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How Missing Teeth Affects Your Mouth

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Do you have missing teeth? If so, you might want to make an appointment with a dentist in Owensboro, KY right away. Why? Because not correcting missing teeth can result in significant oral damage if left uncorrected.

How Missing Teeth Affects Your Mouth

When you have missing teeth, the surrounding bone tissue starts to weaken from lack of use. This can cause your mouth to cave in and sag, as well as creating a whole host of other dental issues. Here are some of the other things that happen to your face and mouth when you have uncorrected missing teeth.

  • Bite Irregularities

Bite irregularities can result in tooth decay, tooth and enamel damage, headaches, neck pain, and jaw muscle pain.

  • Headaches

Missing teeth and bite irregularities can cause headaches due to how the improper bite affects your mouth, neck, and jaws.

  • Neck Pain

Neck pain is also a result of missing teeth and bite irregularities due to an improper bite which results in headaches, neck pain, and jaw pain.

  • Tooth Shifting, Crowding, and Crookedness

Missing teeth will cause your other teeth to shift. You could also experience tooth crowding and tooth crookedness. Dental implants in Owensboro, KY can prevent these things from happening.

  • Jawbone Loss and Facial Collapse

Missing teeth, especially if your missing teeth are at the back of your mouth, could actually change your face. Without having teeth to stimulate your jawbones, your jawbone will begin to shrink and deteriorate. This will cause your lips and chin to look as if they are collapsing and sinking in.

  • Speech Issues

Missing teeth can also affect your speech. Depending on where your missing teeth are located, it could make it harder to speak and might also result in your speaking with a lisp.

  • Gum Disease

If you have missing teeth, you increase your risk of getting bacterial infections, gum disease, and other oral issues.

What’s Next?

If you need a dentist in Owensboro, KY, please Contact Travis Wilson D.M.D. today. We are dedicated to providing our patients with customized treatment at an affordable price. Consider us your one-stop-shop for all your dental needs.

Dental Health for the Whole Family

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When you have a houseful of family, you want dental health for everyone. This entails taking a few precautions that are easily done.

Toothbrushes

Keep toothbrushes separate to avoid cross-contamination. Children’s toothbrushes should be small enough for their mouths and should be replaced more frequently than adult toothbrushes.

Toothpaste

Children should use age-appropriate toothpaste that’s specially formulated and contains adequate amounts of fluoride. Supervise children when they brush their teeth to ensure they use the correct amount and not swallowing the toothpaste. The same juicy flavoring that makes children’s toothpaste enticing can make it a temptation for kids.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash should be kept out of reach of children as it can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. Youngsters in particular often don’t understand the process of rinsing and spitting, and are more likely to swallow the rinse.

Flossing

Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and along the gum line. Most kids without permanent teeth don’t yet need to floss, as their teeth are farther apart from each other. When the time comes, teach children how to floss properly with their own personal floss, and supervise them until they are able to do it on their own.

Dental Check-ups

Regular dental check-ups in Beaver Dam, KY are crucial in maintaining oral health. Dental professionals can detect and treat problems early, before they become severe. Children should have their first dental check-up by the age of one, or when their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. Adults should visit the dentist at least twice a year, or as directed by the dentist in Beaver Dam, KY. These tips will help to ensure that your entire family enjoys dental health. Contact us today to book an appointment for yourself or a family member.

3 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Teeth

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The year is almost done. Did you take good care of your teeth this year? If you didn’t, what could you have done differently? This time of year is the perfect opportunity to create New Year’s resolutions for oral hygiene and tooth care. As your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, we’ve got lots of suggestions.

1. Brush Up On Your Tooth Brushing Technique

Do you brush your teeth properly? If you’ve developed bad habits with your tooth brushing technique, this is the perfect opportunity to re-learn how to brush your teeth.

Talk to your dentist about your tooth brushing technique and get a tutorial on tooth brushing at your next dental examination. Your dentist can show you the best practices for brushing your teeth, and can help you identify anything you might be doing wrong with your nightly brushing routine.

