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Toothaches: Serious. Pain.

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Those who have experienced a toothache know that it can be excruciating. They are painful because they are usually quite serious. Luckily, most of these issues can be fixed with prompt intervention by a dental professional.

Some toothaches are not serious. Teeth are usually more sensitive after a visit to the dentist and it is quite common for patients to experience tooth pain for several days after having dental work done. In addition, fleeting discomfort after exposure to extreme temperatures is also not serious. Patients in this situation may want to use toothpaste for sensitive teeth and ensure that they are brushing their teeth and gum lines twice a day but should not need to run to the dentist unless the discomfort persists.

Toothaches can come from “cracked tooth syndrome.” This happens when a tooth, usually a molar or one with a large filling, develops small hair-line cracks. These cracks weaken the tooth, causing pain. Cracked tooth syndrome can typically only be fixed by a root canal or by extraction of the tooth. Patients who grind their teeth should let their dentist know. He can prescribe a mouth guard to reduce the likelihood of a cracked tooth.

The most common cause of toothaches is some sort of decay. When teeth decay the pulp inside can become inflamed, infected, or both. This presses on the nerve and causes pain. It is important that patients immediately visit their dentists when this happens. The dentist can not only alleviate the pain but can also treat the underlying decay. In some cases a simple filling can fix the problem but in others more severe treatments like root canals are necessary.

There are also two main non-dental causes of toothaches. A sinus infection can cause “transferred” pain in a patient’s upper teeth to accompany pain in the sinus. More seriously, a heart attack will also frequently cause pain in a patient’s left jaw and in the teeth on the left side of their mouth. This must be immediately treated.

In any case dental pain can be debilitating. Dental pain caused by decay frequently also brings bad breath, adding insult to injury. Since most toothaches will not go away by themselves, patients should avail themselves of a dentist’s services as soon as possible after the pain begins.

Posted in Cracked Tooth syndrome, Dental Pain, Headaches, Mouth and Jaw Pain, Orofacial Pain, Toothaches | Tagged , , , , , |

Do you Experience Jaw or Mouth Pain?

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Jaw and mouth pain can take many forms: sharp or dull, unbearable or just a minor ache. Sometimes it’s constant, sometimes it’s only when you bite or chew. It can be limited to one spot, or spread over your entire mouth. But whatever form your jaw or mouth pain takes, a restorative dentist can help ease it.

There are many things that can cause jaw and mouth pain, ranging from minor problems to potentially life-threatening diseases. These can include:

* infections of the teeth or jaw
* problems with the temporomandibular joint, the “hinge” of the jaw
* misaligned teeth and/or bite problems
* abscesses and other gum infections
* damaged or broken teeth
* impacted wisdom teeth
* cancer of the jaw or mouth
* pinched nerves or other nerve damage

Many of these conditions also have external signs, such as bad breath and damaged and ugly teeth. You may also have difficulty holding your jaw properly, making it harder to speak, chew, or smile. So getting your jaw or mouth pain treated can make you look better as well as feel better.

The important thing is to remember that pain is always a sign that something is wrong, and that if it’s left untreated, it can lead to even worse problems down the line. Besides the pain, you could end up losing teeth, losing bone from your jaw, and weakening your body’s ability to resist infections.

Don’t delay treating your jaw or mouth pain. Visit http://todaysdentistryllc.com to find how restorative dentistry can correct your problems and relieve the pain. A skilled restorative dentist can diagnose your problem and work to realign or repair damaged teeth. This can include using fillings or crowns to strengthen damaged teeth and improve your bite and removing infected teeth and replacing them with dentures or bridgework. You will come away looking better, feeling better, and with your pain relieved.

Posted in Jaw Pain, Oral Health, Orofacial Pain, Porcelain Veneers, Restorative Dentistry | Tagged , , , , , |

Ease Your Fears of Going to Dentist with These Helpful Hints

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Here are some ways to ease angst about the dentist’s office:

• Know if you’re an early bird or a late riser. Schedule your appointments during the time of day that’s best for you. “Come in the morning if you’re a morning person, or late in the afternoon if you’re an evening person.” You’ll be in a better mood and better frame of mind.

