Dental Emergency

The Chewing Survival Guide for Your Teeth from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

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Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health

The Chewing Survival Guide for Your Teeth from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Your teeth are like tiny, hardworking superheroes. They deserve respect, not abuse. So, let’s talk about things you should never chew on.

Your smile will thank you.

Sure, it’s refreshing, but your teeth are not icebreakers. Chewing on ice can cause tiny cracks in your tooth enamel, leading to bigger problems down the line.

Trust us, your teeth would prefer a nice cold drink.

We get it, you’re deep in thought. But resist the urge to gnaw on your pen or pencil. These wooden or plastic weapons can chip or break your teeth. Plus, your favorite Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry dentist will give you a weird look. 🙂

Hard candy is like a tiny, sugary landmine for your teeth. It’s tough, sticky, and can cause chips or cracks. If you must indulge, savor it slowly, but be sure to brush after so you don’t let that sugar stick around for too long.

See our other posts for more on why sugar can cause bad breath and the kinds of bacteria that can destroy tooth enamel and darken your teeth.

Nail-biting is a bad habit for many reasons, but your teeth can become the unintended collateral damage. Nails are tough, and your teeth are not. It’s a battle your teeth will lose. We see a lot of teeth that have been damaged or chipped while biting fingernails. Ditch the habit and give your teeth a break they can use.

Let’s be clear: your teeth are not tools. Avoid chewing on things like bottle caps, keys, or even those weird plastic toys you find around. Your dentist will appreciate it, and so will your future self.

Need Professional Help?

If you’ve accidentally chewed on something you shouldn’t have, or if you’re concerned about the health of your teeth, schedule an appointment with Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, Utah.

We’ll help you keep your smile sparkling and your teeth intact.

Remember, treat your teeth with the respect they deserve. They’re the only ones you’ve got!

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Smokeless Tobacco Is Not Harmless For Provo Chewers

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Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health

dental implants Provo

Cigarette sales at most Provo stores have decreased in the past decade, but some tobacco consumers have switched to smokeless products.

There is a common misconception (especially among teens) that smokeless tobacco is harmless. This is absolutely not true. Regardless of the specific type: spit tobacco, snuff, chew, or pinch, this form of tobacco is as deadly as old-school cigarettes.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, we encounter serious consequences of smokeless tobacco use because many occur in the mouth. Oral cancer, mouth lesions, gum disease, and tooth decay are the most common dental problems caused by smokeless tobacco.

Keeping a pinch between your cheek and gum all day is worse than keeping an all-day sucker tucked in there. Tobacco contains almost as much sugar as candy but delivers dangerous chemicals as an added bonus. The dangers are two-fold: the tobacco erodes the teeth and also causes the gums to pull away from the teeth.

Precancerous Mouth Lesion Screening: Mouth lesions are painful sores that could eventually become cancer. If smokeless tobacco use is stopped, the lesions frequently disappear within a year for many dental patients.

Oral Cancer: Smokeless tobacco use increases the risk of several types of life-threatening cancers including those of the mouth, gums, lips, tongue, and throat.

Oral cancers can be as deadly as lung cancer and usually require surgery. If the patient is fortunate and the cancer is successfully removed with surgery, the collateral damage to the face, neck, or jaw is not pretty.

These are the main dental risks of smokeless tobacco. Moreover, I should also mention two other biggies: addiction and heart disease, though those are topics for another day.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we perform oral cancer screenings and mouth lesions examinations. To receive more details, or schedule an appointment, call 801-374-0070.

If you want to quit using smokeless tobacco products, we recommend that you speak with Dr. Hammond at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, your primary care doctor, or your pharmacist.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Is Tooth Sensitivity a Dental Emergency?

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Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health

is tooth sensitivity a dental emergency? Provo

You can experience tooth sensitivity when the enamel of your teeth starts to thin. Or when nerves in your teeth become exposed. You may feel pain only when you drink hot or cold liquids. Or it could take place any time you chew.

Is tooth sensitivity a dental emergency?

If tooth sensitivity comes on suddenly, it may be a dental emergency, or at least an urgent dental issue that shouldn’t be ignored.

Either way, at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry we can establish the cause and treat it if it’s dental-related. If we can’t treat the underlying condition, we can refer you to a specialist.

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by:

  • A cavity
  • Gum recession
  • A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
  • An abscess
  • Thinning enamel due to teeth grinding, bulimia, acid reflux, an acidic diet, vaping, or a bite condition
  • Teeth whitening treatment

Of course, the treatment for tooth sensitivity depends on the cause.

If you experience sudden tooth sensitivity, request an appointment at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. Dr. Hammond will determine the cause of the sensitivity. If the sensitivity is due to thinning enamel, Dr. Hammond will recommend an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste. A high-fluoride toothpaste formulated for tooth sensitivity lessens tooth pain after several applications. However, some patients may need in-office procedures such as fluoride gel treatments.

If the sensitivity is caused by an abscess or a cavity, we will take care of that issue as well. We perform root canals, fillings, and inlays/onlays.

These habits can weaken or diminish your tooth enamel:

1. Chewing on hard foods

We’re looking at you Unpopped popcorn kernels and hard candy.

2. Chewing on hard possessions

This includes fingernails, pencils, pen caps, and ice.

3. Grinding your teeth

If you grind your teeth, talk about it with your dentist. An appliance can guard your smile. Then seek appropriate treatment for the underlying cause. Dr. Hammond can recommend medical professionals who specialize in treating teeth grinding.

4. Eating too much sticky food

Gummy candy, dried fruit, and even protein bars can chip teeth.

5. Drinking anything besides water frequently

If your teeth are bathed in soda (sugared or diet), juice, coffee, or sports drinks habitually, you are asking for dental dilemmas.

