5 Signs You Need a Dental Check-Up This Winter

Tilton Family Dental • December 28, 2025

Winter brings cozy sweaters, holiday celebrations, and unfortunately, unique challenges for your oral health. As temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors, certain dental issues can emerge or worsen without proper attention. Many people don't realize that the cold season affects not just our immune systems but also our teeth and gums in specific ways. Understanding the warning signs that indicate you need a dental check-up can help you maintain optimal oral health throughout the winter months. Here's what you need to watch for and why taking action now can save you from more serious problems down the road.

1. Persistent Tooth Sensitivity to Cold Temperatures

If you've noticed a sharp, uncomfortable sensation when breathing in cold winter air or sipping hot beverages, this could be more than just temporary discomfort. Tooth sensitivity often indicates that your enamel has worn down or that you have exposed tooth roots, both of which require professional attention. The cold winter air can intensify these sensations, making everyday activities like walking outside or enjoying your morning coffee surprisingly painful. This sensitivity might also signal the presence of small cavities, receding gums, or even microscopic cracks in your teeth that have developed over time.

Many patients initially dismiss tooth sensitivity as a minor inconvenience, thinking it will resolve on its own once winter passes. However, this waiting approach can allow underlying problems to progress significantly. Your dentist can identify the exact cause of your sensitivity through a thorough examination and may recommend treatments ranging from fluoride applications to address enamel erosion, to dental bonding for exposed roots, or fillings for cavities. The earlier you address sensitivity issues, the simpler and less invasive the treatment typically is.

Winter's cold weather also tends to make us clench our jaws unconsciously, especially when we're cold or tense during the holiday season. This additional pressure on already sensitive teeth can exacerbate the problem and even cause new dental issues to develop. Your dentist can assess whether you're grinding or clenching your teeth and provide solutions like a custom night guard to protect your teeth while you sleep.

Don't ignore persistent sensitivity – it's your body's way of signaling that something needs attention. Professional intervention can not only eliminate the discomfort but also prevent more serious complications like infections or tooth loss. Have you been putting off that dental visit because you thought your sensitivity would improve on its own?

2. Bleeding or Swollen Gums

Noticing blood on your toothbrush or when flossing is never normal, regardless of the season. However, winter's cold, dry air can worsen existing gum inflammation, making bleeding and swelling more pronounced. Healthy gums should be firm and pink, not puffy, red, or prone to bleeding. When your gums bleed easily, it's often an early sign of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease that's still reversible with proper care and professional treatment.

The winter season can be particularly challenging for gum health because we tend to breathe through our mouths more often when we have colds or sinus congestion, which dries out the mouth and reduces saliva's natural protective effects. Reduced saliva flow means bacteria can multiply more easily, leading to inflammation and infection of the gum tissue. Additionally, holiday stress and changes in routine can cause people to neglect their oral hygiene habits, giving bacteria even more opportunity to cause problems.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can damage the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. This advanced stage of gum disease is linked to serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory problems. The good news is that catching gum disease early through a winter dental check-up allows your dentist to provide a thorough cleaning and guidance on improving your home care routine.

Your dentist can also identify whether your bleeding gums are caused by improper brushing technique, inadequate flossing, or underlying health conditions that affect gum health. Professional treatment might include deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing, antimicrobial treatments, or recommendations for specialized oral care products. Taking action now can preserve your natural teeth and protect your overall health for years to come.

3. Persistent Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste

While everyone experiences occasional bad breath, chronic halitosis that persists despite regular brushing and flossing is a sign that something more serious may be happening in your mouth. Winter's tendency to dry out our mouths due to indoor heating and reduced water intake can make bad breath more noticeable and problematic. When your mouth is dry, bacteria flourish and produce volatile sulfur compounds that create that unpleasant odor. However, persistent bad breath can also indicate gum disease, tooth decay, infections, or even problems with your tonsils or digestive system.

