Here’s Why You Should Floss

Here’s Why You Should Floss

Here’s Why You Should Floss

Flossing is Essential for Optimal Oral Health

Flossing is one of the most important steps in your oral hygiene routine, yet it’s often overlooked or forgotten. At Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, we believe that flossing is essential to maintain optimal oral health and prevent cavities and gum disease. Let’s discuss why flossing is so important and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine.

What Does Floss Do?

Floss is designed to clean the areas between teeth that are too tight for a toothbrush to reach. If left uncleaned, plaque builds up in these hard-to-reach places and can lead to cavities and gum disease. In addition to removing plaque, floss also helps remove food particles from between teeth before they have a chance to rot and cause bad breath.

When Should I Floss?

At Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, we recommend that patients floss at least once per day. It’s best to floss after brushing, as this ensures that all food particles are removed before saliva dries them back onto the teeth. You should also use either waxed or unwaxed dental floss depending on your preferences; both types of floss are just as effective at removing plaque and food particles from between teeth.

How Should I Floss?

We recommend using about 18 inches of floss at a time so you don’t accidentally cross-contaminate surfaces in your mouth with bacteria present on used portions of the string. Gently slide the string between each tooth and against the sides of each tooth, curving it around the base of each one in a C shape as you go along. Be sure to be gentle when you do this; if you press too hard with the dental floss, you may damage your gums or cause bleeding. Once finished, rinse your mouth out with water or mouthwash to get rid of any remaining plaque or food particles.

Contact Us Today!

Flossing may seem like an annoying step in your oral hygiene routine — but taking just a few minutes per day can make a huge difference in preventing cavities and gum disease down the road! At Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, we highly recommend incorporating regular daily flossing into your oral health routine for optimal dental health. If you have questions about how to properly use dental floss or want more information about other healthy habits for maintaining good oral hygiene, please contact our office today! We look forward to hearing from you!

Signs of a Cavity

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Signs of a Cavity

Signs of a Cavity

Dental cavities are one of the most common oral health problems in the world. A cavity is a hole in your tooth that develops when tooth decay isn’t removed. Tooth decay is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Plaque produces acids that eat away at tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth.

Most cavities form on the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, where plaque can build up easily. Cavities can also form on the sides of your teeth near the gum line.

Cavities are permanent damage to your teeth and must be treated by a dentist near you. If not treated, cavities will continue to grow larger and can eventually lead to pain, tooth loss, and infection.

The best way to prevent cavities is to practice good oral hygiene and visit your Colorado Springs dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. However, even with good oral hygiene, you may still develop a cavity. Here are some signs that you may have a cavity:

You Have Toothache Pain

If you have pain in one or more of your teeth, it could be a sign of a cavity. The pain may be constant or may only occur when you eat or drink certain foods or beverages.

You See Holes or Cracks in Your Teeth

If you can see holes or cracks in your teeth, it means that the tooth decay has eaten through the enamel and into the dentin, which is the inner layer of your teeth.

You Feel Sensitivity to Hot and Cold Foods and Beverages

If you feel sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, it may be because the dentin has been exposed. Dentin is softer than enamel and is more susceptible to heat and cold sensitivity.

You Notice White Spots on Your Teeth

White spots on your teeth are another early sign of tooth decay as talked about with our friends over at Friendly Dental, a Dentist in Aberdeen NJ. These spots occur when plaque begins to build up on your teeth and the acids start to eat away at the enamel.

You Have Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away

Bad breath that won’t go away can be a sign of dental cavities or gum disease. Bacteria from dental cavities can cause bad breath. If you have gum disease, bacteria can get trapped below the gum line and cause bad breath as well as gum inflammation.

Dental cavities are common but serious oral health problems that require treatment by a dentist. Cavities occur when tooth decay isn’t removed and plaque starts to eat away at tooth enamel. Most cavities form on the back teeth or near the gum line.

Contact Us Today!

