A helpful guide to overcoming dental anxiety and calming your nerves before your next dentist visit

We all have our fears. Some rational, others not so much. Get over your fear of the dentist.

But whether you’re deathly afraid of heights or you’re terrified of getting peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth – yes, this is a real thing, and it’s called arachibutyrophobia – your fears are very real. And unfortunately, you don’t get much of a choice as to what they are.

If you’re lucky, you can go about your daily life without your fears getting in the way. But if you find yourself unable to go within fifty feet of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, then you might have a problem.

Thankfully, most of us aren’t forced to spend any time around peanut butter if we don’t want to. But for the tens of millions of Americans who have a fear of going to the dentist – also called dentophobia – avoidance can only work for so long.

Not many people get excited about going to the dentist, but for those with dentophobia, the fear can be so intense that it prevents them from seeking dental care for years.

As you can imagine, without proper dental care, tooth decay and gum disease can run rampant and cause a laundry list of problems.

People who struggle with dental fear often feel trapped because the longer they avoid the dentist, the worse their dental issues get, and the more treatment they need to fix them.

Some people can’t even drive by a dentist’s office without getting stressed out.

If any of this sounds familiar, we created this guide for you. We’ll be covering the many causes of dentophobia and helpful tips for overcoming dental anxiety for good. Our hope is to inspire you to seek dental care before your issues become too painful to ignore.

What Causes Fear of Going to the Dentist?

You might be thinking:

“What does it matter why I’m afraid of the dentist? I just want to know how to fix it!”

But knowing why you’re afraid of the dentist can help you understand how best to face your fear and ultimately get past it.

If you had a childhood experience that looked like something out of a horror movie, you can use that to your advantage.

When you work up the nerve to give your San Diego dentist a call, mentioning your previous experience can help them understand your situation and make your visit comfortable and accommodating for you.

Other than previous traumatic experiences, people can be afraid of the dentist for a number of reasons:

• Fear of embarrassment or criticism from your dentist – Many people with dentophobia feel embarrassed to show their mouths to a dental care professional after neglecting their oral health. They’re afraid their dentist will criticize them for not taking better care of their teeth, so they avoid going altogether.
• Fear of needles or drills – If you’re not afraid of needles or drills yourself, chances are you know someone who is. This phobia is incredibly common and can make dental care a nightmare.
• Fear of pain – Pain during dental treatments is never fun. Thankfully, nowadays, there are plenty of sedation options to keep procedures pain-free. But if you’re afraid of the dentist, anticipating future pain can be paralyzing.
• Fear of all the treatments you may need – You might be hesitant to go because you’re worried your dentist will take one look at your mouth and say, “Cancel the rest of my week.” Especially if you haven’t gotten a checkup in years, the thought of all the work you’ll have to get done when you finally go can be terrifying.
• Fear of how much all your treatments will cost – As time goes by and your dental issues worsen, the thought of your ever-growing medical bills gets scarier and scarier. This is another instance where the longer you wait, the bigger the problem becomes.

So, how do you break the cycle of fear, avoidance, and declining oral health?

As scary as it might seem, our goal with this article is to show you that overcoming dental anxiety is possible. With a little courage, communication, and some helpful tips, you can conquer your dental fear and smile with confidence again.

How to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Communication

If you have dentophobia, the first and most important step to work through it is to communicate with your dentist.

Lay it all out.

If you have a horror story, share it with them.

If you don’t like the lack of control you feel in the dentist’s chair, agree on a hand signal with your dentist. The signal will tell them to stop if you become overwhelmed or start to feel pain.

And be honest about any pain you feel during treatment. Many people are nervous or embarrassed about stopping their dentist when they feel pain.

Dental care is a partnership. When you have open and honest communication with your dentist, you can work together to make your experience feel safe and secure.

Sedation

Most often, it’s not that people who fear going to the dentist don’t want to improve their oral health. It usually has something to do with the fact that they don’t want a drill or needle in their mouth.

And who can blame them?

Let your San Diego dentist  know of any fears you have so they can take measures to help you stay calm and relaxed during your procedure.

At Dental Express, we offer nitrous oxide sedation and other oral-conscious sedation options to make your experience more comfortable. These methods can help ease any fears you may have about pain, drills, or needles.

Turn Up The Volume

If the sound of a dental drill makes you want to run for the hills, feel free to bring in a pair of headphones with you.

You can listen to your favorite songs or some calming sounds to keep you relaxed throughout your treatment.

Breathe In, Breathe Out

When we’re scared or anxious, we tend to take fast, shallow breaths that deprive us of oxygen. During your treatment, focus on breathing in and out slowly to keep your stress under control.

Schedule Responsibly

If your schedule is tight on Friday, don’t try to fit your dentist appointment in that day. Do yourself a favor and schedule your checkup or treatment on a day when you’re not busy.

The goal is to keep your stress levels as low as possible, so you don’t want to be running around like a crazy person trying to deal with five other errands on the same day as your appointment.

Find a Dentist You Can Trust

If you’re afraid of the dentist, searching for one you can trust can be just as frightening. When searching for the right San Diego dentist, look for one with excellent reviews that highlight friendly, professional staff.

It’s also essential to look for a dentist that offers the proper sedation methods to help with your dental fear. Some dentists may not offer options like nitrous oxide sedation.

And don’t be afraid to call and ask questions. Mention your concerns and see what they’re willing to do to accommodate you.

Regardless of what fears you have, your oral health should be their top priority.

Here for You Every Step of the Way

At Dental Express, we’re no stranger to patients with dental fear. With us, you don’t have to be embarrassed by your oral health.

Whether it’s been six months or ten years since your last checkup, we’ll welcome you back with open arms.

And no matter how many treatments you need, we’ll go at your pace and operate within your budget.

Every step of the way, we promise to listen, accommodate, and make your experience feel comfortable and safe.