Many people try to mask bad breath with mints, gum, or mouthwash without addressing the underlying cause. While these temporary solutions might provide brief relief, they don't solve the actual problem. A dental professional can examine your entire mouth, including areas you might not be able to see or reach, to identify the source of the odor. This might include checking for food particles trapped between teeth, examining the tongue for bacterial buildup, or looking for signs of infection or decay.

An unpleasant or metallic taste in your mouth that won't go away is another red flag that deserves professional attention. This symptom can indicate a dental infection, periodontal disease, or even problems with dental work like old fillings or crowns that may be leaking or deteriorating. During winter, when our immune systems are already challenged by cold and flu season, dental infections can develop more quickly and become more severe than during other times of the year.

Your dentist can perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of your bad breath or unusual taste and recommend appropriate treatments. This might include professional cleanings to remove tartar buildup, treating gum disease, addressing cavities, or replacing old dental work. Fresh breath isn't just about social confidence – it's often a reflection of good oral health and can alert you to problems before they become serious.

4. Jaw Pain, Headaches, or Difficulty Chewing

If you're experiencing persistent jaw pain, frequent headaches, or difficulty chewing your food comfortably, these symptoms shouldn't be dismissed as simple stress or tension. While winter stress from holiday preparations and year-end responsibilities can certainly contribute to jaw clenching and teeth grinding, these symptoms can also indicate more serious dental issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, tooth infections, misaligned bite, or problems with existing dental work. The cold weather itself can cause us to tense our facial muscles unconsciously, exacerbating existing jaw problems.

TMJ disorders affect the joint that connects your jaw to your skull and can cause clicking, popping, or grinding sensations when you open and close your mouth. Many people don't realize that dental problems can be the source of their chronic headaches, neck pain, or even ear pain. Your dentist can evaluate your jaw function, check for signs of teeth grinding or clenching, and examine your bite alignment to determine if dental issues are contributing to your discomfort.

Difficulty chewing can also signal problems with specific teeth, such as cracked teeth, deep cavities, or infections that make biting down painful. Some patients develop the habit of chewing only on one side of their mouth to avoid pain, which can lead to additional problems including uneven tooth wear, jaw muscle imbalance, and digestive issues from improperly chewed food. Winter's tendency to make us crave harder, crunchier foods like nuts and candy canes can put extra stress on already compromised teeth.

Your dentist can provide various solutions depending on the cause of your jaw pain or chewing difficulties. Treatment options might include a custom night guard to prevent grinding, orthodontic adjustments to improve bite alignment, treatment for infected or damaged teeth, or exercises and therapies for TMJ disorders. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent them from becoming chronic problems that affect your quality of life and require more extensive treatment later.

5. Visible Changes in Your Teeth or Mouth

Any visible changes in your teeth or mouth deserve professional evaluation, especially if you notice them during the winter months when dental problems can progress more quickly. These changes might include new spots or discoloration on your teeth, chips or cracks that weren't there before, loose teeth, changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite, or unusual lumps or sores in your mouth that don't heal within two weeks. While some changes might seem minor, they can indicate serious underlying issues that require prompt attention.

White, brown, or dark spots on your teeth can indicate areas where enamel is demineralizing and cavities are beginning to form. Early-stage cavities can often be reversed or treated minimally if caught quickly, but if left untreated, they require more extensive procedures like fillings or even root canals. Chips or cracks in teeth might result from winter activities like sports, biting hard foods, or temperature changes that cause teeth to expand and contract, but regardless of the cause, they need professional repair to prevent bacteria from entering and causing infection.

Loose teeth in adults are never normal and can indicate advanced gum disease, bone loss, or trauma that requires immediate attention. Changes in your bite might mean your teeth are shifting due to periodontal disease, or it could indicate problems with your jaw joint. Persistent sores, lumps, or white or red patches in your mouth can be signs of oral cancer or other serious conditions that require diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Your dentist has the training and tools to properly evaluate any changes in your mouth and determine whether they're benign or require treatment. Many serious dental and oral health problems are highly treatable when caught early, but can become severe if ignored. A winter check-up allows your dentist to catch these changes early and provide appropriate treatment before they develop into major problems. Regular dental visits are your best defense against oral health issues, and winter is an excellent time to ensure everything is as healthy as it should be.

