SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI – If you have been putting off getting cavities filled or other dental issues taken care of because you think they aren’t a problem or they aren’t really bothering you, it is time to think again.

“Brushing off small cavities and other dental problems as innocuous because they aren’t hurting is a potentially dangerous and expensive gamble. Most dental problems are not symptomatic until there is a major dental issue present. If it hurts, more often than not, it isn’t going to be a small problem,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, one of Springfield MO dentists.

An unhealthy mouth can mean an unhealthy body, so dental problems that haven’t been addressed could be affecting more than you think. Research shows that oral disease, particularly periodontal disease, is a gateway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Oral disease has been connected with many other illnesses as well, including heart disease, stroke, respiratory infection and diabetes.

“When a patient is experiencing dental pain – the final symptom of a dental problem—we are usually dealing with an infection or an abscess, and, at that point, we are most concerned with keeping the infection from spreading and creating an overall health issue,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, who provides cosmetic dentistry services like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers.

According to Dr. Marc Barnett, a dental specialist in Springfield MO, those health issues can be severe indeed.

“We have had patients wait so long to treat a dental problem that they end up in the emergency room on IV antibiotics,” he says. “Even if the tooth doesn’t hurt, it is important to get prompt dental attention.”

Brushing and Flossing And Exams – Oh My!
Being proactive about dental health and preventing issues before they start is the best way to avoid potential problems:

• Brush teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque that cause dental decay. Use floss or an interdental cleaner daily to remove food particles and plaque between teeth.
• Come see us twice a year for an oral examination, professional teeth cleaning and screening for signs of periodontal disease or oral cancer. This also gives you an opportunity to get any problems like small cavities or gingivitis nipped in the bud.We are one of the few dental practices in southwest Missouri to utilize lasers in treating many dental problems, which is a no needles, no drill, and no pain approach to dentistry that reduces the need for anesthetic, minimizes post-operative swelling and discomfort, and enhances patient recovery.
• Make sure you are drinking enough water. The mouth’s natural defense against dental caries-causing bacteria is saliva. Dry mouth is a common side effect of prescription medications or mouth breathing caused by blocked or restricted nasal passages. You may need to drink extra water or try using sugar-free chewing gum or candy to stimulate saliva production.
• Kick the habit. Any tobacco-based products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars, have a negative impact on oral health, increasing the risk of oral cancer, periodontal disease and delaying healing after a tooth extraction or other oral surgery.

“You can save time, reduce your dental expenses and ensure a comfortable dental appointment by treating dental problems while they are small – before they escalate to an emergency type situation,” says Dr. Nick Matthews of Springfield MO dentistry.

© 2012 Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
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