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How To Handle Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly, causing pain, discomfort, and anxiety. Knowing how to handle these situations promptly and effectively is crucial to minimize pain, prevent further damage, and ensure timely care. In this comprehensive guide, your dentist in Douglasville explores common dental emergencies and provides step-by-step instructions on how to handle them.

Contact Your Dentist

Different types of dental emergencies require different kinds of care, so it’s important to contact your dentist in Douglasville quickly if you experience a dental emergency so they can diagnose and properly treat your specific needs. While there are steps you can take to help reduce the risk of additional damage and temporarily relieve discomfort, you should always let your dentist know if you have a dental emergency. 

Toothaches

Toothaches can pop up out of nowhere and can cause mild discomfort or even excruciating pain. Here’s what you can do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped food particles that may be causing the pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums.
• Apply a cotton ball soaked with clove oil to the area. Clove oil contains a natural anesthetic and antibacterial that helps reduce inflammation.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth gets knocked out, immediate action is crucial for the best chance of saving it:

• Handle the tooth by the crown (the top part) and avoid touching the root.
• Rinse the tooth gently with water if it’s dirty, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissues.
• Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket, making sure it’s facing the correct way. Apply gentle pressure to hold it in place.
• If you cannot reinsert the tooth, place it in a container of milk or saliva and seek dental assistance immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to saving a knocked-out tooth.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

If you break or chip a tooth, follow these steps:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
• Save any broken pieces of the tooth.
• If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth.
• Your dentist in Douglasville will evaluate the extent of the damage and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include dental bonding, a crown, or other restorative dentistry options.

Lost Filling or Crown

Losing a filling or crown can be uncomfortable, but temporary solutions are available:

• Clean the affected tooth and apply dental cement or temporary dental filling material, available at most pharmacies.
• Avoid chewing on the affected side until you can see your dentist for a permanent solution

Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to the lips, gums, cheeks, or tongue can result in bleeding and discomfort. Here’s what to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to clean the area.
• Apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth to control bleeding.
• If bleeding persists or the injury is severe, seek immediate medical attention or visit the emergency room.

Handling dental emergencies requires prompt action and appropriate care. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can effectively manage dental emergencies. However, it’s essential to remember that these steps are temporary measures, and seeking professional dental care from your dentist as soon as possible is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

What Happens If You Don’t Wear a Mouthguard?

Engaging in physical activities without the proper protective gear can have serious consequences. When many people think of protective gear, they often think of things like helmets or shin guards. But one area that’s often overlooked, and one that’s important to your dentist in Douglasville, is the use of mouthguards. However, if you don’t wear a mouthguard during activities that pose a risk of dental injuries, it can increase the risk of long-term damage to your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health.

Dental Injuries & Trauma

One of the most common consequences of not wearing a mouthguard is an increased risk of dental injuries. Activities such as contact sports or recreational hobbies can lead to direct impacts on the mouth, causing broken or chipped teeth, tooth loss, and damage to the soft tissues in the oral cavity. These injuries not only require immediate dental attention but can also lead to long-term dental problems and the need for extensive dental treatments.

Jaw Fractures & TMJ Disorders

The absence of a mouthguard puts the jaw at greater risk of fractures and dislocations. With a mouthguard, the force of any strong impact on the jaw during physical activities would be absorbed by the mouthguard. Without that protection, blows to the jaw can result in severe injuries, leading to pain, difficulty in opening and closing the mouth, and TMJ disorders. These conditions can cause chronic discomfort, limited jaw movement, and problems with eating, speaking, and overall quality of life.

Tooth Movement & Root Damage

Without the protection of a mouthguard, teeth are vulnerable to being moved out of their original positions, changing their appearance. Impacts on the mouth can cause teeth to shift, rotate, or even be pushed into the jawbone. Additionally, the force from an impact can damage the tooth roots, leading to root fractures, nerve damage, and potential tooth loss. Restorative dentistry treatment such as root canals, dental implants, or orthodontic procedures from your dentist in Douglasville may be necessary to repair the damage caused by tooth displacement and root injuries.

Increased Risk of Concussions

Even though the primary purpose of mouthguards is to protect the teeth, they can also help reduce the risk of concussions. The cushioning effect of a mouthguard can absorb some of the impact forces, reducing the transmission of those forces to the head and potentially minimizing the risk of brain injuries. Without this protective barrier, the likelihood of sustaining a concussion increases, which can have both serious short-term and long-term consequences.

Choosing not to wear a mouthguard during physical activities can lead to severe consequences for your oral health and overall health. To protect your smile and safeguard your future, wear a properly fitted mouthguard during any activity that poses a risk to your oral health. 

