Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness month, it is important to set aside a few minutes to regularly check your gums, tongue, and mouth for any abnormalities. It is especially important to perform these routine checks if your family has a history with oral cancers. Take the time to perform these 5 oral self-examinations at home because you never know, what takes only a minute could save your life. 
Two words: root canal. These words often come with a chill, followed by jaw clenching, and phantom tooth pain. While the procedure has gained a bad rap among the general population, root canal treatments have significantly improved through the years with advancement in technology. In an attempt to bring awareness to Root Canal Week, March 27 - April 2, we hope to answer your endless endodontic questions on root canals.
When is a root canal needed?
If your Ooltewah dentist or endodontic specialist recommends root canal treatment, you may have inflammation, infection, or an abscess, resulting from deep decay, a cracked or chipped tooth, or injury. Root canal treatments are needed to save a tooth after the soft tissue inside the root canal, known as the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected.
What are the symptoms for necessary endodontic treatment?
Symptoms include: tooth pain, extreme sensitivity to touch, chewing, and temperatures (hot or cold), tooth discoloration, inflammation and swelling, and excessive drainage of lymph nodes. In some cases, the listed effects may or may not be visible; sometimes, there are no symptoms at all. Consult your Ooltewah dentist for further examination if you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms.
What steps are involved in the procedure?
Step 1.Following an examination and x-rays, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the inflamed or infected tooth. Next, a small “dental dam” is placed over the tooth area to keep it clean during the procedure.
Step 2. A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth. Using minimally invasive instruments, the pulp from the chamber is cleaned which makes room in the canal for filling.
Step 3. Once cleaned, the root canal is then filled with a rubbery, thermoplastic material called gutta-percha, which is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure a proper seal of the root canals. A temporary filling is often placed to close the opening, and later removed by your dentist.
Step 4. On your final visit, a crown is placed on top of the tooth, which is used to restore to original function.
Ask your Ooltewah dentist at Tedford Family Dentistry for more details about the specific restoration process, and how root canal treatments can keep your smile beautiful and bright!
An entire month to celebrate dental awareness? Yep, and it’s one of our favorites! Celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month this February with us as we promote healthy gums, teeth, and overall oral hygiene in children. Looking for ways to improve your child’s dental habits? Here’s what you need to keep your little one’s teeth clean and healthy.
While coming up with your resolutions this year, don’t overlook your smile. Oral health resolution strategies can guarantee a sparkling smile by following these simple tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy all year long.
Whether you’ve recently moved or are making the switch to a new health care professional, Choosing the right dentist is important for proper dental care and to help keep your smile sparkling bright. Here are the top 5 do’s when picking the right dentist in Ooltewah for you, your family, and overall oral health and wellness:
1. Do Read Patient Reviews
When searching for the best dentist in Ooltewah, TN and which is the right choice for you, do your homework first. Online patient reviews are a great way to find a qualified dentist near you. See Google reviews, yelp, and healthcare websites, such as Health Grades to see what other patients are saying about their overall experience.
2. Do Ask Around for Recommendations
If you’re still searching for a licensed dentist in Ooltewah – ask friends, family, and even co-workers for their suggestions. If you are moving out of city or state, ask your current dentist for their professional recommendation.
3. Do Inquire About Specific Dental Needs
With each unique smile, comes unique needs. Perhaps you need an experienced pediatric dentist for your family or a full service cosmetic dentistry in Ooltewah. Compare the dental services to understand the best dental options for you.
4. Do Check Location & Office Hours
Do you live or work in the Ooltewah surrounding area? Consider the travel distance and office hours. Since regular dental cleanings are the key to maintaining oral health, it might be easier to follow up with your recommended 6 month dental examinations and appointments if you’re within a reasonable driving distance.
5. Do Inquire About Insurance Options The deciding factor when choosing a dentist in Ooltewah may come down to insurance, so don’t forget to discuss payment methods. If insurance does not cover a necessary dental procedure, ask about other financing options that may be available to you.
6. Do Consider Tedford Family Dentistry to Meet All of Your Dental Needs In Ooltewah, TN and Surrounding Chattanooga Areas
Please contact our dental office in Ooltewah, TN if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to providing you and your family with the very best dental care possible. Make an appointment with us and experience our family friendly dental care that's sure to make you smile.
