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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.

3 Ways to Protect Your Teeth from Injury

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Protecting your teeth from injury is important. When teeth become cracked, chipped or damaged, this can lead to bacterial infection, tooth loss and tooth extraction.

As yourdentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, we can help you protect your teeth from injury. We offer tips and dental cleanings to patients to help them protect their teeth.

1. Get a mouthguard for athletics. 

If you participate in sports, especially if you participate in high impact sports like hockey or football, then it’s important to protect your teeth from injury. You can do this by getting a mouthguard for your teeth.

Mouthguards can be purchased from pharmacies and other stores, but the best type of mouthguards are those that are custom made for your teeth. Your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry can help you find a mouth guard that will fit over your teeth and guard your smile.

2. Know if you grind your teeth. 

If you grind your teeth, it’s important to protect your teeth from injury. Grinding happens primarily at night, and most people who grind their teeth aren’t aware this is something they do.

Your dentist will be able to tell you if you grind your teeth because your dentist can see the signs of grinding on your teeth when you come in for a dental exam. If your dentist at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry says that you do grind your teeth, get a mouthguard to help protect your teeth from damage.

3. Maintain strong, healthy teeth. 

One more thing you can do to protect your teeth from damage is to maintain good oral hygiene habits and to visit the dentist twice yearly for checkups. To make yourdentist appointment in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, call your dentist today.

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3 Things to Know About Maintaining White Teeth

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Teeth have a way of turning yellow over time. Achieving white teeth is a multi-step process. If you want the whitest, brightest teeth possible, maintaining your oral hygiene and seeking whitening services can help.

As yourdentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, we offer dental exams and whitening services. If having white teeth is your goal, we can help. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Good Oral Hygiene Habits Help Maintain White Teeth

Clean teeth are slick, so food particles won’t stick to them, which can help prevent stains. There are many parts to maintaining good oral hygiene habits, including:

  • Visit the dentist twice annually. See the dentist twice per year for a dental examination and cleaning. During the examination, dental professionals will remove plaque and tartar and polish the tooth enamel to help prevent your teeth from yellowing.
  • Brush your teeth twice per day. Brushing twice daily can help eliminate plaque, which can contribute to staining. Brushing your teeth is an important part of preventing stains and discolorations.
  • Floss once daily. Like brushing, flossing also helps remove plaque to keep your teeth clean.

2. Whitening Toothpaste Can Help, But Not for Everyone

Whitening toothpaste can make your teeth somewhat whiter over time. Whitening toothpaste doesn’t work for everyone because it can contribute to tooth sensitivity. You should not use whitening toothpaste if you already struggle with tooth sensitivity.

3. Getting Your Teeth Whitened By the Dentist Is Effective

Seek professionalteeth whitening in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, to make your teeth as white as possible. Getting your teeth professionally whitened can make them several shades whiter quickly. This is much more efficient than DIY and home whitening products, like whitening toothpaste.

Are you interested in teeth whitening services? Call Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry to make an appointment. We offer professional teeth whitening services that can help.

Why do I Have so Much Plaque?

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Upon waking up each day, you might often find a yellowish layer coating your teeth. This not only gives an unpleasant appearance and sensation but also contributes to the infamous “morning breath.” This dental plaque is a common occurrence every morning, though its extent varies among individuals. To learn more about how plaque build up affects your teeth, talk to yourdentist in Katy, TX. In the meantime, here are some things you should know about excessive plaque buildup.

Understanding Dental Plaque

Dental plaque is essentially a biofilm composed of living bacteria that accumulates on the surface of your teeth. It’s important to remember that your mouth and body naturally harbor various bacteria types. However, the bacteria in dental plaque are particularly detrimental to your dental health.

The acid produced by plaque when you eat or drink can erode your tooth enamel, lead to gingivitis and tooth decay, and potentially cause gum disease. Although regular brushing and flossing are common practices to remove plaque, there’s an additional concern.

Hidden Plaque Formation

Plaque also develops in less visible areas, such as beneath the gum line. While your dental hygienist plays a crucial role in eliminating plaque from your teeth and gums, maintaining regular dental check-ups at least twice a year is vital for effective plaque management.