Conclusion

Your oral health deserves attention year-round, but the winter season presents unique challenges that make regular dental check-ups even more important. If you're experiencing any of these five warning signs – tooth sensitivity, bleeding or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, jaw pain or chewing difficulties, or visible changes in your teeth or mouth – don't wait until spring to schedule an appointment. Early intervention can save you from pain, extensive treatments, and costly procedures while protecting your overall health and wellbeing.

At Tilton Family Dental, we're committed to helping you maintain optimal oral health throughout every season. Our experienced team can provide comprehensive examinations, professional cleanings, and personalized treatment plans to address any concerns you might have. Don't let winter dental problems compromise your smile or your health – schedule your check-up today and start the new year with confidence in your oral health. Your teeth will thank you, and you'll enjoy the winter season with greater comfort and peace of mind.

Dental Tips for Your Vacation

By Gerald M • June 22, 2019
Summer is finally here, and many people are finally going on their long-awaited vacations. Of course, nobody wants to have an issue with their teeth when they are away from home but being prepared for this type of issue can help you deal with it faster and get back to your vacation. Here are a few tips on how to handle a dental issue while you are on vacation. They always say that the best defense is a good offense. Make sure that you are up to date on your dental checkups before you leave on vacation. This will help you identify any small issues with your teeth that have the potential to turn into major problems while you are away. Not only will you have more peace of mind, but your dentist will have updated records just in case you do run into trouble. Of course, emergencies sometimes occur, even when you have taken all the right steps to prevent them. Keep contact information for your dentist with your travel documents and make sure that you have the office number in your phone. In many cases, your dentist will be able to help you solve your dental problem over the phone and help you get comfortable until you can come home and have an appointment. If you are out of the country, getting the dental care you need may be a bit more complicated, but it is still possible. Contact the US embassy to find a dentist who was trained in the United State. Cruise ships and resort hotels often have a list of providers for emergency dental services. Ask the concierge to help you set up an emergency appointment. When you are out of the country visiting friends or family, go with their best recommendation for dental care. In the hustle and bustle of preparing for a vacation, we often forget something as simple as packing a toothbrush. If you are stuck without a toothbrush and nowhere to get one, you can still take simple steps to clean your teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove bacteria and sugars from the surface of your teeth. You can also put toothpaste on a washcloth until you are able to locate a proper toothbrush. When you do track one down, an ADA approved toothbrush is best but, if that isn’t possible, try to find one with soft bristles. Most of your favorite toothbrush brands can be purchased in any area of the world. Make sure that when you do pack your toothbrush, you do it with care. When we are at home, our toothbrushes have a chance to dry out. Bacteria won’t grow in a dry environment because it needs moisture to live. However, if you brush your teeth right before you leave, you might not have time to let it dry before you need to pack it. In this case, put your toothbrush in a clean plastic bag and keep it away from other items in your suitcase. As soon as possible, take your toothbrush out so that it can dry completely. Sugarless gum is one of the most important things you can keep on you for your dental health while you are traveling. For one thing, it will offer much-needed relief if you experience ear pressure during a plane takeoff or landing. However, sugarless gum can also help reduce your risk of cavities. If you are indulging in a lot of sweet treats during your vacation, chew a piece of sugarless gum afterward to protect your teeth. If you have a crown or bridge in your mouth that becomes loose during vacation, you can use sugar-free gum as a temporary hold until you can get to a dentist. It can also help as a temporary solution for tooth sensitivity when you’re on the road. Remember that not all areas where you travel will have water that is ideal for brushing your teeth. If you aren’t sure, pour bottled water onto your toothbrush instead. You do not want to have your vacation ruined by an illness as a result of ingesting contaminated local water. After your vacation, get right back to your normal oral hygiene routine. Spend some extra time brushing and flossing to make up for any lapses during your trip. Get back to healthy eating habits. There is no problem with indulging on vacation if you can get back to your normal habits when you get home. Looking for a Tilton NH Dentist ? Tilton Family Dental is now accepting new patients. For more information about our services or to request an appointment, click here .