You can practice good oral hygiene habits and visit your dentist regularly to help prevent cavities, but even with good oral hygiene habits, you may still develop a cavity. If you have any of these signs, you may have a cavity: toothache pain, holes or cracks in your teeth, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, white spots on your teeth, or bad breath that won’t go away. If you think you have a cavity, call Kissing Camels Family Dentistry today office today for an appointment!

Medication Effects On Your Oral Health

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The Effects of Medication on Your Oral Health

Medication Effects On Your Oral Health

The effects of medication on your oral health are often overlooked. Many people are unaware of the potential harm that some medications can cause to teeth and gums. Our Colorado Springs dentist is here to provide some insight.

There are a variety of medications that can have negative effects on your oral health. Some of the more common ones are:

Antihistamines

These can cause a decrease in saliva production, which can lead to a dry mouth. A dry mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Decongestants

Decongestants: These work by constricting blood vessels, which can also lead to a decrease in saliva production and a dry mouth.

Painkillers

These can cause increased acidity in the mouth, which can lead to tooth enamel erosion.

Diuretics

These increase urination, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can cause a decrease in saliva production and a dry mouth.

If you are taking any of these medications, it is important to be extra diligent about your oral hygiene. Be sure to brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash regularly. If you are concerned about the effects of your medication on your oral health, please don’t hesitate to contact our office and schedule an appointment.

Contact Us Today

At Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, our goal is always what’s best for the patient as a whole individual. Part of this means providing education on how different aspects of our lives (including the medications we take) affect our oral health so that we can be proactive in taking the best possible care of ourselves! We hope you found this post informative and helpful! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here for you!

Is It Time For My Wisdom Teeth To Come Out

Is It Time For My Wisdom Teeth To Come Out

Signs That It Might Be Time For A Wisdom Tooth Removal

Is It Time For My Wisdom Teeth To Come Out

Wisdom teeth are a common source of discomfort for many people. While it is possible for them to grow in without causing any problems, there is a higher chance that they will at least cause some pain or discomfort. There are many reasons why wisdom teeth may need to be removed, including impacted teeth, crowding, or infection. Wisdom teeth removal is a relatively simple procedure, and recovery is usually quick. However, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of wisdom teeth removal with your dentist in Colorado Springs CO before making a decision. So, ask yourself is it time for my wisdom teeth to come out? 

Your Wisdom Teeth Hurt 

When most people think of wisdom teeth, they think of the pain and discomfort that can come with them. However, sometimes the signs can go further than an irritation. Sometimes your wisdom teeth will announce their appearance by being extremely painful. The pain from wisdom teeth can spread since they can press on your sinuses, disturb your other teeth, and even give you headaches. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see Dr. Boals to have them checked out. While wisdom teeth don’t always need to be removed, if they are causing problems, they can be taken out to help relieve your pain. Don’t suffer in silence – if your wisdom teeth are giving you trouble, be sure to see the best dentist in Colorado Springs CO as soon as possible.

Feeling Discomfort While You Eat Or Open Your Mouth

It can be difficult to eat when your jaw is stiff, and this is often caused by wisdom teeth coming in. When wisdom teeth come in, they can push the other teeth out of alignment, which can cause you to bite down on your tongue or cheek. In some cases, the pain can be so severe that it is difficult to eat. Our friends at New Providence Dentistry, the best dentist in New Providence NJ, want you to know if you are having trouble eating, it is important to see a dentist. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend a course of treatment. In some cases, the wisdom teeth will need to be removed. However, there are many options available, and the dentist will be able to find the best solution for you.

Contact Kissing Camel Family Dentistry Today!

Are you looking for a new dentist? If so, you should definitely consider Kissing Camel Family Dentistry. We provide top-quality dental care for patients of all ages, and we accept a wide range of insurance plans. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology, and our highly skilled staff is always ready to answer any questions you may have. We understand that choosing a dentist can be a difficult decision, but we promise that you won’t be disappointed if you choose Kissing Camel Family Dentistry. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!

