Gingivitis causes redness of the gingiva, or the gum line that meets the base of your teeth. It typically causes inflammation, making gums appear puffy. Gingivitis also causes bleeding gums more often during brushing or flossing, with bad breath as a common symptom as well.
According to a 2015 study, 100 million bacteria can be removed from the mouth after 10 minutes of chewing sugar free gum. There are more benefits to chewing gum than just minty fresh breath. It can help various other aspects while you chew:Our seniors are precious and need special consideration to remain healthy. Dr. Tedford works to provide affordable senior dental services like dentures, implants, bridges, and more to the Ooltewah, Chattanooga, Collegedale, and Cleveland, TN communities. In fact, we have a dedicated page on this website to specifically address senior citizen dental care needs.
Readers can learn more about minimizing root decay that can lead to age-related gum loss and tooth loss. Lost Bone mass can also harm the jaw and increase the need for dental implants. Wear and tear related to time also impacts how well dentures fit. Decades of exposure to coffee, wine, and sodas show erosion of the dental enamel. Dr. Tedford assists seniors with routine dental care and cleanings, implants, dentures, veneers, bridges, and teeth whitening.
It’s important that our retirement years be spent comfortably, which includes retaining our ability to chew food correctly and without pain to nourish the body. Poor dental health can lead to problematic infections, according to experts at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Brushing teeth twice daily, flossing, and going for regular dentist checkups are recommended as part of a Consumer Reports Health Checklist for Seniors.
It makes perfect sense that our teeth and gums require extra attention as we get older, the same as other health conditions complicated by age. Some of the unique situations affecting seniors:
And just because someone is of advanced age, that doesn’t mean we never see patients wishing to correct crooked teeth by getting fitted with braces or have teeth whitened. If someone has been sensitive about his or her smile for most of their life and now have the discretionary income to do it, why not?
Special care is needed when treating dementia patients who suffer from jaw, tooth and gum pain. It’s also a good idea to prepare a list before an appointment to tell Dr. Tedford during visits about all drugs taken by seniors, the dosage and how often these medications are taken. Such information can affect the recommended Senior Dental treatment plan.
Seniors are the primary consumers of dental products like dentures, bridges, and dental implants. The latter can be a great option following tooth loss, but the patient needs healthy enough gums and bone to hold an implant in place. Bone density loss is a significant concern for women age 65 and older in particular. Discuss this Dr. Tedford during the initial consultation before such a dental procedure happens.
Access to regular dental care is often difficult for seniors. Medicare doesn’t cover it, and Medicaid coverage is limited. Out-of-pocket expenses can be prohibitive to those on a fixed income. Most seniors must rely on either Medicare Advantage plans or private insurance to get coverage, but there are options.
Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a Medicare and Medicaid program that allows people 55 or older who otherwise need a nursing home level of care to remain in the community, covering dentistry, x-ray services, and other services. There are two PACE organization plans in Tennessee, both through Alexian Brothers Community Services.
The Senior Dental Care insurance program is available to most Medicaid recipients at no additional cost. Veterans may be eligible for dental benefits provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Ask us about payment options such as payment plans and reduced prices based on need.
Dr. Tedford wants to help seniors keep their natural teeth longer and maintain good oral health so they can smile through their golden years. Call us at (423) 238-8887 or make an appointment to visit our office at 9380 Bradmore Lane, Suite 108, Ooltewah TN 37363.
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Blog © 2018 Tedford Family Dentistry: Tedford Keith DDS Ooltewah TN 37363
Below are some simple, general tips from our Ooltewah dentist to keep your dentures, either complete or partial dentures, in good shape.
Confidence is everything, and our cosmetic dentistry staff near McDonald Tennessee has the skills to get you feeling confident about your smile! We take special care to ensure your teeth are aligned properly and have multiple opportunities to help you achieve cleaner-looking bites all around. Some examples of options we provide include:
Teeth Whitening Near McDonald Tennessee
The appearance of your teeth is dependent on the color and reflectiveness from the surrounding tissue, as well as any dark stains gathered over time. Thinner enamel allows more dentin to show through, which can lead to darker-looking not-so-pearly whites! The tooth whitening we provide near McDonald Tennessee is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that decreases stains and discoloration on teeth. Many people opt for this service to ensure their smiles are always picture-perfect!
