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.

Do You Really Have to Give up Candy For Oral Health?

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When you visit your Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY dentist, they will advise you to do what you can at home to support your own oral health. This will likely include avoiding certain things, like excessive drinking and smoking, and avoiding excess sugar in the diet. But, you might think to yourself, is a little candy really so bad? If you have what is commonly called a sweet tooth, do you really have to completely deprive yourself of one of your favorite indulgences?

Indulgence is the Key Word

Well, in this case, indulgence is the key word. An indulgence is something that you partake in in small amounts. It’s something you enjoy every now and then, and just a little bit. If candy is a little indulgence for you, then there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a little bit every now and then.

The Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has been shown to have certain health benefits. Dark chocolate is often sweetened much less than regular chocolate. If you and your doctor feel that a little bit of dark chocolate is beneficial to your health—even a nibble every single day—then there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy it.

Avoid Large Quantities

What you don’t want to do is to eat large quantities of candy very often. For optimal oral health, don’t be that person in the office with a drawer full of licorice and candy bars. This kind of candy consumption will almost inevitably lead to infection or cavities or both.

Most adults are very aware that sugar can cause problems or even lead to the need for tooth extraction in Owensboro, KY. Knowing the risks, this particular food item should be avoided as much as possible.

3 Myths About Visiting the Dentist 

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There are many common myths that people have about visiting the dentist. Most myths come from an unrealistic fear of the dentist. And most of those fears stem from avoiding the dentist, which only exaggerates imagined scenarios. The more you visit your dentist in Owensboro, the more you’ll see that these myths have no basis in reality. Following are some of the most common myths about dental visits.

1. Dentists Enjoy Using the Drill

Dental drills are only used when significant tooth decay is found and needs to be removed. The drill enables the dentist to “drill out” the decay and clean up the sides and edges so that a clean surface can be created in which to accept the filling material. Dentists don’t particularly enjoy drilling teeth, insomuch that it means there is bad decay happening. But a drill is a useful tool that helps the patient’s tooth from being completely destroyed from decay.

2. The Dentist is Going to Pull All My Teeth

A dentist’s main objective is to save natural teeth. There are more tools and technological advances available today than ever before. Your dentist in Owensboro would rather use those tools and techniques to save your natural teeth than to have to pull a tooth. And, in a worse case scenario when a tooth can’t be saved, a dentist will never pull a tooth without discussing it with the patient beforehand.

3. A Dental Visit is Only Needed for a Toothache or Damaged Tooth

This is a very harmful myth, because it keeps people from visiting the dentist as frequently as they should. In fact, you should have a dental exam at a minimum every six months. If you do this, dental work can be largely preventative, and you may never need extensive dental restoration work. However, when you only visit the dentist is dire circumstances, extensive work may be needed.

Don’t let false myths about dentists keep you from getting the dental services you need for optimal oral health. Visit us soon and see for yourself just how pleasant a dental visit can truly be.

How Slimming Diets Can Jeopardize Your Oral Health

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The best way to ensure lasting oral health is to have routine visits to your dentist in Owensboro, KY at least once every six months. You should also practice good oral hygiene at home, brushing and flossing after each meal. However, there’s another way that your oral health can be jeopardized, even when you do all these things. Your diet plays a large and important part in your oral health. And, unfortunately, the popularity of slimming diets is a poor companion to healthy teeth and gums.

Diets That Omit Entire Food Groups

Some of the most popular diets today omit entire food groups. One common diet, the Atkins diet, leaves out fruits and vegetables for the most part, for an entire two weeks. The so-called induction period calls for just one cup of vegetables per day. This makes it impossible for a person to get sufficient vitamins and nutrients in their diet. Of course, as the diet continues, more vegetables are supposed to be introduced. Still, diets like this severely limit access to healthy food groups.

Nutrition and Oral Health

Teeth, gums and bones need a well-rounded diet in order to maintain strength, function and health. It’s not so much the actual protein and carbohydrates, but the macro and micro nutrients in whole foods that enable the body to convert foods into what it needs to be healthy. Those who are malnourished for long periods of time will experience loose teeth, degenerating jaw bone, or even mouth diseases. In this day and age it’s hard to think of a person being malnourished. However, being on a slimming diet for a long time or being on a series of diets can indeed lead to malnutrition.

Your dentist in Owensboro can only do so much. It’s up to you to give your body the nutrients it needs for oral health.

