Tag: pokomoke city dentist

Maintaining Your Oral Health During Illness | Dentist in 21851

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Sniffling, sneezing, and coughing. Being sick can make it more
difficult to keep up with your daily routine. Don’t let your cold or flu
become an excuse for overlooking your oral hygiene. In fact, when
you’re sick it is essential that you continue to stick to your regular
brushing and flossing routine. Here are a few tips to keep you on
track and on your way to getting better.


Brush After Each Meal
When you’re sick, try maintaining a schedule of brushing your teeth
shortly after each meal. Your mouth can be a prime location where
bacteria breed. Being extra vigilant in your brushing routine is an
excellent way to minimize the multiplication of germs and bacteria.


Be Selective with Cough Drops and Lozenges
Numerous brands of cough drops and throat lozenges contain sugar. In fact, many cough drops
or lozenges are similar to candy. Candy, particularly sucking candy that lasts in your mouth for
an extended period of time, can lead to tooth decay. Bacteria in your mouth feeds off sugar to
create acids that damage your teeth. Consider looking for drops and lozenges that are sugar
free, or those that do not include corn syrup and fructose.


Rinse Carefully
If you are vomiting, keeping your mouth clean is important. Stomach acids can damage your
teeth. However, brushing right away will just cause you to rub the acids all over your teeth.
Instead, rinse your mouth out with water or mouthwash and wait at least 20 minutes before
reaching for the toothbrush.


Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is one of the keys to recovery. Drinking water is also an effective way to
prevent dry mouth. Dry mouth can lead to decay and bad breath. Some medications you might
be taking to relieve your cold or flu symptoms might dry out your mouth, so be sure to continue
to drink water throughout the day.


Replace Your Brush
Once you have recovered from your illness, consider replacing your toothbrush. While it isn’t
likely that you would cause yourself to get sick again, you may wish to err on the side of
caution. The American Dental Association recommends that you regularly replace your
toothbrush every three to four months.


When you are sick, make it a point to keep up with your oral health. Your medications or over the-counter remedies can have an impact on your oral health. Watch out for sugar content in
cough drops and throat lozenges, and stay hydrated with water to avoid dry mouth. Keeping
your mouth healthy is the first step to keeping your entire body healthy. For more oral health tips or to schedule a visit to our office, please contact us.

Stephen T. Wagner, DDS, PA
Phone: (410) 957-0788
102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Endodontics | Dentist in 21851

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6 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Endodontics
Unless you have been referred to a specialist for a root canal treatment, you may not
have heard the term “Endodontics” before now. Even if you have, here are a few
interesting things you may not have known about this dental specialty.

  1. “Endodontics” is taken from two older Greek terms literally meaning “inner tooth.” In the word endodontics, “endo” is a prefix meaning “inner” and “odont” is the root word “tooth.” Endodontic treatment dates back to the 17th century.
  2. Endodontics focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of the internal structure of the tooth. This can include root canal therapy, apicoectomy, treatment of tooth infections, and more.
  3. Endodontists start by training as dentists. Prior to obtaining their specialization, an endodontist like our doctor will earn a degree in dentistry. Afterward, they will complete an additional 2-4 years of focused education and training to gain their specialization.
  4. Root canal treatment preserves a tooth. If you develop an infection in the soft inner tissue of your tooth, antibiotics are not sufficient to treat the issue. Rather than removing your permanent tooth, a root canal treatment will clean out the infection and fill the tooth to protect it from further damage. A single root canal treatment can preserve your tooth for a lifetime.
  5. Root canal therapy relieves pain. Contrary to popular belief, having root canal treatment is not the cause of the pain that people often associate with it. The infection or trauma that underlies the need for treatment is the cause of the pain. Even though your tooth will likely be tender for a few days, most patients notice significantly reduced sensitivity following treatment.
  6. Endodontists can help save a tooth following dental trauma. In addition to their expertise in root canal treatment, endodontists receive training in a wide range of dental trauma concerns. In many cases, our doctor may be able to stabilize or reposition an injured tooth to prevent the need for extraction. To learn more about endodontics or to schedule your root canal treatment, contact our office.
Stephen T. Wagner, DDS, PA
Phone: (410) 957-0788
102 8th Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Pocomoke City MD Dentist | Health Link: Oral Hygiene and Heart Disease

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The human body is a network of interconnected systems and organs. Unfortunately, issues that impact one particular area of your body can also effect the health and function of other areas. Recently, studies have highlighted evidence for links between gum disease and heart disease. 

Pocomoke City MD Dentist | Health Link: Oral Hygiene and Heart Disease

While the exact nature of the connection is still being researched, heart disease is almost twice as likely to occur in people who have gum disease. Nearly half of all Americans have undiagnosed gum disease. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death, making it pertinent that you maintain a healthy heart. The first key to doing so might lie in keeping your gums healthy. 

