Pediatric Dentistry

Cavities (also called tooth decay or caries) are permanently damaged areas on the surface of your teeth that eventually turn into holes. They’re one of the most common dental health issues in the world, and anyone who has teeth can get them—even very young children and infants. If cavities get large enough that they’re affecting the deeper layers of your teeth, they can cause infections, severe toothaches, and even tooth loss.

Regular brushing, flossing, and trips to the dentist are the best ways to prevent cavities from forming—but how do they form in the first place?

The Three Stages of Cavities

Cavities don’t just develop overnight; there’s a process that happens, and it begins with plaque.

Have you ever noticed a stick film coating your teeth, especially after eating sugary or starchy foods? This is dental plaque. Every time you eat, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the leftover food particles. Then, they secrete acids that turn into plaque. As plaque accumulates in your mouth, it traps acid, sugars, and bacteria up against your teeth; in turn, these start to erode away at the enamel and demineralize it.

After a while, small holes will start to develop in the enamel. This is the first stage of a cavity. Once the enamel is worn away, it makes it easy for bacteria and acid to reach the dentin, which is the next layer in your teeth. Unfortunately, dentin is much softer than enamel, and it doesn’t resist acid as well. At this stage, you may notice some sensitivity. As the cavity gets worse, the bacteria and acid continue to travel down to the next layer: the pulp.

The pulp is the inner part of your tooth that houses the nerves and blood vessels. As the bacteria and acids start to attack the pulp, it becomes inflamed and irritated. Since the pulp is trapped inside the tooth, it has nowhere to expand as it swells; this causes it to compress the tooth’s nerves—which can be very painful. If left untreated, deep cavities can lead to severe infections or tooth loss.

Factors that Can Increase the Risk of Cavities

There are several factors that can make your teeth more prone to cavities:

• Location. Cavities are more likely to affect the molars and premolars. This is because these teeth are harder to reach, and they have a lot of nooks and crannies to trap plaque.
• Certain foods and beverages cling to your teeth for longer, like dairy products, honey, cookies, hard candy, chips, and soda.
• Eating or drinking frequently gives the bacteria in your mouth a steady supply of food.
• Waiting too long to brush and floss after eating allows plaque to form and start attacking your teeth.
• Dry mouth caused by medications, medical treatments, or certain health conditions can increase the risk of cavities.
• Chronic heartburn (GERD) can cause stomach acid to wear away at your enamel

The thing to keep in mind with cavities is that they aren’t static—they grow and get bigger over time. If you don’t have any cavities yet, that’s great news! Make sure to keep up with your oral hygiene and dentist visits. If you do have cavities, it’s best to take care of them as early as possible to prevent them from getting worse. Schedule an appointment with Enamel Dentistry, and we’ll help you nip those cavities in the bud!

Have you ever been caught daydreaming about the secrets behind a gorgeous, flawless smile? You know, the kind that's all bright and happy? Well, it turns out that the reason behind that smile is regular oral checkups. Cleaning your body is essential right? So is the cleaning of your teeth. Regular visits to a Dentist in Austin help you to get the ultimate goal of your teeth.

If you're wondering where to find the best one, you're in the right place! This blog is like your friendly GPS to help you discover the absolute best dentist. Let's set off on this smiley adventure together!

The Magic of Smiles:

What's the magic behind a radant smile? It's more than just about looking flawless – a healthy smile is like a little wellness party for your entire body. And guess what? Regular dental checkups are not just about preventing cavities; they're a holistic approach to maintaining your smile's sparkle and your overall vitality.

Why do Regular Dental Checkups Matter?

You must be thinking why you need to go to checkups regularly because you brush your teeth every day, right? But many issues cannot be solved with regular brushing like sensitivity in teeth and tooth decay cannot be resolved by brushing that's why you need to go on a regular visit to Dentist Austin. This dentist is not just a healthcare provider; they are the partner in your oral health journey. They are the protector who protects your teeth from bad guys like cavities and infection. Going on regular checkups will help you to be aware of if any kind of infection or oral cancer is spreading in your mouth.

Also, checkups are a preventative measure to maintain the health of your teeth and gums, which enhances general well-being along with solving problems. Early identification and prevention of dental problems help in keeping your teeth's original structure. Hence, it is important to go for a dental checkup every 6 months.

Choosing a random name is no longer the best way to find a suitable dentist. Selecting the right one easily improves everything, much like selecting the ideal flavor of ice cream. So let's get to work on finding a best friend for your smile.

Tips to Find the Best Dentist 

Following are some tips and tricks to find the right Emergency Dentist Austin:

1. Ask Friends and Family:

Have a conversation with friends, relatives, or coworkers to begin your search for a dentist. They can share their personal experiences and have insider knowledge about the dentists in the area. Ask them for advice without holding back!

2. Check Online Reviews:

Explore the internet to find out what people have to say about dentists. Your go-to site is Google. Seek reviews that highlight the advantages of excellent treatment, kindness, and communication.

3. Verify Credentials:

Verify if your dentist is a qualified professional. Verify whether they are licensed to practice dentistry and whether they meet the requirements. Additionally, see if they specialize in the particular dental services you may want, such as tooth Cosmetic Dentistry or teeth alignment using Invisalign.

4. Explore Services and Technology Knowledge:

Consider the needs of your teeth. Find a dentist who can help you with everything from regular checkups to specialized procedures. If you want to align your “teeth” find a dentist who offers  Invisalign Austin. Also, look to see if they have access to the latest cutting-edge technology or not. Dental surgeries can be completed with ease with advanced tools and techniques.

5. Consider Location and Convenience:

Nobody likes to travel a long way for a regular checkup. Choose a dentist whose office is convenient and has parking that won't make you crazy. Convenience is crucial, so be sure their office hours work with your schedule!

6. Emergency-Friendly Dentist:

Life is unpredictable, right? Check how your dentist handles dental emergencies after regular hours. Knowing they've got your back in urgent situations brings relief.

7. Check Insurance and Payments:

Make sure your dentist will accept your insurance coverage before committing. Inquire about payment alternatives; some dentist clinics have plans to help you afford high-quality care and many also provide financing. Also, you can go to their insurance page (if available) to inquire whether your insurance is applicable or not. 

8. Put Patient Comfort First:

A dentist visit should be comfortable, and not stressful. Seek a dentist whose practice exudes a friendly atmosphere rather than just having dental expertise. Inquire about amenities like blankets, entertainment, and anything else that will make your stay more comfortable.

9. Schedule a Consultation:

Organize appointments to the finalized clinic if you are looking for a dental checkup. You can schedule it as a “New Patient Exam”,  for further assistance. So,  what are you waiting for now? Book an appointment to prevent painful tooth problems.

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And that's all you need to find out to choose the right dental clinic. Enamel Dentistry can help you achieve the best oral health. Being the top dental care provider in Austin, they give individualized treatment with state-of-the-art technology, a team of qualified specialists, and a kind touch. Connect with them today to get treatment from the best Dentist in Austin.

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Pain Management Protocol

Start with:

• Ibuprofen 600mg or 800mg (Advil, Motrin) unless otherwise directed by your doctor or dentist
• Take every 8 hours
  
  *Over-the-counter Ibuprofen typically comes in 200mg tablets, so you can take 3-4 tablets to reach the recommended 600-800mg dosage. Do not exceed 3200mg daily.

If necessary add:

• Acetaminophen 500mg (Tylenol)
• Take every 6 hours
• Recommended to be taken 3 hours after dose of Ibuprofen, but can be taken at same time as Ibuprofen
  
  *Over-the-counter Acetaminophen typically comes in 375mg or 500mg tablets, so you can take the 1-2 tablets to reach the recommended 500mg dosage. Do not exceed 2000mg daily.

If discomfort persists, discontinue Acetaminophen 500mg and replace with:

• Norco 5/325mg OR Tylenol #3 (depending on what was prescribed to you)
• >Both listed medications contain Tylenol so please be aware of your total daily consumption (do not exceed 2000mg Tylenol a day).
• >Take 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed for additional pain control
• >Recommended to take 3 hours after dose of Ibuprofen, but can be taken at same time as Ibuprofen
• >Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking these medications as they can cause drowsiness
• >If pain is more prominent at night, save these medications for use closer to bedtime as tolerance can build quickly