Habits That Could Prevent Cavities in Children

By Gerald M • June 15, 2019
We all know how expensive raising a family can be in today’s world. When you start adding dental bills into the mix, the costs can really start to get out of hand. Unfortunately for most parents, it is a do as I say world, but that is not how children work. They are like sponges and watch every move we make. More importantly to realize is the fact because parents are literally their world, they try to emulate everything mom and dad do as well. Keep that in mind when it comes to your oral health regimen because you need to set the example for your children and show them how to properly care for their teeth the moment they understand tasks like brushing and rinsing. Here are some tips to help ensure you keep your child’s dental health in check and maybe yours as well: Don’t Miss Dental Appointments – this is literally the most basic of oral hygiene regimens. You simply cannot afford to miss a dental appointment because what often happens is you start to become afraid to go for fear of what you may find out. Keep the appointment, period. Sweets Between Meals – ideally, you avoid sweets. But, let’s face facts, we like them just as much as our children do. When picking snacks for the children, try to pick snacks that are healthy and hand them a bottle of water with the snack. Instead of candy, try some frozen grapes or blueberries. Make a game of swishing water around in the mouth after they are done eating to reduce the residue on their teeth. That will suffice until you can get them home to brush. Drinks Before and After Bed – if you are like me, you tend to take a drink to bed with you. For many parents, this often means some type of fruit juice in a sippy cup for the children, which is a big mistake. All the sugar in the drink will be sitting in their mouth all night long eroding away at the tooth enamel. The nighttime drink should be water, period. Brushing Before Bed – getting kids to brush their teeth before bed can be a nightmare, but it is a must to ensure good oral health. Today, there are numerous children-themed toothpastes as well as cool toothbrushes that can be used to make it fun. Put an egg timer on the sink and if they brush for the entire two minutes, give them a reward. You have to make them want to brush their teeth because this is a habit that will last them a lifetime. Do you need to make a dental appointment for your children? If you are looking for a T ilton Dentist , Tilton Family Dental is accepting new patients. For more information about our services or to request an appointment, please click here .

Why Are Teeth Sensitive After Dental Visits?

By Gerald M • June 8, 2019
If you make regular dental visits, you may sometimes notice your teeth are a bit more sensitive after getting treatment. These sensations usually fade over time, however, there are times when that sensitivity continues without abating. Today, we are going to look at how and why this happens as well as what you can do to address it. Deep Cleaning Will Impact Sensitivity For most people, the bi-annual visit to the dentist means the removal of bacteria under the guns and tartar that has calcified on and between the teeth. The dentist or oral hygienist will use a regular pick as well as a small water pressure tool to remove this. For more severe cases, a root planing is done, usually in quadrants (generally, you are also given a local to numb the area being cleaned). When this is done, is it not uncommon to experience sore gums, bleeding gums, and extra-sensitive teeth, especially after a planing is conducted. One of the reasons the teeth will often feel a bit more sensitive is because the plaque has been removed from the surface. These parts of the tooth are once again exposed to the elements. In a normal situation, the extra sensitivity should start to subside in a day or so, and everything should be normal within a few days, a week at the longest. As you brush your teeth, carefully, throughout the week, this will actually help the situation along. In the meantime, avoid eating excessively cold or hot food. When possible, use a straw to drink your liquids to avoid direct contact with the teeth. If the problem persists, however, you should contact your dentist to alert him or her of the situation. Taking Care of Teeth After a Deep Cleaning It is important to understand that even though you may be experiencing some extra sensitivity from your teeth and gums, you still need to maintain a regular oral health regimen, however, there will be some moderate changes in the usual activity. For instance, you should avoid flossing for a day or so to allow the gums to recover. If, however, you have a water flosser, you can reduce the setting and use it to massage the gums and remove loose particles from between the teeth. When brushing your teeth, be sure to use a tooth brush with soft bristles so as not to aggravate the situation further. As mentioned above, avoid liquids of extreme temperature and use a straw to drink when possible. Are you in need of a dental cleaning? If you are looking for a T ilton NH Dentist , Tilton Family Dental is accepting new patients. To learn more about our service or to schedule an appointment, please click here .