Tooth Reshaping Near McDonald Tennessee
Tooth reshaping, also called contouring, can fix minor cosmetic dental problems like slightly misshapen teeth. Our office near McDonald Tennessee treats this by gently removing tooth enamel with a laser or drill. You'll be able to smile proudly, knowing you received quality work from experts with the experience necessary to bring out your best features!
Dental Implants Near McDonald Tennessee
To accommodate tooth loss, dental implants can replace a tooth's root with an artificial root. Metal posts or frames are surgically positioned under the gums into the jawbone. The placement of these dental implants allows for reliable replacements of missing teeth. In most cases, the results aren't just an improved smile, but a more youthful appearance as well.
Dental Veneers Near McDonald Tennessee
Dental veneers are a quick and easy way to fix many different types of dental problems. They come in the form of thin pieces of porcelain that can be bonded onto your teeth, providing them with a strength similar to enamel. Dental veneers can be very beneficial whenever there are gaps between teeth or when multiple teeth are missing altogether.
Visit Tedford Family Dentistry Near McDonald Tennesee
You deserve to have a smile that lights up the world, and it’s possible by improving your dental health! No matter what type of stain or discoloration you are struggling with, we will combat them together through proven procedures like bleaching and laser treatments. Make an appointment today for your cosmetic consultation near McDonald Tennessee!
Tedford Family Dentistry is the dentist of East Brainerd that the community has come to know and trust with their family's dental care. Regardless of the age of the family member, we can assist in keeping their teeth in tip-top shape!
Pediatric dental care is an essential part of a child's overall health and development. Primary teeth begin to erupt between six and twelve months of age and continue to erupt until around age three. This is a crucial time for children to receive proper dental care, learn healthy oral hygiene habits, and have any potential problems with their teeth or jaw development detected and treated early.
Early dental visits also allow parents to learn how to best care for their child's teeth, and how to avoid or address common issues such as cavities, tooth decay, and the effects of pacifier use, thumb-sucking, or baby bottling on teeth and jaw development. Ensuring that children receive the proper dental care during this crucial time can help them develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Preventive dentistry is all about maintaining good oral hygiene and educating people of all ages on how to keep their teeth and gums healthy. This includes daily brushing and flossing, teeth cleanings, and examinations. Preventive care can also help detect problems early when they are most easily treated. By taking proactive steps to care for your teeth and gums, you can help prevent serious dental problems down the road.
One of the most important things you can do as you age is to pay attention to your oral health. After years of use, your teeth and gums can become weaker, making them more susceptible to decay and disease. Senior dental care is essential to maintaining a healthy smile, and Dr. Tedford is committed to providing his patients with the latest technology and gentle care. Whether you need a routine cleaning or more advanced treatment, he will work with you to create a plan that meets your individual needs.
Tedford Family Dentistry is the dentist of East Brainerd for good reason, we are your one-stop shop for any dental needs. Dr. Tedford and our skilled staff are dedicated to providing patients with quality results and gentle dental care at an affordable price. We offer a variety of services such as teeth cleanings, fillings, crowns, and more. We also have a wide selection of dental products to choose from, so you can find the perfect fit for your smile.
“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” –Oprah Winfrey
The last remaining months of the year are filled with family, friends, and food– yes, with the holidays comes a full spread of delicious eats and treats that you’ve likely been anticipating all year long. Though you’re surely excited to indulge in all the foods, drinks, and desserts you love while you celebrate the holidays, it’s important to prioritize your oral health during this time as well. So here are five dental tips to bear in mind this holiday season to keep your teeth and gums healthy and happy.
Even though the holidays can be a major disruption to our everyday schedules, it’s important to stick to your regular routine as it pertains to oral health. Make sure you continue to brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and that you floss at least once per day too!
Of course, the end of the year is easily the busiest of times, but that isn’t reason enough to blow off your regular dental visits. Keep your teeth healthy and cavity free, and your gums in ship shape by keeping those always-important dental check ups and cleanings.
