Uncategorised

Uncategorised (5)

Tuesday, 14 April 2015 14:17

Our Ooltewah Dentist Can Calm Your Dental Fears

Written by
Ooltewah dentist officeDental phobia is one of the leading reasons adults don’t visit the dentist. The American Dental Association posted findings estimating that seventy- five percent of adults in the United States have a mild or extreme fear of the dentist. For many, their fear of the dentist is so severe that many avoid setting foot in a dentist office unless there is a dental emergency.

You shouldn’t let your fears of the dentist stop you from receiving the dental care you need. There are many ways to minimize your fears and ultimately conquer your dental phobias. Here are our top tips for overcoming your fears of the dentist’s chair.

  • Communication is the most effective way of coping with you anxiety. Talk with your dentist about your fears. Discussing procedures beforehand can help you to feel more relaxed and give you a sense of control in the situation. When the doctor is aware of your fears he can take steps to better accommodate your needs and put your anxiety to rest.
  • Just as distractions can work to occupy an unruly toddler, they can help to keep your mind off your fears and the dental procedures at hand. Consider bringing headphones and listening to music while the dentist is treating you.
  • Relaxation techniques have also been proven to calm fears. When you are upset, your body releases stress chemicals that can heighten anxiety and make your pain receptors more sensitive. Deep breathing can be helpful in these situations.
  • Modern technology has virtually made dental procedures pain free. With topical anesthetics, anesthesia and laser drills, patients don’t have to endure the pain formally associated with dental procedures.

Dr. Tedford and the staff of his Ooltewah dentist office can help to ease your fears of the dentist and keep you smile at its brightest and healthiest.

pediatric dentist OoltewahSucking on a thumb or pacifier is extremely common in babies and toddlers. It offers a sense of safety, security and relaxation. However, prolonged sucking on a pacifier or thumb can result in a variety of dental issues. Thumb sucking or the use of a pacifier after age two can lead to a misalignment of teeth, changes in the shape of the roof of the mouth and result in problems with proper mouth growth. The risk of dental complications increases if the behavior continues after the teeth start coming in.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the majority of children will stop using a pacifier or sucking their thumb on their own between the ages of two and four. Here are a few tips to help your child break the habit:

·         Limiting the use of a pacifier can help to decrease the dependency on it.
·         There are a variety of creams found at your local pharmacy that you can apply to the thumb to help break the sucking habit.
·         Reward your child as they begin to stop the action.

Since the behavior is common and soothing, there are a few precautious that help to limit the amount of permanent damage.

·         Use “orthodontically correct” pacifiers as they reduce the risk of dental damage.
·         Never give a baby a bottle of juice at bedtime, opt for water instead.
·         Don’t use honey or sugar on the pacifier to help calm the baby.
·         Try to only use a pacifier at nap or bed times.

Breaking a thumb sucking or pacifier habit can be very challenging for some children. Consult with our Ooltewah pediatric dentist to help your little one kick the habit and ensure healthy teeth.

Tuesday, 20 January 2015 15:31

Oral Health Problems in Seniors

Written by
dentures ChattanoogaAge, health conditions and other factors can all put seniors at risk for a number of oral health issues. Oral health is an important component of overall health and well-being, but can often be overlooked. There are several conditions that are commonly found in senior patients:

Cavities effect all ages, not just children. As you age, the risk of tooth decay increases, simply because adults do not visit the dentist as regularly as children. When cavities go undetected and untreated for longer periods, the problem ultimatley worsens. No matter your age, you should visit the dentist on a regular basis.

Dry mouth or xerostomia, is a condition plaguing many seniors. It is estimated that upwards of 20% of seniors suffer from dry mouth. Typically it is caused by a variety of medicines. Common prescriptions such as decongestants, antihistamines, pain medicines, antidepressants, diuretics, muscle relaxers and high blood pressure medicines can all cause the condition. To help alleviate dry mouth, drink plenty of water and limit you caffeine and alcohol intake.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal disease is an infection that effects the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth causing them to become inflammed or seperate from the teeth. In the early stages, the disease is painless, but as it advances it becomes more painful, causing sore gums and pain when eating. Proper brushing and flossing can prevent gum disease. Seniors are more prone to the disease due to arthritis and limited dexterity.

Many seniors can also have difficulty eating due to cavities, missing teeth, gum disease, or poorly fitting dentures. These oral health problems can make it challenging to eat and force an adjustment in the balance of their diet.

Good oral health habits are important at any age. Regardless of age, brushing twice a day, flossing and regular visits to the dentist can keep your teeth at their healthiest.

Thursday, 28 August 2014 10:25

Calming Your Childs Fear of the Dentist

Written by

pediatric dentist ooltewah tn From the cold unusual objects to unfamiliar surroundings, children and adults alike share fears of the dentist. No matter the fears, visits to the dentist will keep teeth healthy and promote good oral health habits. Here are a few tips to keeping the fears at bay and their smile pearly white.

The Earlier the Better
The younger a child is when they start visiting a dentist, the more likely they will become comfortable with the surroundings and the dentist. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s first trip to the dentist should be at age one or when their first tooth is visible. Early prevention will increase the overall health of your mouth.

According to several studies, more preschool students have cavities than ever before. The national study states that, “more than 1 in 4 children in the United states has had at least one cavity by the age of 4. Many kids get cavities as early as age 2.”

Don’t Over Share
Try not to share too many details before dental appointments. Too much explaining can result in more questions as well is scare many children. Keep a positive attitude and let the dentist and hygienists explain the procedures. Also, refrain from taking your children to your dentist appointment. Even though you may not realize it, you may be anxious. Telling about past or current procedures can instill more fear, especially if those procedures are not necessary.

Play Pretend
Grab a toothbrush and let your child practice being both the dentist and the patient. Brushing and counting teeth will help to prepare them for the actual office visit. You want your child to become familiar with the routine in hopes that they will be more comfortable with the procedures. Additionally, there are a variety of children’s books with illustrations that are design to educate and relieve fears of the dentist.

Fussing is Normal
Pediatric dentists are used to children and tantrums. It is normal that a child will cry, whine or fuss during an appointment. Allow the staff to guide and direct you. Many will ask that you hold your child’s hand to help comfort them during the visit. If your little one has a favorite toy or stuffed animal, bring that as a comfort and distraction.

Encouraging the importance of good dental health is important. Explain that the dentist helps to keep their smile pretty, and that regular visits are necessary. Follow these tips are your child is sure to overcome their fears.

Our Ooltewah pediatric denistry office can help calm your child's fears of the dentist as well as keep their teeth pearly white.

Written by Tiffany Hutton
Monday, 25 November 2013 19:38

We're Moving to Cambridge Square in Spring 2014

Written by

We recently celebrated six years of dental service to the Ooltewah TN, Chattanooga, and Cleveland communities. It's been a time of wonderful growth for our practice and we are excited to announce that in the Spring of 2014 we will have a beautiful new office space in Cambridge Square. Cambridge Square is a new development in Ooltewah that features locally-owned businesses in a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly public space. Some of our neighbors already include Southern Burger Company, Lupi's Pizza, Be Yoga, Choo Choo Barbecue, and MorningPointe.

We are so excited to join these businesses and be a part this thriving new business community. Our office is still under construction, but River Street Architecture has completed elevations that show what a beautiful space it will be. Earth work has already begun and in a few short months we will be ready to move in! We will miss our current home at the Ooltewah-Ringgold Road location, but look forward to what lies ahead. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this growth and the Tedford Dentistry family!

Written by Tiffany Hutton