Karen Neil, DDS Fort Worth Dentistry Blog

Do you have tender, puffy, or dark red gums that bleed when you brush and floss your teeth? If so, you may have gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. This condition can be hard to detect in the early stages, and so it frequently progresses to more advanced periodontal problems before it’s caught.

Understanding more about how you developed this condition can help you stop it in its tracks. Continue reading to learn more about what gum disease is and whether it’s contagious so you can safeguard your smile!

If you’ve lost some or all of your natural teeth and are looking for a reliable replacement, you might benefit from dentures. These versatile prosthetics can be adapted to meet your unique needs to restore your smile’s functionality. Plus, they can be customized to look just like the ones that went missing.

It can take about a month for new patients to become acclimated to wearing their dentures all day. However, once they do, it’s not uncommon to wonder whether they sleep with them in their mouths to avoid the hassle of removing them nightly. While this might be okay to do occasionally, it’s generally not recommended. Continue reading to learn three reasons why!

Gum disease is a menace, to say the least – it’s estimated that over half of all US adults ages 30 and above have some form of the condition, but it’s not unreasonable to assume that this figure is much higher due to undocumented cases! What’s worse is that this condition is also a leading cause of tooth loss, despite it developing in the gum tissue. Luckily, gum disease can often be managed and its symptoms curbed; it’s just a matter of seeking professional treatment and learning how to prevent infection. Here are a few key questions you should keep in mind as you visit your periodontist for gum disease treatment.  

Dentures have allowed many people to enjoy a complete and beautiful smile after tooth loss. While these incredibly lifelike and comfortable appliances are quite durable, they do not last forever and will eventually need replacement due to wear and tear and the changing shape of the patient’s mouth. Here’s a brief guide to help you recognize the signs that your dentures are ready to retire and be replaced.

Imagine this scenario: you’re savoring your morning coffee when you suddenly feel discomfort in one of your teeth, especially when it encounters hot or cold temperatures. This unexpected sensitivity can leave you puzzled and unsure of its origin. However, it might signal a cavity that needs filling. So, keep reading as we delve into five typical signs that indicate that you might need to get a dental filling.

Over time, dental implants have undergone significant changes, revolutionizing smile restoration. These implants, resembling titanium screws, are surgically placed into the jawbone to serve as replacements for missing tooth roots. Widely favored by individuals and dentists alike, they play a crucial role in enhancing smiles. The evolution of dental implants from their inception to the present day has witnessed remarkable advancements. To delve deeper into their history and understand the improvements made over time, read on!

You could start with cosmetic dental bonding to fix light smile flaws. This option isn’t costly and takes very little time. That said, you may wonder: Is cosmetic dental bonding right for me?” It’s not a good idea to get a treatment if it doesn’t suit you. Well, just let your Fort Worth aesthetic dentist address your concerns. Here’s a primer on cosmetic dental bonding, including the bonding process and whether you’re a good treatment candidate.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for everyone, including those with dentures. Just as natural teeth require care, so do dentures. One essential practice for denture wearers is soaking their prosthetics overnight. In this blog, we’ll explore why soaking dentures overnight is crucial for oral health and overall well-being.

New materials and technologies allow dentures to fit better than ever before. A good-fitting set of dentures should rest comfortably on your gums, only relying on suction to stay in place. However, if you have an upcoming speaking engagement or you plan to eat a juicy steak, a denture adhesive can provide more stability to prevent your teeth from moving around. Although it isn’t something you want to rely on, here’s how to use a denture adhesive when you need it.

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If you’ve been experiencing issues with your dentures, especially the lower prosthetic moving around, you’re not alone. Even with suction working to keep your lower denture secure, you may encounter issues causing it to shift or loosen. If you want to learn about some common reasons for these loose dentures and how you can fix them, continue reading.