Author: Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

Soft & Healthy Foods After Dental Implant Surgery

Posted on by Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

Foods-After-Surgery1-300x300On our website and social media channels, we have thoroughly explained why and how oral surgery is beneficial. Here’s a reason that has gone unmentioned: it will make you appreciate the solid foods and acidic drinks that you aren’t able to eat or drink immediately after your procedure.  Sandwiches, chips, and orange juice should all be avoided after your wisdom tooth removal, dental implant surgery, orthagnathic surgery etc. Too much chewing can possibly re-open the sensitive areas of your mouth, and can cause bleeding or even infection. But don’t worry – we have a few healthy food and beverage recommendations when your mouth is delicate.

First 24 Hours

For the first 24 hours after your surgery, your teeth/jaw will need some time off. Therefore, smoothies, low-fat jello/puddings, and cold soups will be the most beneficial for your healing process. It is extremely important to refrain from using a straw, as the sucking causes excess strain, which ultimately can delay the healing process. Here are a few recommendations:

Banana Mango Shake- A healthy, filling way to start the day after your surgery. Also, bananas help replace electrolytes and maintain fluid balance within your body.

Applesauce- You can’t eat apples, but this is the next best thing!

Tomato Soup- A great snack even when your mouth isn’t sensitive.

Cold Pasta- Ever tried a Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Orzo? Might be the perfect time to expand your taste buds!

Next Few Weeks

Over the next few weeks, you will start easing into enjoying solid foods again. Here are some tasty transitional foods (some can even help the healing process!)

Broccoli Omelet: Who would’ve thought thathealing from oral surgery could be so healthy? Broccoli contains enough calcium to speed up the healing process, and the eggs provide enough protein to make this a fully substantial meal while taking it easy on your teeth/jaw.

Chicken Salad: Finally some real meat! Chicken that is chopped up into small pieces can be eaten with a salad, or even a cold pasta. The chicken provides the protein, while the salad (with soft vegetables) provides the healthy goodness.

 

5 Points for Wearing a Mouth Guard During Sports

Posted on by Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

It’s easy for people to not realize what they have until it’s gone. Imagine what it would be like if you were missing one of your front teeth? You’d probably be a bit embarrassed smiling and talking, and not to mention eating would feel pretty abnormal as well. The good news is that taking preventative measures to protect your smile can diminish the chances of you having a toothless smile.

Wearing a mouth guard when playing sports decreases the risk of injuries to the mouth or jaw. Some sports players don’t like to wear mouth guards because of the inconvenience of their appearance while wearing one, but more injuries can happen when not wearing a mouth guard that can affect your appearance in a much more inconvenient way. Here are five reasons why you should always protect your pearly whites when participating in any contact sports or collision sports where unexpected contact can happen:

1. Protection Against Tooth Fractures

Mouth guards protect your teeth from chipping and breaking. Even though tooth fractures can usually be saved, why go through the risk when wearing a mouth guard can save you all the trouble.

2. Protection Against Tooth Replacement

Wearing a mouth guard is cushion for your teeth, so if a ball hits your face your teeth don’t receive a crushing force. However, if a ball hits your mouth without a mouth guard, it can result in completely breaking or ruining your tooth, leaving you with a toothless smile and an emergency call to Dr. Silberg’s office. Having a gap in your smile due to an accident that could have been prevented isn’t worth it.

3. Protection Against Soft Tissue Injuries

Some contact sports involve quick impacts that could leave you biting through your tongue or lips! A mouth guard can prevent soft tissue injuries by creating a soft resistance from teeth contacting your lips and tongue.

4. Protection Against Concussions

According to the American Dental Association, mouth guards could help reduce the severity and incidence concussions. A properly fitted mouth guard decreases the likelihood of sustaining concussive injury because the padding between the mandible and the maxilla can lessen the force of the mandible pushing up on the skull near the brain, which causes a concussion.

 

5. Protection Against Jaw Fractures

Wearing a protective mouth guard protects you from jaw fractures. Impact to the neck or jaw could result in serious injury, but with the protection of a mouth guard during an impact, it reduces the likelihood of jaw dislodgement or neck trauma.

 

The Academy of General Dentistry estimates that mouth guards prevent more than 200,000 injuries each year! Using a mouth guard won’t only help prevent you from dental and jaw injuries but can also prevent damage to braces or other orthodontic work. If you’re ready to take the step to save your smile when playing sports, contact Dr. Silberg for more information about mouth guard protection.

 

All Oral Bacteria is Not Equal

Posted on by Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

The mouth harbors a diverse and plentiful microbial community due to its hospitable environment. It is warm, nutrient-rich and maintains an ideal pH balance. This highly diverse microflora inhabits the various surfaces of the normal mouth-gums, teeth, tongue, cheeks. What many people don’t realize is that most of the bacteria are beneficial organisms and live in harmony with each other and the human body.