How to Deal with Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a common dental issue that affects millions of people. It’s characterized by a sharp, sudden pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. Your dentist in Douglasville understands that tooth sensitivity can be a frustrating and painful experience. That’s why we want to share some information about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for tooth sensitivity.

Causes of Sensitivity 

Various different things can cause tooth sensitivity, such as:

• Tooth decay or cavities
• Gum disease
• Enamel erosion
• Grinding or clenching teeth
• Excessive brushing or using a hard-bristled toothbrush
• Certain dental procedures, such as teeth whitening or dental restorations

Symptoms of Sensitivity

The primary symptom of tooth sensitivity is sharp, sudden pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. Some people may also experience pain when brushing or flossing their teeth.

Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity 

The treatment for tooth sensitivity will depend on the underlying cause. Here are some treatment options that may be recommended by your dentist in Douglasville:

• Desensitizing toothpaste: This type of toothpaste contains compounds that help block the transmission of pain signals from the tooth to the nerve.
• Fluoride treatment: Fluoride can help strengthen tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity.
• Dental restoration: If tooth decay or a damaged filling is the cause of sensitivity, a dental restoration may be recommended.
• Root canal: In severe cases of tooth sensitivity, a root canal may be necessary to remove the damaged or infected tooth pulp.

Preventing Tooth Sensitivity

Prevention is the best way to deal with tooth sensitivity. Here are some tips to help prevent tooth sensitivity:

• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
• Use fluoride toothpaste: This can help strengthen tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity.
• Limit acidic foods and beverages: Acidic foods and beverages can erode tooth enamel and increase sensitivity.
• Wear a mouthguard: If you grind or clench your teeth, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from damage.

Tooth sensitivity can greatly impact your daily life. That’s why we encourage anyone experiencing sensitivity to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Douglasville. They can offer personalized treatment options to help you manage your tooth sensitivity and enjoy your favorite foods and drinks without pain.

Don’t let tooth sensitivity impact your daily life. Schedule an appointment with us today. 

Why Are Regular Teeth Cleanings Important?

You’ve heard your dentist in Douglasville say time and time again just how important regular teeth cleanings are to maintaining good oral health. It’s true! Routine dental checkups and cleanings are critical to preventing dental problems, catching any problems early when they’re easier to treat, and maintaining overall health. 

Decay & Gum Disease

Firstly, regular teeth cleanings help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which are two of the most common dental problems. Plaque buildup is the leading cause of tooth decay and gum disease, and unfortunately, it can be difficult to remove through brushing and flossing alone. Professional teeth cleanings with your dentist in Douglasville remove plaque and tartar buildup, significantly reducing the risk of dental problems. By attending regular teeth cleanings, you can prevent cavities, tooth loss, and gum disease, saving you money and time in the long run.

Oral Health is Linked to Overall Health

Additionally, regular teeth cleanings can also prevent other health problems. Recent studies have shown that oral health is connected to overall health, and poor dental hygiene can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. By keeping up with regular teeth cleanings, you are not only taking care of your oral health but also contributing to your overall well-being. 

More Than a Cleaning

It’s important to remember that dental cleanings are not just about cleaning your teeth. During your visit, your dentist in Douglasville will also conduct oral cancer screenings, check for signs of other dental problems such as gingivitis and periodontitis, and provide you with personalized advice on how to maintain optimal oral health. By attending regular teeth cleanings, you can catch potential dental problems early and take preventative action, improving your overall health.

Even patients with the most diligent at-home dental care routine need to see their dentist at least every six months because plaque can still build up in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Only professional teeth cleanings can thoroughly remove plaque and tartar buildup, helping you avoid costly and painful dental problems. 

By attending regular teeth cleanings at our practice, you can enjoy a brighter, healthier smile and peace of mind knowing that you are taking the necessary steps to protect your oral and overall health.

5 Things That Can Harm Teeth

If you’re following an excellent oral health routine of brushing and flossing every day and seeing your dentist in Douglasville twice a year but still find yourself getting cavities, having tooth sensitivity, or needing dental restorations to help fix damaged teeth, other things may be to blame. The truth is, there are habits that many people do every day that can harm teeth.

• Chewing Ice, Nails, and Other Things

Many people find comfort in chewing ice, biting their nails, or nibbling on other things such as pens or pencils. However, gnawing on these comfort items can cause some serious oral health problems. Chewing on ice, biting your nails, or gnawing on pens can lead to broken or chipped teeth that will need to be fixed by your dentist in Douglasville. But these habits can also create tiny tooth fractures over time that you may not notice, until they turn into big cracks and potentially cause pain. Additionally, nail biting could also cause teeth to shift or place pressure on the jaw, causing pain.