Drinking water has a slew of health benefits, but is especially important during the holiday season. This busy time of year often has us running ragged, and staying hydrated can help boost our immune systems, keep our skin looking its best, and help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Water washes away food debris and bacteria, and often has fluoride in it to help strengthen teeth while you drink it.
It’s easy during this time of year at holiday parties and family gatherings to eat a little here and there, and graze on the snacks and treats abounding. That said, grazing is not great for your teeth and gums. When you eat, your body produces an acid that aids in the breakdown of food, and that acid is not ideal for tooth health. This is why it’s a good idea for meal times to have distinct beginnings and ends to allow for your teeth to get a break from this process. It’s also a good idea to try to brush or rinse after eating whenever possible.
Another pro tip, especially during the holiday season, is to keep some dental floss in your bag or pocket. Not only is it a great idea to pop into the bathroom for a quick floss after meals, but you’ll also be totally prepared if you have an unfortunate spinach dip situation, or something else stuck in your teeth when you’re trying to socialize at the company Christmas party.
These are small and simple ways you can prioritize your oral health during this usually-hectic time of year. Of course, if you have any issues or concerns, contact our team at Tedford Family Dentistry. We’re always here to help! Cheers to the most wonderful time of the year, and to taking the best possible care of our holiday smiles no matter what the calendar brings!
Cavities aren’t ideal, but they are common. According to the CDC, about 20% of children ages five to 11 have at least one, untreated decaying tooth or cavity. Are you wondering what to do if your kid has a cavity? Keep calm, and call your Chattanooga pediatric dentist. When it comes to cavities, the worst thing you can do is nothing. You don’t want to leave a cavity untreated or unfilled, because it will progressively get worse, and cause pain and more problems if you don’t address the issue early on.
Several factors can make children susceptible to developing cavities including poor dental hygiene, improper diet, lack of dental care, and even genetics. Though a lack of regular brushing and flossing is often the culprit in the presence of dental caries, it’s not always the problem. Some people are just more genetically predisposed to tooth decay than others. That said, it’s important to teach your children to brush regularly and do what they can to prevent tooth decay.
There are several warning signs that your child may be developing a cavity, and when you notice them, it’s best to make an appointment with your pediatric dentist straight away. The earliest sign of developing tooth decay is the formation of chalky, white spots on the tooth due to calcium loss and the presence of plaque. As the cavity begins to form, the area will become light brown, and as the spots deepen, they will darken in color.
Symptoms of a cavity often include:
If your child does develop a dental cavity, your Chattanooga pediatric dentist will present you with the treatment options that make the most sense for your child. Treatment will depend on the size and location of the cavity, as well as whether it’s in a baby tooth or a permanent one.
Dental Filling Types:
No one wants their child to have to deal with the discomfort or the aftermath of having dental cavities, but they are very common and very treatable particularly when caught early. Still, there are steps you can take to help reduce the risk of cavities for your children including:
Dental visits can be stress inducing, for patients of all ages, but what do you do when your child is outright afraid of going? There are some things you can do to help ease them into these situations with confidence. Here are 5 tips to get your kids comfortable with dental appointments Chattanooga, and we hope you’ll give them a shot.
Start em young. One great way to ensure your child is totally comfortable with dental appointments is to follow the recommendations of the ADA, and start taking your child to the dentist around the age of 6 months. As soon as your baby starts getting teeth, it’s time to start taking care of them. Early exposure to dental appointments can help create a comfort level with that type of care with your child. Treat it like the routing occurrence it is, and your child will likely follow suit.
Kids pick up on energy. Don’t forget this. If you’re stressed, they feel it. If you’re anxious, they feel it. Lead by example, and take great care of your own teeth at home. When you have dental appointments, make sure your child sees you going into them with confidence. If you have had bad experiences with dentists in the past, keep that under your hat. Your attitude about the whole thing will influence your child more than you might realize.
Before your child’s dental appointment, have a trial run at home. Do a little role playing, and make it fun. Your little one might gain some comfort from approaching things this way, and it also provides an opportunity for your child to ask any questions that may come up about the dental appointment and what to expect.