2. See the Dentist Two Times Annually

Did you see your dentist twice this year? Most dental professionals recommend that their patients see the dentist every six months. If you’re not in the habit of seeing the dentist twice annually, make a change. Contact your dentist to make an appointment for a date early in the new year. Then, mark your calendar for six months into the future to remind yourself to make another appointment with your dentist.

3. Replace Your Tooth Brush As Needed

Dental professionals recommend replacing your tooth brush every three months. That means you’ll need to replace your tooth brush every time you go to the dentist for a check-up, and once in between. Buy some extra tooth brushes to keep on hand for the next time you need to replace yours.

Get started with your resolutions today! Make an appointment for a dental exam in Owensboro or Beaver Dam, KY with Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry.

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4 Questions to Ask the Dentist At Your Next Appointment

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A dentist appointment can be a rewarding, satisfying experience. This is especially true if you use the time at your dentist appointment to the fullest extent possible. Take the time with your dentist to get answers to your questions about your oral health and hygiene.

Knowing which questions you’re going to ask at your next appointment with your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY can help streamline the process. Below are some common questions that people ask at their dentist appointment.

1. Are my teeth and gums healthy?

This question helps generate conversation about the state of your oral health. At this point in the appointment, your dentist can describe to you any conditions that you may have and what can be done about them. This question often generates follow-up questions about dental conditions, treatments and their symptoms. The more you know, the easier it will be for you to maintain good oral health.

2. Is my oral hygiene routine adequate?

A good oral hygiene routine helps you maintain good oral health. If your oral hygiene routine isn’t working, your dentist will likely be able to tell. Have your dentist tell you what you should be doing differently in order to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

3. How can I maintain whiter teeth?

Brushing your teeth, flossing daily and seeing the dentist twice per year can help you maintain whiter teeth. In addition, your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry offers teeth whitening services that can help keep your teeth in good condition. Have your dentist tell you more about this.

4. When should I schedule my next appointment?

Most dentists recommend that their patients return every six months for cleanings. If your dentist thinks you should return for a dental exam in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY on a different timeline, this will open up the conversation for discussion.

Is it time to see the dentist? Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make an appointment today.

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Best Foods for Your Oral Health

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Brushing and flossing daily can do wonders for your oral health. However, did you know that certain foods can also be healthy for your teeth and gums? In this post, we’ll talk about the best foods for your oral health.

Fiber-Rich Fruits and Veggies

Fiber is great for our dental health, especially in the form of fruits and vegetables. These fiber-rich foods help to clean our teeth and gums, resulting in a cleaner, healthier smile. Furthermore, these foods get saliva flowing, which is also very beneficial for reducing dental issues. In fact, this can even help prevent cavities and gum disease.

While eating fiber-rich foods is important, you should also visit a dentist for routine checkups. To schedule a checkup and teeth cleaning in Owensboro, KY, or the surrounding area, make an appointment with Dr. Travis Wilson today!

Dairy Products

Several dairy products are also excellent for our dental health. This includes plain yogurt, cheese, milk, and other forms of dairy. These foods help to create more saliva, and the calcium and phosphates help to restore minerals lost in your teeth. Another perk is that dairy products rebuild tooth enamel, keeping your teeth strong and healthy.

Fatty Fish

Eating fish benefits many areas of our bodies, including our teeth and gums. One reason is its high source of vitamin D, which is necessary for almost every system in our body. Another benefit of this vitamin is its ability to lower the risk of tooth decay. Vitamin D and vitamin K2 work together to bring calcium to our teeth, helping to strengthen the enamel. Fatty fish is also rich in omega-3s, which supports gum health and may even help prevent and treat gum disease.

Speak with our dentist in Owensboro, KY, today to learn more beneficial foods for your oral health!

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How a Healthy Mouth Supports Overall Wellness

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Most people know that poor oral hygiene negatively affects the teeth and gingival tissue (aka gums, gum tissue); yet, many are unaware that it can also play a role in an individual’s overall wellness. The best way to maintain good oral health is by brushing and flossing daily. In addition, remember to schedule your biannual dental cleanings at one of Dr. Travis Wilson’s dental offices. Dr. Wilson has offices in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, Kentucky.

