How Often Should I See the Dentist?

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Your dentist plays an important role in preserving your dental health. Seeing the dentist regularly can help you avoid gum disease, cavities, and dental infections. Knowing how often to see the dentist and the signs to watch for indicating a dental problem can help you take care of your teeth. Here’s what you need to know about how often to see the dentist in Foley, AL.

When Should I See the Dentist?

Unless your dentist tells you otherwise, see your dentist twice annually. Seeing your dentist twice per year for teeth cleanings and exams helps your dentist identify dental problems in their early stages. Seeing the dentist twice annually also helps remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. This helps prevent gum disease.

Signs You Need a Dental Exam

Know the signs that you need to be seen by a dentist. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Swelling around the teeth or gums
  • Chipped or broken tooth
  • Cracks in the tooth enamel
  • Pain in the tooth
  • Sudden extreme tooth sensitivity
  • Loose permanent tooth
  • Bad breath that can’t be fixed by brushing your teeth

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, this could mean that you need to see a dentist. You might have a cavity, gum disease, an injured tooth, or even a tooth infection.

At Sand Dollar Dental, we can help. We recommend that patients see the dentist twice per year. If you haven’t had a dental appointment yet in 2024, make an appointment for a dental exam in Foley, AL today.

8 Signs Of a Dental Infection – And What to Do About It

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An aching tooth can be a disturbing problem. Severe pain can be scary. Did you know a severe toothache can signify a tooth infection? Dental infections are a serious problem, especially if you don’t see the dentist in Foley, AL. Dental infections that go untreated can lead to permanent tooth loss.

What Is a Dental Infection?

A dental infection is a bacterial infection inside the pulp of the tooth. Dental infections can occur when a tooth becomes cracked or damaged and bacteria enter the pulp.

How Can You Tell You Have a Dental Infection?

There are many signs that you have a dental infection. Here’s what to look for:

  1. Severe pain
  2. Swelling around the tooth
  3. Sensitivity to heat and cold temperatures
  4. Bad breath that doesn’t go away when you brush your teeth
  5. Staining or discoloration on the tooth enamel
  6. Crack or break in the tooth
  7. Fever and chills
  8. Pain that radiates down your jaw

What Can You Do About a Dental Infection?

A dental infection is a dental emergency. If you believe you have a dental infection it’s important to get help from a dentist. Your dentist at Sand Dollar Dental can help.

At Sand Dollar Dental, we provide root canal therapy in Foley, AL. A root canal is a procedure in which the pulp in the tooth is cleaned out and the tooth is filled in and sealed. Finally, a dental crown is placed over the tooth enamel.

To learn more about protecting yourself from dental infections, contact your dentist at Sand Dollar Dental.

Getting Older? Tips for Taking Care of Your Teeth

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Tooth care is important at every age, but especially when you get older. Seniors are at higher risk for certain dental conditions. Going to the dentist in Foley, AL regularly can help, as can maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home. Here’s what you need to know about taking care of your teeth as you get older.

Take Care of Your Mouth Every Day

Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once daily. If you have sensitive teeth, use sensitivity relief toothpaste. If you struggle with problems relating to plaque and tartar buildup, ask your dentist to show you how to brush your teeth to prevent these problems.

Consider switching to an electric toothbrush. High quality electric toothbrushes are believed to get rid of more plaque to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Watch for Signs of a Problem

Know the signs of a dental health problem. When you notice symptoms, make a dental appointment as soon as possible. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Toothache when biting down, consuming sugary foods and beverages, or at random
  • A visible hole in your tooth or discoloration
  • A chip or crack in your tooth enamel
  • Discoloration on the tooth enamel
  • Swelling in the gums
  • Bad breath, even after brushing your teeth
  • Loose permanent tooth
  • Loss of a permanent tooth

Combat Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a condition that can be caused by various medications and certain medical conditions. Some people experience dry mouth as a natural part of aging. Saliva is important for cleaning your teeth and eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Dry mouth can increase your risk of conditions like periodontal disease.

If you have dry mouth, talk to your dentist. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help you maintain a clean, healthy mouth.

Focus on Wellness

Take care of yourself to take care of your teeth. Eat a healthy diet, avoiding excessive sugar. If you smoke, consider stopping. Smoking is very bad for your teeth and can increase your risk for periodontal disease.

