woman at dentist

3 Reasons to Make a Dental Appointment In the Next 6 Months

When was the last time you saw the dentist? The next time you visit the dentist should be six months after your last appointment. Below, we’ve listed three reasons to make adental appointment in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, in the next six months.

1. Dentist Recommendations

Generally speaking, most dentists recommend that their patients come for dental cleanings twice yearly. Every patient is unique, so your dentist may give you a different schedule to follow, but if you’re like most people, you should see the dentist twice annually.

The good news is that most dental insurance plans will cover two dental cleanings annually. This preventative care can help you take good care of your teeth, so take advantage of that dental insurance benefit.

2. Help Prevent Dental Problems

When you go to the dentist for a cleaning and examination, your dentist will look for problems like cavities, impacted wisdom teeth, dental infections, cracks in your teeth, and more.

Going every six months can help ensure that if your dentist does catch a problem, it will most likely be in its early stages. Catching problems early is important for preventing permanent teeth loss and dental emergencies requiring a root canal.

3. Maintain a Healthy, Beautiful Smile

Getting your teeth cleaned frequently can help prevent gum disease and tooth discoloration. This helps keep your teeth white and bright so you can confidently smile.

Is it time for you to see the dentist inBeaver Dam and Owensboro, KY? If so, contact Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make an appointment.

gums and teeth disease

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession is a common problem people experience for various reasons. When gum recession happens, it can cause tooth sensitivity, pain, and even loss of permanent teeth. As yourdentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, we’re here to help you understand the causes of gum recession and what you can do about it. Knowing why you’re experiencing gum recession can help you take care of your teeth. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is what happens when your gums pull away from the base of your teeth. Gum recession can leave the roots of your teeth exposed, and that can cause pain and even bone loss.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession can be caused by a variety of problems. Below are some reasons that you might be experiencing gum recession:

Gum disease. Gum disease can cause a variety of dental problems, including gum recession. Other symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, puffy red gums, loose teeth, and breath that’s bad even after you’ve brushed.

Brushing your teeth too hard. If you’re brushing your teeth too hard or brushing your teeth with hard bristles, you could be causing your gums to wear away. For this reason, it’s important to use soft bristle toothbrushes.

Smoking. Smoking can damage your teeth and gums in a variety of ways, and that includes gum recession.

What Should I Do About Gum Recession?

If you have gum recession, getting help from a dentist is important. Make an appointment for adental exam in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry. We can diagnose the cause of your gum recession and help you get the treatment you need to protect your teeth.

Conversation between two dentist in dentist's clinic

3 Questions to Ask Your Dentist at Your Next Dental Appointment

When you go visit the dentist, it’s important to make the most of your check-up. Your dentist in Owensboro & Beaver Dam, KY, can give you a lot of good advice to help you take care of your teeth, but asking questions gets the conversation started. Below are three questions you can ask the next time you visit the dentist.

1. What can I do to improve my oral hygiene routine?

Your dentist will have a good sense of how you’re taking care of your teeth just by looking in your mouth during your checkup. Your dentist will be able to see where plaque is building up on your teeth and where your teeth are getting properly brushed. Asking this question prompts your dentist to give you a tooth brushing and flossing tutorial.

2. Am I at risk for any dental conditions?

If you’re at risk for dental conditions, your dentist will likely know just by asking you questions about your lifestyle, habits, and medical conditions. For example, if you smoke, your dentist can tell you about how this affects your dental health. If you’re pregnant, this can put you at risk for certain dental conditions as well.

Asking this question gives your dentist an opportunity to talk about the dental conditions that you’re most at risk of experiencing and what you can do to avoid those conditions.

3. When should I make my next dental appointment?

Most people need to see the dentist every six months for preventative dental care in Owensboro & Beaver Dam, KY, but if your dentist has identified a condition or dental problem, your dentist may ask you to return sooner. Ask your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry when they hope to see you back.

Is My Little One Brushing Their Teeth Well Enough?

Many children have a hard time brushing their teeth properly. Working with the dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, can help because your dentist can give you and your child advice on how to maintain your child’s oral health. In addition, these tips can help you catch an oral hygiene problem before it becomes bad. Here’s what you need to know.

Signs Your Child Isn’t Brushing Their Teeth Well

If your child isn’t brushing their teeth well, you may notice one or more of the following problems:

  • Your child has cavities or tartar buildup on their teeth when they visit the dentist
  • Your child has bad breath that doesn’t go away when they brush their teeth
  • Your child has discolorations or black spots on their teeth
  • Your child doesn’t brush their teeth for two minutes each time
  • Your child doesn’t consistently brush their teeth twice daily

What To Do If Your Child Needs Toothbrushing Help

Many parents choose to brush their child’s teeth for them until they turn about 7 or 8 years old. Until they are 7 or 8, many children lack the coordination to brush their teeth well anyway.

