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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

Things To Consider About Baby Teeth

December 30, 2010

Filed under: Blog,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , — @ 12:40 am

WE AREN’T SURE WHY IT’S HAPPENING, but we think videos like the one below are becoming far too common.Are people just obsessed with the viral video craze and want to be part of it? Should parents be subjecting their kids to these absurd tooth-yanking antics for publicity? Whatever the reason, we don’t think it’s safe or smart.

If you have children this age, and they’re loosing baby teeth, do you ever ask yourself if you should let them fall out naturally, let the child pull them, or just pull them yourself?

Drs. Bradley and Boswellhave a few simple tips for those loose baby teeth. Every child reacts differently, so take these tips as advice, and not any sort of strict guidelines. Also, if you have any specific concerns or questions about your child’s baby teeth, please don’t hesitate to ask us or come in for a visit.

  1. Most of today’s dentists will offer parents the following advice… don’t pull your children’s teeth out. You can encourage them to pull them out themselves by wiggling their tooth with their fingers or their tongue. This is primarily because only your child knows for sure how loose a tooth really is—and how attached it really is! They also know how much discomfort they’re able and willing to take.
  2. If your kid has waited long enough to pull it out, there shouldn’t be much bleeding—pack a small piece of wet gauze and hold pressure for a few minutes if there is.
  3. There are times, as a permanent tooth pushes the baby tooth out, the new tooth will push the baby tooth in an unusual direction forward that effects the gums. If that happens, and you have a questions about it,contact our office. It may be best to have us help pull the tooth. This is actually quite rare.
  4. Sometimes by waiting longer, the tooth may come out unexpectedly when your child is eating. Although not usual, the tooth can be swallowed. Don’t worry! It’s very unlikely that he or she will choke on it. The tooth fairy may be a little bit disappointed, but a swallowed tooth is not harmful.
  5. We have heard of some parents offering their child a fresh, crisp, delicious apple! If the tooth is loose enough, it will likely come out.

Once again, PLEASE don’t try to make videos like this one. It is not worth the risk of trauma to your children and additional harm you could cause.

Again we remind you to be sure to go to our Facebook site and “Like” it to keep up with our practice.

Thank you again for being our valued patients and friends. Happy New Year!

Living With Sensitive Teeth?

December 21, 2010

Filed under: Blog,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , — @ 5:45 am

WHO’S READY FOR A SENSITIVE DISCUSSION? Sensitive teeth discussion, that is. While we know not everyone deals with sensitive teeth, we also understand that for those of you who do, it’s something that can really change the way you view food.Tooth sensitivity can come from just about anywhere—sweet or sour foods, hot or cold temperatures. For some, even simply biting down causes problems. Pain from these things can be mild to severe, and many times is very sharp—shooting directly to the nerve endings.No matter the cause of sensitivity, they all create the same results—the nerve endings in your teeth become too easily exposed, creating a lower tolerance for the things you put in your mouth.No matter the level, Drs. Bradley and Boswell know that tooth sensitivity is not pleasant. While every situation is different, here are a couple of basic things you can do to help prevent sensitivity:

  • BRUSHING:Keeping up proper hygiene will help prevent tarter buildup. Brushing helps reduce the risk of exposing nerves. Also make sure to use a soft bristled toothbrush when you brush. This creates less abrasion and reduces potential gum recession. There are also several brands of toothpaste that help decrease sensitivity with regular use.
  • DAILY ROUTINE:Daily use of a fluoridated mouthwash can also decrease sensitivity. Highly acidic foods, which can contribute to the dissolve of tooth enamel, can increase sensitivity. Limiting foods like this helps add to preventive care. Teeth grinding and clenching can also lead to wearing of the enamel.

We want to be your greatest information resource in preventing and solving your sensitive tooth issues. After learning about your habits and understanding your teeth, we can find you solutions and help with steps to make your teeth less sensitive, and your daily life more pleasant.In addition to our list, here’s a short video that highlights care for your sensitive teeth:If you have any general questions about tooth sensitivity make sure to let us know during any visit to our office. Or send us a question through our Facebook page by clicking on the logo below:

Some Simple Basics About Dental Implants

December 14, 2010

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , — @ 3:14 pm

FROM THE MOST COMMON THINGS, INCLUDING WEAR AND TEAR, TO TRAUMA OR DISEASE, many adults have experienced permanent tooth loss.Regardless of the level of loss, discomfort and/or lack of confidence are common side effects. Of course, permanent tooth loss is something Drs. Patti, David and Phil and their team always do their best to prevent. However, it isn’t always possible. The great news is that today there are beautiful and functional solutions.Implant dentistry is not something new, although from its original origins in the 50’s it has indeed come a long way. Initial discoveries came when scientists learned how bones can fuse with titanium, making natural bone support possible. Today, Lake Oconee Dentistry uses this original discovery to copy the root and tooth system that your mouth naturally has.

