No Pain? Doesn’t mean you don’t have Cavities

Some people will never go to the dentist’s office unless they feel pain or sensitivity.

After all, people will think the pain will go away or take medication to decrease the pain. Why should they go through the effort if there’s nothing wrong with their teeth?

This is a very unhealthy mindset to have and is a concern for many dentists because this mindset, of many people, puts them at serious risk of debilitating dental problems.

Prevention is Key

The fact is that, when it comes to tooth decay, you’re most likely not going to feel any pain until your cavity has penetrated all the way to the soft pulp at the center of the tooth. Once this occurs, you’re past the point where you can benefit from a simple filling and will need a full root canal, which a bit more of a procedure, may cost more, etc.

Indeed, if you need a filling, the only way to know for sure is to have a dental x-ray. This is why it is so important to go in for a dental checkup every six months. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that your teeth are healthy just because you don’t feel pain, and always keep your routine appointments with our dentist in Issaquah.

Acid Reflux and Dental Care

Effects of Acid Reflux on Oral Health

Some patients have the common condition called GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, where stomach contents go up the esophagus from time to time usually caused by relaxation of the sphincter muscle of the stomach that prevents the escape. Doctors call it GERD or more informally as acid reflux. Some patients experience it several times a day while others, less often.

Stomach fluids are highly acidic and their passage up and down the esophagus causes some degree of burning sensation felt at the middle of the chest or the heart area. Hence, it is commonly called heartburn. Sometimes contents reach the top of the esophagus and into the mouth, referred to as a regurgitation. On the other hand, some patients don’t notice because they are symptom-free.

People who suffer from acid reflux also have tooth erosion and periodontal issues. Stomach acid, with a pH of 2 or 1, dissolves tooth enamel (pH of 5.5) on a day-to-day contact leading to thinning and weakening of the protective coating of teeth. It will soon expose the inner dentin and that is when a person with GERD will feel tooth sensitivity. If it goes on untreated, other symptoms can manifest, like bloating, burping, nausea, hiccups, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness and weight loss. It merits medical attention. Even brushing, flossing or mouthrinses may be unable to protect teeth.

Patients will feel tooth sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet drinks, gum and mouth irritation, sharp tooth edges, shortened or darkened teeth, especially the back molars. And even if you don’t notice the symptoms, and hence not go to your doctor-specialist, your dentist certainly will notice.

Regular Dental Visits Matter in Issaquah

That is why regular dental visitations can do you a lot of good. Over at Meadow Creek Dental, your regular visits can tell you not just the state of your oral health but your overall well-being as well. This comes from fresh oral examination every time you see us. Our experienced Issaquah dentist can tell you more about systemic conditions seen in your mouth.

What are the Benefits of Flossing?

Why is flossing beneficial? Let’s explore the advantages in more detail:

Plaque removal

Flossing effectively eliminates plaque, a sticky film that forms around and between teeth and along the gumline. Plaque is the result of bacteria mixing with starchy or sugary foods, and if left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Regular flossing helps remove food particles and plaque buildup, promoting oral health.

Cavity prevention

Tooth decay can result in cavities, which are small openings or holes in the tooth enamel. Flossing at least once a day helps remove hidden food particles and plaque, reducing the risk of tooth decay and cavities. The more plaque present on the teeth, the higher the chances of developing cavities.

Gum disease prevention

Flossing plays a crucial role in preventing gum disease. Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is characterized by gum inflammation and bleeding. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which causes gum recession, bone loss, and loose teeth. Consistent brushing and flossing, along with regular dental cleanings, help reduce the risk of gum disease and maintain gum health.

Fresh breath

Flossing aids in combatting bad breath by removing food particles trapped between the teeth. When food remains in the mouth, it starts to decay, leading to unpleasant breath. Additionally, plaque buildup can contribute to cavities and gum disease, both of which can contribute to bad breath.

Potential heart health benefits

While the exact link between oral health and heart health is not fully understood, good dental hygiene has been associated with improved heart health. A study found that participants with excellent oral hygiene had a reduced risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The connection may be related to the overall health of the body and the impact of oral health on systemic well-being.

Regular flossing offers several benefits, including plaque removal, cavity prevention, gum disease prevention, fresh breath, and potential positive effects on heart health. Incorporating flossing into your daily oral hygiene routine is a simple and cost-effective way to promote both oral and overall health.