Taking Care of Your Oral Health Between Dental Appointments

By Gerald M • June 2, 2019
For many individuals, their next dental appointment may be their first. A far too common thought process is if you are brushing twice daily and flossing, there is simply no need to go to the dentist. That, obviously, is wrong. Regardless of how strict of an oral hygiene regimen you have on your own, bi-yearly dental visits are imperative to ensure good oral health. Now, since it may have been some time since you last visited a dentist or it is your first visit, here are some tips on how to prepare for a visit to the dentist’s office: Learn How to Brush Properly For as long as most of us can remember, we have been brushing our teeth. The question is, though, are you brushing your teeth the right way? Here are the basics in how to brush your teeth properly: · Use soft-bristled brush · After adding toothpaste to the brush, place the brush at the gumline at a 45-degree angle and brush gums before brushing your teeth · When done along the gumline, focus on brushing the front of the teeth before doing the rear · The brush should move vertically across the teeth rather than horizontally (this helps remove plaque from all angles) · Ensure you reach the rear of your mouth to brush the molars (which are often missed, creating the biggest problems for dental visits) Flossing Properly After you have brushed and rinsed, it is time to floss. This will ensure the small food particles left behind and wedged between teeth and under gumlines are removed. Start flossing at the rear bottom, slipping the floss between the teeth and gently moving it upwards. Once the lower level is done, repeat the process on the upper level. For even better results, invest in a water flosser, as they are far more effective than using standard floss. Using Mouthwash The use of a proper mouthwash is just as vital as the first two steps. Today, there are so many varieties and brands, it is virtually impossible not to find something both effective and palatable. You may want to discuss a specific brand with your dentist to ensure you are using a mouthwash most compatible with your needs/concerns. When rinsing, swish a small amount of mouthwash around vigorously for about a minute, then spit out. Looking for a new T ilton NH dentist? Hallmark Dental is now accepting new patients and we would love for you to become part of our dental family. For more information about our services or to make an appointment, please click here .

The Impact of Sugary Drinks on Teeth

By Gerald M • May 29, 2019
Now that the warmer weather is saturating the country, the consumption of sugary drinks is going to escalate considerably. Be it sweet tea or a sports drink or soda pop, people will be tossing them down to quench their thirst and battle the heat. With each sip, though, depending on the type of drink being consumed, you could be doing considerable damage to your teeth. Sure, it may take some time to come to fruition, but all that sugar will take a toll. Defining ‘Sugary’ Drinks It is very important to make note that even some drinks deemed healthy can actually do damage if the proper oral hygiene regimen is not in place. In this particular category, fruit drinks come to mind. Drinks like orange juice, cranberry juice, and smoothies fall into this category. While they may be “healthy” drinks, they also happen to be loaded with sugars. The Damage Whenever you toss down one of these sugar-packed drinks, you are unleashing the sugar on your teeth. While you may believe you have swallowed every ounce of the drink, rest assured, remnants of it are left behind on the surface of the tooth. When this happens, the bacteria in your mouth meant to consume the sugar are also doing damage to the surface of the tooth, eating away at the enamel. Eventually, that enamel gets weaker and we see the beginnings of a cavity forming. Avoiding the Damage of Sugary Drinks The obvious answer here is to cut out sugary drinks altogether, but that is not realistic, especially for health enthusiasts and athletes. For many people, those sugary drinks are the difference in completing the long run or ride and bonking out. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage done and keep the risk of cavities to a minimum. Today, there are several options for rinsing your mouth on the go. Listerine is now selling “portable” chews that can be used. When you are really in a crunch, simply take some water and swish it around in your mouth to get as much of the sugar off your teeth and out of your mouth as possible. For athletes, simply carry an extra bottle filled with water and sip that after sipping on your sports drink. If you have been putting off going to the dentist, now is the time to get your oral health back on track. If you are in need of a T ilton, NH Dentist , Hallmark Dental is now accepting new patients and we would love to have you join our family! For more information about our dental services or our contact information to make an appointment, please click here .