• Prepare the night before. “Get a good night’s sleep.” If you have trouble sleeping the night before a visit, calling your dentist’s office and asking if they can provide you with a sleep aid.

• Talk, lots. Make a list of what it is that bothers you about going to the dentist, whether it’s fear of painful procedures or lack of control over what’s going on, and talk your dental anxiety with your dentist. “The most important thing you can do is communicate with everyone, right from the beginning.  A lot of people come in with anxiety and fears, and they’re embarrassed, but we do this all the time and we understand.” We also suggest developing signals, such as raising your hand, between you and your dentist, in the event that you do start to feel pain or discomfort.

• Distract yourself. Dentists offices are getting decidedly high-tech these days, providing patients with distractions while they’re in a chair. See if your office can provides movies or TV to shows to view for patients, which are especially helpful for lengthy procedures.  If your dentist prefers a low-tech atmosphere, bring your own headphones and music. It will help drown out unpleasant sounds like drills, suction tubes, and anything else that can raise your blood pressure.

Posted in Dental Anxiety, General Dentistry | Tagged , , , , , |

Do You Have Sore Gums That Bleed?

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Most people know that brushing your teeth and flossing every day are important for a healthy mouth. But dental visits are also essential for identifying common problems in the mouth like gum disease, which can cause sore gums that bleed, especially after brushing. In fact, a survey conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) revealed that 75% of adults in the United States have gum disease. Luckily, seeing your dentist for regular visits can prevent this common but damaging condition.

Gum disease can range from mild inflammation to a loss of the tissue that helps support your teeth. Gingivitis is mild inflammation of the gums that often occurs at the beginning of gum disease, causing red, swollen gums that bleed. Oftentimes, gingivitis is reversible with regular hygiene habits, such as brushing, flossing and consistent cleanings by your dentist. Gingivitis does not cause tissue loss or bone damage, but it can lead to a more serious condition called periodontal disease if left untreated.

Periodontal disease occurs when inflammation of the gums, teeth and surrounding tissue result in damage to the oral cavity. With periodontal disease, bacteria on the teeth break down the gums, bones and other tissues that support the teeth. The result is inflamed gums that pull away from the teeth and often become infected. Symptoms include swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath and loose teeth. You may also notice pain when chewing food or brushing your teeth. With early treatment, your dentist can diagnosis the condition and treat diseased gums before permanent damage occurs. This is why general dentistry, the foundation of all dental care, is so important for healthy gums.

Gum disease is a common condition, but you can prevent gum disease by visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams. Good hygiene is also essential for keeping a clean, healthy mouth free of dangerous bacteria, because daily brushing removes plaque and bacteria that lead to gum disease. See your dentist for regular cleanings to remove this plaque and promote healthy gums. If you notice signs of gum disease like sore, bleeding gums after brushing, call your dentist immediately for an appointment.

Posted in General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Healthy Teeth, Importance of Proper Brushing | Tagged , , , , , , , |

I Experience Headaches or Migraines: Could This Be Caused By My Jaws?

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Headaches and migraines are miserable experiences that significantly reduce the quality of one’s life. Although the pain is located in a person’s head, the cause can be from temporomandiular joint disease or TMJ. 80 percent of people suffering from TMJ also suffer from headaches or migraines. Other symptoms include ear pain, ringing of the ears and dizziness. These symptoms are often attributed to migraines. Only by dealing with the misaligned jaw with TMJ therapy can reduce or remove these headaches or migraines.

What Is TMJ?

The tempororomandibular joint is located where the lower jawbone connects with the upper jawbone on both sides of the face. Normally, this hinge slides effortlessly to open and close because of a shock absorbing disc located where the two parts of the jaw connect.

Located inside of this joint is a nerve that connects with the brain and nerves all over the face. Pressure from the jaws on this nerve can trigger pain reactions all over the face, leading to headaches or migraines. Some patients find that symptoms are worse in cold weather than warm weather.

Causes of TMJ

There are many causes of TMJ, including injury to the jaw; arthritis; fibromyalgia; grinding teeth during sleep; chronic biting of the fingernails; or genetic malformations of the jaw or the face causing a misaligned bite. For some patients, it is a combination of causes that leads to TMJ. Women get TMJ twice as much as men but so far no one knows why.

