4 Toothbrushing Tips to Always Remember

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You already know that brushing your teeth is an essential part of your toothbrushing routine. But did you know that it’s not enough to brush your teeth twice per day? Using the right technique and the right toothbrushing tools is important for ensuring that your teeth stay clean and healthy.

Your dentist in Newport, TN can help you identify ways that your toothbrushing routine can be improved. In the article below, we’ll outline four toothbrushing tips that you can always remember.

1. Brush For Two Minutes

Experts recommend that you brush your teeth for two minutes every time. Two minutes is long enough to get your teeth clean without doing damage. Brushing longer isn’t better for your teeth. If you brush for too long you could wear down your tooth enamel and cause gum recession. Time yourself while brushing to ensure that your brushing is two minutes only.

2. Use Soft Bristles

You don’t need hard toothbrush bristles to get your teeth clean. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles while brushing. Don’t press too hard either – you don’t need to!

3. Pay Attention to Abrasiveness

Abrasive toothpaste gets your teeth whiter and brighter, but it can also contribute to tooth sensitivity. If you have a dental restoration like a crown, abrasive toothpaste could also damage the porcelain.

Pay attention to how abrasive your toothpaste is. Choose a toothpaste that will help accomplish your goals and help you maintain healthy teeth.

4. Consider An Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes keep teeth cleaner! If your budget allows, switch to an electric toothbrush for healthy teeth and gums.

Want more advice? Ask during your next dental checkup in Newport, TN. Call Westmorland Cosmetic & Family Dentistry to make your next appointment.

How Teeth Whitening Can Improve More Than Your Smile

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In your journey towards whiter teeth, many decisions must be made along the way. Brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and teeth whitening kits may not be enough for oral and cosmetic health.

The skilled team at Westmorland Dentistry of Newport, TN, is proud to serve the community with excellent dental care services, including teeth whitening, which provides many benefits beyond a beautiful and radiant smile.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Having cleaner and whiter teeth starts at home but is highly effective at the dentist’s office. Teeth whitening procedures are dental solutions that remove sticky film and stains from your teeth. Teeth whitening also improves discoloration from previously untreated dental conditions or if you love coffee, wine, and other drinks.

What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?

The most apparent and primary benefit of teeth whitening is having a more beautiful smile. While teeth whitening is classified as a cosmetic procedure, some additional benefits exist:

More Resistant to Stains

Professional teeth whitening removes stains and makes your teeth many shades brighter. Your professional cosmetic dentist will also provide solutions and tips for maintaining your white and sparkly teeth.

Confidence and Self-Esteem

Having the confidence to smile and speak improves many aspects of your life. You may have renewed confidence around your family, friends, and coworkers.

Reverse the Appearance of Aging

Yellow and stained teeth contribute to signs of aging and can make you look older than you already are. Clean and white smiles make a positive impression and restore your youthful impression.

Your Local Quality Cosmetic Dentist 

If brushing, flossing, and over-the-counter solutions haven’t worked, it’s time to get a professional opinion. During your next visit with the capable team at Westmorland Dentistry of Newport, TN, you will receive the best care and guidance you and your family deserve.

What is a root canal?

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A root canal is a dental procedure used to save a tooth in the event of an infection or severe damage. The treatment involves the removal of dental pulp found deep within the root of a tooth.

What are the signs I need root canal treatment?

This procedure is needed when the dental pulp becomes inflamed or infected. This may cause a bad toothache or a dental abscess. You might need this treatment if you have a crack, chip, or injury to the tooth.

Think this procedure may be right for you? If so, contact Westmorland Cosmetic & Family Dentistry today to learn more about our trusted root canal treatment in Newport, TN.

Is root canal treatment painful?

With today’s modern advancements, most people are comfortable during root canal procedures. You may feel a pinch when the numbing medication is applied, but the rest of the treatment is painless.

Following the procedure, you may notice some tooth sensitivity for a few days. If you experience severe pain or discomfort, contact your dentist or endodontist right away.

How does the procedure work?

Root canal treatment starts with the application of a local anesthetic. Once your tooth and surrounding area are numb, the specialist will add a special device to keep the area clean. Then, they will drill a small opening in the tooth’s crown.

The next step involves using small, thin instruments to remove the infected pulp from the root canals and pulp chamber. This area is also shaped to allow room for the filling.

Once the chamber and canals are cleaned and shaped, the expert uses a biocompatible material as the filling, usually a substance called gutta-percha. In many cases, a temporary filling is placed over this material to seal the tooth opening. During your next office visit, the specialist will add a permanent filling and complete the restoration by attaching a dental crown.

For more information about root canal treatment, call Westmorland Cosmetic & Family Dentistry today. We have the most reliable dentist in Newport, TN!

