I Have a Fear of Visiting the Dentist – What Can Help?

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Fear of visiting the dentist is a common problem, but there are many things you can do to alleviate your fear. Working with a dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, who understands these problems and can help you is important. The more support you get from your dentist, the easier your next appointment with the dentist will be. Here’s what you need to know.

Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Be mindful of your breathing on the way to the dentist and as you’re sitting down in the dental chair. Noticing your breath and heart rate can calm you and bring you back to the center.

You may also use other relaxation techniques like visualization techniques. Focusing your attention on a relaxing image of water, the beach, or a favorite place to visit can help distract you from the activity in the dental office.

Bring Something to Distract You

Do you enjoy listening to podcasts or music? Bring your favorite radio programming to listen to while your dentist does their work. Listening to something engaging can take your mind off of the dental office while your dentist does their work.

Talk to Your Dentist

Your dentist may have techniques and ideas that can help you feel more relaxed while you’re in the dentist office. Communicate with your dentist about your anxiety so you can devise strategies together.

See a Dentist that Offers Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can help you feel relaxed during your next dental procedure. There are many types of sedation dentistry, so your dentist can help you choose the right level of sedation for your level of anxiety. Not all dentists offer sedation dentistry to patients with anxiety, so if this is important to you, see Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry. We offer sedation dentistry in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. Call today.

 

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3 Questions to Ask the Dentist At Your Next Appointment

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When you visit the dentist in Beaver Dam, KY, it’s important to make the most of your time at the office. Asking the right questions during your dental appointment can help you get the information to take good care of your teeth when you go back home. Below are three examples of good questions that you can ask during your next dental appointment.

1. Is there anything I can do to improve my oral hygiene routine?

Are you cleaning your teeth well when you brush? Where are you missing spots? What can you do to improve the way you brush and floss? Your dentist will be able to see where there are deficits in your toothbrushing and flossing routine and will be able to point out areas for improvement.

2. How is my dental health?

Are your teeth and gums healthy? Are your teeth and gums at risk for certain conditions? Your dentist will be able to tell you.

3. What do these symptoms mean?

If you’re experiencing symptoms like tooth pain, discomfort or sensitivity, talk to your dentist. Your dentist can help you interpret these sensations and tell you what to look out for moving forward. Your dentist may also have some suggestions for how you can alleviate discomfort in the future.

Make a List of Questions for Your Next Dental Cleaning

Your dental cleaning is the perfect time to ask questions about your oral health and hygiene. If you have questions for your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, write them down before your next dental appointment. This will help you remember these questions during your appointment for dental preventative care in Beaver Dam, KY. Call today to make an appointment.

Why Doesn’t My Bad Breath Go Away When I Brush My Teeth?

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Bad breath usually goes away when you brush your teeth, but when it doesn’t, it can be an embarrassing problem. If you’re having a hard time treating your bad breath with simple tooth brushing, it could be a sign of poor dental health. If you’re experiencing a problem with bad breath, your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY can help you determine whether you’re having a dental hygiene problem. Here’s what to know.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath is usually caused by a combination of bacteria and bits of food caught in your mouth after eating. Sometimes, however, bad breath can be caused after food has been consumed and absorbed into the blood stream.

This causes the breath itself to smell like the food that’s been consumed, and can lead to temporary bad breath. Garlic and onions are two foods that are easily absorbed into the blood stream and thus can be smelled on the breath for a while after being consumed.

Why Won’t My Bad Breath Go Away When I Brush My Teeth?

If your bad breath won’t go away when you brush your teeth, this may be because the food has been absorbed into the blood stream (as may be the case with garlic and onions), or it could be that your mouth contains a lot of extra bacteria. If you notice that you have very bad breath no matter what type of food has been consumed, then this may be the result of periodontitis or gingivitis.

If your bad breath is the result of a buildup of bacteria in your mouth, you may need periodontal therapy in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today to get an appointment.

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Bleeding Gums: Should I Be Worried?

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Bleeding gums after brushing and flossing is a common condition, but it’s one that should cause concern. Often, this is an early warning sign of gum disease. And if you struggle with frequent or unusual amounts of blood after brushing and flossing or while eating, you may have a more advanced case of gum disease, called periodontitis. Both mild and severe gum disease require treatment. Your dentist in Beaver Dam, KY, can help.

How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?

The symptoms of mild gum disease include puffy, swollen, and painful gums, bad breath, and bleeding after brushing. Advanced gum disease can lead to painful abscesses, receding gums, and changes in your bite that affect your ability to bite, chew, and speak clearly. Both require intervention and deep cleaning from your dentist. Both require a change in the way you care for your teeth at home, as well.

Does Gum Disease Go Away on It’s Own?

Gum disease does not clear up on its own. Even if you upgrade your oral hygiene routine at home, you’ll still need dental intervention because of plaque buildup beneath the gum line. Your dentist must scrape this away using special tools. Otherwise, your condition will continue to worsen.