While gum disease may be a contributing factor to heart disease, it is not the only cause. It is essential that you maintain regular visits to your primary care physician as well to measure your overall health. Other factors and lifestyle choices can impact your heart health. 

Diet and exercise. Maintain an active lifestyle with activities you enjoy, such as taking walks, riding bikes, playing sports, or doing yoga. Avoid foods high in starches and sugars, including carbonated soft drinks, as they can also damage your teeth. 

Don’t smoke. Whether you’re smoking or vaping, nicotine has a detrimental effect on your cardiovascular system and can damage teeth, gums, and lungs. Recent studies have connected vaping to a rapid loss in healthy cells that line the top layer of your mouth. These cells play an essential role in keeping your mouth healthy. 

Brush your teeth. The most basic part of oral hygiene is also the most effective. Make sure you brush and floss at least twice a day.  

By keeping a balanced, exercising regularly, and taking care of your teeth, you’re taking a holistic approach to your well-being and minimizing your risk of developing heart disease.  

As with other diseases, preventing gum disease alone will not completely remove the risk of developing heart disease. However, you can take a proactive approach to keeping your body healthy, starting with your oral health. 

To schedule a cleaning and examination, please contact our office. 

Pokomoke City MD Dentist | The Truth About Dental Anxiety

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Is anxiety or nervousness preventing you from visiting our team? Dental treatments should not be a cause of stress. If you worry about pain, embarrassment, or loss or control during a dental examination, we want you to know two very important things: You are not alone and We can help. 

Pokomoke City MD Dentist | The Truth About Dental Anxiety

Dental Anxiety Is Common  

Research has shown that most patients experience some degree of anxiety when visiting the dentist. Between 10 and 20% of the general population encounters such a high level of stress and nervousness that they ignore oral healthcare altogether. This can increase the risk of developing severe oral health complications, requiring additional care. 

In many cases, dental anxiety has two main causes. First, patients may have had a negative experience in the past, leaving them apprehensive towards their next appointment. Second, is through influence. This is particularly true for children. Children learn through imitation and are influenced by their parents. If you dread going to the dentist, your child may pick up on the behavior and develop similar fears. 

Our Team Can Help 

The first action you can take is to let our team know about your feelings of nervousness and anxiety. We have a number of techniques to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed. Our compassionate team is always open to discussing your options with you. 

We will consult you regarding what your visit will entail, and work together to find a comfortable pace at which you feel comfortable.  

If nervousness, stress, fear, or anxiety have caused you to skip appointments or avoid dental care completely, please contact our team. Dentistry is constantly evolving by offering new technology and treatment methods with patient safety and comfort in mind. Talk to our team about your fears or concerns and allow us to work with you. Ignoring your oral health can have serious repercussions and lead to more necessary treatments. 

Contact our team to schedule your visit today. 

Pokomoke City MD Dentist | Be Wary of These Beverages

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It’s common knowledge that plenty of beverages are not good for your health. The excessive amounts of sugar, caffeine, or alcohol found in a lot of popular drinks have well-documented impacts on your body. However, you may not be aware of the immediate impacts that these beverages can have on your teeth. Below is a list of some common beverages and tips for enjoying them responsibly. 

Pokomoke City MD Dentist | Be Wary of These Beverages

Soda, Juice, and Energy Drinks 

The high sugar content in these drinks can have a negative impact on your physical health. Less obvious however is the effects that they can have on your teeth. As with any sugary food, prolonged exposure can lead to the damage and decay of your enamel, opening the door for cavities and other issues to occur. 

Coffee 

Many popular coffee drinks contain just as much sugar as sodas and juices. However, even people who drink their coffee black run the risk of damaging their smile. Excessive coffee consumption can stain your teeth, though the amount of discoloration experienced varies from person to person. 

Wine, Beer, and Liquor 

Though it seems obvious that red wine can stain your teeth, all wines pose a similar risk of damage. Likewise, darker beers can gradually stain your teeth depending on the frequency of consumption. While hard liquors generally don’t pose as much of a risk to your enamel on their own, the mixers they’re often served with can. 

How to Protect Your Teeth 

After consuming one of these beverages, your first impulse might be to brush your teeth as soon as possible. However, rushing to brush could actually be doing more harm than good. All of the aforementioned beverages contain high levels of acid. This acid has a softening effect on your enamel, and the pressure applied during brushing can potentially further this softening. Instead, it’s recommended that you follow sugary or acidic drinks with water and wait 30 minutes to brush. It is also beneficial to swish the water around as you drink it, as this will help gently rinse off all of your teeth and allow the enamel to harden before you brush. 

Watching your diet can benefit your teeth as much as it benefits the rest of your body. However, moderate consumption of any of these beverages won’t cause an issue provided you maintain a proper oral care routine that includes regular brushing and flossing, as well as professional cleanings at least twice a year. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment!