5 Surprising Signs You Need to See the Dentist

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If your teeth hurt or crack, you probably know it’s time to head to the dentist, but these are just some of the indicators that you need a visit. What about bleeding gums or sores in the mouth? Here are five surprising signs it’s time to visit the dentist for a quick check.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums aren’t just a sign that you are flossing too hard. They are a sign of gum inflammation and can be a sign of gum disease. If your gums bleed regularly, you need to see your Beaver Dam dentist.

Dry Mouth

Your mouth should be moist. Saliva helps neutralize acids and wash away extra food particles. Dry mouth can be caused by a number of factors, and your dental team is the best one to help you determine the underlying cause. If you don’t get help, you might suffer tooth decay or plaque buildup.

Sores That Don’t Heal

Occasional mouth sores are just part of life, but if you have some that don’t heal after two weeks, then you need treatment. Your dentist can identify the underlying cause and help you find the right treatment. Your dentist can also screen for more serious health conditions, such as oral cancer.

Receding Gums

Having your gums recede happens naturally as you age. However, it can also indicate you have gum disease, especially if you’re under the age of 65. This is always a good thing to talk to your dentist about, especially since retreating gums can leave the roots of the teeth exposed, which can cause pain.

Facial Pain

Many causes of facial pain stem from the mouth. For example, cavities can cause pain in the sinuses, and problems with your bite can lead to head and neck pain. If you have facial pain, consider talking to your dentist to see if it comes from your mouth or jaw.

Do you have any of these surprising symptoms? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to get help right away.

How to Find the Right Dentist for Your Family

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The benefits of a family dentist are spelled out right in the title. If you find the right practice, you can have everyone in the family visit, so everything can get done in one fell swoop. Of course, few things in life are ever as easy as they seem. We’ll look at what to remember before you choose a family dentist and how the staff at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry can help you simplify matters.

Factors to Keep In Mind 

Before you choose a family dentist, here’s what you should know:

  • Family dentists in Owensboro, KY are just as good with adults as they are with kids! Just because the staff is trained to help kids calm down, doesn’t mean they aren’t qualified to work with adults. With the right family dentist, you can get everyone on the same general schedule, so your life has fewer interruptions.
  • Family dentists keep everyone’s records together. This way, you don’t have to worry about scheduling the wrong kid for the right appointment. Family dentists understand that your life is hectic, so their logs group people together by clan.
  • Family dentist practices tend to have strong relationships with their clients. While it’s easy to get drawn into new businesses, thanks to special promotions, the reality is that relationships and history are typically more valuable than any one-time deal. Instead of explaining the same issue repeatedly, you can work with someone with all the details at their fingertips.

How to Find the Right Dentist 

If you’re looking for the right dental team in Owensboro, it always comes down to reputation. We’ve worked hard at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to build trust with our clients. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can help everyone get the care they need!

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How Facial Spasms Affect Your Teeth

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Facial spasms refer to any involuntary contraction of your facial muscles. For the most part, they’re uncommon occurrences, though it’s worth noting that they’re likely more common than we think.

Because facial spasms can occur for any number of reasons, including an extra cup of coffee or an unexpected stressor, we don’t always even notice them (which means they’re never reported to a dentist in Owensboro, KY). Below, we’ll look at how facial spasms affect more than the muscles in your face.

Facial Spasms and Your Teeth

Facial spasms come in a variety of flavors, with some affecting your eyelids and others affecting your jaw. Bruxism and Meige syndrome are medical terms that refer to involuntary movements of the jaw and mouth. With Meige syndrome, you’ll probably have a heads up about your facial spasms because it happens when you’re awake.

With bruxism, though, you’re grinding and clenching your teeth while you’re asleep. Sometimes, the only way you’ll know that this is occurring is if a partner tells you or if you start to have visible wear and tear on your teeth. With bruxism, you’re slowly grinding your teeth down, which can not just weaken the tooth, it can eventually cause you to either need a root canal or to lose it entirely.

How to Treat Facial Spasms

Treating facial spasms starts with diagnosing them. If you’re not sure what’s causing your facial tics or jaw pain, it helps to have the right professional evaluate you for damage and (potentially) restorative rehab in Owensboro, KY. At the very least, standard dental exams can reveal changes from your teeth over the years.

What You Should Never Do with a Knocked-Out Tooth (and what to do instead)

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Most people, when they knock out a tooth, they immediately put it in water. But that’s the worst thing you can do. You need to get to a dentist in Beaver Dam, KY, right away! But between the time you knock out your tooth and the time you get to the emergency dentist, here’s what you need to do.

