Category Archives: Blog

Don’t Wait Until Your Tooth Hurts to See Your Dentist

Far too many people make the misguided assumption that they do not need to visit their dentist if they are not feeling pain in their teeth. Unfortunately, this is an assumption that can invite serious problems upon yourself.

One of the big problems with tooth decay is that it can penetrate fairly deep into your tooth before you start to feel anything. Bacteria only needs to get through the thin enamel layer for you to require dental work, and you likely won’t experience any pain until it passes all the way through the hard dentin and invades the fleshy pulp on the inside of the tooth. Once this happens, you have passed the point of needing a simple filling and will require a root canal.

It is only by coming in for regular dental checkups every six months that you can expect to discover tooth decay before it turns into a more painful and more costly problem. So, the next time you are due for a cleaning at our South Seattle dentist office, don’t make the mistake of putting it off.

The Problems with Oral Jewelry

If you have a piercing on your lip, tongue, or cheek, you will need to take special care with your oral hygiene. Oral piercings entail a certain degree of additional risk for your teeth and gums.

One of the big problems with oral jewelry is that it is hard, and one misstep can be disastrous for your mouth. Biting down on a piece of metal has the potential to crack a tooth. A barbell-style tongue stud poses a particular risk in this regard. Half of people sporting such a tongue adornment will suffer at least one chipped tooth after only four years.

Even if you don’t bite down on your jewelry, it will often rub up against your teeth and gums, breaking down your enamel and cutting up your fragile tissues. Meanwhile, since it is offering yet another place for oral bacteria to hide and flourish, the damage it does is going to be subject to bacterial infections.

If you choose to wear oral jewelry, consider choosing pieces that will be minimally invasive. Further, be sure to remove your jewelry periodically for cleaning. Finally, never miss your regular appointments with our South Seattle dentist.

Recovering from a Tooth Extraction

Following a tooth extraction, you will have to give yourself a little time to recover. In general, you can expect this recovery to take a few days. During this time, you will want to take measures to expedite your healing process and avoid unnecessary pain:

Bite down on a gauze pad every so often to check for bleeding. If you’re still bleeding after twenty-four hours following your extraction, contact your dentist.
Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for fifteen to twenty minutes in the first twenty-four hours. After that, switch to a warm washcloth for two or three days.
After the first twenty-four hours, rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce any pain or swelling.
Avoid any actions that requires you to suck through your mouth, like drinking through a straw or smoking. This can loosen a blood clot and invite bleeding.
Eat soft foods, then gradually introduce solid foods as you recover.
Prop your head up when you recline to avoid bleeding.
31Avoid stress and strenuous activity that might encourage bleeding.

For more on what to expect following the extraction of a wisdom tooth or other tooth, consult our dentist in the International District.

Does Bad Oral Health Lead to Dementia?

Good oral health results in more than just freedom from tooth decay and gum disease. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, and therefore has an important aspect on your health in general. This even applies to your mental health.

According to a study from the University of Central Lancashire School of Medicine and Dentistry, bad oral health may contribute to the development of dementia. Researchers examined tissue samples from twenty different brains, ten taken from people with healthy brains and ten from people who suffered from dementia. Four of the brains with dementia showed signs of a certain bacteria known to thrive in gum disease.

More research is needed on the subject, but it remains clear that your mouth has a significant connection to your brain. So, for the sake of both your mouth and your mind, remember to maintain regular appointments with our International District dentist.

Tongue Scraping for Better Taste

Most of the patients at our International District dentist office are aware that tongue scraping is an important part of their daily oral hygiene. The plaque on your tongue is just as harmful as the plaque on your teeth, and invites decay and tongue-related diseases upon you. However, the benefits of tongue scraping do not end with your health.

Consider what it means to have your tongue coated with a layer of plaque; when you eat your food, this plaque is preventing you from receiving the full effect of its flavors. It’s much like trying to read Braille through a pair of gloves. In fact, it has been found that blocking off your taste buds in this way results in false cravings and a dulled ability to enjoy your food. Therefore, if the health benefits are not enough to get you to scrape your tongue every day, do it for the sake of your favorite dishes.

To learn more about tongue scraping, talk to your dentist at Sixth Avenue Dentistry.