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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Dental Health Tips: Using your teeth as Tools

Here is one of the best dental health tips. Your teeth are meant to chew food, and that is it. Nothing will damage a smile faster than using them for things they were not meant to be used for. Putting stress on your teeth with materials like metal and plastic, can cause teeth to crack and break. If you have braces, you can kiss them goodbye, as this is the most common way they break. Don’t let your teeth replace your toolbelt. Your teeth will thank you. 

Going to Bed Without Brushing 

When you are tired, it can be hard to get the energy to do anything. However, not taking that extra two minutes to brush your teeth before bed can really damage your smile. The important part of your routine for your teeth is maintaining that routine. Going to bed without brushing your teeth, allows for a build up of bacteria that can cause tooth decay. 

Dental Health Tips: Forgetting to Floss 

Dental floss has many uses, and we love a good DIY, but do not forget to use your dental floss for the purpose it was made for. Dental floss removed bacteria build up from between teeth and lowers the likelihood of chipped teeth and cavities. Avoid bad breath, and do your teeth a favor and remember to brush your teeth. 

Chewing on Hard Candy and Ice 

As tempting as they are, hard candies and sticky candies can really do a number on your teeth. Letting hard candies melt in your mouth can cause sugar to sit on your teeth and cause cavities. Toffee and other sticky candies can get stuck on your teeth and cause stress damage to your crowns. It is also a good idea to avoid chewing on ice, as tempting as this might be. 

Not Wearing a Mouth Guard 

When  preparing for a game a mouth guard should be on your priority list. You should be wearing a mouth guard even if it is a friendly pick up game. Even for non contact sport, many professional athletes that have neglected this vital piece of sports equipment, now have permanent dental damage. 

Have more Questions

If you have any more questions about dental health tips, or are looking to receive quality dental care, do not hesitate to call the dental experts at Tim Loughran Dentistry today! Contact us today!

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The Benefits of Flossing Daily

Lower Chance of Gum Disease: Those who floss daily have a lower chance of developing gum disease than those who do not floss regularly. 

Less Harmful Effects from Gum Disease: Individuals who currently suffer from gum disease can help to prevent tooth decay and tooth loss by flossing. If they decide to skip flossing, that’s when the chances of tooth decay and tooth loss will increase. 

Plaque Control: When you use dental floss daily, you are removing plaque from between the teeth. 

Common Excuses to Avoid Flossing

There are a few excuses that are very commonly cited as the reason that someone does not floss. 

Time: Many individuals say that they do not have the time to floss, but this should not be an excuse.

Teeth Too Close Together: Many individuals say that their teeth are too close together to floss, but there are solutions to this problem. Other types of dental floss besides unwaxed floss exist. You can get waxed floss or floss coated in polytetrafluoroethylene that will slip easier between tight spaces. 

What About Flossing Alternatives?

Many people wonder if flossing alternatives are an adequate replacement for flossing. The answer is no. While water pics and toothpicks seem like a convenient alternative, in reality, they are not quite as effective as traditional dental floss.

Dental Care at Tim Loughran Dentistry

The team at Tim Loughran Dentistry hopes that this article on flossing was informative and helpful. For more information about dental hygiene, check out other articles on our blog. Or, contact us to request an appointment 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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Many children are scared or apprehensive about visiting the dentist. Some dentistry anxiety cases may be mild, but others are more extreme and need attention. So, how can we help ease the fears of a child who is scared of going to the dentist? 

Managing Your Child’s Dentistry Anxiety

There are quite a few simple tips that can help calm a child’s fears about the dentist. Here are six tips to help manage and keep anxiety at bay when it is time for your child’s next dental visit.

Tip #1- Early Visits

Take your child to the dentist starting at a young age! In fact, it is recommended that the child’s first dental visit should occur no later than their first birthday or even as early as their first tooth appearing. This helps to get the child familiar with the dentist from an early age and helps them to be more comfortable. 

Tip #2- Storybooks

Dental storybooks are a great way to help calm dental fears. These books feature relatable characters, colorful illustrations, and simple language, as well as showcase a positive dental experience for the characters in the book. Here are some of our favorite dental storybooks: 

• The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan & Jan Berenstain
• Curious George Visits the Dentist by H. A. Rey
• Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer

Tip #3- Play Dentist

Play dentist at home with your child. Let your child pretend to be the dentist and “clean” your teeth. Then, switch roles and have your child pretend to be the patient. This is great practice for them as they near a dental visit. 

Tip #4- Answer their Questions

Communication is key for a child who struggles with dental anxiety! Don’t tell them about their dentist appointment last minute because that can make their anxiety worse. Instead, give them a heads up and give them plenty of time to mentally prepare. In addition, answer the questions they have in a simple manner. 

Tip #5- Lead by Example

Set a good example of oral hygiene for your child. Show them good brushing and flossing habits, and remind them that dentists are just doctors that take care of their teeth. Most importantly, keep in mind that a lot of dental anxiety is learned and developed from parents, so practicing good dental habits and regularly visiting the dentist is key.

Tip #6- Choose a Family Dentistry

Last but not least, choose a family dentist! Family dentists have experience with anxious children and have ways to alleviate the anxiety. Tim Loughran Dentistry here in Herrin is a Southern Illinois family dentistry that takes careful measures to make visits as simple and easy as possible for young children.

Choose Tim Loughran Dentistry

So, if you are looking for a Southern Illinois family dentistry for you and your family, contact Tim Loughran Dentistry today! Our team would be more than happy to help you make an appointment and answer your questions.

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