See Your Dentist Regularly

See your dentist for regular dental exams in Foley, AL. Call Sand Dollar Dental today to make an appointment.

Why Is Gum Recession a Problem?

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Gum recession is a common problem that people experience. Unfortunately, gum recession is a problem that can contribute to permanent teeth and even tooth loss.

As a dental patient, you can take care of your teeth by visiting the dentist regularly, having your gum recession diagnosed by a professional, and taking steps to stop it from going further. As your dentist in Foley, AL, the professionals at Sand Dollar Dental are here to help.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is a problem that happens when the gums pull away from the teeth, slowly exposing the tooth roots. This usually happens over a long time.

What Causes Gum Recession?

There are many things that can cause gum recession, including:

  • Poor oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene can lead to infection, inflammation, and gum recession. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar at the gum line, which also contributes to gum recession.
  • Smoking. Smoking is bad for your teeth in a variety of ways and can cause gum recession, among other problems.
  • Brushing too hard. You may have heard your dentist tell you not to brush your teeth too hard or to use a toothbrush with hard bristles. This is because brushing too hard can contribute to gum recession and tooth sensitivity.
  • Gum disease. Gum disease causes gum recession and bad breath and can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Why Is Gum Recession a Problem?

Gum recession can contribute to bone loss in the jaw, and that can lead to loss of your permanent teeth. Your gums are an important part of your mouth, and they help keep your teeth healthy.

What Can You Do to Stop Gum Recession?

If you have gum recession, one of the first things you should do is identify the cause. There may be more than one problem contributing to your gum recession. Once you know what’s causing this, you can take steps to alleviate the problem. Some general tips:

  • Brush your teeth properly twice daily, floss once daily.
  • See the dentist every six months.
  • Use a good toothbrush with soft bristles or an electric toothbrush.

Can Gum Recession Be Reversed?

Gum recession can’t be reversed, but by working with a dentist, you can control the problem. If you have gum recession, make an appointment with your dentist for a dental exam in Foley, AL. Call today to make your appointment.

5 Qualities to Look for In a Family Dentist

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It’s important to find a family dentist in Foley, AL, that you can trust. Knowing what qualities to look for in a family dentist can help make your search for a dental professional more successful and rewarding. From a good reputation to sufficient availability, here’s what you should be searching for when you’re looking for a dentist for your family.

1. Good Reputation

A good reputation is an important quality for a dentist. Those dentists with good reputations are dentists who have found ways to keep their patients happy and healthy. There are many ways that you can check on a dentist’s reputation including:

  • Read online reviews and testimonials from happy customers. Look for patterns in the reviews to decide what a typical patient experience is like for that dental provider.
  • Talk to friends and family who have visited the dental provider you’re considering. Ask them if they would recommend that dentist.

2. Availability and Easy Scheduling Process

It’s important to find a dentist who is accepting new patients and has an easy scheduling process. When you call that dentist to make an appointment, do they answer the phone right away? Do you have to wait on hold for a long time to make an appointment? Is the person on the phone polite? These details are important. Take note of what the scheduling process is like and use this information to make a decision when choosing a dental provider.

3. Convenient Location

Where is the dental office relative to your home and workplace? Choose a dentist with convenient parking and an easy-to-reach facility.

4. Accepts Your Insurance

If you have dental insurance, it’s important to find a dental provider that accepts your insurance. Call ahead of time to find out if your insurance provider will accept billing from the dentist you’re considering.

5. Modern, Clean Facilities

When you arrive at the dental office, ask yourself if their facilities are clean and modern? Do you feel comfortable waiting in their lobby? Does the building appear to be well-maintained?

If you’re in need of a dental cleaning in Foley, AL, and you need a new family dentist, call Sand Dollar Dental to make your next dental appointment.

How to Care for Your Teeth and Gums If You’re a Smoker

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If you’re a smoker, your dentist in Foley, AL, probably told you that you should stop smoking if you want to improve your oral health. Unfortunately, for most people, that’s easier said than done. So, let’s talk about how to properly care for your teeth and gums if you are a smoker.

How Smoking Contributes to Gum Disease

If you can quit smoking, do it. It’s always best not to smoke whenever possible. Smoking generally leads to gum disease, bad breath, stained teeth, and even tooth loss. All of these will, at some point, require dental services in Foley, AL. Therefore, we urge you to please stop smoking.