If you have a fear of going to the dentist, feel free to reach out over the phone to voice your concerns or ask any questions. Whenever you’re ready to see us, we’ll be there to provide the best dental care San Diego has to offer and give you your smile back.

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Learn how much your genes are to blame for your dental issues and everything you need to know about genetics and dental health

Have you ever wondered how much of your smile is genetic dental health?

We all inherit traits like height, eye color, hair, and freckles from our parents and grandparents. But those aren’t the only things they pass down to us.

We can also inherit an increased risk of diseases and health conditions.

But do genetics play a role in the risk and development of dental health issues too?

As we’ll find out today, the answer is yes. But don’t go blaming mom and dad for all your dental health issues yet.

The real question here is: How big of a role does genetics play in our dental health?

And a reasonable follow-up question to that is: Can consistent dental care at home and at your San Diego dentist help offset any hereditary teeth problems?

We’re going to get to the bottom of both of these questions today and uncover some exciting facts about genetics and dental health that might surprise you.

Hereditary Teeth Problems

So, what sort of oral health hand-me-downs can you inherit from your ancestors?

As it turns out, they can pass down everything from the shape of your jaw to the protein content of your saliva.

Jaw Shape & Misaligned Teeth

If you have misaligned teeth – also known as malocclusion – it’s usually due to your jaw’s shape, which is an inherited trait.

Malocclusion can make your bite uneven and your teeth overcrowded, leading to several dental health complications.

You may find it hard or uncomfortable to chew, and bacteria can take hold in the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies created by the overcrowded teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay and cavities.

So, if you’ve ever dealt with misaligned teeth or had to get braces to correct them, you can thank dear old mom and dad.

But don’t be too hard on them. They inherited their teeth just like you!

Cavities

When talking about genetics and dental health, cavities are by far the biggest elephant in the room.

Are some people more likely to develop cavities than others? If so, what genetic factors influence this?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), your enamel and dentin structure, immune system response, the content and amount of your saliva, and your natural oral bacteria all affect cavity development.

But as far as a direct genetic link that predisposes you to cavities, research results have been inconsistent.

The jury’s still out on this one, but current studies show that genetics play a partial role in cavity development, ranging anywhere from 20-85%.

Without any concrete answer, the moral of the story here is that it’s better to be safe than have cavities.

Protect your teeth as much as possible with regular trips to your San Diego dentist and proper hygiene at home.

Consistent dental care is one of the best ways to fend off cavities, whether they’re genetically motivated or not.

Saliva

As stated by the ADA, part of the role genetics plays in cavity development is the makeup and amount of your saliva.

At the risk of throwing another fancy word at you, we’re going to talk about a process called amelogenesis.

This crucial dental process forms the dentin and enamel surrounding your teeth, and there are two types of proteins that help facilitate it.

Studies have shown that genetic factors can change the levels of these proteins, which can affect the size, shape, and color of your enamel.

So depending on your genetic makeup, your enamel may be weaker and more susceptible to developing cavities.

It’s also important to note that the amount of saliva your body produces is linked to cavity risk. Believe it or not, saliva does way more than help with chewing your food.

In fact, it performs several essential oral health-protecting duties. For one, when the foods and drinks you consume create an acidic environment in your mouth, your saliva steps in to balance out the pH levels.

Another important job your saliva performs is called remineralization. At the same time your saliva is balancing the pH levels in your mouth, it’s also delivering vital minerals like fluoride, calcium, and phosphate to your teeth.

This process rebuilds and strengthens your enamel to counteract the breakdown that occurs when you eat or drink.

And to top it all off, your saliva also acts as a natural antibacterial cleanser. So as you can imagine, without saliva, your teeth would be in a lot of trouble.

Unfortunately, women naturally produce less saliva than men, so they’re automatically at a slight disadvantage.

And research shows that specific genes can reduce your saliva’s antibacterial qualities, leaving your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay.

To determine whether your teeth need extra care, your San Diego dentist can perform x-rays and in-depth examinations to check the strength of your enamel.

Depending on what they find, they may recommend a more rigorous home dental care routine and more frequent checkups to make sure your smile stays healthy.

Immune Deficiencies

With an ongoing battle against plaque and bacteria in your mouth, your immune system plays a huge role in guarding your teeth against intruders.

But immune deficiencies – both inherited and non-inherited – can hurt your body’s ability to fight off harmful oral bacteria.

When your immune system is weakened, tooth decay has an easier time setting up shop in your mouth.

So if you know you have an immune deficiency, talk with your dentist, and get proactive about protecting your oral health.

Periodontal Disease

Similar to cavities, a direct genetic role hasn’t been defined for periodontal disease yet. But up to thirty-eight genes have been proven to be related to this harmful dental condition.

Also, the ADA states that genetics can affect the structural integrity of your teeth. And due to its close link with overall health, lifestyle factors like tobacco use and diabetes can greatly increase your risk of periodontal disease.

Oral cancer

Perhaps the worst of our hereditary teeth problems, oral cancer is (thankfully) only influenced by genetic factors in a minor way.

People with certain genetic markers are at increased risk of developing the disease. But more often than not, lifestyle factors like tobacco use and drinking contribute the most.

Avoiding tobacco, cutting back on alcohol, and making healthy dietary choices can reduce your risk of both oral cancer and periodontal disease.

Of course, those recommendations are much easier said than done. But hey, we’re your friendly neighborhood San Diego dentist. We’re just looking out for you.

Here’s a Fun Bonus Fact

Alright, enough with all the doom and gloom. Harmful dental health issues aren’t the only thing we inherit from our predecessors.

Family members often share similar facial features thanks to the magic of genetics. But did you know that there may be a “family facial expression signature?”

A recent study compared the various facial expressions – concentration, joy, surprise, etc. – of a congenitally blind person with those of their family members and a number of strangers.

As surprising as it may sound, someone who had never seen before in their life made many of the same facial expressions that their family members made.

So, who’s to say we don’t inherit our smiles too?

Genetics and Dental Health

Genetics may only play a partial role in the development of dental health issues, but as you saw today, that little bit goes a long way.

The worst part about hereditary teeth problems is that for some of us, they’re unavoidable. And as fun as it might be, blaming mom and dad won’t keep your smile healthy.

That’s why it’s so important to focus on what you can control.

When you have genetic dental health issues, at-home dental care and regular visits to your San Diego dentist are even more critical to protect your oral health.

If you’re genetically predisposed to any oral conditions, Dental Express is here to help.

We’ll take your situation into account and develop a dental care plan as unique as you are.

Tackling any obstacles – genetic or otherwise – standing in the way of your ideal smile is what we do best.

If you’d like more information or to schedule an appointment, we have six locations in the San Diego area open six days a week. Give us a call or walk-in during office hours. We’d love to welcome you to the Dental Express family.

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Discover how regular dental care during covid-19 can lower the risk and severity of covid-related respiratory issues

Going to the dentist during a pandemic might seem ill-advised and even a bit scary.

With everything going on in the world right now, just leaving your house can be nerve-wracking.

But as it turns out, routine dental care is crucial now more than ever.

Research findings are starting to suggest a link between periodontitis and Covid-related respiratory problems, making bi-annual cleanings and exams at your San Diego dentist even more crucial to maintaining your overall health.

Today we’ll be exploring how having a healthy mouth can help protect you from covid-related complications and how, with the proper precautions, you and your family can visit the dentist worry-free.

How Does Your Oral Health Affect Your Lungs?

Even before the worldwide pandemic, researchers established a connection between periodontal disease and certain respiratory conditions.

According to the Journal of Medicine and Life, oral health issues such as periodontitis can influence the course of respiratory infections like pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma.

And not the good, “Stay in school and get good grades,” kind of influence.

Untreated periodontitis is linked to an increased risk of complications and an even higher mortality rate in hospitalized patients with these conditions.

But how does that work? How can what’s going on in your mouth have such a big impact on your lungs?

To answer that question, we’re going to pose another question to you.

Have you ever accidentally inhaled water and then proceeded to have a coughing fit for the next five minutes?

Of course you have. You’re human.

Well, the act of accidentally inhaling food or water is called aspiration. And the same way you can aspirate water in the middle of a restaurant full of people, you can also aspirate periodontal disease-causing oral bacteria.

While you won’t have the usual coughing fit afterward, your lungs won’t exactly like it when you aspirate harmful bacteria.

So, naturally, they’ll become inflamed in hopes of counteracting the unwelcome visitors’ presence.

This inflammatory response can affect the way your lungs function, making them less effective and increasing your risk of pneumonia and COPD.

This risk is one of the many reasons why regular trips to your San Diego dentist are essential to maintaining your oral health.

And with the current public health crisis, the importance of dental care during covid-19 can’t be overstated.

How Does Your Oral Health Affect Your Risk of Covid-Related Complications?

According to the California Dental Association (CDA), roughly 20% of covid-19 patients develop severe respiratory issues that can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome, which along with pneumonia, is the leading cause of mortality in those patients.

Many of these people require intensive care and even need to be mechanically ventilated to breathe properly.

Now that we know conditions like periodontitis can cause systemic inflammation and increase the risk of pneumonia and COPD, we can safely say that routine dental cleanings pack serious covid complication-fighting potential.

In fact, the CDA states:

“Successful control of periodontal inflammation can be beneficial to the lungs, possibly decreasing severity and risk of COVID-19 respiratory problems.”

When you prevent plaque and bacteria from developing in your mouth, you won’t have to worry about aspirating any of it and causing unnecessary harm to your lungs.

So, by improving your oral health with regular dental cleanings, you can reduce the risk of complications if the worst should happen and you or someone you love contracts covid.

This unfortunate health crisis also makes maintaining your at-home dental care regimen all the more critical. To keep gum disease and periodontitis at bay, it takes consistent effort.

Do your best to brush twice every day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes and floss once every day.

If you already have periodontitis, you may need a more rigorous at-home dental care routine. Talk with your San Diego dentist about the best way to protect your oral health.

Is it Safe to Seek Dental Care During Covid-19?

If you’re worried about going to the dentist right now, you’re not alone. But as long as your local dentist has the proper safety measures in place, there’s no reason to worry.

Masks and social distancing are a must, and you want your dental care team to be checking temperatures, sanitizing surfaces, and limiting patient traffic as much as possible.

At Dental Express, we do everything in our power to keep our patients and staff safe and risk-free:

• Covid questionnaire: When you make an appointment with us, we require you to fill out the CDA and ADA-approved covid questionnaire. And for good measure, we ask the same questions again when you come in for your visit.
• Keep the lobby doors locked: To prevent overcrowding, we keep the lobby doors locked and have you check-in online. When it’s time for your appointment, we call you up and welcome you inside.
• Check temperatures at the door: When you come inside, the first thing we do is check your temperature and offer you a hand sanitizer. If your temperature looks good and you’re not showing any symptoms, we’ll check you in and call you back when we’re ready.
• Limit number of patients in the lobby: As we welcome patients into the office, we limit how many can come in to give everyone enough space to practice social distancing safely.
• Top-notch sterilization: We sterilize our tools with industry-grade antiseptic, and we promise to leave your mouth cleaner than we found it, whether there’s a pandemic or not.
• Sanitize all places of contact: Countertops, door handles, chairs, armrests. No surface is safe from our regular sanitizing sessions throughout the day!
• Extended appointment slots: To adapt to the covid environment, we’ve lengthened appointment time slots. The extra time allows us to clean our equipment and seating area for the next patient, and it also reduces the overall traffic coming in and out of the office every day.

We follow these safety protocols at all six of our locations in the San Diego area. So, wherever you make an appointment with us, you can rest assured your visit will be clean and safe.

Safe, Quality Dental Care You Can Trust

What we’re going through as a nation and as a planet is unprecedented. This is a stressful time for all of us.

In times like these, it can be so easy to let our personal care take a back seat, especially when it comes to oral hygiene.

But as we learned today, receiving dental care during covid-19 is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

Now more than ever, make a point to stick to your oral health routine at home. And set up regular cleanings at your local San Diego dentist to keep your mouth clean and healthy.

At Dental Express, your safety, security, and oral health are our top priorities during this global health crisis. We understand these are difficult, frightening times.

That’s why we do everything in our power to create a safe and comfortable environment for you and your family.

If you have any questions about our covid-19 safety precautions or you’d like to make an appointment at one of our locations, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’re in this together, and we’re here for you every step of the way.

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A guide to understanding the ins-and-outs of family dentistry and how it can transform your dental care this Holiday season

This time of year is usually a potent mix of happiness and stress.

 

With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to use – or lose – the rest of your dental insurance benefits. The problem is, if you’re like most people during the holiday season, you’re busy.

 

Between working, cooking, cleaning, preparing for the holiday season, and making sure your kids stay focused on virtual learning, you’re probably wondering how you’re ever going to make time to get everyone in to see the dentist.

 

Well, that’s where your San Diego family dentist comes in.

 

Whether you and your kids are overdue for a routine cleaning or you have a more severe problem that needs immediate attention, family dentistry provides affordable dental care for the whole family — all under one roof. 

 

In this guide, you’ll learn how finding a family dentist will improve your family’s dental care and why now is the right time to make the switch.

 

How Family Dentistry Differs from Traditional Dentistry

The main difference between family dentists and general dentists is an outside referral network. While a general dentist will provide cleanings and basic dental care, they may not offer pediatric services or treatments outside of basic cleanings.

 

Instead, regular dentists will need to refer you and your family to other dentists with specialized training.

 

This referral process can mean having one dentist for you, a children’s dentist for the kids, and a third specialized dentist for other services like cosmetics or periodontics.

 

That’s a lot of dentists!

 

On the other hand, family dentists serve as your one-stop shop for all of your family’s dental needs.

 

By offering various services ranging from smile pediatric dentistry to specialized procedures (root canals, dentures, crowns, bone grafts, implants, etc.) all under one roof, family dentists save you time, money, and the hassle of having multiple dentists for your family.

 

To dive deeper into the many benefits of family dentistry, we’re going to cover the top five reasons to make the switch.

 

Five Reasons to Choose a San Diego Family Dentist

1. You’ll Save Time by Scheduling Dental Exams for the Whole Family

As a parent or caregiver, you wear multiple hats. If you’re the head of the household, you know how exhausting it is to keep up with everyone’s medical appointments.

 

Between scheduling dental exams on time, driving from one office to the next, and having to run your insurance at multiple offices, keeping up with your family’s dental care is a lot of work.

 

What if we told you that choosing a family dentist could take some of this responsibility off your shoulders?

 

One of the main reasons people choose family dentists is that it eliminates the need for multiple dentists. Family dentists are trained to treat people of all ages – from preschool-aged children to elderly grandparents — and everything in-between.

 

Once you’ve started taking your loved ones to a family dentist, they will keep track of your appointments and appointment reminders for you. They’ll also be able to schedule your entire family’s routine cleanings together on one day, making your life a whole lot easier.

 

By choosing one practice for all of your family’s dental needs, you can spend less time worrying about appointments and more time doing the things you and your family love.

 

At Dental Express, we allow for same-day appointments so that you can get that last-minute cleaning in without any hassle.

 

2. Convenient, Flexible Hours that Work with Your Schedule

Americans miss an average of 320.8 million hours of work or school each year to get dental care. That’s a lot of valuable time taken away from your work and your child’s education that you may never get back.

 

With family dentistry, you don’t have to sacrifice all those hours to get your family’s dental exams done?

 

Trying to make it to appointments when you work a 9-5 job is hard enough as it is.

 

Having to make appointments for the whole family, drive everyone to the dentist’s office, and sit through the dental exams all while working a full-time job is even more difficult.

 

Family dentists understand that it’s challenging to make a busy schedule work, which is why they offer flexible and convenient hours.

 

Whether you need to get everyone’s teeth cleaned on Saturday morning or after school between 4-6 pm, family dentists work with your busy schedule to accommodate your family’s needs.

 

Additionally, family dentists know that emergencies can happen at any time, so they’ll typically have an emergency contact number so you can get help after-hours.

 

3. You’ll Build a Long-Term Relationship With a Dentist You and Your Family Can Trust

Visiting a new dentist can be scary. It takes time to develop trust and rapport with a medical practitioner.

 

But once you find a dentist you trust, it’s hard to think about switching to another practice or finding another dentist.

 

The goal of family dentistry isn’t just to care for your whole family. It’s also about the opportunity to build a long-term relationship with a practice you can rely on.

 

As you continue visiting your dentist, they will get to know you and your family on a personal level. They’ll begin to understand your scheduling needs, your dental hygiene habits, and more.

 

When you jump from one dentist to the next, they have to transfer your documents and information from one office to another.

 

Family dentists keep track of your family’s dental history all in one place, so you don’t have to worry about losing information or having to explain your situation to a new dentist.

 

4. Family Dentistry is More Than Just Dental Hygiene

Getting your teeth cleaned is important, but what if you need Cosmetic Dentistry Cary treatment or a crown?

 

Family dentists have you covered in all things dental — eliminating the need for multiple dentists meeting all your oral health needs in one convenient location.

 

Whether your child needs a tooth pulled, your parents need dentures, or you want to make your smile brighter with teeth whitening, Dental Express, San Diego’s favorite family dentist, has you covered.

 

We have the expertise, technology, and equipment necessary to handle virtually any oral health issue.

 

And the convenience of having all these dental services under one roof is not even the best part — family dentists are much more affordable.  When you require specialized procedures, specialists’ fees will often run through your yearly maximums much faster than a family dentist.

 

Therefore, save yourself the hassle of multiple dentists and save your wallet with an affordable local, family dentist.

 

5. You Can Set The Stage for Healthy Teeth for Generations to Come

In 2019, only 64.9% of adults aged 18  and older had an annual dental visit. That means almost two-thirds of adults aren’t seeing the dentist as often as they should.

 

Healthy habits start at a young age. 

 

So as a parent, you can set the stage for your children to have healthy dental hygiene for life. The best way to do this is to lead by example and practice dental hygiene yourself.

 

Brush and floss twice daily and schedule annual dental exams. When your children see your healthy dental habits, it will become routine for them as they grow up.

 

When your children see you getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist, they’ll be more likely to understand the value of dental hygiene and care for their teeth as well.

 

Your child will also develop a relationship with your family dentist, so they can grow up understanding the importance of regular dental cleanings.

 

They may even continue seeing the same dentist that you took them to as a child!

 

When you set the stage for your children, they’ll be much more likely to stay on top of their dental care as they get older. Then, they can pass down these habits to their children.

 

When you and your family work with a family dentist, you set the framework for healthy oral hygiene for generations to come.

 

Make Your Smile Shine Bright For the Holidays With The Best Family Dentist in San Diego

Finding a family dentist near you can transform your family’s oral health care — and there is no better time to start than today.

 

With the new year just weeks away, be sure to use up those dental insurance benefits before you lose them. Dental Express wants to help you discover your ideal smile, together.

 

At Dental Express, we’re here to provide affordable dental care for you and your entire family this holiday season. Schedule a dental exam online at one of our six locations, or give us a call to get started.

 

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Learn what constitutes a dental emergency and where to seek emergency dental care in the San Diego area.

Emergency dental care usually happen when you least expect them

 

Whether you bit down on something hard and lost one of your fillings or tooth chipping while headbanging to Taylor Swift (yes, we’ve actually had this happen), seeking dental care after an emergency is crucial to protect your dental health.

 

But what constitutes a dental emergency? Should you see an emergency dentist in San Diego for a small crack or chip in your tooth?

 

If you’re unsure of what qualifies as a dental emergency, then this article is for you.

 

We’ll be outlining seven situations that require emergency dental care and how to choose the San Diego emergency dentist that’s right for you.

 

Let’s get started.

 

1. Fractured or Lost Tooth

This one might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised. People chip their teeth all the time without seeking emergency dental care.

 

Even if the chipped tooth isn’t causing any pain, it’s best to get it looked at by an emergency dentist near you. It may not look like it on the surface, but a chip or crack can cause unseen damage, affecting the integrity of your tooth.

 

If one of your teeth falls out or gets knocked out somehow, seek emergency dental care immediately. Also known as an avulsed tooth, a lost tooth can lead to several dental issues down the road.

 

Aside from the cosmetic drawbacks, a missing tooth can lead to problems speaking or chewing, depending on its location. Not only that, but the extra space in your mouth can cause the remaining teeth to shift, creating hard-to-reach areas in your mouth. Hard-to-reach areas make room for cavity-causing bacteria to take hold, possibly leading to tooth decay and even bone loss.

 

According to the ADA, a  missing tooth can also affect your biting force. With one less tooth to chew up food, the mouth places extra responsibility on the remaining teeth, putting more stress on them and your jawbone.

 

But there’s another, more pressing reason to seek emergency dental care right away after losing a tooth. Believe it or not, if one of your teeth gets knocked out, all is not lost!

 

If you’re able to find the tooth and take action quickly enough, there’s a chance you can salvage it. Once you find it, follow these steps and, if possible, visit a San Diego emergency dentist within thirty minutes to an hour.

What to do if you lose a tooth!

1. Pick your tooth up by the chewing side, not the root
2. If necessary, rinse your tooth off with water to remove any dirt (do NOT wash with soap)
3. Try reinserting your tooth back into place and holding it there until you get to the dentist
4. If step three is impossible, place the tooth in a glass of milk and bring it to an emergency dentist near you immediately.

2. Missing Filling or Crown

Fillings and Dental crowns do an excellent job of reinforcing your teeth against decay. But none of them last forever.

 

Constant pressure from chewing, grinding, and bacteria working its way underneath the restorations can wear them down to the point of failure.

 

Fillings and crowns are put in place to protect the deeper layers of your teeth. When your tooth’s inner layer is exposed, it’s vulnerable to further decay and even tooth loss. Not to mention incredibly painful.

 

If your filling or crown falls out, don’t panic. See an emergency dentist near you to preserve your dental health.

3. Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are another warning sign that requires emergency dental care. You might be brushing or flossing too vigorously, which is a common cause. But in some cases, bleeding gums can be a sign of a much larger issue like gingivitis.

 

If caught early, gingivitis can be treated and reversed. That’s why it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with a San Diego emergency dentist as soon as you notice the problem.

4. Nerve Pain

When you experience nerve pain, you won’t need anyone to tell you to schedule an emergency appointment. Even the act of breathing can be painful if the nerves in your teeth become exposed.

 

This painful dental problem can be caused by cavities, receding gums, cracked teeth, tobacco use , bruxism (grinding teeth), and poor dental hygiene.

 

As with bleeding gums, brushing and flossing too hard can lead to exposed nerves. The constant irritation can cause your gums to recede, revealing the sensitive parts of your teeth.

 

So, while the solution might be as simple as brushing more gently, it’s vital to see an emergency dentist near you straight away to get to the heart of the issue.

 

If the nerve pain is due to something minor, getting cleared by a dental professional will give you peace of mind. If it’s something more severe, catching it as soon as possible gives you and your dentist the chance to tackle the issue before it worsens.

