by Dr. Adkins | Jul 20, 2018 | Blog, Dental Topics 1, General Dentistry
If you have a dental emergency, for example a knocked out tooth or jaw injury, contact your dentist in McDonough right away for care. Quite often dental problems will develop out of office hours, so it’s a good idea to know how to treat them until you can visit your dentist. The following tips will help you take care of yourself or someone close:
- Bitten Cheeks, Lips or Gums. Gently rinse the affected area using cool water. Use light but firm pressure to apply a clean piece of gauze or washcloth to stop bleeding. An ice pack can help reduce swelling.
- Bleeding Gums. Bleeding gums are frequently caused by gum disease or through brushing your teeth too hard. Rinse your mouth with warm water and be sure to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth as this will help reduce infection and inflammation. Book an appointment with your family dentist in McDonough for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Canker Sores. It can help to wash the area with warm salt water. Avoid spicy or very hot foods until the canker sore begins to heal. If it fails to heal after two weeks, contact your dentist for advice.
- Cracked or Broken Tooth. Carefully rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Book an appointment with your dentist to have the tooth mended, and bring any broken pieces of tooth with you to the dental office.
- Loose Baby Tooth. Don’t attempt to pull out the tooth yourself, but instead encourage the child to gently wiggle it from side to side until it eventually comes out on its own.
- Teething Problems. Use a chilled teething ring or a cold washcloth to help soothe your baby’s gums. Gently rubbing the gums can also relieve some of the pressure.
If you live in the McDonough area contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | Jul 13, 2018 | Blog, Dental Topics 1, General Dentistry
Most people are well aware certain foods are bad for teeth, but did you know some are very good for oral health? Listed below are just a few of the foods that could help your teeth and gums stay in tip top condition.
Salmon
Salmon is packed full of vitamin D which helps your body to absorb calcium from other foods, keeping your teeth and bones strong and healthy.
Onions
Onions might give you temporary bad breath, but they also contain sulfur that lowers the amount of decay causing bacteria in your mouth.
Strawberries
Strawberries are high in fiber and vitamins C, ensuring your gums are able to repair themselves and fight infection.
Pineapple
Pineapple is also high in vitamins C as well as an enzyme called Bromelain which helps promote healing. In addition pineapple increases saliva production, helping to wash away excess bacteria and sugars that could cause disease.
Quinoa
This fashionable grain is full of minerals including magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and calcium, all of which help strengthen your teeth.
Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds contain plenty of calcium, helping to strengthen your teeth.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms not only taste delicious, but also contain something called Lentinan which helps prevent the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
Wasabi
Wasabi is a type of Japanese horseradish that contains particular compounds that inhibit the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
Sea Salt
Sea salt contains numerous different minerals that help strengthen teeth.
Xylitol
Your dentist in Reno may recommend chewing xylitol gum after every meal as this ingredient helps inhibit bacterial growth, reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities.
Stevia
Ordinary sugar promotes bacterial growth, increasing acidity in the mouth. Stevia is a natural sweetener that doesn’t have this effect.
Of course a great diet is only half the story, and needs to be backed up with professional dental care from your dentist in Reno, and great daily dental care at home.
Visit our McDonough dental office for a dental cleaning.
by Dr. Adkins | Apr 30, 2018 | Blog, Dental Topics 1, Teeth Whitening
A beautifully white smile is often perceived as a sign of youth and vitality, but over time it can gradually fade. Eating certain foods or drinking dark-colored beverages, taking particular medications and simply aging can all take its toll on your teeth. It’s hardly surprising that tooth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures in recent years. Professional teeth whitening is safe and effective and can quickly rejuvenate your smile. If you’re thinking about whitening your teeth, there are several options to choose from which include:
In-Office Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is hugely popular, as you can literally book a lunch time appointment and leave with a dazzling white smile. Surface stains can quickly be eliminated, and teeth can be brightened by up to eight shades in just an hour. This option is the most expensive, and you don’t have much control over the final results. Your dentist in McDonough will activate the bleaching gel with a special light so the final result should be a stunning white smile.
Custom-Made Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
Not everyone wants to whiten their teeth so quickly, and custom-made whitening trays enable you to safely bleach teeth in a more controlled manner. Your McDonough cosmetic dentist will take impressions of your teeth that are used to fabricate custom-made whitening trays. You’ll be shown how to use these trays, and should wear them for as long as directed. Most people will begin to notice real results within a few days, but they generally need to be used for two or three weeks to achieve optimum effects.
Over-The-Counter Teeth Whitening Kits
Over-the-counter whitening kits come in the form of trays and whitening strips and can cost between $20 and $50 so it’s tempting to think they will save you money. However the bleaching gels contained in these kits are not as strong as those available to your dentist. In addition, there’s the possibility these kits could irritate your gums as ill-fitting whitening trays can allow the gel to leak out.