What Can You Eat After a Tooth Extraction?

By Gerald M • May 23, 2019
Although it is an outpatient procedure, tooth extraction for both adults and children is a major medical procedure that will require at least one day of recovery. In some cases, it takes several days if several teeth were extracted or if it was difficult to remove them. Dentists recommend having this type of procedure during vacation periods when patients are already at ease and have the time available to heal. Following the extraction, it is necessary to eat a diet of soft foods that will not irritate the area during recovery. Ice Cream If a patient does not have sensitive teeth, ice cream is one of the first things that they should reach for following a tooth extraction. Even the sorest mouths can generally handle ice cream because it is both soft in texture and cool in temperature. In fact, it is so cold that it can often effectively reduce swelling of the gums as a result of the procedure. Soft serve ice cream is the best option but remember that this is not the time for candy toppings or sprinkles that can get into the healing gums and cause complications. It is also important to remember to rinse your mouth out after eating to avoid any sugar buildup. Cool Soup Another meal option following a tooth extraction is soup, served either cool or lukewarm. At certain times of the year, especially summer, smooth gazpacho may be an even better option than a cool broth. Not only is soup easy to ingest following oral surgery, but it is often packed with nutrients and protein that can aid in the healing process. Make sure you choose a soup that is as smooth as can be to avoid any discomfort. Small noodles or pieces of vegetable are fine but you should avoid any ingredients that would require you to chew while your mouth is healing. Scrambled Eggs Scrambled eggs are a great option after oral surgery because they are nutrient-rich but also soft and require very little chewing. Just make sure that they have adequately cooled before you eat them. Smoothies A fruit smoothie is one of the best ways to get your daily dose of nutrients following a tooth extraction. Blend your fruits with yogurt to enhance your smoothie with calcium, probiotics, and protein. Using a dairy base for your smoothie also reduces the acidity from the fruit, making it less likely to irritate your gums as they heal. If you are in need of dental care and looking for a T ilton, NH Dentist , consider using Hallmark Dental. We are currently accepting new patients and would love to hear from you. For more information about our services, please click here .

What to Expect After Recognizing the 4 Stages of Gum Disease

By Gerald M • May 2, 2019
After recognizing the four stages of gum disease, you must take immediate steps to control your condition before it gets any worse. Gum disease that is left unattended for too long could result in the need for painful surgery or even in the loss of your teeth. Unfortunately, many people wait after recognizing the 4 stages of gum disease because they are nervous about what comes next. Knowing what to expect makes it much easier to move forward and improve your dental health. Recognizing the 4 Stages of Gum Disease There are four stages of gum disease, each with increasingly serious consequences for your overall oral health. For the best chance of recovery, it is vital that you notice the early signs of trouble with your gums. For example, if you notice blood in the sink when you brush your teeth, you may be experiencing the early signs of gum disease. Bad breath, shrinking gums, and sensitive teeth are also common signs of gum disease that often go overlooked by the folks suffering from them. A Deep Cleaning One of the first steps that your dentist will take the correct your gum disease is a deep cleaning. This is a much more in-depth process than the cleaning you would have at a normal checkup and may require more than one visit to complete. The cleaning will include work below your gum line in order to make sure that all of the bacteria is removed from the area. Your dentist may also complete a process called scaling, which involves scraping plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. Additional Treatment In some cases, your doctor may also prescribe medication to help control the infection in your gums before it begins to spread. This may be an oral antibiotic that you take over a period of weeks or, in some cases, an antibiotic gel that you apply directly to the infected area. Whatever the case may be, it is important that you follow your dentist’s instructions and complete the prescription, even if you think that your symptoms have stopped. If you think spot any of the four stages of gum disease, you should make an appointment with your dentist immediately. Early intervention can prevent much more serious issues as your disease progresses through the stages. Although it can be scary, remember that the longer you wait, the more serious the procedures will be to correct the damage done. If you are in need of a dentist and looking for a T ilton Nh Dentist accepting new patients, Hallmark Dental can help. For more information about our services and location, click here .

