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What is gum disease? 

Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria help to form plaque on our teeth. Brushing and flossing help to get rid of plaque. The plaque that is not removed by these practices hardens and forms “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. This tartar can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. 

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. The culprit for this disease is usually poor brushing and flossing habits. These poor habits allow plaque – a sticky film of bacteria – to build up on the teeth and harden. If the disease worsens, it can lead to sore, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss.

There are risk factors for gum disease, but smoking is the most significant. Other risk factors include hormonal changes in women, diabetes, and medications that lessen the flow of saliva.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

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Having to live, eat, and brush around braces is certainly a big task. Many teens and adults who have braces worry about braving the dating scene. Braces can make dating seem daunting and heightens nerves all around. Never fear! There’s no reason your orthodontic treatment should hamper your romantic life. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, dating with braces is possible and still just as fun. Here are a few of our tips and suggestions for a painless date night!

 

 Can You Kiss with Braces?

Yes! We know that kissing with braces seems daunting. We’re asked about how to go about kissing with braces, or if people get stuck together when kissing with braces. So, here are a few facts about kissing to reassure you. Kissing has its benefits! Saliva production increases when kissing, making it great for your teeth and oral health. Contrary to belief, exposure to your partner’s germs can also improve your immune system. A passionate kiss can help you to burn a few extra calories when your heart rate increases.

While it’s true that your mouth is full of bacteria, and that especially during cold and flu season it’s easy to exchange germs, a good oral health regimen can keep disease at bay. 

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Canker sores are flat white sores that appear in your mouth and can last for a week or more. What causes these small mouth ulcers is unknown. Canker sores aren’t a serious issue, but they aren’t the most comfortable.  However, they are quite easy to prevent, especially once you understand what triggers them.

 

In This Post, We’ll Cover

• Do Braces Cause Canker Sores?
• What Causes Canker Sores?
• Preventing Canker Sores
• How to Get Rid of Canker Sores

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Oftentimes, older teens and adults who are referred to an orthodontist aren’t very excited to begin treatment. Rightfully so! Having a mouth full of metal to clean, eat, and live around can be daunting. The option that many may overlook when searching for orthodontic treatment is Invisalign, the nearly invisible alternative to braces. Some people may write this treatment option off due to price or success rate – but we’re here to bust those Invisalign myths!

 

 Successful Treatment

It can be a scary experience when you are given a referral to see an orthodontist or consider improving your smile. Braces are grounds for embarrassment for the self-conscious teen and the up-and-coming professional. 

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According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in four patients is an adult. With so many options available in modern orthodontics, there’s no reason to put off a beautiful smile. There are many treatment options available to reduce treatment time. 

With all the effort put towards eating right, staying fit, and otherwise taking care of themselves, there is no reason why adults should not have beautiful teeth! There are many benefits to getting braces at any age. Everyone wants a straight and gorgeous smile and the positives do not stop with appearance. When teeth are crowded or badly positioned, it can lead to serious problems in the future. A poor bite can affect the function of the teeth and can even lead to tooth loss and gum disease. 

Don’t wait any longer for the smile you deserve! There is no better time than the present to schedule a complimentary exam. 

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Most people love to get outside and enjoy the sunshine! For those of you who love catching some rays, you’re in luck! A little sunshine actually helps your teeth during orthodontic treatment. A little sunshine has been found to have several benefits, such as improving mood, our immune functions, and catalyzing vitamin D production in our bodies. Keep reading for some advice on how sunshine can help your teeth from Dr. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics.

While in braces, healthy teeth and gums are of vital importance. Vitamin D actually helps to support oral health in two ways:

• It helps our bodies to absorb and utilize calcium

Vitamin D has several major functions. One of its major functions is moderating other vitamins and minerals – including calcium. Calcium is crucial because it fortifies our teeth and supports jaw and bone strength. Several studies have shown greater cavity risk for people who live in regions with little sunlight – sometimes as much as double the risk.

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