Signs You Have An Infected Tooth

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Are you concerned that you may have an infected tooth? Do you know the signs? As your dentist in Newport, TN, the professionals at Westmorland Cosmetic & Family Dentistry are available to help you in the event that your tooth becomes infected. It’s important to recognize the signs when you have an infection so you know when it’s time to seek help from the dentist. Here’s what to watch for.

Signs Of Tooth Infection

If you have a tooth infection, you may experience one or any combination of the following symptoms:

  • Bad breath that doesn’t go away, even when you brush your teeth
  • Fever
  • Bitter taste in your mouth
  • Pain when chewing or at random times, potentially very severe pain
  • Sudden tooth sensitivity to heat and cold temperatures
  • Swelling in the gums
  • Swollen area in the upper or lower jaw
  • Swollen glands

If you’re noticing any of these signs, you could be having a dental emergency. It’s best to talk to the dentist as soon as possible to find out if you need to come in for a dental appointment.

What Should You Do If You Have An Infected Tooth?

An infected tooth needs a root canal. During the root canal, the dentist will remove the infected material and fill the tooth with sealant. When this is done, the dentist will cover the tooth with a cap, called a crown, which helps protect the tooth enamel.

Without the root canal procedure, you may lose the tooth. The dentist may decide the tooth needs to be extracted. Without treatment, the infection may spread.

Do you think you need a root canal in Newport, TN? You may be having a dental emergency. Contact Westmorland Cosmetic & Family Dentistry today to make an appointment.

Top 5 Worst Foods for Your Teeth

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While many of us enjoy eating candy, bread, and potato chips, dentists say these aren’t very healthy for our teeth. If you eat these on a consistent basis, you could run into some dental issues.

Unfortunately, these foods aren’t the only ones that can cause harm. Keep reading to learn about the top 5 worst foods for your teeth.

Bread

While bread isn’t hard and chewy like other items on this list, it can still be problematic for your dental health. As you chew bread, it becomes a paste-like substance that easily gets stuck in the crevices between your teeth. Also, our saliva breaks down starch into sugar. This combination can lead to developing cavities and other issues.

Think you may have a cavity? If so, contact Westmorland Cosmetic & Family Dentistry for trusted preventive dental care in Newport, TN!

Sour Candies

As sour candies include high amounts of sugar, this can be damaging to your teeth. Additionally, these candies contain different kinds of acids that can cause issues. Also, chewy candies tend to stick to your teeth for longer periods, which can lead to decay.

Dried Fruits

While dried fruits are a healthy alternative to candy, they’re still chewy and sticky. That said, they can easily get stuck in the crevices between your teeth.

Potato Chips

Just like bread, potato chips also contain starch. As this breaks down into sugar, it latches onto your teeth and hides in the crevices of the mouth. This sugar then feeds the bacteria in the plaque, which can promote tooth decay and other issues.

Citrus Foods

Orange, lemons, and other citrus fruits are healthy, but the high acid content is something to consider for your dental health. High acidity levels are harmful to your teeth, making them more prone to cavities.

If you’re concerned about your dental health, contact Westmorland Cosmetic & Family Dentistry today to work with a top dentist in Newport, TN!

3 Benefits of Routine Dental Visits

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Seeing the dentist can lead to a beautiful smile, healthier teeth, and improved overall health. However, if you want the best results, be sure to visit the dentist on a routine basis.

Here are three more benefits of regular dental visits:

Catch Dental Problems Early

As there are several serious dental issues out there, it’s best to treat them as early as possible. The longer you wait, the more expensive and uncomfortable the dental problem can become. For example, if your dentist examines your teeth and detects a small cavity, providing treatment is relatively simple. However, if you wait too long to visit the dentist, that cavity can become much more problematic. Unfortunately, this may require a more complicated filling, or you may even need a root canal. Other dental issues that are best treated early on include oral cancer and gum disease.

If you need a dental checkup or preventative dentistry services in Newport, TN, Westmorland Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is here to help! Call us today to get started.

Professional Cleaning Service

During a checkup, dental experts examine your teeth and gums to look for any areas of concern. In addition, these professionals will also provide a thorough cleaning process. Even if you brush and floss properly, bacteria and food particles are still left behind. During a cleaning appointment, dental specialists will use special tools and treatments to clean your teeth and gums effectively.

Dental Hygiene Education

If you don’t see the dentist on a routine basis, you may forget how to brush and floss properly. Additionally, you may not realize how certain foods and drinks can harm your dental health. This is another benefit of routine dental visits. A dentist can suggest tips for making improvements and provide recommendations for your specific situation.

To work with the most trusted dentist in Newport, TN, contact Westmorland Cosmetic & Family Dentistry today to make an appointment!