Healthy mouths and healthy bodies are one in the same. Not only will proper oral care ensure a bright, white smile, good oral hygiene can improve your overall health. Improving your oral health can help reduce your risk of disease and has been linked to a stronger memory later in life. 
We’ve all heard the saying that you are what you eat. Those words couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to oral health. According to the American Dental Association, your dental health is the first thing to suffer from a poor diet. Improve your overall health with these super foods:
With countless toothpaste options available, it can be overwhelming to select between all natural ingredients, whiteners and fluorides. When selecting toothpastes your preferences and personal needs should be your primary consideration. This brief overview can help you to navigate the dental care aisle and select the best toothpaste.
Fluoride
One of the most important ingredients in toothpaste is fluoride. This naturally occurring mineral helps to fight cavities and tooth decay. The sugars, starches and left over food particles found in your mouth are the ideal energy source for the bacteria in your mouth. As the bacteria feed, they release a damaging acid. Fluoride strengthens the enamel on your teeth, making them less susceptible damage. Using a fluoride toothpaste can also protect against tooth decay.
Even if your water contains high levels of fluoride, studies have shown that using a fluoride toothpaste can help to strengthen teeth.
Tartar Control
There are a variety of tartar controlling toothpastes with fluoride available. Plaque is a layer of bacteria that occurs on teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens to form tartar. Tartar is more difficult to remove and overtime can build up and lead to gum disease.
Pyrophosphates, zinc citrate and other chemical compounds reduce tartar buildup. There are some brands on the market that also contain triclosan, an antibiotic that kills bacteria. Toothpastes that contain multiple plaque fighters are more effective in controlling tartar buildup.
Sensitive Teeth
Toothpastes with potassium nitrate or strontium chloride are ideal for sensitive teeth. These ingredients fight tooth sensitivity by blocking the nerve pathways. These toothpastes do not provide immediate relief. In most cases, it takes approximately 4 weeks to notice a decrease in sensitivity.
Whitening
Whitening toothpastes are some of the most popular choices on the market. Rather than containing bleaches, most whitening toothpastes contain abrasive chemicals or particles. These substances help to polish the teeth and bind to remove stains. Abrasive whiteners have found to be no harder on tooth enamel than any other varieties of toothpaste.
There are more factors to consider when selecting a toothpaste. Choose one that contains the American Dental Association seal of approval. This marking indicates an independent review board has evaluated its safety and effectiveness. Also, steer away toothpastes that are made in China. The FDA found some to contain diethylene glycol, a potentially toxic substance.
With such a wide variety of toothpastes available, it can be challenging to select which is the best fit for you. Beyond fluoride protection, the other ingredients are a matter of preference. No matter which type of toothpaste you choose, it is important to brush your teeth thoroughly for approximately 2 minutes, twice a day.
Our Ooltewah dentist at Tedford Family Dentistry can help you to select a toothpaste and create a bright, shining smile. Call us at 423-238-8887 to make your dentist appointment today.
Walking down the oral care aisle can seem a little over whelming. There are so many options when selecting a toothbrush. Soft, medium, hard bristles in different shapes and colors, then there is deciding between a manual or electric toothbrush. With countless options available, it can be difficult to choose what will provide the best cleaning.
When you suffer from sensitive teeth, brushing, flossing, eating and drinking can all cause temporary discomfort. Most people with sensitive teeth experience a sharp, sudden pain that can cause pain deep into the nerve endings of the teeth. Worn enamel and exposed dentin and tooth roots are all factors contributing to sensitive teeth. In many cases the sensitivity is due to wear and tear, decay, gum disease, tooth grinding, whitening products, acidic foods and recent dental work. 
One of the first things people notice when meeting you is your smile. Along with a bright and shining smile comes energy and confidence. Additionally, studies have reported that people with brighter, whiter smiles are perceived as being younger. 
Tis’ the season for New Year’s resolutions. Make a vow to improve your oral hygiene and keep your smile bright and healthy. Not to mention that proper dental care can impact your overall health and appearance. Here are a few resolutions to improving your oral hygiene. 
The holiday season is filled with an abundance of sweets and treats. While these Christmas candies can be delicious, they can also pose a number of risks to your oral health. Cookies, candy canes and other desserts don’t have to lead to cavities. 
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. With new over the counter products and cosmetic dental procedures, bright white smiles are attainable on almost every budget. While the risks associated with at home whitening products are minimal, there are a few things to keep in mind before starting the whitening process. 