Pediatric Dentistry

How many times have you gone to the dentist and lied about how much you floss? It’s OK; you’re not alone! Many patients don’t really enjoy flossing. We have a theory that in part, it’s because flossing doesn’t have any noticeable direct benefit—unlike exercise, eating healthy, or even brushing your teeth. However, there are plenty of benefits to be had from regular flossing; the first is that patients who floss regularly have very few dental issues. Keep reading to find out more about flossing and why it’s so important to your oral health.

The Benefits of Flossing Regularly

• Teeth & Gum Health

Brushing your teeth is great for preventing tooth decay because it scrubs away food, plaque, and bacteria sitting on your teeth’s enamel. However, toothbrushes can only do so much; they can’t reach the tight spaces between your teeth and along the gum line—but floss can! Flossing daily helps your teeth and gums stay healthy and reduces your risk of developing cavities and gum disease.

• Fresher Breath

Brushing your teeth with minty-fresh toothpaste will help your breath—but only for so long if you have food and tarter between your teeth. Food trapped between your teeth can start to decay and cause a foul odor, but tartar is one of the main culprits of halitosis (aka chronic bad breath). Flossing removes food particles and plaque before it can become odor-causing tarter.

• Flossing Can Help Prevent Heart Disease

Studies have shown that patients with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have heart disease as those without gum disease. Why? When you have gingivitis or forms of gum disease, it allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, where it can make its way to the heart. If you floss regularly, it helps protect your teeth, gums, AND your heart! What’s not to love?

• A Brighter, More Confident Smile

Plaque and tartar have a yellowy appearance, which can affect the overall appearance of your smile. Flossing regularly will help remove plaque, prevent tartar buildup, and remove food trapped between your teeth for a brighter, whiter smile you can flash with confidence.

What Happens if You Don’t Floss?

If you don’t floss, it allows plaque and bacteria to accumulate in your mouth. Bacteria can lead to cavities and tooth decay over time, but gingivitis (gum inflammation) can develop much more quickly.

If gingivitis gets worse, it can develop into periodontal disease, which causes bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Plaque that’s allowed to sit for too long becomes calcified and turns into tartar, which makes it more difficult for you to brush and floss thoroughly; even worse, tartar that sits above the gum line has bacteria in it that can irritate and damage your gums.

The bottom line is no matter how often you brush or how long you brush, there are areas around your teeth and gums that a toothbrush just can’t reach. Flossing helps you reach every nook and cranny, dislodging food, plaque, and bacteria that you wouldn’t be able to remove otherwise.

For the cleanest, healthiest smile, you should aim for flossing at least once a day. If your gums bleed while flossing, don’t worry! This is just a sign that you need to floss more frequently. The more you floss, the less your gums will bleed. We know it doesn’t feel like the most glamorous activity, but trust us—your teeth and gums will thank you!

If you have questions about your oral health or proper flossing technique, contact an Enamel Dentistry near you. Our team is always happy to help you find the best ways to care for your smile!

Dental emergencies can cause a lot of pain and discomfort; they can even potentially lead to long-term complications. But how do you define a dental emergency? When should you rush to the dentist, and when it is reasonable to wait until your next scheduled appointment? 

For your health and comfort, it’s important to understand the difference between an urgent issue that should be seen right away, and a non-urgent dental concern that can wait. Here are some tips to help you recognize when you need immediate attention. 

[Breakout section in its own block: If you’re having a dental emergency, we’re here to help. Call or visit your closest Enamel Dentistry location or contact us after hours at (512) 710-1045.]

Identifying Urgent Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are surprisingly common; according to American Family Physician, approximately 22% of Americans reported having oral pain within the past 6 months. 

