Why You Need a Dental Cleaning in Palatka

If it has been a while since you had a dental cleaning, we recommend that you give us a call and schedule an appointment right away.  It is important to keep your teeth and gums in excellent health, both for your mouth and for the rest of your body. As a dentist, we understand that your teeth and gums influence more than the appearance of your smile. Here are a few examples.

Your heart

People may not realize that the same plaque that can clog one's arteries is the plaque that people find on the teeth. There is a clear link between gum disease and heart disease with the majority of people that are treated for heart disease having both. While the research is still being conducted to determine the full extent of the connection, it is clear that if one wants a healthy heart, then healthy gums will be a contributing factor toward that goal.

Your comfort

In order to prevent an unpleasant toothache, it is important to receive ongoing dental care. The teeth and gums are one area of the body that people need to attend to even if there are no symptoms of something being wrong. While seemingly counterintuitive, this is the only way to prevent the discomfort of a toothache or other oral health problems. Upon scheduling a dental cleaning with our Palatka dental office, we will remove the plaque that has built up between the teeth, around the gum line and in all of the hard to reach places that people are not able to get to with regular brushing at home.
Most oral health problems do not happen overnight. Rather, they occur over time as the plaque is left in place and allowed to attack the teeth. Only by scheduling a professional cleaning can one be sure that his or her teeth are completely clean.  Additionally, if we identify any signs of cavities or gum disease, we can treat the condition before one experiences any discomfort.

Your teeth

Scheduling a dental cleaning twice a year will help patients to retain their natural teeth as they age. Adult tooth loss is incredibly common, impacting over 70 percent of the population. Whether a patient loses one tooth or all of his or her teeth, the patient is bound to be impacted by tooth loss unless the patient takes steps to prevent it. The best thing that a professional teeth cleaning does for the patient is that it allows us to remove plaque from around the gums. When plaque and tartar become trapped under the gum line, it can create gum disease. This, in turn, causes the gums to become red and swollen.
If gum disease is allowed to spread, then the gums will recede, and pockets will be created in the gum tissue. Bacteria can gather here and attack the tooth and roots, leading to loose teeth and the teeth eventually falling out. Fortunately, this is entirely preventable with ongoing dental care.
To learn more about how preventative care can help you to remain healthy, call us at (386) 325-5467 and schedule an appointment.

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.