How Does My Dentist Treat Gum Disease?

Initially, your dentist will perform a dental exam, which may include diagnostic tests such as X-rays to determine what’s happening with your oral health. If you are diagnosed with gum disease, the next step is usually a thorough cleaning. This includes cleaning and scaling the pockets surrounding your teeth. During the course of treatment, your dentist may:

  • Remove tartar and bacteria from your teeth and below your gumline.
  • Smooth the root surfaces of your teeth to help the gums reattach.
  • Prescribe oral antibiotics or an antibiotic mouth rinse or gel to ease infection.

For help with bleeding gums in Owensboro or Beaver Dam, KY, call Travis Wilson, DMD, today.

Can Teeth Enamel be Restored?

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Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and works as a protective layer on the surface of teeth, shielding teeth from the wear and tear of daily use, as well as from damage caused by bacteria and acid. When teeth enamel erodes, it jeopardizes the health of the teeth. Can it be restored?

What is Enamel Erosion?

Teeth enamel erosion occurs when acid from food or drink, or from stomach acids, attacks the surface of the teeth. This can cause the enamel to soften and lose some of its essential minerals. If you notice that your teeth enamel is eroding, contact your dentist in Beaver Dam, KY for help.

Can Enamel Be Restored?

Unfortunately, once tooth enamel is damaged, it can’t be restored to its original state. However, weakened enamel can be restored to some degree by improving its mineral content. Certain toothpastes and mouthwashes containing fluoride or high concentrations of calcium phosphate may help with remineralization.

Remineralization Process

Remineralization is the process of introducing minerals, such as calcium, back into the teeth. These minerals bond to the surface of the teeth and are drawn to weak points in the enamel. Certain restorative dental treatments in Beaver Dam, KY may also help.

Tips for Preventing Tooth Enamel Damage

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent tooth enamel damage:

  • Avoid acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, soda, and sports drinks.
  • Finish a meal with cheese or milk, as they help to restore the pH balance of the mouth.

Tooth enamel cannot be fully restored once it is damaged. However, remineralization can help to restore some of the minerals lost due to dental erosion. By taking steps to prevent enamel damage, such as adjusting your diet and practicing good oral hygiene, you can help to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Contact us to learn more about safeguarding your dental health.

summer foods bad for teeth

Which Summer Foods Are Bad For Your Teeth?

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Summer is almost here! While everyone is looking forward to warm weather, days spent by the pool and backyard barbecues, it’s not all fun and games. Some popular summer foods can cause serious dental problems. Knowing what those foods are, and how to avoid dental problems, can help you take care of your teeth.

Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob may be a summer favorite, but this popular food can do damage. Specifically, the pressure that your teeth experience when popping off kernels of corn from the cob can cause damage to weakened teeth. Corn on the cob can also get stuck between your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay if your teeth aren’t properly cleaned after.

Iced Coffee, Iced Tea, Wine, Soda

Iced coffee, iced tea, wine, and soda can all stain your teeth. If you drink these popular summer drinks throughout the season, you can reverse the effects of stains by getting your teeth whitened in Owensboro & Beaver Dam, KY.

A bigger problem than stains is that sweetened drinks also cause tooth decay. Clean your teeth well after drinking these beverages.

Ice Cream

Ice cream may be delicious, but it’s also loaded with sugar. If you’re a fan of ice cream, remember to brush your teeth consistently throughout the summer. You can still enjoy your favorite snack, but don’t forget to take care of your teeth too. Brush twice daily and floss once daily.

Before summer comes, make an appointment with your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY. Make sure your teeth are healthy before the warm weather sets in. Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make an appointment.

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How Missing Teeth Affects Your Mouth

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Do you have missing teeth? If so, you might want to make an appointment with a dentist in Owensboro, KY right away. Why? Because not correcting missing teeth can result in significant oral damage if left uncorrected.

How Missing Teeth Affects Your Mouth

When you have missing teeth, the surrounding bone tissue starts to weaken from lack of use. This can cause your mouth to cave in and sag, as well as creating a whole host of other dental issues. Here are some of the other things that happen to your face and mouth when you have uncorrected missing teeth.

  • Bite Irregularities

Bite irregularities can result in tooth decay, tooth and enamel damage, headaches, neck pain, and jaw muscle pain.

  • Headaches

Missing teeth and bite irregularities can cause headaches due to how the improper bite affects your mouth, neck, and jaws.

  • Neck Pain

Neck pain is also a result of missing teeth and bite irregularities due to an improper bite which results in headaches, neck pain, and jaw pain.

  • Tooth Shifting, Crowding, and Crookedness

Missing teeth will cause your other teeth to shift. You could also experience tooth crowding and tooth crookedness. Dental implants in Owensboro, KY can prevent these things from happening.

