February 2019 Dentistry Newsletter

Signs of a Cavity

No one wants to find out they have a cavity, but there are certain signs that you simply should not ignore. If you have a cavity getting an appointment with your dentist at Aesthetic Dentistry, P.C. can bring you quick relief, and get you back to your regular activities in no time. Our expert team knows exactly what to look for, and the best method to treat your cavity. For many patients their cavities go unnoticed until a visit to the dentist, but in other cases the cavity makes its presence felt early on.

First we should clarify what a cavity is. A cavity is an area where the enamel, hard outer surface of your teeth, has been damaged as a result of plaque build-up. Plaque is a bacteria that lives off the food you consume every day, and if not removed regularly through proper brushing and flossing, this plaque will create little holes in your teeth. These holes create cavities.

Pain – in general pain in either your tooth or the gum area indicates a problem. In some cases this pain is sharp and comes on suddenly, but for others it’s more of a dull, throbbing pain. In either instance this is your body trying to tell you to get to the dentist. Any pain in your tooth or gum could indicate a cavity and should be checked out.

Food Sensitivity – if you begin having pain when you eat foods that are hot, cold, sweet, acidic or sticky, it could be a sign of a cavity. Some people just have teeth that are more sensitive, but if this pain from food comes on suddenly it’s more likely to be reflective of a cavity. In most cases this pain is caused by an exposed or infected nerve, which is now being stimulated by the food.

Discoloration – we’re not talking about a general yellowing of all of your teeth that happens from drinking coffee or soda, but instead a distinct discoloration of one spot in your mouth when compared with your other teeth. Cavities usually start off white but can pick-up the color from food you consume and appear more dramatically stained than the other areas of your teeth. This is another sign that it’s time to see the dentist.

Bad Breath – if you notice that you’ve got chronic bad breath, or a bad taste in your mouth that you can’t get rid of, it may indicate a cavity. As these tiny holes in your teeth develop they create a spot for other bacteria and food particles to hang out. This can lead to bad breath or a nasty taste in your mouth.

A Hole in the Tooth – if you can actually see a hole in one of your teeth, or feel one with your tongue, that’s a pretty clear sign that it’s time to have the dentist take a look as you likely have a cavity. Over time those tiny holes that formed initially will get larger and can eventually become very obvious. Even if you’re not having pain if you see a hole in your tooth you should get it looked at right away.

Easing Your Child’s Fear of the Dentist

For many children a visit to the dentist can be a scary event. It’s an unfamiliar environment with bright lights, a giant chair to lay back in, and random people poking around in their mouth. All of that may be true but regular dental visits are extremely important to the overall health of your child. So what can you do to improve your child’s experience at the dentist?

Start Early – you can schedule your child’s first dental visit around their first birthday. When a child simply grows up going to the dentist every 6 months it becomes routine and not something to fear. By the time your child is 3 or 4 years old they’ll know exactly what to expect at the dentist and it will not be a fear inducing event.

Watch your Words – even saying words you think are reassuring such as, “there won’t be any shots, it isn’t going to hurt” can make things worse. These are concepts that may not have even occurred to your child before you said them. Instead say things like, “the dentist is going to check out your smile and count your teeth.” The dentist will introduce other words and concepts as needed to your child. In addition to carefully choosing your words, consider simply saying less. Many parents feel the need to talk through the entire appointment to try to distract the child, but in many cases this prevents your child from interacting with the dentist and hygienist. Building a relationship with these medical professionals will also help lower your child’s anxiety levels.

A Friendly Face – for many kids seeing the same dentist and hygienist each visit can also make it easier on them. When you call Aesthetic Dentistry, P.C. we guarantee you the same team each visit. This can help your child feel comfortable as they recognize the same faces each visit. If you’re bringing your child to our office for the first time consider a meet and greet. We would be happy to introduce ourselves to your child prior to the day of their appointment.

