The first stage in gingivitis, which is best avoided by scheduling an appointment with our team twice a year so we can detect it early and diagnose any problems right away.

You can prevent gingivitis from developing by brushing and flossing daily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, which will require advanced treatment. 

How to Treat Periodontal Disease 

Taking care of your oral health starts with getting rid of bad habits. This includes smoking, which has been linked to poor periodontal health and heart problems. 

Personal oral care is very important, and a core part of any periodontal treatment plan, so we will spend as much time as it takes to make sure you know the correct way to take care of your gums. Those with a high risk of developing periodontal disease, or who already have it, should schedule their appointments more frequently than twice a year. 

To reduce your risk of developing heart problems linked to periodontal disease, contact Lake Nona Dental Implants and Periodontics today to schedule a consultation.

When we think of vaping, we often think of it as a safer option to smoking cigarettes. Unfortunately, recent studies suggest that e-cigarette vapors could have a damaging effect on your mouth.

Ingredients in E-Juice

Electronic cigarettes are not regulated in the same way that other tobacco products are, meaning that there is little knowledge of the exact ingredients. There are a number of harmful substances found in E-juice including nicotine, glycerin, chemical flavoring, propylene glycol, and more.

Some of these ingredients can be proven safe in things like artificial flavoring in foods, but the effects they can have when heated, turned into a vapor and then inhaled, have not been researched fully.

Vaping and Oral Health

According to a recent study done from UCLA, vapors from an e-cigarette can kill the cells in your oral cavity which is the area of your mouth even beyond your teeth and gums. There was an experiment conducted where e-cigarette smoke was placed with oral cells in an environment

for 24 hours, and 85% of the exposed cells died.

As these cells die, or become less effective, your mouth can become more likely to develop oral diseases. What is worrying about this is that these oral cavity cells function as an important part of your body’s natural defense system.

According to another study run by the University of Rochester Medical Center, it was concluded that e-cigarettes can be equally as bad for your gums as regular tobacco products. A known factor contributing to gum disease is nicotine which is found in all types of cigarettes.

What Steps Can You Take?

It is best to avoid smoking regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes, because they have both been shown to cause similar oral health problems. By using these products you are putting yourself at risk by negatively impacting the cells in your mouth that your body uses to defend itself against dangerous bacteria.

If you are a smoker of any type, make sure you are regularly visiting our office. Our experienced dental team will give you a complete oral exam and check for signs of oral diseases, including cancer.

Contact Lake Nona Dental Implants and Periodontics today for more healthy mouth tips and to schedule your next visit.

Do you see flecks of blood while brushing or flossing your teeth? Swollen, red, or tender gums can bleed during your regular oral hygiene routine, even if you feel you are being gentle. It is important that you do not ignore these symptoms as they may indicate a periodontal issue. 

Here are four reasons why your gums may be bleeding, and what you can do to prevent it. 

Gingivitis

Plaque and bacteria can build up on your teeth and become inflamed; yet because bleeding gums are usually painless, this symptom is shrugged off as unimportant. It is likely a sign of early periodontal disease known as gingivitis. The good news is that this condition can be treated and even reversed when caught early. It is also preventable by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily to reduce plaque build-up, and scheduling regular dental examinations and cleanings. 

Schedule an appointment with our office or ask for a referral if you suspect you have gingivitis. 

Oral Hygiene Habits

If your gums bleed during your regular at-home oral hygiene routine, make sure you are not brushing too vigorously or flossing your gumline too hard. Don’t skip days of brushing and flossing and then make up for it with an overly vigorous cleaning.

Smoking and Periodontal Disease

Inhaling cigarette smoke can leave toxins on the teeth that irritate gums and cause them to bleed. Smoking can also compromise your immune system and prevent gum tissue from healing correctly. Quitting cigarettes can help reduce bleeding gums. If you smoke, be sure to keep up with oral examinations to evaluate your gum health at regular intervals.

Gum Disease and Your Diet

Good nutrition benefits every aspect of your health. Research shows proper oral hygiene along with a balanced diet can reduce the risk of gum problems. Crisp-skinned fruit and crudites (raw vegetables) are particularly good because they clean tooth surfaces and produce saliva. They make excellent, healthy snacks. Foods and beverages high in sugar, starch and acids, however, can cause tooth decay and lead to poor oral health. 

For a healthier body, start by paying extra attention to your gums. If they bleed regularly, contact our periodontal office or get a referral. Our Orlando FL Periodontist can provide a complete examination of the gingival tissue and recommend proper treatment. Contact Lake Nona Dental Implants and Periodontics today.

About 20 percent of total tooth loss cases are linked to diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. This common metabolic disease affects the entire body, including the mouth and teeth. If you’re among the 463 million Americans living with diabetes, keeping blood sugar in check, following your physician’s recommendations, and keeping up with regular dental visits will help you maintain good oral and overall health. 

Here are five ways diabetes can impact your teeth and gums:

Gum Disease and High Blood Sugar Levels

Research suggests that if your blood sugar isn’t under control, it can worsen periodontal (gum) disease. Severe gum disease can break down the bone that supports your teeth and lead to tooth loss, One early warning sign of potential periodontal disease is bleeding while you brush or floss. At this stage, the condition can be treated and even reversed by maintaining proper oral hygiene, following a regular dental exam schedule, and eating a balanced diet. 