Don’t overwhelm your child with too much information or too many details, but talking about the upcoming dental appointment can really help ease any worries. Talk about how important it is to take great care of your teeth and gums, and explain that the dentist and his staff are going to brush their teeth just like you do at home to make sure they are clean and healthy. Avoid words like scary, pain, and shot, because those will likely just frighten your child. Using neutral language will soothe your child, and create a feeling of comfort and security.
Another important factor in instilling confidence for your child regarding dental appointments Chattanooga, is to find the right pediatric dentist. At Tedford Family Dentistry, we work to create an environment where children can feel comfortable. We understand how important it is for kids to feel confident about coming into the office for cleanings and other procedures, and we strive to create a sense of security and comfort with every office interaction.
Some dentists and their staff members have specialized training when it comes to providing pediatric dental care. The key is working with a team that invests time in building rapport and trust with your child, in an environment designed for treating kids. Our team at Tedford understands that this goes a long way.
If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Chattanooga, contact our team today. We’d love to take care of your little ones and help steer them toward lifelong oral health.
Does the thought of stepping into a dental office cause you immediate waves of anxiety? If so you’re not alone by any stretch. Many people deal with a very real fear of the dentist that can stem from all sorts of things. Some people deal with fear of injections or pain in general, others may feel embarrassment associated with the state of their teeth, and others still have suffered through negative dental experiences in the past that cause dental anxiety. Some people struggle with anxiety so severe that it keeps them from seeing a dentist regularly which only exacerbates the issues.
So how do you overcome this dental anxiety or fear of the dentist? There are lots of things you can do, but we think the number one line of defense should be to find a Chattanooga dentist who is just right for you. When you take the time to find a dentist who is able to make you feel comfortable when you’re in his or her care, you’ll be surprised at how much of your dental anxiety or fear will melt away.
Lots of factors can come into play when it comes to your comfort level at the dentist’s office. The atmosphere, the support staff, and the overall feel of the practice can go a long way in helping to ensure your comfort. It also helps to find a dentist who you trust who does great work, has experienced assistants, and who takes the time to discuss things with you to ease your worries about any necessary treatments or procedures.
Another way to combat dental anxiety is to practice relaxation techniques to help actively calm your mind and body. Deep breathing is a great place to start, as it is instrumental in relaxing tense muscles. Focusing your mind on your breath is also a great way to meditate and center yourself. Counting your breaths can serve as a great source of distraction while you’re undergoing dental procedures that have you stressed, plus this mindful breathing practice also helps to lower heart rate. You can also try systematically relaxing all the muscles in your body from head to toe, starting with the face and neck, and then the shoulders and so on.
Some dentists will use nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to help relax patients who suffer from dental anxiety. Many patients find that the use of laughing gas is enough to quell their fears surrounding dental experiences. Talk with your Chattanooga dentist about this option if you are feeling extra anxious about your dental visit.
Some dental procedures that are more involved may require anesthesia, in which case your provider will discuss with you the options available. One option that’s sometimes available is conscious sedation. This type of anesthesia involves the use of drugs that depress the central nervous system allowing for the dental procedure to be carried out while the patient is still conscious and able to communicate with the dental staff during the visit. Different levels of sedation through anesthesia are often available during more invasive dental procedures.
No matter how you address your fear of the dentist or dental anxiety, be sure it doesn’t get so overwhelming that it keeps you from your regularly scheduled visits. Skipping out on cleanings and dental exams can lead to dental problems that are unpleasant and costly to address, and those experiences will only contribute to any negative feelings you may have about seeking dental work. If you are looking for an experienced and caring dental staff in the Chattanooga area, contact our team at Tedford Family Dentistry. We work hard to create an environment in which our patients can feel safe and comfortable while receiving the quality dental care they deserve.
If you’re a stress grinder or tend to clench your teeth and jaw at night, you may want to explore the option of a dental night guard with your Chattanooga dentist. Teeth clenching, also known as bruxism, can result in a lot of discomfort and serious damage to your teeth over time. Grinding and clenching can cause jaw pain, jaw dysfunction, ongoing fatigue, and even teeth breakage due to the constant pressure.
