Tips for Reducing Pain from Braces

Ice Packs/Cold Food & Drinks

Just like with any other part of the body, ice will help reduce pain and swelling. Apply an ice pack to the sore area, or eat and drink something cold such as ice cream to help with the pain. 

Eat Softer Foods

If your teeth and mouth hurt following a visit to the orthodontist, try to enjoy softer foods such as yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, pasta, etc. Sticking to soft foods instead of foods like raw vegetables until the pain subsides is a good way to manage your pain.

Warm Salt Water

If your braces cause sores on your cheeks or gums, try gargling or swishing warm salt water. Even just doing this for 60 seconds helps reduce irritation and soreness.

Orthodontic Wax

If your brackets are causing discomfort to your inner cheeks or lips, orthodontic wax could be the answer to the problem. Apply a bit of wax to the bracket that is causing you issues and see if that makes a difference. 

Gum Massage

Massages relieve muscle pain in other parts of the body, and your gums are no different. If you are dealing with gum pain or swelling, you can massage your gums with your finger to help alleviate the pain. 

Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

Sometimes, the above tricks won’t relieve your pain, so you can use over-the-counter pain killers, such as ibuprofen to relieve the pain.

Dental Care at Tim Loughran Dentistry

Is it time for your next dentist appointment? Schedule an appointment with Tim Loughran Dentistry. Dr. Loughran and his team are ready to help you with all of your dental needs, so contact us today!

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The Effect of Diabetes on Your Teeth and Gums

There are a few different ways that diabetes can cause issues for your dental health. 

Gum Disease

Individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are two types of gum disease. Gingivitis is less dangerous, but if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. Diabetes weakens the body’s resilience to infection, placing the gums at risk for gingivitis, an inflammation produced by bacteria in the form of plaque. Plaque irritates the gingiva, the area of your gums surrounding the base of your teeth, the longer it stays on your teeth.

Gingivitis symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. When/if these symptoms develop, they need to be addressed by your dentist. If left untreated, gingivitis can get more complicated and develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis causes the gums and jawbone to peel away from the teeth over time. As a result, your teeth will loosen and possibly fall out.

To make matters even more complicated, periodontitis and diabetes might create a tricky situation. Because diabetes impairs your body’s capacity to repair and fight bacteria, the infection will take longer to recover. Furthermore, periodontitis boosts blood sugar, making diabetes management more challenging.

Dry Mouth

Diabetes lowers saliva production in the mouth, making teeth more sensitive to decay and contributing to gum disease. Saliva assists in the removal of plaque and tartar from teeth; the less saliva in your mouth, the more probable plaque and tartar will remain. A dry tongue and cracked lips are two common symptoms of dry mouth. It can also make chewing, swallowing, and communicating difficult.

A fluoride rinse, which keeps your mouth moist and prevents tooth decay, can be prescribed by your dentist. Mints and sugar-free gum can also help.

Dental Health Care at Tim Loughran Dentistry

If you or someone you know has diabetes and wants to make sure that they are getting the right dental care, contact the professionals at Tim Loughran Dentistry. Dr. Loughran will make sure that you are receiving the care that you need and deserve.

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Evaluation the Situation with your Dentist

For any type of issue with your oral health, you should get in contact with your dentist, especially in the case of a dental emergency. In the case of a dental emergency, see our page about what to do. When you speak to your dentist about what’s going on, they will be able to tell you whether or not you need a tooth extraction. You will go through a consultation with an exam of the affected tooth and likely an x-ray.

After the exam, a recommendation will be made about whether it is a tooth extraction that can be performed in the office or if it needs to be done by an oral surgeon. Usually, if the procedure can just be done using local anesthesia and novocaine, it can be done in the office.

Reasons to Use an Oral Surgeon

There are a few common reasons that your dentist would recommend using an oral surgeon. The common reasons that an oral surgeon would be necessary are:

Cracked/Fractured Teeth
Impacted Teeth
Dental Anxiety
Extraction Complications
Facial Structure

Come See Dr. Loughran

Got a dental issue that needs attention? Been too long since your last dental check-up? Give the staff at Tim Loughran Dentistry a call to schedule an appointment. We would love to hear from you. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or cleaning!

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How to Choose

Tip #1: Set your priorities

Before choosing a dentist, you need to know what you want out of your dental care experience or what your must-haves are. Some things to consider in your priorities list are:

Proximity – Is the drive too far or just right? Is the drive convenient or will it be a struggle?

Personal Dental History – Do you have a dental condition or a suspected dental issue that needs attention? Try to find a dentist that specializes in that area.

Office Hours – Does the dentist have offices that will work with your schedule? 

