White lines on the inside of your cheek

Although it may scare some when they first see it, a white line inside the cheek, called Oral Lichen Planus, is a temporary condition that may last up to 10 years. It most often affects adults between the age of 30 and 60, more common in women and is not contagious.

Oral Lichen Planus comes from the lace-like pattern of fine white lines that appear on the inside of the cheeks, gums, and tongue, usually not requiring treatment. It is asymptomatic, and does not hurt.

As the exact cause of Oral Lichen Planus not know, research suggests that the immune cells, which normally protect us by destroying bacteria or viruses, start attacking the skin or the lining of the mouth.

While there is no “cure” for Lichen Planus, it is a manageable condition. If you think you might suffer from Lichen Planus, you should talk with your dentist/periodontist/doctor. They can determine what treatment (if any) is needed.

Dr. Annabel Braganza – Peterborough Periodontist, Dental Implant and Gum Specialist

Dr. Annabel Braganza

Peterborough Periodontist, Gum and Dental Implant Specialist

1119 Clonsilla Avenue, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5Y6

Call Us Today: 

705-741-1885

Are you a candidate for dental implants? Peterborough Periodontics

If you are self-conscious because you have missing teeth, wear dentures that are uncomfortable or don’t want to have good tooth structure removed to make a bridge, talk to your dentist/periodontists to see if dental implants are an option for you.

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth and are designed to blend in with your other teeth. They are an excellent long-term option for restoring your smile. In fact, the development and use of implants is one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years. Dental implants are made up of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body. They are posts that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, where they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth.

Most patients find that a dental implant is secure, stable and a good replacement for their own tooth. There are generally three phases to getting an implant:

• First, the dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone. Your dentist may recommend a diet of soft foods, cold foods and warm soup during the healing process.
• Next, the bone around the implant heals in a process called osseointegration. What makes an implant so strong is that the bone actually grows around it and holds it in place. Osseointegration means “combines with the bone” and takes time. Some patients might need to wait until the implant is completely integrated, up to several months, before replacement teeth can be attached to the implant. Other patients can have the implants and replacement teeth placed all in one visit.
• Finally, it’s time for the placement of the artificial tooth/teeth. For a single tooth implant, your dentist will customize a new tooth for you, called a dental crown. The crown will be based on size, shape, colour and fit, and will be designed to blend in with your other teeth. If you are replacing more than a single tooth, custom-made bridges or dentures will be made to fit your mouth and your implants. (Note: The replacement teeth usually take some time to make. In the meantime, your dentist may give you a temporary crown, bridge or denture to help you eat and speak normally until the permanent replacement is ready.)

If you are interested in dental implants, it’s a good idea to discuss it carefully with your dentist/periodontist first. If you are in good general health this treatment may be an option for you. In fact, your health is more of a factor than your age. You may be medically evaluated by a physician before any implant surgery is scheduled.

Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or leukaemia, may interfere with healing after surgery. Patients with these issues may not be good candidates for implants. Using tobacco can also slow healing. (ADA)

Dr. Annabel Braganza – Peterborough Periodontist, Dental Implant and Gum Specialist

Dr. Annabel Braganza

Peterborough Periodontist, Gum and Dental Implant Specialist

1119 Clonsilla Avenue, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5Y6

Call Us Today: 

705-741-1885

Gum indentation after tooth loss

Tooth loss can cause an indentation in the gums and jawbone where a tooth used to be. This happens because the jawbone recedes when it no longer is holding a tooth in place. Not only is this indention unnatural looking, it also causes the replacement tooth, such as an implant, to look too long compared to the adjacent teeth.

Ridge augmentation can fill in this defect recapturing the natural contour of the gums and jaw. A new tooth (implant) can then be places that is natural looking, easy to clean and beautiful. (AAP)

Dr. Annabel Braganza – Peterborough Periodontist, Dental Implant and Gum Specialist

Dr. Annabel Braganza

Peterborough Periodontist, Gum and Dental Implant Specialist

1119 Clonsilla Avenue, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5Y6

Call Us Today: 705-741-1885

Benefits of using a mouthwash

Mouthwash provides a good contribution to our daily oral health care. It is best if used after a full routine of brushing and flossing, because if mouthwash is diluted with water it loses its effectiveness. It has the most benefits when rinsing for a full 30 seconds or more, and be sure to use a timer, "it’s longer than we think."

