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If you have ever suffered from either affliction, you will know that neither one is an easy experience. In fact, both can be rather painful to say the least. You also know that each one is different and thus should be treated differently. If you suffer from frequent visits of either condition, talking with your dentist could be a great source of comfort for you. Symptoms of a Canker Sore: Light-colored sore within the oral cavity Red exterior border Not contagious Symptoms of a Cold Sore: Looks like a blister Can occur on lips, around the mouth and even in the nose Tingling sensation prior to outbreak Creates a crust over the sore It is contagious Treatment of a Canker Sore A canker sore can last for up to two weeks within your mouth and can be difficult to eliminate. Although not as painful as a cold sore, it can still provide discomfort in the oral cavity, particularly when consuming something acidic. You can try rinsing with salt water to help alleviate any distress you may be experiencing, but you can also pop by your dentist for some quick laser treatment; no anesthetic required. Treatment of a Cold Sore To help heal a cold sore a topical ointment or cream can be purchased in your nearest drug store. In some cases, an antiviral medication may be prescribed for a serious outbreak or to those who suffer often from this malady. Should You See the Dentist? If you are becoming concerned with the frequency of your outbreaks, then you might want to talk with your dentist for reasons behind the occurrences and ways to prevent the outbreaks. It is always wise to visit your dentist if you find yourself with an unknown sore to get a proper diagnosis. If he or she cannot discern what it is through a visual observation, a biopsy (tissue sample) of the sore can be taken for testing. Don’t suffer through this affliction, learn what you need to do for prompt treatment; visit your family dentist in Muncie, IN and receive the proper care for your sores. 

If you are like many Americans, you’ve experienced headaches at some point in your life. In addition to that, many people will also battle with snoring. What you may not have known is that these conditions could actually be linked. Snoring and headaches could be a sign of sleep apnea and it could be the cause of your jaw pain. What is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing for a period of time during sleep. When you cease breathing for any amount of time, you are depriving your body and brain of the oxygen it needs to operate properly. Those who suffer from sleep apnea can have this happening up to hundreds of time during just one sleep cycle. There are two primary causes of sleep apnea. First, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is caused when the airway becomes blocked due to soft tissues collapsing in the back of the throat. Another cause, though less common, is called central sleep apnea and occurs when the brain doesn’t send the proper breathing signals to the muscles. Only people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), can find relief with the help of their dentist. How Can Dentistry Fix Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)? It is possible to treat sleep apnea in a number of ways. Here are a few to talk to your dentist about: - Mouthguard designed specifically for sleep apnea snoring - Surgery to the jaw - Invisalign to realign teeth You might be shocked to realize that straightening of your teeth with Invisalign could actually treat sleep apnea, but it’s true! If your teeth are out of place, the jaw might not sit where it should. This contributes to the collapse of soft tissues in the back of the throat. This treatment will not work for everyone, but it is a great place to start. You may find that your situation requires a more aggressive approach. At worst, Invisalign will leave you with a more beautiful smile than you had before. Some alternative options include: - Positive airway pressure devices - Stimulation therapy to your upper airway - Losing weight If you are one of the many people suffering from sleep apnea, schedule an appointment today with Dr. Welch, your dentist nearby Daleville, IN. They will provide you with a full mouth exam and order a sleep study for you to get you moving on the path to recovery.

It’s easy to assume that not that many people have dentures. However, it’s a much more common procedure that patients may end up needing for a variety of reasons. If you’re considering talking to your dentist in 47304 about whether or not dentures are the right choice for you, it’s important to understand the basics and the care involved with wearing them. What are Dentures Exactly? Dentures are essentially a prosthetic that is custom made to fit in your mouth. A model matching the size of your mouth and your bite is created, and then prosthetic teeth are attached to the denture. Top dentures are normally much easier to fit inside the mouth, as your top jaw creates a sort of suction that keeps the prosthetic in place. It’s a bit more difficult for bottom dentures to remain secure, but how likely your dentures are to move about your mouth really depends on the amount of bone in your jaw. Do I Really Need Dentures? Dentures are a big commitment, so listening to the advice of your doctor regarding any dental decision is crucial. A major aspect of dentures is that while they look like natural teeth, your day-to-day routine is going to undergo a big change. You might find that eating hard of crunchy food isn’t the same anymore. This goes back to the fact that some patients may have more bone for the dentures to grasp onto. If potentially having to change your diet concerns you, talk to your doctor about implants. Implants work like your natural teeth and also last for a very long time. Caring For Dentures Just like your natural teeth, dentures should be gently brushed on a daily basis. They’ll also need to be soaked overnight. If your dentures are in a dry environment for too long, their original shape could be altered. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by your dentist in 47304 on proper care and reach out if you have any specific questions or concerns. Dentures can be life changing for any patient who’s experienced tooth loss or deterioration. Being confident in your smile will positively impact your life in more ways than you know!