Mouth Infections and Diabetes

Diabetes affects your immune system and can make you prone to mouth infections. Oral thrush, or candidiasis, is an overgrowth of normal mouth bacteria and is not uncommon among diabetics. It resembles a white film on the tongue and inside of the cheeks, and is a reaction to the yeast thriving on high sugar levels in saliva. Oral thrush can be treated with antifungal medications. 

Slow Healing and Diabetes

Diabetes can slow the healing process of sores, cuts, and injuries in your mouth. Poor blood sugar control prevents sores from healing quickly and properly. Be sure to see our periodontist if a sore in your mouth is not healing properly. 

Diabetes and Dry Mouth

According to studies, many people with diabetes make less saliva. Symptoms may include a dry tongue, cracked lips, and constantly feeling thirsty. Some medications and higher blood sugar levels contribute to dry mouth. You can treat this by carefully managing your sugar levels, drinking plenty of water, and eating healthy, crunchy foods to get your saliva flowing. 

Altered Sense of Taste

Diabetes can change the way you process flavors; some foods may seem blander then they used to. Consider this an opportunity to explore new cuisines, spices, herbs, and textures. However, be cautious about adding sugar to your food, as it could negatively affect your condition. 

If you are among the 10.5 percent of Americans living with diabetes and want more information on how it impacts your gum health, contact Lake Nona Dental Implants and Periodontics. We are happy to answer your questions. 

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by an infection from dental plaque that hardens and turns into calculus (tartar) and can’t be removed at home. This condition is preventable through proper oral care, and treatable by our periodontist. 

How much do you know about periodontal disease? Here are some of the top gum disease myths and facts. 

MYTH: If you don’t have tooth decay, you won’t get gum disease. 

FACT: Many people with no decay may indeed have gum disease and not realize it immediately. Gums that bleed or swell, or are red or tender, may be facing the earliest stage: gingivitis. Make sure to see your dentist for a professional cleaning, and brush and floss daily to prevent infection. 

MYTH: Bad breath is a sure sign of gum disease.

FACT: While halitosis can be an indicator of gum disease, it can also be linked to poor brushing habits, diet, an ulcer, or another medical condition. If professional dental intervention and good at-home oral care don’t clear up your sour breath, see your primary care physician to investigate medical causes.  

MYTH: Gum disease will cause you to lose your teeth.

FACT: You do not have to lose any of your teeth to neglect if you see your dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene at home: Brush, floss, and clean between your teeth every day. Eat nutritious foods and drink plenty of plain water. If your gums show signs of disease, our periodontist can create a treatment plan for you.

MYTH: Gum disease is not common.

FACT: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about half of adults 30 and older have some degree of periodontal disease. It can form at nearly any age and intensifies over time. Never put off a visit if you suspect a gum problem. 

MYTH: Pregnancy and bleeding gums go hand in hand.

FACT: “Pregnancy gingivitis” develops in some women, but it is not a universal condition. It is caused by the bacterial film that grows on the teeth and results in a buildup of plaque. Those who suffer from this problem usually experience it in their first trimester. If you are pregnant or considering parenthood in the near future, you can help prevent gum disease by taking good care of your oral health. Your Orlando Periodontist may also recommend more frequent examinations and cleanings.

For more information on periodontal disease and how to prevent it, contact Lake Nona Dental Implants and Periodontics or ask your Orlando Periodontist for a referral. 

How important is your smile? The Academy of General Dentistry reports that 40 percent of people notice a smile first, and 96 percent say healthy-looking teeth and gums are important to an overall appearance. This is amplified on big occasions: a job interview, a wedding, a date or any time you need to make a great impression. A nice smile adds confidence. 

Of course, not everyone is born with a perfect set of teeth, but with some effort and great dentistry, an attractive smile is certainly achievable. Here are seven top ways to improve your smile.  

Teeth Whitening

Whether you use an at-home set of trays or an in-office treatment, your teeth can look several shades whiter. To keep them from getting dingy in the first place and prolong teeth bleaching effects, rinse or brush after consuming top stain culprits like coffee, tea, red wine, or dark fruits.   

 Dental Crowns

If you have decay that threatens the health of the tooth, your dentist can place a crown, or dental cap, on the repaired tooth. It covers the tooth completely for optimal function and a natural look.   

Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers are custom-made laminates bonded to the front of one or more teeth. They are used to alter tooth color, shape, length or size to transform a smile. 

Tooth Bonding

Also called dental bonding, this cosmetic procedure repairs a cracked or chipped tooth. They can make uneven teeth look more symmetrical and close a gap between teeth. 

Orthodontics 

Straight teeth not only look better, they function better, too, aligning them so they work together and are easier to keep clean. Your dentist or orthodontist can advise you whether braces or aligners would work best for your case. 

Dental Implants

Implants are the modern way to replace teeth lost to decay or trauma. They are also an optimal solution for people born without certain teeth. Dental implants are permanent, so they function more naturally than dentures and bridges. Our periodontist can replace missing teeth safely and effectively with this procedure.

Excellent Dental Care

There are many options for improving your smile professionally; but one thing you can do for yourself is maintain good oral health. That means being fastidious about brushing two minutes twice a day and flossing daily, and seeing your general dentist for regular professional cleanings and examinations. 

Good dental habits and certain cosmetic procedures can also help keep your gums healthy, and that is our specialty. Schedule an appointment with Lake Nona Dental Implants and Periodontics or ask your Orlando FL Periodontist for a referral if you have concerns about your gum health or want to explore dental implants.