Know the Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease

Cigarette Cause Periodontal Disease - Laurel Dental Clinic - Dentist Near Me - Port Angeles Dentist

Periodontal disease, ranging from slight to severe, is very prevalent in our society.  Nearly 50% of adults in the US over the age of 30 are impacted by periodontal disease. That percentage jumps to 70% in adults 65 and older.  So, what are some of the factors that increase our risk for developing periodontal disease … Read more

Replacing Missing Teeth? Read this first!

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With nearly 178 million US adults missing at least one tooth and many options for replacement, it’s important to know all of your options so you can make the most well-informed decision. • Single Tooth Implant If you are missing a single tooth, then a single tooth implant to replace it may be your best … Read more

What are the Oral Health Effects of Menopause?

Menopause Oral Affects - Laurel Dental Clinic - Dentist Near Me - Port Angeles Dentist

Menopause is a phase of life all women must go through, yet many of the symptoms are seldom discussed. In this post we want to address the impact menopause can have on women’s oral health. Around 3,000 women reach menopause every day, but the manifestations of menopause in oral health are far less widely discussed … Read more

What is the link between Diabetes & Periodontal Disease?

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There has been a link between these two diseases that have been studied for years and time and again a strong correlation has been found. The severity of the periodontal disease increases with poor glycemic control and blood sugar levels are more difficult to regulate in individuals with periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has even been … Read more

What are the Stages of Periodontal Disease?

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Your hygienist has probably discussed periodontal disease with you, they take measurements of the gums at least every 12 months to aid in determining what stage of health your gums and bone are at. This is part of the periodontal assessment which includes but is not limited to: pocket depths, recession, bleeding, mobility, and root … Read more

Why do I have Gum Recession?

Periodontal Disease Gum Recession - Laurel Dental Clinic - Dentist Near Me - Port Angeles Dentist

 “Gum recession is when the margin of the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth’s root.” (Oral B) Sometimes this can happen if someone does take good care of their teeth, you may experience gum recession at some point in your life. It actually affects to … Read more

Does Cannabis Use Negatively Impact Oral Health?

Cannabis

Recreational cannabis (marijuana) consumption has been legal in Washington State since 2012. With the increase in cannabis use since it’s legalization, we are better able to see the effects it has on oral health. As health professionals, we understand the benefits cannabis use can have to treat a variety of ailments, but we also have … Read more

An Explanation of Tooth Resorption

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While tooth decay and periodontal disease are the most common risk factors in oral health, there are some less common dangers to look out for. One of these being tooth resorption. Resorption is the process by which a material is reabsorbed. Resorption of teeth can be a normal physiological process (exfoliation of primary teeth) or a pathological … Read more

Planning Ahead: Dental Work before Retirement

Oral Health Retirement Plan - Laurel Dental Clinic - Dentist Near Me - Port Angeles Dentist

If you’re planning on retiring in the next 5 years, congratulations! Also, it’s time to start thinking about making sure your dental needs are taken care of. Many people wait until they’re about to retire to try and squeeze in needed dental work. If you’re within the 5-year range, it’s a great idea to let … Read more

When do I need dental x-rays?

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Annual x-ray imaging (radiographs) can be a polarizing topic in the dental office, as a patient or guardian of a patient it can be hard to determine the necessity. The answer in some cases may be, no you don’t need radiographs each year, maybe you need them every 18-24 months. There are multiple factors that … Read more