If your child is old enough to brush their teeth but still isn’t doing a great job, watch them and give them tips while they’re brushing. Time your child with a timer or have them listen to a song that’s 2 minutes long while they brush to ensure that they’re brushing for the recommended length of time.

When To Bring Your Child to the Dentist

Unless the dentist recommends otherwise, bring your child to the dentist every six months for a routine cleaning, just like you do for yourself. Make an appointment for preventative care in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today to schedule your child’s next dental visit.

I Have a Fear of Visiting the Dentist – What Can Help?

Fear of visiting the dentist is a common problem, but there are many things you can do to alleviate your fear. Working with a dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, who understands these problems and can help you is important. The more support you get from your dentist, the easier your next appointment with the dentist will be. Here’s what you need to know.

Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Be mindful of your breathing on the way to the dentist and as you’re sitting down in the dental chair. Noticing your breath and heart rate can calm you and bring you back to the center.

You may also use other relaxation techniques like visualization techniques. Focusing your attention on a relaxing image of water, the beach, or a favorite place to visit can help distract you from the activity in the dental office.

Bring Something to Distract You

Do you enjoy listening to podcasts or music? Bring your favorite radio programming to listen to while your dentist does their work. Listening to something engaging can take your mind off of the dental office while your dentist does their work.

Talk to Your Dentist

Your dentist may have techniques and ideas that can help you feel more relaxed while you’re in the dentist office. Communicate with your dentist about your anxiety so you can devise strategies together.

See a Dentist that Offers Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can help you feel relaxed during your next dental procedure. There are many types of sedation dentistry, so your dentist can help you choose the right level of sedation for your level of anxiety. Not all dentists offer sedation dentistry to patients with anxiety, so if this is important to you, see Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry. We offer sedation dentistry in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. Call today.

 

woman-brushinig-teeth

3 Questions to Ask the Dentist At Your Next Appointment

When you visit the dentist in Beaver Dam, KY, it’s important to make the most of your time at the office. Asking the right questions during your dental appointment can help you get the information to take good care of your teeth when you go back home. Below are three examples of good questions that you can ask during your next dental appointment.

1. Is there anything I can do to improve my oral hygiene routine?

Are you cleaning your teeth well when you brush? Where are you missing spots? What can you do to improve the way you brush and floss? Your dentist will be able to see where there are deficits in your toothbrushing and flossing routine and will be able to point out areas for improvement.

2. How is my dental health?

Are your teeth and gums healthy? Are your teeth and gums at risk for certain conditions? Your dentist will be able to tell you.

3. What do these symptoms mean?

If you’re experiencing symptoms like tooth pain, discomfort or sensitivity, talk to your dentist. Your dentist can help you interpret these sensations and tell you what to look out for moving forward. Your dentist may also have some suggestions for how you can alleviate discomfort in the future.

Make a List of Questions for Your Next Dental Cleaning

Your dental cleaning is the perfect time to ask questions about your oral health and hygiene. If you have questions for your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, write them down before your next dental appointment. This will help you remember these questions during your appointment for dental preventative care in Beaver Dam, KY. Call today to make an appointment.

Why Doesn’t My Bad Breath Go Away When I Brush My Teeth?

Bad breath usually goes away when you brush your teeth, but when it doesn’t, it can be an embarrassing problem. If you’re having a hard time treating your bad breath with simple tooth brushing, it could be a sign of poor dental health. If you’re experiencing a problem with bad breath, your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY can help you determine whether you’re having a dental hygiene problem. Here’s what to know.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath is usually caused by a combination of bacteria and bits of food caught in your mouth after eating. Sometimes, however, bad breath can be caused after food has been consumed and absorbed into the blood stream.

This causes the breath itself to smell like the food that’s been consumed, and can lead to temporary bad breath. Garlic and onions are two foods that are easily absorbed into the blood stream and thus can be smelled on the breath for a while after being consumed.

Why Won’t My Bad Breath Go Away When I Brush My Teeth?

If your bad breath won’t go away when you brush your teeth, this may be because the food has been absorbed into the blood stream (as may be the case with garlic and onions), or it could be that your mouth contains a lot of extra bacteria. If you notice that you have very bad breath no matter what type of food has been consumed, then this may be the result of periodontitis or gingivitis.

If your bad breath is the result of a buildup of bacteria in your mouth, you may need periodontal therapy in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today to get an appointment.