5. Tooth Infection

Also known as an abscessed tooth, a tooth infection is another case where you won’t need any encouragement to seek emergency dental care.

 

If you’ve ever accidentally pulled too much skin from the side of your fingernail and gotten an infection, you know what an abscess is. It’s that little pus pocket that forms when there’s no more skin to protect your fingernail’s inner layers from outside bacteria.

 

Unfortunately, the same thing can happen to your teeth. See, your teeth have a soft inner layer called the pulp, which houses all their nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

 

When tooth decay, periodontitis, or a cracked tooth give harmful bacteria access to the pulp, it can cause an infection at the root of your tooth. The pus pocket that forms at the root creates an abscess that can lead to all sorts of uncomfortable symptoms:

1. Pain
2. Red or swollen gums
3. A bad taste in the mouth
4. And even fever

If left untreated, an abscessed tooth can result in a severe infection in the mouth and jaw bone. As soon as you notice any of the above symptoms, pay a visit to a San Diego emergency dentist.

They may prescribe you antibiotics to fight the infection or recommend a root canal treatment depending on the severity of the issue.

6. Toothache

This one seems like another no-brainer, but again, you’d be surprised by how many people avoid seeking treatment for toothaches. Typically, by the time y ou feel that sharp pain, your dental problem is beyond a cavity and affecting the nerve. You may need more than a routine filling.

 

Unfortunately, people often fear what and how expensive the issue might be, so they avoid getting the care they need.

 

But the longer you wait, the more nasty and pricey dental problems become. If you develop a toothache, see an emergency dentist near you right away.

7. Swollen Jaw or Neck

Our final red flag to look out for is swelling in your jaw or neck. Erupting wisdom teeth, abscessed teeth, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and mouth sores can all cause swelling in your mouth or jawbone.

 

As with a chipped tooth, even if there’s no pain to accompany the swelling, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Visit an emergency dentist in San Diego to diagnose and treat the issue, and keep your mouth healthy.

San Diego’s Best Emergency Dentist

When you’re looking for an emergency dentist, you need a practice you can rely on. Availability, versatility, and YOU-focused care are a must.

 

At Dental Express, we pride ourselves on being the best emergency dentist in the San Diego  area. We’re open six days a week, always accept walk-ins, and offer emergency dental services at each of our six locations.

 

When you have a dental emergency, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your dentist will take care of you. With us, you and your family can rest assured that no matter what happens, we’ll always be available to protect and care for your smiles.

 

Keep Reading

Is a Cracked Tooth Considered an Emergency?

What Do I Do if My Crown Comes Off?

Do You Go to the Dentist or ER for a Dental Emergency?

Five Reasons Why Regular Dental Exams Are Important

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Helpful tips and common myths about wisdom teeth, and when to talk to your San Diego dentist about removal

Get Your Wisdom Teeth Checked Out.

In 2007, around five million people got their wisdom teeth extracted in the United States. So if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you already had yours taken out, or you know someone who has.

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically come in between the ages of 17 and 21. They earned that name because they grow in when people are older and wiser than when their permanent teeth grew in.

Healthy wisdom teeth give you extra chewing support, but when there’s not enough room for them in your mouth, it can adversely affect your dental health.

So, how do you know when it’s time to get your wisdom teeth removed?

In today’s article, we’ll cover how unhealthy wisdom teeth can affect your dental health, some signs that you need to get yours removed, and what to expect from the extraction treatment at your local San Diego dentist.

We’ll also debunk some common wisdom teeth myths, leaving you with nothing but the pearly-white truth about your third set of molars.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll be all the wiser about how to handle your wisdom teeth and on track to having a happier, healthier smile.

What are the Common Signs to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Some discomfort is normal when your wisdom teeth start to come in, but there are several signs to look out for that mean it’s time to visit your dentist in San Diego.

Pain, Swelling, & Trouble Eating

If eating certain foods causes you pain, or if you notice a persistent aching in your jaw even when you’re not eating, your wisdom teeth are likely at the root of the issue and will need to be removed.

Additionally, when your wisdom teeth start to come in, you may notice your gums become swollen and sensitive. This sudden change is often due to openings in the gum tissue left by your erupting wisdom teeth, which allow for food particles and bacteria to get trapped.

To fight the cavity-causing bacteria, your body sends healthy, oxygenated blood to your gums, leading to swelling and increased sensitivity.

If you find it hard to open your mouth or clean near your wisdom teeth due to swollen, sensitive gums, make an appointment with your dentist to get an x-ray and dental exam.

Overcrowding

When there’s not enough room in your mouth or your wisdom teeth don’t come in at the right angle, it can cause nearby teeth to shift and bunch up to make room for them. Overcrowding like this makes it easier for food to get stuck between your teeth and more difficult to clean in those hard to reach areas.

When decay-causing bacteria has a place to grow, cavities are much more likely to form. If you notice your wisdom teeth are causing overcrowding, then it’s time to talk with your San Diego dentist about an evaluation.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth often cause pain and discomfort because they’re impacted. When teeth are impacted, it means there isn’t enough room in your mouth to accommodate them.

The lack of space can cause them to get stuck inside your gums or come in at improper angles. This dental issue can lead to several other complications like overcrowding, cavities, infection, cysts, and even damage to neighboring teeth.

Using x-rays, your dentist can monitor the development of your wisdom teeth before they come in. For some, only two wisdom teeth need to be removed, whereas others need all four taken out. And some get to take advantage of the extra chewing power provided by a complete third set of molars. If your dentist notices any potential troublemakers, they’ll develop a treatment plan that’s best for you and your dental health.

Brushing Away the Myths

Part of being prepared for the development of your wisdom teeth is knowing the difference between fact and fiction. 

