Westgate Dental Care Blog

Top 10 Dental Emergencies and What To Do About Them

September 14, 2016

woman experiencing dental emergency
One of your worst fears is realized: You fell face first onto the concrete, and you felt that front tooth break. Panic mode ensues. What the heck are you going to do now? Don’t panic, we’ve got some answers for you.

There are all types of dental emergencies and most of the time, the answer is going to see a dentist as soon as you possibly can. However, until you get to the dentist, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain.

Dental Emergencies 101:

Without further ado, these are the ten emergencies you’re going to run into at one point or another. Just like the Boy Scouts say: “Always be prepared.”

#1 You Broke or Chipped Your Tooth.

This is easily one of the most painful emergencies. You’re going to want to call the dentist as soon as possible. Meanwhile, rinse out your mouth with warm water, and try to keep the tooth if possible. Also, try to put an ice-pack on it in transit to the dentist.

#2 You Knocked a Tooth Loose.

So your tooth is loose, but didn’t get knocked out. That’s good news (even though it hurts). The dentist may be able to save your tooth. Take some over the counter painkillers, put some ice on it, and get to the dentist as soon as possible.

#3 Broke or Lost Your Crown or Filling.

Oh boy, that’s no fun. Hopefully, you didn’t swallow it. If you did, don’t worry, you’re not going to die. Try to keep the crown or filling if you still have it.

Your tooth is going to be very sensitive to anything going into your mouth. That includes air. You can use clove oil to try to soothe the sensitivity as well as get some dental cement from a local drug store. Once again, get to the dentist as soon as you can because you’re likely in pain.

#4 Sudden Painful Toothache.

Toothaches can be the symptom of a lot of different problems. The best thing to do is start with rinsing out your mouth with some warm water. Then try to gently floss around the tooth to make sure no food is hanging out around there. If it persists, you’re going to need to take a trip to the dentist.

#5 Something is Lodged Between Your Teeth.

When something gets stuck between your teeth, it can become rather painful and could lead to infection. It’s got to come out pronto. First, try to get it out with some floss. If that hurts too much, you could also try something like Soft Picks for a gentler approach. If all else fails, you’re going to want to call the dentist.

#6 Sudden Swelling in Your Mouth.

This could happen for a number of reasons, but is potentially very serious. You may have an abscessed tooth. Abscessed teeth are no joke. The infection can spread quickly, and since your mouth is in your head where your brain resides, you’re playing with fire if you let this one go.

There’s really nothing you can do other than getting to the dentist as soon as possible. Unless, that is, you want to pull a Cast Away. But that method is highly frowned upon and should only be used if stranded on a desert island.

#7 You Broke Your Braces.

Braces have a lot of moving parts. Sometimes those moving parts break. First, if they break, call your orthodontist to get in as quickly as possible.

If a wire breaks, you’ll want to get it somewhere where it isn’t poking you. If there’s no way of moving it to a place that isn’t hurting, use some orthodontic wax to cover it until you can get to the orthodontist.

If it’s a band that loosens, salvage it and set up an appointment with your orthodontist to have it replaced or re-cemented.

#8 You Bit Your Cheek or Tongue.

This happens all the time when you’re eating, chewing gum, or just not paying attention. Most of the time it’s not too much of an issue, but there can be circumstances that make it more traumatic. In that case, the first step is to try and stop the bleeding. Rinse your mouth with some saltwater, then use a piece of gauze to put pressure on the wound.

If you can’t stop the bleeding and your dentist is unavailable, go to the ER. They may need to take a look at it.

#9 Injured Your Jaw

A broken jaw is no fun. Basically, there’s nothing you can do for this other than take some over the counter painkillers and put some ice on it until you can get to the ER.

#10 Wisdom Teeth Become Inflamed

Wisdom teeth are tricky business. They seem to come whenever they please, and when they do, they can easily wreak havoc. Pericoronitis is an infection that can occur when your wisdom teeth don’t come in properly. If you get it, you’ll know because of your irritated gums in that area, as well as possible bad breath. See a dentist as soon as possible to get this one figured out.

What Can You Do to Prevent Dental Emergencies?

In some cases, it’s going to be impossible to prevent an emergency. But there are a few things you can do to limit the odds:

Wear a mouthguard: If you’re playing any kind of sport, it’s going to be a good idea to keep those teeth safe with a good quality mouthguard.
Avoid chewing damaging foods: Think ice, popcorn kernels, caramels, that sort of the thing. They can easily cause you teeth to break.
Brush and floss: Do it! Keep your mouth healthy.
See your dentist regularly: It’s not always going to be your favorite thing, but your dentist is your best bet for keeping your teeth in great shape.