All mouthwashes will help with reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in those areas of the mouth which are difficult to brush and floss. However, certain rinses provide extra advantages and protection. For example, a mouthwash with fluoride will help with reducing the occurrence of cavities and some mouthwashes aid with reducing dry-mouth. Non-alcohol based mouthwashes will reduce the stinging sensation for individuals with sensitive teeth and some are prescribed by the dentist to aid with helping gingival and periodontal issues. There are also dyed mouthwashes which will highlight remaining plaque and bacteria that have been missed after brushing. This is a great aid to help kids with their brushing if they are old enough to properly swish with mouthwash.

Make sure to ask at your next dental visit if a mouthwash would benefit with your oral health and which kind would work best for you!

Dr. Annabel Braganza – Peterborough Periodontist, Dental Implant and Gum Specialist

Dr. Annabel Braganza

Peterborough Periodontist, Gum and Dental Implant Specialist

1119 Clonsilla Avenue, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5Y6

Call Us Today: 705-741-1885

Gum Disease Risk Factors - Protect your smile!

The main cause of periodontal (gum) disease is plaque. When plaque hardens it turns into calculus/tartar and if not properly removed it can cause tooth decay and/or periodontal disease. This is why it is important to visit your dentists/hygienist/periodontist regularly, every 3-6 months, for your dental cleaning and check up.

Other factors that can affect the health of your gums are:

• AGE
• SMOKING / TOBACCO USE
• GENETICS
• STRESS
• MEDICATIONS
• CLENCHING OR GRINDING YOUR TEETH
• OTHER SYSTEMIC DISEASES
• POOR NUTRITION AND OBESITY

For more info on gum disease be sure to talk to one of our periodontal professionals.

Dr. Annabel Braganza

Peterborough Periodontist, Gum and Dental Implant Specialist

1119 Clonsilla Avenue, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5Y6

Call Us Today: 

705-741-1885

Do you have irregular saliva flow?

 Saliva, or spit, plays a significant role in maintaining oral health. It is derived from blood and acts as the bloodstream of the mouth. What this means is, like blood, saliva helps build and maintain the health of soft and hard tissues. When saliva flow is reduced oral health problems such as tooth decay and other oral infections can occur. Your dentist/periodontist can recommend various methods to restore moisture. Sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses. Chewing is the most efficient way to stimulate salivary flow. It causes muscles to compress the salivary glands and release saliva.

Saliva also:

• Washes away food and debris from teeth and gums
• Helps moisten and break down food to ease swallowing and enhances ability to taste
• Provides disease-fighting substances throughout your mouth to help prevent cavities and other infections
• Helps keep the surface of your teeth strong by providing high levels of calcium, fluoride and phosphate ions at the tooth surface.

In addition to keeping your mouth healthy, saliva may contain indicators of health concerns as well. Since it shares many properties with blood, the use of saliva to detect and diagnose oral diseases and other diseases that could affect your general health is being studied. Researchers have reported promising results in the use of saliva for the diagnosis of breast cancer, oral cancers, gum disease and viral hepatitis. Saliva is already used for rapid HIV testing.

Peterborough Implant and Gum Specialist

Dr. Annabel Braganza – Peterborough Periodontist, Dental Implant and Gum Specialist
Dr. Annabel Braganza
Peterborough Periodontist, Gum and Dental Implant Specialist
1119 Clonsilla Avenue, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5Y6

Call Us Today: 

705-741-1885

 

Check your mouth regularly to protect your oral and overall health!

Look for signs of gum disease:

* Red, shiny, puffy, sore or sensitive gums
* Bleeding when brushing of flossing
* Bad breath that will not go away

Look for signs of oral cancer:

* Bleeding or open sores that don't heal
* White or red patches
* Numbness or tingling

* Small Lumps and thickening on the sides or  bottom or your tongue, the floor or roof of your mouth the inside of your cheeks or on your gums

Dr. Annabel Braganza – Peterborough Periodontist, Dental Implant and Gum Specialist

Dr. Annabel Braganza

Peterborough Periodontist, Gum and Dental Implant Specialist

1119 Clonsilla Avenue, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5Y6

Call Us Today: 705-741-1885

Periodontal Gum Measurements - Peterborough Gum Specialist

Periodontal, also known as gum or pocket measurement is an evaluation performed by a dental professional, which involves measuring the health of your gums and supporting bone structure for your teeth. Bone loss is first caused by an accumulation of plaque and bacteria around a tooth and if the bacterium isn't removed properly it causes gum inflammation and in later stages, if left untreated, will eventually lead to bone loss.

