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What is a Tooth Pocket and Why is it Important?

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If your dentist discovers a tooth pocket inside your mouth, it won’t bring a smile to your face. Instead, a tooth pocket indicates gum disease, often in an advanced stage. As to why this is so important, here’s what you need to know.

A Living Space for Bacteria

When a tooth pocket forms, it becomes the perfect spot for bacteria to grow and thrive. Since bone and gum tissue is supposed to fit very snugly around your tooth, the formation of a tooth pocket means supporting bone and tissue have been destroyed. Unfortunately, as these pockets deepen, bacteria is then able to advance under the gum tissue. If left untreated, the result could be additional bone loss and the need to extract the tooth.

Checking the Depth

To determine how much your gum disease has progressed, your dentist in Owensboro, KY will check the depth of your tooth pocket. In doing so, this will let your dentist know if the problem can be corrected by combining a daily at-home oral care regimen with professional care done at their office, or if your condition has progressed to the point where a periodontal pocket reduction procedure will be necessary. The deeper the pocket, the more likely you will need professional intervention in an effort to save your tooth from being extracted.

Keeping Your Natural Teeth

Since good oral hygiene is critical to your overall health, you should do all you can to keep your natural teeth intact. By incorporating a daily oral care routine that involves brushing at least twice per day and flossing once per day while also visiting your dentist for regular checkups, tooth pockets may be something you never encounter.

If you notice symptoms that may be related to gum disease, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Owensboro, Kentucky as soon as possible.

“Sedation Dentistry Is Hard on Your Brain” and Other Myths

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Some studies indicate that as many as one out of three patients deals with some level of anxiety about going to the dentist. Thankfully, sedation dentistry in Owensboro can make these treatments more comfortable for patients who may not otherwise get the care they need. While sedation dentistry has become a normal part of modern-day dental care, this level of treatment is not immune to some pretty unfair myths.

Myth: Sedation dentistry is hard on your brain.

Sedation dentistry does not have long-term effects on your brain, your memory, or any of your neural processes. This myth stems from the fact that IV sedation is associated with losing memory of what took place, but there is no merit to the idea that the treatment is detrimental to your brain function.

Myth: You can still feel everything while sedated.

When you are sedated via IV, you won’t feel anything at all. However, if you are sedated with oral medications, you do retain your sensitivity. Therefore, if you opt for oral sedation with prescription medication before treatment, the dentist still follows the same protocols. They will use a local anesthetic to the area where work is being done so you don’t feel anything.

Myth: You stay groggy for days after sedation.

After being sedated, whether with IV sedation or oral medication, you may feel groggy for a few hours after treatment. However, most people are back to their fully alert state within a few hours. We do recommend that you arrange for someone to drive you back home from your appointment for this reason.

Find Out About Sedation Dentistry in Owensboro

If you’ve put off dental treatments you know you need because you are anxious about the procedure, sedation dentistry in Owensboro can be a saving grace. Reach out to us at Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to schedule your appointment for treatment with sedation today.

Why Are My Teeth Gray Around the Gumline?

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You spot noteworthy gray areas right where your teeth meet your gums. If you have spotted grayness where your teeth meet your gums, you may need periodontal treatment in Beaver Dam, KY, or you could just have an issue with decay that also needs immediate attention. Let’s take a closer look at both issues and how to spot the difference.

Could the Problem Be Gum Disease?

Gum disease, medically known as periodontal disease, can bring about several different symptoms, one of which happens to be discoloration of the gums. Unfortunately, if the gums are turning black or gray, this can be a sign of necrotizing, or the gum tissue starting to deteriorate due to infection. Look closely at the points of concern in your mouth and try to see if your gums are changing colors or your teeth.

Could the Problem Be Decay at the Gumline?

Most often, gray lines or spots around the gum line are a sign of decay. Because the areas where your teeth meet your gums can often be overlooked during brushing and flossing, this is a common area for decay to start to develop. Using your finger or fingernail, feel the area to see if there seems to be a difference in surface texture. If you fill dips and grooves, you may be dealing with decay.

Work with a Beaver Dam Dentist for Proper Diagnosis

Whether you are dealing with gum disease or decay at the gum line, both issues should be immediately addressed by a Beaver Dam dentist. Both problems can mean your smile is at risk and you could face further health threats without prompt treatment. Reach out to us at the office of Dr. Travis Wilson DMD to schedule an appointment for a proper diagnosis.