So there you have it, the worst of the dental emergencies. Have you had your own experience with a dental emergency? Let us know about it in the comment section.

4 Tips To Soothe A Toothache Before Your Appointment

September 9, 2016

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SUDDEN TOOTHACHES ARE painful and far from convenient in today’s busy world. However, getting to a dentist as quickly as possible is the best thing you can do to treat and relieve your pain as well as prevent any further problems.
Your Dentist Can Provide Effective Treatment And Long-Term Relief

It’s important to remember that there is always an underlying cause for a toothache, such as decay, gum disease or tooth enamel erosion. They usually never go away on their own and only get worse–and more painful–over time.

Paying a visit to the dentist as early as possible is the best course of action for tooth pain. Your dentist will not only relieve your pain and provide long-term relief, but will also work to treat the cause of your toothache, preventing further discomfort an damage in the future.

In The Meantime…

With that being said, we know that not everyone can come in to see us the moment they feel tooth pain. We also know that the time between the start of a toothache and actually getting to the dentist can be excruciating. Between making your appointment and getting to the dentist, try some of these at-home, temporary toothache remedies to help relieve your pain.

Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers

OTC pain relievers–such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and the like–can provide short-term pain relief. If you use aspirin, swallow it as you normally would. Do not put it right on your tooth or gums as this will not relieve any pain and can damage the soft tissues of your mouth.

Salt Water

Swishing salt water around your mouth can help clean out an infected area and loosen any food debris present. This can help relieve some discomfort, depending on the cause of your toothache.

Garlic

Garlic is said to have properties that help it inhibit the growth of bacteria and temporarily relieve pain. Simply chew some garlic or mash a clove of garlic into a paste and apply it to your tooth.Warning: this remedy may cause severe bad breath!

Clove or Peppermint Oil

Both clove and peppermint oil contain natural anesthetics and can act as numbing agents. They are very strong and can do damage to your mouth’s soft tissues, however, so you’ll want to be careful. Drip a drop or two of oil onto a cotton ball and apply it to the throbbing tooth.

Be sure to check with your dental or health care provider before you try any of these at-home remedies, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Don’t Wait To Treat Your Toothache

Remember, toothaches only get worse over time, so don’t wait to come in and see us. These at-home toothache remedies are meant to help with short-term pain relief and are in no way a substitute for the treatment and care you’ll receive from the trained professionals in our practice!

Our specialty is serving YOU!

Flossing: Important or Not? [Infographic]

September 8, 2016

To floss or not to floss? The importance of flossing has recently been questioned.

There has recently been some controversy over the importance of flossing – is flossing really necessary to maintain healthy teeth? Despite conflicting reports, dentists defend keeping flossing a priority. Don’t toss your floss into the trash just yet – there are several sound reasons to keep flossing a part of your daily oral care routine.

According to the American Dental Association, flossing is “an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.” Flossing removes more food particles than brushing alone. If left unchecked, those food particles can lead to plaque buildup, which could then result in cavities, gum disease, and more serious health issues. Learn more about the importance of flossing (and how to do it effectively) in the infographic below:

Dentists continue to defend the importance of flossing. Learn how to do it right in this infographic.

Re-posted with permission. Source: https://www.roadsidedentalmarketing.com/blog/dental-articles/

Learn How To Protect Your Teeth From Grinding

September 1, 2016

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MANY PARENTS HAVE heard their children (loudly) grinding their teeth while they sleep at night, or even during waking hours. You may worry about the health of your child’s teeth or what their tooth grinding habit means and what has caused it. We hope this blog post answers your questions!

Why Does Teeth Grinding Occur?

Most commonly, bruxism–or teeth grinding–occurs at night. The causes of bruxism are not entirely understood and every child is different. Teeth grinding can occur due to teething in infants, or even when children get their permanent teeth. Others may do it in response to pain, frustration or stress. Some may grind or clench due to improperly aligned teeth. Certain medical conditions as well as genetics may also make people more prone to brux.

Is Bruxism Worrisome?

Bruxism is fairly common among children. In fact, between twenty and thirty percent of children grind or clench their teeth at one point during their childhood. The good news is, most outgrow it and do not incur any lasting damage to their teeth during a teeth grinding phase.

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If you suspect your child is grinding their teeth, it’s important to take them to your dental care provider. Some symptoms of bruxism include:

Grinding noises while your child is asleep
Pain when chewing
Unusual tooth sensitivity to hot and cold
Sore jaw or face, especially in the morning upon waking

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms or you suspect that they grind or clench their teeth frequently, pay a visit to your dentist. Fortunately, most cases of bruxism in children do not require treatment, as it usually goes away over time. However, depending on the cause of your child’s bruxism, your dentist may recommend various treatment options. For example, if your child grinds their teeth in response to stress, perhaps a more calming bedtime routine would help.