• Opening or Holding Packages with Your Teeth

Teeth were designed for two reasons – to help us chew and to help us speak. They were not designed to open pesky packages or hold things that don’t fit into our hands. Using teeth for things other than what they’re meant to do could damage teeth. Some common problems associated with using teeth as tools are broken teeth, cracked teeth, broken restoration, or trauma to the soft tissues in the mouth.

• Using Too Much Force While Brushing

A common misconception is that you have to brush hard in order to really clean your teeth. However, the truth is, if you use too much force while brushing your teeth, you could actually cause harm. Brushing your teeth too hard could lead to an increased risk of decay, damage, and sensitivity. Always choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and gently move the brush over each tooth. 

• Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth

Many people clench or grind their teeth in times of stress. This habit is often done subconsciously and we don’t even know we’re doing it. But there may be signs that you’re clenching or grinding your teeth, perhaps while you’re asleep. Consistent grinding or clenching can make teeth appear short and worn down. It can also cause tooth damage such as chips, breaks, or cracks. One of the most common signs of clenching or grinding is jaw pain, so make sure to mention any symptoms of TMJ to your dentist in Douglasville.

• Smoking or Using Chewing Tobacco

Tobacco use not only affects overall health, it can also negatively affect oral health. On the surface, smoking cigarettes or cigars or using chewing tobacco can cause tooth discoloration. But the concerns go much deeper. Using any type of tobacco can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.

We will always encourage our patients to brush and floss every day to help keep their mouths healthy. We also encourage our patients to be honest with us about any habits that may affect oral health. Afterall, it will only help us provide better, more personalized care. 

What Asthmatics Need to Know About Their Oral Health

May is Asthma Awareness Month, which makes it a great time to educate people on this very common, yet very serious, disease. Around 25 million Americans, both children, and adults, have asthma, and it can’t be cured. While asthma predominantly affects the respiratory system and can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness, your dentist in Douglasville wants all asthmatics to know that it can also affect oral health. 

Asthma & Oral Health 

Even though asthma can’t be cured, the good news is that it can often be treated. Many asthma sufferers will use inhalers to help control their asthma symptoms, but other medications also exist. It’s there where oral health problems related to asthma begin. 

• Dry Mouth

Inhalers and other asthma treatments can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth is an oral health condition that can be uncomfortable, but the truth is, it could also cause some dental concerns. When there’s not enough saliva in your mouth, bacteria and acids that would typically be washed away will hang around and attack teeth. This can weaken tooth enamel and increase the risk of decay, cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. Anyone experiencing dry mouth, whether they’re asthmatic or not, should talk to their dentist in Douglasville. 

• Mouth Breathing

Another concern that often affects those with asthma is mouth breathing. When we have trouble breathing, we will automatically start breathing out of the mouth instead of the nose. Since asthmatics typically have more difficulty breathing than those without asthma, they are more likely to breathe out of their mouths to get the oxygen they need. However, mouth breathing can quickly cause dry mouth. So not only are asthmatics more likely to experience dry mouth due to medications, but regular mouth breathing also increases the risk. 

How to Fix Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can leave us feeling constantly thirsty, and it is just simply uncomfortable. But the good news is that there are some tried and true tricks that can help alleviate dry mouth. 

• Stay Hydrated. Those with dry mouths may already drink more water throughout the day. This is important. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep the mouth hydrated, which will more effectively wash away bacteria and neutralize damaging acids. 
• Rinse With Water. After taking asthma medication, a quick rinse with water will help remove the drying ingredients, lowering the risk of dry mouth. 
• Talk to Your Dentist. It’s important to communicate any health conditions to your dentist in Douglasville.
• . Knowing your health history helps your dental team customize treatment for you and notifies them to be on the lookout for any oral health concerns that may result from other health problems in the rest of the body.

As always, never stop any medication without first talking to your physician, brush and floss your teeth every day, and visit your dentist at least every six months for cleanings, dental x-rays, and checkups. 

Top 4 Dental Problems

The truth is, most people will experience at least one dental problem in their lifetime. While all dental problems can range in seriousness, severity, and frequency, there are a few dental conditions that are more common than others. So if your dentist in Douglasville tells you that you need to have some dental work done, rest assured knowing that we have the experience you want and deserve to treat any problem. 