The Facts About Chipping a Tooth

By Gerald M • April 14, 2019
Whether you’ve been chewing on hard candy or crashing your mountain bike, the second you feel something inside your mouth that won’t dissolve or melt, you know you just broke a tooth and are about to panic. Enamel may be the most mineralized, hardest tissue in your body, but even its strength is limited, especially if any teeth have some decay on them already. If you’ve chipped a tooth, there’s no need to panic, because there are plenty of things your dental professional can do to help. Caring for a Chipped Tooth It goes without saying, but you need to schedule a dental visit immediately when you break, chip, or fracture a tooth. Otherwise, there may further damage or even infection, which could lead to you losing your tooth. Until then, try adhering to several self-care practices: · If you’re in pain, take acetaminophen tablets or similar OTC pain relievers. Rinse out your mouth using salt water. · In the event of a break with jagged, sharp edges, cover the break with sugar-free gum or wax paraffin to protect your tongue, cheeks, and lips. · If you need to eat, choose softer foods and try to avoid biting using your broken tooth. Treatment for chipped teeth will vary by the severity of the damage. Small pieces of enamel breaking off usually just requires one visit, but badly broken teeth may call for longer, costlier procedures, including some of the following: Dental Bonding For teeth that are visible when you smile, a process called bonding will likely be used to repair your tooth, which involves using a composite, tooth-colored resin. To bond your damaged tooth, a dentist uses a gel or liquid to roughen the tooth’s surface, which allows the adhesive material to stick better. Then, the material is applied to your tooth along with the resin. Once this bonding material has been shaped like a regular tooth, ultraviolet light is used for hardening the bond. Dental Crown or Cap When large pieces of tooth break off, your dentist might file or grind away part of that tooth before covering it with a cap or crown, which can be made of all resin, all ceramic, metal, or porcelain fused to metal. Installing a crown often takes two dental visits, with the first involving X-rays for inspecting the tooth’s roots and the surrounding bone. Then, the dentist numbs the surrounding gum and tooth before removing part of the remaining tooth. Next, the dentist uses a putty-like substance to take impressions of the tooth that’s getting the crown and the opposite tooth the crown will be touching. During the next visit, the provisional crown your dentist placed is removed, and they check how your permanent crown fits before it’s cemented in place. Dental Veneers When the front teeth are chipped, veneers can make them look healthy and whole again. They’re thin shells of teeth-colored porcelain or composite material, which cover the front of teeth and have thicker sections for replacing broken or missing parts. To ready your tooth, the dentist removes between 0.3 and 1.2 mm of enamel from your tooth’s surface and then takes impressions to send to the lab. Once your veneer is completed, you go back to your dentist, where they place it by etching your tooth’s surface and roughening it. After a special cement is placed on the veneer, it’s placed into position on the tooth and then a special light is used to harden the cement. In need of dental care? T ilton Family Dental would love to be your new dentist. To see a full list of our dental services, click here .

