Have your dentist evaluate your needs, as partial dentures are used if there are a larger number of teeth that need to be replaced and if there is a risk of more tooth loss while bridges work best for smaller gaps on the same side of your mouth. Additionally, partial dentures are easier to adjust and repair and are usually less expensive. However, partial dentures can become broken or lost while bridges remain safely fixed to your teeth.
The denture itself is not very good. Again, I fault this due to a low paid lab worker, who is probably texting while he makes the denture. It clearly did not fit properly, too much in one area, too little in another. I am glad that I have had a partial for years and an upper for years, as I know what can be done to alleviate the pressure points. I had to remove material in several spots on the lower edges of the denture, to keep it from bruising my gums.
The biggest problem I have is that I constantly feel the dentures part of the upper roof of my mouth I can't get use to that feeling.I also have to take them out when I eat.I can't eat pizza or chew meat because the top dentures move around.please people take care of your teeth having dentures is not fun.I read you are suppose to have 32 teeth I know have 8 natural teeth.
Dental implants are a permanent alternative to partial dentures and bring additional benefits that dentures cannot provide and will outlast normal dentures even under optimal conditions. Dental implants will actually replace the entire tooth (the tooth root as well as the crown) which eliminates bone deterioration and brings the same strength and durability as your original tooth.
Our doctors and friendly staff are ready to help you enhance your smile or completely restore a smile affected by decay or missing teeth. In order to keep your smile beautiful, we also offer free teeth whitening for life services. We have 3 confident dentist - all of whom have had additional residency training. Owned and operated by Dr. Damon, he cares about your care! Our staff cares and we Listen to our patients! Our dental services range from porcelain veneers, crowns, dental bridges, single implants, multiple implants, permanent "Teeth in a Day", and dentures. Our practice is an exclusive provider of Nobel Biocare® products, which are renowned for their quality and durability. Nobel Biocare led the way in advancing the All on Four Dental Implant Concept, developed Immediate Implant placement protocols, Immediate Load protocols, and developed the newest Trefoil Implant Concept. Dr. Damon is a lecturer for Nobel Biocare on the All on Four and Trefoil Implant Concepts.
A complete denture consists of a thin acrylic base that rests on the gum tissue and is the same color as your gums. Porcelain or acrylic replacement teeth built into the base give the appearance of natural teeth emerging from the gums. We know that your smile is unique, and Dr. Yonan, Scott, Bushnell, Fairbanks & Quigley have the experience to help you select the teeth that appear most natural and harmonious in your smile. This gives you the option to customize the way you look, whether you want a "new" smile or just want to restore the one you had.
Hormones released during pregnancy softens the cardia muscle ring that keeps food within the stomach. Hydrochloric acid is the acid involved in gastric reflux, also known as morning sickness. This acid, at a pH of 1.5-3.5 coats the enamel on the teeth; at a pH of 6.5 and mainly affect the palatal surfaces of the maxillary teeth, eventually the enamel is softened and easily wears away.
Daily cleaning of dentures is recommended. Plaque and tartar can build up on false teeth, just as they do on natural teeth.[24] Cleaning can be done using chemical or mechanical denture cleaners. Dentures should not be worn continuously, but rather left out of the mouth during sleep.[25] This is to give the tissues a chance to recover, and wearing dentures at night is likened to sleeping in shoes. The main risk is development of fungal infection, especially denture-related stomatitis. Dentures should also be removed while smoking, as the heat can damage the denture acrylic and overheated acrylic can burn the soft tissues.
The care I received at this dentist office was outstanding! Everyone in the office was very friendly and professional, and explained everything to me including what I would have to pay after insurance, they left no question unanswered. The dentist that performed the procedure did so with speed and care, I was in an out and recovered quickly with little pain. I even recommend this office to a coworker that is looking for a dentist. My visit was so pleasant I look forward to coming back. Thank you for your excellent service!
Whether you are considering getting dentures, already have them, or know someone with them, it’s very likely that you may have some questions about them. What follows is information on what dentures really are, what kind of care they require, and how dentures can improve your oral health. We hope to help you find the answers to all your denture queries and to find out, if necessary, whether dentures might be right for you.
