Jacksonville Dental Specialist Blog

Genetics comes into play for a lot of things. Your hair and eye color are just a couple that can be influenced, but did you know your smile can as well? For instance, you might be at a higher risk of conditions like gum disease. You might be wondering if you can blame your parents for this oral health issue, but not entirely. Here’s what you need to know.

Drinking too much alcohol is bad for your overall health. It’s also problematic for your gums. Whether you prefer to have a nightcap before going to bed or enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, regular consumption can affect the soft oral tissues that help hold your teeth in place. Keep reading to learn more about this connection between alcohol and gum disease and what you can do to avoid worsening oral health.

Dental crowns are designed to protect and restore damaged teeth, but they do not last forever. Many patients received metal crowns years or even decades ago because they were durable and effective. While metal crowns can provide long-lasting protection, there may come a time when replacing them is the best choice for your oral health and appearance.

If your metal crown is showing signs of wear or causing concerns, delaying replacement could lead to more significant dental problems.

Dental implants are one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. Because implants can be a significant investment, many patients are tempted by advertisements offering extremely low-cost or “discount” dental implants. While saving money may sound appealing, choosing implants based solely on price can lead to serious oral health problems and costly complications later.

Before committing to bargain implant treatment, it’s important to understand the potential risks involved.

Your dental implant consultation is your opportunity to discuss this smile-restoring treatment from start to finish with your dentist. There, he and your dental team will go into greater detail about the surgery, prosthetics, and even the recovery period. They’ll also provide a thorough oral health exam and review your medical history, and you’ll be able to ask any questions you may have about the treatment and process.

In that spirit, here are five common things patients ask about dental implant surgery, and the answers you need to make an informed decision about restoring your beautiful smile with these life-changing prosthetics!

Pregnancy is a time when your health—and your baby’s health—comes first. If you’re missing a tooth and considering dental implants, you might wonder whether it’s safe to move forward during pregnancy. The short answer is that dental implants are typically not recommended while you’re pregnant, but there are safe ways to manage your oral health in the meantime.

Healthy gums are firm, pink, and fit snugly around your teeth. So, if yours have started to feel soft, puffy, or spongy—even if they aren’t painful—that’s your mouth waving a red flag. Soft or spongy gums are often a sign of gum disease or other issues, and it’s better to act sooner rather than later! Here’s what could be going on and what to do about it.

When it comes to keeping your gums healthy, brushing and flossing are only part of the picture. What you eat every day can also play a surprisingly powerful role in preventing and managing gum disease.

If your gums feel tender, swollen, or prone to bleeding, adding the right foods to your diet can help support healing and reduce inflammation. Think of it as giving your gums the nutrients they need to stay strong and resilient.

If you’re suffering from oral illnesses such as gum disease or gingivitis, you may think the only risks are to your smile. But recent studies have shown that periodontal problems can affect your entire body, including your mental health. Here’s a closer look at some of the dangers of poor gum health to your brain, and what you can do about it.

The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body. This means, if you are experiencing gum disease, it can negatively affect your overall wellbeing. It has even been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Read on to learn more about the connection between gum disease and brain health as well as some steps to keep your gums healthy in the future!