4 Dangers of Losing a Natural Tooth

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When you lose a natural tooth, it’s traumatizing. No one wants to lose a permanent tooth, even thoughdental implants in Gilbert, AZ, are available at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry. But if you do lose a natural tooth, it’s imperative that you act quickly to avoid additional problems. Losing a natural tooth isn’t just a cosmetic issue. The loss can increase even if you don’t visit your dentist immediately. Here are four dangers to be aware of:

1. Bone Loss

When a tooth is missing, there is no pressure on the bone immediately above the gap. Without that pressure, the bone will atrophy, decreasing bone density and volume. This condition can even change the structure and appearance of your face. This complicates any future plans for a dental implant, too.

2. Shifting of Teeth

Each tooth is a placeholder in addition to its other functions. Without that placeholder, the other teeth will begin to shift. Over time, this can lead to a larger misalignment of the teeth and can even cause TMJ to develop.

3. Speech Impairments

The loss of certain teeth—particularly the front teeth—can cause speech impairments, such as lisps. It can also affect the ability to sing, whistle, and make other common sounds.

4. Increased Risk of Infections

Gaps caused by losing a natural tooth can act like traps for food particles and bacteria, increasing the risk of oral infections, gum disease, and tooth decay in adjacent teeth. Periodontal disease, which is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic health issues, can also be exacerbated by tooth loss.

If you’ve lost a natural tooth or have a permanent tooth in danger of falling out, please visit yourGilbert, AZ, dentist as soon as possible for treatment.

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

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Bleeding gums is a common problem that many people experience. If you’ve ever had your gums bleed when brushing your teeth or eating, this could be a sign of a problem with your oral health. Understanding what this means and what you can do about it can help you take care of your teeth. Visiting yourdentist in Gilbert, AZ, is important. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Bleeding Gums? 

Bleeding gums can have many causes, some relating to oral health and others not. Your dentist can help you determine what’s causing your particular problem. Below are some of the common reasons that people experience bleeding gums:

  • Gingivitis or periodontal disease
  • Ill-fitting dental devices
  • Use of blood thinners or certain medications
  • Pregnancy
  • Brushing too hard or brushing with a hard-bristle toothbrush
  • Certain types of cancer and bleeding disorders

What Should You Do If Your Gums Bleed?

If you’ve noticed your gums bleeding when you’re brushing your teeth or at other times, talk to your dentist. Many people experience bleeding gums when they have gingivitis or periodontal disease. These conditions are caused by an infection in the mouth.

Your dentist will be able to help you by taking steps to clean your mouth and eliminate bacteria. Depending on the diagnosis, your dentist may need to thoroughly clean your teeth, prescribe antibiotics, or recommend more frequent teeth cleanings.

If the problem is not caused by gingivitis or periodontal disease, the dentist will take steps to help you learn the cause of your bleeding gums.

Make A Dental Appointment

At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we help patients like you to take better care of their teeth and gums. Call today to make an appointment for adental exam in Gilbert, AZ. We’re committed to helping you maintain healthy teeth.

Bridges Vs. Implants: What to Know

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Bridges and implants are two dental tools that professionals use to help patients fill a gap when a tooth is missing. When it comes to choosing a type of prosthetic tooth, it’s important to make an informed decision. Knowing the difference between a bridge and an implant is important. Yourdentist in Gilbert, AZ, can help. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we offer dental advice and care to help our patients make good decisions for their oral hygiene needs. If you’re trying to decide between a dental bridge and a dental implant, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic tooth held in place with crowns that grip the teeth on either side of the gap. Dental bridges look natural and can’t be distinguished from normal teeth.

Dental bridges are color-matched to the surrounding teeth, so the dental bridge that’s installed in your mouth will be the same color as the rest of your teeth. To have a dental bridge installed, you’ll need the tooth or teeth on either side of the dental bridge to be healthy.

What Is an Implant?

An implant is a prosthetic tooth that’s inserted into the jaw. Once healed, the dental implant is fused with the jaw, similar to the way a tooth root is firmly implanted in the mouth. The implant is topped with a crown that looks just like a real tooth. In this way, dental implants look like and function like real teeth. To have a dental implant, you’ll need sufficient jaw bone for the implant to take hold.

Which One Do You Need?

The decision to get a dental implant or a bridge depends on your oral hygiene and oral health. Your dentist will be able to walk you through the options to determine what best fits your needs. To learn more about dental implants anddental bridges in Gilbert, AZ, call today to make an appointment.

Why Is My Breath Bad?

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Bad breath can be frustrating, especially if you brush and floss regularly. For many people, getting rid of bad breath is as easy as brushing their teeth. However, for some people, bad breath can be an ongoing problem. Knowing what causes bad breath and what you can do about it can help you take better care of your teeth. As yourdentist in Gilbert, AZ, we’re here to help. Here’s what to know about managing your bad breath.