Walked in without an appointment Saturday at 650am for denture repairs. Only one other person before me. So they did see me. You get A star for that They did the repair but the denture had residue left on the teeth really messy I couldn't believe they gave it to me like that. I had to send it back for them to clean it up. My thought was is this suppose to be professionally repaired for almost $200 . To replace a tooth. I could believe they brought it to me like that. I had to send it back again after trying the denture on because it hurt . They corrected the problems eventually and for that I give 2 more stars...
This type of denture is made to be placed in the mouth immediately after you have all your natural teeth extracted. This allows you to leave the office without the embarrassment of having no teeth while the gums heal from the extraction. The denture is made to conform to your mouth at the moment impressions were taken. Your gums will change drastically over the next few months and it is possible that the dentures will rub against the gums causing some soreness until the denture is adjusted. Most patients will require a realignment of their denture within the first few months due to the gums shrinking from the extraction of teeth. Another benefit of immediate dentures is the fact that the dentures act as a bandage to the extraction sites which covers the tooth sockets and prevents them from becoming irritated. Just remember, never remove the denture yourself, even for a brief moment unless your dentist has instructed you to. The gums have a tendency to swell when uncovered at first; and if you are without your dentures for a little while, they may never go back in.
Problems with dentures may arise because patients are not used to having something in their mouth that is not food. The brain senses the appliance and interprets it as 'food', sending messages to the salivary glands to produce more saliva and to secrete it at a higher rate. This usually only happens in the first 12 to 24 hours, after which the salivary glands return to their normal output. New dentures can also be the cause of sore spots as they compress the denture-bearing soft tissues (mucosa). A few denture adjustments in the days following insertion of the dentures can take care of this problem. Gagging is another problem encountered by a minority of patients. At times, this may be due to a denture that is too loose, too thick or extended too far posteriorly onto the soft palate. At times, gagging may also be attributed to psychological denial of the denture. Psychological gagging is the most difficult to treat since it is out of the dentist's control. In such cases, an implant-supported palateless denture may have to be constructed. Sometimes there could be a gingivitis infection under the completed dentures, caused by the accumulation of dental plaque. One of the most common problems for wearers of new upper complete denture is a loss of taste sensations.
The field of dentistry has made incredible strides over the last 50 years, and we take great care to remain at the forefront of outstanding dentistry. Tools such as cone-beam computed tomography (CT) allow us to look beyond the soft tissues of your smile to assess the health of the jawbone. This technology provides high-definition three-dimensional images of your craniofacial structure. This is crucial to determining exactly where dental implants should be placed in order to ensure beneficial long-term outcomes. Our patients have experienced life-changing benefits thanks to our sophisticated treatments.
Hypochlorite cleansers have a disinfectant action and they remove non-viable organisms and other deposits from the surface, but they are not very good at eliminating calculus from the denture surface. Immersing dentures in a hypochlorite solution for more than 6 hours occasionally will eliminate plaque and heavy staining of the denture. Furthermore, as microbial invasion is prevented, the deterioration of the soft lining material does not occur.[32] Although, corrosion of cobalt chromium has occurred when hypochlorite cleansers have been used and they may also result in the fading of the acrylic and silicone lining, but the softness or elastically of the linings are not greatly changed.[35]
Been struggling with getting my dentures since June. After waiting weeks for first appointment, came back for second appointment. Was told can't complete services because location was then closing for a week because first doc was fired. Asked me to reschedule at least a week after reopening since they'd need to catch up. So I rearranged my schedule. OK. Came back yesterday, Thursday, and the girl dropped my impression on the floor right in front of me, then told me to come back at 1:00. I asked if needed to redo the impression but she just brushed it off. As soon as I was 10 miles away, I was called back to redo the impression because they needed a better one. OK. So I return and make another impression, and left with pain, bleeding, and swelling. Told to return at 1:30 to get my new teeth. OK.
She stormed out of the room shouting at me, "I'M NOT GOING TO DO IT. I DON'T HAVE TO DO IT." I told ** that Dr. ** had better do it. ** grabbed my arm (I was still sitting in the exam chair) and shook me, saying, "You don't talk to US like that." In a few minutes, Dr. ** returned and added length to my teeth, so that miraculously, after 61 years, I no longer looked like Elvis! And then she said, "We added lots and lots to your teeth!" The same teeth that minutes before didn't have anything wrong with them, according to her. One month later, her crummy addition to the partial is now crumbling off, and I again have lopsided teeth.