A way of detecting periodontal disease is through taking periodontal measurements of each tooth at a dental visit. These measurements help us determine the overall health of the supporting structure of the teeth. A normal, healthy measurement will read from 1-3 mm and the deeper the reading the more severe the problem. To help treat moderate stages (4-6 mm) your hygienist may recommend a deeper cleaning with more frequent visits to help stop the effects of periodontitis. However, if more advanced stages are noted surgery may be needed with a referral to a periodontist (gum specialist).

Ways to help reduce periodontal measurements and maintain healthy gums:

- Brushing: Practicing proper oral hygiene daily, through brushing  at least 2 times a day for at least 2 minutes.

- Flossing: Daily flossing is very important when it comes to gum health, because it goes between your teeth and under your gums to help reduce bacterial build-up where a toothbrush can’t reach.
- Eating a well-balanced diet.
- Maintaining regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking increases your risk of periodontal disease.

Dr. Annabel Braganza – Peterborough Periodontist, Dental Implant and Gum Specialist
Dr. Annabel Braganza
Peterborough Periodontist, Gum and Dental Implant Specialist
1119 Clonsilla Avenue, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5Y6

Call Us Today: 

705-741-1885

Have you been putting off your treatment due to fear, phobia or because you find it difficult to sit still?

Sedation Dentistry - Peterborough Periodontists

For the comfort of our patients we do everything possible to ensure the best treatment in a comfortable and calming environment which includes sedition dentistry. Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedatives during treatment.

At Braganza Periodontics we offer two types of sedation, oral sedation and nitrous oxide. Sedation is popular with patients that have dental phobias, are afraid of needles and for patients that find it difficult to sit still. Administering oral sedation or nitrous oxide puts the patient at ease so that treatment can be done more efficiently.

Oral sedation refers to administering a pill before treatment so the patient is at ease while awake.

Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas, is administered throughout the treatment and has a calming effect.

For more information on sedation dentistry be sure to contact one of or periodontal professionals.

Dr. Annabel Braganza – Peterborough Periodontist, Dental Implant and Gum Specialist

705-741-1885

Dr. Annabel Braganza

Peterborough Periodontist, Gum and Dental Implant Specialist

1119 Clonsilla Avenue, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5Y6

Call Us Today: 

705-741-1885

braganzaperiodontics@gmail.com

Aging and Dental Health

As you age, it becomes even more important to take good care of your teeth and dental health. One common misconception is that losing your teeth is inevitable. This is not true. If cared for properly, your teeth can last a lifetime. Your mouth changes as you age.

The nerves in your teeth can become smaller, making your teeth less sensitive to cavities or other problems. If you don’t get regular dental exams, this in turn can lead to these problems not being diagnosed until it is too late.

If you want to feel good, stay healthy, and look great throughout life, you might be surprised what a difference a healthy mouth makes.

Here are some tips for maintaining and improving your oral health:

• Brush twice a day with a toothbrush with soft bristles. You may also benefit from using an electric toothbrush.
• Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner.
• If you wear full or partial dentures, remember to clean them on a daily basis. Take your dentures out of your mouth for at least four hours every day. It’s best to remove them at night.
• Drink tap water. Since most contains fluoride, it helps prevent tooth decay no matter how old you are.
• Quit smoking. Besides putting you at greater risk for lung and other cancers, smoking increases problems with gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss.
• Visit your dentist. Visit your dentist regularly for a complete dental check-up.

By adopting healthy oral habits at home, making smart choices about diet and lifestyle, and seeking regular dental care, you can help your teeth last a lifetime—whether you have your natural teeth, implants or wear dentures. (ADA)

Dr. Annabel Braganza – Peterborough Periodontist, Dental Implant and Gum Specialist

Dr. Annabel Braganza

Peterborough Periodontist, Gum and Dental Implant Specialist

1119 Clonsilla Avenue, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5Y6

Call Us Today: 

705-741-1885

Do you have gum disease?

Gum disease is an inflammatory condition that affects the soft tissue and bone around the teeth. Although it might have minimal or no symptoms, this disease is considered a serious health condition that may lead to tooth loss.
The best way to reduce your chances of having gum disease is to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

Some common warning signals of gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums when brushing
• Redness and swollen gums
• Loose and/or separating teeth
• Bad breath
• Receding gums that make the teeth look longer
• Change in your bite
• Dentures that do not fit anymore

For more information or if you think you might be at risk of gum disease contact our office or be sure to ask one of our dental professionals at your next dental visit.

Dr. Annabel Braganza – Peterborough Periodontist

Dr. Annabel Braganza - Peterborough Periodontist, Gum and Dental Implant Specialist
1119 Clonsilla Avenue, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 5Y6
Call Us Today: 705-741-1885