Dentistry is stuck in the dark ages — when it comes to perception. Your friends at Texas Grins have combatted dental stereotypes for years by offering gentle, comfortable treatments and have a guilt-free office. Our patients see us more as a their dental family more than a dental office.

At Texas Grins, we believe that the more informed someone is, the more likely that person is to make a great decision about their health. So today, we have a few facts for you to think about.

1. Gum disease is the leading cause of missing teeth.

If you ask someone the leading cause of tooth loss, they’d probably say tooth decay. Nope! It’s actually gum disease. Gum disease is so dangerous because of the infection can spread around the gums and eventually reach the bone. It’s not uncommon for gum disease to claim multiple teeth in the mouth.

2. Speaking of gum disease, it’s linked to health problems.

Research has shown us that gum disease is linked to problems like heart disease and diabetes. All of these ailments (gum disease, heart disease, and diabetes) are based on issues from inflammation. While we don’t yet know if there is a cause and effect relationship between gum disease and these problems, the theory is that bacteria from gum disease enters the bloodstream to affect other areas of your body.

3. Dental implants are nearly as good as natural teeth.

Your natural teeth are your best teeth, and before dental implants, nothing came close to the power of natural teeth. Bridges are nearly as good as natural teeth, but a bridge requires us to prepare a large portion of two supporting teeth. So it’s somewhat invasive. Dentures only provide about 50 percent — at best — of the power of natural teeth. Dental implants nearly restore the function of your teeth to 100 percent!

4. A root canal will save the tooth.

A root canal is needed when the tooth has a severe infection, an abscess is present, or the tooth is broken. Following a root canal, we’ll often restore the tooth with a long-lasting crown. Patients often think that the root canal is optional. But the root canal often stops the infection and saves the tooth from extraction.

5. There is more to the tooth than meets the eye.

About 65 percent of the tooth is above the gum line. That means 35 percent of the tooth is beneath the gum line. Brushing can clean most of the tooth’s surface, but you’ll need to floss to properly clean the portion of the tooth below the gum line. If you’re not flossing, you’re not cleaning 35 percent of the tooth. Keep this fact in mind the next time you want to skip flossing.

6. The right dentist can help you sleep better.

Sleep apnea is a silent epidemic that affects millions of Americans. Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed and occurs when you experience pauses in breathing. For many, this happens several times an hour, putting adding stress on your heart. As a result, people with sleep apnea often have an increased risk of heart disease or stroke. Resolving those sleep apnea problems means achieve better sleep and avoiding potentially life-threatening health problems.

7. People with their teeth live longer.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people without their natural teeth can reduce their lifespan by about 10 years. Your natural teeth help you chew and digest healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, and nuts. People without teeth often switch to a soft-food diet because they cannot chew healthy foods.

Trust Texas Grins for your dental needs

These are just a few dental facts that you need to know. We hope these have put things into perspective for you. We’re always here to guide you in your dental treatment. Call us today or use the online form to request a visit.