3 Best Ideas to Hygienically Store Your Toothbrush

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While you know how to brush your teeth, you may not know the best way to store your toothbrush after you’re finished brushing. If you’ve just been tossing it into a medicine cabinet time after time, you’re going about it all wrong. To make sure you are storing your toothbrush in a proper hygienic manner, put these tips into practice in between visits to your Beaver Dam, KY dentist.

1. Upright Near a Window

To make sure your toothbrush is ready to go each and every time, place it in an upright position near a window so that it can air dry. By allowing fresh air to circulate around the head of your toothbrush, this will not only let it dry much quicker, but also ensure that it doesn’t wind up with bacteria and mold growing on the head and its bristles.

2. No Head Covers

While a head cover may be great for a golf club, it’s awful for a toothbrush. When you place a plastic cover over the head of your toothbrush or place the entire toothbrush inside a plastic bag or container, you are actually creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Even if you think you’ve dried the bristles, they will not be completely dry, allowing bacteria to take up residence on the toothbrush you’ll soon be putting back into your mouth.

3. Away from Other Toothbrushes

If you have other folks in your household, try to store everyone’s toothbrushes away from one another so that they don’t touch. By doing this, you can not only be assured that they will dry properly in between uses, but also not allow germs to spread from one brush to another.

By letting your toothbrush breathe, keeping it cover-free, and allowing it to have its own space away from toothbrushes used by other family members, you can be much more confident the next time you prepare to brush your teeth. Contact your dentist in Owensboro, KY to learn more dental hygiene tips.

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Why Do I Wake Up With a Yucky Taste in My Mouth?

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On television and in the movies, almost everyone wakes up having fresh breath. However, in the real world, things are a bit different. Thus, when you wake up most mornings, chances are you have a yucky and somewhat bitter taste in your mouth. If you’ve always wondered why this occurs, here are some possible reasons that your dentist in Beaver Dam, KY wants you to know.

Decreased Amount of Saliva

When you sleep, you have a decreased amount of saliva, which fortunately keeps you from drooling all night long. However, the lack of saliva tends to dry out your mouth during the night, resulting in the bitter taste you experience each morning.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Should you not be in the habit of brushing and flossing prior to bedtime, you may want to start if you wish to rid yourself of that yucky taste in your mouth each morning. By not brushing and flossing, you allow food particles to remain in your mouth for hours and hours, which also allows the formation of bacteria inside your mouth.

Smoking and Using Other Tobacco Products

If you are a smoker, use chewing tobacco, or other types of tobacco products on a regular basis, this is not only impacting your health in a very negative manner, but also may be the reason why you have such a bad taste in your mouth upon waking.

Health Issues

When you have diabetes, a sinus infection, postnasal drip, or other health issues, these are often accompanied by a bad taste in your mouth not only when you first wake up, but also at other times during the day.

Since that yucky taste in your mouth can be caused by these reasons as well as certain medications you take or foods you eat, talk to your Owensboro, KY dentist about what can be done to solve your problem.

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What is the Purpose of Root Canals?

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In Beaver Dam, KY root canals are one of the treatments available at Travis Wilson dental offices. Root canals can help to resolve certain issues with your oral health. Although they are rarely looked forward to, they do serve a purpose.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental treatment that involves removing the pulp of a tooth. The pulp is the soft center of a tooth, where the blood vessels and connective tissue reside. When you have a root canal, your dentist in Beaver Dam, KY will make you as comfortable as possible. This will include numbing of the local area as well as some dental sedatives. Root canals are invasive. That is, the dentist will use tools to drill into the tooth to remove the pulp. Numbing agents and sedatives help to ease the patient during treatment.

What is the Purpose of a Root Canal?

If your dentist tells you that you need a root canal, you’ll want to know why. The purpose of a root canal is to alleviate pain and swelling. However, the primary purpose is to save a tooth that may not need to be extracted. Your dentist’s first objective is to save your natural teeth. A root canal may help preserve your natural tooth.

Why Would a Root Canal be Needed?

If you have a tooth that is severely damaged, has had multiple dental treatments already, or is chipped or has a large fracture, your dentist may recommend a root canal. Another reason you may need a root canal in Beaver Dam, KY is if the gums surrounding the tooth are inflamed, have a burning sensation or if you have severe toothache.

