Why Do I Keep Getting Toothaches?

/0 Comments/in , /by

A toothache can be a troubling problem, and some toothaches are downright miserable. If you’re having a toothache, it’s important to understand what could be causing it to happen. You may need to see the dentist in Aitkin and Deerwood, MN. Taking swift action could help you avoid a more serious problem.

Common Causes of Toothaches

There are many things that can cause a toothache. For example:

  • A crack or chip in your tooth. If you have a crack or chip in your tooth, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures and occasional pain when biting down.
  • A cavity. A cavity is a place where the tooth enamel has decayed. Cavities are caused by a combination of bacteria and acid in the mouth, and poor hygiene habits that allow the bacteria and acid to linger there. Cavities can be painful at random times and when biting down, or eating sweet foods.
  • An infection in the tooth. An infection in the pulp of the tooth can be very painful. This is an example of a dental emergency. If you have an infection in your tooth, you need a procedure called a root canal to clean out the pulp in your tooth, seal off the tooth from further infection, and a crown placed on top of the tooth to protect the weakened tooth enamel.
  • Injury. Sometimes a minor dental injury can cause pain around a tooth, especially if something has become temporarily lodged between the teeth or under the gums. These aches and pains often go away in a few hours or days.

When Is a Toothache A Dental Emergency?

A tooth infection is a serious problem. Infection can spread elsewhere in the body and leave your tooth in pain. If you’re experiencing severe pain in your tooth, it may be an infection. You should call the dentist as soon as possible.

Have a Toothache? Call the Dentist

If you’re experiencing a toothache, you may need a dental examination in Aitkin and Deerwood, MN. Call your dentist at River Oaks Dental to get advice and find out if you need to make an appointment.

4 Questions to Ask Your Dentist When You Come In For a Cleaning

/0 Comments/in /by

Are you planning a trip to the dentist in AItkin and Deerwood, MN soon? If so, you should be prepared for your time with the dentist. One of the ways you can prepare is by writing down some questions that you ha ve for the dentist. If your questions are written down, you won’t forget any when you get there. This helps make the best use of your time in the dental chair. Below are several questions to consider asking your dentist when you go in for your next cleaning.

1. Did you notice any signs of a problem?

Most likely, your dentist will let you know if they notice signs of a potential problem with your teeth. However, this is a good question to ask if you’ve been noticing symptoms yourself. Explain to your dentist that you’ve been seeing signs of a problem and describe the symptoms. This opens the channel to have a conversation, and may lead your dentist to uncover a problem in its early stages.

2. What can I do to avoid future dental problems?

Hopefully you’re taking precautions to avoid dental problems like cavities and periodontal disease. However, there may be some things that you can do that you haven’t yet thought of. Talk to your dentist to find out what you can do to avoid dental problems in the future. You may learn something!

3. When should I come back?

Most dentists recommend that their patients come in for a dental cleaning twice per year. However, if you’re having a particular problem, your dentist may recommend that you return earlier. Find out if your dentist recommends you return in six months, and if not, when?

4. Is my oral hygiene routine adequate?

Tell your dentist what you do to take care of your teeth, then find out from your dentist what you should be doing different or better. This is a good opportunity to ask your dentist for a tutorial on tooth brushing. Your dentist can show you the proper way to brush and floss your teeth.

When you come in for a dental cleaning in Aitkin and Deerwood, MN, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to talk to the dentist – so be ready! Call River Oaks Dental today to make an appointment.

How Often Should You Schedule Dentist Appointments?  

/0 Comments/in /by

How often do you see the dentist? Do you know when you should see the dentist in Crosby and Aitkin MN? Knowing when it’s time to see the dentist can help you take care of your teeth and can also help you avoid dental emergencies like infections.

At River Oaks Dental, we recommend that all of our patients see the dentist on a regular basis to get their teeth cleaned and examined as needed. Below are the circumstances under which we recommend that you see the dentist.

Every 6 Months

Most dentists recommend that you see the dentist for a cleaning every six months. Some patients only need to see the dentist once per year, if their teeth are in particularly good condition.

Still, some patients need to see the dentist more frequently than every six months because of a condition or a problem with their teeth. If it’s been more than six months since your dental cleaning in Crosby and Aitkin MN, contact your dentist to find out if you’re due for a dental cleaning and examination.

When You See Signs of a Problem

If you’re noticing signs of a dental problem, contact your dentist to find out if you should come in. Symptoms to watch for include:

  • Toothache or intermittent pain in your tooth
  • Swelling inside your mouth or on your gums
  • Chronic bad breath that won’t go away when you brush your teeth
  • Visible brown or black spots on your tooth
  • Gum recession
  • Swollen, red, bleeding gums

Talk to your dentist about these problems and make an appointment if the dentist recommends it.

As Often As Your Dentist Recommends

If you have gum disease or have had a lot of problems with tooth decay and other issues, your dentist may recommend a special schedule to come see the dentist. Make appointments as often as recommended by your dentist.

When You’re Having a Dental Emergency

If you’ve lost a permanent tooth, have noticed your tooth is loose, have experienced a tooth injury or if your tooth is bleeding or in terrible pain, contact your dentist as soon as possible to get help.

Need a dentist appointment? Contact River Oaks Dental to make your standard dental checkup with our dental experts. Call today to get started.