Patients with few dental problems are sometimes tempted to skip their regular cleanings. Don’t do it! People’s dental health needs change with age, and regular cleanings are a great way to make sure there aren’t any problems sneaking up on you unnoticed. Early detection often leads to a better outcome.
Plus, not only do regular cleanings lead to better health, they also save you money in the long run—routine exams and cleanings can help detect problems early so you can avoid expensive and unpleasant treatments like root canals.
We work with the many PPO dental insurance plans such as Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, and MetLife. Before coming to your appointment, please call us with your insurance information so we can help you look up your benefit level.
Please note, we will need your specific plan information, not just the provider, since most insurance companies offer many different plans. Some patients believe there must be a central insurance database where we can look them up, but unfortunately this is not the case.
We want to make sure your treatment estimates are as accurate as possible. Providing your insurance information well in advance of your appointment helps minimize unpleasant billing surprises down the road.
It is usually a good idea. Teeth grinding and/or clenching (officially called parafunctional habits) is a very common condition that can wear down your teeth and lead to fractures.
Your night guard needs to be carefully customized to your mouth in order for it to work properly. When they are well-made, patients usually find night guards quite comfortable and easy to use.
If you have concerns about grinding or clenching, or if your night guard isn’t very comfortable, let us know. We will be happy to go over treatment options with you during your appointment at Kenilworth Dental Care.
Sensitivity toothpaste, which contains strontium chloride or potassium nitrate, is very effective in treating sensitive teeth.
After a few weeks of use, you may notice a decrease in sensitivity. Highly acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons, as well as tea and soda can increase tooth sensitivity, and work against sensitivity toothpaste. If you do not get relief by brushing gently and using desensitizing toothpaste, see your dentist. There are special compounds that can be applied in-office to the roots of your tooth to reduce - if not eliminate - the sensitivity. High-fluoride containing home care products can also be recommended to help reduce tooth sensitivity.
Ask the friendly staff at Kenilworth Dental Care for more information on sensitive teeth.
Many factors work to destroy the naturally white smile you were born with. Tobacco, certain foods, and certain drinks actually stain teeth. These substances continually work on our teeth causing our white smile to gradually fade. Hot coffee and tea are especially hazardous to your smile because they change the temperature of teeth. This temperature change - hot and cold cycling - causes the teeth to expand and contract allowing stains to penetrate the teeth. Cutting down on coffee and tea can go a long way to creating a great smile. Foods that are slightly acidic are also dangerous to your white smile. These foods open up the pores of the tooth enamel allowing stains to move more easily into the tooth.
People often respond to bleeding gums with the wrong method of treatment. Usually, gums that bleed are a symptom of the onset of periodontal disease or gingivitis. But often, people stop brushing as frequently and effectively because it may be painful or it may cause the gums to bleed again. However, when gums are inflamed, brushing could help reduce the inflammation. More importantly, you should see your dentist to have a periodontal screening and recording performed in order to determine the level of disease present and the best treatment course to pursue.
It is also worth noting that chronic dental pain and discomfort are obvious signs of a problem. Over-the-counter drugs may provide some temporary relief. These medications usually only mask the existence of a problem and should be taken on a temporary basis.
It is important to see your dentist as soon as possible if your gums begin to bleed.
The exact cause of canker sores is unknown. Some factors may include genetics, allergies, stress, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Trauma to the inside of the mouth can result in the development of canker sores. Ill-fitting dentures or braces, toothbrush trauma from brushing too hard, or biting your cheek, may produce canker sores. Certain foods may also be a factor. Citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables can trigger a canker sore or make the problem worse. Foods like chips, pretzels and hard candies have sharp edges that can nick and injure the soft tissue of the mouth.
To treat a canker sore, rinse your mouth with antimicrobial mouthwash or warm water and salt. Over the counter treatments are also available. If the canker sore is present longer than two weeks, see your Kenilworth Dental Care dentist.
Oral injuries are often painful, and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. If you have knocked out a tooth, these tips may be able to save it:
Studies show children can develop their first cavities by two years old, so the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends booking the first visit once their first tooth erupts – or, at the latest, their first birthday. This helps your dentist catch potential problems that can affect the child's overall health and well-being as more teeth erupt over time.
The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. Parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, then the amount should be increased to a pea-size dollop and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.
Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt.
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