Whose Overall Health Can Be Negatively Affected by Poor Oral Hygiene?

According to the most recent report provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges, good oral health is vital to the well-being for people of every age.

Poor Dental Hygiene Can Lead To Gum Disease

Just like other parts of the body, the mouth is teeming with bacteria. Although most of these bacteria are harmless, some can cause an individual to develop a variety of diseases that negatively impact their organs.

How Gum Disease May Negatively Affect Vital Organs

An individual who develops gum disease has colonies of bacteria thriving within his or her mouth. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream via damaged gum tissue. Inflamed, sensitive gum tissue, which is a symptom of gum disease, is more likely to have open wounds than healthy gingival tissue. These wounds may result from flossing, brushing and eating crunchy foods. In addition, accidentally biting the cheeks, lips or tongue can provide an area for bacteria to access the bloodstream.

Once the bacteria are traveling throughout the body, the individual’s risk of developing heart disease or a respiratory illness increases. If you have concerns about the health of your mouth, make an appointment with an Owensboro, Kentucky, dentist today.

Which Health Issues Are Linked To Poor Oral Hygiene?

Around the globe, gum disease ranks as the most common chronic inflammatory disease. If bacteria enter the bloodstream, inflammation in other parts of the body is likely. This inflammation can lead to serious health problems.

Health issues linked to poor dental hygiene include:

  • Stroke – due to the inflammation and infections the bacteria cause.
  • Atherosclerosis – clogged arteries.
  • Cardiovascular disease (aka heart disease) – due to atherosclerosis.
  • Endocarditis – this refers to an infection in the lining of the valves and chambers of the heart (i.e., endocardium).
  • Respiratory diseases, including Pneumonia – while breathing, the bacteria are pulled into the respiratory tract through the mouth, which is how they gain access to the lungs.
  • Pregnancy complications – such as a premature birth and a low birth weight.

If you are in the Owensboro or Beaver Dam, Kentucky, area, and you are experiencing mouth pain, bleeding gums or sensitivity, contact Dr. Travis Wilson today. He can determine if you have gum disease, solve the problem at hand, and then help you improve your overall oral health. To request an appointment using the online form, please click here. To schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Wilson, call the Beaver Dam, Kentucky, office at (270) 274-3645 or the Owensboro, Kentucky, office at (270) 926-6040.

5 Tips to Maintain Healthy Teeth This Summer

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Maintaining healthy teeth is important at all times of the year, but it’s especially important in the summer when you’re likely to attend big gatherings with lots of food and dessert. Knowing how to maintain healthy teeth this summer can help you avoid an infection, cavity or another painful dental problem.

1. Floss Regularly – Even At Events

Floss after meals, especially when you’ve eaten summer foods that can easily be caught between your teeth, like corn on the cob and ribs. Flossing may sound challenging if you spend half your summer attending barbecues, but this gets easier when you bring floss with you. Put floss in your purse, your glove compartment, or your backpack.

2. Swish After Eating Staining Foods

Barbecue sauces, berries and iced coffee are all popular in summer – and all can stain your teeth. You can head off some of these problems by swishing with water after eating or drinking something that can stain your teeth. Chasing staining foods and beverages with water can help keep away the worst of the stains.

3. Minimize Sugar Intake

It’s hard not to eat a lot of sugar in summer. Ice cream, milk shakes, cherry pie – these popular desserts make an appearance at family get togethers, barbecues and other social events. Do your best to minimize your sugar intake. Moderation is good for you!

4. See the Dentist

Make an appointment to see the dentist in Owensboro KY this summer. Your dentist will clean your teeth and can also catch dental problems in their early stages.

5. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

In addition to getting preventative care in Owensboro KY from your dentist, it’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene at home. Brush your teeth and floss every evening, and brush in the morning as well. Have more questions? Call Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today.

