There have been many advancements in dentistry over the course of its history. Despite those advances, people are still able to lose their teeth due to processes like tooth decay and gingivitus. Bridges and dentures used to be the only solution until the introduction of dental implants. A dental implant is a substitute or replacement tooth root, which provides a stable foundation for a replacement crown. The bone actually forms a biological bond with the new root (implant) giving your new crown a stable foundation similar to the natural root.

There are different types of dental implants: the first is placed directly into the jaw bone, like natural tooth roots; the second is used when the jaw structure is limited; therefore, a custom-­made metal framework fits directly on the existing bone. There are also many benefits to having dental implants. Here are just a few:

• Improves your appearance – Dental implants are made to look and feel like your own teeth. And since they are designed to fuse with your existing bone, they fit seamlessly in with your other teeth. And they are more comfortable than other tooth features such as dentures.

• Helps with your speech & eating – With traditional dentures, teeth can slip around the mouth causing you to slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak confidently without any slurring of words. And since dental implants allow for such a snug fit, you can eat foods without fear of tooth slippage or pain.

• They provide good oral health – Your teeth are not altered in any major way, such as when bridge work is done, and since your original teeth are not altered you gain better long-lasting oral health. Dental implants also make it easier to access the spaces between your teeth, which makes for better oral hygiene.

• Durable & Convenient – Dental implants are durable and can last for years and years. They are also more convenient than dentures since they never need to be removed and you don’t have to use adhesive to keep them on.

Affinity Dental Associates: Nutrition & Oral Health in Catonsville, Maryland

The dentists at Affinity Dental Associates have over 170 years of combined experience delivering exceptional dental care to our patients. They and the rest of the oral health professionals at Affinity Dental Associates strive to provide our patients with the personal, professional, quality dental care they need, while making it convenient, painless, and affordable.

If you have any questions about Catonsville Nutrition & Oral Health, please contact Affinity Dental Associates by calling 410-719-7900 or visit MarylandsBestDentists.com today!

Our doctors and staff are dedicated to improving your dental health!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

Source: Dental Implants, WebMD

There’s more to oral health than just brushing and flossing. Keeping a healthy diet is also crucial to having good oral hygiene. Poor oral health and untreated oral diseases and conditions can have a significant impact on quality of life. And in many cases, the condition of the mouth mirrors the condition of the body as a whole. Recent reports indicate a relationship between periodontal (gum) disease and stroke, heart disease, and pre­term low-birth-weight babies. Likewise, more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations, meaning your Catonsville, Maryland dentist may be the first health care provider to diagnose a health problem.

You may be able to prevent two of the most common diseases of modern civilization, tooth decay (caries) and periodontal disease, simply by improving your diet. Decay results when the hard tissues are destroyed by acid products from oral bacteria. Certain foods and food combinations are linked to higher levels of cavities ­causing bacteria. Although poor nutrition does not directly cause periodontal disease, many researchers believe that the disease progresses faster and is more severe in patients whose diet does not supply the necessary nutrients. Periodontal disease affects the supporting tissues of the teeth and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Poor nutrition affects the entire immune system, thereby increasing susceptibility to many disorders. people with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at higher risk for periodontal disease. Additionally, today’s research shows a link between oral health and systemic conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. So eating a variety of foods as part of a well­ balanced diet may not only improve your Catonsville dental health, but increasing fiber and vitamin intake may reduce the risk of other diseases.

A good way to combat these diseases is eating a well-balanced diet characterized by moderation and variety. Develop eating habits that follow the recommendations from reputable health organizations such as The American Dietetic Association and The National Institutes of Health. Choose foods from the four basic food groups: fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, meat, chicken, fish or beans. Avoid fad diets that limit or eliminate entire food groups which usually result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Always keep your mouth moist by drinking lots of water. Saliva protects both hard and soft oral tissues. If you have a dry mouth, supplement your diet with sugarless candy or gum to stimulate saliva.

Foods that cling to your teeth promote tooth decay. So when you snack, avoid soft, sweet, sticky foods, such as cakes, candy and dried fruits. Instead, choose dentally healthy foods such as nuts, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese and sugarless gum or candy. When you eat fermentable carbohydrates, such as crackers, cookies and chips, eat them as part of your meal, instead of by them­selves. Combinations of foods neutralize acids in the mouth and inhibit tooth decay. For example, enjoy cheese with your crackers. Your snack will be just as satisfying and better for your dental health.

Affinity Dental Associates: Nutrition & Oral Health in Catonsville, Maryland

The dentists at Affinity Dental Associates have over 170 years of combined experience delivering exceptional dental care to our patients. They and the rest of the oral health professionals at Affinity Dental Associates strive to provide our patients with the personal, professional, quality dental care they need, while making it convenient, painless, and affordable.

If you have any questions about Catonsville Nutrition & Oral Health, please contact Affinity Dental Associates by calling 410-719-7900 or visit MarylandsBestDentists.com today!

Our doctors and staff are dedicated to improving your dental health!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!