Knowing what to do to help prevent and manage your oral health is critical for keeping your teeth healthy and happy. Whether you have dentures, periodontal disease, or are wondering what to do about your teeth when you’re expecting, Mint Dental Loft has all the advice you need on navigating these specific dental conditions.

When Should You Replace Your Dentures?

That’s just one reason why it is recommended that a denture-wearer consider replacing their denture somewhere between at least five and no more than ten years- the American Dental Association recommends five. The mouth changes disproportionately to the changes with the denture. Denture wearers who have not replaced their dentures after 20 or more years often have an extremely difficult time adjusting to a new pair.

If your denture is between 5 and 10 years old, consider transitioning into a new one now. This will provide you with a functional spare, and it can make the adjustment to a new denture far, far more tolerable.

How Polyphenols Can HelpTreat Periodontal Disease

Polyphenols are substances found in fresh fruits and yellow-green 

vegetables and beverages — particularly green tea and red wine. In recent years, the benefits of consuming these foods have been reported to reduce human cancer incidence and death. 

More recently, studies have also shown that red wine, and particularly grape seeds, possess anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities and prevent heart disease. Mechanisms by which these compounds produce their protective effects include their antioxidant properties.

Now this doesn’t mean that you should skip your cleanings and down a glass or two of red wine in order to handle a periodontal condition, but Canadian researchers have shown that red wine polyphenols significantly regulate several factors released by cells in response to bacterial infection.

How Will Pregnancy Affect My Oral Health?

Expectant mothers (and women who take some oral contraceptives) experience elevated levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This causes the gums to react differently to the bacteria found in plaque, and in many cases can cause a condition known as "pregnancy gingivitis." Symptoms include swollen, red gums and bleeding of the gums when you brush. Remember that the bacteria in plaque (not hormones) are what cause gingivitis. Brush twice a day and floss before you go to bed to help avoid plaque buildup.