Getting Over the Fear of Going to the Dentist

By Gerald M • April 3, 2019
Unfortunately, many Americans seem to have “dentophobia,” which is a fear of the dentist, and this prevents adults and even children from all around the U.S. from receiving preventative cleanings and dental care. However, this can always change, especially when you choose a dental practice that’s committed to promoting an environment free of stress, worry, and fear while addressing the needs of your dental hygiene. To help you get over any fears you have of the dentist, check out a few of the following tips: Pick the Right Dental Team A lot of the fear people have of dentists in general comes from those who’ve work on their teeth. Luckily, it’s very easy to go and shop around these days in order find the right fit for your dental needs. After a quick online search, you can find a team that fits your insurance and payment requirements as well as having exceptional reviews from patients. For parents, it’s also essential to search for a dependable family dental practice that knows just how to put the little ones at ease once they’ve sat in the chair. Communicate Admitting you have fears will go far in helping you address them, whether they’re caused by embarrassment over your teeth’s condition or a previous bad experience. This is a perfectly natural response, and if your dentist knows about your fears, they’ll most likely tell you that you have nothing to fear. For instance, it’s normal to be nervous about needles, but an experienced dentist will go over everything with you before a procedure if you ask. Also, you can tell them how much pain you can tolerate, as the best dental professionals are receptive to these details when providing numbing gels and anesthesia. Most dental procedures aren’t painful, but, luckily, ones that may cause some discomfort are typically over fast. Bring Support If you’re worried about an upcoming dental visit, feel free to bring support, as just knowing there’s someone waiting for you can help provide comfort, especially if they’re willing to be your anxiety sounding board. Also, it can be nice knowing someone will be there for you after your cleaning or procedure has been completed. Deep Breathing Another simple trick that will go far toward eliminating your fears is deep breathing, which is known to be a powerful stress reliever. This technique is helpful for many facets of life, and visits to the dentist can be made much easier with it by loosening you up. During your next dental visit, try taking one deep breath repeatedly, and remember there’s nothing for you to worry about! If you are looking for a new dentist, Tilton Family Dental would love to add you to our growing list of satisfied patients. For more information about our dental services, click here .

Does Your Dentist Accept Delta Dental?

By Gerald M • March 29, 2019
It’s common knowledge that your teeth require regular care, including visits to your dentist twice a year at least for cleanings and check-ups. However, what may not be common knowledge is whether a nearby practice accepts your Delta Dental insurance. The greatest fear relating to dental insurance is getting one huge bill in the mail and not being able to take advantage of your insurance, leaving you with unanticipated debt. This uncertainty may cause some to simply stay home, forgoing the care their teeth need, but we at Hallmark Dental understand how hard it is to find the right practice, and we’ll help you through this process with a few tips, which you can find below. Search Online One of the most readily accessible ways of finding a dental office that’ll take Delta Dental is searching for one via the internet. Something as simple as “dentist who take Delta Dental” should do the trick and send you thousands of search results in seconds. Even so, you have another problem when this happens—too many options if you don’t find a way to filter the choices down. Many websites you’ll be sent to will be third party sites, meaning neither the insurance provider nor the dental office itself runs it. These websites can also be very hard to navigate, so they’re often not the best when it comes to identifying dental practices near you. Search Delta Dental’s Site Every insurance provider, including Delta Dental, has a directory for their website listing in-network dental practices. The advantage in this method is they’ll show you dental professionals nearest to you as well. However, there are some drawbacks—most notably that directories like these aren’t updated very often. They draw on practices from all over the country, so it’s hard to keep every bit of information up-to-date. Locations change, dentists change, and practice names change all the time, which means it’s possible they won’t even take Delta Dental insurance anymore. Search the Dentist’s Site Without a doubt, this method is the easiest, most direct one for making sure dentists in your area will take Delta Dental, with Hallmark Dental being one of those very practices. This is information that’s easy to find, and calling the practice is always an option if there are any questions you have—it’s certainly easier than trying to call across extended phone trees as you’d have to with an insurance company. You’ll be able to speak with an actual human being, who can tell you on the phone whether they take Delta Dental. Many practices can even talk about your plan in detail, so you’ll know the cost of particular treatments and how much will be covered. If you use Delta Dental and would like to discuss our services, please click here to set up an appointment.