You know flossing is good for your teeth, but sometimes it is hard to find the motivation to actually do it. A lot of people say they feel like their gums bleed more when they floss than when they don’t.

They find themselves asking questions like: Why do my gums bleed when I floss? How can I make it go away? And they end up deciding to stop the flossing all together. This is actually the opposite of what you should do.

Wondering: Why do my gums bleed when I floss? You should also ask yourself:

Do I floss regularly?

If your answer is “no,” then that’s probably the exact reason why your gums bleed when flossing. Although it might not seem to make sense, your gums bleed more when you first begin flossing. This is because you’ve probably got some plaque and tartar built up in your mouth.

This build up causes your gums to become extra sensitive. If you continue flossing, you will remove that build up and your gums will become as strong as they were before.

Do I bleed or feel pain in one specific area?

If so, your bleeding gums may be the result of an infection, either in a tooth or in your gums. Having an infection means you need to see a dental health professional immediately. That way, you can have the infection healed or removed, depending on how bad it is, and then get back to brushing and flossing.

Have I experienced any hormonal changes lately?

Pregnancy and certain medicines that cause a serious change in hormones can actually make your gums bleed when you brush and floss. The hormone changes cause your gums to become more sensitive than usual, which leads to the bleeding. You want to discuss this with your doctor or dental health professional.

Locate A Reliable Dentist In Your Area

As long as you are brushing and flossing regularly, you will avoid plaque and tartar build up, which means your gums will stay strong and avoid bleeding. If you are having issues or have more questions, TalkLocal can connect you with a local professional who can help. All you have to do is answer a few questions and qualified dentists will contact you in a matter of minutes.

Once you have your braces removed, you will more than likely be fitted for a retainer. Learning how to care for retainers is extremely important, as replacing them can be very costly.

A retainer can be uncomfortable, but it is extremely beneficial. Retainers require a lot of care in order to prevent them from becoming germ-infested. The following are a few tips that can help you take great care of your new retainer.

– Brush: Each time that you brush your teeth you should be sure that your brush your retainer, as well. Your retainer spends an awful lot of time in your mouth. It can become a rather stinky and sticky situation if it is not brushed regularly. The toothbrush will wipe away bacteria and other debris that has latched on to the device.

– Soak: Soak your retainer in an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day for one minute. This will help eliminate the buildup of germs.

– Denture Tablets: Soak your retainer in a denture cleaning tablet solution at least once a week. Scrub it down with a toothbrush after soaking it for a period of at least 20 minutes.

Other Helpful Tips and Warnings Concerning How to Care for Retainers

– Avoid exposing your retainer to high temperatures of heat. Most retainers are made of plastic and will melt or warp under extremely hot conditions.

– Keep track of your retainer. No one wants to use a retainer the dog has chewed on. Show responsibility to save money. Keep your retainer in the storage case you were likely given by the orthodontist to keep it safe, clean, and protected.

– Do not bite the wires of your retainer with your teeth. It is very important not to bend the wires. It will not fit correctly if this happens.

Need A Dentist’s Help?

If you are looking for an orthodontist or dentist, allow TalkLocal to help you in your search. We connect consumers with businesses that provide the services they are looking for. For once, let businesses compete for the right to serve you.

The cost of laser teeth whitening is very helpful to know when you are shopping around for ways to improve your smile. There are many different routes you can take to getting whiter and brighter teeth, but laser teeth whitening is definitely a popular choice. Cosmetic dentistry is a growing industry that has helped many people. The following gives you some helpful information summarizing the cost of laser teeth whitening.

Factors to Consider

The area that you live in will change the cost of laser teeth whitening when you are looking around. Some locations will be more expensive while others will be less expensive. If you live in an area with a higher cost of living, you can expect cosmetic dental procedures to cost more.

Typical Cost of Laser Teeth Whitening

The typical cost for a full procedure of laser teeth whitening is a bit over $1000. Ask your dentist how many visits you will need to schedule at their office for a whitening procedure. The reason that this is important is because the cost usually goes up as the number of office visits increases.