During your visit, your dentist will examine your child’s teeth for tooth enamel wear and damage. If there is damage, or your child grinds their teeth very frequently, your dentist may recommend a custom-made night guard to protect teeth and hopefully prevent grinding.

Flossing Is Essential To Your Oral Hygiene

August 19, 2016

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WE’VE MENTIONED IT TIME AND TIME AGAIN… Flossing is an essential part of good oral hygiene. Many people don’t see the need for flossing when they already brush their teeth; others simply hate the task. We understand that it can be tedious! But as your trusted dental professionals, we want to assure you that flossing will greatly benefit your dental and overall health.

So, How Does Flossing Benefit My Health?

Did you know that when you don’t floss, you miss cleaning 35 percent of tooth surfaces in your mouth? That’s because brushing simply cannot get into those hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth. Unfortunately, however, bacteria can! Flossing completes brushing by cleaning the spaces your toothbrush can’t.

Regular flossing can:

Prevent cavities. Have you ever flossed, even after brushing your teeth, and were surprised to find a remnant of your last meal? Flossing removes food debris and plaque, preventing cavity formation between the teeth, a common place for tooth decay.
Fight bad breath. If food or plaque are left in between teeth, they will eventually release a bad smell. Yuck!
Inhibit tartar buildup and gum disease. If left on teeth for too long, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. The presence of tartar can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Gum disease is associated with other systemic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
Improve your appearance. Food debris and plaque make teeth look more yellow and gritty. Clean, healthy teeth always appear whiter and brighter!

From years of experience, we can confidently say that flossing makes a big difference in your oral and overall health.

For Flossing To Work, It Has To Be Done Correctly

To reap the benefits of flossing, it has to be done correctly. In a 2006 study, researchers wanted to see whether flossing at home had the same benefits as having daily flossing done by professionals. The study showed that participants who were flossed professionally had a 40 percent decrease in their risk of cavities than their at-home flossing counterparts. The researchers concluded that flossing, when done properly, has a substantial, positive effect on oral health.

Many people simply snap the floss in between their teeth and pull it back out. The correct way, however, is to curve the floss around the tooth, as if the floss were hugging it. Still curved around the tooth, move the floss up and down to scrape the plaque. Do the same on the other tooth.

Take The Flossing Challenge

We’d like to challenge you to make daily flossing a part of your oral healthcare routine. We promise you’ll feel the difference! If you still have questions about flossing, call or come in to see us. Seeing our patients is the best part of our day!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Top image by Flickr user angela n. used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Are Dental Implants the Right Solution for Your Missing Teeth?

August 18, 2016

Do you hide your smile because of missing teeth? If so, imagine what it would feel like to correct the problem, knowing you could smile again with confidence!

Attaining a healthy, beautiful smile again doesn’t just have to be a dream – it could be a reality with dental implants.

Why choose dental implants?

There are many benefits of dental implants as a solution for missing teeth or even decayed, diseased, or damaged teeth. Dental implants look and feel completely natural, restoring your smile to its original beauty and function.

Without compromising the strength of neighboring teeth, implants allow you to chew and speak comfortably and naturally. Additionally, they help prevent tooth shifting and misalignment, which could occur if a missing tooth is left untreated for a long period of time.

Unlike bridges and dentures, implants are a long-lasting solution; they can last a lifetime when properly cared for.

Are you a candidate for dental implants?

Many people, including those advanced in years, are ideal candidates for dental implants. Some factors your dentist will consider include:

The condition of your general, overall health.
Whether or not you have sufficient healthy jaw bone density to support an implant.
The health of your gum tissue.

There are a few factors that could potentially lower the success rate of your dental implant. These include:

Smoking.
Excessive alcohol consumption.
Cancer, a blood disorder, diabetes, or other illness.

Although these factors may prevent you from being an ideal implant candidate, they don’t automatically disqualify you from the procedure.

Questions to ask during your implants consultation

Before you choose dental implants over another solution, you’ll want to feel comfortable with what’s involved. Here are a few questions you may want to ask your dentist or oral surgeon during your consultation:

How long have you been placing implants?
Do you have any case studies or before and after photos you can share with me?
What special training have you received?
How much do dental implants cost?
Will my insurance cover any portion of the expense?
Do you offer a payment program?
What will you do to ensure I’m comfortable during treatment?
This procedure makes me nervous. What will you do to calm my nerves?

