Managing Dental Emergencies on Vacation

Dental emergencies aren't fun at any time of the year, but during a vacation they can "hurt" you even more.  Not only in the ouch sense, but also in the wallet.  Sometimes, additional costs are incurred when a dentist sees you in an emergency situation.  And, if you need emergency dental care after hours or during a holiday, the costs can add up.

It's always best to let your home town dentist take care of any dental issues you have prior to leaving town.  They're familiar with your oral health, and may already have current dental x-rays in your file.  But if you do find yourself in unfamiliar territory, ask friends or relatives for a referral to their dentist.  Online searches and local yellow pages are also excellent referral sources.

If you're not able to find a dentist, here are some tips to take care of some biting dental problems on the fly:

• Help, I have a Tooth Ache!  Constant throbbing, sleepless nights, and if you've ever experienced this type of pain, you know it's no laughing matter.  Ibuprofen, if you are able to tolerate it, is an anti-inflammatory medication that can help with pain and swelling.  Keep your mouth clean and periodically rinse with salt water.  Avoid hot, cold, and sweets.  Call your dentist because they may be able to call in a prescription for anti-biotic medication.
• My Tooth, It Chipped! Many times when you chip a tooth, there's no pain.  The best way to keep it that way until you are able to see a dentist is to avoid chewing on it.  There's always a chance that a chipped tooth could chip off even more unless you give it extra TLC.  
• Wow, that was Sensitive! If you experience sensitivity with your teeth, it's probably best to avoid sweets and things that are cold.  But if you have an area that causes severe sensitivity, you know the kind that makes you wince in pain, plan to call your dentist as soon as possible.  This is a sign you have a cavity!
• My Crown Just Came Off! Whether the crown (sometimes called a cap) you have in your hand is a permanent or temporary, it can be put back on in no time....by you.  If you have some toothpaste or denture adhesive on hand, dry the inside of the crown and your tooth with cotton, place a dab of toothpaste or denture adhesive on the inside of the crown and then put the crown back on your tooth.  Don't force the crown on.  Once you have it back on your tooth, wipe off the extra adhesive.  One very important thing to remember, Never Put Your Crown On With Super Glue!
• My Tooth Just Broke! Avoid eating on a broken tooth, and it's best to avoid drinks and foods that are very hot or very cold.  As long as the tooth isn't causing you severe pain, you should be fine until you get back home and visit your dentist.  If your tooth is hurting, or if the broken tooth happens to be in the front of your mouth, an emergency visit to a dentist wherever you find yourself will probably be the best option.  Sometimes, a temporary fix may be all you need to buy you some time till you're back home.  

Whatever your plans are for the holidays or vacation, caring for your teeth probably isn't on the list of things to worry about.  But if your grin does give you problems while you're away, hopefully it isn't so bad it puts a damper on your fun.

Condition Runs Rampant in Waco and Surrounding Communities

The condition?  I'll get to that in a moment.  Let me start by telling you about our staff luncheon.  I was reviewing the restaurants listed on Waco Fork.  They have an awesome list of area restaurants, broken down in a directory by types of food.  Wow!  I was salivating just thinking about which restaurant would satisfy the cravings of me and my coworkers.  We made a choice and enjoyed an awesome lunch at Fuji Japanese Steakhouse.  Great food and great fun at the hibachi grill!

Now, on to the condition.

It's always great to be able to enjoy a tasty lunch.  But that's not where it usually ends.  The condition had crept up on us and before we knew it, we were all suffering from the same thing.  Halitosis, more commonly referred to as bad breath, was plaguing us all.   Can it be embarrassing?  You bet!  Having a better understanding of what causes bad breath may help to minimize this foul friend from visiting us so frequently.  To start with, the foods we eat can be the facilitator of such unpleasing odors.  It may be great going down, but what we eat also affects the air we exhale.  Onions and garlic are common instigators of bad breath.  Brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash helps to hide the odor, but the odor won't go away until the "offender" has been rid from the body.  Other causes of bad breath are; dry mouth syndrome, tobacco, medications, medical conditions, and periodontal disease.

Regular checkups will allow your dentist to detect any problems such as periodontal (gum) disease, a dry mouth or other disorders that may be the cause. Maintaining good oral hygiene, eliminating periodontal (gum) disease and scheduling regular professional cleanings are essential to reducing bad breath.

 

Bad Breath.....EWWWWW!

Top 10 Reasons To Have Your Teeth Cleaned Regularly

Having your teeth cleaned regularly has many benefits, both for your health and your pocket book.  How often should you have your teeth cleaned?  That depends on what your dental needs are.  It's always a wise decision to follow a schedule designed by your dentist or dental hygienist.  Many people have excellent home care and their needs are minimal when it comes to cleanings.  If you're one of these people, it's recommended to have cleanings every 6 months.  For others who have been diagnosed with periodontal (gum) disease, in most cases treatment is recommended every 3-4 months.  But as you'll read, it's not all about your teeth. 

Here are the Top 10 Reasons To Have Your Teeth Cleaned Regularly

1. Brighten Your Smile - Have stains removed.  Your hygienist can remove stains caused by coffee, tea, sodas, and tobacco which can give you a bright, white smile!
2. Detect Dental Problems Early - Pay less!  In many cases if dental problems are detected early, it will cost you less to have the problems fixed.  Example; a smaller cavity needs a smaller filling and smaller fillings costs less than bigger fillings do.  Waiting to take care of a dental problem will not only cost more, but it can lead to other problems as well.  
3. Prevent Periodontal (Gum) Disease - During a cleaning appointment, your hygienist will remove plaque and calculus build up, which are irritation factors that can lead to gum disease.  If your gums bleed and you have bad breath, it's possible you may be suffering from gum disease which is a leading cause of tooth loss.
4. Maintain Good Physical Health - Research has shown, and experts agree, that there is an association between periodontal (gum) diseases and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, treating inflammation may not only help manage periodontal diseases but may also help with the management of other chronic inflammatory conditions.
5. Clean Only The Teeth You Want To Keep - Yes, that's right.  If you are planning to keep your teeth for the rest of your life you need to have them cleaned.  If not you may end up with gum disease which, as stated earlier, is a leading cause for tooth loss.
6. Oral Cancer Screenings -The American Cancer Society's most recent estimates for oral and oropharyngeal cancers in the USA for 2011 states that about 34,300 people will get oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer.  Of that number, an estimated 6,900 people will die from these cancers. The average age of most people diagnosed with these cancers is 62, but they can occur in young people. They are rare in children, but about one-third occur in patients younger than 55.
7. Prevent Bad Breath - A dirty mouth means stinky breath!  Dental plaque that accumulates on and around a person's teeth holds bacteria that creates the waste products responsible for causing bad breath.  Gum disease also produces a very strong odor!
8. Create A Treatment Plan -  A visit with your hygienist not only means cleaning your teeth, but other factors that may be present in your mouth are also identified.  A plan for treating your teeth so they are restored to optimal function will be given to you, and appointments will be scheduled so we can get your mouth in top working order.
9. Take Advantage of Dental Insurance - If you're paying for dental insurance and not going to the dentist, you're throwing your money away.  Many insurance companies will pay for preventive visits, which includes cleanings, at 100% of the cost.  Take advantage of the benefits offered to you so you can have the best oral health possible.
10. Maintain Oral Health - Your hygienist will evaluate your mouth to find out if your taking care of your teeth properly and offer advice on ways to improve your home care, if necessary.