  • Jawbone Loss and Facial Collapse

Missing teeth, especially if your missing teeth are at the back of your mouth, could actually change your face. Without having teeth to stimulate your jawbones, your jawbone will begin to shrink and deteriorate. This will cause your lips and chin to look as if they are collapsing and sinking in.

  • Speech Issues

Missing teeth can also affect your speech. Depending on where your missing teeth are located, it could make it harder to speak and might also result in your speaking with a lisp.

  • Gum Disease

If you have missing teeth, you increase your risk of getting bacterial infections, gum disease, and other oral issues.

What’s Next?

If you need a dentist in Owensboro, KY, please Contact Travis Wilson D.M.D. today. We are dedicated to providing our patients with customized treatment at an affordable price. Consider us your one-stop-shop for all your dental needs.

Dental Health for the Whole Family

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When you have a houseful of family, you want dental health for everyone. This entails taking a few precautions that are easily done.

Toothbrushes

Keep toothbrushes separate to avoid cross-contamination. Children’s toothbrushes should be small enough for their mouths and should be replaced more frequently than adult toothbrushes.

Toothpaste

Children should use age-appropriate toothpaste that’s specially formulated and contains adequate amounts of fluoride. Supervise children when they brush their teeth to ensure they use the correct amount and not swallowing the toothpaste. The same juicy flavoring that makes children’s toothpaste enticing can make it a temptation for kids.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash should be kept out of reach of children as it can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. Youngsters in particular often don’t understand the process of rinsing and spitting, and are more likely to swallow the rinse.

Flossing

Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and along the gum line. Most kids without permanent teeth don’t yet need to floss, as their teeth are farther apart from each other. When the time comes, teach children how to floss properly with their own personal floss, and supervise them until they are able to do it on their own.

Dental Check-ups

Regular dental check-ups in Beaver Dam, KY are crucial in maintaining oral health. Dental professionals can detect and treat problems early, before they become severe. Children should have their first dental check-up by the age of one, or when their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. Adults should visit the dentist at least twice a year, or as directed by the dentist in Beaver Dam, KY. These tips will help to ensure that your entire family enjoys dental health. Contact us today to book an appointment for yourself or a family member.

3 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Teeth

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The year is almost done. Did you take good care of your teeth this year? If you didn’t, what could you have done differently? This time of year is the perfect opportunity to create New Year’s resolutions for oral hygiene and tooth care. As your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, we’ve got lots of suggestions.

1. Brush Up On Your Tooth Brushing Technique

Do you brush your teeth properly? If you’ve developed bad habits with your tooth brushing technique, this is the perfect opportunity to re-learn how to brush your teeth.

Talk to your dentist about your tooth brushing technique and get a tutorial on tooth brushing at your next dental examination. Your dentist can show you the best practices for brushing your teeth, and can help you identify anything you might be doing wrong with your nightly brushing routine.

2. See the Dentist Two Times Annually

Did you see your dentist twice this year? Most dental professionals recommend that their patients see the dentist every six months. If you’re not in the habit of seeing the dentist twice annually, make a change. Contact your dentist to make an appointment for a date early in the new year. Then, mark your calendar for six months into the future to remind yourself to make another appointment with your dentist.

3. Replace Your Tooth Brush As Needed

Dental professionals recommend replacing your tooth brush every three months. That means you’ll need to replace your tooth brush every time you go to the dentist for a check-up, and once in between. Buy some extra tooth brushes to keep on hand for the next time you need to replace yours.

Get started with your resolutions today! Make an appointment for a dental exam in Owensboro or Beaver Dam, KY with Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry.

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4 Questions to Ask the Dentist At Your Next Appointment

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A dentist appointment can be a rewarding, satisfying experience. This is especially true if you use the time at your dentist appointment to the fullest extent possible. Take the time with your dentist to get answers to your questions about your oral health and hygiene.

Knowing which questions you’re going to ask at your next appointment with your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY can help streamline the process. Below are some common questions that people ask at their dentist appointment.

1. Are my teeth and gums healthy?

This question helps generate conversation about the state of your oral health. At this point in the appointment, your dentist can describe to you any conditions that you may have and what can be done about them. This question often generates follow-up questions about dental conditions, treatments and their symptoms. The more you know, the easier it will be for you to maintain good oral health.

2. Is my oral hygiene routine adequate?

A good oral hygiene routine helps you maintain good oral health. If your oral hygiene routine isn’t working, your dentist will likely be able to tell. Have your dentist tell you what you should be doing differently in order to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

3. How can I maintain whiter teeth?

Brushing your teeth, flossing daily and seeing the dentist twice per year can help you maintain whiter teeth. In addition, your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry offers teeth whitening services that can help keep your teeth in good condition. Have your dentist tell you more about this.

4. When should I schedule my next appointment?

Most dentists recommend that their patients return every six months for cleanings. If your dentist thinks you should return for a dental exam in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY on a different timeline, this will open up the conversation for discussion.

Is it time to see the dentist? Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make an appointment today.