Tip #2: Check the Reviews

Referrals are the foundation of finding a good dentist. You can learn a lot about a dental practice based on the reviews. Check online reviews and speak to your family and friends about who they use as their dental provider. Chances are, if they use someone they like, they’ll be more than happy to pass along the provider’s information.

Tip #3: Insurance and Payment Options

Making sure that the dental care provider that you choose accepts your insurance is incredibly important. Some providers will list their insurance options online, but you may have to call others to find out. Additionally, you should ask about payment options and price ranges for their procedures.

Tip #4: Schedule a Consultation

Still torn between a couple of dentists? Set up a consultation with each of your final options to see which is the best option for you.

Dental Care of Southern Illinois

Looking for a new dentist in Southern Illinois? Dr. Loughran of Tim Loughran Dentistry would love to be the dentist of your choice. Give us a call or schedule an appointment today!

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Your forever teeth: Consequences of not replacing your tooth. 

Not replacing teeth can lead to many long-term problems. One of the most common problems is shifting. The teeth to the right and left of the gap will shift towards the open space to fill the gaps in your mouth. This will cause your teeth to not be aligned properly, a condition called malocclusion. This condition causes deformities like crossbite and overbite and can strain the jaw, increase tooth decay, and may even require surgery. This is due to a multitude of reasons. Not having all of your teeth might cause you to chew food improperly, causing digestive problems, or cause bones lost along the jawline which can cause your mouth to appear misshapen. 

Mental effects of not replacing teeth 

Beyond what can happen to a person physically, missing teeth can also have negative mental effects. Unfortunately, there is a stigma related to missing teeth, most likely caused by common portrayals of people with missing teeth as unintelligent or poor. These pop-culture perceptions can have a huge effect on people in the real world. It is often not worth the negative mental health effects compared to the very simple procedure of replacing a missing tooth. When it comes to your forever teeth, replacing missing teeth can save you a lot of hassle and hardship. 

Restoring your teeth 

If you are ready to replace your tooth, a quick and easy dental implant is only one call away. Trust your local Southern Illinois dental experts at Tim Loughran Dentistry today to get your smile looking good as new. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

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What Diseases Cause Tooth Decay

Decay can be caused by a number of common diseases. These conditions should be discussed with your dentist so that they can make sure that they are providing the best possible treatment plan for you. 

Diabetes

Both Type I and Type II diabetes can lead to tooth decay. Many with diabetes are left vulnerable to decay due to the common symptom of dry mouth. Because of the lack of saliva associated with dry mouth, the teeth are left more susceptible to cavities and decay. This, in turn, can lead to gum disease and other issues. If you have diabetes it is critical to discuss it with your dentist as it can have a great effect on your teeth and your overall health if it is ignored.

Autoimmune Conditions

An autoimmune condition is a condition in which parts of the body attack themselves, such as major organ systems or salivary glands. The autoimmune condition that is most likely to affect oral health is Sjögren’s syndrome, which affects saliva production. Just like with diabetes, individuals with Sjögren’s should inform their dentist so that they can create a dentistry plan that works.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia can have a great impact on the teeth. Because individuals with these conditions are not receiving enough nutrients, it allows tooth decay to occur.

Tooth Decay Care at Tim Loughran Dentistry

While these are some of the most common health issues that lead to tooth decay, this is not an extensive list. This is why it is important that your dentist is aware of your medical history so that a proper treatment plan can be made. So, if you are looking for a dentist who will work with you to create the best possible plan for care, talk to the team at Tim Loughran Dentistry. We will work hard to give you the best care. Contact us today!

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Is Chocolate Bad?

Lucky for you (and us!), chocolate is not as bad as you may think! In fact, chocolate offers some surprising health benefits. Studies have shown that daily chocolate consumption can actually lead to improvements in overall brain cognition. 

However, this still leaves us with the biggest question of them all: is chocolate bad for your teeth? The answer depends on the type of chocolate. There are some key differences between milk chocolate and dark chocolate that affect your oral health differently. 

Milk Chocolate

While milk chocolate may be one of the most popular and widely consumed, it is not the best for your teeth. Why is that? It’s because milk chocolate has a higher sugar content than dark chocolate. In fact, milk chocolate is only 20-30% real cocoa, the rest consisting of sugar and powdered milk. Because of this, milk chocolate can lead to tooth decay and cavities. 

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is a better choice than milk chocolate for your teeth. In fact, there are even studies showing that dark chocolate may help to fight cavities. Dark chocolate is a complex substance. It contains substances known as polyphenols that help to control bacteria. In addition, they help with bad breath and keep some acids that cause tooth decay from forming. Dark chocolate has other health benefits due to the antioxidants that it contains. Antioxidants are not only good for your oral health but your overall health as well. 