Often, the process of getting beautiful, custom dentures begins with one or more tooth extractions. Next, your dentist will begin the process of creating your new dentures. A conventional denture is fitted after a full-mouth extraction (removal of all teeth) once your gums have healed. In most cases, immediate dentures are created and placed immediately after your extractions, allowing the gums to heal underneath the appliance.
The Faculty Practice at UT Dentistry is staffed by licensed dentists who are also on faculty at the School of Dentistry. When you receive treatment by dentists from the School of Dentistry, you'll get services and expertise from seasoned professionals who also teach our future dentists. Our office has the feel of a private practice with the resources of a nationally recognized dental school.
Complete dentures are made when gums are restored to a healthy condition and sufficient time has passed for healing. Complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaws of the mouth. Gums will naturally shrink through the healing process of tooth loss, which normally takes from six to 12 months. During this period the immediate dentures may require adjustments to accommodate the changes in the gums and underlying bone structure. This could include soft and hard relining procedures.
The front office has been great in terms of explaining processes, scheduling, and billing. I've also had to coordinate paratransit to get my mom to the office, and they've worked with me on times to make sure everything lines up right. Something you can probably only appreciate if you've been in a similar situation. They've also worked with us on fixing issues and missed appointments due to unforeseeable circumstances. Not only did they not scold us for missing an appointment, but they worked with me to resolve the problem that caused it- my mom's assisted living facility biffed it and didn't give her pain medicine after her surgery. :/ But, like I said, this office came through and helped- always making her care the top priority.
Treatment for lost teeth can be hard to find even in a metropolitan city like Dallas. Denture treatment and fitting needs to be done by a clinic with the highest level of skill and professionalism, like Dallas Dentures & Implants. Because we strive for a relaxing, comfortable environment and we treat our patients with a gentle care that is personalized to each individual, it is easy to forget that we also utilize cutting edge technology and the latest in prosthetic tooth replacement procedures. Add to that our 30 years of experience in medicine and it is easy to see why we are a leader in our field.
Before we discuss the factors that will impact your buying decision, let’s first make a very important distinction: Seeking out affordable dentures prices is not the same as getting “cheap” dentures. You can get fitted by a seasoned, skilled dental professional and get quality dentures at an affordable out-of-pocket price. Affordable dentures refer to the value you get for your financial investment, and you can get well-crafted dentures that fit properly without paying thousands of dollars for them.
I had 16 teeth pulled and plates made for under $1,000. I went in in the morning and had new teeth the early the next morning with the main cost being $40 a tooth for pulling which took about a half hour. The upper fits well and I have been getting by with lower, need it refitted but do not have the doe re me at present. It is just crazy what dentists and doctors charge for routine proceedures here in the US.
Having a Dallas dentist who understands the special needs of those with tooth loss and the need for synthetic replacement is important. At Dallas Dentures & Implants, we are able to work with patients whether they have recently lost teeth, have an impending tooth loss, or have been wearing prostheses for years. For many people, we offer a solution to oral pain and uncomfortable, extensive procedures. Instead, we will work to create realistic and comfortable replacements that create a beautiful smile. If you are interested in finding out more or want to come in for a consultation, call us today.
If you do not have much money and you need dental care or extractions and a full denture you can try calling Missions od Mercy and go to one of their free clinics...Many states are now doing the LARELL One Step Denture for the clinic patients...You can have teeth removed and after that get a free LARELL Denture if Missions of Mercy has the denture clinic... Just takes an hour and you leave with brand new great looking dentures. You can call and see if they offer the Larell clinic for dentures... I got mine in Sacramento Ca last year and they are really great.
Lab management needs better education on how to speak to employees when they make mistakes and to not put so much pressure on trying to make everything perfect. I felt as after my 90 days were up the lab manager started treating me differently in a negative way. I know I was struggling and my performance may have been slightly off towards the end due to personal issues but management could have handled it differently instead of being more demanding.
It was our impression from viewing the video that this technique is very dependent on the dentist's skill in performing the needed steps (more so than with conventional construction, primarily due to time constraints needed to accomplish certain steps, and accomplish them the first time, properly, before the denture materials set). So in that regard, likely the dentist who fabricated your mother's denture is due as much credit as the system itself.