If any of this is sounding familiar, chat with your dentist about dental night guard options that can help protect your teeth while you sleep. Even though wearing a night guard takes some getting used to, and can feel uncomfortable at first, the pros far outweigh the cons. Here are what we consider the top three benefits of wearing a dental night guard.
The last thing you want to deal with is broken teeth. They are painful and expensive to fix. A dental night guard protects your teeth from damage by acting as a cushion, a barrier of sorts, while you clench or grind your teeth. This helps prevent chipping, worn-down teeth, and breakage.
Clenching one’s teeth throughout the night puts a lot of stress on the jaw. As such, many people who clench their teeth at night will experience some level of jaw pain, which can actually lead to ongoing headaches and even migraines in more severe cases. Wearing a dental night guard can help minimize the effects of clenching and grinding.
A lot of people who clench their teeth during the night wake themselves up doing so. By this token, wearing a night guard will help them get a better night’s sleep. The dental night guard takes the brunt of the force associated with clenching and grinding, allowing the muscles of the jaw and face to relax more during sleep.
If you think you could benefit from wearing a dental night guard, chat with your Chattanooga dentist at Tedford Family Dentistry. We’d love to help you find the right solution for your bruxism, grinding, or clenching. Your teeth deserve a break, and you deserve peaceful sleep.
Dental hygiene is critical, but sometimes gets tossed to the back burner if we’re running late, tired, or just don’t feel like facing the dentist for that much-needed check up. Here’s the thing though, the teeth you have are the only ones you’ll ever have, so taking great care of them is imperative. That said, if you need to rally with some new, fun, dental care products to ramp up your oral health game, we’ve got some suggestions for products you should check out. In the meantime, schedule an appointment with our team at Tedford Family Dentistry, because when it comes to oral health Chattanooga, we’ve got your back all the way.
You have likely tried electric toothbrushes before, but the technology going into them is greater and more impressive than ever before. Switching from a regular toothbrush to a sleek, electric one with a spinning head can serve to motivate you to brush more frequently, and will help you be more effective in the process. We love the Oral-B 6000 SmartSeries Electric Toothbrush.
Say goodbye to replacing batteries, as this tool from Oral-B is rechargeable. More than that, this toothbrush actually features bluetooth connectivity so you can pair it to your smartphone for real-time feedback about how well you’re doing on the toothbrushing front. This powerful tool can remove up to 300% more plaque along the gumline than a manual toothbrush can. How’s that for upping your oral health game? Read more about this toothbrush on the Oral-B site.
Another way to reimagine your approach to oral health care at home is by using toothpaste tablets. Totally hygienic, and generally tidier than tube toothpaste, toothpaste tablets are easy to use, and perform just like regular toothpaste when it comes to cleaning teeth. One of the great features of using tablets is they prevent cross-contamination, which is particularly helpful when it comes to the spread of germs. Other benefits to these tiny tablets include easy storage and ease of use for travel. They also result in less waste, and often feature recyclable packaging! (Did you know that nearly 1 billion toothpaste tubes end up in landfills yearly?) They also help promote better dental health habits as they make brushing your teeth extremely convenient.
Let’s admit that most of us don’t floss as often as we should. Dentists agree that you should floss at least once per day, but twice is better, and flossing your teeth after each meal is even better. It’s important to actively remove bits of left behind food while also mitigating the formation of plaque between the teeth with regular flossing. One way to encourage yourself to reach for the floss more frequently is by finding a fun new flavor.
Cocofloss is a brand we love that comes in a variety of flavors, and this floss is also coated in coconut oil which serves to help gently scrub away plaque. Coconut oil is also a natural antimicrobial, working to sooth the gums while also fighting cavity-causing plaque build up. Try the fun flavors this brand has to offer like the classic Delicious Mint, or go for something more left field like Fresh Coconut, Pure Strawberries, or Cara Cara Orange. You won’t be disappointed, and neither will your gums.
With these different products, you can revive your home oral health habits, and have a little fun in the process. If it’s time for a check up or dental cleaning, contact our team at Tedford Family Dentistry. We care about oral health Chattanooga, and we’d love to help you get and stay on track for your best oral health ever.
