Keeping your gums healthy is vital to ensuring that your mouth stays happy and healthy too! To ensure this, what are some ways to make sure your gums stay healthy and keep your smile shining bright for years to come!?

Floss, Floss, Floss
Flossing is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can take to fight against gum disease. Keep your gums healthy by flossing once a day to clean those areas in between your teeth which may be hard for your toothbrush to reach.

Brush and Rinse
Brushing twice a day is the most common method of keeping your mouth fresh and clean. It is also a good idea to rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash twice a day too! It is a great way to make an extra step in protecting your gums.

Use the Right Toothpaste
Choosing the right toothpaste is important for keeping your gums healthy. Make sure to grab a toothpaste that contains fluoride in order to get the best results when brushing. Fluoride helps rebuild weakened tooth enamel and reverse signs of tooth decay. Want to make sure you could get even better results? Grab a toothpaste backed by experts at the ADA!

Regular Dentist Checkups
Visiting your dentist twice a year is extremely important in ensuring that your teeth remain healthy and clean! Your dentist will be able to see early symptoms of gum disease, and will be able to get rid of tartar and plaque that may be stuck to your teeth. These bi-annual Check-ups will ensure that your teeth are in tip-top shape.

These four steps can help you significantly improve the health of your gums and reduce your risk of gum disease. If you have any more questions about how to keep your gums healthy, or how to prevent gum disease, give Sound Surgical Arts a call at Tacoma Phone Number 253-564-1000 & 253-565-4700 today!

Keeping your gums healthy is vital to ensuring that your mouth stays clean and your teeth stay intact and in pristine condition. Incorporating a few simple steps into your daily oral hygiene routine will keep your teeth and gums healthy, happy and your smile shining bright for years to come.

Floss Like a Boss
Flossing is one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take to fight against gum disease and keep your gums healthy. Flossing once to twice a day helps to clean the hard to reach areas in-between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.

Keep ‘em Clean
Brushing twice a day is the most commonly preached method of keeping your mouth clean and cavities at bay. Be sure to brush with a fluoride based toothpaste to help to give you the best results when brushing. Next time you are shopping for toothpaste, look for the ADA seal of acceptance in order to ensure your toothpaste is backed by experts!

It is also beneficial to rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash twice a day in order to protect your gums. Rinsing with mouthwash is a great way to finish off thoroughly cleaning your mouth, because it reaches areas that your toothbrush and floss can’t reach.

Stay Regular
Visiting your dentist twice a year is extremely important in preventing oral diseases and guaranteeing that your teeth stay in tip top shape.
Your dentist will perform a thorough cleaning and will show you the proper way to brush and floss if you need a bit of help!

These three steps can help you significantly improve the health of your gums and reduce your risk of developing gum disease. If you have any questions about how to keep your gums healthy and happy, give our office a call, today!

Dental Hygiene is important. Those who practice good oral habits reap the benefits, while the latter… not so much. Most of us have a great deal of control over whether or not we keep our teeth as we age. Those who don’t follow a proper routine, end up losing their teeth, thus requiring the need of tooth replacement (such as dentures, dental implants, etc.). If you want to achieve an optimal level of oral hygiene, all you have to do is follow these do’s and don’ts!

Do…
• Brush your teeth twice a day! Use a soft-bristled brush with a fluoride tooth paste and be sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth, even the hard to reach places.

• Floss your teeth every day! Floss removes food trapped between your teeth and the film of bacteria that forms before it turns into plaque.

• Visit your dentist every 6 months! Regular visits allow your dentist to discover early signs of cavities and gum disease.

• Eat a mouth healthy diet! Indulge yourself in foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and of course, water!

Don’t…

• Forget to replace your toothbrush! Tooth brushes should be replaced every 3 month—or after you recover from being sick. If you have an electric toothbrush, replace the head rather than purchasing a whole new one.

• Brush too soon after eating! Brushing immediately after eating acidic food can cause tiny particles of enamel to be brushed away. To be safe, wait at least 1 hour.

• Go overboard with bleaching! Over-bleaching your teeth can make them very sensitive to hot and cold foods, thus causing a variety of other problems.

• Ignore pain or abnormalities! Toothaches can be a sign of a more serious dental issue. See your dentist as soon as you discover changes in your dental health.

• Consume lots of soft drinks and sugary foods! These foods are highly acidic, which wears away your enamel overtime. Frequent consumption of sugary substances allow plaque to grow more rapidly—thus the likelihood of cavities will increase substantially.

When it comes to your dental hygiene—you have the option between keeping your teeth or not. By starting to practice these dental do’s and don’ts, you will be on the right track to a long-lasting smile. Give us a call today Tacoma Phone Number 253-564-1000 & 253-565-4700!

Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the supporting tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. The condition mainly affects adults in their 30s and 40s, and is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, chronic illnesses or genetic susceptibility. Believe it or not, half of Americans have periodontal (gum) disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. While mild gum disease can be corrected with proper oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing, severe periodontal disease normally requires more extensive treatment.

However, a new laser-technology, called PerioLase, offers a superior alternative to treating gum disease. According to the American Dental Association, many clinicians choose lasers over traditional treatment because they prefer non-surgical management of periodontal disease. In fact, laser treatment can have your gums healthy again within only a couple of visits. This method utilizes PerioLase technology.

Advantages of PerioLase treatment include:

1.No Incisions – With the use of PerioLase technology, your periodontist will be able to avoid cutting into your gums, which also removes the need for sutures, thus allows a faster recovery.

2. Less discomfort – Most patients find PerioLase to be far less painful – during and after the procedure – than your typical surgery. The procedure is so non-invasive that it only requires local anesthetics (numbing), as opposed to the general anesthetics (sleeping) associated with surgery.

3. Shorter procedure – PerioLase usually takes two, 2-hour visits to complete in addition to two follow-up appointments. Conversely, surgery generally requires four, 1-hour sessions along with subsequent visits for suture removal and additional check-ins.

4. Better results – Studies have shown that periodontal laser treatment creates longer-lasting results. In fact, 98 percent of patients remain stable at least five years after the procedure.

5. Few diet restrictions – A dentist may recommend a soft diet for a couple of days following PerioLase, but in most cases, patients feel comfortable enough to eat anything immediately after the procedure.

6. Short recovery time – Recovery from gum surgery can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks, and often includes considerable swelling and pain. PerioLase’s recovery time is less than 24 hours. Many patients report that they’re able to return to work immediately following the procedure.

7. Safe for all patients – PerioLase treatment is safe for all patients, including those with health concerns such as diabetes, HIV, hemophilia, or those taking medications such as aspirin or Plavix.

The American Dental Association is optimistic about the role of PerioLase technology in the field of dentistry. This treatment is also no more expensive than traditional procedures and is covered by most dental insurance plans. Give us a call to learn more about laser therapy for gum disease management at! Tacoma Phone Number 253-564-1000 & 253-565-4700

Missing a tooth? Meet your new best friend—dental implants. Before choosing to opt for a dental implant, it’s important that you understand the in’s and out’s of these replacement teeth and how they will benefit your smile. When replacing a tooth or a gap with a dental implant, you are not only giving your smile the perfect finishing touch, but also allowing yourself the normalcy of a full set of teeth. Below are three reasons as to why dental implants are the best tooth replacement option.

Lasts A Lifetime: Dental implants are made with a combination of titanium (yes, the same titanium used in airplanes and spacecrafts!) and jawbone that creates a sturdy foundation for the replacement tooth. This replacement tooth is able to withstand numerous years of regular wear and tear when paired with a proper oral hygiene routine that is consistent and thorough. This powerful replacement tooth (or teeth) is permanent—so you won’t have to worry about getting a new one anytime soon. To ensure that you keep your dental implants in tip top shape, take the initiative to clean your implants after enjoying any foods or drinks—just as you would with your natural teeth.

Can Prevent Gum Disease: By having a dental implant in place of a gap, you are able to prevent any debris or bacteria from being trapped within the crevices between your teeth and gums. In fact, a dental implant can give you the appropriate amount of space you need to maintain a daily brushing and flossing ritual, reducing the risk of irritation of your gums, like periodontitis.

Restores Chewing Power: One of the biggest advantages of dental implants is being able to fully chew and eat again! In fact, studies show that many patients fail to even find a difference between a natural tooth and a dental implant, as they look and feel just the same. With the ability to chew properly, you’re able to maintain a normal and healthy balanced diet (and life) by being able to eat a variety of your favorite foods.

When looking for a replacement tooth option, consider dental implants. Need more information or want to learn more? Give us a call at Tacoma Phone Number 253-564-1000 & 253-565-4700 to explore the next steps to regain not only your smile back, but your confidence too.

Missing teeth? You may be trying to decide what replacement procedure is best for you; dental implants, dentures or maybe even another option. When it comes to choosing, we always recommend dental implants. Dental Implants are a permanent solution to a lost tooth (or teeth) and have many benefits over some of your other options. To help make your decision a little bit easier, we’ve created a list of the top three benefits of dental implants!