• Cavities

Let’s start with the most commonly treated dental condition – cavities. Cavities occur when teeth become weakened as a result of bacteria, or plaque. When there’s too much plaque on teeth, the bacteria naturally found in the mouth will feed on sugars from what we eat and drink and release an acidic byproduct. This acid will weaken tooth enamel, leaving the softer inner parts of the tooth vulnerable to acid attacks. The result is often a cavity, or essentially a hole in a tooth. Signs of cavities include: 

• Tooth pain
• Bad breath
• Sensitivity to heat, cold, or sweets
• Brown or black spotting on teeth
• Unpleasant taste

We always recommend seeing your dentist in Douglasville if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.

• Bad Breath

Another incredibly common concern of dental patients is chronic bad breath. Not only can bad breath be embarrassing, but it may also indicate a bigger problem. Most cases of bad breath are a result of poor dental hygiene. This is one reason why your dentist will always recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. However, this isn’t the only thing that can cause bad breath. Some other considerations are: 

• Dry mouth
• Certain Medications
• An Infection
• Acid reflux
• Cancer

Your dentist in Douglasville will help assess what’s causing bad breath in the first place and recommend the best way to make it go away. 

• Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is one of those things that may not cause problems all of the time, but when it does, the zings of sensitivity pain are certainly noticeable. This uncomfortable condition often results when the nerves inside teeth become exposed, allowing any irritant from hot soup to cold drinks to directly hit those nerves. Sensitive teeth are incredibly common and can be caused by: 

• Cavities
• Gum Recession 
• Enamel Erosion
• Chipped or broken tooth
• Older crowns or fillings

To help, your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment or a specific type of toothpaste designed to help sensitive teeth. Other solutions may include a new dental crown or a root canal, depending on your individual needs. 

• Gum Disease

Gum disease is also incredibly common with nearly 50% of Americans over the age of 30 having some form of it, according to the CDC. But this isn’t just an oral health problem. In fact, numerous studies have linked gum disease to things such as respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease, and problems controlling blood sugar in diabetes. The earliest stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, can be treated and reversed. However, if it progresses into periodontitis, it can’t be cured and could lead to tooth loss. If you notice any of these symptoms of gum disease, see your dentist as soon as possible. 

• Bleeding gums
• Red, swollen gums
• Bad breath
• Pain when you chew

Maintaining regular checkups with your dentist is key to preventing oral health problems. But don’t forget that it’s also important to take great care of your teeth at home. This means properly brushing and flossing daily, avoiding tobacco products, and eating plenty of tooth-friendly foods such as fresh vegetables.

Early Signs of Mouth Cancer

Cancer can develop in any part of the body, including in the mouth. Oral cancer, also commonly referred to as mouth cancer, is incredibly common and can affect the mouth, tongue, tonsils, and throat. In fact, more than 50,000 people will be diagnosed with some type of oral cancer every year. The good news is that oral cancer doesn’t have to be deadly. If oral cancer is diagnosed by your dentist in Douglasville early enough, treatment can often be successful 

Oral Cancer Signs & Symptoms

The hard part about diagnosing oral cancer often comes from the fact that some of the early signs of oral cancer can easily be confused with other oral health conditions. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if any of the signs and symptoms below don’t go away within 2-3 weeks, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your dentist in Douglasville as soon as you can. 

• Chronic cough
• Changes in voice 
• Difficulty swallowing
• An earache on one side 
• A hard lump in the soft tissues
• Swollen tonsil on one side without pain
• A painless lump on the outside of the neck
• Any sore that doesn’t heal itself within 2-weeks
• Discoloration in the mouth including a red, white, or black appearance

Check Your Mouth 

While regular checkups with your dentist are certainly important, there are things you can do at home to proactively check for early signs of oral cancer or other symptoms of tooth trouble. Keep an eye out for any new tooth sensitivity, bleeding, or sores in the mouth. Additionally, check in with the Check Your Mouth initiative to help you identify potential abnormalities in the mouth.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors 

Even though oral cancer can happen to anyone at any time, there are some things you can do to lower your risk of developing this serious and sometimes deadly disease. Keep in mind that some factors are genetic, but others can be controlled.

• Reduce Alcohol intake – Nearly 70% of people diagnosed with oral cancer are heavy drinkers

• Avoid Tobacco –  80% of those who get oral cancer either currently use tobacco or did at one time

• People 50 or older — Oral cancer tends to be most prominent in people over the age of 50

• Men — Men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women, but that doesn’t mean women are excluded from oral cancer

Oral cancer is a tricky thing, and the best way to protect yourself against it is to see your dentist in Douglasville twice a year. Like many oral health problems, oral cancer is best and most successfully treated when it’s caught early. 