TMJ caused by a misaligned bite or grinding the teeth during sleep can be treated in several different ways. Over the counter painkillers provide temporary relief, but wearing a bite guard, especially during sleep, can help lessen the impact of chewing or talking. Dental treatments can help even the bite and give even pressure on the jaw joints. Dental surgery is done as a last resort but often is not needed.

Posted in Headaches, Jaw Pain, TMJ Therapy | Tagged , , , , , |

Prevention is Key When it Comes To Cancer

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The best way to beat cancer is to prevent it; and the more research uncovers about the genetic markers, biochemical elements and cancer-causing agents, the more possible prevention becomes. We know to avoid smoking, exercise regularly, and eat diets that are low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables. But there are still a number of unknowns that can lead one person to develop cancer and another to remain cancer free. Regular dental visits and oral cancer screenings are your first defense in early detection. There are a number of cancers that develop in the head and neck, including cancers of the mouth, lips, throat, nasal passages and salivary glands. Scientists estimate smoking and smokeless tobacco products are responsible for 85 percent of all cancer found in the head and neck (excluding brain cancers). Combining alcohol with tobacco products
increases the risk even more.

• Cigarette smoking causes an estimated 443,000 deaths each year, including approximately 49,400 deaths due to exposure to secondhand smoke.

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States.

• Smoking causes many other types of cancer, including cancers of the throat, mouth,nasal cavity, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidney, bladder, and cervix, and acute myeloid leukemia.

• People who smoke are up to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack than nonsmokers, and the risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked.

• In 2009, approximately 20.6 percent of U.S. adults were cigarette smokers.

• Nearly 20 percent of high school students smoke cigarettes.

Posted in Importance of Regular Check ups, Oral Cancer, Oral Cancer Screenings, Oral Health, Regular Cleanings | Tagged , , , , , , |

Dr. Cain is the Area’s Only “Dawson Dentist”

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There is dentistry…and then, there is complete dentistry.

Dr. Pamela Cain practices complete dentistry at Today’s Dentistry in Crossville, TN. Complete dentistry is the foundational concept of the Dawson Academy, a postgraduate educational and clinical research facility, dedicated to the advancement of dentistry.

The concept of complete dentistry requires careful examination of the entire masticatory system and thorough treatment planning which involves the patient to educate them and help them understand their problems and prioritize their treatment.

Courses at the Dawson Academy are taught by the nation’s top dentists, many of whom maintain full time dental practices. The principles taught at the Dawson Academy were developed by Dr. Peter E. Dawson, who believed that to operate a successful dental practice, the dentist must perform complete, quality and predictable dentistry.

A Dawson dentist never over treats his or her patients and allows for significant one-on-one time with each patient. Through research, study and clinical practice, members of the Dawson Academy practice truthful dental medicine for the benefit of their patients. Dawson dentistry strives to achieve natural aesthetics, balance and harmony for each and every patient.

In addition to her studies at the Dawson Academy, Dr. Cain has studied with Dr. Jeffery Okeson, a leading educator on Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and Orofacial Pain Disorders. Dr. Okeson has developed an advanced and comprehensive program that focuses on understanding the fundamentals of these disorders to make accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Learn more about the Dawson Academy at www.findadawsondentist.com

Posted in Complete Dentistry, Continuing Education, The Dawson Academy | Tagged , , , , |

Get Rid of White Spots with Icon Dental Treatment as Featured on The Doctors

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Dr. Pamela Cain of Today’s Dentistry is excited to offer patients a painless and effective treatment that was recently featured on The Doctors. The Icon system is a micro-invasive technology that is used to treat white spots on the teeth, which are actually early signs of decay. Icon treatment reinforces the demineralized tooth enamel without drilling or anesthesia.

This interceptive treatment is a great way to stop cavities from progressing, save natural tooth structure and get rid of unsightly white spots on the teeth.

Before and After Icon Treatment for White Spots

The patient above came in showing classic signs of early tooth decay, exhibited by white spots on the teeth. Notice in the picture on the left the white spots on the teeth. After a simple treatment using the Icon system, the front teeth were restored to their natural beauty and the white spots are virtually eliminated.