Distractions – we expect young children to be fussy and wiggly, don’t get worked up if your child is having a particularly tough day. We understand how kids work and we’ve seen more than a few tantrums. You’re welcome to sit close to your child and hold their hand during the visit. For many kids the comfort of mom or dad’s hand makes a huge difference. For older children listening to their favorite song with their headphones in the waiting room is another way to distract from the upcoming visit and put them in the right frame of mind.

Cold Sores

Cold sores are painful blisters that can form anywhere on your body, but are most prevalent around your mouth and lips. If you deal with cold sores on occasion, rest assured that you’re not alone. 90% of adults will get a cold sore at some point in their life, while 40% of them will get them on a recurring basis. They are caused by a viral infection called herpes simplex, not actually related to the kind of cold that makes your nose run. Because it’s a virus it typically runs its course in 7-10 days and goes away. In many people the body then develops antibodies which help prevent the cold sores from coming back.

For most patients getting a cold sore is not a serious illness, unless it spreads to your eye or brain at which point medical treatment would be required. In addition, if the cold sore doesn’t heal up within two weeks it’s also recommended that you see your doctor for treatment. The herpes simplex virus is very easily spread through physical contact such as kissing, sharing of eating utensils, and even just a hug or handshake.

At Aesthetic Dentistry, P.C. we often get asked whether it’s ok to go to the dentist when you have a cold sore. This will depend on the location of the blisters as well as the individual patient. It’s recommended that you give us a call before your appointment if you have an active cold sore. We can help you decide whether to come on in, or reschedule after the cold sore has healed. If a cold sore is located in or close to your mouth getting dental work done could be painful and cause bleeding, thus it might make sense to wait a few days for it to heal.

What’s the difference between a cold sore and a canker sore? A canker sore appears inside your mouth while a cold sore is on the outside. A canker sore is believed to come from either bacteria or a virus that is attacking your immune system. For both cold sores and canker sores stress, allergies and fatigue can trigger an outbreak. Neither are typically a serious health concern, and both will heal up on their own within a week or two.

If you have any type of sore or blister in or around your mouth and are concerned about a planned dental visit call our office anytime. The staff here at Aesthetic Dentistry, P.C. is happy to talk with you about what’s going on and figure out the best plan of action.

Things To Do In Cheyenne

Are you looking for a new, romantic restaurant, or just something different and fun to do with your significant other? There are a whole variety of options in the Cheyenne area for you to consider. Here are just a few that we’ve found.

Nagle Warren Mansion – if you’re looking for a romantic dinner and a fine dining experience take a trip to Nagle Warren Mansion. They offer candle lit dinner packages with filet mignon Oscar or stuffed chicken at a very reasonable price. You can extend the evening by booking a room and really enjoying all this property has to offer. For the holiday week, flowers are included with your stay.

The Paramount – this unique coffee shop has the added appeal of the fun Paramount Ballroom right next door. The Ballroom offers trendy appetizers and desserts, their own freshly made juices, as well as a large variety of cocktails. All of this is available in a fun and inviting atmosphere. This is a great option for those looking to have a fantastic time but keep the evening more casual.

Cheyenne Artist Guild – this completely free experience allows you to immerse yourself in the talent of local artists. You and your partner can create your own unique piece of art, or find the perfect treasure to purchase to commemorate your day together. For the month of February the Guild has a focus on the theme of love throughout the gallery.

Pole Mountain & Curt Gowdy State Park – for the more active experience, take a visit to one of these great parks. This is a great way to get some fresh air and have a new adventure together. A short hike at Curt Gowdy State Park can lead you to Hidden Falls, which is a very romantic place to enjoy the scenery together. Pole Mountain, accessibility is weather dependent, has trails that are perfect for snowshoeing, skating, and cross country skiing. There are also several beaver ponds in the area which can let you experience the beauty of these creatures even in the winter months.

There are endless opportunities to experience something new in the Cheyenne area this February.