The “Bad Guys” of Dental Bacteria

Interestingly, a new born baby’s mouth does not contain bacteria, but becomes colonized rapidly in the early stages of life. Nobody knows for sure how many different bacteria species there are. Estimates in the oral cavity alone vary between 500 to 650 different species. Only a few specific species are believed to cause dental caries, including Steptococcus mutans, considered the most important bacteria involved with tooth decay. However, the type of bacteria varies according to the progress of tooth destruction.

This harmful bacteria collects around the teeth and gums forming a sticky, creamy-colored mass called plaque. Some areas of the mouth collect plaque more commonly due to less salivary flow, such as grooves in molars and between teeth. The oral cavity actually contains the only known part of the human body that does not have a regulated system of shedding surfaces: the teeth. This allows plaque to adhere to the surface of teeth for long periods of time. At first, plaque is soft enough to come off easily with a toothbrush. However, it starts to harden within 48 hours. After about 10 days, the plaque becomes dental calculus, called tarter, and is now difficult to remove.

Villains Love Carbohydrates

Sugars from candy, soft drinks, and fruit juice can play a significant role in tooth decay. When sucrose (table sugar), the most common of sugars, coats the surface of the mouth, some intraoral bacteria interact with it. The result is lactic acid, which decreases the pH in the mouth. This demineralization allows for greater bacterial invasion deep into the tooth.

Cariogenicity, or the extent to which tooth decay is likely, depends heavily on how long the sugar remains in the mouth. Surprisingly, it is not the amount of sugar ingested but the frequency of sugar ingestion that is the most important factor in tooth decay.

Bacteria’s Kryptonite

Oral hygiene is key to battling the bacteria “bad guys.” Brushing your teeth twice a day will reduce dental plaque and food particles collecting around your teeth. Additionally, it is imperative to floss daily to wipe all your enamel surfaces free of plaque to discourage bacterial growth. Good general oral-health habits can usually prevent enough bacterial growth to keep tooth decay from starting.

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Understanding Gum Disease… Is It Affecting YOU?

Posted on by Pinnacle Center - Dental Implants Periodontics

A staggering 90% of Americans grapple with periodontal disease annually. This alarming number indicates that most people will, at some juncture in their lives, encounter this dental concern. The depth, intensity, and repercussions of the disease vary among individuals, but it’s clear that oral health is a nationwide concern that cannot be ignored.

Dental Bacterial Plaque: The Primary Offender

Central to the onset of gum disease is the formation of dental bacterial plaque. This seemingly innocuous biofilm takes shape when bacteria find a niche at the intersection where teeth and gums meet. When we picture our mouth, it’s beneficial to envision it as a bustling, dynamic ecosystem, where the soft and hard oral tissues live in synergy with an extensive array of bacterial species.

Factors Exacerbating Gum Disease

Several factors, both internal and external, can amplify the risk of developing periodontal disease. Poor dietary choices, smoking, certain medications, and even genetic predispositions can expedite the disease’s progression. Hormonal changes in women, diabetes, and other illnesses can also make individuals more susceptible to gum issues.

Maintaining the Oral Ecosystem’s Balance

Maintaining the equilibrium of this intricate oral ecosystem is paramount. Without consistent and meticulous oral hygiene practices, the balance can quickly tip in favor of disease-causing bacteria. It’s analogous to a garden. Without regular care, nurturing, and weeding, it can quickly become overrun by invasive species. In the realm of oral health, brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups play the vital roles of gardener, ensuring that the environment remains conducive to health and well-being.

From Gingivitis to Periodontitis: The Progression of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease doesn’t appear overnight. It usually starts subtly as gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. This is the body’s response to the harmful bacteria amassing at the gum line. If these early signs are ignored, or if inadequate treatment is sought, gingivitis can metamorphose into periodontitis. In this advanced stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can become infected. The body’s immune response coupled with bacterial toxins can start to break down the bone and connective tissue holding the teeth in place, leading to loose teeth or even tooth loss.

Proactive Steps for Prevention

While the statistics are daunting, it’s essential to remember that periodontal disease, especially in its early stages, is preventable and treatable. Regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, a balanced diet, and good oral hygiene practices are the cornerstones of prevention.

Prioritize Your Oral Health with Pinnacle Center

Don’t let the threat of gum disease loom large over your life. At Pinnacle Center – Dental Implants & Periodontics, we’re dedicated to equipping you with the knowledge, tools, and treatments necessary to maintain or restore your oral health. Schedule your comprehensive appointment for gum disease treatment in Pittsburgh with our team of experts, and embark on a journey towards a brighter, healthier smile. Your oral health deserves prioritization, and with the right care, you can ensure it remains in peak condition for years to come.