Insurance Payments

Unfortunately because laser teeth whitening is considered cosmetic dentistry, insurance companies will not provide reimbursements for your teeth whitening procedures. You will have to double check with your specific company and your situation, but the general rule is that you will have to pay the cost of laser teeth whitening out of pocket.

How does it work?

The procedure behind laser teeth whitening is quite interesting! The dentist applies a special gel to your teeth and then uses a laser to apply it. The laser creates the opportunity for the little crystals in the gel to embed into your teeth. This is the quickest and most efficient method to whitening your teeth. However, beware that the people who you know the best will be able to see the increased whiteness and brightness of your teeth as this procedure typically makes your teeth look much better.

Find A Cosmetic Dentist

Would you like to book an appointment or find out more information about laser teeth whitening? Check out TalkLocal. You will be connected directly to local, high-quality professionals at the time that is most convenient for your schedule. Check it out!

One of the worst fears is having no teeth. Bone loss in the teeth occurs from age or improper care of our teeth. One of the main causes of bone loss is periodontal disease (gum disease). This deteriorates the gum line and causes infection. These infections cause the bone loss. But before considering dental implants or dentures, there are surgical operations available to regenerate dental bone. So, what is dental bone loss regeneration? It turns out that there are multiple types.

Guided Bone Regeneration and Guided Tissue Regeneration

Guided bone regeneration and guided tissue regeneration are among the most common regeneration procedures. Both of these procedures use a bio-synthetic barrier between the gum and tooth. For guided bone regeneration, the barrier provides an optimal environment for the tooth to regenerate bone. For the guided tissue regeneration, the barrier is focused on healing soft tissues that have been damaged from gum disease to encourage bone regeneration.  If you select this procedure, remember to follow post-treatment procedures for the best results.

Bone Graft

Bone graft uses healthy tissue and bone or synthetic substance from another area of the body to help bone regeneration. The procedure inserts tissue and bone to attach to the tooth and encourage regeneration bone. The results of the bone graft may take time depending on how invasive the tooth is to the newly inserted tissue and bone.

Bone Loss Prevention

– Brush your teeth twice per day. If you can only tolerate brushing your teeth once per day, then brush at least for two to three minutes.  

– Floss once per day.

– Schedule a dentist appointment every six months for cleaning and exams.

– Do not use tobacco products, as these can cause serious, long-term damage to your gums and teeth.

– Lessen your intake of sugary products. Use fruits as an alternative to candy for your sweet tooth.

Find An Oral Surgeon

If you think you have dental bone loss, you’ll need to find an oral surgeon in your area. Your dentist can recommend an oral surgeon for you, or you can find the specialist who is right for you. To schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon, just use TalkLocal. TalkLocal can connect you with up to three dentists or oral surgeons in you area, in just minutes.

Most people grind their teeth from time to time, but this habit can cause some big oral health problems when it happens on a regular basis. Teeth grinding, which medically is called bruxism, usually occurs during sleep and can be brought on by stress, anxiety, or more typically, an abnormal bite.

Why Prevent Teeth Grinding?

Since bruxism usually occurs during sleep, most people are unaware of their habit. Many people find out that they grind their teeth from loved ones who hear them at night. A sore jaw and a dull constant headache are other signs of bruxism.

Teeth grinding can cause serious oral health problems. The habit can cause fracturing, loosening, loss of teeth, and in sever cases, temporomandibular disorder. Chronic teeth grinding can even lead to painful root canals or the need for dentures.

Teeth Grinding Prevention

To prevent serious oral heath problems, you should take steps towards teeth grinding prevention. If stress is causing the problem, you should ask your dentist or health professional about options to reduce stress. Some options may include regular exercise, seeing a physical therapist, or even prescription medicine. You should also ask your dentist to fit you with a mouth guard to wear at night to protect your teeth from further damage. Some other preventative tips include:

–          Cutting back on foods and drinks containing caffeine

–          Avoiding alcohol consumption

–          Avoiding chewing on anything that is not food, like gum, or objects such as pens.

–          Relaxing your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm cloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe

Want to Find A Quality Dentist?

