FAQ

Bleeding of the gums can be an early sign of gum disease. If you have bleeding when you brush your teeth, it is important that you see your dentist as soon as possible. Gum disease has been linked to serious health complications such as heart disease and stroke, so it’s important that you take steps to prevent it and treat it early if you see signs of it developing. Your dentist can help to determine the cause of your bleeding and can provide treatment options, including deep cleanings to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.

Maybe! Dental implants are an excellent choice for a variety of patients, but they aren’t for everyone. Many people with missing teeth get implants because they want a permanent solution that will function just like their natural teeth and that will give them the confidence to share their smiles with the world. Other people choose to get dental implants because they simply want to improve their oral health and avoid problems like plaque buildup and gum disease. Still, others get them because of severe bone loss in their jaw caused by tooth loss, which can make wearing dentures uncomfortable or even impossible. But if you aren’t sure if dental implants would be right for you, the dentists at Drs. Davila & Velazquez, P.A., will be happy to sit down with you for a consultation and help you decide.

There are many factors that can contribute to the misalignment of the teeth. Some of the most common include genetics and thumb-sucking/pacifier use in childhood. In some cases, issues with jaw structure can also cause a person to develop an improper bite. Malocclusion can also be the result of trauma to the mouth area. A traumatic injury can cause the teeth to shift out of place. If left untreated, this can lead to more serious dental health issues.

- Drinking sugary, acidic beverages that can harm your teeth
- Eating large meals and snacks that are high in carbohydrates or starches that can stick to the teeth and promote acid production in the mouth
- Grinding your teeth at night
These habits can lead to tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated for too long.

This can include smokeless tobacco as well as cigarettes. Both can damage the gum tissues and lead to an increased risk of oral cancer. If you do use the products, talk to your dentist about ways you can quit. If you currently use tobacco products, your dental care provider can help you determine the appropriate products and treatments to help reduce damage to your smile.

While alcohol doesn’t directly affect your mouth, there are other health risks that can come from consuming it regularly. Water is your body’s principal chemical component and makes up about two-thirds of your total body weight. It performs vital functions like carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells, removing waste, and maintaining your body temperature. You need water to live, so avoiding dehydration is critical. A dry mouth where bacteria can flourish increases the risk of cavities and other oral health problems. Drinking can also increase your risk of gum disease, reduce saliva production, and lead to mouth sores as well as delayed healing after oral surgery.
Even if you’re not a heavy drinker, alcohol can still have a negative impact on your health. Try limiting your consumption to no more than one drink per day or abstaining altogether to help your body remain hydrated and healthy.

E-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical, and it’s also toxic to gum tissues. When you vape, the vapor then enters your mouth and causes harm to your teeth and gums, and irritates your gums. Vaping is also associated with an increase in gingivitis.

Your dentist may recommend an extraction when a tooth is severely decayed and cannot be restored with a filling or crown. The decay may be too severe for restoration, and the tooth is causing discomfort and pain to the patient. An infected tooth root may even lead to an infection in the jaw known as an abscessed tooth. If a dentist has recommended extracting your tooth, there may be one or more reasons for the decision.

After your tooth extraction, the socket where the tooth once was will begin to heal. A clot will form over the socket, and pain and swelling are normal after the extraction. Your dentist will provide instructions for caring for your mouth after your surgery. It’s important to follow those instructions carefully to avoid complications with healing. You may need to take pain medication for the pain that continues after you go home. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. You should rest with your head elevated and an ice pack on the affected area to reduce swelling and discomfort. The dentist may advise you to eat a softer diet for the first few days after surgery. If bleeding continues or becomes excessive, contact your dentist’s office immediately.

They can be initially uncomfortable during the first few days of wearing them. However, the discomfort goes away quickly after you get used to them. Within three months, you will not even notice that you’re wearing your dentures anymore. Plus, denture pain can be minimized with over-the-counter pain medications. If soreness continues beyond this three-month period, schedule an appointment with your dentist to have an adjustment made to your dentures.

Your denture is made of a durable, lifelike material, so you should be able to eat whatever you want (just don’t bite down too hard!). However, you may need to make some changes to the way you eat in order to accommodate your new denture. For example, chewing food on both sides of your mouth at once could cause your denture to dislodge – instead, focus on one area at a time while working your way around your mouth. If your denture feels loose while you eat, try eating softer foods or cutting your food into smaller pieces before eating. Once you’re used to wearing your new denture, you’ll be able to eat whatever you want with no trouble at all.