Dental problems are never fun. When they occur during a trip, the discomfort can be almost unbearable. Knowing how to manage the situation until you see an emergency dentist can make a huge difference in the outcome.

It seems there are more types of toothpaste on the market today than ever before. You’ll find fluoridated, non-fluoridated, whitening, tartar control, and even herbal brands. But which of these products is best for your needs? Here are some tips on this important topic from a local dentist.

Now that the colder months are here, you may be dealing with runny noses, sore throats, and symptoms of the flu. Everyone has their own cure, but did you know some of these common remedies can actually have a negative affect on your oral health? Keep reading to discover how common solutions for winter illness can affect your smile. Additionally, learn some cold and flu tips so you can combat sickness without damaging your teeth.

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Are you covered by dental insurance? If so, you are fortunate to be able to benefit from affordable dentistry services from a dentist of your choosing. No matter who your provider is, dental insurance is a great deal — especially if you know how to stretch your benefits to the maximum. Billions of dollars are wasted by Americans each year in unused insurance benefits, but there is still time to rescue those funds! Keep reading to learn more about how a dentist can help you make the most out of your dental insurance plan.

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Dental implants are successful over 95% of the time, thanks to the expert dentists that place them. These artificial tooth roots are made to last for multiple decades of supporting beautiful restorations, but in rare cases, implants can fail. Keep reading to learn the possible causes of dental implant failure, and what you can do to prevent it from your local dentist.

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Dentists often note that molars are some of the most vulnerable teeth in the entire mouth. Molars undergo a lot of pressure throughout the day, grinding and chewing some of the toughest foods we consume. They’re truly an essential part of our digestion since they prevent us from swallowing food that’s too large to break down properly.

However, many people still don’t understand the point of replacing back teeth with dental implants if they aren’t even visible. Today, we’ll break down exactly why it matters.

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Dental implants have been one of the biggest game-changers in dentistry over the last century. Patients only had dentures and bridges as replacement options for many decades, but then implants came along and provided results that actually feel like natural teeth. The way that enhances someone’s quality of life can’t be overstated! But while implants are a modern marvel of dentistry, new technology is taking them a step further. Dentists are currently working on ways to make getting implants even easier, more successful and more comfortable. If you’ve been thinking about getting implants, you’ll be interested to learn more about the possibilities below!

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Knowing what questions to ask during your next dental checkup is part of being an empowered healthcare consumer. It’s important to stay up-to-date on your medications, tell your dentist about any symptoms you may be experiencing, and ask for tips about taking better care of your teeth. Staying in the loop with these important matters will help you to enjoy robust dental health, both now and down the road.

Warning Signs to Mention to Your Dentist

Let your dentist know if you are experiencing any of the following problems:

• Dry mouth. `This may be a symptom of diabetes or disorders of the salivary glands.
• Trouble swallowing. Have your dentist examine your throat for tenderness or swelling. Possible causes include routine infections, side effects of medicines, and, in some cases, certain forms of cancer.
• A heat or tingling sensation inside your tongue. This is commonly caused by nerve -related disorders.
• Pain or bleeding in your teeth or gums. This is often an early warning sign of tooth decay, a problem that’s almost always treatable when caught in time.
• Spots or streaks on your tongue. This can be caused by nutritional imbalances, side effects of medications, or a number of other issues. Your dentist may diagnose the underlying cause or refer you to a specialist for further treatment.

Medication Matters

All of us are fortunate to live in the era of modern medicine. It’s important to remember, however, that many medications have side effects that can impact your oral health. Here are some examples:

• Antibiotics sometimes cause a dry or tacky sensation in your mouth.
• Some liquid medications can cause throat irritation that leads to coughing or tenderness.
• Certain anticoagulants and high blood pressure medications can alter the taste of food.

Let your dentist know if you have any questions or concerns about possible side effects.

“What Can I Do Better?”

Most of us do a reasonably good job of brushing and flossing. Still, it never hurts to ask your dental professional about any additional oral hygiene steps you can take. Your dentist may recommend tips like these:

• Switching to a different type of toothbrush or toothpaste. For example, some people find that electric toothbrushes do a better job of removing plaque than traditional manual brands.
• Trying a different style of brushing. Your current technique may be missing large sections of your mouth; or you might be damaging the enamel coating of your teeth by brushing too aggressively.
• Changing the way you floss your teeth. For example, some people use an up-and-down motion when most dentists actually recommend moving the floss string side-to-side.
• Avoiding of limiting consumption of beverages like coffee, tea, or soda. These can have a corrosive effect on your teeth, especially if they contain added sweeteners.

If you smoke, then ask your dentist if there are any new medications or methods you can try to kick the habit. Along with sugar, tobacco products are the number one cause of dental health issues in the United States.

It’s up to all of us to take an active role in protecting our teeth and gums. Use the tips in this post to make the most of your next dental appointment. Best wishes and bright smiles to you, both now and in the future.

About the Author

Dr. Megan Shelton is proud to call the Carlsbad area her home. When not practicing dentistry, she enjoys photography, performing volunteer work, and spending time with her husband Nick. You can reach her office online or by calling (858) 771-2221.

You already knew that brushing and flossing your teeth every day is important. But did you know that your tongue needs regular care as well? It’s true.  Here are some tips from a dentist about caring for this important part of your body.

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