7 Simple ways to avoid a dental emergency

You might not even imagine about dental emergencies and must be busy with your daily chores. Dental emergencies can happen anytime anywhere which could be very serious and painful. In case anything such happens it is always important to have a plan. You should know how to handle such traumatic events and keep an emergency dentist in mind.

Dental emergencies are painful and costly at the same time. Many dentists say dental emergencies are preventable but it’s not true. People who play contact sports will surely have an accident. Such type of dental emergency is not preventable and can happen at any time. Some can be avoided with a few preventive measures.

  • Maintain good oral health care

Good oral health care is a very important way to avoid dental emergencies. Brush your teeth twice and floss once a day to avoid cavities and gum disease. Brush for at least two minutes to ensure every tooth surface is cleaned thoroughly. This will also remove the decay-causing bacteria. Use electric toothbrush because they have built-in timers and also clean the teeth properly. At some places, a manual toothbrush cannot be reached and food debris is left behind.

  • Replace toothbrush regularly

The dentists recommend replacing toothbrush in every two or three months or frequently if it looks worn or splayed. Electric toothbrush heads consist of built-in wear indicators so it’s easy to see when to remove them. A worn toothbrush will not clean the teeth effectively so it’s important to change them regularly.

  • Go for a regular dental check-up

Visit the dentist for a regular dental check-up to prevent dental emergencies. They perform a dental examination and check the teeth and gums properly as well as throat and surrounding tissues as part of oral cancer screening. The dentist will look for a sign if teeth require any dental care and ensure that existing dental work is in good condition.

  • Use teeth for eating and avoid super hard foods

Don’t tear plastic tags from clothes or rip open packets of food with teeth. Teeth can chip or break if you break or tear objects with them. There are high chances of bacteria entering the tooth and creating decay. Chewing on ice, candy or hard foods can cause a crack in the tooth or even break them. It is important to avoid super hard foods to prevent teeth from breaking or cracking.

  • Wear a mouthguard

People who play sports tend to lose their teeth because some do not wear a mouthguard. If you don’t take care of cracked, broken or lost teeth you might incur lifetime high dental costs. If these are left untreated, you might suffer from periodontal disease, jaw joint issues, misalignment and headaches. Always wear a good quality mouthguard if you play sports.

  • Go for a splint if you grind your teeth

Life is stressful and everybody deals with stress in different ways. But if you grind your teeth being in stress which is known as bruxism, then see the dentist as soon as possible. Usually, this is an unconscious activity which is a difficult habit to break. The causes of teeth grinding includes- paining jaw, teeth sensitive to pressure or worn teeth.

Due to bruxism, crowns get loose, teeth breaks or tooth enamel wear out which causes bacteria in dentin. The dentists recommend a dental splint in case of bruxism. It is custom-made with soft or hard plastic. You need to wear regularly to protect your teeth, close bone and tissues.

  • liKeep hydrated

Many people don’t drink enough water. The body needs plenty of water to generate saliva and maintain oral health.

Saliva is a protective fluid that maintains neutral pH in the mouth and removes excess food particles, old skin cells and bacteria. Saliva also contains specific minerals that help in protecting teeth and also reduces the risk of tooth decay.

You can avoid dental emergency work by following above precautionary tips. Prevention is the best way to avoid dental emergencies but accidents can happen anytime. If you are not able to prevent an emergency, then visit the dentist as soon as possible.

What are Wisdom Teeth and Should I Get Mine Out?

Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures being carried out, across the country. The dental healthcare family at Epsili dental provides great services to patients for wisdom tooth extraction and other dental problems.

What is a wisdom tooth?

Wisdom teeth usually refer to the third and final set of molars that people get in their late teens or early twenties. They usually appear at the age of 20 to 25. These teeth could be a healthy and valuable asset to the mouth, if properly aligned. However, they usually end up being misaligned and cause pain, discomfort and a host of other problems.

The wisdom of extracting third molars:

By the time the wisdom teeth are out, the jaw is adjusted in such a manner that there is no space left for the new teeth. This results in ‘impaction’, wherein the tooth emerges at an abnormal angle and causes pain. The impacted tooth needs to be removed, in order to prevent infection and other issues.

When should I get mine out?

The need for removal arises only if the tooth is impacted or is abnormal. The impacted tooth, if infected, damages other teeth and gums. Impacted wisdom teeth do not always show symptoms. However, few common things to look out for are:

  • Red or swollen gums.
  • Tender or bleeding gums.
  • Jaw pain.
  • Swelling around the jaw.
  • Difficulty opening your mouth.

What are the risks?