The Right Way to Remove Trapped Food From Between Teeth

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Your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY emphasizes the importance of brushing and flossing after meals. Small particles of food can easily get stuck in between teeth, leading to the buildup of harmful bacteria, plaque and more. Those with narrow spaces in between teeth are more likely to struggle with trapped food particles, but everyone eventually encounters this issue.

Don’t Use Fingers to Remove Trapped Food

Sometimes people—especially women who have longer nails—will try to remove trapped food using their fingernails. This isn’t a good idea because you’re more likely to push the food further in, where it’s even harder to remove. Or, you may break up the particle and remove only the largest piece, leaving smaller particles behind. Finally, you could inadvertently spread germs around your mouth, using fingernails that are now contaminated with old food particles.

Toothpicks Work

Instead, try using a toothpick to loosen stuck food particles. The caveat is that you need to use a gentle touch. Take care not to poke at the gums, since this will cause pain and/or bleeding. Use several toothpicks, discarding used ones and always using a clean tip. Also, if you have inflamed gum tissue, don’t use a toothpick at all.

Oil Pulling Works

Another safe way to remove trapped food particles is to practice oil pulling after brushing and flossing. Swish a small amount of coconut oil around your mouth and gently “pull” the oil between teeth. The oil lubricates the teeth so the particles can’t stick to teeth, and the gentle pressure releases the food debris so you can spit it into the sink.

Make sure you visit your Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY dentist at least every six months for a thorough cleaning that will remove any food debris and/or plaque build-up.

Got a Gum Disease Diagnosis? FAQs Answered  

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Research has indicated an alarming statistic when it comes to gum disease in the United States. Some figures estimate that almost half of people over 30 have some level of gum disease. If you have been told that you need gum disease treatment in Owensboro, KY, the diagnosis can be hard to hear and you are bound to have questions.

Does gum disease ever go away?

During the initial stages of periodontal disease, immediate and ongoing treatment can actually stop the problem. However, if you do not seek treatment right away, the issue can progress to a more serious problem that is more persistent and harder to fully treat or eradicate.

Will having gum disease make you lose your teeth?

People with untreated gum disease can be prone to tooth loss. This is because the pockets of bacteria eventually grow and affect the soft tissue that supports your teeth and possibly the bones beneath. However, a diagnosis of periodontal disease does not automatically mean you will lose your teeth. With the proper care, your teeth can be protected.

Is gum disease contagious?

Gum disease is not necessarily contagious, so you can’t catch it by drinking after someone or even kissing someone who has it. However, what can happen is you can pass the harmful bacteria from mouth to mouth, which could lead to problems with gum disease without good oral hygiene habits.

Work Closely with Your Owensboro, KY Dentist for Treatment

While a gum disease diagnosis can be scary, this is not an oral health condition that cannot be managed. The input and care of an Owensboro, KY dentist can make all the difference in how the condition progresses. If you believe you have problems with gum health, reach out to Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

3 New Year’s Resolutions to Consider That Are All About Your Smile

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Another year is nearly gone, which means it is once again time to start thinking about what you want to do differently for the year to come. As you consider all the New Year’s resolutions that you hope to keep, don’t forget your oral health. Your smile is an important part of who you are, which is why restorative dentistry in Beaver Dam, KY is so popular. Take a look at a few resolutions you may want to consider as this year comes to a close.

Resolve to be more attentive to preventative dental health.

Preventative dental care is all about doing everything you can to prevent dental health issues from occurring. Whether it is your at-home oral hygiene habits or your annual visit to the dentist for checkups and cleaning, these steps can make a world of difference to your oral health.

Resolve to tend to small problems you’ve been neglecting with your teeth.

Maybe you have a small cavity that you have avoided for a while. Perhaps you have bite alignment issues you have never addressed. As the new year begins, tending to these problems could be one of the best things you ever do for your oral health.

Resolve to find out how you can be more confident with your smile.

A confident smile can change everything about how you interact with the world around you. Whether you are not so confident about the appearance of your teeth because you have stains or you really want to make a big change, a good dentist can help the visions of a better smile come to life.

Could a Beaver Dam Dentist help you with your resolutions?

