Month: May 2013

Many things—an injury, gum disease, even a popcorn kernel can cause a toothache! But sometimes a toothache can mean there’s a more serious problem that needs attention. It’s important to make an appointment at the Lewisburg dental practice of Dr. Winans as soon as possible.

Why would I need root canal treatment?

Root canal therapy involves treating the pulp and root canals of the tooth when an infection sets in, damaging the nerve tissue inside them.

How does Dr. Winans perform root canal therapy?

We first treat the infection, if necessary, and clean out the root canals by removing the diseased tissue and thoroughly removing bacteria, debris, or anything else that could cause infection.

Once the root canals are free of infection, we fill them with a sealant to replace the tissue and keep bacteria from causing problems in the future. In most cases after root canal treatment, the tooth will be fragile and need a porcelain crown to reinforce it.

A root canal is a dental treatment, just like any other, and most of the stories about them are just “tall tales.” Our technology and pain management therapies have made root canal procedures efficient, and most people feel no pain at all!

Root canal treatment is just one of the many dental services we offer. Call our Lewisburg dental office at 877-377-1952 if you’re experiencing tooth discomfort, sensitivity to hot and cold, or soreness. We want to help you if you have tooth pain of any kind, and to keep your teeth and gums healthy!

There’s so much to think about and look out for when you bring a new baby home. Whether it’s your first, or you’re bringing home a little brother or sister, visits to the dentist and dental care are probably the last thing on your mind!

But healthy teeth and gums are important to everyone’s overall well being. Here are a few tips to get your little ones started on a lifetime of good dental health and habits in Lewisburg.

Clean your baby’s mouth every day

Start taking care of his teeth before they ever appear! Gently wipe his gums twice a day with a soft, moist cloth or gauze. It will help keep any milk or food residue from creating bacteria in his mouth.

Begin brushing when the first tooth appears

That first darling tooth needs as much care as all his permanent teeth later on. Begin with a small, soft toothbrush and a tiny drop of non-fluoride toothpaste (more on this below). Use a circular motion to very gently brush his teeth (or tooth!) and gums.

No fluoride before 6 months

Fluoride is an important part of keeping our teeth cavity-free, but introducing it too early can cause permanent problems, such as mottled or stained teeth. Use non-fluoride toothpaste and reconstitute your baby formula with non-fluoridated water until your infant is at least a year old, and then be careful not to overload him with fluoride. Later on, Dr. Winans can apply fluoride treatments if necessary.

Limit the sweet drinks

We don’t have to tell you this! Limiting sweet drinks like juices will give your child a good start on healthy eating habits and also help prevent decay. And of course, you don’t want to leave a bottle filled with juice or anything but water with your baby for any period of time. This also gives harmful bacteria a chance to start growing.

Visit a dentist by age 1

Make regular dental visits a natural part of your child’s health care by starting early. Your child should have his first dental visit by age 1.

Call our dental office in Lewisburg for all your checkups and dental needs. We look forward to seeing you!