Tag Archives: South Seattle Dentist

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.