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Correlation Between Oral Health & Overall Health

The connection between oral health and overall health is significant and multifaceted. The mouth serves as the entry point to the digestive and respiratory systems, and while most bacteria in the mouth are harmless, some can cause diseases. Regular oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing help control bacteria levels and prevent oral infections such as tooth decay and gum disease. Neglecting oral hygiene can allow bacteria to multiply and lead to these infections.

Daily Factors

In addition to oral hygiene, saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health. Certain medications, including decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics, and antidepressants, can reduce saliva flow. Saliva not only helps wash away food particles but also neutralizes acids produced by oral bacteria, thereby protecting against disease-causing microbes. When saliva flow is reduced, the risk of oral health problems increases.

Research suggests that oral bacteria and inflammation associated with severe gum disease, known as periodontitis, might contribute to the development of certain diseases. Furthermore, certain conditions like diabetes can weaken the body’s immune system, making oral health problems more severe. This highlights the interplay between oral health and overall health, indicating that maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for overall well-being and can potentially impact the course of certain diseases.

Protect Your Oral Health

If you want to keep your oral health in check, it’s important to follow some simple but effective habits.

First and foremost, make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day for a solid two minutes each time. Get yourself a soft-bristled toothbrush and use fluoride toothpaste for that extra protection. And don’t forget to floss daily. It helps remove those stubborn food particles stuck between your teeth.

Using mouthwash can also be a game-changer. It swooshes away any lingering food bits that managed to escape your toothbrush and floss. Try to maintain a healthy diet and cut back on sugary snacks and drinks.

Remember to swap out your toothbrush every three to four months, or even sooner if the bristles start looking all frayed and worn out. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are a must as well.

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When Should Children Begin Brushing On Their Own?

It can be difficult to know when your child should begin brushing by himself or herself. While it is important for a child to develop proper dental care habits at an early age, proper brushing requires a level of fine motor skills and an understanding that may be beyond your little ones.

So, how do you get your children started brushing?

Early on, it is a good idea to allow your children to observe your own brushing habits. Have them do some practice brushing while you supervise, giving them a pea-sized drop of toothpaste and guiding their hands as necessary. Be sure that they know to cover all sides of their teeth, and not just the visible part of their frontal teeth. Further, inform them that they should not swallow their toothpaste, as the minty taste may lead them to assume that it is like candy.

Some children develop more quickly than others, but you can generally expect a child to start brushing independently by the age of six. Consult our Issaquah dentist to learn more about fostering good oral health in the youngest members of your family.

When Should I Pull Out a Loose Tooth?

When is it safe to pull out a loose tooth?

Having a loose tooth can often be uncomfortable and inconvenient for a child. It makes it difficult to eat, and some people become worried that the child might swallow it in the middle of the night. However, it is generally best to allow the tooth to come out on its own, rather than yank it out prematurely.

Firstly, it’s important to be mindful of how delicate a child’s mouth is. When you reach in to remove a tooth, it’s difficult to avoid damaging his or her gum tissues. Only the child can know for sure how painful it is to force the tooth out, so it’s important to allow him or her to judge the situation.

Though it’s possible that your child may end up swallowing a loose tooth, this is really nothing to worry about. Teeth are small enough to usually pass harmlessly from your system.

The only time you should consider helping a loose tooth along is when the permanent tooth begins to emerge underneath it. There is some risk that the new tooth will come in crooked if its way isn’t clear. Should this become a concern for you, talk to our Issaquah dentist to make sure that it is extracted properly.

Open Space, Open Invitation for Bacteria

Whether your toothbrush is placed in the vicinity of a toilet or across the room, studies have showed freckled specs of feces on toothbrushes, nondiscriminatory of distance. This becomes an even bigger problem in close quarters such as dorm bathrooms with multiple users. There are many disadvantages to sharing a community space with people who do not participate in a uniformed hygienic standard.

In the annual American Society for Microbiology forum, a presentation of fecal matter in toothbrushes was examined and how approximately 60% from the entire collection tested positive. Rather than individual toothbrushes coming into contact with fecal matter, the majority of contamination came from peers utilizing the same sharing space.

Contrary to popular movies where roommates sabotage one’s toothbrush by slushing it in the toilet, the contamination occurs when other people’s toothbrushes which are compromised come into contact with each other. It is the introduction of bacteria not part of one’s normal biology which prompts concern. That is not to say personal fecal matter entering one’s body during brushing is safe but foreign bacteria from another coming into oneself, is the main issue.

