Extractions

Is Your Tooth Infected?

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Infections are serious business, whether you’re referring to a common cold or an infected tooth. In the worst-case scenarios, unchecked infections can turn into serious complications and even death. While tooth pain has been known to appear and disappear without warning, the much more likely scenario is that the symptoms represent a more long-lasting problem. Below, we’ll look at what to keep an eye on if your tooth acts up.

What Is a Tooth Infection?

A tooth infection (sometimes called an abscess) doesn’t occur when bacteria makes contact with the tooth, but rather when the tooth pulp comes in contact with bacteria. While your enamel and tooth tissue protects you from most common bacteria, a cavity or crack in the tooth can allow that bacteria to enter and make its way down to the root.

How Do I Know If My Tooth Is Infected?

A dentist in Lyndhurst, OH can tell you that the most common symptom of an infection is pain. We’ll look at a few additional facts about the symptoms of an infection:

  • Pain is typically constant and a throbbing sensation. You may feel it in your mouth, but it can just as easily spread as far as your neck or ears.
  • Some infections cause pain only when chewing, biting, or exposure to extremely hot or cold foods or liquids.
  • Infections can cause the tooth to rot from the inside out, which can cause a foul odor or salty fluid if the infection ruptures.
  • Additional symptoms are likely familiar to anyone who’s ever had an infection of any kind, including swelling in the lymph nodes, fever, and general tenderness.

Where to Find Relief in Lyndhurst, OH

Not all infections move at the same pace, so it’s important not to make assumptions about your condition. If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain in Lyndhurst, OH, it’s worth having it checked out by a qualified dentist. While it can be scary to think about the consequences of a tooth infection, especially if you’re worried about extraction, it’s worse to assume that the infection will resolve on its own. If you’re looking for a reputable team, contact the staff at Lyndhurst Family Dental to schedule an immediate appointment today.

The Real Story Behind Oral Hygiene Checkups

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Have you had your teeth cleaned during a general dentistry appointment in Lyndhurst, OH, lately? If not, you may want to examine your repertoire of knowledge about dental hygiene appointments to make sure there are no mistruths and misleading bits of information keeping you from your appointment. While dental cleaning appointments are critical to your oral health care plan, many people fail to make them. Take a look at the myths associated with oral hygiene visits and the real facts behind them.

Myth: Getting your teeth cleaned isn’t necessary if you brush and floss as you should.

Fact: Regular dental cleanings are essential, even with diligent brushing and flossing, as they remove plaque and tartar buildup that home care may miss. For example, when you brush and floss, it is almost impossible to get all bits of bacteria or food particles around the gum line. However, a hygienist has professional-grade tools to get to these hard-to-reach areas.

Myth: You don’t need an oral hygiene appointment with dental crowns or implants.

Fact: Oral hygiene appointments remain crucial even if you do have dental crowns or implants. These visits are important for ensuring proper cleaning and maintenance around the gum line to prevent issues like gum disease. Therefore, visiting a dentist twice a year for a thorough cleaning remains an important part of your oral health care plan, even after cosmetic procedures.

Myth: Having your teeth professionally cleaned breaks down the enamel.

Fact: Professional teeth cleaning doesn’t weaken enamel; in fact, it strengthens oral health by removing harmful substances, which promotes a healthier and brighter smile. After a hygiene appointment, you may feel a bit of sensitivity, but this is not because the enamel has been damaged during the cleaning. Instead, this may be due to a change in sensation because plaque has been removed. Over time, the teeth will typically become stringer as remineralization occurs, and sensitivity will subside.

Create an Oral Hygiene Plan with a Lyndhurst, OH Dentist

The most important thing to keep in mind about oral hygiene appointments is the fact that they are a vital part of your oral health care plan. If you have not had your teeth cleaned in a while, be sure to talk to a good dentist in Lyndhurst, OH, about a checkup and a plan. Reach out to Lyndhurst Family Dental to get started.