Here is how smoking contributes to gum disease.

  • Weakens the immune system
  • Increases your risk of getting gum disease
  • Makes gum disease treatments less effective
  • Takes longer for your gums to heal

If you just can’t stop smoking, please keep reading.

How to Care for Your Teeth and Gums If You’re a Smoker

As you probably already know, smoking can contribute to gum disease and cause a whole host of other dental issues. That’s why it’s so important to spend a little more time caring for your teeth if you are a smoker.

Develop a daily dental routine that includes the following steps. Doing so will help you reduce your chances of getting gum disease or developing other dental issues.

  • Brush and floss properly
  • Use a toothpaste designed specifically for smokers
  • Reduce the number of highly acidic foods and drinks you consume
  • Eat more food that is high in fiber and calcium
  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash
  • Perform your own daily dental checks
  • Schedule regular dental appointments

If after adhering to a good oral hygiene routine, you still get gum disease, you will have to see a dentist. The dentist will generally perform a deep cleaning below your gumline to help keep your gum disease from getting worse.

Do You Need a Dentist in Foley, AL?

If you are looking for a dentist in Foley, AL, please Contact Sand Dollar Dental today. We are a dedicated, passionate, and friendly team of dentists committed to ensuring you the best possible dental care available. When you become a Sand Dollar Dental patient, you become family!

How to Help Your Little One Brush Their Teeth

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Children need their teeth to be brushed twice daily, just like adults. Unfortunately, until they reach a certain age, children lack the motor skills and coordination to brush their teeth properly.

As a parent, you can help your child brush their teeth, and learn the skills they need to be good at brushing their own teeth. Below are a few things you can do to help your child brush their teeth. The next time you bring your child to the dentist in Foley, AL, we can help with this as well.

1. Brush Their Teeth For Them

Until they’re about 7 or 8 years old, children are better off if an adult brushes their teeth for them. Make tooth brushing time a thing you do together, to ensure that your child’s teeth are getting clean when they brush. If your child is resistant to having you brush their teeth, let them brush too. Let them know that you’ll “polish” their teeth at the end, so they’ll expect that you’ll get a turn as well.

2. Brush For Two Minutes

Brush your child’s teeth for two minutes, just like you would if you were brushing your own teeth. You can show your child how to do this by playing a familiar song that’s two minutes in length. Stop brushing when the song ends.

Alternatively, you can also use a sand timer. Whether you’re brushing teeth for your child or they’re brushing their teeth on their own, show them how to use this type of timer.

3. Have the Dentist Give Them a Tutorial

The next time you go to the dentist with your child, ask the dentist to give your child a tooth brushing tutorial. Repeat this process every time you go to the dentist. Your child’s dentist will be able to show your child tooth brushing strategies, and will be able to give your child pointers to help them brush better.

4. Replace Their Toothbrush Regularly

Don’t forget to replace your child’s toothbrush every three months. This helps ensure that every time your child brushes their teeth, their toothbrush is able to do the job well.

At Sand Dollar Dental, we provide tooth cleanings and cavity fillings in Foley, AL to pediatric patients. Call today to make an appointment.

Why Your Breath Still Smells Bad, Even After You Brush Your Teeth

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Do you have bad breath, even after you brush your teeth? It’s possible that you need help from a dentist in Foley, AL. Some dental problems can cause persistent bad breath. Knowing the causes of persistent bad breath can help you decide whether you need to come to the dentist.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath is typically caused by poor brushing and food particles that are in the mouth. Usually, brushing your teeth will eliminate bad breath. However, there are many potential causes of bad breath that can’t be fixed by brushing your teeth. Here are some examples:

  • Infection in the teeth. Infection is caused by bacteria that can produce a smell.
  • Gum disease. Gum disease occurs when bacteria in your mouth causes inflammation and infection, producing a smell.
  • Food you ate. Once food you’ve eaten enters the blood stream, you may smell the food on your breath even after your teeth have been brushed.

Do You Have Persistent Bad Breath? What to Do

Persistent bad breath could be occurring because of an infection in your mouth, either because of gum disease or because of an infection in your tooth. If this is a problem you’re experiencing, try to take note of other things that could give you a clue regarding your particular problem.

