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(706) 453-1333 1011 Parkside Main,
Greensboro, GA 30642

Dental Emergency Thoughts

January 30, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , — @ 12:35 am

AT LAKE OCONEE DENTISTRY, WE CARE ABOUT EVERY aspect of your oral health. We know, that no matter how well we keep up our daily routine, sometimes accidents happen. It’s a fact. Although many dental emergencies cannot be planned, taking care of them the right way can.

Although it may seem like a minor thing to you, a dental injury to your teeth or gums should not be ignored as it can be potentially serious—with risks of more permanent damage, or more extensive (and expensive) repair down the road. Drs. Bradley and Boswell want you to stay safe and comfortable with all your oral care.

To help you through the unexpected dental moments, here are a few basic points to remember:

Toothache?

Rinse with warm water and be sure nothing is lodged. If you can see something lodged, try using dental floss. Never use anything sharp to dislodge it. Apply an ice pack if needed to reduce the swelling, and call us as soon as possible. We should probably take a look to see exactly what is causing your pain.

Chipped & Broken Tooth?

Although it may sound sorta gross, save the pieces of the tooth if you can. Apply gauze pressure if you’re bleeding. See us as soon as you can.

A Knocked Out Tooth?

As with a chipped tooth, saving it is important. Remember that the sooner you come see us the better.

A Dislodged Tooth?

Apply a cold compress to help if there’s pain. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Call us, and get in here to see us right away.

Lose A Filling?

Believe it or not, as a temporary measure until you can get in here to see us, you can stick a piece of sugarless chewing gum into the hole. Then, call us!

Lost A Crown?

Come in as soon as possible and be sure to bring the crown. In the meantime, slip the crown back in if you can, or use a cotton swab to apply a little clove oil to the sensitive area.

Broken Braces Wires?

If the wire sticks out and is poking you (ouch), first try using the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire into a comfortable position. If you can’t do that, cover it with orthodontic wax or a piece of gauze until you can see us or your orthodontist. Don’t try to cut the wire yourself, doing so could cause further damage to your mouth or braces.
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Hey, be careful out there.At Lake Oconee Dental we want to remind everyone to wear a mouthguard to help prevent injuries!

See what’s going on even when you aren’t in our office, visit us on Facebook. We look forward to visiting with you there or the next time you’re in our office!

Dental Care While Pregnant

January 23, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , — @ 4:22 am

YOUR ORAL HEALTH IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT when you’re pregnant. Not only are there links between gum disease and premature/smaller babies, but pregnant women often have other oral health issues of their own during those important nine months.

Because of the radical hormone changes, the reaction of your gums (and the potential for gingivitis) is exaggerated. This causes many pregnant women to experience heightened issues with gingivitis and gum problems. In addition, gums can be more easily irritated, causing inflammation and/or bleeding.

Remember… although hormones change the outcome and increase the potential for problems, plaque is still the underlying cause of most gingivitis problems. That means continuing your careful oral care and maintenance can significantly reduce potential problems—and constant attention better insures a healthy mouth during your pregnancy.

So, what can you do to keep your oral care, and your baby’s health, the best all throughout pregnancy? One thing Lake Oconee Dental recommends is probably exactly what your doctor has been advising you about—eat healthy! Consuming foods high in sugar can cause plaque and gingivitis for anybody, but the effects can easily be exaggerated during pregnancy.

Because gingivitis and gum problems can be accelerated during pregnancy, it’s also important to keep your scheduled dental checkups to be sure problems don’t arise. The very best time for these appointments is during your fourth thru sixth months of pregnancy. This window is an important time in the baby’s development—and because of added stress during the last trimester, it’s suggested that dental appointments be done before then.

Everyone wants to stay healthy during their pregnancy to help ensure their baby’s health. Let us know if you have any concerns about your health during any part of your pregnancy. If you’d like to schedule a check-up let us know that you’re pregnant when you contact us so we can best assist you. Be comfortable in knowing that your oral health and your baby’s health are in the best hands.

And, as always, thanks for being our valued patient! Remember that we are always available to be part of any discussion you have about your oral health, that’s one of the reasons we have our Facebook and Twitterpages.

How Do Dental Check-ups Help Your Budget?

January 14, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , — @ 5:09 am

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS of regular dental checkups? We know that some people think of routine exams and cleanings as an expense. But, in reality, studies show that this type of preventive care saves money over time by helping you avoid far more serious (and expensive) treatment.