Many people don’t think about or understand how important saliva is to your teeth and gums. Just like all the different parts of your body, saliva plays a role in keeping your mouth healthy and strong. Because steady saliva production is so crucial to good oral health, patients often need to have artificial saliva if their own body isn’t producing enough. Here are some useful facts and information about the use of artificial saliva and how it can help you. When Would I Need Artificial Saliva? Patients who suffer from chronic dry mouth can benefit greatly from saliva substitutes to help alleviate discomfort. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription medications and can be difficult to deal with during the day. Dry mouth can also occur in patients who are living or working in very stressful environments. You may have already noticed that in certain situations such as right before an important exam or client meeting that your mouth will feel as dry as a desert. If you find yourself in this kind of situation fairly often, you might want to consider discussing whether or not artificial saliva is right for you with your Muncie, IN dentist. What Kinds of Artificial Saliva are There? Saliva substitutes come in a few different forms. There are moisturizing gels that are perfect for adding moisture to the mouth as well as soothing any uncomfortable cuts or scratches that may have resulted from the dry patches. Moisturizing sprays are also very convenient and can refresh your mouth whenever you need it during the day. Furthermore, you can also find dissolvable tablets that are almost like mints that provide lasting moisture. All of these products can likely be found in fresh flavors, so you’ll get a burst of fresh breath as well! Are There Consequences of Insufficient Saliva Production? Not having enough saliva in your mouth during the day can harm your teeth and distract you as you go through your day. One lesser known fact about saliva is that it plays a role in how we taste food. Saliva helps to bring food to taste buds in your mouth and also to clean our teeth after eating. This reduces the buildup of plaque and other debris after a meal. Saliva also protects us from painful swallowing and choking.

In addition to a quality toothbrush, there is some other gear that will be effective in keeping your mouth clean. Here are some other items you’ll want to purchase and some tips for finding the best. Mouthwashes A mouthwash and a fluoride mouth rinse are two different items. Anti-bacterial mouthwashes are effective when it comes to controlling plaque. They also freshen breath easily. A fluoride rinse will coat the teeth with fluoride. This helps to strengthen the enamel and prevent tooth decay. Many of these will also freshen breath. Some mouthwashes are going to contain alcohol making them inappropriate for use in kids younger than 6. Be sure you read all labels before using. Floss It is critical that you floss at least once a day to protect healthy gums and teeth. Floss comes in different coatings, flavors, sizes and forms. If you find that the floss you choose is hard to hold, there are floss holders available at most stores to help. The floss holders tend to come in bright colors and make it fun for kids to take care of their teeth. Children should floss just like adults but with supervision. Most people find that the best time to floss is at bedtime. Simply place the floss around the middle and index fingers. Make a C shape around the tooth and push and pull in an up and down motion to remove plaque. Be gentle when you are flossing below the gum line. Water Irrigation Tools These products make it easy to remove food between the teeth. Children don’t typically need to use these devices. In some cases, teenagers who have braces may find this helpful for cleaning the food debris out of the metal brackets. Water irrigation devices have been helpful in reducing bleeding and gingivitis. In addition, there is a significant reduction of plaque when these tools are used. If you are concerned about which products are best for your mouth, you should make an appointment to speak with your family dentist in Muncie, IN. They will be able to guide you through the tools that you need for a happy and healthy mouth.

It is estimated that 70% of the nation’s population is missing at least one tooth. This tends to be a back tooth and is usually the result of decay. Sometimes a failed root canal can also lead to tooth loss. Here’s what you need to know. Root Canal Treatments With the rise of root canal treatments came an increase in the number of people who use one or more crowns. These crowns are highly susceptible to recurrent decay and could create tooth loss in the future. The mean lifespan for a crown has been shown to be about 10 years. Some reports suggest a 3% failure rate at 23 years with an increase of a 20% failure rated at 30 years. In the end, root canal treated teeth seem to fail due to decay, infection, fracture or structural failure. That puts the teeth at risk for further extractions as a result of complications. This is the leading cause of back tooth loss in an adult. Dental Bridges After the loss of a tooth, many people seek out dental bridges as a solution. While this does replace a missing tooth, it can lead to other issues. The teeth used as the bridge support are susceptible to root canal issues, tooth decay and gum disease. The teeth on either side of the gap are worn down to have crowns installed. This is what supports the missing tooth, but it leaves the other teeth susceptible to multiple issues. If the bridge isn’t well-maintained, they begin to act as reservoirs for bacterial biofilm. This causes the remaining teeth to decay. They become susceptible to structural failure, fracture or tooth loss. These teeth seem to become victim to loss in as much as 30% off cases within 14 years. This can lead to more issues for the patient. If you are looking for long-term solutions for your tooth loss needs, be sure to visit with your dentist near Blountsville, Indiana. There are treatment plans with a long-term success rate in sight. The two of you can discuss options that encourage your oral health and put you on the track to overall well-being.