Many dentists say it’s okay to wait until you experience tooth pain to have your wisdom teeth extracted, but this is a common myth. If your jaw doesn’t leave enough space for you to clean between your teeth when they break the surface, it’s best to have them removed before they cause any problems.

Another common misconception is that if the area surrounding your wisdom teeth isn’t infected, you don’t need to take them out.

Your third molars may not cause any trouble when they first break the surface but partially erupted teeth can leave room for bacteria to enter the gums. If left unchecked, this bacteria can lead to infection, causing pain and stiffness in the jaw.

When it comes to infection, playing catch up is never a good idea. It’s always better to take a proactive approach to your dental health.

To wrap up our list of myths, some people are under the impression that all wisdom teeth are bad and should be removed. Although most of us have to get at least two removed, not all wisdom teeth deserve a bad reputation.

More often than not, the bottom two cause the most trouble while the top two come in without much issue. It’s worth noting that before your wisdom teeth come in, the only way your dentist can tell if they’re impacted or likely to cause problems is by taking x-rays.

It’s essential to get regular checkups and x-rays at your San Diego dentist to stay ahead of any potential issues.

Preventive, proactive care is vital to maintaining a healthy smile. At Dental Express, we carefully monitor wisdom teeth progression and remove any especially risky teeth before they cause any trouble.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction: What to Expect

If your dentist decides that removal is the best option, wisdom teeth extraction is a straightforward treatment that usually takes a single visit.

If your wisdom teeth have already grown in, then the process is as simple as a typical tooth extraction. If you have any impacted teeth, your dental professional will surgically remove them from your gums.

Wisdom teeth extraction is generally a pain-free process thanks to local anesthesia, but if the thought of getting your teeth pulled gives you nightmares, don’t worry. You can talk to your dental professional about the possibility of sedation.

What’s the recovery process like? And how long will it take?

Unfortunately, the healing process isn’t quite so easy. Discomfort, swelling, aching pains, and a soft food diet are common parts of the journey back to health. But if you follow your dental professional’s instructions, your recovery should be relatively speedy.

You’ll usually be prescribed medication to relieve any aches and pains as well as an antibiotic, and you can use cold compresses to ease the swelling. Sticking to soft foods and liquids will help prevent unnecessary damage to the gums until they heal enough to allow for a natural diet again.

Smoothies are a simple and delicious way to get your nutrients in while recovering from wisdom teeth extraction. It’s also a great excuse to eat a lot of mashed potatoes!

The main thing to watch out for during the recovery process is dry socket. After a tooth extraction treatment, a blood clot usually forms where the tooth used to be. This clot serves to protect the vulnerable bone and nerves while the area heals over.

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot can’t form or an already formed clot becomes dislodged. This condition usually happens when the area is damaged by solid food particles or when the patient smokes or drinks through a straw.

The suction created by smoking and using straws is enough to disrupt the formation and stability of blood clots. Because of this, your dentist or oral surgeon will typically recommend avoiding these activities.

As you can imagine, when the bone and nerves are exposed, it can be quite painful. It can also lengthen the recovery process, as the extraction site will need more time to heal over again. But not to worry, dry socket can be easily remedied with a dental cleaning, medicine, and time.

As long as you adhere to the recovery guidelines your dental professional provides, you shouldn’t have to worry about developing dry socket. The majority of patients recover quickly, without any issues at all!

The average recovery time for someone between seventeen and twenty-one years old is around one week. But for someone over the age of thirty, it can take much longer. As you age, your mouth takes longer to heal after treatments like wisdom teeth extraction.

That’s why it’s important to get your wisdom teeth evaluated at your San Diego dentist as early as possible. The sooner you identify potential issues, the sooner you can get them removed to avoid future pain and longer recovery times.

A Wise Choice for Family Dental Care in San Diego

We specialize in proactive family dental care at Dental Express and believe dental health should never be a game of catch up.

When it comes to wisdom teeth extraction or any treatment you may need, our goal is simple: To clear your path to a difficulty-free, healthy mouth. Placing a strong emphasis on prevention, we work to improve your smile’s longevity by catching issues before they come up.

If you live in the San Diego area and you’d like to learn more about wisdom teeth extraction, or you’d just like to drop by for a visit, make an appointment with us today. We have six locations in the San Diego area, and we’d be happy to serve you in any way we can.

Sources

Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

The 5 Most Common Problems Created by Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When Can You Eat Again After a Tooth Extraction?

Typical Sources of Tooth Pain and How You Can Treat it

The fascinating – and sometimes scary – history of dental care in America, from floss to mouthwash to dentures.

It’s hard to imagine life without modern dentistry. 

From battery-powered toothbrushes with two-minute timers to powerful water-flossing devices, we’ve got all the fancy tools we need to take care of our pearly whites in this day and age. And getting a problematic tooth taken care of is as simple as taking a trip to the dentist.

But in reality, dental care like this only developed within the past sixty to eighty years. So, how did early Americans take care of their teeth before all these modern advancements?

In part I, we talked about how early Americans brushed their teeth before the invention of toothbrushes and toothpaste, how they handled dental emergencies, and the creation of the first toothbrush.

Today, we’re going back in time to discover when floss and mouthwash were invented, the history of dentures, and what early Americans used to treat toothaches.

With Thanksgiving coming up, we thought it would be fitting to share some fun, interesting facts about how early Americans cleaned up after turkey dinner.

Some of what you’ll learn is captivating and still applies to this day, and some of it is just downright revolting.

They say sequels are never a good idea, but there are exceptions to every rule. So, let’s jump into part II!

When Was Floss Invented? And What Was it Made of?

People have been flossing for millennia, and they found plenty of creative ways to do it over the years.

Early Americans would floss using toothpicks fashioned from twigs or small bundles of horsehair.

At the beginning of the 19th century, a dentist from New Orleans named Levi Parmly  brought flossing into the spotlight. He stressed the importance of flossing to all his patients, calling it the best way to prevent dental health issues.