Every new year is a new chance to start the year off right, even when it comes to your oral health. If you have something about your oral health or smile that you would like to discuss with a Beaver Dam, KY dentist, reach out to us at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

Hollywood smile with porcelain crowns and veneers

Caring for Your New Porcelain Crown: Tips to Remember

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When it comes to protecting a tooth from further damage or even making it more aesthetically fitting for the long term, dental crowns in Beaver Dam, KY are highly effective. Dental crowns can be made out of a few different materials, but porcelain is one of the more common. Take a look at a few care tips to keep in mind after you are fitted with a new porcelain crown.

Remain consistent with oral hygiene habits

While a porcelain crown is synthetic, the surrounding or supporting natural tooth still needs your everyday attention when you brush and floss. If you are not vigilant about oral hygiene, it can lead to issues with the natural tooth that put the new crown at risk.

Watch out for foods that could cause breakage

Porcelain is a dense and durable material, but it can be damaged just the same. Watch out for foods that could cause direct damage, such as hard candy, ice, or anything that is excessively crunchy. If at any time you spot an area of your new crown that appears damaged, be sure to reach out to a dentist as soon as possible before the problem grows more severe.

Keep your annual dental checkup appointments

During your annual visit to the dentist for a checkup, the dentist will be examining the crown to ensure it is still bonded in place, not showing signs of damage or wear, and properly supported. One of the biggest reasons for crown failure is lack of dental care, so be sure to continue to keep your appointments annually.

Talk to a Dentist About Dental Crowns in Beaver Dam, KY

When properly cared for, a well-placed dental crown can last for many years. If you need a dentist in Beaver Dam, KY that can help you get a dental crown, reach out to us at the office of Travis Wilson D.M.D. to schedule an appointment.

3 Preventive Dental Care Treatments to Consider

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Have you ever wished that you could push a “rewind” button and get back your healthy natural teeth? If you still have natural teeth that you want to protect, or you have younger loved ones whose teeth you’d like to protect, you can! Today, there are several preventative dental care treatments in Owensboro, KY that can help natural teeth stay healthy for as long as possible.

1. Dental Sealant

Dental sealant is a simple and straightforward way to add an extra layer of protection over natural teeth. The FDA-approved dental sealant is applied with a brush on certain teeth, such as molars. It’s allowed to harden and then it lasts for several months. Dental sealant is most often used on kids, but adults with healthy natural teeth can also get dental sealant. It’s non-invasive, painless and very effective at stopping cavities before they start.

2. Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment is a wash that is flushed over the teeth to make teeth more impervious to bacteria. The fluoride fortifies the tooth enamel and adds minerals so that the teeth are harder and stronger. Just one fluoride treatment is enough to protect natural teeth for a long time. Talk to your dentist in Owensboro, KY about fluoride treatment options.

3. Teeth Polishing

Teeth polishing is a little bit different than teeth whitening, although teeth polishing will make your teeth brighter and whiter, too. In this preventative treatment, the teeth surface is polished, which helps to get rid of biofilm and plaque that harbor bad bacteria. Teeth polishing is most effective when it’s done in tandem with teeth cleaning.

These simple preventative dental care treatments will help you to keep teeth healthy in between dentist visits. Remember, preventative treatments are not a substitute for regular dentist visits. Contact us today to book your next appointment.

dentist and patient

How to Overcome Dental Phobia

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Most people know that it’s important to visit the dentist at least once every six months. But many people avoid the dentist as much as possible because of dental phobia. Even when problems arise, they may try to find alternative solutions. This is always a big mistake, since dental problems never resolve on their own without professional treatment. Don’t let dental phobia cause you to have oral health problems. Here’s how to get rid of fear of going to the dentist.

Go to the Dentist More Often

Yes, that’s right. The more you go to the dentist, the less fearful you’ll be of the experience. This is because you’ll become desensitized and more familiar with the dentist’s office. You’ll get comfortable with the signs and sounds, and you’ll find that old dental phobia starting to dissipate.

Ask Lots of Questions

A lot of dental phobia has to do with fear of the unknown. If you don’t know what your dentist is doing, it’s natural to feel afraid. But a good way to feel less afraid is to ask lots of questions. Ask what they’re got to do next, ask if it’s going to hurt, ask why your dentist is doing a certain treatment; your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY will be more than happy to answer as many questions as you have!

Bring a Friend

No one says you have to to go the dentist by yourself. If you feel fearful, why not bring a friend or family member with you? In fact, in some cases your dentist may even be okay with your friend going with you into the treatment room, so you can feel more comfortable.

Your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY wants you to feel comfortable during your visits. Contact us today to book your appointment.