Although a root canal sounds unpleasant, it can lead to great outcomes. Talk to your dentist in Beaver Dam, KY about your potential need for a root canal.

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3 Fantastic Dental Health Tips for Seniors

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As you get older, your teeth may develop problems like receding gums, stained tooth enamel, and cracked or chipped teeth. As these problems occur, you may need extra help from your dentist in Owensboro, KY. These tips can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

1. Hydrate Frequently

Some medications can cause dry mouth, which can lead to a buildup of bacteria in your mouth. It’s important to fight dry mouth by hydrating frequently.

If you suffer from dry mouth, whether it’s because of medications you’re taking or because you smoke or for other reasons, talk to your dentist. Your dentist may have more suggestions to help you combat the effects of dry mouth and maintain healthy teeth and gums.

2. Visit the Dentist Twice Annually

As you get older, it becomes more important than ever to visit the dentist on a regular basis. See the dentist twice annually for your regular checkups, unless your dentist suggests that you make appointments more frequently.

It helps to work with a dentist that has a lot of experience working with senior citizen patients, so if you’re just searching for a dentist, ask about their experience with older adults.

3. Brush With an Electric Toothbrush

Some senior citizens have a hard time brushing their teeth like they used to. Problems like arthritis can make it harder to grip the toothbrush and brush effectively. Switching to an electric toothbrush can make brushing your teeth easier. Ask your dentist which electric toothbrush they would recommend for you.

Make An Appointment for Your General Cleaning Today

Are you ready for a general cleaning appointment? Call Travis Wilson DMD to make an appointment for a cleaning. We’ll be happy to give you more advice to care for your teeth.

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Is Gum Disease Reversible?

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According to the CDC, half of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease. The root cause of gum disease is plaque build-up on your teeth, which hardens over time and becomes tartar. Harmful bacteria in your mouth thrive from eating this tartar, which then can spread the infection to your gums. Fortunately, gum disease is reversible if you treat it in its early stages.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It’s characterized by inflamed, tender, or bloody gums. Despite these signs, gingivitis is difficult to self-diagnose because it’s not typically painful.

Reversing Gingivitis

Reversing the effects of gingivitis is possible, but you need to seek treatment immediately. Gum disease is only reversible while it’s at this stage.

At-Home Care

Fighting gingivitis starts with proper oral care. Your dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time and floss once a day. You should also drastically reduce your sugar intake to help slow plaque build-up.

Professional Cleaning

You’ll need professional teeth cleaning in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY to truly reverse gingivitis. Your dentist will scrape the tartar off your teeth, something you can’t do at home with just regular brushing.

Scaling and Planing

The process of removing tartar below the gum line is called scaling and planing. It’s imperative to remove this tartar because bacteria in this area of your mouth can grow out of control.

Untreated gum disease can result in tooth loss, jaw bone damage, and may require invasive surgery. Treating gum disease before it progresses past gingivitis is your only shot at reversing it, so diligent oral care and regular check-ups with your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY are of the utmost importance.

7 Things You Might Not Know About Wisdom Teeth  

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You’ve probably heard about wisdom teeth before. But there are plenty of interesting facts about these “third molars” that you might not know!

Owensboro and Beaver Dam dentist Dr. Travis Wilson loves helping his patients stay well-informed about their oral health. With this in mind, check out these 7 interesting facts about wisdom teeth:

7 Interesting Facts About Wisdom Teeth

  1. Wisdom teeth earned their name because they tend to grow in later in life, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. In comparison, our full set of 32 permanent teeth typically grow in by age 12 or 13.
  2. Wisdom teeth were important for our human ancestors, who had different diets and eating styles. But due to changes in our modern lifestyle and cuisine, wisdom teeth really aren’t necessary anymore.
  3. Not everyone has wisdom teeth. In fact, some people don’t have any wisdom teeth at all, whereas others might have all four (one in each corner of the mouth).
  4. Wisdom teeth can either be impacted or erupted. Impacted means they’re stuck beneath the gum line and do not have room to develop normally. Erupted means they are protruding through the gum line.
  5. Wisdom teeth can lead to issues like crooked or crowded teeth, jaw pain and dysfunction, cysts and tumors beneath the gum line, and increased risk of tooth decay and infection (since tight or crooked teeth can easily trap food and bacteria). Wisdom teeth removal or extraction is recommended by the American Dental Association if any of these issues occur or are at risk for occurring.
  6. If a person’s wisdom teeth are causing problems (or likely to cause problems) and need to be removed, it’s usually better to schedule the wisdom teeth extraction earlier in life. That’s because it’s generally easier and less painful to remove wisdom teeth when a person is younger.
  7. If a wisdom tooth isn’t causing any problems, it might not need to be removed. However, it’s important that any remaining wisdom teeth are monitored regularly to ensure no problems develop later on.

