Dental Emergencies Can Happen Anywhere

Just imagine being all dressed up for your work Christmas party only to experience a Dental Emergency. Spending a couple of hours to get ready only to be rewarded with a broken tooth, lost filling or chipped veneer is the last thing you need, but accidents happen, and a Dental Emergency is something that should be taken care of as quickly as possible.

Losing a filling or crown, which covers large fillings, root canals, Dental Implants and other dental restorations can be hiding new dental caries. That tooth decay will destroy the restorations causing them to become loose or fall out completely.

Although the loss of a filling or crown isn’t as noteworthy as a knocked out tooth it can still be described as a Dental Emergency. Colgate explains that losing a crown or filling can hurt, as the exposed tissue on the tooth will become sensitive to hot and cold, air or pressure. If you can, save the crown and the filling, keep it in a safe place, and schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

You can still attend that long awaited Christmas party, but don’t leave it too long. The tooth under your crown is not as strong and is susceptible to damage until you have it repaired. Your dentist also explains that missing crowns could cause your teeth to move in order to fill the space where the crown used to be. If this occurs, you will have to have a new crown made, as your old crown will not fit. If you lose a crown, apply clove oil to the area using a Q-Tip. This will relieve some of the pain before your dental appointment. Clove oil is available at your pharmacy or the grocery store in the spices aisle.

If your crown is still intact, try slipping it back over your tooth. Make sure that you clean the inside of the crown before cementing with tooth cement, available from your pharmacist. If you are unable to find tooth cement, you can use Vaseline or a denture adhesive. Keep in mind that these are not permanent solutions and are only temporary fixes. Never use Super Glue. Not only is it unsafe if ingested, household adhesives can also damage the crown and the tooth.

Place dental cement or one of the other suggestions above directly on to the tooth if you have lost the crown or the filling as this helps to seal the tooth. Call your dentist immediately as bacteria and food particles can easily seep into the damaged area.

Remember, your dentist may have to prepare your tooth as the shape may have changed because of tooth decay. Without proper preparation, your crown will not fit. If this occurs, it will eventually come off and have to be replaced again.

If you have lost a filling, your dentist will remove the tooth decay that may have developed between your tooth and the old filling before placing a new resin or amalgam restoration. 

It Begins with a Good Preventive Dentistry Plan

Preventive Dentistry is the most important thing to remember when it comes to the health of your teeth and gums. In fact, good oral hygiene can help prevent serious and even fatal diseases such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you are unsure about Preventive Dentistry. During your checkup, a list of good Preventive Dentistry habits will help you and your family keep your natural teeth for a good number of years.

Brushing twice and flossing once each day is the first step when it comes to Preventive Dentistry. Your dentist recommends that you swap out your old soft bristled brush for a new one about four times a year. Make sure that you use a soft bristled toothbrush as anything harder could cause damage to your gums. Use fluoride toothpaste and be sure that you check out the list of recommended dental products on the American DentalAssociation website.

Flossing is imperative if you want to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease. Floss between your teeth shaping the floss like a V around each tooth.

Brushing your tongue can help remove bacteria and film that causes bad breath. Use your toothbrush, or purchase an ADA approved tongue scraper from your local pharmacy.

One of the biggest things people leave out when it comes to Preventive Dentistry is regular dental checkups. Again, the ADA recommends that you schedule appointments with your dentist twice a year, even more so if you have bleeding gums or a nagging toothache that just won’t go away.

When you visit your dentist, you will be given an oral cancer screening along with a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. X-rays will also be taken in order to detect any problems that may be going on with your dental restorations.

It’s never too late to begin a good Preventive Dentistry plan, even if you haven’t seen a dentist in years. Schedule your dental appointment today.

Sleep Apnea Could be Deadly

Sleep Apnea affects millions of people all over the world and according to your dentist is a potentially life threatening condition.

According to Web MD, there are two types of sleep apnea. The rarer of the two, Central Sleep Apnea, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Central Sleep Apnea is a condition that occurs when the brain isn’t sending the right signals to the muscles controlling your breathing. Obstructive Sleep Apnea happens when the muscles in your throat relax.

If you suffer from Central Sleep Apnea, you may wake up suddenly unable to breath. You may also have problems staying asleep or difficulty falling asleep. One of the most common causes of Central Sleep Apnea is heart failure. Your dentist explains that daytime sleepiness and snoring can occur with Central Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when your muscles at the back of the throat relax. Once they relax, your breathing passageways narrow causing you to gasp for breath. Because your brain has the sense to wake you up, you will be startled several times when you are sleeping. Some people who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea may wake up hundreds of times while sleeping. These constant disruptions will result in impaired ability during your waking hours, snoring and daytime sleepiness.

Some people who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea may not even be aware that they have it. If you have a partner ask if you gasp for breath, gurgle, or wake up suddenly while you are asleep. If you sleep alone talk to your doctor about dental therapies such as sleep oral appliances that can help as heart problems and other complications can occur.

Some of the signs to look for with either type of sleep apnea include loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. If you have episodes of breathing cessation or wake up abruptly feeling short of breath, you may have sleep apnea. Insomnia, attention problems, morning headaches, and waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth could also be signs that you have sleep apnea.

High blood pressure, heart problems, daytime fatigue, especially while driving, liver problems, and complications with surgery and medications could all stem from sleep apnea.

Although anyone, including children, can suffer from sleep apnea, people who carry too much weight, have thicker necks or narrowed airways may be more susceptible to sleep apnea. Men are two times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, especially if they are overweight. Age can also cause sleep apnea as well as family history. Excessive use of tranquilizers, sedatives, or alcohol could cause your throat to relax resulting in sleep apnea.

If you believe you may be suffering from sleep apnea talk to your dentist who can custom make a sleep oral appliance to keep you from suffering. Schedule your appointment today.

Turn your Frown Upside Down with Invisalign

If you are unhappy with your smile, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can give you the toothy grin that you have always wanted.

Invisalign is the only way you can straighten your teeth without those cumbersome metal braces. This revolutionary new procedure can give teens and adults straight teeth in just six months to a year dependant on the patient.

Created in 1999, the orthodontic appliance uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are perfect for teens and adults who would rather not deal with metal wires and brackets.

Although metal braces have certainly changed over the years, they can still be cumbersome. Metal braces can cause all sorts of problems including mouth sores and tooth decay, not to mention numerous visits to your dentist for adjustments.

Because Invisalign aligners are removed when you eat, brush, and floss, you will not have to deal with cavities. When you wear metal braces you have to be especially careful, as the tiny spaces allow plaque and food particles to become trapped. You also have to avoid certain foods while you are wearing metal appliances.

With Invisalign, you can enjoy the foods you like without having to worry about starchy and sugary foods that can cause damage to the wires and actually loosen the brackets associated with traditional metal braces. Popcorn, hard candy, nuts, and caramels can cause damage to your metal appliances, as can healthy foods like apples and carrots.

Invisalign clear plastic aligners are worn 20 to 22 hours every day, and best of all, the only ones who will know you are wearing them will be you and your dentist. Braces must be worn 24 hours a day seven days a week and in some cases need to be on your teeth for up to two years.

If your dentist has determined that you are a good candidate for Invisalign you will be fitted for a series of between ten and thirty sets of custom-made Invisalign clear plastic aligners. Once you receive your first set of Invisalign aligners, you will change to a new set every two weeks helping your teeth shift until they have reached the desired position. Your dentist will schedule dental appointments every six weeks in order to ensure that your treatment is headed in the right direction.  

For more information regarding a new smile with Invisalign, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign.