Reducing Your Dental Anxiety Through Natural Methods
Imagine a trip to Hawaii. Now think about a dental cleaning. Given the choice between those two scenarios, most people would take the trip–especially if they have feel anxious about a dental visit. The great news is that you can use natural methods to reduce anxiety, including dental anxiety. Many people feel a certain degree of nervousness when thinking about a trip to the dentist. That anxiety can increase if the treatment involves a procedure such as root canal, a filling, or extraction. While medication can provide relief for anxiety, some people prefer to avoid chemical sedation. Here are some alternative suggestions for those who want to relax during their appointment without the drugs. Mental images: Imagine you are someplace else is a good way to relax. Pretend you are on that tropical island, or another favorite place. Breathing: Deep breathing can be used in conjunction with other relaxation techniques. Although some people have found that concentrating on taking slow deep breaths is all that is needed to become calm. Hypnosis: A focused form of relaxation training that can help anxiety. it’s not just for laughs at a Las Vegas stage show. Preparation: Plain old common sense is an excellent way to reduce stress. Simply plan ahead and prep both your mind for the appointment. Book a time when you won’t feel rushed or stressed-out. Avoid caffeinated drinks and sugar before the visit. You should talk to your dentist about your anxiety. If you are feeling anxious about your visit with our Waco dentist, Dr. Latino, we would be happy to talk with you! We can help you reduce your dental anxiety through natural methods and through our sedation dentistry in Waco, Texas. Please contact Chad Latino DDS at 254-615-3084 to schedule your appointment.
Add a Mouthwash to Your Dental Health Arsenal
Besides getting a professional dental cleaning, you can’t beat the combo of toothbrush and toothpaste when it comes to oral hygiene. Although, consider that there are other dental aids that can help you in your quest for mouth cleanliness. Adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your daily hygiene routine can be excellent for your dental health. In the war against tooth decay, cracks and crevices are the enemies camp. Brushes can’t always get to all of those tiny spaces where bacteria hide. Doing a daily rinse with a dentist recommended mouthwash will help keep your teeth in gums in great shape. There a several helpful principles concerning mouthwash. Good mouthwashes can eliminate bad breath (aka halitosis), tackle tooth decay, remove plaque, battle gingivitis, and kill tartar from forming. Even those persistent individuals with great dental health who loyally floss daily will see improvement when using a mouthwash that contains antibacterial attributes. Are you using the right mouthwash? If you are searching for an over-the-counter mouthwash, closely examine the label to confirm that you are getting fluoride inside, which works to eradicate plaque, gingivitis, and cavities as well as bad breath. Look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance to be sure that you are getting a mouthwash that is more than just a breath freshener. Dental note: Swallowing large amounts of mouthwash can cause nausea, vomiting and in some products, intoxication due to the alcohol content. For this reason, we do not suggest mouthwash for children any younger than 6-years-old. Check the label for specific precautions. Dr. Latino, your dentist in Waco, would be delighted to advise you on the various types of mouthwashes he recommends. If we can answer your questions or help you in any way, please contact Chad Latino DDS, or come by our office. You’ll find us at 6701 Sanger Ave #101, Waco, TX 76710. We can’t wait to help you achieve a bright and healthy smile! And don’t forget, we also offer Invisalign in Waco, Texas.
A Dental Bridge Might Be Able to Replace a Knocked Out Tooth
A severe blow to the mouth can cause significant oral trauma, which could potentially apply enough force to deeply shatter or knock out a tooth. In a situation like this, emergency dental care is often needed to treat soft tissue damage and assess the treatment options for the traumatized tooth. At Chad Latino DDS, we can provide several restorative dentistry solutions, including a dental bridge to replace a knocked out tooth. In an extreme case where the tooth is not viable for treatment via a root canal, Dr. Latino and his associates might advocate a total dental extraction. This will remove whatever remains of the tooth’s root. Then your gums will be sutured and you will be provided with a prescription for some form of pain medication. After all the affected tissues have fully healed Dr. Latino can help you understand the dental restoration options offered at Chad Latino DDS. This might include a dental implant in Waco, Texas. This might also include a dental bridge restoration to fully replace the missing tooth. A bridge is one way to replace a knocked out tooth. This mode of treatment starts with Dr. Latino examining the two teeth adjacent to the void to make sure they are healthy and strong. Then he will carefully remove the enamel layer from each tooth. This leaves behind a pair of abutments that will eventually anchor the dental bridge in your mouth. The dental bridge will be created at an off-site dental lab. You will need to return for a second appointment to have it cemented in place with a strong dental adhesive. If you live in the Waco, Texas, area and you have suffered a severe dental trauma, you should call 254-615-3084 to seek emergency dental care at Chad Latino DDS. We might recommend a dental bridge to replace your knocked out tooth, or another of our quality dental services.