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath can have many causes. Here are some of the reasons that people experience bad breath:

  • Poor oral hygiene. If you have poor oral hygiene habits, you’re likely to experience bad breath. Brushing and flossing regularly can help eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath. If you do not floss once daily and brush twice daily, work on your oral hygiene habits to help with your breath.
  • Eating foods that cause bad breath. Some foods cause bad breath and continue to cause bad breath even after you’ve brushed your teeth because the food particles have been absorbed into the blood. Onions and garlic may have this effect.
  • Smoking. Smoking and using tobacco products can have a negative impact on your oral hygiene and oral health. Therefore, smoking may cause a variety of problems that could cause your breath to smell.
  • Dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition that causes bad breath because saliva helps clean the mouth and eliminate bacteria that keep your breath smelling good.
  • Periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue caused by bacteria. People who have periodontal disease may experience bad breath because of the bacteria causing the infection.

When to See the Dentist

If you’re experiencing bad breath and brushing your teeth isn’t helping, contact your dentist for adental exam in Gilbert, AZ. We’re committed to helping our patients improve their oral hygiene at Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry. We can help.

What to Expect At Your Baby’s First Dental Appointment

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Your child will likely start growing their first teeth by the time they turn one year old. When they do, it’s important to bring your child to the dentist for the first time. Getting early dental care is important because it can help thedentist in Gilbert, AZ, identify any dental problems your child may have. If your child needs intervention or treatment, then they’ll get that dental care they need.

Bringing your baby to the dentist for the first time can be a great experience, but it helps to know more about what to expect during the appointment. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we help patients have a good experience when they bring their child to the dentist for the first time. Here’s what you need to know.

Examination

During your baby’s first dental examination, the dentist will look inside their mouth to see that everything is developing normally. They’ll inspect your child’s teeth, but it won’t take very long. The examination will not take as long as the dental examinations you experience when you go to the dentist because your baby will not have the same kind of tolerance that you do.

Talk With the Dentist

The dentist will invite you to ask any questions that you may have about taking care of your baby’s teeth. Your baby will need you to brush their teeth for them. Brushing a baby’s teeth differs from brushing your own, so the dentist may need to advise you on how this is done.

Ready to Bring Your Baby to the Dentist? Call Today

At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we help children maintain healthy teeth and gums from an early age. To bring your child for adental examination in Gilbert, AZ, call today to make an appointment.

How Often Are Dental X-rays Needed?

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Your dentist in Gilbert, AZ, will occasionally want to take x-rays during your dental visits. Sometimes, you may wonder if dental x-rays are absolutely necessary. After all, they add to the length of time your dental visit takes. Here is some insight into why your dentist takes dental X-rays and how often they are needed.

What are Dental X-rays Used For?

During your dental exam, your dentist performs a visual inspection of your teeth, gums, and oral soft tissue. However, this visual inspection can only go so far in detecting oral health conditions like cavities and disease. Dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool that enables your dentist to see beyond what is obvious to what conditions might be developing. or to detect oral health conditions that exist where the eye cannot see, such as the jaw bone.

What Dental X-rays Can Detect

Depending upon what kind of dental X-rays your dentist offers, they can detect:

  • decay occurring below tooth fillings
  • bone loss in the jawbone
  • infection in the gums and other soft tissue
  • impacted teeth
  • position of teeth that have not yet erupted
  • abscessed teeth
  • cysts, tumors and similar growths
  • cavities
  • and more

Dental x-rays are also used to determine your candidacy for sera dental procedures, such as dental implants, dentures and orthodontic braces.

Finally, they are also used in root canal therapy and in monitoring the progress of bone grafting treatments.

How Often Are Dental X-rays Needed?

Dental x-rays are needed whenever you visit your dentist at six-month intervals. They are also necessary when the dentist needs to check the progress of certain treatments mentioned above or when there is an oral health concern where a visual inspection is not sufficient.

If you need dental X-rays in Gilbert, AZ, you can be sure that your dentist will take the utmost precautions and never do X-rays when they aren’t necessary. To book your next dental appointment, please contact us today.

What’s the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?

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When talking about oral health, the terms plaque and tartar are frequently used. But the two are not the same thing, and it’s important to know the differences between them. Brushing and flossing are part of the essential at-home oral hygiene tasks that everyone should do, but they don’t take care of everything related to taking care of your teeth. There are some things—like removing tartar—that can only be accomplished at your Gilbert, AZ dentist’s office.

What is Plaque?

Plaque is the yellowish, sticky biofilm that accumulates on teeth overnight or when teeth haven’t been brushed. It starts to form almost immediately after eating and drinking, which is why dentists recommend brushing your teeth after every meal.

Plaque is made up of a combination of bacteria, saliva and food particles, and it sticks to the surface of the teeth, forming a soft, sticky layer that can erode tooth enamel and create cavities.

What is Tartar?

