healthy-mouth-supports-wellness

How a Healthy Mouth Supports Overall Wellness

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Most people know that poor oral hygiene negatively affects the teeth and gingival tissue (aka gums, gum tissue); yet, many are unaware that it can also play a role in an individual’s overall wellness. The best way to maintain good oral health is by brushing and flossing daily. In addition, remember to schedule your biannual dental cleanings at one of Dr. Travis Wilson’s dental offices. Dr. Wilson has offices in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, Kentucky.

Whose Overall Health Can Be Negatively Affected by Poor Oral Hygiene?

According to the most recent report provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges, good oral health is vital to the well-being for people of every age.

Poor Dental Hygiene Can Lead To Gum Disease

Just like other parts of the body, the mouth is teeming with bacteria. Although most of these bacteria are harmless, some can cause an individual to develop a variety of diseases that negatively impact their organs.

How Gum Disease May Negatively Affect Vital Organs

An individual who develops gum disease has colonies of bacteria thriving within his or her mouth. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream via damaged gum tissue. Inflamed, sensitive gum tissue, which is a symptom of gum disease, is more likely to have open wounds than healthy gingival tissue. These wounds may result from flossing, brushing and eating crunchy foods. In addition, accidentally biting the cheeks, lips or tongue can provide an area for bacteria to access the bloodstream.

Once the bacteria are traveling throughout the body, the individual’s risk of developing heart disease or a respiratory illness increases. If you have concerns about the health of your mouth, make an appointment with an Owensboro, Kentucky, dentist today.

Which Health Issues Are Linked To Poor Oral Hygiene?

Around the globe, gum disease ranks as the most common chronic inflammatory disease. If bacteria enter the bloodstream, inflammation in other parts of the body is likely. This inflammation can lead to serious health problems.

Health issues linked to poor dental hygiene include:

  • Stroke – due to the inflammation and infections the bacteria cause.
  • Atherosclerosis – clogged arteries.
  • Cardiovascular disease (aka heart disease) – due to atherosclerosis.
  • Endocarditis – this refers to an infection in the lining of the valves and chambers of the heart (i.e., endocardium).
  • Respiratory diseases, including Pneumonia – while breathing, the bacteria are pulled into the respiratory tract through the mouth, which is how they gain access to the lungs.
  • Pregnancy complications – such as a premature birth and a low birth weight.

If you are in the Owensboro or Beaver Dam, Kentucky, area, and you are experiencing mouth pain, bleeding gums or sensitivity, contact Dr. Travis Wilson today. He can determine if you have gum disease, solve the problem at hand, and then help you improve your overall oral health. To request an appointment using the online form, please click here. To schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Wilson, call the Beaver Dam, Kentucky, office at (270) 274-3645 or the Owensboro, Kentucky, office at (270) 926-6040.

5 Tips to Maintain Healthy Teeth This Summer

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Maintaining healthy teeth is important at all times of the year, but it’s especially important in the summer when you’re likely to attend big gatherings with lots of food and dessert. Knowing how to maintain healthy teeth this summer can help you avoid an infection, cavity or another painful dental problem.

1. Floss Regularly – Even At Events

Floss after meals, especially when you’ve eaten summer foods that can easily be caught between your teeth, like corn on the cob and ribs. Flossing may sound challenging if you spend half your summer attending barbecues, but this gets easier when you bring floss with you. Put floss in your purse, your glove compartment, or your backpack.

2. Swish After Eating Staining Foods

Barbecue sauces, berries and iced coffee are all popular in summer – and all can stain your teeth. You can head off some of these problems by swishing with water after eating or drinking something that can stain your teeth. Chasing staining foods and beverages with water can help keep away the worst of the stains.

3. Minimize Sugar Intake

It’s hard not to eat a lot of sugar in summer. Ice cream, milk shakes, cherry pie – these popular desserts make an appearance at family get togethers, barbecues and other social events. Do your best to minimize your sugar intake. Moderation is good for you!