The risks in removal are:

  • Alveolar osteitis (dry socket)
  • Nerve damage (paresthesia)
  • Infection
  • Hemorrhage (heavy bleeding)
  • Temporary swelling and pain

‘Knocked out’ or ‘in the chair’?

After taking a look at the teeth and X-rays, the dentists give you the option to go for either local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Under general anesthesia, the patient is put to sleep using an anesthetic and the surgery is performed. Whereas, local anesthesia involves the administration of dental injections to numb the tooth, after which, the procedure is performed. Visit the professionals at Epsili Dental today, to know more about the procedure suited for you.

What To Do For Healthy Teeth and Gums

It’s important to maintain your teeth and gums in good condition, but oral health is not just about gum disease and cavities. There is a link between your oral and overall health. If tooth decay and gum disease are left untreated, they can lead to tooth loss affecting your confidence as well as speech. Let’s explore some tips that will help in maintaining your teeth and gums.

  • Brush Regularly But Not Aggressively

Though most people are aware about the significance of brushing, many of them don’t know the right technique. Brushing aggressively can lead to damaged enamel and gums. You must use a soft bristled toothbrush and make gentle circular strokes.

  • Use Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral, which is helpful in making your teeth strong and fight cavities. Some dental products don’t contain fluoride and many people don’t get it from water and food as well. In such cases, dentist in South Houston, either recommends using fluoride toothpaste or getting a fluoride treatment done.

  • Floss Once A Day

Brushing alone doesn’t remove all the plaque and food debris. While it cleans the front and back of the teeth, the sides remain unclean. Thus, flossing helps in removing the plaque and food particles from between the mouth.

  • See A Dentist Regularly

It’s important to see your dentist at least twice a year so that he can clean your teeth as well as examine your oral health for any underlying issues and suggest a treatment if required.

  • Consider A Mouthwash

Dentists recommend using an anti-bacterial mouthwash after brushing and flossing to keep your mouth fresh.

  • Limit Sugary Foods And Starches

Food items that contain sugar and starch attract bacteria, which produce acid and plaque. It’s important to limit your intake of food items that are high on sugar and carbs and even if you do, brush or rinse your mouth, says the dentist in 77017.

  • Drink Water Instead Of Sugary Drinks

As mentioned above, sugar attracts bacterial growth, which is why you must avoid having juices and aerated drinks. Drink plain water for keeping yourself hydrated.

Dental Implants vs. Bridges: Finding What’s Best for You

If you have lost teeth because of any reason and if you are now looking for a solution, and while searching for a solution you might get confused which is a better option for your teeth, either dental implant or bridges because both of the technique will provide missing teeth differently.

What is a dental implant?

Dental implant means planting an artificial tooth with the help of titanium screw which infuses with jawbone which is beneath the gum line, and crown would be fit over that area, and this way dentist bridges the gap of the teeth.

Dental implant pros and cons

Pros

  • Other methods place pressure to other teeth, but that is not the case of a dental implant.
  • It lasts for a longer period, and if you take care of it well, then it would last a lifetime.’

Cons

  • It is a very costly procedure, and if you are going to get complete transformation then it will cost you thousands of dollars
  • It takes time to infuse the titanium post and heal that area

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge helps to bridge the gap with the help supporting other teeth. This is also very prominent to deal with missing teeth problem.

Dental bridge pros and cons

Pros

  • This is the cost-effective method which is affordable for the people
  • Time taken is also very less with this method

Cons

  • This is not the long term solution
  • It can also create a problem like bone loss

Mixed solutions

If people lose a significant amount of teeth, then it is very difficult to use both the methods but the dentist can take the help of titanium post and create a dental bridge then this problem can be sorted out, but it would be difficult to do that.

Will it be covered?

This can be covered, but the insurance company checks both the methods and would go for the lower cost. What you can do is make sure that it is mentioned in terms and conditions that which method should be used if you lose teeth.

Finding the right choice for you

Check your dental condition with Espili Dental, and they will guide you which one is good for your teeth.

How to Decide if Dental Veneers are the Right Choice For You

Many people are not happy with how their smile. It impacts their self confidence and sometimes makes them socially averse. However, with the improvement in cosmetic dentistry, one can get a perfect smile even without undergoing extensive orthodontic procedures such as braces. Dental veneers in Houston are one of the ideal options for correcting oral conditions such as crooked, misshapen teeth, discolored teeth, and gaps between the teeth.

What are Dental Veneers?

They are thin porcelain sheets that are bonded on the patient’s top and bottom teeth. The procedure needs minimal preparation and the dentist in 77017 won’t even remove much of the enamel from the teeth for placing the veneers on them. Then the patient is given a temporary set of porcelain sheets to wear for a week or two till the time permanent ones are ready.