If you want to know more about teeth grinding prevention, or would like to speak with a dentist, just use TalkLocal. We will connect you with up to three, reputable dentists in your area, who are available to help you when you need them most.

Bad breath is a common issue in dental hygiene, and can be embarrassing for anyone who has it. A date or a meeting can be over when bad breath rears its ugly head. Luckily, there are some simple causes, and natural remedies for bad breath.

Causes Of Bad Breath

– Plaque is one of the most common causes of bad breath. Plaque is bacteria that forms in the mouth. Massive build-up of plaque can cause periodontal or gum disease, which further produces bad breath.

– Decaying food between the teeth or  broken filling.

– Dry Mouth.

– Smoking.

– Cavities or broken fillings can cause bad breath because they expose decaying teeth.

– Strong-odor foods such as garlic or onions.

– Frequent drinkers of coffee, soda, or alcoholic beverages can experience bad breath.

– If it is not these problems, it could be a symptom of a respiratory condition, gastrointestinal tract, or diabetes. A diabetic’s mouth may have a nasty chemical smell.

Natural Remedies For Bad Breath

– Brush twice and floss once each day to keep plaque at bay. When brushing, remember to clean the tongue. The tongue also harbors bacteria.

– Use a toothpaste with baking soda to make the mouth a hostile environment for bacteria.

– Rinse your mouth with water after each meal to help clean out food and smells from the mouth.

– Eating cheese has been known to fight bacteria in the mouth. Though eating smelly cheese might be counterproductive.

– Eat citrus fruits or suck on mints to salivate the mouth and tone down bad breath.

– Chew cloves, fennel, anise seeds, mint leaves, sage, or parsley to freshen your breath with herbal scents.

– Use a mix of apple cider vinegar and water as a natural mouthwash.

– Drink tea to freshen breath.

Prevention Of Bad Breath

– Lessen your consumption of coffee, soda, or alcoholic beverages.

– Remove strong-odor and sugary foods from your diet.

– Keep a water bottle close by to hydrate and refresh your mouth.

Find A Dentist

If you continue to have problems with bad breath, there could be a more serious underlying cause. Speak with a dentist to get checked out. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three dentists in your area in just minutes, so you can get the help you need, when you need it.

Knowing how to treat periodontal disease can be a tough task. Thankfully, hygienists are trained for years to help you treat and get rid of periodontal disease. Not only can hygienists and doctors help you with gum disease, they also assist you with cosmetic improvements. The following are some options to help guide you through the process of periodontal disease treatment.

How to Avoid Periodontal Disease

Unfortunately, there are some of us that will get periodontal disease no matter how hard we try to keep our teeth clean, but for the majority of us, periodontal disease is avoidable. Brushing and flossing regularly are key to avoid any type of gum disease or tooth decay.

Simplest Periodontal Treatment

The simplest treatment for periodontal disease is non-surgical. Scaling and root planning cleans off the roots of your teeth by removing the plaque buildup on your teeth. This is extremely helpful because it removes any toxins or bacteria forming around your teeth, and helps prevent future decay of your teeth and gums.

Usually, after you have had a scaling and root planning procedure, more intensive procedures are not necessary. Either a hygienist or a dentist can perform this procedure, and you may be given a bacteria-fighting gel following the procedure.

Completing a full scaling and root planning procedure may take more than one visit to the dental office. This is because you may need to be numbed during the procedure, and it is common practice not to numb the entire mouth at once. That would be a lot of work being done on you during one day and would be much more comfortable for you to spread out the work.

Get Your Periodontal Disease Treated

Do you think you need treatment for periodontal disease, or want to know more about how to treat periodontal disease? If so, check out TalkLocal. We will connect you with up to three, reputable dentists in your area, so you can get the help you need at a time that is most convenient for you.

No one really wants to need dentures, but sometimes diet, poor dental hygiene, and heredity can lead to adult tooth loss.  Missing teeth can cause a variety of problems, including impaired speech, loss of self-esteem, difficulty eating, and infected gums.  Whatever the reason for tooth loss, dentures can help alleviate some of the associated problems.