Dental Care at Tim Loughran Dentistry

Overall, eating chocolate is not going to be incredibly detrimental to your oral health, as long as it is done in moderation. Especially if you maintain good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, treating yourself to a piece of chocolate is perfectly fine! For any dental-related questions, feel free to reach out and contact the professionals at Tim Loughran Dentistry.

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Dental Care While Pregnant

Did you know that keeping a good dental care routine while expecting is extra important? Not taking good enough care of your teeth during this time can lead to something known as pregnancy gingivitis. So, it is critical that you stick to your usual routine of dental care and dental visits. Chances are, however, that during your dental check up you may need dental x-rays, which begs the question of: can I get dental x-rays while pregnant?

Dental X-Rays During Pregnancy

The answer to this question is yes! Dental x-rays are perfectly safe to get while expecting. During a dental x-ray, the amount of radiation is low enough that it will not cause harm to an expectant mother and her baby. And, in addition, there is a layer of protection involved as well. As you’ve probably experienced at our Herrin dentistry or another dental office, leaded aprons are used to provide protection during x-rays. These aprons are long enough to protect the baby and are safe to use at each stage of pregnancy. 

Other Options for Dental Care While Pregnant

While an expectant mother should not neglect her dental care, there are some adjustments that can be made to provide the best care for both mom and the baby. Many women proactively cut back on x-ray exposure and undergoing certain procedures during pregnancy. So, after becoming pregnant, you should tell your dentist as soon as possible so that you can create your treatment plan.

Dental Care at Tim Loughran Dentistry

We hope that this article is helpful to our expecting mothers! If you have any additional questions about dental care while pregnant, contact us. The professionals at Tim Loughran’s Herrin dentistry would be happy to help you find the answers that you are looking for. Choose the team at Tim Loughran Dentistry today!

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Damage to your Gums and Jaw

As most senior dental care experts will tell you, chewing without teeth is not a good idea. A set of natural teeth can bite down with a force of over 200 pounds, while dentures bite down with a force of about 50 pounds. In order to get enough force to bite into food, your jaw and gums will have to work significantly harder. This can strain them to the point of severe injury. You may want to consume soft food until you acquire an alternative. However, this should only be done for a very limited time. Even foods that don’t require much chewing can cause infections or disease if continuously consumed without teeth. Damage doesn’t just stop at the gums too. Eating without dentures or implants can weaken your jaw due to an imbalance of pressure, which can cause fractures. 

Senior Dental Care: Digestive Problems 

Did you know that eating without teeth can actually damage your gastrointestinal system? Digestion is a highly advanced process involving multiple organs working simultaneously. The first and possibly most important step is the mouth. Senior dental care experts have found that failing to properly break down food through chewing can significantly impact your digestive health. If food is too big to be broken down, you may be at risk for incomplete digestion. The resulting symptoms are indigestion, bacterial growth, and infection.

Even eating heavily processed food that doesn’t require chewing isn’t actually better for you. Your body will still fail to fully process the nutrients without teeth. Chewing is connected with the movement of saliva and indicates to the digestive system to begin to prepare itself. This is done by the stimulation of taste receptors, which signals to the rest of the body to begin acquiring nutrients and disposing of waste. 

Have more questions?

Contact the senior dental care experts at Tim Loughran Dentistry or check us out on Facebook! Our team of dental professionals will assist you in getting the services and expertise you need to protect your health, and get you a smile you’ll love. If you have any questions or want to set up an appointment, reach out today! We are here to serve you. 

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Dr. Loughran’s Common Signs To Look For

Overcrowding: Overcrowding causes previously straight teeth to shift. Overcrowded, shifted teeth can lead to an assortment of other issues, from gum issues to infections from trapped food. 

Pain: Pain is one of the first signs that you will need to get your wisdom teeth removed. What does wisdom tooth pain feel like? Commonly, pain that happens as a result of wisdom teeth problems is a dull ache in the jaw. Chewing and eating certain foods can aggravate that pain and making it worse.

Hot/cold sensitivity: When your wisdom teeth begin to come in and cause problems, one of those problems can be the increased hot or cold sensitivity of your teeth. 

Impacted teeth: Impacted teeth occur as a result of wisdom teeth growing in crooked. Wisdom teeth will commonly grow crooked if there is not enough room in your mouth. When this happens, tenderness, swelling, gum infections, and damage to other teeth is often the result. Impacted wisdom teeth are a serious issue, and should be removed as soon as possible. 

What Should I Expect from Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom tooth removal is a fairly common procedure. After the teeth are removed, the area will be sutured using dental sutures to close the wound and allow the wound to heal. Additionally, you will likely be given something for the pain and swelling as well as post-procedure instructions to care for the wound.

Are you wondering if it is time to have your wisdom teeth removed? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Loughran. Dr. Loughran of Tim Loughran Dentistry can take a look and let you know how you should proceed. Contact us today!

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