White spots are the beginnings of cavities. They form on the surface of the teeth and can be found on the front, back and sides of the teeth. They are most noticeable on the front teeth which show when smiling, but they can be found on back teeth as well. White spots can form for a variety of reasons, often found on patients who wore braces. When braces are worn, bacteria and food particles can become trapped around the brackets. The debris releases an acid which erodes the tooth enamel, leaving behind white spots and discoloration.

Traditionally, the dentist would take a “wait and see” approach or in more serious cases, use dental bonding or porcelain veneers to cover the teeth. With the Icon system, the dentist can be proactive and stop the decay before it progresses. First, the teeth are thoroughly cleaned using an acid solution. Next, the teeth are infused with a biocompatible resin that matches the natural color of the teeth.

The results of Icon treatment are often dramatic. White spots on the teeth virtually disappear. Patient’s also love that treatment is completed in a single visit, about 15 minutes per tooth, without anesthesia or drilling. The results of Icon treatment are long lasting with proper care and regular professional dental cleanings.

Contact Today’s Dentistry to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cain and find out if Icon dental treatment can help you get rid of unwanted white spots on your teeth.

Posted in Complete Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, New Dental Technology, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , |

Flouride Updates by the ADA

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CHICAGO, July 28, 2011—A new study in the Journal of Dental Research finds bone fluoride levels are not associated with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer more prevalent in males. A team of researchers from Harvard University, the Medical College of Georgia and the National Cancer Institute analyzed hundreds of bone samples from nine hospitals over an eight-year period from patients with osteosarcoma and a control group to measure fluoride levels in the bone. Considered the most extensive study to date that examines a potential association between fluoride levels in bone and osteosarcoma, the results indicated no correlation.

Three branches of the National Institutes of Health were involved in the study. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) approved the design of the study, and funding for the research was provided by the NCI, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. “As a science-based profession, we must always examine new evidence and consider it along with existing science in order to evaluate guidelines and recommendations for patient care,” states Raymond Gist, D.D.S., president of the American Dental Association (ADA). “This new study adds to an already strong base of scientific evidence that fluoride is safe and effective at preventing cavities,” Dr. Gist states.

An inconclusive animal study conducted 20 years ago first raised the question of an association between fluoride and osteosarcoma. Since that time, other studies have examined the issue; however, this new study, using actual bone to measure fluoride levels in individuals with and without osteosarcoma, is considered by researchers to be the best science to date because a more accurate and reliable scientific method was used to measure exposure from all sources of fluoride. “Tooth decay rates have declined dramatically over the past several decades, thanks in part to the use of fluoride,” Dr. Gist states. “To help prevent cavities, the ADA continues to recommend brushing twice a day with fluoride.

Posted in Flouride treatments, General Dentistry, Healthy Teeth, Oral Health, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , |

What is a Dental Emergency

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Injuries to the mouth may include teeth that are knocked out (avulsed), forced out of position and loosened (extruded) or fractured. In addition, lips, gums or cheeks are often cut. Oral injuries are often painful and should be treated as soon as possible, 30 minutes can make the difference between saving or losing a tooth.

What should I do when a tooth is knocked out? · Immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment. · Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Touching the root (the part of the tooth below the gum) can damage cells necessary for bone reattachment. · Gently rinse the tooth in water to remove dirt. Do not scrub. · If possible, gently place the clean tooth in the socket to keep it moist. It is important not to let the tooth dry out. · If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse in milk or saliva.

What should I do when a tooth is pushed out of position? · Attempt to reposition the tooth to its normal alignment using very light finger pressure, but do not force the tooth. · Bite down to keep the tooth from moving.

What should I do when a tooth is fractured? · Rinse mouth with warm water. · Use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling. · Use ibuprofen, not aspirin, for pain. · Immediately get to your dentist, who will determine treatment based on how badly the tooth is broken. Only a dentist can tell how bad the break is.

What should I do when tissue is injured? Injuries to the inside of the mouth include tears, puncture wounds and lacerations to the cheek, lips or tongue. The wound should be cleaned right away with warm water, and the injured person taken to a hospital emergency room for the necessary care. Bleeding from a tongue laceration can be reduced by pulling the tongue forward and using gauze to place pressure on the wound.

Posted in Dental Crowns, Dental Emergency, Restorative Dentistry | Tagged , , , , |

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