4. See the Dentist

Make an appointment to see the dentist in Owensboro KY this summer. Your dentist will clean your teeth and can also catch dental problems in their early stages.

5. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

In addition to getting preventative care in Owensboro KY from your dentist, it’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene at home. Brush your teeth and floss every evening, and brush in the morning as well. Have more questions? Call Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today.

4 Reasons to See the Dentist as Soon As Possible

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Do you know when it’s time to see the dentist in Owensboro KY? Your dentist can help you with pain, swelling, loss of a permanent tooth – or even something as minor as bad breath. Knowing when it’s appropriate to see the dentist can help you take care of your teeth. Below, we’ve recorded four scenarios when you should see the dentist.

1. Lost or Loose Permanent Tooth

No one should lose a permanent tooth. If you lose a permanent tooth, you’re having a dental emergency – call your dentist to let them know you’re on your way. If you’ve noticed that your permanent tooth is loose, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.

2. Tooth Pain

Tooth pain could be a sign of several problems – from cavities to an infection. If you’re having tooth pain, don’t wait to see your dentist. If you have an infection, your tooth could be at risk. An infected tooth can even put other aspects of your health at risk. Call your dentist as soon as possible.

3. Swelling

Swelling in the mouth, cheek or gums could be a sign of an infection – especially if the swelling is accompanied by pain. Don’t wait to call the dentist – make the call.

4. Bad Breath

Bad breath isn’t a dental emergency, but it is a problem! It may be that you need to change your oral hygiene routine – or you may need to get a deep cleaning of your teeth. To find out more about getting rid of bad breath, all your dentist at Travis Wilson DMD to make an appointment for preventative care in Owensboro KY.

Should I Be Cleaning My Child’s Teeth?

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Many parents clean their child’s teeth for them until they reach an age when they can do it themselves. Knowing when, why and how to clean your child’s teeth can help you take care of your child’s oral hygiene. We’ve posted the article below to give some guidance on this issue. It’s also important to work with your dentist in Owensboro, KY to find out what you can be doing to help your child.

When and How to Clean Your Child’s Teeth

It’s common for parents to clean their child’s teeth until they’ve reached the age of about 7 or 8. Children do not have the manual dexterity to properly clean their own teeth, so they need help from their parents to ensure that their mouth is cleaned properly.

To clean your child’s teeth, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Children who are too young to understand that you should not swallow your toothpaste should not have fluoridated toothpaste. Check with your child’s dentist to get a toothpaste recommendation.

Brush your child’s teeth for two minutes. Your dentist can show you some tricks for getting their teeth brushed properly. You can use a timer to time their tooth brushing, or you can sing a song for two minutes.

How to Ensure Your Child Has Good Dental Hygiene

Take your child for regular dental exams in Owensboro, KY to ensure that your child has good dental hygiene. Your dentist can tell you how often your child should be coming in for exams and cleaning. Children are prone to getting cavities, so don’t let this appointment slide! Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make an appointment today.

Where’s My Bad Breath Coming From?

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Do you suffer from bad breath? Do you have this problem even though you brush your teeth regularly? Many things can cause bad breath, so brushing regularly may not be enough to make your breath smell better.

If you have a problem with bad breath, one of the things you can do is work with your dentist in Owensboro, KY. By seeing the dentist regularly, you can avoid the problems that cause bad breath.

It’s also important to know the causes of bad breath. Knowing the potential cause may help you find a solution. Here’s what to know.

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath typically comes from bacteria in the mouth, but can also come from the food you eat. Here’s a short list of things that can lead to bad breath:

  • Smoking
  • Eating certain foods like onions and garlic
  • Poor dental hygiene and dental hygiene problems like gingivitis
  • An infection in the mouth

Dry mouth also contributes to bad breath, because saliva helps keep the mouth clean. If you have dry mouth – maybe because you smoke or you take medications that dry out your mouth – then you may suffer from bad breath.

What You Can Do

If you have bad breath that never seems to get better, schedule a dental exam in Owensboro, KY. Most likely, your dentist can tell you the cause of your bad breath right away.