What You Must Never Do with a Knocked-Out Tooth

You must never put a knocked-out tooth in water! Doing so could kill the cells and cause the tooth’s roots to burst. And this can happen within just a few minutes.

Keep reading to find out what you should do instead.

What to Do Immediately After Knocking Out a Tooth

If you knock out a tooth, try to put it back into its socket. This isn’t always possible. But go ahead and do that if you can. Putting it back in the socket is the best option for preserving your tooth until you can drive to the dentist.

If it won’t go back into its socket, the next best thing to do is put it in milk. Any milk will do (whole, skim, almond, coconut). Milk has enzymes in it that will kill the bacteria and protect your tooth’s roots.

Then, you need to get to an emergency dentist right away. If you get to a dentist within an hour, there’s a good chance they will be able to save your tooth. Time is of the essence! The longer you wait, the less chance there will be to save your tooth.

Are You Looking for an Exceptional Dentist in Beaver Dam, KY?

Finding an exceptional dentist who takes the time to get to know you and understand your specific dental needs can be challenging. That’s why we want to introduce you to our practice. Please Contact Travis Wilson D.M.D., today. We would love to show you why our team is exceptional!

3 Reasons to Look Forward to Your Next Dental Exam

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Dental exams are good for you! When you go to the dentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, your dentist will clean your teeth, identify whether you have any dental conditions, and give you the tools you need to take care of your teeth.

There are many reasons to look forward to your next dental exam. Here’s what to look forward to.

1. Your Teeth Will Be Clean

When you brush your teeth, you eliminate most of the food buildup on your tooth enamel. However, it’s impossible to get rid of all the food buildup on your teeth. This food buildup can harden into a sticky substance called plaque.

If the sticky substance is not removed, it will eventually harden even more into tartar. Tartar can’t be removed with your toothbrush. Only your dentist can remove tartar. Your dentist will remove tartar when you come for your next dental cleaning and exam.

2. You Can Ask Your Dentist Questions

At the end of your dental exam, you’ll have a chance to ask your dentist questions. This is your chance to learn how to take better care of your teeth. Write your questions for your dental exam so you won’t forget them.

3. You’ll Enjoy Fresh Breath

An extra-clean mouth means extra-fresh breath after your dental exam in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY.

Are you looking forward to the many benefits of a dental exam? Call your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make your next appointment. Call today.

Is It Better to Use An Electric Toothbrush?

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A good toothbrush makes it easier to clean your teeth and keep them clean at home. If you’ve been using manual toothbrushes your entire life, switching to an electric toothbrush could help keep your teeth cleaner. Your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, can recommend a good electric toothbrush to improve your oral hygiene routine. Here’s what you should know.

 

What Studies Say About Electric Toothbrushes

Studies show that electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque, the sticky substance that forms on your teeth after meals. Electric toothbrushes come in two types: oscillating-rotating and sonic. Both types are better at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes.

These toothbrushes are effective because they make more movements per minute than a person can make when brushing their teeth. Electric toothbrushes also time people, encouraging them to brush their teeth for the full two minutes recommended by experts.

 

What To Look For In An Electric Toothbrush

When you’re looking for an electric toothbrush, consider the following:

  • Budget. Electric toothbrushes are more expensive than manual toothbrushes. However, if you’re on a budget, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a quality electric toothbrush.
  • Features. Electric toothbrushes come with a range of features. Some even have an app that can track your toothbrushing habits and suggest changes to your routine.

 

How To Find the Right Electric Toothbrush For You

Want to find the right electric toothbrush for you? Ask your dentist about it at the next dental exam in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. We’re very familiar with the toothbrushes available for sale, and we can help you choose the right toothbrush for you.

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How Can I Tell If I Grind My Teeth At Night?

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Tooth grinding is something that some people do at night while they sleep. This condition is called “bruxism.” Bruxism can damage your teeth, causing pain and discomfort. Your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY can help you identify the signs of bruxism. Knowing the signs and seeing your dentist can help protect your teeth.

 

Know the Signs You Grind Your Teeth

Below are some of the signs that you grind your teeth at night.

  • Your tooth enamel is worn
  • Your teeth are sensitive
  • Your teeth are cracked, broken, or loose
  • You wake with a dull headache in the mornings
  • You experience jaw pain and headaches
  • Your sleep is routinely disrupted

If you grind your teeth, your spouse or bed partner may hear it. If your spouse has reported that you make grinding noises in your sleep, speak with your dentist for the next steps.

See the Dentist Regularly

If the symptoms of teeth grinding are subtle enough, you may not know you have bruxism. In this case, your dentist may still catch the problem when you come for a dental appointment.