Let’s think about our cars for a minute. We all know the value of keeping up our regular oil changes, right? While it’s a routine expense, it can help our vehicle run smoothly for years longer than it would otherwise—and help us avoid major, costly repairs.At Lake Oconee Dentistry, we can make it possible for you to keep your teeth for life. Depending on what stage your teeth are in now, that might not seem like anything relatable, but just ask anyone who’s been living with dentures to tell you how remarkable that possibility is. Although it wasn’t possible for people generations ago, the key to keeping your teeth for life is regular maintenance. It takes a tiny bit of preventive care.

Your Typical Six Month Check-up:

  • Checking for Gum Disease – Gum disease is the #1 reason people lose teeth. It is sometimes called the “quiet destroyer”, because it progresses slowly causing inflammation and regression in your jawbone that supports your teeth. Without checkups, by the time you notice something wrong it is often too late.
  • Looking for Tooth Decay – The more dental restoration that’s been done in the past on a specific tooth, the more attention it will need over time. Old fillings and root canal treatments need more frequent examination and x-rays than untouched teeth. Even the very best fillings can have a limited life. If there’s microscopic space between the tooth structure and the filling it can result in decay. Catch this early to avoid losing the tooth.
  • Examining Your Bite – Your bite should be checked to be sure that teeth are in harmony with each other. An unbalanced bite can not only damage your teeth, but also wear on your joints and cause arthritic problems and unnecessary pain.
  • Your Breath – While many people feel uncomfortable talking about it, bad breath is a problem a good number of us live with. And plaque (not what you eat) is the most common cause of this condition. If you are worried about this, let us know. We can check into what might be causing it and offer suggestions to help.
  • Changes in Soft Tissue – Checking for signs of oral cancer is a huge part of your routine checkup. Did you know, according to the oral cancer foundation, that the death rate for oral cancer is higher than cancers such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma)? The death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered so late in its development. Don’t take the risk… Especially when Drs. Bradley and Boswell are trained to help through early detection.

Six-Monthly Checkups Can Help Save You Time, Money, Discomfort, Hassle (and teeth). Period.

Don’t wait until something hurts to think about your teeth. Come visit our Greensboro, Georgia office today. Your mom was right—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Spending a little time with our team not only makes sense for your health and appearance, but also for your bank account.We look forward to your next visit! Call us at 850-267-3313 or stop by for a virtual visit on our Twitter or Facebook pages.

Lake Oconee: Some Flossing Facts

January 4, 2011

Filed under: Blog,Your Health — Tags: , , , , — @ 6:18 pm

FLOSSING IS JUST AS EASY AS BRUSHING YOUR TEETH, RIGHT? So why is it that some of us seem to have such a hard time doing it every day? We often get questions about recommendations for floss types: waxed or unwaxed, flattened or round. There are flavors to choose and ways to hold the string.

For all the options and decisions to be made about a flossing purchase, here’s the most important thing to remember: the type of floss isn’t nearly as important as the amount you’re flossing. So, just as we recommend to our patients, there are so many options mostly because everyone has different teeth. The thickness of floss that works for you can depend on the spacing of your teeth. Of course, just like toothpaste flavors, floss comes in a variety to make flossing more enjoyable. Whatever method, flavor, or thickness you prefer is the one you should use so that flossing comfortable and most helpful to you.

We understand that flossing sometimes gets second place to good brushing habits, but it shouldn’t! Flossing removes bacteria between your teeth that if left alone will harden to become plaque, then tartar. Tartar buildup can only be removed through a professional cleaning, and if not removed can cause gum swelling or bleeding, commonly called gingivitis, a first symptom of gum disease.Thanks to our friends at Howcast, here’s a short video for you to be sure you have your technique together:What’s the rule of thumb for flossing? The ADA recommends flossing once a day as part of your oral routine. Because flossing helps clean where your toothbrush can’t reach, it can be helpful to floss first so that the fluoride from your toothpaste can get to all areas.

We typically recommend flossing at night for a clean mouth before bed. Some of our patients prefer a flossing wand because it seems to give them a perfect amount of tension. So pick a flavor, set a routine and get flossing… Keep those teeth healthy and clean!

And by the way, don’t forget to join our newFacebook Site, and follow us on Twitter for fast and simple ways to contact us or ask questions you may have. And even with our new website tools, don’t ever hesitate to give us a phone call for anything you may need! 706.453.1333