Who Should Not Get Veneers?

These thin sheets are not suitable for people who have a habit of grinding their teeth. It’s because grinding can make them dislodged. Other patients who can’t go for these sheets are people with untreated dental issues such as cavity and decay. These issues need to be addressed before getting the smile makeover.

Do Dental Veneers Hurt?

Many people believe that every dental procedure hurts, but that is not true. You may feel a little discomfort or slight pain, but the dentist near TX will administer anesthetic to prevent any discomfort associated with enamel reduction. Swelling and sensitivity post the procedure can be managed with OTC medications.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

The longevity depends on the patient. Occlusion is an important criterion and so are grinding habits. Consistent care can make it possible for them to last for 10 to 15 years.

Veneers and Teeth Cleaning

You need to invest in soft- bristled toothbrush and non- abrasive toothpaste. Along with an oral hygiene routine at home, you also need to visit the dentist for regular cleaning and maintaining
your veneers.

Schedule an Appointment

For cosmetic dentistry and a smile makeover, visit a dentist near Houston, 77017.

5 Benefits of Botox

Botox can be an effective way to gain back right looks. Patient trust botox because this will help them look younger and fresh than before. There are multiple benefits of having this treatment and some of them are:

Botox lifts the brow without surgery

With aging, the appearance of facial skin fadpes which may lead to wrinkles and fine lines over foreheads. Using a clinically proven technique Botox, these fine lines and wrinkles can be reduced to obtain a youthful and better look.

It is an effective treatment that is often obtained by the patient to remove all signs of aging and to life the brow without surgery.

Botox is a preventive treatment

Many patients may also obtain botox to reduce the occurrence of wrinkles and fine line before. This can be used as a preventive treatment so that no signs of such aging can actually affect facial appearance.

Botox is completely safe

Many believe that this can be a harmful treatment for them but on the other hand, it is extremely safe to obtain this treatment. As it is made from a purified form of botullinum toxin, it is safe for patients. This is used to relax the facial muscle to gain a better look.

Botox is cost effective

In cases, when you are not satisfied with the results of botox, you need not worry because this can be repeated once again after every three or four months. Not all such treatment is permanent.

Botox is reversible

This is an extremely affordable treatment that can be obtained by the patient. The cost of treatment may vary from clinic to clinic and the requirement of patients.

More things to know about botox

  1. In this treatment, botox injection is used.
  2. To reduce the risk of brushing, one may take medication as suggested by the doctor.
  3. Injection is not as painful; the patient may feel just a pinch.
  4. The process is painless and if it persists, it will soon fade away.
  5. Make sure to choose the right clinic that uses trustworthy products.

Unhappy with your smile? Cosmetic dentistry might help

Are you not happy with how your smile looks? Do you feel conscious in social gatherings? Do you shy away from getting clicked? You are not alone! There are many people who are dissatisfied with their smile and wish to have a smile of their dreams. It’s no more a distant dream as cosmetic dentistry has made it possible to achieve a flawless smile. Your smile is an important part of your appearance and it is obvious for you to want it to be perfect. Let’s have a look at some of the options for a complete smile makeover:

  • Teeth whitening

This is one of the most common procedures that people visit any dentist for. The teeth whitening and bleaching helps in attaining a whiter smile. The whitening can be performed either at the dentist’s office or you can opt for the take-home kit. Teeth whitening is very effective, especially the one at dentist’s office. It offers whiter and brighter smile that you always wanted. The teeth need to be checked thoroughly before the procedure to make sure that they are healthy to accommodate the procedure.

  • Veneers

Veneers are a great treatment option if your damages such as cracks, poor enamel, or gaps in between your teeth. The veneers are usually made from a ceramic material and are made to look as natural as possible. This can be a great option for you as it can help in hiding multiple flaws. They can address issues with shape, size, and color of your teeth.

  • Gum contouring 

This is relatively a new procedure but it can help in correcting the gums. If you feel that your gums cover too much of your teeth or are uneven, you can get them reshaped or contoured. You need to first find out if the procedure is right for you.

  • Invisible braces

The braces are not just for teenagers. Many adults who wish to align their teeth can go with Invisalign that are almost invisible. They help in correcting the alignment without causing hassle and embarrassment which was the case with traditional braces.

Dentures: 5 Common Myths Debunked

Tooth loss can be a cause of worry and in such cases; patient thinks that denture can only be perfect option for missing tooth. People believe that this is the only suitable option, but this is not true. An expert dentist may suggest relevant tooth replacement option as per need. In case of tooth loss, all myths related to denture must be cleared.

Myth #1: everyone will need to replace their teeth at some point

Many believe that with aging, every individual will lose their tooth and they will need dentures for sure. This is not true. With right oral care, tooth loss can be prevented. Dentures are not the only option suggested in such cases.