Gum inflammation. Cropped shot of a young woman shows red bleeding gums pulling the lip

Bleeding Gums: Should I Be Worried?

Bleeding gums after brushing and flossing is a common condition, but it’s one that should cause concern. Often, this is an early warning sign of gum disease. And if you struggle with frequent or unusual amounts of blood after brushing and flossing or while eating, you may have a more advanced case of gum disease, called periodontitis. Both mild and severe gum disease require treatment. Your dentist in Beaver Dam, KY, can help.

How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

The symptoms of mild gum disease include puffy, swollen, and painful gums, bad breath, and bleeding after brushing. Advanced gum disease can lead to painful abscesses, receding gums, and changes in your bite that affect your ability to bite, chew, and speak clearly. Both require intervention and deep cleaning from your dentist. Both require a change in the way you care for your teeth at home, as well.

Does Gum Disease Go Away on It’s Own?

Gum disease does not clear up on its own. Even if you upgrade your oral hygiene routine at home, you’ll still need dental intervention because of plaque buildup beneath the gum line. Your dentist must scrape this away using special tools. Otherwise, your condition will continue to worsen.

How Does My Dentist Treat Gum Disease?

Initially, your dentist will perform a dental exam, which may include diagnostic tests such as X-rays to determine what’s happening with your oral health. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, the next step is usually a thorough cleaning. This includes cleaning and scaling the pockets surrounding your teeth. During the course of treatment, your dentist may:

  • Remove tartar and bacteria from your teeth and below your gumline.
  • Smooth the root surfaces of your teeth to help the gums reattach.
  • Prescribe oral antibiotics or an antibiotic mouth rinse or gel to ease infection.

For help with bleeding gums in Owensboro or Beaver Dam, KY, call Travis Wilson, DMD, today.

Can Teeth Enamel be Restored?

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and works as a protective layer on the surface of teeth, shielding teeth from the wear and tear of daily use, as well as from damage caused by bacteria and acid. When teeth enamel erodes, it jeopardizes the health of the teeth. Can it be restored?

What is Enamel Erosion?

Teeth enamel erosion occurs when acid from food or drink, or from stomach acids, attacks the surface of the teeth. This can cause the enamel to soften and lose some of its essential minerals. If you notice that your teeth enamel is eroding, contact your dentist in Beaver Dam, KY for help.

Can Enamel Be Restored?

Unfortunately, once tooth enamel is damaged, it can’t be restored to its original state. However, weakened enamel can be restored to some degree by improving its mineral content. Certain toothpastes and mouthwashes containing fluoride or high concentrations of calcium phosphate may help with remineralization.

Remineralization Process

Remineralization is the process of introducing minerals, such as calcium, back into the teeth. These minerals bond to the surface of the teeth and are drawn to weak points in the enamel. Certain restorative dental treatments in Beaver Dam, KY may also help.

Tips for Preventing Tooth Enamel Damage

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent tooth enamel damage:

  • Avoid acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, soda, and sports drinks.
  • Finish a meal with cheese or milk, as they help to restore the pH balance of the mouth.

Tooth enamel cannot be fully restored once it is damaged. However, remineralization can help to restore some of the minerals lost due to dental erosion. By taking steps to prevent enamel damage, such as adjusting your diet and practicing good oral hygiene, you can help to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Contact us to learn more about safeguarding your dental health.

summer foods bad for teeth

Which Summer Foods Are Bad For Your Teeth?

Summer is almost here! While everyone is looking forward to warm weather, days spent by the pool and backyard barbecues, it’s not all fun and games. Some popular summer foods can cause serious dental problems. Knowing what those foods are, and how to avoid dental problems, can help you take care of your teeth.

Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob may be a summer favorite, but this popular food can do damage. Specifically, the pressure that your teeth experience when popping off kernels of corn from the cob can cause damage to weakened teeth. Corn on the cob can also get stuck between your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay if your teeth aren’t properly cleaned after.

Iced Coffee, Iced Tea, Wine, Soda

Iced coffee, iced tea, wine, and soda can all stain your teeth. If you drink these popular summer drinks throughout the season, you can reverse the effects of stains by getting your teeth whitened in Owensboro & Beaver Dam, KY.

A bigger problem than stains is that sweetened drinks also cause tooth decay. Clean your teeth well after drinking these beverages.

Ice Cream

Ice cream may be delicious, but it’s also loaded with sugar. If you’re a fan of ice cream, remember to brush your teeth consistently throughout the summer. You can still enjoy your favorite snack, but don’t forget to take care of your teeth too. Brush twice daily and floss once daily.

Before summer comes, make an appointment with your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. Make sure your teeth are healthy before the warm weather sets in. Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make an appointment.