Are you or a loved one overdue for a dental exam? If you live near Owensboro or Beaver Dam, KY, contact Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today at (270).274.3645 to schedule an appointment.

 

The Many Benefits of Practicing Good Oral Hygiene

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We all know that practicing good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining the health of our teeth and gums, however, besides ensuring you have a beautiful smile, good oral hygiene offers a variety of other health benefits.

How Good Oral Hygiene Benefits the Teeth and Gums

Good oral hygiene reduces the risk of developing potentially painful issues like cavities (aka dental caries) and gingivitis (aka periodontal disease and gum disease).

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. If left untreated, the disease continues to progress, causing permanent damage to the teeth, gingival tissue (i.e., gum tissue), and even the jawbone.

Signs of tooth decay include:

  • Surface stains.
  • Tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity is frequently associated with temperature changes and consuming foods and beverages that are highly acidic (e.g., oranges, lemons, limes, etc.).
  • Tooth pain.
  • Pits or holes in the teeth.

There are four levels of gum disease:

  1. Gingivitis.
  2. Slight periodontal disease.
  3. Moderate periodontal disease.
  4. Advanced periodontal disease.

Early symptoms include inflamed gingival tissue, irritation, redness, and bleeding while brushing. Any damage incurred during this early stage can be reversed, however, damage resulting from the other three cannot.

Symptoms experienced during the more serious stages of gum disease:

  • A receding gumline.
  • Red gums that are swollen and tender.
  • Loose or shifting teeth.
  • A bad taste remains in the mouth.
  • Halitosis (i.e., chronic bad breath).
  • Pockets of pus at the gumline.

5 Other Potential Benefits Associated with Eliminating Bacteria by Practicing Good Oral Hygiene

  1. May Help Prevent the Onset of Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Studies indicate that individuals with gum disease experience more issues related to cognitive skills and memory than people with healthier mouths. It is believed that the oral bacteria enter the nerve channels and bloodstream leading to the brain, once there, the bacteria kill brain cells, resulting in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

  1. Can Decrease the Likelihood of Developing Cardiovascular Problems

Once gingivitis develops and the gums begin bleeding, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, allowing it to spread throughout the body, increasing chronic inflammation. This inflammation can lead to a variety of cardiovascular problems including heart disease and stroke.

  1. May Improve a Woman’s Fertility

A study conducted in 2014 found that when a woman has gum disease, it will take her longer to conceive than a woman with healthy teeth and gums.

  1. Decreases the Likelihood of Developing Type 2 Diabetes

It is believed that, once again, the oral bacteria that enter the bloodstream increase widespread inflammation, leading to insulin resistance.

  1. Reduces the Risk of Some Cancers

The oral bacteria that enter the bloodstream may actually boost cancer cell growth. In addition, individuals with gum disease may be at an increased risk of developing oral or pancreatic cancer.

How to practice good oral hygiene:

  • Brush twice a day, in two-minute intervals.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a fluoride toothpaste that has the ADA’s Seal of Approval.
  • Floss at least once a day.
  • Use a mouthwash recommended by the ADA.
  • Limit sugar consumption.
  • Avoid using tobacco.
  • Have biannual cleanings and exams at Travis Wilson Family Dentistry.

If you are in the greater Beaver Dam area, Morgantown or Owensboro, Kentucky, and you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with gum disease or you are due for a dental cleaning and exam, contact Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment with an experienced and caring dentist.

Travis Wilson Family Dentistry has offices located at 2014 Triplett Street in Owensboro, Kentucky, and at 1042 North Main Street in Beaver Dam, Kentucky. You can either use our online appointment request form, or contact the office of your choice via telephone. To contact our Owensboro, Kentucky, office please call: (270) 926-6040. To call our Beaver Dam, Kentucky, office, please dial (270) 274-3645.