Implants are first placed within the gum line. Then, they are given about 3–6 months healing time to ensure that there is complete and proper fusion with the bone. After the implants have healed, the custom crown, bridge, or dentures can be placed. After this placement (unlike traditional dentures or bridges) the solution is much stronger and long lasting, giving you the confident smile you deserve.

As with most dental procedures, dental implants begin with a consultation with Dr. Patti Bradley, Dr. David Bradley, or Dr. Phil Boswell to help with any questions and allow them the chance to create a custom-tailored plan that best meets your needs.

Here is a simple video illustration of just how simply dental implants work:

To learn more about how implant dentistry corrects and enhances smiles, schedule an appointment to visit with us.

Be sure to take a minute to connect with us on Facebook by clicking on the logo below!

We Always Love Answering Your Questions

November 27, 2010

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , , — @ 6:31 am

RECENTLY, A REPORTER FROM U.S. News & World Report did a short, simple story that we have embedded below. The story features the reporter asking seven question about her oral health to three different dentists.

These are the seven questions asked in the video:

  1. How do I avoid bad breath?
  2. What’s my role in keeping my gums healthy?
  3. Why is it so important to take good care of my gums?
  4. What is oral cancer, and how can I prevent it?
  5. Wisdom teeth… Take them out, or leave them in?
  6. Why should I visit my dentist every six months?
  7. How can I get that “drop-dead-gorgeous” smile?

Here at Lake Oconee Dental, we’re big on communication. We love visiting with you, our valued patients. Being your trusted resource for all of your oral health questions and needs is very important to us. We want you to feel comfortable at all times, and hope you can be comfortable asking us any question you may have.So, if you’ve been wondering about any of the topics listed above, or anything else, please ask. And as you know, we have many ways for you to communicate with us including our Facebook site. Be sure to become a “Like” on Facebook to keep up with everything going on in our practice.
And again, thanks for being our patient and friend.

Your 40-65 Year Old Smile Needs Love Too

November 20, 2010

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , — @ 8:04 pm

FOR PEOPLE BELONGING TO PAST GENERATIONS, chances were slim that somebody could keep their healthy, natural teeth over their entire lifetime. Fortunately, today’s remarkable technologies and advanced materials, coupled with our dentists’ artistic eye and extensive training, greatly increase the likelihood that you can keep, and enjoy, your smile for life!Sometimes, when we visit with our valued patients and friends, we recognize that making decisions about various treatments isn’t easy. We know there are a lot of choices and would like to help you better understand dental service decision making. So we’ve set up a simple little framework explained below. It’s our hope that this will help bring additional clarity to your decision making. Of course, the decisions are always YOURS to make, we just want to be sure you have good information.

For purposes of the last two, and next blog posts, we’ve divided “The Lifetime of Your Smile” into four phases:

  • Your 1–20 Year Old Smile
  • Your 20–40 Year Old Smile
  • Your 40–65 Year Old Smile
  • Your 65+ Year Old Smile

In addition to finding YOUR smile’s current phase, you probably have family members, loved ones, and friends who are in the other phases as well. We invite you to pass the information along!

Must do. Should do. Could do.

Each day—consciously and subconsciously—we prioritize decision making in all aspects of our lives by “must do’s,” “should do’s,” and “could do’s.”Here at Lake Oconee Dental our goal is to make sure you’re comfortable with every oral health decision you make, and that you see the difference between the “musts,” the “shoulds,” and the “coulds.”Of course, these lists aren’t exhaustive—and, there are no absolutely right or wrong answers to what you must, should, or could be doing about your oral health and appearance. Everyone has different priorities and different wants and needs. Think of these posts as a starting point! And if you have questions, don’t hesitate to let us know…We’d love to chat!_______________________________________________________

Today’s Post Is About Your 40–65 Year Old Smile

THE BEST PART OF LIFE IS HAPPENING! What a great time in history to be this age. And don’t forget, as science continues to prove, the crucial role proper dental care plays in your overall health and appearance. So eat right, exercise, enjoy yourself along the way, and flash that gorgeous smile more often!

Must do.

  • It’s estimated that up to 75% of adults over age 35 have some degree of gum disease. Make sure you work with your dentist to be certain it doesn’t happen to you.
  • 63% of “boomers” have an oral health problem considered to be an indication of a more serious problem but are unaware of the connection. Please don’t skip your regular check-ups, we want you to stay healthy in every way.