Myth #2: dentures are your best option

Many believe that it is the best option for missing tooth conditions. Dentures are not a perfect solution for missing tooth, there can be better options like dental implants. It is perfectly incorrect to say that this is a suitable treatment for everyone. A dentist may suggest perfect solution in case of missing teeth as per patient need.

Myth #3: you don’t have to care for them

It is a general myth that dentures need no care but just like other tooth replacement option, proper care is essential for this replacement technique. They may equally require proper maintenance for lifetime results. A dentist may suggest a patient to clean them properly.

Myth #4: they are permanent

Even though the lifespan of this technique is better than other replacement option but they do not guarantee lifetime results. It may withstand for more than 10 years but only if proper oral care and hygiene is maintained by the patient. One may further go for new replacement option after this if required.

Myth #5: you can eat whatever you want

A dentist may suggest avoiding some food after the denture replacement procedure for a few days. Further for maintaining long term results, he may suggest a patient to avoid eating or chewing hard food. It is always a good idea to eat soft food after this tooth replacement option.

7 Dental Goals To Set For Yourself For A Healthier Smile

It’s difficult to have the will power to do the right thing but you have to find ways to identify those bad habits and try to get rid of them. Here’s a look at some positive changes that you must make to protect your oral health and achieve a healthier smile:

Start Brushing More Frequently

While most people brush their teeth in the morning, they skip brushing their teeth at night. However, you must make it a point to brush your teeth twice daily which includes night time as well.

Work to Preserve Enamel

Enamel is your outer covering of the teeth, which keeps the teeth strong and prevents decay. Try not to brush your teeth rigorously and avoid consuming food and beverages that are acidic in nature. If you happen to consume them, rinse your mouth immediately with water.

Floss, Floss, Floss!

It’s sad that even people who take utmost care of their teeth don’t floss their teeth. Most people believe that flossing is not important and brushing is enough. However, flossing helps in getting rid of the food debris and plaque stuck between the teeth which brushing can’t remove.

Consider Cosmetic Treatment

If you wish to have a beautiful smile, you must go for cosmetic dentistry procedures to give yourself a smile makeover. You can treat your misaligned, cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth with the help of various cosmetic procedures.

Quit Smoking & Using Tobacco Products

Consuming tobacco and smoking are not just injurious to your overall health they also have a negative impact on your dental health.

Whiten Your Teeth, Brighten Your Smile

We all wish to flaunt those pearly white teeth but not all of us are blessed with that privilege. But it’s no more a distant dream because of the professional at-home and in-office whitening treatments which offer teeth that are several shades brighter.

Go to the Dentist for Regular Checkups

It’s important to visit the dentist near you for regular check-up as they will examine your teeth and gums and diagnose dental issues if any.

4 Myths About Tooth Extraction – Busted!

There are numerous misconceptions among people regarding tooth extractions. So here are some facts about teeth removal by the experienced personnel at Epsili Dental to clear up some widespread myths and bring out the truth!

Myth: Tooth extractions are painful

Truth: Modern dentists actually make use of extraction methods with minimum invasion and superior anesthesia to ascertain the comfort of patients throughout the procedure. The tooth is loosened with a tool called an elevator after numbing the part systematically. After which, specialized dental forceps are used to pull the tooth out by its socket. The process is mostly over within just a few minutes. A little pain and discomfort might be felt after the tooth is removed, but it can be taken care of with prescription painkillers.

Myth: Recovering from a tooth extraction is a long process

Truth: On the contrary, as long as the post-treatment guidelines are followed, recovery is quick and easy. While the tooth socket takes a little over a week to heal fully, most patients only feel discomfort and pain for a few days after the treatment.

Myth: Everyone needs their wisdom teeth pulled

Truth: Removal of wisdom teeth is not always necessary. Even though earlier dentists urged everyone whose wisdom teeth began to erupt to get is pulled, modern dental surgeons do not deem it to be always necessary. This is because wisdom teeth could come out without any harm, especially in the cases of people with excess space within their mouths. This could be easily checked with an x-ray and an oral examination at Espili Dental.

Myth: Extracting an infected or damaged tooth is always the best option

Truth: In reality, when having a damaged or infected tooth, it is recommended to save it instead of pull it out. A root canal or crown could be appropriate solutions. It is best to consult the dentist on whether pulling the tooth is necessary or should you save the tooth as much as possible. Removal can cause a shift in your mouth that might in turn necessitate dental bridges, implants or dentures, all of which are quite expensive treatments in comparison to a root canal.

Think you need a tooth extraction? Come in for an appointment today!