What You Eat Can Impact Your Oral Health

Your dentist in Douglasville is certainly focused on keeping your mouth healthy, but the truth is, we’re also focused on what you eat. Why? Well, the truth is, what you eat can impact not only your overall health but your oral health, too. To help do our part in celebrating National Nutrition Month, we’re here to raise awareness about how eating right can keep your body and smile happy. 

How Foods Affect Oral Health

Everything we eat can impact oral health. There are some foods that are great for teeth, and some that can cause problems. 

What to Avoid

• Sugary Sweets: Eating too many sugary sweets can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease. It’s why your dentist in Douglasville recommends limiting your daily intake of sugar. When we eat sugar, it feeds the bacteria in the mouth that produce acid. This acid erodes tooth enamel and can cause cavities as well as tooth sensitivity.
• Acidic Foods & Drinks: Speaking of acid, foods, and drinks that are acidic, such as citrus fruits, sports drinks, and soda can also directly harm the protective layer of enamel on teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay.
• Starchy Snacks: Sugar and acid aren’t the only things that can negatively affect oral health. Starchy foods, such as bread, crackers, and potatoes, can also contribute to tooth decay. Additionally, high-carb foods break down into simple sugars and can affect your teeth in the same way as sugar. 

Best Types of Food for Teeth

• High in Calcium & Vitamin D: Two essential nutrients are needed to build and keep strong teeth (and bones!) – calcium and vitamin D. Foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and salmon, can help keep teeth and gums healthy.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C isn’t only for enhancing the immune system, it’s also important for gum health. Enjoy foods with a lot of Vitamin C, such as broccoli, strawberries, and bell peppers.

Finding the Best Food for You

Nutrition can be complicated. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) tried to help us out by introducing the Food Guide Pyramid in 1992 to show us how much of each food group we should strive to eat every day. But the truth is, nutritional needs are individual, and not all of us need the same things in the same quantities. Things like age, gender, height, weight, activity level, and underlying health concerns can make your ideal combination of foods different from someone else. The best way to find out your nutritional needs is to go to MyPlate and customize the best mix of dietary recommendations for you.

Do your part this month, and all year around, to commit to eating better to keep your mouth and body healthy. And, of course, make sure to see your dentist in Douglasville at least twice a year for dental cleanings and exams.  

Does Green Beer Turn Your Mouth Green?

The luckiest day of the year, St. Patrick’s Day, is almost here, which means we’re about to see a lot of green everywhere, including in your favorite adult beverages. In particular, it’s become a tradition to dye beer green, which is not only festive and fun but can also cause some concern for your dentist in Douglasville. In fact, green beer, and all types of alcohol, can negatively affect oral health. 

Green Mouth

The dye used to turn beer green can also temporarily turn your mouth and teeth green. This may be fun during St. Paddy’s Day but could be odd at any other time. This is why it’s a good thing that any green staining can usually be removed by brushing your teeth. Whitening toothpaste is often the best choice as they contain abrasive properties that can more effectively scrub away stains. Keep in mind that starting celebrations with clean teeth can help reduce stain severity. Areas of plaque or tartar buildup will attract and retain dying agents faster and more severely than clean teeth, much like disclosing plaque rinses show kids areas of their teeth they didn’t clean so well. 

However, it’s not only green beer that can cause tooth discoloration. In fact, drinking any type of alcohol excessively can cause tooth staining and make teeth look yellow or brown. These stains tend to be more difficult to remove and may need to be treated with a professional tooth whitening treatment or other forms of cosmetic dentistry from your Douglasville dentist such as veneers. 

Weakened Teeth

The strongest material in your body is your tooth enamel, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be damaged. Acid is usually the culprit behind damaged tooth enamel, and a lot of things we eat and drink are acidic, including beer and other alcoholic beverages. The acidity of these foods and drinks can easily erode enamel and leave teeth at risk for decay, sensitivity, and discoloration. Weakened tooth enamel may be noticed if teeth look gray, dull, or translucent. 

Enjoy Your Beer, Protect Your Teeth

Enjoying alcoholic beverages in moderation greatly reduces your risk of any alcohol-related oral health problems. But besides limiting your alcohol intake, there are other ways you can further protect your smile including:  

• Drinking water after every alcoholic beverage
• Maintaining a great oral health care routine of brushing and flossing every day 
• Scheduling and keeping appointments with your dentist in Douglasville twice a year

Whether you’re due for a dental checkup or are looking for the best way to whiten your teeth, we’re always happy to see new patients. Call us to schedule an appointment today.