4 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Oral Health

2024 is right around the corner. At this time of year, we like to look ahead to the new year and make goals to improve our quality of life and habits. It’s the perfect time to set goals to improve your oral hygiene.

Knowing what you can do to take better care of your teeth can help you avoid cavities and dental infections that can lead to root canals and other emergency procedures. As your dentist in Morristown, TN, we’re happy to provide you with useful advice. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Use an Electric Toothbrush

Compared to manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes are shown to do a better job at cleaning teeth. Electric toothbrushes use oscillating or sonic technology to remove debris from your tooth enamel and help keep your teeth free from plaque. If it’s in your budget, consider buying an electric toothbrush for your home. Your dentist at Simple Dental can recommend a model.

2. Brush Your Teeth for Two Minutes Each Time

You’re supposed to brush your teeth for two minutes each time you brush, but are you doing this? If not, you could be missing out on opportunities to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Time yourself, or better yet, use an electric toothbrush that will time your toothbrushing session for you.

3. Perfect Your Flossing Technique

Flossing can be difficult, and many people don’t do it quite right. Next time you go to the dentist for a checkup, ask your dentist to show you how to floss properly. Getting occasional tutorials on your brushing and flossing technique can help make you better at it.

4. See the Dentist Twice Annually

Seeing the dentist twice a year can help prevent cavities and gum disease. If you’re not seeing the dentist twice annually, you could be at higher risk for a variety of dental problems. Make a point of making twice annual visits to the dentist. Make your next appointment for a dental exam in Morristown, TN, today. Call Simple Dental.

Is a Severe Toothache a Dental Emergency?  

Ouch! Do you have a terrible toothache? You might be having a dental emergency. There are several things that cause toothaches, but if the pain is very severe, you could be experiencing a dental problem that needs emergency care. This could be reason to see your dentist in Morristown, TN. Below is what you should know about toothaches and dental emergencies.

What Can Cause a Severe Toothache?

There are many dental problems that can cause a toothache, but the most severe toothaches are often due to dental infections. A dental infection occurs when a crack, chip or hole in the tooth leads the tender pulp inside the tooth to become infected with bacteria.

What’s a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that dentists use to clean out an infected tooth. The root canal begins when the area is numbed so the patient can’t feel what’s happening. Next, the infection is cleaned out of the tooth and the tooth itself is hollowed out. The hollow tooth is filled with sealant, then finally, the tooth is covered with a crown to protect the weakened tooth enamel.

Is a Severe Toothache a Dental Emergency?

A severe toothache is a dental emergency. In fact, a root canal is typically considered an emergency procedure. Dental infections can be serious and can even spread to parts of the body outside the mouth. If you’re experiencing a dental infection, your dentist will try to clean out the infection right away to prevent it from spreading. It’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible if you’re experiencing this kind of problem.

Contact Your Dentist at Simple Dental

If you’re in need of a root canal in Morristown TN, your dentist at Simple Dental can help. If you’re experiencing a severe toothache, then you probably need emergency care. Call Simple Dental today.

 

Why Choose a Root Canal Over a Tooth Extraction?

When you have a painful toothache, having the troublesome tooth extracted may be all you dream about at night. However, there may be a better option — one that can save your natural tooth while easing your pain and discomfort. It’s called a root canal, and it’s nowhere near as scary as it sounds. Your dentist in Morristown, TN, can help you decide which option is right for your situation.

Why Should I Have a Root Canal?

Through a root canal procedure, your dentist can remove the infection that’s causing you pain by cleaning and disinfecting the root canals that lead down into the gums and jawbone. Afterward, your dentist usually fills those canals with a composite material that keeps bacteria from reforming. Add a crown over your natural tooth, and your troubles are over. The crown helps stabilize the structure of the tooth, while the cleaning and filling process prevents reinfection. Perhaps most importantly, however, you won’t have to worry about bone loss.

What Is Bone Loss Caused by Tooth Extraction?

When your dentist pulls an adult tooth, this leaves an empty socket behind. If you put nothing there to fill that empty socket, the bone beneath will eventually be reabsorbed back into your body. This is why a tooth extraction always requires a denture or dental implant. Otherwise, your facial structure may change, and you may experience problems such as spreading teeth, an open bite, or more. Implants and dentures can also be pricey, so it’s best to try to save that natural tooth if you can.

Where to Have a Root Canal in Morristown, TN

If you think you may benefit from a root canal in Morristown, TN, Simple Dental is the place to call. Contact us today to set a convenient time for an initial consultation.