Tartar is plaque that has hardened. Plaque that has hardened—or mineralized—is called tartar. Tartar is like a cement that forms on the surface of the teeth. Unlike plaque, tartar can’t be brushed away. It requires the professional services of a dental hygienist, who removes it using special tools. Tartar can form in between teeth, too, or anywhere that your toothbrush misses.

 

How Quickly Does Plaque Mineralize?

Plaque starts to form very soon after you eat or drink. It begins the mineralization process over a few days or weeks. The sooner that you brush away plaque buildup, the better you can stave off the formation of tartar.

The only way to get rid of tartar is by visiting your dentist for a dental cleaning. These should take place every six months, at a minimum. To book your next dental cleaning in Gilbert, AZ, contact us today.

Can I Tell If I Have a Cavity?

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If you have a cavity, you may experience few symptoms or many symptoms. Knowing what to look for can help you decide when it’s time to see the dentist in Gilbert, AZ. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we offer cavity-filling services and dental cleanings to help keep your teeth healthy and beautiful.

What Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a hole in your tooth. Cavities are the result of tooth decay caused by bacteria and poor oral hygiene. Children often get cavities because they often have poor oral hygiene and eat a lot of sugar, but anyone can get a cavity at any age.

What Are the Signs of a Cavity?
Some people can tell they have a cavity when they experience pain and tooth sensitivity, but others don’t notice any signs at all. Some of the common signs of cavities include:

Pain when eating and drinking something sweet
Brown or black stains on your teeth
A visible hole in your tooth enamel
Tooth sensitivity
Pain when biting down
What Should You Do If You Have a Cavity?
A cavity can be a small problem at first, but cavities often develop into bigger problems as time goes on. If you have a cavity, it’s important to see a dentist to get a filling. If you don’t seek treatment for your cavity, then it may turn into an infection that could result in a root canal.

If the problem continues to develop, you may even need a tooth extraction. The best thing you can do for your tooth is to see the dentist as soon as possible.

Do you need a cavity filling in Gilbert, AZ? Call today to make an appointment.

4 Tips to Maintain White Teeth This Summer

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Summer is a time for smiles. Whether you’re visiting friends and relatives, hosting a barbecue in your backyard, or dancing at a friend’s wedding, it’s important to have a smile that makes you feel confident. Your dentist in Gilbert, AZ, can help! By keeping your teeth clean and by seeking professional whitening services, you can enjoy white teeth throughout the summer.

1. Get your teeth professionally cleaned on schedule.

Most dentists recommend that their patients get their teeth cleaned every six months. If you haven’t been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time. Get your teeth professionally cleaned to remove plaque and tartar that can cause stains and discolorations.

2. Have your teeth whitened.

Professional teeth whitening in Gilbert, AZ, can turn your teeth many shades whiter and can keep your teeth that way for a while. Professional teeth whitening is a great way to make your smile sparkle.

3. Maintain good oral hygiene at home.

Of course, you can’t have white teeth if you’re not cleaning your teeth effectively at home. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three months. Also, get a tutorial from your dentist on brushing and flossing next time you’re at the dentist’s office to ensure that you’re doing it correctly.

4. Stay hydrated.

Summer is a time when it’s hard to stay hydrated. Drink enough water to keep your mouth sufficiently wet with saliva. Saliva helps keep your teeth clean and washes away bacteria that can lead to staining and bad breath.

Is it time for you to schedule an appointment with the dentist? Call Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry today.

A Family Affair: Understanding the Importance of Family Dentistry

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Family dentistry is much more than regular dental check-ups; it’s about nurturing healthy smiles across generations. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, your trusted Dentist in Gilbert, AZ, we believe in creating a caring and inclusive environment for families, understanding their unique dental needs and history.

What is Family Dentistry?

Family dentistry is a branch of dental care that provides services to people of all ages. It’s a one-stop-shop for your entire family’s dental needs, from your toddler’s first tooth to your parents’ denture care. At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we offer comprehensive dental services for every stage of life.

Benefits of Family Dentistry

Having one dentist for the whole family streamlines dental care. It simplifies scheduling and means everyone can be seen in one visit, saving time and reducing stress. But, it’s more than just convenience. Family dentists build relationships with their patients, understanding each family member’s dental history, which is invaluable in predicting and preventing future oral health issues.

Teaching Healthy Habits

Family dentistry isn’t just about treating dental issues; it’s also about education. We help children understand the importance of good oral hygiene habits early on, laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Plus, children can often feel more at ease seeing the same dentist their parents trust.

Choose Family Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ

At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we’re committed to providing families with exceptional, caring dental services. We understand that every family member is unique, and we tailor our services to meet their individual needs. Experience the benefits of comprehensive family dentistry at our welcoming practice in Gilbert, AZ.

Remember, a family that smiles together stays together. Let us join your journey towards achieving beautiful, healthy smiles for the whole family.