Dentures do not function like natural teeth. It takes time to learn how to properly use dentures. Food must be cut up into small pieces and be placed on the back teeth on both sides to balance chewing. Denture chewing occurs up and down bilaterally, not on one side. One sided chewing will cause the dentures to dislodge. Biting with the front denture teeth will cause the back of the dentures to dislodge. Dentures only function properly when force is applied evenly over the entire chewing surface of the back teeth.
One of the major treatments for dealing with missing teeth has always been dentures. Known by its less flattering name ‘false teeth’, there is a certain stigma that has unfairly dogged the use of dentures. This is mainly because old dentures are known to be wobbly, ill-fitting and artificial looking. However, thanks to advancements in modern dentistry, today’s dentures no longer conjure images of fake-looking choppers.
Under the direction of dentist Clark Damon, Texas Denture Clinic and Implant Center has become the dental implant destination in Fort Worth, TX and Richardson, Tx. As a true Dental Implant Center, rather than visiting a separate practice for each phase of your dental implant treatment, you can receive high-quality care from start to finish in a single office using the latest techniques and technology.
There are three main ways to replace missing teeth. The first is with a removable false tooth (or teeth) - called a partial denture. The second is with a fixed bridge. A bridge is usually used when there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth. The third way is by the use of dental ‘implants'. This is where an artificial root is placed into the bone of the jaw and a crown or bridge placed on top of this. See our leaflet ‘Tell me about: dental implants'.
I had a really great experience with Affordable Dentures and Implants. My mom has always been afraid of dentists and didn't take care of her teeth. She also had a stroke a few years back which has created a few more barriers to treatment. It's difficult to explain to anyone who doesn't personally know a stroke survivor, but she gets antsy pretty quickly and can be a bit difficult to work with at times. She's also physically handicapped and can't use her left side, plus is having trouble transferring from her wheelchair to other seats, getting into a helpful position, and following directions, so it's a bit of a unique situation. She underwent major oral surgery in this office- multiple extractions and bone augmentation- in order to get dentures. This is something we've seen a couple different dentists for, but she has always refused treatment because she didn't like something about the office or wanted to be put to sleep in a hospital, which was out of our budget. Given her limitations and dental anxiety, I wasn't sure what to expect this time around, but I couldn't have been happier with how this office behaved. The front office has been great in terms of explaining processes, scheduling, and billing. I've also had to coordinate paratransit to get my mom to the office, and they've worked with me on times to make sure everything lines up right. Something you can probably only appreciate if you've been in a similar situation. They've also worked with us on fixing issues and missed appointments due to unforeseeable circumstances. Not only did they not scold us for missing an appointment, but they worked with me to resolve the problem that caused it- my mom's assisted living facility biffed it and didn't give her pain medicine after her surgery. :/ But, like I said, this office came through and helped- always making her care the top priority. As far as back office goes, Carlos the assistant has the patience of a saint. Seriously. We had to do a full series of x-rays because my mom couldn't stand up for the pano. My mom had trouble holding still and repeatedly failed to follow instructions. Carlos never stopped smiling and encouraging her. He had a lot of positive energy and kept joking with her throughout, which I know went a long way to making her feel good about the office. He did the same during the other visits, but the x-rays I'm sure were the biggest challenge. Jennifer assisted with the surgery. She was incredibly kind, gentle, and thoughtful. She was always doing what she could to keep my mom comfortable and looking out for her. She even went and grabbed my mom a pillow to make sure she was comfortable. Dr. Athari has an amazing sense of calm about him. He walked us through everything and talked to us throughout the procedure. My mom needed frequent breaks during the surgery and he always gave her the time she needed to regroup. He was very gentle and mindful with her throughout the procedure, and I'm certain that's what got my mom through it without issue. I cannot stress how difficult this process could have been considering the amount of care needed and the limitations of the patient. However, these folks rolled with everything we threw at them and never missed a beat. Always helpful, knowledgeable, kind, and gentle. If I had to find one negative about the office, it would be the wait times. On our first visit, one woman in the waiting room said she'd been waiting 30+ minutes. It took a day to get a call back to schedule. We waited a little while in the office too. However, when you consider that they're working with people like the person I brought in, and that it's totally impossible to predict the needs and behaviors of some of the patients who go in there, it's totally understandable. I have no doubt they took a little longer because they were treating someone else exactly as they treated us- with patience and understanding. That's worth waiting for. So, if you do go, be prepared for some short delays, but also know why those delays happen. Overall, they work like a well-oiled machine. We got to meet the whole team, including their on-site lab techs. Every single person met us with a smile and kind words. I cannot thank Dr. Athari enough for creating an environment like this. Before I close, I'd like to add a word on fees as well. I almost hesitate to call this an affordable dental office, simply because they obviously put care first. All dental offices should do what this office does and provide options, but few do. It's that commitment to patient care and letting you choose what's right for you that makes them more affordable, versus the offices that cut corners to save you a buck. That's a major difference worth noting. They also have an on-site lab, which saves costs as well. Anyway, again, sending a huge thank-you to Dr. Athari and his staff. You guys are beyond awesome.
