What Increases my risk for Periodontal Disease?

periodontal disease

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. Looking at these numbers, it’s obvious that periodontal disease, ranging from slight to severe, is very prevalent in our society. So, what are some of the factors that … Read more

Do I really have bad breath?

Bad-breath

As we’ve all been wearing masks over the past year, many of us have realized that our breath might not smell that great. While gum or mints can be handy in a bind, they are only a temporary fix for bad breath (halitosis) Many people suffer from bad breath, but it can cause embarrassment or … Read more

What are my Options for Tooth Replacement?

dental implant with our Tacoma dentist at Soundview Dental Arts

Nearly 178 million US adults are missing at least one tooth. There are many options for replacement, it is important to understand your options so you can make the most well-informed decision. If you are missing one tooth, then a single-tooth implant to replace it may be your best option as long as there is … Read more

Oral Health Symptoms of Menopause

menopause

Menopause, a phase of life all women must go through, yet many of the symptoms are not frequently discussed. We’re here to speak specifically about the oral health impacts of menopause on women. Not only does our oral health change as we age, but for women, menopause brings additional concerns.

What are Sealants?

sealant-applied

Sealants are another line of defense against cavities, in addition to brushing and flossing. Our molar teeth have tiny grooves and pits on the chewing surface, that are so small they can’t even be cleaned with a toothbrush bristle. These small grooves are the perfect place for bacteria to hide and gather for a cavity … Read more

How are Diabetes and Periodontal Disease linked?

glucose-test

The link between these two diseases has 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 described as a complication … Read more

What Causes Cavities? 

cavities

It’s estimated that approximately 91% of Americans over 20 years of age have had cavities at some point. Nearly 30% of Americans over 20 have untreated cavities. How does this happen given the fact that with preventive care most cavities can be avoided? So how does this cavity get started? The outer layer of a … Read more

Understanding the Stages of Periodontal Disease

Dentistry treatment of dental plaque by Tacoma dentist

As we wrapped up National Dental Hygiene Month in October, it seemed fitting to follow up with information about the different stages of gum disease. Your hygienist should take measurements of the gums at least every 12 months and discuss with you what stage of health your gums and bone are at. Part of our … Read more

How & Why does Gum Recession start?

periodontal disease screening gum recession

We all know that regular cleanings and great home care are the recipes for dental health. Even if you do all of the right things, you may experience gum recession at some point in your life. It affects to some degree the majority of our population. “Gum recession is when the margin of the gum … Read more