Stress….Nothing to Smile About

     When most people think of stress they think about the physical effects, such as headaches or upset stomach. Many do not realize stress can affect physical and mental health ranging from hair, teeth, skin, to memory and concentration skills, and even to how well we sleep. Stress relief, however, can lead to improvements in overall health and well being. It is important to contact a doctor if stress becomes intense. Some people even start to notice that stress starts to impact there oral health negatively.

             

      Many people do not know that stress can have a negative effect on the health of their mouth. Stress can cause many problems in the mouth and even lead to tooth loss and painful TMJ syndrome. Fever blisters and canker sores are the most visible problems brought on by stress. Canker sores are grey or white ulcers that appear in the mouth. Little is known as to why these sores appear but it is proven that stress plays a big role. Fever blisters or cold sores are caused by a virus that lives in the body called Herpes Simplex and is contagious. They are clusters of water filled blisters and can appear inside or outside the mouth.

           

      Bruxism is the name used to describe the act of clenching and grinding ones teeth together. This is often done unconsciously during sleep and trigged by higher stress levels. Some people even clench and grind when they are awake and can be unaware they are doing it. This clenching and grinding can lead to the wearing down of teeth causing them to become worn and thin and can even cause the teeth to crack or fracture. TMJ syndrome can also develop. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint which is the jaw joint. The condition can be very painful and affect a person’s ears as well. Some people can find relief by wearing some type of mouth guard at night. This keeps the teeth apart and protects them and the jaw.

             

     Stress also weakens a person immune system, which fight against the bacteria that cause periodontal disease, making a person more prone to gum infection. Chronic stress can lead to depression causing a person to be placed on anti-depressant medication. Many of these medications cause dry mouth. This becomes a problem because saliva helps to wash away food particles and harmful bacteria that contribute to plaque formation around the gum line. This can eventually lead to periodontal disease due to infection.

             

     When under stress it is important to take time to focus on dental health. Being sure to see a dentist for regular cleanings and exams can catch problems early and the dentist can help take the steps needed to avoid further problems. Home care is equally as important and can help to fight against periodontal disease. Many doctors recommend counseling, exercise, meditation, and massage to help to reduce stress and improve overall health. 

 

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Six Month Smiles

      Six Month Smiles System is a solution for adults with crooked teeth. The braces and wires are barely noticeable and they blend in very well with the color of teeth. These braces employ new technology that provides safe, comfortable, and efficient tooth movement. It aims to correct the area that you are unhappy with and not make time consuming changes to the way your back teeth bite together. In other words they straighten your teeth they do not correct your bite.

     The force used for Six MonthSmiles is low allowing the process to be comfortable. Once the braces are removed permanent retainers will be bonded behind the teeth to prevent your teeth from moving. Most patients finish Six Month Smiles right at 6 months; however, the treatment time can range from 4-6 months. Call us today to see if you could be a candidate for 6 month smiles and begin your journey to smile with confidence. It only takes one simple consult appointment.

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Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)

     Gum disease affects the structures in the mouth that support the teeth. Even though it is called gum disease it also involves the bone and other tissues too. This disease if typically chronic and progresses over time, however, there is treatment that can limit damage and help keep the mouth healthier.

             

     Many of the factors that put people at risk can be controlled; however, there are still some factors that can’t. Older people tend to have more severe disease because there has been more time for damage to occur. Other risk factors include smoking, poor oral hygiene, having diabetes and other medical conditions, stress, teeth grinding and bite problems, hormone changes, weak immune system, genetics, dry mouth, and medications.

             

     There are several methods of treatment including dental cleanings, medications and surgery. If gum disease is caught early and treated the dentist may be able to reverse some or all of the damage with non-surgical treatment. In very severe cases it may take surgical procedures to save teeth that are in danger of being lost. Any treatment takes a commitment from the patient as well. The patient has to work very hard at home taking care of their teeth and must also maintain regular dental care or the disease can and will return.

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Most Commonly Asked Implant Questions

Q: How do I know if I am a candidate for dental implant treatment?

A: Almost everyone who is missing one or more teeth and is in general good health is a candidate for dental implant treatment. There are a few medical conditions that can undermine the success of implant treatment, such as uncontrolled diabetes. However, there are a few conditions that would keep someone from having implant treatment altogether.

       

     Quality and quantity of available bone for implant placement is more often a factor in qualifying for dental implants than medical conditions.  However, even people who have lost significant amounts of bone can qualify for dental implant treatment with additional procedures to add or create new bone. Advances in the type of treatment have made it possible for thousands who would not previously have been considered candidates to have successful implant procedures.

Q: How painful is getting dental implants?

A: Most of our patients report that they feel very little, if any, pain during procedure. In fact, many patients do not have to use any pain medications afterwards. Your decision to use implants will help you to avoid much pain and discomfort in the long term.

     

      Given the overall health care benefits, you should not deny yourself proper treatment out of fear of pain. As with any medical or dental procedure, your dentist is equipped to provide you with appropriate treatment, including any pain medicines you need.

       

     During the treatment, you can listen to music on headphones, and you can relax with soothing nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, if preferred.  Also, if you are especially fearful, phobic or pain sensitive you have the option of doing the procedures with sedationdentistry. If you are a candidate for sedation you take a small pill before you come into the office and you rest peacefully as we do our work. With this option you remember little to nothing about the procedure the next day, and we can comfortably get more work done that visit.

Q: How long will it take to complete the treatment?

A: You will notice a difference almost immediately. However, the entire process can take anywhere between 3-12 months to complete. This depends on the type and quantity of implants you need, along with the quality of bone in which the implants are placed. 

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Want to stop using tobacco?

Kentucky Resources

Telephone/ Text quit line

            Call for free one-on-one help from cessation specialist

            1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) 8am-1am, 7 days/ week

Callers can be directed to local services/classes. A special program is available for pregnant women.

On-Line Help 

            www.QuitNowKentucky.org

            www.smokefree.gov

            www.BecomeAnEx.org

            www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips

            www.QuitterInYou.org

            www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/tobacco/smoking

Classes

            Plan to Be Tobacco Free- a new class, lasting up to one hour at no charge in Kentucky by Kentucky Cancer Program. Visit www.kycancerprogram.org

           
           Cooper Clayton Method to Stop Smoking- Kentucky Cancer Program, local health departments and community organizations offer classes across the state. Includes 13 one-hour weekly sessions and nicotine replacement. Visit www.kycancerprogram.org for a listing of classes in your area.

Health Care providers

            Ask your doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or other health care provider for assistance. They can provide counseling, referrals, and recommend medications that are right for you.

Medications

            Medications can help reduce the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and make smoking cessation easier. The primary medications are over-the-counter nicotine replacement products and prescription drugs. Research shows that a combination of counseling with medications produces higher quit rates.

Cost coverage

            Quit Now Kentucky and Copper Clayton Classes

            Medicare

            Health insurance- contact to see if coverage is available for counseling or medication

            Partnership for Prescription Assistance- call 1-888-4PPA-NOW

Thank You!

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST DENTIST IN THE FOUR RIVERS REGION!

Dental Implants Seminar

Dental Implants have changed the way patients have to cope with the loss of teeth. A dental implant is the most effective and long-lasting way to replace missing or broken-down teeth. They look and feel natural giving you your confidence back.

If you have missing teeth, broken teeth or your dentures are slipping call today to schedule your implant consultation 270-444-6414, and don't forget, if you have a fear of the dentist we offer sedation.

Visit Paducah Dental Care to learn more!