However, not every dental concern demands urgent attention. We consider a dental emergency to be any issue that needs immediate treatment to stop bleeding and pain, save a tooth, or clear up an infection. Here are some examples of common dental emergencies that should be seen right away:

• Persistent or severe toothaches
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Swollen mouth or jaw
• Exposed nerves
• Knocked-out or partially dislodged tooth 
• Loose teeth
• Dental infections 
• Abscesses

If you’re having trouble deciding whether your concern would be considered a dental emergency, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the pain severe?
• Are you experiencing a fair amount of bleeding?
• Did you lose a tooth?
• Are your teeth loose?
• Are you having difficulty speaking or eating due to the issue? 
• Is there significant swelling in your face, jaw, or around the affected area? 
• Have you noticed any unusual discharge or pus around your gums or teeth? 
• Have you sustained a recent injury to your mouth or face? 
• Are you feeling generally unwell or experiencing fever along with the dental problem? 
• Have you recently undergone dental surgery or treatment that could be related to the current issue?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should receive emergency attention. If you're still uncertain about the severity of a dental situation, give us a call or stop by the office, and we can provide guidance on which steps to take next. 

Examples of Non-Urgent Dental Concerns

Non-urgent dental concerns should still be dealt with as soon as possible, but they don’t necessarily require immediate treatment; they can generally be seen the next day during normal office hours. Some examples of non-urgent dental emergencies include:

• Dull toothaches
• A lost filling, crown, or bridge
• Food lodged between the teeth 
• Broken or cracked teeth without severe pain
• Chipped teeth 
• Mild gum discomfort

Why is it Important to Get Prompt Treatment for Dental Emergencies?

Addressing dental emergencies promptly is important for several reasons. Many dental emergencies are painful; seeking immediate treatment helps us alleviate your pain as soon as possible and prevent it from getting worse. 

Beyond pain relief, receiving immediate care is essential for preserving your overall oral health. Left unaddressed for too long, some issues can lead to further damage, potential complications, or infections. In instances where a tooth is knocked out or dislodged, immediate treatment significantly increases the chances of successfully saving it. 

At Enamel Dentistry, your oral health and comfort are our top priorities. Whether you have a dental emergency or a non-urgent concern, our experienced dentists are committed to providing high-quality dental care in any situation. 

If you’re a new parent and your toddler has swollen gums, you may be concerned. Is this normal? Do you need to call a dentist? How can you help them with the pain and discomfort of gum swelling? In this blog from Enamel Dentistry, we’ll answer all of your questions about toddlers and swollen gums.

Should I Be Worried About My Toddler’s Swollen Gums? 

In most cases, the answer is no. Gum health issues like gingivitis are very rare in toddlers. If your toddler’s gums are swollen and tender, this is likely due to the natural teething process.

As the teeth begin to move beneath the surface of the gums, the gums may look swollen or red, and seem inflamed. Your toddler may also be cranky or complain of pain in their mouth if they’re old enough to do so. 

However, this is completely normal. As their tooth erupts, their gums will stop swelling and will become less inflamed. Once the tooth has fully erupted, you will no longer notice any serious inflammation or swelling around the area. 

Throughout the teething process, make sure to follow proper pediatric oral care precautions to keep your child’s mouth healthy. Brush their teeth with a blob of fluoride toothpaste no larger than a grain of rice (until the age of 3), and make sure you see your dentist at Enamel Dentistry every six months for a consultation.

Tips To Mitigate Teething Pain At Home

Teething can cause your child a lot of discomfort, but there are a few easy ways you can mitigate teething pain at home. 

• Rub your child’s gums with wet gauze or a clean finger. The pressure helps reduce discomfort.
• Use a cold spoon or teething ring to soothe your child’s gums. Cooling down the gums can help with pain.
• Try over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol or Motrin for kids. The analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties of these NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) will provide your child with relief from teething discomfort.

When Should I Call My Dentist? 

While this is rare in toddlers who are receiving proper oral care, it’s possible for toddlers to be affected by gingivitis or gum infections. If your toddler’s gums are very swollen, discolored, and bleed easily, they may have gingivitis.

Other potential signs of an issue include a high fever, pus draining from any area of their gums, or red streaks leading from a particular area of their gums. If you notice any of these issues, you should call your pediatric dentist for an emergency consultation immediately. 

Get The Dental Care You Need For Your Toddler At Enamel Dentistry

At Enamel Dentistry, we serve all of Austin with expert preventive and pediatric dental care. If your child is teething and you want to make sure their mouth is healthy, don’t wait. Contact us online to visit us at our South Lamar, Parmer Park, Lantana Place, or Saltillo location, and get your little one the care they need.