Dental implants are a life-changing solution for many people who have suffered from missing teeth! If you believe you might be a candidate for implants, discuss your options with your dentist. Now through the end of September take advantage of our special deal of $500 off dental implants.

Share this article with any of your friends or family who may be searching for a solution for missing teeth.

How to Keep Your Child’s Snacks Tooth-Friendly

August 12, 2016

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GOOD NUTRITION IS ESSENTIAL for a child’s healthy growth and development. It’s also important for their dental health! A good diet can help your child build strong, healthy teeth, while poor eating habits puts your child at a higher risk of tooth decay.

You may understand how important nutritious meals are, but one thing some parents struggle with is snack time. Here are our best tips on how to make sure your child’s snack time is tooth-friendly!

Not All Snacks Are Created Equal

Stay away from starchy, sticky or sugary foods during snack time, like dried fruit, crackers, chips and cookies. These types of snacks can stick to the teeth for long periods of time, potentially causing cavities. For snack time it’s best to opt for fruits, vegetables, nuts, yogurt and cheese.

If You Indulge, Do It During Mealtime

Don’t worry, we don’t expect you or your child to never eat sweets or starches. There is a better time to eat them than at snack time, however, and that is during meals! That’s because it’s not just important what you eat, but when you eat. At mealtime, there is an increased amount of saliva in the mouth that can help wash away those starches or sugary treats, counteract acid-producing bacteria and remineralize teeth.

Watch Out For Added Sugars

Almost all foods have some type of sugar in them. Naturally occurring sugars–like those found in milk and vegetables–are less worrisome, since these choices are healthy overall. What you want to keep an eye out for when choosing snacks are added sugars.

According to the American Dental Association, added sugar consumption should be limited to less than 10 percent of total energy intake, ideally less than five percent. To put things in perspective, one can of soda is equivalent to three times the daily recommended sugar intake of a child!

Choose Beverages Wisely

On that note, we’d like to advise parents to choose their children’s beverages wisely. Soda and juice may be your child’s preferred drinks, but milk and water are much healthier choices. Good sources of calcium, like milk, aid in building strong teeth and bones and water helps to wash away food particles that may be clinging to teeth, thus protecting against decay.

Sip All Day, Get Decay

Whether your child is drinking milk, juice or soda, don’t let them sip it throughout the day. Constant consumption of either food or drink is harmful for teeth, because not only are you feeding yourself, you’re also feeding the cavity-causing bacteria that reside in your mouth. Limit snacking to once or twice a day and have your child sip on water. If they drink anything that contains sugar, have them drink it during mealtimes or all at once.

Your Family’s Health Is Our Priority

If you have any tips or healthy snack ideas that your kids love, leave it in the comments below! At our practice, we care about the health of your whole family. Proper nutrition, especially at snack time, will ensure healthy smiles for you and your children for a lifetime!

Thank you for being part of our practice family!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Top image by Flickr user Larry Grubbs used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Join Our Cavity Free Club Today!

July 21, 2016

Kids at Westgate Dental in the Cavity Free Club Jacob and Ben Lashuk, Kids at Westgate Dental in the Cavity Free Club

At Westgate Dental we know that dentistry for kids is very different than dentistry for adults. We get it, kids need to have fun even at the dentist. We want your kids’ experience at the dentist to be enjoyable from the very beginning. Our dentist and hygienists are skilled at dealing with the unique oral care needs of kids, from 3 through their teen years. Including an understanding of child behavior.

“Join our Cavity Free Club today!”

Our Cavity Free Club is one way we try to keep things fun and light for kids. Our goal is to promote good habits that will save your kids from lengthy procedures later on. Healthy teeth make us happy.

Each child will receive a Cavity-Free Club T-shirt during their visit. Its our way of showing how proud we are of the for their excellent oral care! As a member of the Cavity-Free club, each time you have a cavity-free exam you will be entered into a drawing for a monthly prize! One winner will be drawn at the end of each month. The prizes can vary from a teddy bear to a Fandango gift card! How awesome!

Stay Cavity Free

To help your kids be able to keep having those Cavity-Free visits, we recommend dental sealants. These are proven to help prevent tooth decay. You can read much more about them in our recent blog post. Kaylee, our hygiene team leader made these three points about dental sealants:

They are great for all ages, protective coating to prevent cavities. Recently a teenage patient told her the appointment was “quick, easy, and painless“
The procedure doesn’t require any anesthetic, you’ll be in and out in under 20 minutes
I’ve had my sealants in for 15 years and still cavity-free!