No matter the cleaning methods or lengths to protect one’s toothbrush via covers, the most prudent way for those who share bathrooms was to start at square one which is personal hygiene. With each individual’s copious efforts to maintain an unsoiled open space, less exposure to bacteria can be expected but regardless of exertions, the safest would be to store personal toothbrushes separately.

Toothbrush Care

Couple other suggestions consisted of not sharing toothbrushes, not using covers which provide a moist space for banter to amplify and multiply, replacements every 3 months and thoroughly washing before and after use as well as air drying.

After Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, Meadow Creek Dental in Issaquah can make the extraction quick and easy. After your procedure, though, it is normal to experience a certain amount of discomfort. In the days following your extraction, consider the following tips to mitigate any pain and expedite your recovery:

  • Twenty-four hours after your procedure, rinse out your mouth a few times a day with a salt water solution of one teaspoon of salt mixed with eight ounces of warm water.
  • Common painkillers, or an ice pack applied to the outside of your face serves to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Smoke aggravates your delicate gum tissues. Avoid cigarettes and smokable products of any kind for the duration of your recovery.
  • Eat softer foods, like soups, oatmeal, and applesauce. Reintroduce hard foods to your diet gradually.
  • Reclining can encourage bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows as you sleep.
  • Avoid sucking actions, like drinking with a straw. This can dislodge your blood clot.
  • Try to take it easy. Stress encourages bleeding.

Replacing Your Toothbrush

Many people come to our Issaquah dentist with questions about how frequently they should be replacing their brushes. This is a valid concern, as many toothbrushes can become overrun by bacteria after a while. More importantly, the bristles of your brush are getting warped and worn out, robbing them of their ability to effectively clean your teeth. Those who are not mindful of a proper replacement schedule can sometimes do more harm than good.

Every Three Months

The simple answer is that you should replace your brush every three months. However, this number can be different from person to person. If you brush harder than most people, for example, you may see your bristles splaying every which way long before the three month mark. This is a clear sign that your brush should be retired. If you’re suffering from gum disease, you might want to change your brush as frequently as every few weeks. This helps you to get rid of the rampant bacteria that is developing in your tissues.

You can also keep your toothbrush cleaner for longer by adopting some simple sanitation habits. Remember that bacteria needs a damp environment to thrive, and so storing your brush upright to let it dry out between brushings is a good idea. For a little extra security, consider occasionally dunking the bristles in either hot water or an antibacterial mouthwash. Never microwave your toothbrush or put it in the dishwasher, as this can destroy the fragile plastic of the bristles.

If you have additional questions about your brush, contact Meadow Creek Dental.

Dental Care for the Pregnant Patient

Modifying Dental Treatment for the Mom-to-be

During a patient’s first trimester, the dentist resorts to a preventive care program. This means plaque control and oral hygiene instruction. Only cleaning can be done at this time, elective procedures are better postponed, though emergency needs can be considered. If it is absolutely necessary to have radiographs, the lowest dose possible exposure is allowed with no harm to the developing fetus. At this time its organs are forming and are most sensitive to radiation and chemicals.

From the second trimester through the first half of the third is the safest time for dental treatment. If the patient is under periodontal maintenance and preventive care, those can be continued. Simple restorative procedures may be done. No complex or elective dental care at this time.

To minimize hormonal gingival changes, scaling and prophylaxis may be repeated in the third trimester. Caution must be taken when seating the patient in the dental chair. Supine position can lead to loss of consciousness, not elevating the right hip will cause blood pooling in the legs. She must position herself on her side if feeling faint. Emergency dental treatment should be provided.

As far as medications go, lidocaine with epinephrine is safe, penicillin, clindamycin, and cephalosporins are safe antibiotics, acetaminophen is alright for most patients for pain, oxycodone is considered safe for severe pain. For analgesia, nitrous oxide is controversial but probably safe as long as there is oxygen administered as well.

Expectant Mom and Baby in Issaquah

Over at Meadow Creek Dental, we show concern for our pregnant patient’s well-being as well as her baby’s. It matters that the mother feels relaxed and have confidence in the treatment. It is best to avoid any dental emergency, but efficient, compassionate care reduces stress, says our Issaquah dentist.