Drink lots of water, brush your teeth twice a day and visit your Muncie, IN dentist. We all know these great tips to keep our teeth healthy. But did you know that eating cheese might help to save your teeth? Dairy Products Most dairy products contain lots of calcium which has always been an important part of strengthening, building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Studies now show that drinking milk plus eating cheese and yogurt can prevent cavities from forming. Dairy products appear to keep the pH levels of our mouth in check. While this is good news, the better news is that cheese actually increased the pH levels after eating. This says that there are properties which can reduce the risk of decay. What a great way to snack without having to consume sugary and sticky products. On top of all the other benefits to dairy products, they are also high in protein. This builds muscle tissue in the body. If that wasn’t enough Vitamin A is present which aids in cell growth and can play a huge part in oral health. Want more reasons? There is also potassium which lowers the risk of bone loss. Finally, milk contains lactic acid which can kill the bacteria that leads to decay. How Much Cheese Should You Eat? Dairy is a great way to protect the teeth, but you shouldn’t sit around eating cheese all day. General guidelines suggest that two servings of dairy a day are enough for both children and adults. If you are an older adult, you might want to consume three to four servings instead. A serving consists of a cup of milk, 1.5 ounces of cheese or ¾-cup of yogurt. Remember, eating dairy is just one part of having a healthy mouth. You need to eat right and include dairy as part of a well-rounded diet. In addition, don’t forget to brush after eating, floss at least once per day and visit your dentist regularly. Putting all the components together can help ensure that you have a healthy and happy mouth for many years into the future. If you have any questions for your Muncie, IN dentist, please give our office a call at (765) 282-5655 .

Tooth decay is the most common dental health issue. While decay will most often be seen at your regular dental check-up, it can be helpful to know what to look for so that you can decide whether you need to see your dentist sooner. Here are some of the most common signs of tooth decay. Toothache This is the most common symptom, and in comes in a number of forms. Maybe your teeth have started hurting out of nowhere and with no apparent cause. Maybe they hurt when you bite down. Or maybe they hurt when you eat or drink things that are hot or cold. Any of these can indicate damage due to tooth decay. You might be tempted to see if the pain goes away on its own, but chances are it will only get worse. Even if the pain does subside after a couple days, this doesn't mean the problem has gone away. It's possible that the decay has gone so far as to destroy the nerves that were waving the red flag by causing you pain. Stains on Teeth White, gray, brown or black spots on your teeth are signs of growth of the bacteria that causes tooth decay. While looking for stains, also keep your eyes open for any pits or holes in your enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. These might be cavities that need to be evaluated and filled by your dentist. Bad Breath The bacteria that causes tooth decay can produce unpleasant odors. If your loved ones are telling you your breath smells bad, or you've noticed a bad taste in your mouth that won't go away, you might want to go to the dentist and have them look for tooth decay. Gum Swelling Gum swelling is almost always caused by an infection and can be a sign of advanced tooth decay or an abscess, so you'll want to have it evaluated as soon as possible. Conclusion Remember, if you see signs of tooth decay, don't wait to get treatment! Time is of the essence, and the sooner you see your dentist near Albany, IN, the more likely they will be able to fix your tooth and keep the decay from spreading. Muncie Dental Care and Denture Center can be reached at (765) 282-5655. Please give our office a call if you would like to schedule an appointment.

Most trips to the dentist are relatively pain-free thanks to today’s technology. Even through all the innovations and progress that has been made, some patients still experience minor sensitivities following a filling. Here’s what you need to know. Why the Pain? Each person’s mouth is different, so it is difficult to determine how each individual will respond to a filling. Some causes of pain afterward are related to: Sensitive Teeth – For those who already struggle with sensitive teeth, it is common to experience some discomfort following a filling. Tartar and Plaque – If your mouth is covered in tartar or plaque, you might experience some sensitivity after the dentist removes it. That’s because those substances were masking your teeth and there is no longer a barrier. Materials – Most fillings today are made from composite materials. That’s because they are durable, flexible and look better. Despite that, they can cause sensitivity when used in a deep filling. Pulpitis – There is always a chance that the pulpal tissue inside your tooth can swell as a result of the heat and vibration of the drill. Uneven Bite – One of the most common reasons is that the person has an uneven bite. If the filling was placed too high, it could cause the mouth to feel off slightly. Thankfully, a quick trip back to the dentist can fix this. All they have to do is smooth out your filling. How Long Will I Experience This? This is the most common question when a patient has sensitivity after the filling. Unfortunately, there isn’t one answer that fits all cases. It’s going to depend on your health, the state of your teeth and the reason you are having pain. Most times, the pain and sensitivity decrease within a couple of days. If you experience pain for longer than a week, it is time to contact your dentist in 47304. They can take some x-rays to determine what might be the cause. Whatever the reasoning, your dentist is equipped to get you out of pain quickly; the key to a speedy recovery is close communication. Don’t be afraid to report the slightest of sensitivities if they don’t feel quite right to you.