Factors Leading to Excess Plaque

Certain factors might contribute to your heightened susceptibility to plaque, such as:

  • Consuming a diet rich in sugars
  • Experiencing dry mouth syndrome
  • Smoking or alcohol consumption

If you’re experiencing significant plaque buildup, consider scheduling more frequentteeth cleanings in Katy, TX. Preventative care can go a long way toward avoiding more serious dental health problems later on.

Don’t overlook your plaque-related issues. If you feel you have excess plaque buildup, contact us for an appointment for a cleaning and for lifestyle changes that may reduce the formation of plaque.

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Signs You Might Have Gum Disease and What to Do About It

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Gum disease is a serious condition. Left untreated, gum disease can cause loss of your permanent teeth, bad breath, and significant discomfort. If you believe that you might have gum disease, it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment from yourdentist in Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY, as soon as possible. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we help patients manage and overcome their gum disease. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues around the teeth. Gum disease is caused by an excess of bacteria in the mouth and usually occurs due to poor oral hygiene habits.

What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?

If you have gum disease, you may notice a variety of symptoms including:

  • Puffy, red, bleeding gums
  • Bad breath that won’t go away even when you brush your teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Pain in the gums
  • Gum recession

How Can You Treat Gum Disease?

If you believe that you have gum disease, the most important thing you can do is see your dentist for a diagnosis and treatment. At Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry, we offergum disease treatment in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY. The method we’ll use to treat your gum disease depends on the severity.

Each patient will have their own treatment plan.

  • Scaling. Scaling helps remove bacteria from the teeth below the gum line.
  • Root planing. Root planing smooths the teeth below the gum line to prevent bacteria from sticking to the roots of the teeth in the future.
  • Antibiotics. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate the bacteria from your mouth and control your gum disease.

Do You Think You Might Have Gum Disease? Call Today

Gum disease is a serious problem. Call today to make an appointment for gum disease treatment.

Think You Have a Cracked Tooth? What to Know

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A cracked tooth can be a serious problem if it’s severe enough. Knowing what to expect when you have a cracked tooth and knowing the signs of this problem is important. If you suspect that you have a cracked tooth, yourdentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, can give you information about what this means and what you can do about it.

What Causes Teeth to Crack?

A cracked tooth can be caused by a variety of things, including tooth decay, chewing on something that isn’t food, or chewing on a hard piece of candy. This is why it’s important to avoid using your teeth as scissors and why it’s important to suck on hard candies instead of biting into them.

What are the Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth?

If you have a cracked tooth, you may notice sensitivity to heat and cold or that your tooth sometimes aches when you bite down. You may even be able to see the crack in your tooth enamel.

What Should You Do About a Cracked Tooth?

If you have a cracked tooth, seeing the dentist as soon as possible is important. Bacteria can enter the crack in your tooth enamel and may lead to bacterial infection, tooth decay, and more.

Your dentist can determine whether the crack in your tooth needs to be repaired. If your tooth needs to be repaired, your dentist will suggest one or more courses of action that can help you take care of your teeth.

Do you suspect you have a cracked tooth? Make an appointment for adental exam in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry. We can help. Our dental professionals are here to provide a diagnosis and suggest treatment as needed.

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What Causes Gum Recession?

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Gum recession is a common problem people experience for various reasons. When gum recession happens, it can cause tooth sensitivity, pain, and even loss of permanent teeth. As yourdentist in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, we’re here to help you understand the causes of gum recession and what you can do about it. Knowing why you’re experiencing gum recession can help you take care of your teeth. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is what happens when your gums pull away from the base of your teeth. Gum recession can leave the roots of your teeth exposed, and that can cause pain and even bone loss.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession can be caused by a variety of problems. Below are some reasons that you might be experiencing gum recession:

Gum disease. Gum disease can cause a variety of dental problems, including gum recession. Other symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, puffy red gums, loose teeth, and breath that’s bad even after you’ve brushed.

Brushing your teeth too hard. If you’re brushing your teeth too hard or brushing your teeth with hard bristles, you could be causing your gums to wear away. For this reason, it’s important to use soft bristle toothbrushes.

Smoking. Smoking can damage your teeth and gums in a variety of ways, and that includes gum recession.

What Should I Do About Gum Recession?

If you have gum recession, getting help from a dentist is important. Make an appointment for adental exam in Beaver Dam and Owensboro, KY, at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry. We can diagnose the cause of your gum recession and help you get the treatment you need to protect your teeth.