Should do.

  • Most of our patients still have silver mercury amalgam fillings, placed in the teen years. Not only are they unsightly and can damage tooth structure, but they may present other disadvantages as well. Working with your dentist, you can systematically replace them with greatly-improved, durable white composite fillings.
  • Half your life lies ahead. You remodeled your home after a few decades, now it’s time to remodel your smile. Drs. Bradley and Boswell provide “upgrades” that will allow you to keep your teeth healthy.

Could do.

  • Well beyond botox, breast implants, and viagra… Nothing makes you look and feel younger than a beautiful smile. It’s a fact. Today’s whitening treatments—often combined with one of many porcelain veneer options—can create a personal smile makeover that is truly your “fountain of youth.”

At Lake Oconee, our entire team wants to be your oral health partners for life!Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, if you haven’t already.

Watch for our next blog post to learn about the last phase in “The Lifetime of Your Smile”!

Take Care Of Your 20-40 Year Old Smile

November 12, 2010

Filed under: Blog,Your Appearance,Your Comfort,Your Health — Tags: , , , , — @ 5:51 am

IN GENERATIONS PAST, chances were slim that somebody could keep their healthy, natural teeth over their entire lifetime. Fortunately, today’s remarkable technologies, advanced materials, and Drs. Bradley and Boswell’s artistic eye and extensive training, greatly increase you’re ability to keep your smile for life!

While visiting with our valued patients and friends, we know that making decisions about various treatments isn’t easy. To help you better understand some of the basic dental health issues, we’ve set up a simple little framework. Of course, every decision is yours to make, we just want to help you be well informed. It’s our hope that this will help bring additional clarity to your decision making.

For purposes of the next several blog posts, we’ve divided “The Lifetime of Your Smile” into four phases:

  • Your 1–20 Year Old Smile
  • Your 20–40 Year Old Smile
  • Your 40–65 Year Old Smile
  • Your 65+ Year Old Smile

In addition to finding YOUR smile’s current phase, you probably have family members, loved ones, and friends who are in the other stages. We invite you to pass the information along!

Must do. Should do. Could do.

Each day—consciously and subconsciously—we prioritize decision making in all aspects of our lives by “must do’s,” “should do’s,” and “could do’s.” Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry our goal is to make sure you’re comfortable with every oral health decision you make, and that you see the difference between the “musts,” the “shoulds,” and the “coulds.”Of course, this article isn’t going to list everything for your dental care—and, there are no absolutely right or wrong answers to what you must, should, or could be doing about your health and appearance. Everyone has different priorities and different wants and needs. Think of these posts as a place to start. And if you have questions, we’d love for you to contact us about them._______________________________________________________

Today’s Post Is About Your 20–40 Year Old Smile

IT MAY BE TEMPTING DURING THIS TIME IN LIFE to skip or procrastinate regular check ups because “nothing hurts.” The problem is, often what you don’t see causes the most trouble in the long run. For many, this stage also represents the most active in terms of significant, long-term social interaction and career advancement.

Must Do

  • Keep regular check ups for early signs of gum disease, cracks in teeth, infections, cavities and potential problems with fillings. Most of these things can be reversed when caught early.
  • Oral cancer is the 6th most common cancer with the worst five-year survival rate of all major cancers. Finding and diagnosing at the early stages significantly increases survival rate.
  • Gum disease can raise a pregnant woman’s risk of developing a dangerous condition known as preeclampsia which can lead to eclampsia, or seizures late in pregnancy or after delivery. Eclampsia can cause organ damage and even death.
  • Wisdom teeth make their presence felt and can disrupt one’s bite causing long-term problems. Make sure to take care of your wisdom teeth as needed.

Should Do / Could Do

  • A healthy, gorgeous smile compliments your career and social life. Is there some little thing that would make you more confident when you smile? At Lake Oconee, we are ready to help.
  • Surveys show that 92% of North Americans agree an attractive smile is a crucial social asset. Does your social life suffer because you’re uncomfortable smiling?
  • It’s also been found that 74% believe an unattractive smile hurts a person’s chances of career success. During this time in life, when most people are absorbed in career development, have you considered the difference a confident smile could make?
  • Consider how the smile of your dreams could literally change your life—far more comfortably and affordably than ever before.

Here at Lake Oconee Dentistry, Drs. Bradley and Dr. Boswell, and their entire team, want to be your oral health partners for life! Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, if you haven’t already.

Watch for our next blog post to learn about one of the other phases in “The Lifetime of Your Smile”!

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