What to Know About Dental Care As You Age

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Are you getting older? We all are. The older you get, the more your teeth are at risk of various dental problems. Your dentist in Chardon, OH, can help. Knowing how age affects your dental health and what you can do about it can help you take care of your teeth. Here’s what you need to know about how your age affects your oral health and hygiene.

Age Puts You At Risk

As patients get older, they’re at increased risk of many dental problems, including gum disease and gum recession. There are many reasons that older people are at higher risk for these problems, including dry mouth and medications.

Some medications can put you at risk for various dental problems, and can also leave you with dry mouth. Saliva is important for your mouth because it helps wash away food and bacteria. If you have dry mouth, you could be at increased risk of gum disease.

Know the Signs of a Problem

Watch for these signs of a dental problem:

  • Severe toothache
  • Bad breath, even if you have recently brushed your teeth
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Receding gums
  • Gums bleed when you brush your teeth
  • Loose teeth

If you’re experiencing any of the problems above, contact your dentist at Center Street Dental, Dr. Marino & Associates as soon as possible to get help.

Preventative Care Protects Your Teeth

There are many things you can do to take good care of your teeth as you get older. Below are some tips to protect your teeth.

  • Brush your teeth twice daily. Brush your teeth every morning and evening. Brush for two minutes each time using a soft-bristle toothbrush.
  • An electric toothbrush makes brushing your teeth easier. Some seniors struggle with mobility and are unable to brush their teeth well. Brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush can help with this because electric toothbrushes make teeth cleaning easier.
  • Staying hydrated can help you avoid dry mouth. If you have dry mouth, take care to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

Your Dentist Can Help

Unless your dentist tells you to do otherwise, see your dentist twice a year for dental checkups in Chardon, OH. Call today to make an appointment.

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The Connection Between Oral Health and Heart Health: What Science Says

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It really doesn’t make a lot of sense that dentists are kind of considered separate from physicians. Physicians take care of the body, and dentists take care of the mouth and jaw, but the mouth and jaw are part of the body. Confounding. Especially when you consider all the science that shows that oral health is inextricably linked to heart health. Here’s what your Center Street Dental dentist in Chardon, OH wants you to know.

Oral Bacteria and the Heart

Oh, if only oral bacteria would stay where it is, inside the mouth. But no, it travels. And when it travels through the bloodstream, trouble is afoot. Myriad studies have shown that oral bacteria can cause cardiovascular problems. People who neglect their oral health are more often to suffer heart attacks and other heart-related events than people who really prioritize their oral health. In fact, the increased risk is 28%, which is nothing to sneeze at.

The Gateway That is Your Mouth

Think of your mouth as the front door to your overall health (without the cute doorknocker). Everything that happens in there—good or bad—can affect the rest of your body. When you brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly, you’re not just protecting your teeth; you’re safeguarding your heart, immune system, and even your brain. It’s all connected in ways science is still unraveling.

Small Steps, Big Rewards

The good news? Taking care of your oral health doesn’t require major life changes. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with those dental appointments are simple habits that go a long way. And if you needed another reason to cut back on sugary snacks and drinks, here it is: a healthier mouth means a healthier you.

Your dentist might not wear a white coat and a shiny stethoscope, but they’re just as essential to your overall health as your doctor. So, the next time you think about skipping a dental appointment, remember—your teeth aren’t just about your smile; they’re about your whole body. After all, a healthy mouth is at the heart of a healthy life! Get in touch with Center Street Dental today to book an appointment with your Chardon, OH dentist.

What Is Peri-Implantitis and How Do You Get It?

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If you have dental implants in Chardon, OH, and you don’t know what peri-implantitis is, it’s time you found out! Peri-implantitis can have serious implications for your dental implants. So, let’s take a closer look at this issue. That way, you can take proactive measures to prevent peri-implantitis in the first place.

What Is Peri-Implantitis?

Peri-implantitis is bacteria that forms in your gums around your dental implants. It’s basically gum disease, except it’s around your implants instead of your natural teeth. It can still cause damage to your gums and your other surrounding teeth. So, you don’t want to take this lightly!

How Do You Get Peri-Implantitis?

There are several ways to get peri-implantitis. But the good news is that it’s avoidable and can be easily treated if you catch it early enough.

These are the most common ways you can get peri-implantitis.

  • Poor oral care.
  • Weakened immune system.
  • Uncontrollable oral habits (nervous tick, teeth grinding in your sleep, etc.).

The Symptoms of Peri-Implantitis

If you have any of the following symptoms, see your  dentist in Chardon, OH, immediately.

  • Pain, swelling, or redness around your implant.
  • Visible implant threads.
  • Loose implants.
  • Pus coming from within your gums around your implant.
  • Bone deterioration (feels like a sore jaw).
  • Bleeding gums.
  • Tender or swollen lymph nodes around your armpits or neck.
  • A receding gumline around your implant.

How to Prevent Peri-Implantitis?

If you do the following, you’ll lessen your chances of getting peri-implantitis.

  • Maintain good brushing and flossing habits.
  • Schedule regular dental visits (twice a year).
  • Ask your dentist about preventive treatments.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Don’t smoke or vape (these are huge risk factors for getting peri-implantitis).

How Is Peri-Implantitis Treated?

There are several ways a dentist can treat peri-implantitis. Every dentist will have their preferred method. But here are a few common treatment and prevention options.

  • Deep cleanings
  • Perio Protect
  • LAPIP treatment
  • Antibiotics
  • Surgery

Looking for an Exceptional Dentist in Chardon, OH?

If you think you might have peri-implantitis or some other dental issue, please Contact Center Street Dental today to schedule an exam. You don’t want to let your dental issues get out of control. The longer you put off treatment, the more costly that treatment will be.

Avoiding Risks With Dental Implants

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Dental implants are one of the most popular treatments for missing teeth. Patients appreciate how realistic they look and the way they so closely feel and resemble natural teeth. But if you’re considering dental implants, your dentist in Chardon, OH, wants you to know about the potential risks as well as the benefits of dental implants. Following these guidelines can help ensure a safe and successful procedure.

Follow Dentist’s Instructions

One of the most important steps in avoiding complications with dental implants is to follow your dentist’s instructions in the letter. This includes pre-operative preparations, post-op care, and taking any prescribed medications as instructed. Continued proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing around the implant site, is essential since ignoring these instructions can lead to infections, delayed healing, or even implant failure.

Avoid “Dental Travel” Options

You may have heard from your friends or online about “dental travel.” Traveling abroad for cheaper dental implant procedures, known as “dental travel,” may seem appealing due to lower costs and the fact that you get to be on vacation while receiving dental treatment. However, this option carries significant risks that you may not know about.

Foreign clinics may not adhere to the same stringent standards and regulations as those in the United States, which can result in the use of subpar materials, inadequate sterilization, and insufficient follow-up care. You may not discover until you arrive back home in the states that your dental implant procedure has jeopardized your health.

Also, the logistics of traveling back for any necessary adjustments or addressing complications can be challenging and expensive. It’s much safer to go to a local, accredited dentist like Center Street Dental, where you can get quality, safe, and comprehensive care before, during, and after the treatment.

Assess Overall Health

Your overall health plays a significant role in the success of dental implants, so conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and gum disease can affect healing and increase the risk of implant failure. Ensure that any health issues are managed and under control before undergoing the procedure. Note that your dentist may ask questions about your overall health in order to determine your suitability for dental implants.

For those considering dental implants in Chardon, OH, trusting a local specialist ensures access to high-quality care and ongoing support, so contact us today to discuss your options, and begin your path to a healthier smile.