Brushing and Flossing: The Dynamic Duo
There is more to oral hygiene than simply brushing your teeth. Though brushing is vital, it needs to be done in concert with its companion, flossing. Brushing should be done twice a day, for 2 minutes each time. Use a very soft toothbrush to make short back-and-forth strokes over your teeth and gums. Using the soft bristled brush will make sure that you get your teeth and gums clean, without damaging the enamel or gum tissue. Flossing is also vital for protection from plaque buildup. Chad Latino DDS is glad to offer information on flossing. Flossing cleans between teeth, in the areas your brush cannot reach. Flossing should be done once a day, for 2-3 minutes per session. Use a single-filament thread, if possible, to prevent fraying. Frayed floss is less effective, and shreds can get caught between teeth, causing discomfort. Brushing and flossing both work to remove food particles, debris, acids, and plaque away from your teeth and gums. There are bacteria that live in your mouth. These bacteria feed on sugars from food particles and produce and acidic byproduct that erodes tooth enamel. The bacteria form a sticky film known as plaque that covers the teeth and gums. This is unsightly and damaging to your teeth. It can lead to enamel erosion (cavities) and gum disease. If your plaque buildup has hardened, it is called tartar. Only a dentist has the proper tools and training to remove tartar and get your smile clean and white again. For more information, call Chad Latino DDS at 254-615-3084. No matter your dental needs, we are there for you. For example, could you use a deep cleaning? We offer this service and more as part of our comprehensive general and family dentistry in Waco, Texas. Dr. Latino and our team look forward to making your smile shine!
Why Your Dentist May Need to Perform a Root Canal
The tough, mineralized layer that covers your teeth is called your dental enamel. It’s a thin and translucent layer that covers the inner dentin, another layer that protects the inner tooth pulp. The pulp contains the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. If the pulp becomes infected, this is one reason why your dentist may need to perform a root canal, also called root canal therapy, to save the tooth. Despite tooth enamel being the strongest tissue in your body, stronger even than bones, it still susceptible to harm, which is why it’s important to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Your regular dental care should include professional dental cleanings so that tooth decay can’t weaken the tooth and lead to a dental infection. There are several reasons why dentist Dr. Latino may need to perform a root canal. These include to treat deep tooth decay, a tooth that has received several dental procedures, or a tooth that is cracked, chipped, or has a fractured root. We encourage you to never delay receiving a root canal out of fear of pain. The purpose of root canal treatment is to reduce pain and save your tooth. Because an infected tooth can cause discomfort such as persistent pain; swelling in the gums, face, neck; and tooth sensitivity, it’s best to receive treatment quickly. If left untreated, tooth pulp can eventually die and supportive bone tissue lost, causing you to lose the tooth. Dr. Chad Latino is your dentist in Waco. Chad Latino DDS is here to help enjoy your healthy smile for life. We encourage you to call 254-615-3084 if you are interested in learning more about root canal treatment or are concerned about your oral health and would like to schedule an appointment with our dentist. We offer general, family, cosmetic dentistry in Waco, Texas, and more.
Nitrous Oxide and Your Dental Visit
There are some people who are fine with visiting the dentist. There are others who look forward to their appointment every six months. And then there are those people who may experience anything from mild anxiety to a phobia when it comes to seeing the dentist. Many people are nervous or or even frightened at the prospect of a dental visit. While such feelings are not uncommon, if they keep you from your dental appointments, you run the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral problems. Instead of avoiding your dentist, why not talk to [himher] about your dental anxiety? Fear should not keep you out of the dentist chair, and your dentist will be happy to work with you to find a solution. One way to address your dental anxiety is through the use of nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas has been used in many dental practices for years, and many dentist prefer to use it for the sedation of children. It is mixed with oxygen, and administered to the patient through a mask placed over the nose. The patient will be relaxed, but will not be unconscious and can still communicate with the dental staff if necessary. The effects of the gas wear off within minutes after it has been removed, and there are no lingering effects. In fact, you will be able to drive yourself home after your appointment If visiting the dentist sends a chill up your spine, talk to our dentist, Dr. [doctor_name] about using nitrous oxide. If you live in the [city], [state], area and would like to schedule an appointment at [practice_name], call [phone] today.
A Professionally Whitened Smile Needs to Be Maintained
Have you ever wondered if you should whiten your teeth? Chronic and significant dental stains can prove very stubborn to remove with the retail whitening products sold in stores. Rather than risk harming your teeth and gums with excessive use, you should consider scheduling a dental whitening treatment at Dr. Latino’s dental offices. The potent whitening agents and professional techniques at Dr. Latino uses can safely remove dental stains from your tooth enamel without risking your oral health. Then, your professionally whitened smile needs to be maintained. You might need to embrace some minor changes in your diet and daily habits. This might include cutting back on foods that are known to contribute to dental stains such as dark chocolate, tomato sauce, and dark berries. If you frequently consume dark beverages like coffee, tea, and dark soft drinks, you might want to consider using a straw. This will help prevent direct exposure to the teeth that appear in your smile. Tobacco can also cause dental stains to quickly appear on the surfaces of your teeth. You should talk to your primary physician to find the cessation method that’s right for you. Occasionally brushing your teeth with a whitening toothpaste or using whitening strips that have been approved by the American Dental Association can also help remove minor surface stains. This might prove to be an effective preventative measure to maintain your white teeth between your routine dental cleanings. If you live in the Waco, Texas, area and you have been struggling with chronic dental stains on the teeth in your smile, you can benefit from a professionally whitened smile. Call 254-615-3084 to schedule an appointment at Chad Latino DDS. You’ll find us conveniently located in Waco. We’ll help you understand everything about professional teeth whitening.
