Signs That You Should Go See Your Dentist

Maybe you have been too busy to get to the dentist. Or, maybe you don’t have dental insurance and the funds for regular cleanings. Whatever your reasons, you are not alone. The majority of people do not go to the dentist as often as suggested, even though regular examinations can solve most issues. However, if you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, then it is time to make family dentistry Highland Park IL a priority.

Jaw Pain

Jaw pain can come from a variety of issues. Some of the issues are more pressing than others, and it can be difficult to decide where to go for help. Pain may be caused by sinus pressure or ear issues. If you have strong allergies or are fighting an infection, then call your primary care doctor. If not, then it is time to see the dentist.

Your jaw could hurt because of grinding or clenching it at night. In this case, your dentist can recommend a mouthguard. However, it could also be from a severe tooth infection. Infections can travel into your jaw and form an abscess if not treated quickly.

Irritated Gums

Red puffy gums at the base of your teeth could be an indication of gum disease, also called periodontitis. Other symptoms include bleeding while brushing and bad breath. Gum disease can eventually damage your jaw bone if left untreated. This will cause permanent teeth to loosen and may even fall out. The sooner you catch periodontitis the less obtrusive treatment will be. Surgery is required for serious cases.

Toothache

This seems like a no-brainer but still needs to be said. If you have a toothache, then go to the dentist, even if it comes and goes depending on the day. Make an appointment immediately if the pain is constant. Infections and cavities do not heal on their own. So, don’t make it harder on yourself by continuing to put the appointment off.… Read More...

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Why Cognitive Behavior Therapy Works

Therapists who practice Cognitive Behavior Therapy Westchester County NY, help their patients develop the skills they need to alter their thinking patterns to achieve the results they seek. This therapeutic modality offers many advantages over other therapies.

It Builds Confidence

CBT therapists help their clients learn to recognize thought patterns that cause distress or unhealthy behaviors. A therapist also helps people learn to think in ways that replace irrational thoughts with empowering and rational ones. As a result, clients eventually gain confidence in their abilities to think through their issues without the therapist’s assistance.

It Produces Results Quickly

One of the most significant benefits of CBT is that clients can experience positive results in far less time than they would with other forms of therapy. Most people get the full benefit of treatment between 12 and 20 weeks, unlike other forms of therapy that can continue indefinitely.

It Achieves Long-Term Results

Once someone learns to recognize how their thoughts contribute to their circumstances, they can manage them to achieve long-lasting relief. This is true for patients experiencing a wide range of symptoms, whether from traumatic experiences or faulty brain chemistry.

It Has Scientific Backing

CBT is a practical therapeutic approach that relies upon evidence to supports that changing thought patterns can improve outcomes. Evidenced-based therapies are more likely to be effective and beneficial and are safer for the clients that experience them.

It Can Work for Anyone

The beauty of CBT is that it effectively treats a wide range of conditions in people of all backgrounds. It is based on the premise that thoughts lead to feelings and behaviors, even if they are unique. The specific circumstances may vary, but the process can benefit anyone.

If troubling thoughts cause you to experience depression, anxiety, or other forms of distress, Cognitive BehaviorTherapy could provide you with significant relief.… Read More...

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Preparing for Your Next Dental Checkup

When life gets hectic, it can be easy to let routine health care appointments slide. In the case of the dentist, anxiety can prevent you from setting your next visit. Not many people enjoy going to the dentist, but it’s a crucial part of keeping your mouth healthy. Avoid deep cavities and other tooth problems when you have regular care every six months. Here’s what to expect.

Arrival

When you step foot into the dental center Seattle WA, you will need to check in with the receptionist. Once it is your turn, a dental hygienist will come out to greet you and take you back to get you as comfortable as possible in your chair before they begin. The hygienist will also check your history, and collect information if it’s your first visit.

Cleaning

One of the longest parts of the dental visit is tooth cleaning. Hygienists carefully scrape off excess plaque and tarter near the gumline, thoroughly floss between each tooth and shine them up with a spinning brush of polisher. Once the teeth are clean, the hygienist checks for softening enamel, swelling gums or redness that may be the first sign of an issue.

X-rays

An x-ray of your mouth can be taken while you sit in the same chair. A molded piece of plastic slides inside your cheek and you bite down on part of it to hold it in place. The image shows the tops and the roots of your teeth so the dentist can clearly see any problems.

Dental exam

The dentist will arrive to check your x-rays, check for issues relating to the jaw bone, oral cancer or grinding teeth and check for grooves or chips in your teeth. Any recommendations for future care will be made and you will be able to go on with your day.

With regular dental visits, you will have the chance to avoid long and invasive procedures in the future. Make that appointment and get it over with now.… Read More...

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What Exactly Are Home Care Services?

There are a lot of different ways to care for your loved ones when they become seniors, have special medical needs or are suffering from chronic health issues. If you and your family member have decided to stay at home instead of going to an in-patient facility, then you’ve probably been inquiring about home care services. This is a very broad term that includes any service that allows a person to safely stay in their home. Home care can look different depending on your needs. Here are some of those services broken down into three main categories.

Companion Care

Companion care is also known as personal care or senior care Floral Park NY. When a person can no longer perform some household and personal tasks on their own, companion care can provide help for those tasks. Companions may help with grooming, bathing and dressing. They can run errands for your loved one and help with cleaning their home. Some other services include meal preparation, transportation or simply sitting with your family member to keep them company.

Nursing Care

Nursing care is a long-term solution for those who require medical attention on a regular basis. Besides aging seniors, nursing care may be needed for those who have a traumatic brain injury, ALS or MS. If your loved one is on a ventilator or has had a tracheotomy, then nursing care may be the right option. Nurses can track vital signs and give medications. They may also clean and maintain catheters and feeding tubes.

Home Health Care

Home health care is also called intermittent skilled care or visiting nurse care. This is a short-term solution for those recovering from an illness or injury. The services need to be directed by a doctor. They may include nursing services as described in the prior section but are completed during scheduled appointments instead of the nurse staying all day long. Home health care is used when a patient needs regular physical therapy but has difficulty traveling back and forth to the office or hospital. It may include speech therapy, occupational therapy and medical social work.… Read More...

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5 Tips for Good Gum Health

In order to have a great smile, taking care of your gums is just as important as taking care of your teeth. Here are five things that you can do to make your gums as healthy as possible.

1. Brush Below the Gumline

When you brush your teeth, you need to reach more than just the upper surface of your teeth. Brushing below the gumline enables you to remove plaque that gets trapped between your gums and your teeth.

2. Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

If your toothbrush bristles are too hard, you won’t be comfortable brushing below the gumline. Also, you may irritate your gum or worsen sensitivity in your teeth. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to assure that you’ll be able to brush correctly.

3. See Your Dentist as Soon as a Problem Causes You Any Discomfort

Sudden sensitivity or discomfort is unlikely to resolve itself on its own. Don’t put off going to the dentist because you’re hoping that an issue will go away. Find out what you need to do to prevent a problem from getting worse. If you need a dentist Miami Beach, see a dental care provider who offers preventative and restorative treatment.

4. Don’t Skip Flossing

Flossing is essential to good oral health. Floss between every tooth at least once a day to avoid gingivitis.

5. Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash With Fluoride

Not all mouthwash is the same. Instead of using a rinse that relies on alcohol to kill germs, use one that contains antiseptic and fluoride.

Your gum health will be a huge factor in your overall oral health. If you don’t have healthy gums, you won’t have healthy teeth. Clean and germ-free gums will make you less susceptible to infection, tooth decay, and bad breath. Make sure your at-home care and in-office dental care adequately addresses your gum health.… Read More...

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