Signs of a Dead Tooth

signs of a dead tooth - Colorado Springs

Signs of a Dead Tooth

Healthy teeth are so important to your overall health that even minor tooth decay and the resulting pain can be extremely distressing, particularly if you can’t figure out where it’s coming from. Cavities and other dental problems can often be seen. Still, a dead tooth is not always visible in its early stages. Overall, it’s best to visit your Colorado Springs dentist as soon as possible before things worsen. Read below to learn more about the signs of a dead tooth.

What Is A Dead Tooth?

A tooth is made up of several layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. To remain viable, teeth need a constant blood supply to the pulp, which is the innermost part of the tooth and is made up of nerves and blood vessels. When the blood flow to the pulp is cut off, the tooth begins to die due to a lack of vital nutrients and oxygen. A non-vital or necrotic tooth is another name for this dental problem. If left untreated, it would most likely become infected. In these cases, the patient will likely experience a tooth abscess, and the tooth will ultimately fall out if untreated, says Dr. Cody Boals and Dr. Alexa Johnson.

Causes

Tooth Decay: Cavities may form due to a lack of good oral hygiene habits, allowing bacteria to access the pulp over time. Healthy tooth pulp can resist infection for as long as possible, but the longer the inflammation lasts, the more likely the tooth will become necrotic.

Tooth Trauma: Physical damage to the tooth may occur unexpectedly and for various causes, including participation in a contact sport or a fall in which the mouth or face is hurt. If you don’t seek emergency dental care, a dead tooth may occur.

In general, this is the sequence of events that leads to a tooth being non-vital:

  • A cavity begins to enter a tooth.
  • Dental injury occurs.
  • Infection caused by breaks or cracks in the tooth.
  • Bacteria are combated by healthy pulp.
  • Swelling and pressure develop, resulting in pain.
  • The tooth nerve is deficient in nutrients and oxygen.
  • Blood supply to the tooth is decreased or completely stopped, resulting in a necrotic tooth.

Signs of a Dead Tooth

There are two key signs to search for if you think you have a dead tooth:

Tooth Pain: The first sign of a dead tooth is generally discomfort in and around the tooth. The pain can range from mildly annoying to unbearable. The inflammation and swelling within the tooth placed pressure on the periodontal membrane, the delicate nerve tissue around the base of the tooth.

Tooth Discoloration: A dying or dead tooth changes colors due to a lack of blood flow, which is similar to bruising. As it dies, the tooth will change color, going from yellow to gray and finally black.

If the tooth becomes more infected or abscessed, you can experience additional symptoms such as:

  • Periodontal swelling around the tooth
  • Bad taste in your mouth
  • Bad breath
  • Inflammed/sore gums

It is important to obtain prompt and effective care for a dying or dead tooth because there are measures that can be taken to save the tooth or prevent it from being infected potentially. Your Colorado Springs dentist will take x-rays to assess the extent of the damage within the tooth so that a repair plan can be developed.

Treatment

Tooth Extraction: Early treatment can help to avoid extraction, but if the tooth cannot be saved, it must be extracted to prevent infection spread. Tooth extractions are a common procedure that can be completed easily and with minimal discomfort. After your dentist in Colorado Springs extracts the tooth, you have a few choices for replacing it later. Our friend Dr. Wade, a dentist in Pinellas Park, FL, says that most offices will recommend a dental implant or a dental bridge to help prevent additional dental problems down the road. 

Root Canal Therapy: The operation entails a thorough cleaning of the interior of a tooth to extract contaminated tissue or abscesses and the scraping of the pulp, and cleaning of the tooth canals. If the tooth is no longer alive, it can still be useful if it is not damaged. A dead tooth is fragile and can easily chip and crack. Therefore a dental crown may be required to add strength and support to the tooth.

Contact a Colorado Springs Dentist

Now that you’ve read the Signs of a Dead Tooth, you should better understand what to look out for. If you are experiencing any of the above, please contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry before the problem worsens. Our dental office is a judgment-free zone. We genuinely care about our patients and want everyone to have optimal oral health. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today.