It’s Time to See the Dentist – Here’s Why

It’s Time to See the Dentist – Here’s Why

Between shuttling the kids to school and practice, holding down a full-time job, and trying to exercise, it’s hard to find time for anything.

Balancing a busy schedule is commonplace. And it’s great to lead an active life! But it’s imperative that you have your priorities in order, with your health topping that list. Unfortunately, we notice that a lot of people let their dental health fall by the wayside.

Part of a healthy oral hygiene regimen involves visiting a dentist every 6 months, but sometimes, there are telltale signs that you should pay yours a visit a bit sooner. Nashville dentists Drs. Elam, Fleming, and Vaughan are here today to discuss four red flags that indicate it’s time to see the dentist.

1. See the Dentist if Your Gums are Bleeding

One of the things that never fails to shock us at Dentistry of Nashville is just how many people think that it’s normal for their gums to bleed. Bleeding gums are indicative of serious oral health problems that need to be immediately addressed.

Bleeding gums can indicate

  • Gingivitis – Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Bleeding, swollen, and tender gums are major indicators of the condition.
  • Poor Brushing Habits – If you brush with anything harder than a soft-bristled toothbrush, you’re inflicting major damage on your gums.
  • Adverse Reaction to Medications – Certain blood thinners are known to cause the gums to bleed.

If you notice a little blood in the sink, don’t ignore it. Get to your dentist as soon as you can.

2. See the Dentist if You Drink Coffee or Alcohol Regularly

We understand that it’s a tall task to ask our patients to quit their coffee habits. For some people, a morning cup of joe (or two) is the only way to properly start their days. Couple that with a few drinks of alcohol at night and your teeth are in major danger.

Tinted drinks like coffee, soda, and red wine have dark pigment in their chemical makeup, which can get stuck in the microscopic cracks of your enamel. If you don’t clean them promptly and properly, your teeth can end up permanently stained.

Next time you look in the mirror, check to see if your enamel has yellow or brown stains. If you notice some, give your dentist a call. It may be time to schedule a deep cleaning.

3. See the Dentist if You’re in Pain

You probably want to see the dentist anyway if you have a toothache. Toothaches are much more than minor inconveniences—they’re crises. They can be distracting, painful, and indicative of much more severe health problems.

Common causes of toothaches include:

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Infection
  • Malocclusion (bad bite)
  • Teeth grinding

If your mouth is in pain, don’t ignore it. The condition may not go away on its own. Keep your toothaches at bay by visiting your Nashville dentist as soon as you feel that something isn’t quite right.

4. See the Dentist if You Have Headaches

Headaches and oral health are closely linked. If you wake up in the morning with headaches, you may be grinding your teeth while you sleep. This not only causes a bad headache but can lead to damaged teeth and jaw disorders.

Plus, your dental health and sinuses are connected. When your sinuses grow inflamed due to sinusitis or sinus infections, your upper teeth and jaw can start to ache. Persistent and recurrent sinusitis can cause you to breathe through your mouth, which may dry it out and allow the bacteria to grow more quickly.

Make an Appointment with Your Nashville Dentist

Regular visits to the dentist can help prevent long-term oral health problems and ensure that your teeth stay healthy and strong. Make an appointment with Dentistry of Nashville to take charge of your oral health and maintain a bright and happy smile.

The post It’s Time to See the Dentist – Here’s Why appeared first on Drs. Elam, Vaughan and Fleming.



Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Dentistry of Nashville

Father’s Day Gift Ideas from Dentistry of Nashville

Father’s Day is just around the corner. Here in Nashville, families enjoy Father’s Day barbecues, outings, and spending time appreciating all of the wonderful things that dads do year round.

Why not think outside the box when shopping for gifts this year? There are plenty of thoughtful and useful things for dad that you can get in your dentist’s office. Why not get him something that will leave him smiling all summer long?

Teeth Whitening

As we age, our teeth tend to grow yellow or discolored. Unless your dad takes impeccable care of his teeth, he may benefit from teeth whitening treatments from the Dentistry of Nashville.

A professional teeth whitening treatment is a great and affordable way to help your dad regain confidence in his smile. We offer take-home teeth whitening treatments so he can whiten and brighten his teeth from the comfort of his home.

The Dentistry of Nashville’s take-home whitening kits consist of trays that fit over your teeth. The trays are filled with a whitening agent, and over time, the agents will reduce the appearance of stains and discoloration.

Veneers

If your dad has crooked, cracked, or misshapen teeth, he might appreciate veneers. Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Because they can be individually tailored to his needs, veneers can repair even the most damaged of smiles.

A lot of Hollywood stars have perfected their signature grins with veneers because they yield stunning results. The entire process only takes a few visits, too. First, your dad will meet with our Nashville team to discuss the treatment plan best for him. He and the dentist will decide how many veneers are needed as well as the size and shape.

Next, he’ll have his teeth prepared. Depending on the state and nature of his teeth, he may have them polished or shaved down a bit to make room for the restorations. This process won’t hurt and can be completed very quickly. He’ll walk out of the office that day with a set of temporary veneers until the custom ones are ready.

Finally, he will return to our office to have the beautiful final pieces cemented to the front of his teeth. They will be so securely bonded to the front of his teeth that only a dental drill or laser would be able to remove them. After that, he’s finished! He will be able to flash his beautiful, straight smile for a lifetime.

Invisalign

If your dad paid for your braces when you were a teen, now could be the time to return the favor. If his teeth are crooked or misaligned, he may be able to benefit from Invisalign.

Invisalign aligners are clear, plastic retainers that fit over crooked teeth. Every few weeks, the aligners will be changed to slowly straighten crooked teeth, with the end result being a straight and beautiful smile.

And the best part? Invisalign aligners are completely invisible! Your dad won’t have to worry about dealing with noticeable metal wires and brackets, giving him the freedom to eat and smile without embarrassment.

Father’s Day Gifts at the Dentistry of Nashville

Drs. Elam, Fleming, and Vaughan aren’t just dentists—they’re all fathers, too. They love Father’s Day and spending time with their children and grandchildren in celebration. Why not take their advice and get dad something that he could use for the rest of his life—a confident smile! Contact our office for other Father’s Day dental work ideas.  

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