4 Reasons to See the Dentist as Soon As Possible

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Do you know when it’s time to see the dentist in Owensboro KY? Your dentist can help you with pain, swelling, loss of a permanent tooth – or even something as minor as bad breath. Knowing when it’s appropriate to see the dentist can help you take care of your teeth. Below, we’ve recorded four scenarios when you should see the dentist.

1. Lost or Loose Permanent Tooth

No one should lose a permanent tooth. If you lose a permanent tooth, you’re having a dental emergency – call your dentist to let them know you’re on your way. If you’ve noticed that your permanent tooth is loose, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.

2. Tooth Pain

Tooth pain could be a sign of several problems – from cavities to an infection. If you’re having tooth pain, don’t wait to see your dentist. If you have an infection, your tooth could be at risk. An infected tooth can even put other aspects of your health at risk. Call your dentist as soon as possible.

3. Swelling

Swelling in the mouth, cheek or gums could be a sign of an infection – especially if the swelling is accompanied by pain. Don’t wait to call the dentist – make the call.

4. Bad Breath

Bad breath isn’t a dental emergency, but it is a problem! It may be that you need to change your oral hygiene routine – or you may need to get a deep cleaning of your teeth. To find out more about getting rid of bad breath, all your dentist at Travis Wilson DMD to make an appointment for preventative care in Owensboro KY.

Should I Be Cleaning My Child’s Teeth?

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Many parents clean their child’s teeth for them until they reach an age when they can do it themselves. Knowing when, why and how to clean your child’s teeth can help you take care of your child’s oral hygiene. We’ve posted the article below to give some guidance on this issue. It’s also important to work with your dentist in Owensboro, KY to find out what you can be doing to help your child.

When and How to Clean Your Child’s Teeth

It’s common for parents to clean their child’s teeth until they’ve reached the age of about 7 or 8. Children do not have the manual dexterity to properly clean their own teeth, so they need help from their parents to ensure that their mouth is cleaned properly.

To clean your child’s teeth, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Children who are too young to understand that you should not swallow your toothpaste should not have fluoridated toothpaste. Check with your child’s dentist to get a toothpaste recommendation.

Brush your child’s teeth for two minutes. Your dentist can show you some tricks for getting their teeth brushed properly. You can use a timer to time their tooth brushing, or you can sing a song for two minutes.

How to Ensure Your Child Has Good Dental Hygiene

Take your child for regular dental exams in Owensboro, KY to ensure that your child has good dental hygiene. Your dentist can tell you how often your child should be coming in for exams and cleaning. Children are prone to getting cavities, so don’t let this appointment slide! Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make an appointment today.

Where’s My Bad Breath Coming From?

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Do you suffer from bad breath? Do you have this problem even though you brush your teeth regularly? Many things can cause bad breath, so brushing regularly may not be enough to make your breath smell better.

If you have a problem with bad breath, one of the things you can do is work with your dentist in Owensboro, KY. By seeing the dentist regularly, you can avoid the problems that cause bad breath.

It’s also important to know the causes of bad breath. Knowing the potential cause may help you find a solution. Here’s what to know.

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath typically comes from bacteria in the mouth, but can also come from the food you eat. Here’s a short list of things that can lead to bad breath:

  • Smoking
  • Eating certain foods like onions and garlic
  • Poor dental hygiene and dental hygiene problems like gingivitis
  • An infection in the mouth

Dry mouth also contributes to bad breath, because saliva helps keep the mouth clean. If you have dry mouth – maybe because you smoke or you take medications that dry out your mouth – then you may suffer from bad breath.

What You Can Do

If you have bad breath that never seems to get better, schedule a dental exam in Owensboro, KY. Most likely, your dentist can tell you the cause of your bad breath right away.

Other things you can do to keep your breath smelling beautiful include:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily
  • Floss regularly
  • See the dentist every six months
  • Brush your tongue as well as your teeth
  • Stop smoking
  • Rinse your mouth after eating
  • Drink lots of water

Are you suffering from bad breath? Contact Travis Wilson DMD to make an appointment!