Reasons a Dentist Office Visit Should be in Your Future

There are many reasons you need to go to a dentist office. Good oral hygiene is the main one, and we recommend that you visit our office biannually to receive proper care for your oral health.

Here are a few questions that people ask us and the answers may encourage you to visit our Palatka office more frequently. 

Q: Why am I having tooth sensitivity to extreme temperatures? 

A: You might have a cavity if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity. It is wise to see a dentist as soon as possible. If you have a cavity, you need to get it filled as quickly as possible to prevent further decay or the possibility of needing a root canal.

Q: My teeth hurt when I eat sweet or sour things, why?

A: Sensitivity to sweet or sour foods can also mean you have a cavity or a loose filling. We can fill your cavity or replace your filling with a longer lasting material.  In our dentist office, we will also look for any signs of enamel erosion. 

Q: Why are my gums are swollen? 

A: Gum swelling can be due to overly vigorous brushing and flossing. Lighten up on the pressure a little and see if it helps or ask us to show you how to properly brush and floss. If you are also experiencing bleeding and discoloration, you may have gingivitis and/or periodontal disease. These are serious conditions that require immediate care.

Q: My tongue is hurting, and I haven’t burned it lately. Why?

A: Your tongue can hurt if you accidentally bite it in your sleep or you have eaten an acidic food. If you are positive it is neither of these or you have tongue pain for an extended period of time, you should have your mouth checked for oral cancer. Taking precautions with discomfort in an area like this is important. Visit our dentist office soon so we can be sure you don't have any signs of cancer. You should also be keeping track of other symptoms like lumps or sore spots.

Q: I chipped my tooth, and it isn’t hurting that bad. Should I bother coming in?

A: If you chip your tooth, you need to visit a dentist office even if it is not hurting. A chipped tooth is more vulnerable to decay, further chipping, and discomfort in the future. Not having pain is unusual, and discomfort will probably develop soon. You will probably regret not having it cosmetically repaired if you wait.   

Q: Why have I had a few loose teeth recently?

A: Loose teeth can be due to periodontal disease or other problems with your gums. It is a necessity to go to a dentist office as soon as you can. Preventing tooth loss is one of your best defenses against future oral health problems. 

All of these symptoms can have serious consequences. Don’t put your health on the line by waiting to see a dentist. Visiting our Palatka dentist office can help you to remain in good oral health, restore teeth that have been damaged, and watch for signs of oral cancer.

TMJ Treatment in Palatka: A Non-Invasive Solution

When you visit us for a TMJ treatment in Palatka, we can help you feel better right away. While few people are aware of what TMJ is, they are impacted by its symptoms. TMJ disorder is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jaw to the rest of your head, allowing your jaw to open and close. There is a great deal of debate surrounding what causes TMJ disorder, but from a dentist's perspective, we have found that many people suffer due to grinding or clenching their teeth at night. As with any muscle or joint, when you put constant pressure on it, you will experience pain or soreness the next day. Some people grind their teeth every night while others only do so during times of high stress.

Here are a few signs you may have TMJ:

• Constant headaches. If you tend to wake up with a headache, you could have TMJ. The occasional one is not a cause for concern, but persistent, constant headaches are.
• Jaw pain. This is the most telling symptom. If your jaw is sore or in pain, it is likely because of TMJ. Some people start out experiencing subtle jaw pain that intensifies when they eat or speak. If the condition goes on untreated, it can become worse, making it difficult to even open your mouth all the way. In its advanced stages, TMJ can lead to lockjaw, which can be entirely alarming. We encourage you to come in for a TMJ treatment long before you reach this point.
• Facial pain. Even if your jaw is not feeling particularly bad, your face could feel sore or painful. This too can be caused by putting stress on your temporomandibular joint.
• Popping noises. If you hear a persistent popping noise when you open your jaw to speak or eat, pay attention to see if it continues and visit us if it does.

TMJ treatment in Palatka

We are focused on providing you with a non-invasive solution for treating this condition. While some doctors advocate for surgery, there are conflicting reports whether surgery actually helps or makes things worse. The problem is, you cannot reverse a surgery, so this is a risk that may not be worth taking, especially if you have not tried all non-invasive solutions first. One thing you can do is change your diet to eliminate foods that are difficult to chew or hard to bite down on. Since soft foods require minimal force, the chance of your joint becoming irritated is decreased. You can also try our treatment method: a night guard. This is a device that looks similar to a full retainer. It is created using an impression of your mouth and measurements. This way, it fits snugly and securely while you sleep at night. It will not interfere with your ability to sleep, but will prevent your upper and lower teeth from touching while you do. This way, you cannot grind or clench your teeth while you sleep, and you will feel better in the morning as a result.