Although comfort and appearance are important factors when choosing dentures, function should be the number one concern.  There are four main types of dentures to consider based on function.

Different Types Dentures:

Standard Dentures: These are useful to replace teeth that have completely fallen out. A dentist will fit the patient for dentures by making an impression of the upper and lower gums. Necessary adjustments – such as fitting – will be made during follow up appointments.

CuSil Dentures: These removable dentures cover partial areas of the mouth and are held in place by existing teeth. Deliberate holes are placed throughout the dentures to allow teeth to push through. CuSil dentures work best as upper dentures.

Immediate, or Temporary Dentures: Sometimes called flippers, these are another type of removable, partial dentures. Often becoming permanent dentures for some people, the dentures are made and fitted before any natural teeth have been extracted. Then, once the teeth are removed the partial dentures are placed over the healing gums. Wire may be used for additional support.

Implant Retained Dentures: These are the most durable and permanent type of dentures, and are often the most expensive. Implant retained dentures are a smart option for people who have trouble wearing lower dentures. They are implanted by placing a titanium screw into the pre-drilled gum where over the course of several months it will bond to the underlying bone. Then, a post is attached to the implant to which a porcelain tooth may be attached.

When you’re in need of any dental professional, you can use TalkLocal to be connected with reputable professionals in you area We’ll connect you with up to three professionals in just minutes, so you can find the help you need, when you need it.

What is the difference between dental caps and crowns? Actually, there is no difference. Formally known as dental crowns, these dental restorations are used to cover, or “cap”, the tooth to restore the original size, shape, and strength of the tooth that it is replacing. Crowns are typically used to repair teeth that are broken down or cracked. They are used when the damage is too great to repair with a large filling or a dental bridge.

What Exactly Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns can be made from materials such as ceramic, porcelain, stainless steel, and even gold. Porcelain and ceramic crowns match the natural tooth color and are often better choices aesthetically. Porcelain crowns, however, are often fused to metal, which can show near the gum line over time. Ceramic crowns are not fused to metal and are best used in areas with limited space. The elimination of metal also allows for light to transmit through the crown, which creates a more natural appearance.

Colloquially, people tend to refer to dental crowns made from ceramic or porcelain as “caps,” and those made from gold or stainless steel as “crowns.” Crowns made from metal do not have the most aesthetic appeal, but they are desirable in some instances. They tend to have better durability and are favorable for teeth located in the back of the mouth, such as molars. Gold and steel crowns tend to last longer and require less preparation than ceramic or porcelain crowns. They also tend to be less abrasive when chewing, which helps prevent the wearing of teeth.

Do You Need Dental Crowns?

Do you think you may need dental crowns? Be sure to talk to a dental professional to help you consider your options. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three dentists in your area in just minutes.

Composite vs amalgam fillings. That is a back and forth debate within many people as they decide whether composite or amalgam fillings are best for filling cavities in teeth. There are key differences between the two types of fillings. Appearance along with cost are the main factors that divide the two categories. We provide you the following article in hopes of informing you throughout the decision making process as you select the best type of filling for your situation.

How do composite and amalgam fillings differ in appearance?

Amalgam fillings are what people commonly call “silver fillings.” They are a combination of different metals and usually have a silver appearance. Due to the silver appearance, most people prefer to have silver fillings on the back teeth or their upper teeth so that others do not see the fillings as easily.

On the other hand, composite fillings are commonly known as “white fillings.” White fillings can be matched to the color of your surrounding teeth. In this case, it is almost impossible to tell the difference between the composite filling and the surrounding teeth.

What is the price difference?

Many times the price difference is the make it or break it point for some people. Amalgam fillings can cost up to 25% less than their counterpart, composite fillings. This can add up if you need to have multiple fillings. Typically this will lead people to splurge on the composite fillings for front teeth, for example, and then use amalgam fillings for back teeth.

Do You Need Fillings?

Are you ready to see a dentist or would you like to gather some more information first? If so, check out TalkLocal. You will be connected directly to local, high-quality dentists who can work with you at the time that is most convenient for your schedule. Check it out!