Take advantage of our Summer special offer for dental sealants if you buy 3 you get 1 free! All the details of the special can be found on our homepage here. Call us today to make your appointment at 847-754-4480!

Cute kids in the Cavity Free Club at Westgate Dental Care

Thinking About Whitening Your Smile?

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SO, YOU WANT TO whiten your teeth. You’re not alone! In fact, when the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked what people would most like to improve about their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth.

There Are Several Teeth Whitening Options

With so many teeth whitening products on the market, you may be left scratching your head as to which one you should choose. As with any type of treatment, it’s important to know all the facts so you can make the best choice for you and your unique smile! Some of the most common teeth whitening options are:

Whitening toothpastes
Whitening strips and gels
Tray-based tooth whiteners
In-office whitening

Whitening Is Safest And Most Effective When Supervised By A Dentist

You should always consult with your dentist before deciding to whiten, as this cosmetic procedure isn’t for everyone. There are also many benefits to whitening with your dentist!

For example, if you’re considering a tray-based tooth whitener, seeing your dentist is definitely your best option. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth so that your mouthpiece tray is customized exactly to fit your teeth. This will ensure maximum contact between your teeth and the whitening solution as well as protect your gums.

If you choose in-office whitening, your dentist will provide additional protection for your gums and the soft tissue of your mouth so that no irritation from the whitening solution occurs.To do this, your dentist will apply a gel to the gum tissue or use a rubber shield.

With over-the-counter products, you’re on your own. Your dentist, however, will check your mouth, the type and extent of stains on your teeth, the number of dental restorations you have and consider your medical history to decide which whitening option is best for your specific smile. They will oversee the process and results of the treatment to ensure the treatment’s safety and efficacy.

A Note To Parents

Teeth whitening is a big trend among teenagers. Parents should always supervise their teenagers’ use of whitening products as overuse or failure to follow directions can damage tooth enamel or irritate gums. Be sure to consult with your dentist before allowing your teenager to whiten to make sure they are at an appropriate age and stage of dental development for whitening.

Still curious about how whitening works? Check out the video below to learn more!

Keep Your Smile Beautiful

What truly keeps teeth bright, white and healthy is daily brushing and flossing. But if you feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or has yellowed over the years, give us a call or come in to see us!We’d be happy to help you brighten up that beautiful smile of yours.

We love our patients!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Top image by Flickr user Pablo Recio used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

How To Care For Your Teething Baby

July 14, 2016

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TEETHING IS NO FUN for babies or parents. Some babies’ teeth erupt with no problems at all but for others, it could be a long and painful process.

Besides giving your child plenty of tender loving care, here are some things you can do to care for your child’s mouth during the teething phase.

Be Aware Of Teething Signs And Symptoms

When your little one finally starts teething, it’s normal for them to be fussy and irritable. Common symptoms are difficulty sleeping, decrease in appetite and increased drooling. It’s also normal for their temperature to increase slightly when they’re teething, however, high-grade fevers are not normal. If your child seems overly cranky or has a high fever, call your physician.

When teething begins is different for each child. While the average time teeth begin to appear is around 4 to 6 months, teething can begin anywhere between three and 12 months.

You Can Keep Your Child Comfortable With These Tips

Your baby may seem inconsolable while teething but here are some things you can do to soothe and ease their pain:

Massage their gums. The counter pressure of your finger helps ease teething pain.
Use teething rings or toys. Even a simple chilled washcloth will work. Chewing soothes the baby as counter pressure relieves pain. When chilling toys or rings, remember to refrigerate instead of freeze.
Relieve pain. Talk to your child’s doctor about pain relief if your little one seems to be having a more difficult time. Appropriate dosage of acetaminophen may be beneficial during especially painful teething episodes. Avoid teething medications that contain the pain reliever benzocaine.

And when your baby is in the thick of teething, just remember what an important milestone it is. Teething, like crawling, walking, and talking, shows that your child is on the right track developmentally.

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Once Teeth Appear, Take Proper Care Of Them

The American Dental Association recommends taking your child to the dentist as soon as the first tooth appears and no later than their first birthday. Once the teeth appear you can also begin brushing. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, start brushing your child’s teeth twice a day. Since very young children have not yet learned not to swallow toothpaste, use only a smear of fluoridated toothpaste or the size of a grain of rice.

We’re Here To Help From The Very Beginning

Good oral care starts from the beginning of your child’s life. We’re here to help you every step of the way! If you have any questions concerning infant oral health care or teething, call or make an appointment with us today. Baby teeth may be small but they’re important!

We can’t wait to see your little one’s bright smile!

Top image by Flickr user Donnie Ray Jones used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original. The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.