Other things you can do to keep your breath smelling beautiful include:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily
  • Floss regularly
  • See the dentist every six months
  • Brush your tongue as well as your teeth
  • Stop smoking
  • Rinse your mouth after eating
  • Drink lots of water

Are you suffering from bad breath? Contact Travis Wilson DMD to make an appointment!

How to Use Mouthwash

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When your dentist in Beaver Dam, KY advises you to rinse after brushing and flossing, they are hoping you know how to use mouthwash. Using mouthwash may seem straightforward, but there are important things to keep in mind.

Don’t Drink From the Bottle

Mouthwash caps are typically large and shaped in the ideal size for one “dose.” However, you should never actually drink from the cap or from the bottle itself. Doing either of these will result in your contaminating the entire bottle with mouth bacteria. If you share a bottle of mouthwash with other members of the family, it’s even worse. Instead, keep a clean glass or mini paper cups in the bathroom for dispensing each “dose” of the mouthwash.

Keep Mouthwash Away From Kids

Children will have a hard time avoiding swallowing tasty mouthwash. Even the adult, minty varieties are tempting to swallow for kids. The best thing is to avoid buying those bright, shiny, fruity and bubble-gum flavored mouthwashes for kids, and to keep adult mouthwashes away from children. Instead, let kids simply rinse with warm water.

Finish with a Gargle

Did you know that mouth bacteria can get very far back in the throat? Gargling with mouthwash helps to remove harmful bacteria that may be lurking far back at the top of the throat. The last thing you should do before finishing up your oral hygiene routine is to gargle for 30 seconds or so and then spit into the sink.

Use Mouthwash in the Morning

When you awaken in the morning to use the toilet facilities, make a habit of rinsing quickly with mouthwash, even before you brush. This will help rid your mouth of bacteria that built up while you slept.

Visit your Beaver Dam, KY dentist for more recommendations for using various types of mouthwash and about oral hygiene in general. Contact us today to book your appointment.

Why Cosmetic Dentistry Is a Smart Decision for Your Oral Health

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When people consider cosmetic dentistry, it would be easy for them to think that it’s all about improving the aesthetic rather than the health of their smile. However, most cosmetic procedures are actually good for the overall stability of your mouth. See why this is if you’re looking for a dentist in Owensboro or Beaver Dam, KY, and how Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry might be able to help.

Filling in the Gaps

This is often the most obvious benefit of cosmetic dentistry. If you’re missing a tooth or several teeth, your remaining teeth will essentially jostle for that position. If you make the effort to correct it, you ensure that the other teeth will stay where they’re meant to.

Correcting Your Bite

Underbites and overbites are more than just impediments to your smile, they can influence anything from talking to chewing patterns. When ignored, it can also lead to additional problems like cavities or gum disease. Cosmetic dentistry in Owensboro, KY can help you eliminate the hassle by correcting these issues. Not only is it easier to floss and brush properly (without having to worry that you missed anything), but it can help you speak and chew without any issues.

Find a Dentist in Beaver Dam, KY

If you’re looking for a dentist in your area, one of the most important things you can do is take action for the sake of your health. Even if you just want a whiter smile, paying more attention to your mouth is always the right decision. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, you’ll find a staff who can help you decide which cosmetic procedures are right for you and potentially recommend other treatments that will leave you feeling confident every time you smile.

Can a Lisp Be Caused by Dental Problems?

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Many youngsters lisp, and whether you think it’s a lovely quality or something to be concerned about, you need to know what’s causing it. If your child is on the verge of starting pre-school, this dilemma might become much more complicated. So you’ve come to the right place to find out if a lisp can be caused by dental problems.

4 Types of Lisp

There are four basic types of lisp that occur when making an s or z sound:

  • Interdental/Frontal Lisp

This is when the tongue protrudes between the top and bottom front teeth.

  • Dentalized Lisp

This is when the tongue pushes against the back of the front teeth.

  • Lateral Lisp

This is where air flows around instead of over the tongue.

  • Palatal Lisp

This is where the tongue makes contact with the palate.