Parmly invented the first modern form of dental floss using waxed silken thread. And because of his valuable research in the field of dentistry, he went on to become the most renowned dental practitioner in the southern United States. His ideas about the causes and prevention of oral health conditions still influence how dentistry is practiced even today.

Despite Parmly promoting the widespread use of dental floss, it wouldn’t become a commercially available product until 1882. A company called Codman and Shurleft played off of Parmly’s model and began mass-producing unwaxed silken thread for consumers everywhere.

Then, a little company you might have heard of called Johnson & Johnson stepped in, releasing their first floss in 1896. Two years later, they became the first company to patent their dental floss, which was made out of the same type of silk used for sutures at the time.

Although it was widely produced, Americans wouldn’t fully adopt flossing into their dental care routines until World War II.

All of this backstory is interesting, but it’s worth noting that monkeys have been spotted flossing using feathers and even human hair. So, who’s to say our primitive ancestors aren’t the real pioneers?

When Was Mouthwash Created? And Who Created it?

If you’re not a fan of Listerine, you might develop a newfound appreciation for it after this.

Before we touch on what early Americans used for mouthwash, we’re going to wind the clocks back a bit further.

The ancient Romans had an interesting mouthwash “formula” that was popular over two thousand years ago. Whenever it was time to rinse, they would use either animal or human urine to wash their mouths out.

And the craziest part? It worked! The ammonia found in the urine acted as a disinfectant and Teeth Whitening San Diego agent.

Listerine doesn’t sound so bad now, does it? The real question here is: Who came up with that idea!?

Thankfully, mouthwash has come a long way since then.

Before the settlers arrived, Native Americans used to harvest the roots of the Coptis Trifolia, or gold thread cypress tree, to create mouthwash. The gold thread tree contains an alkaloid called berberine that acts as a pain-reliever, making it a useful tool for treating painful dental issues and sore throats. They also harvested Witch Hazel to use as a mouth rinse.

The first medical-grade mouthwash was invented by Dr. Joseph Lawrence in 1879, although he didn’t create it for that purpose.

Lawrence made an antiseptic formula to sterilize surgical tools using eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, thymol, and alcohol. He named it after Dr. Joseph Lister, the pioneer of antiseptic surgery. And if that name sounds familiar, it should, because we’re talking about the most popular mouthwash on the market: Listerine!

But at the time, Lawrence didn’t market Listerine as a mouthwash. In fact, he sold it as just about everything but mouthwash. Lawrence pitched Listerine as an all-purpose disinfectant, a cure for the athlete’s foot, and even a dandruff remedy.

Listerine’s dental potential wasn’t discovered until 1895 when dentists across America started to adopt it as a decay-fighting antiseptic. By 1914, it finally became available over the counter, and the rest is history.

But unfortunately, Listerine was one of the few effective products on the market during those days. Due to the lack of regulations back then, many other mouthwash formulas caused severe damage.

Ex-Cel Tooth Stain Remover, Bleachodent, and Snowy White contained hydrochloric acid in their formulas, and Tartaroff was proven to erode 3% of users’ enamel per each use.

Thankfully, after the Second World War, public awareness grew, and mouthwashes became much safer.

What Did Early Americans Use for Dentures?

This might surprise you, but George Washington didn’t have wooden dentures. Full wooden dentures were most popular in Japan, where they were invented in the 1500s.

When he took office for the first time, Washington’s dentures were made out of elephant and hippopotamus ivory, both of which were popular denture materials at the time.

Before that, he had dentures made with real human teeth! Looters and scavengers often extracted these teeth from soldiers’ bodies on the battlefield, commonly referred to as “Waterloo dentures.”

Luckily, viable porcelain dentures were created in 1820, which steered people away from the Waterloo and ivory options. Porcelain dentures were typically fastened to a set of gold plates and became the standard for about thirty years.

In 1850, a hardened rubber material called Vulcanite was introduced that replaced gold as the base. This reliable rubber, combined with porcelain teeth, made it the most reliable set of dentures to date.

Acrylic resins and plastics took over at the beginning of the 20th century and have evolved into the smile restorative solutions we have today.

How Did Early Americans Treat Toothaches?

Having a toothache is enough to drive anyone up a wall. The pain can be so intense it can ruin your whole day. But today, you can make a quick run to the drugstore for some over-the-counter painkillers or make an appointment with your local San Diego dentist to get the issue  taken care of.

If the same fate befell one of our predecessors, they wouldn’t be so lucky. Without any advanced medical remedies, how did they get rid of their toothaches?

As we discussed earlier, the Native Americans used the gold thread tree’s root to make mouthwash. Additionally, they would often rub this naturally numbing solution on teething babies’ gums to ease their pain.

They also made use of another plant called the Southern Prickly Ash tree. This thorny relative of the orange tree contains a naturally-occurring novocaine, which they used to numb the aching tooth. The Prickly Ash tree came in handy before and after tooth extraction, keeping the patient as pain-free as possible throughout the process.

Family-Friendly Dental Care for the Modern Age

Looking back, it’s easy to appreciate how convenient and pain-free dental care is now. It wasn’t that long ago that we were using hydrochloric acid as mouthwash. We’ve come so far in such a short amount of time, and technology keeps improving every year.

At Dental Express, we have a passionate appreciation for all the incredible dental technology at our disposal, and we’re proud to use it in service of giving you the smile you’ve always wanted.

If you want friendly, affordable dental care this holiday season,  make an appointment at one of our six locations today. And if we don’t see you this week, we wish you and your family a lovely Thanksgiving holiday filled with love and lasting memories.

Keep Reading

How Early Americans Took Care of Their Teeth, Part I 

Would You Let a Barber Pull Your Teeth? A Brief History of Dentistry 

Did George Washington Have Wooden Teeth? A Brief History of Dentures 

Why Does My Tooth Hurt? Four Reasons for a Severe Toothache