  • Does your bad breath occur only after eating certain foods, or is it persistent all the time?
  • Are you experiencing any other symptoms, like a toothache, red and inflamed gums, or tooth sensitivity?
  • Do you notice any problems inside your mouth, such as a crack or hole in your tooth?

Unless you can connect your bad breath back to a problem relating to a particular kind of food you’ve eaten, it’s best to have your problem checked out by a dentist. Make an appointment.

Prevent Persistent Bad Breath

One good way to avoid persistent bad breath is to go to your dentist regularly for a dental cleaning in Foley, AL. Seeing the dentist twice per year can prevent problems like periodontitis, gingivitis and tooth infections. Call Sand Dollar Dental today to make a dental appointment.

4 Reasons to Bring Your Whole Family to the Same Family Dentist

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There’s a reason why family dental practices are so popular! When you see a family dentist in Foley, AL, you start to develop a relationship with your dentist that makes those twice annual trips to the dentist office more rewarding. Below, we’ve listed six reasons to take your whole family to the same family dentist.

1. You can make appointments together.

With everyone in your family seeing the same dental group, you may able to make multiple appointments at the same time and arrive together for dental cleanings and more. This is convenient for you and members of your family, especially if you’re all very busy with work, school and extracurricular activities for the kids.

2. You’ll develop more trust in your dentist.

The more you see the dentist – even if it’s just to bring your children for their appointments – the more comfortable you’ll be with that dentist. It’s important to feel comfortable with your dentist. After all, you’re entrusting them with a lot every time you get into the dental chair for a tooth cleaning.

3. Your dentist will get to know you.

Bringing your whole family to the dentist gives you a chance to really get to know them. It helps to see a dentist that really knows you as a person. When your dentist knows you, they’re more likely to know what makes you feel comfortable, your preferences in the dental chair, and how you like to communicate about dental issues. This familiarity can ensure an enhanced dental experience.

4. It’s convenient to bring your whole family to one dental office.

Bringing your entire family to one dental office is easier. The more you go to the dentist office, the easier it is to remember where the office is located, where parking for that office is, and other helpful tips.

5. Your dentist can more easily remember your dental history, and your kids dental history too.

Is it time for you to see the dentist? Contact Sand Dollar Dental for family dental services in Foley, AL. Call today to make your appointment.

Why Tooth Extractions are Essential to your Oral Health

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Tooth extractions may seem like a drastic step, but in some cases, they are essential to maintaining good oral health. Tooth extractions are often performed to remove damaged, decayed, or impacted teeth that cannot be saved through other means, such as fillings or root canal therapy. An experienced dentist or oral surgeon usually performs this procedure.

The skilled Sand Dollar Dental of Foley, AL team is proud to serve the local community with quality dental care services, including vital tooth extractions that help restore and preserve your healthy smile.

About Tooth Extractions

A tooth extraction is a procedure performed by a dentist to remove a damaged or decayed tooth from its socket in the jawbone. The reason for the extraction may vary, but common causes will be talked about further below.

Reasons why Tooth Extractions are Essential to your Oral Health

Some of the main benefits of tooth extraction include the following.

Preventing the Spread of Decay and Infection

One of the main reasons why tooth extractions are essential is to prevent the spread of decay and infection. When a tooth is extensively decayed or infected, it can spread to other teeth, leading to further decline and even more severe health problems. By removing the damaged tooth, the dentist can prevent the spread of deterioration and disease, preserving the health of your other teeth.

Relieving Crowded Teeth

Another reason why tooth extractions are integral is to relieve crowded teeth. When not enough room in the jaw for all teeth, some may become impacted or crowded, leading to bite problems, discomfort, and even infection. Tooth extractions can help to relieve crowding and create more space in the jaw, reducing the risk of future oral health problems.

Improving Bite and Alignment

Finally, tooth extractions can also help to improve your bite and alignment. When a tooth is removed, it can create more space in the jaw, adjusting your bite and realigning your teeth. This can lead to improved oral health and a more attractive smile.

Your Local Quality Dentist

Tooth extractions are a vital part of maintaining good oral health. By removing damaged or decayed teeth, preventing the spread of decay and infection, relieving crowded teeth, and improving your bite and alignment, tooth extractions can help you maintain a healthy and attractive smile for years to come. During your appointment with the professional team at Sand Dollar Dental of Foley, AL, you can be sure you are receiving the best care and guidance you deserve.