Dentists can see the tell-tale signs of bruxism, like flattened tooth enamel and cracks in the teeth. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to come in for dental exams in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, every six months.

Get a Nightguard

If you grind your teeth at night, you’ll need to wear a nightguard to protect your tooth enamel. A custom-made nightguard from the dentist can help. Custom-made nightguards are often more comfortable and effective.

Take steps to protect your teeth from bruxism. Make an appointment with your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry.

4 Ways to Protect Your Teeth While Playing Sports

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Sports can be a lot of fun, but some sports can put your teeth at risk. Your dentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, can help you protect your teeth. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums and wearing a mouthguard are the keys to protecting your teeth while playing sports. Below, we’ve provided four things you can do to protect your teeth while playing sports.

1. Wear A Mouthguard

A mouthguard is a plastic cover that fits over the teeth to protect them from impacts during sports. Football, ice hockey, and martial arts are all examples of high-impact sports that require a mouthguard. Mouthguards can be purchased at the pharmacy, or you can work with your dentist to have your mouthguard custom-made.

2. Wear A Helmet

A good helmet can protect your teeth just like a mouthguard. If your sport requires a helmet (like football), wear your helmet every time you play.

3. Maintain Good Oral Health

Healthy teeth and gums are better able to withstand impacts during sporting events. Maintain good oral hygiene at home by brushing twice daily and flossing once daily. See your dentist for dental exams in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, twice annually.

4. Take Care Even When Playing Solo Sports

Team sports like football aren’t the only sports that can lead to broken teeth. Accidents happen in solo sports as well. Sports like skiing, snowboarding, and cycling can all put your teeth at risk. Take care to wear a mouthguard whether you’re playing a team sport or not.

Take Care Of Your Teeth With Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry

Do you need a dental appointment for a dental exam? Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry today.

4 Restorative Dentistry Procedures to Know About

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If your smile has been affected by cracks, chips, stains, and lost teeth or extracted teeth, you may feel like you’ll never look the same again. That doesn’t have to be the case!

There are many procedures that yourdentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, can use to restore your smile. These procedures, known as restorative dentistry procedures, focus on fixing and replacing teeth that have been transformed by time and injury. Below are some of the restorative dental procedures that can benefit you.

1. Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cap that’s placed over the tooth enamel. Once fitted to the tooth, the crown is cemented. Dental crowns are shaped like teeth and can cover a range of cosmetic and structural defects. If you get a root canal, your dentist will automatically install a crown to cover the tooth.

2. Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that’s positioned between two healthy teeth. To hold its position in your mouth, the dental bridge is attached to two crowns that fit over the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Dental bridges are an effective tool for replacing a lost permanent tooth.

3. Dental Implants

A single-tooth dental implant is a standalone tooth that is surgically inserted into the jaw. The screw of the implant holds tight to the bone to keep the implant in place. Dental implants look and function very much like real teeth. Like a dental bridge, an implant is a good tool for replacing a lost permanent tooth.

4. Dental Veneers

A dental veneer is a cover that’s placed over the tooth to hide cosmetic defects like stains and chips. If you have a tooth that’s structurally sound but just doesn’t meet your expectations for your appearance, you can benefit from a veneer.

The dental professionals at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry can help with yourdental restoration in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. Call today to make an appointment.

Are Dental X-rays Safe?

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Dental X-rays are an important tool that dentists use to diagnose patients and provide excellent dental care. Dentists use dental x-rays periodically to take a deep dive into the patient’s oral health status and see things they otherwise wouldn’t be able to see.

When you come in for a dental exam with yourdentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, you may be given dental X-rays. If you have questions about the safety of dental X-rays, you’re not alone. Dental X-rays expose patients to a small amount of radiation, and that leaves many patients with questions. Here’s what you need to know about dental x-rays, their usefulness, and their overall safety.

Why Do I Need Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays help your dentist see things that are going on inside the mouth that might not be visible during the examination. Dental X-rays can be used to check the status of your jaw bone, tooth roots, and sinuses. Using dental X-rays, your dentist may be able to identify a cavity or other problems taking place in the teeth.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Dental X-rays are considered quite safe. In fact, the amount of radiation that is released during a dental x-ray is equivalent to the amount of radiation that is released by items like cell phones, televisions, and the earth. In addition, most dentists don’t take dental X-rays at every visit to the dentist. Instead, dentists only take X-rays periodically to help limit patient exposure.

Overall, x-rays are an important tool that can help dentists uncover problems before they become serious. If you needdental x-rays in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, your dental professional at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry will make it happen. We track when our patients get x-rays and recommend x-ray use when our patients need x-rays again.

Call today to make an appointment.