1. Dental Implants Act Like Natural Teeth!

One of the most well-known benefits of dental implants is that they look and act just like your natural teeth. When properly placed, dental implants are nearly impossible to detect. Unlike dentures, which are removable and can cause discomfort to the wearer, dental implants are surgically placed into the jaw and provide no discomfort.

When dental implants are implanted to your jawbone, they provide the utmost of stability. This means that you can continue to eat your favorite foods, speak normally, and enjoy your improved self-esteem!

2. Improves Your Oral Health

Losing a tooth can have a big effect on the overall health of your mouth. When a tooth is lost, your gums begin to recede, which then causes the teeth to begin to shift, ultimately weakening your jaw bone which causes major problems for the rest of your remaining teeth. Dental implants provide stability to the jaw and prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting.

3. Reliability

Due to the permanent nature of dental implants, when properly taken care of, the implants can last a lifetime! Luckily, taking care of your implant is simple. Simply treat the implant as you would your other teeth, with the help of proper brushing and flossing.

Taking action to replace your missing tooth sooner rather than later will result in less headaches in the future. If you are considering dental implants as a dental procedure, give our office a call to schedule your consultation at Tacoma Phone Number 253-564-1000 & 253-565-4700!

3 Periodontal Myths

Periodontitis is not a very well-known disease. In fact, because of this, gums are often overlooked and under cared for. If people knew the vital role that gums played in the grand scheme of things, and the danger periodontitis presents, perhaps they would be taken more seriously.
When it comes down to factual or fictional information regarding your periodontal health, it’s important to have a reliable source. Being well informed gives you the tools you need to take the steps necessary in preventing this disease. Thus, we compiled a list of the top three myths surrounding Periodontitis!

1. Treatment is Painful: FALSE! Although the disease itself is painful, the treatments we offer don’t have to be. In fact, there are a variety of anesthesia options that you can choose from to comfort you during the procedure, so that you’ll feel little to nothing!

2. Antibiotics Can Cure The Disease: Again, FALSE! Although there is no harm in using antibiotics to ease the pain and discomfort that you’re feeling, the medication doesn’t fully treat the disease.

3. Periodontitis is Caused ONLY by a Lack of Oral Hygiene: FALSE! Although prolonged plaque and built up tartar on your teeth can definitely develop into periodontitis, it doesn’t mean that a lack of oral hygiene is the only cause. In fact, genetics and other medications play a big part in whether or not you are at a higher risk of this disease.

Unfortunately, there are a ton of more myths circulating around Periodontal disease. Before you fall susceptible to them, give our office a call! We can further answer any question you may have regarding prevention, symptoms, and treatments. Tacoma Phone Number 253-564-1000 & 253-565-4700

Holiday Food Guide For After Your Wisdom Teeth Surgery

Having your wisdom teeth removed during the holidays might be upsetting— especially when thinking about all the food you’re going to miss out on. Luckily for you, there’s still hope! Fortunately, there are plenty of options that are not only delicious, but post-removal friendly!

Below is a handy post-wisdom teeth removal food guide to help you through the holiday season!

Blended soups: With the colder weather, hearty soups can not only be filling, but also easy to eat post wisdom teeth removal. Blended soups made of pumpkin or tomato will give you that festive feeling you’re looking for, while also fueling your body with vitamins like A, C and E! This will give you the nutrition your body needs, that solid foods can normally supply. Just be sure that the soups are easy to eat and don’t contain bits that could irritate or infect the area of surgery!

Salmon: Salmon is an excellent choice after your wisdom teeth removal because it’s soft and easy to chew texture. This makes an excellent main dish as it’s a great source of protein! Also rich in omega-fatty acids, Salmon may even help in the healing process by reducing inflammation!

Mashed potatoes: A holiday dinner staple! Mashed potatoes are not only a great and festive comfort food, but they’re rich in calories and will give you the energy you need while you are recovering. The great things about potatoes is that they can be prepared in a variety of different ways, are easy to eat and post-surgery friendly!

Hummus: Hummus is an excellent source of healthy fats and makes a perfect soft side dish that has plenty of protein. Plus, it’s so tasty!

Soft desserts: What are the holidays without lots of desserts? There are plenty of post-removal friendly desserts that will be sure to still give you a warm and fuzzy feeling! Puddings are a delightful treat, as the soft texture is easy to eat and won’t irritate wounds. Soft cakes and pies are fine too, just make sure to avoid the hard crust!

Even if you are planning on getting your wisdom teeth removed, don’t let it get in the way of having a wonderful holiday season this year! If you have any other questions about what foods to eat after your procedure, or want to schedule an appointment, feel free to call our office Tacoma Phone Number 253-564-1000 & 253-565-4700!

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