Protecting Teeth With Dental Sealants
Each of your teeth has an important job to do, and they are constructed specifically to do a particular job. In the case of your back teeth, which are called your molars and premolars, their job is crush and grind your food so that it is easier to swallow and digest. To make that job easier, those teeth have ridges on them which are called cusps. Those cusps are very good at helping us chew our food, but they also create places for food debris and acids to accumulate and for plaque to breed. When those three combine, you can be faced with cavities, lost teeth and gum disease. Protecting your teeth and molars with dental sealants can help. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day will help, since your toothbrush may not be able to reach those areas created by the cusps. To protect your back teeth, your dentist may apply dental sealants. Sealants are thin layers of plastic applied directly to the chewing surfaces of your molars and premolars, that act as an extra layer of protection for your tooth enamel. First, the tooth is washed, and thoroughly dried. An acid solution is applied to the surface to roughen it up. This will allow the sealants to better adhere to your tooth. After the sealant is applied, the dentist will cure it with a special light, or allow it to harden on its own. Dental sealants work best if they are applied early, and for that reason they are applied as soon as a person’s molars and premolars erupt. This is also the time when children are most vulnerable to cavities. However, if your back teeth are in good shape, or if you are at heightened risk for cavities, your dentist may suggest using dental sealants. You will still need to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist for your cleanings and exams. Keep in mind that the sealants only cover the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. Dental sealants are an effective preventative measure. If it is time for dental sealants for your child, or if you are considering getting dental sealants for yourself, you should speak with our dentist, Dr. Latino. If you live in the Waco, Texas, area, call 254-615-3084 to make an appointment at Chad Latino DDS.
What You Need to Know About Gum Disease
One of the most common disorders you’ll come across when reading about dentistry is “gum disease.” Have you ever really stopped to ponder exactly what gum disease is? Knowing the basics of periodontal disease will help you in wrapping your head around a lot of what dentists do, and it should also help you know better how to keep your oral cavity fresh. Here’s a quick breakdown on everything you need to know about gum disease: -Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums where acids have overstayed their welcome in the mouth and grown under the gum line, forming sacks of decay between your pearly whites and gums. -Though it’s still harmful, the damage from the first phase of gum disease (gingivitis) is typically reversible by treatment from your dentist. -The second stage of gum disease normally causes permanent harm to the teeth, bones and gums, and when left unchecked, it can advance to progressive periodontitis or chronic periodontitis. -The early phases of periodontal disease show signs in the form of red, bloody, painful and/or swollen gums. -The people most at risk for forming periodontal disease are those older than 70, men and those with dry mouth. -You can greatly diminish your risk of contracting gum disease by following good dental hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice per day, floss once daily and visit our office for cleanings every six months. We hope this post has been enlightening for you. To schedule your next cleaning with Dr. Latino, contact our Chad Latino DDS office in Waco, Texas. We’ll help you understand everything you need to know about gum disease, through our preventive dentistry and gum care services.
Should You Choose an Implant or a Bridge?
There are good reasons for replacing missing teeth. Not only will tooth-restoration improve your appearance and help you to look younger, it can also improve your ability to eat and speak. Additionally, empty spaces in your smile give plaque and bacteria extra places to accumulate, which can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. If you’ve ever wondered if you should replace a tooth with an implant or a bridge, the following information might help. Implants are very popular, since they sit directly in your jawbone, and do not need to be removed to be cleaned. They are also very sturdy, long-lasting and natural-looking. Be that as it may, not everyone is a good candidate for implants. If your gums are not healthy, or if you do not have enough bone in your jaw to support the implant, your dentist may suggest another restoration option. Certain medications and medical conditions, including pregnancy, may mean that implants are not for you. In that case, the dentist may suggest a dental bridge. A bridge is an effective way to replace missing teeth. It also does not require the surgery needed for implants. To place a bridge, the dentist will remove the enamel from the tooth on each end of the gap. These teeth will receive crowns and will serve as the anchors for the bridge. The dentist will take an impression of the teeth and the gap, fit you with temporary crowns and a bridge, and send the impression to a dental lab. There, a technician will create your permanent bridge. When it is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary bridgework and cement the new crowns and bridge in place. If you are missing one or more teeth, you should talk to Dr. Latino about your restoration options, including an implant or a bridge. If you need implants or a crown, Dr. Latino and the staff at Chad Latino DDS can help you find the right solution for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