Olalekan Okunuga, DDS, FICOI, FAAIP, is a general dentist and the practice owner of this South Hill location. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at University of Pacific in San Francisco and completed his post-graduate residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Based on many years of valuable dental experience, Dr. Okunuga and his staff are proud to offer professional, compassionate care to patients that visit this practice.
I went to Affordable Dentures & Implants on 1/4/17 to get a full set of dentures. Before I went I, I had watched youtube videos to see the issues and complaints that people had about wearing dentures. I was surprised that Dr. Athari immediately addressed the same issues. The first thing he said to me was, " Dentures are not fun". I appreciated the honesty but still wanted them. So he suggested that I get dentures on the top and then wait and or save up to get implants on the bottom. This was to avoid the problem that most people have with the dentures on the bottom moving so much. I was curious about how much that would be so the administrative assistant typed up and printed out a detailed treatment plan. After she informed me that the total cost wasn't due up front, I realized that it was doable. I just got my upper dentures done today and I am really pleased. I can't wait to get my implants. Thank you Dr. Athari.
Stuart admired the sculpture of Washington by French artist Jean-Antoine Houdon, probably because it was based on a life mask and therefore extremely accurate. Stuart explained, "When I painted him, he had just had a set of false teeth inserted, which accounts for the constrained expression so noticeable about the mouth and lower part of the face. Houdon's bust does not suffer from this defect. I wanted him as he looked at that time." Stuart preferred the Athenaeum pose and, except for the gaze, used the same pose for the Lansdowne painting.[20]
For most cases, this office is well equipped and able to be of great benefit. If you have a difficult case, you may need someone with a greater level of ability. I am unfortunately unable to rate this practice very high, while mine is a delicate and difficult case, I was left to find another professional to help me complete my implant process that was started with this office.
It was our impression from viewing the video that this technique is very dependent on the dentist's skill in performing the needed steps (more so than with conventional construction, primarily due to time constraints needed to accomplish certain steps, and accomplish them the first time, properly, before the denture materials set). So in that regard, likely the dentist who fabricated your mother's denture is due as much credit as the system itself.
Effervescent cleansers are the most popular immersion cleansers and include alkaline peroxides, perborates and persulphates. Their cleansing action occurs by the formation of small bubbles which displace loosely attached material from the surface of the denture. They are not very effective as cleansers and have a restricted ability to eliminate microbial plaque. Moreover, they are safe for use and do not cause deterioration of the acrylic resin or the metals used in denture construction.[32] Despite this, they are able to cause rapid damage to some short-term soft lining.[36] Discolouration of the acrylic resin to a white denture often occurs, however, this happens because patients do not follow the manufacturer’s instructions and often add very hot water to the cleaning agent.[37][38]
Although dentures have helped millions of people around the world in regaining the ability to eat the foods they want, there are several disadvantages associated with the dental appliance. Some of the drawbacks of dentures disappear once the patients get used to wearing the device. Other problems with dentures may become an issue for the patient and lead them to seek alternative treatments for missing teeth.
CONOVER, NORTH CAROLINA -- This place is as crooked as it gets. I went over with the dentist several times the teeth I wanted extracted and he still pulled a perfectly good tooth. The business is so crappy that the owner won't even talk to me or look at the big cavity in the tooth beside the good one he pulled. It had a hole in it about as big around as a cigarette. I was told I would have to pay again to have it removed period. I think it was done just out of greed to make more money. I'll never go there again and I would suggest you don't go either.