Note that both the interdental/frontal and dentalized lisps are very common in youngsters up to four years of age and sometimes up to seven years of age.

What Causes Lisps?

Sometimes kids naturally outgrow a lisp. But if a lisp persists, it is time to contact a dentist in Owensboro, KY to see if there are underlying causes. They may include:

  • Underbite
  • Overbite
  • Open bite
  • Tongue tie
  • Tongue thrust
  • Delayed muscular development in the tongue

Often, a simple dental exam will result in a firm diagnosis of the problem. If your child needs orthodontics in Beaver Dam, KY, Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry can help. Make sure you see your dentist right away so the issue can be resolved.

The fact of the matter is, a lisp can not only be caused by dental problems; dental and oral issues are the most common reasons behind a lisp. For more information and help with your child’s lisp, contact Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry in Owensboro, KY.

Should I be Cleaning My Tongue?

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Anyone who has been inside a drugstore can see that there are products available for cleaning your tongue. Your dentist in Owensboro, KY always advises patients to brush, floss and rinse, but not much is heard about cleaning the tongue. Is this extra step in oral hygiene really necessary, or is it marketing hype to get you to buy products?

Why You Should Clean Your Tongue

Hundreds of microscopic papillae, or finger-like projections that give your tongue its rough texture, cover your tongue. These papillae, interestingly, generate a pattern on your tongue that is as individual as your fingerprints. However, they also leave a carpet-like surface on your tongue, making plaque, germs, food debris, and dead skin cells easy to collect. This can result in foul breath as well as a variety of other oral health problems. In addition to seeing a dentist on a regular basis to keep your tongue healthy, there are several simple methods to keep it clean and enhance your general health.

How to Clean Your Tongue

By adding a minute or two to your daily oral hygiene regimen, you can keep your tongue clean and healthy. Here are two ways to get it done.

1. Brush your Tongue with your Toothbrush

Brushing your tongue with a toothbrush is the simplest approach, since you’re already standing there with a toothbrush in hand. After cleaning your teeth, rinse your brush and brush the whole surface area of your tongue for 15-30 seconds. Rinse once more.

2. Use a Tongue Scraper

Extend your tongue as far as possible. Place the tongue scraper on the back of your tongue. While exerting mild pressure, push the scraper on your tongue and slide it toward the front of your tongue. Rinse after every scrape by running it under warm water to remove any dirt or bacteria. During the tongue scraping, spit out any extra saliva that has accumulated. Repeat as needed.

Everybody Gets at Least One Cavity, Right?

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It often seems like cavities are an inevitable part of life. After all, everyone you know has probably had at least one cavity. You yourself may have had one or more cavities over the years. But it may surprise you to know that not everyone gets cavities. In fact, there are many people who have never had a cavity.

Genetic Predisposition to Cavities

There is a large genetic factor insofar as to who gets cavities and who doesn’t. What kind of bacteria you have, the shape of your teeth, and even the composition of your saliva make you more or less predisposed to developing cavities. These are things you can’t control, but there are many things that you can control in order to avoid getting cavities.

How to Avoid Cavities

There are lots of ways to avoid getting cavities, no matter what. Of course, brushing, flossing and rinsing after each meal are essential. Regular visits with your dentist in Owensboro, KY are essential, too. Your diet plays an important part; avoiding excess alcohol and sugar is imperative. Keep in mind that fresh fruit is good, but too much exposes you to excess fructose, a naturally-occurring sugar. And now, there is a new dental treatment that creates another layer of protection between your teeth and harmful bacteria. Dental sealants are available for children and those at higher risk of developing cavities. If you keep getting cavities no matter how much brushing you do, you might be a good candidate for dental sealants.

Remember, if you aren’t genetically predisposed to cavities, that doesn’t mean you are “immune” to getting them. And those who are genetically disposed of aren’t necessarily guaranteed to get cavities. Diet, oral hygiene and having regular appointments with your dentist in Owensboro, KY are key factors, whatever your genetics are. Contact us today to book your next appointment.