We look forward to seeing you in our McDonough dental office
by Dr. Adkins | Apr 23, 2018 | Blog, Dental Topics 1, Kids Dentistry
Babies obviously can’t take care of themselves, so parents have to handle all aspects of their care. Don’t forget their oral health! Parents need to lay the groundwork for lifelong good dental habits and healthy smiles for their children. Here are some answers to common questions about baby teeth.
Do baby teeth matter?
Primary, or baby, teeth are important. They help children chew naturally and speak clearly. They provide the place for adult teeth to grown in properly later.
Should I brush my baby’s teeth?
You should brush your baby’s teeth without toothpaste, using a small amount of water instead. Use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush at bedtime to remove plaque and bacteria from your baby’s teeth and gums.
When can I start using toothpaste?
Fluoride toothpaste can be implemented after age two, when a child can be trusted not to swallow the toothpaste. Only use a small amount of toothpaste, and watch the child carefully to ensure proper brushing and spitting out the toothpaste.
When should I take my child to the dentist?
Experts recommend taking your child to the dentist when their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday. Your child should be taken for dental visits every six months, or more often if your dentist has concerns.
Do I need a certain type of dentist for my child?
You may choose a pediatric dentist who has been trained specifically to treat children. Their goal is to teach children about oral hygiene and the importance of taking care of their teeth, as well as provide a comfortable experience in visiting the dentist. However, you may also choose a regular dentist to take care of your child’s oral health. It is up to you to decide which kind of dentist is right for your family.
If you need a dentist in McDonough contact us today
by Dr. Adkins | Apr 16, 2018 | Blog, Dental Topics 1, Implant Dentistry
Tooth loss is a common occurrence – millions of people suffer tooth loss – primarily as a result of gum disease, tooth decay or facial trauma. For years, the only treatment options available to those missing a tooth were partial dentures or bridges. Today, dental implants are available as an alternative. If you have lost a tooth, you may wonder why you should choose a dental implant over a bridge or partial denture.
Following are some of the advantages of dental implants:
- Dental implants prevent bone loss. Without the tooth root, the bone of the jaw begins to shrink, or resorb, causing problems with remaining teeth and changing the shape of the face. Dental implants serve as replacement roots for the tooth, and continue to stimulate and preserve the bone. When an implant is used, the jawbone fuses to the metal implant in a process known as osseointegration, reducing bone shrinkage significantly.
- Dental implants look better. They feel, look and function like your own natural teeth. Because they fuse directly with your bone, they become permanent, and with proper care, never need to be replaced.
- Dental implants fit better. They are more comfortable and are easier to clean. Because they are so secure, you will speak more clearly and eat with greater confidence and comfort.
- Dental implants will improve your oral health. Implants don’t affect the surrounding teeth the way a bridge does. Your natural teeth remain intact, allowing for easier greater health and cleaning around each tooth.
- Dental implants are convenient. They never have to be removed to clean under them, nor do they need adhesives or wire to stay in place.
- Dental implant surgery has a very high success rate. They are durable and can last a lifetime if you care for them properly.
If you are healthy enough to undergo an extraction of your tooth, you can generally be considered for dental implant surgery. You must have enough healthy bone and soft tissue to hold the implant. Talk to your dentist today if you have questions regarding dental implants and whether they are a right choice for you.
Our dental office is located in McDonough
by Dr. Adkins | Apr 9, 2018 | Blog, Dental Topics 1, Root Canal Treatment
An endodontist is a dentist who has undergone additional training specializing in saving teeth through treatments that involve the pulp and root of teeth. If you have been diagnosed by your family dentist with an infected tooth that requires root canal therapy, it would be logical to seek treatment by a dental professional who is specifically trained in root canal procedures. To find a qualified endodontist for your root canal treatment, consider the following:
- Ask for a referral from your family dentist to an accredited diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics. You may also consider asking friends and family members who have undergone root canal therapy for recommendations of endodontists.
- Inquire about the extent of the endodontist’s education and training as well as the number of root canal procedures they have performed. You will want to look for a doctor with an established practice and extensive track record of root canal experience.
- Find out what type of equipment the doctor utilizes to ensure they are up-to-date on the most recent advances in endodontic therapy and dental technology.
- Ask about the sedation and pain-relief options the endodontist provides for root canal patients.
- Evaluate the endodontist and staff to determine if they make you feel comfortable, welcome, and are able and available to answer your questions.
Root canal treatment can be a stress-free and painless experience when performed by the right dental professional. Taking the time and effort to identify a qualified endodontist will help to ensure the ease and success of your procedure, and soon have you back on the road to a healthy smile.
Root canal dentist in McDonough
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