HORRIBLE!! My husband sat and waited 5 HOURS only for them to turn him away. He has suffered for… HORRIBLE!! My husband sat and waited 5 HOURS only for them to turn him away. He has suffered for years with horrible teeth and came to the decision, it would be best for him to get dentures instead of suffering. The doctor told him he "needs to keep the teeth God has given him"....They were not willing to listen to him or do what HE wanted them to! Pull the 10 teeth that he had left and get a pair of dentures! Thanks for absolutely NOTHING! Read more
anything else they could help her with they would refund her . My mother explained she couldn't t eat with bottom dentures. They sent her home with no teeth. Very unprofessional. Elderly people need extra patience. She had arranged rides to their office several times to correct problem ( she lived 40 miles away ) . Very very unhappy with this company.
This plan is NOT insurance. This is not a qualified health plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This plan does not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under M.G.L. c. 111M and 956 CMR 5.00. This is not a Medicare prescription drug plan. The plan provides discounts at participating providers for services. The plan does not make payments directly to providers. The plan member is obligated to pay for all services but will receive a discount from participating providers. The range of discounts will vary depending on the type of provider and services. The licensed Discount Plan Organization is Coverdell & Company, Inc., at 8770 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60631, 1-800-240-2973. Plan not available in Alaska, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. To view a listing of participating providers visit Find a Provider. You have the right to cancel this plan within 30 days after the effective date for a full refund. Such refund will be issued within 30 days of request.
Getting dentures can take several appointments over the course of a few weeks. The dentist will take impressions of your jaw and take measurements to help create a try-on model. It may take several try-on models before the correct fit, shape, and color and perfected. Finally, the dentures will be made and fitted. Dr. Swift or Dr. Myers will make any minor adjustments to help the patient feel more comfortable with their new dentures.
Went in today for some x-rays and a cleaning and Dr Athari & the staff were great! Dr Athari did a great job & I left feeling my teeth were cleaner & healthier! Also, glad that he motivated me to start flossing more so I can maintain my healthy teeth and gums! I knew that flossing was important but did you know that increased your life by 6 years!!It helped that he was very outgoing and had a great personality, I will definitely be back and I will be referring people to come here! Very honest, very fast and efficient!!
It is often necessary to pull any remaining damaged teeth before getting dentures. Tooth extraction typically costs $75-$450 per tooth for a simple extraction and $150-$650 or more per tooth for a surgical extraction. Depending on the number of teeth to be pulled, the total cost of getting dentures can be $1,500-$20,000 or more for a full set (uppers and lowers). CostHelper readers report paying $2,000-$18,000 for a full set of removable dentures including tooth extractions and other preparation work, at an average cost of $9,063.
Denture adhesives, also called denture adherents, are creams, powders, wafers or strips that are used to hold dentures firmly in place. The adhesive also helps form a seal that keeps food particles from sticking between the dentures and gums. Adhesive is applied to clean dentures, which are then positioned in the mouth and held in place for a few seconds, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
[...] a composition for the purpose of making of artificial teeth either single double or in rows or in complete sets, and also springs for fastening or affixing the same in a more easy and effectual manner than any hitherto discovered which said teeth may be made of any shade or colour, which they will retain for any length of time and will consequently more perfectly resemble the natural teeth.[8]
Needless to say that I am going to a different dentist. A man who has been in this community for a long time and has a spotless office with people who treat their patients with respect. Charges more, but worth it to be treated right. I have gone to Affordable Dentures for a while because of the pricing but every time I went, new doctor, new office people, but these people at my last time there, they are really nasty. I am also going to contact the board of health because while I was sitting in the dental chair I looked up at the light and it was filthy, nasty with what looked like old spit or blood or whatever it was. It was not clean in my opinion.
Over a period of time, your denture will need to be relined, remade, or rebased due to normal wear. Rebasing means making a new base while keeping the existing denture teeth. Also, as you age, your mouth naturally changes. These changes cause your dentures to loosen, making chewing difficult and irritating your gums. At a minimum, you should see your dentist annually for a checkup.