6. Playing sports without a mouthguard

Sports pose a major risk of tooth damage. Most kids are required to wear a protective mouthguard on the playing field. But fewer adults wear mouthguards for recreational activities like mountain biking and skiing. Stock mouthguards are one-size-fits-all but rarely fit well. Custom-fitted mouthguards from your dentist are more comfortable than the cheap boil-and-bite type.

7. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush

A hard-bristled toothbrush can damage teeth and cause gums to pull away. Remove food bits and plaque with a soft (or extra-soft) toothbrush.

8. Ignoring dry mouth

Saliva is important. Saliva is necessary to neutralize acids and rinse bits of food off of teeth. It also helps clean the teeth of leftover food bits, helping to prevent plaque buildup. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, can lead to tooth decay. Talk to your dentist if you have a dry mouth repeatedly.

9. Using teeth as tools

Take a minute to find a pair of scissors before you tear open a package of lunch meat or pry the lid of a medicine bottle. Use a Nutcracker if you are eating unshelled nuts. A quality dental crown can cost over eight hundred dollars.

10. Ignoring bad breath

Bad breath is often related to bacteria build-up in the mouth. It might be a symptom of accelerating tooth decay. Discuss it with your dentist. (Don’t be embarrassed. We treat bad breath all the time.)

11. Ignoring jaw pain

If you notice inexplicable jaw pain or notice a clicking sound, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist promptly! These symptoms can be signs of a serious condition called temporomandibular disorder or TMD.

Is it too late? Have you already broken or chipped a tooth? We can repair it at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry. There are a number of restorative and cosmetic dental treatments for chipped or cracked teeth.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Not Your Mother’s Jewelry: 5 Reasons Tongue Piercings Are Dangerous

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Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

lip piercings Provo

Let’s get right to it; while tongue, cheek, and lip piercings are “so in” right now, here are five reasons from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo to keep piercings where they belong—in your ears:

  1. Excessive drooling—YIKES!
  2. Chipped teeth
  3. Infection
  4. Hypersensitivity to metal
  5. Nerve damage

Drooling

Lip and tongue piercings may make you look cool and edgy. They may express your personality and creativity. But they can cause frequent drooling. That may not be the look you’re going for.

Broken Teeth

Another vital reason to keep piercings away from your mouth, lips, and tongue, is because having any metal in your mouth can chip your teeth. This can happen while eating, drinking, or sleeping. Or even while playing with said piercing.

Do you already have a tooth that’s compromised? Repair these cracks early before more damage ensues.

Small chips in a tooth can be filled, or crowned. But often patients with piercings come in with more serious dilemmas. These may require a root canal or tooth extraction.

Infection

Beware of infection. When it comes to oral piercings, you have to watch the pierced area. Your mouth is a bacterial zoo, so to speak. Upon piercing anything in your mouth, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream. Neglecting appropriate brushing habits can lead to infection. As well as touching the piercing with dirty hands.

Hypersensitivity or Allergic Reaction to Metal

Many people love body jewelry. But too much of a good thing (like metal) can be bad. Having metal piercings can lead to hypersensitivity to any metal in your mouth, such as silverware. This is problematic for most men and women. (Stock up on plastic utensils!)

There is also the risk of an allergic reaction at the piercing site. If you know of a sensitivity to certain metals, you can get your piercing in a metal you aren’t allergic to. But you are still in jeopardy of the other risks discussed here.

Nerve Damage

Finally, there’s the risk of irreversible nerve damage. If the previous dangers don’t turn you off, this one should. Experiencing a numb tongue is usually temporary. But in extreme cases, like if you can’t stop playing with the piercing, it can become permanent.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

How Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Utah Can Fix a Chipped Tooth

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Categories: Dental Emergency, General Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

How Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Utah Can Fix a Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth can be a distressing experience, impacting not only the aesthetics of your smile but also your overall oral health.

The good news is that modern dentistry offers several effective solutions for repairing a chipped tooth, restoring both the function and beauty of your smile. In this article, we’ll explore how Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Utah can mend a chipped tooth and help you regain your confidence.

Understanding Chipped Teeth

Chipped teeth can result from various causes, including accidents, biting down on hard objects, or even tooth decay. The severity of the chip can vary, from minor enamel damage to more significant fractures that expose the inner layers of the tooth. The approach to fixing a chipped tooth depends on the extent of the damage.

Treatment Options for Chipped Teeth

Dental Bonding: For minor chips, dental bonding is a common and minimally invasive solution. If appropriate, we can apply a tooth-colored resin to the chipped area, shape it to match your natural tooth, and then harden it with a special light.

Porcelain Veneers: When the chip is more significant or if you’re looking for a more long-term and cosmetic solution, porcelain veneers are an excellent choice. These thin, custom-made shells are bonded to the front of the tooth, covering the chip and improving your tooth’s appearance.

Dental Crowns: For larger chips or when the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised, a dental crown may be necessary. Crowns are caps that completely encase the damaged tooth, restoring its strength and appearance.

Tooth Contouring: In some cases, minor reshaping and contouring of the chipped tooth can provide a simple and quick solution, improving its appearance and function.

The Restoration Process

When you visit Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Utah for a chipped tooth, here’s what you can expect:

  • Evaluation: We’ll thoroughly assess the extent of the chip and discuss the most suitable treatment options with you.
  • Preparation: Depending on the chosen treatment, we’ll carefully prepare the tooth. This may involve reshaping the tooth for bonding, removing a thin layer of enamel for veneers, or resizing it for a crown.
  • Treatment: The selected procedure will be performed, and the restoration will be carefully crafted to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
  • Fitting and Bonding: The restoration will be fitted, bonded, and polished to ensure it blends seamlessly with your smile.

A chipped tooth need not be a permanent blemish on your smile.

At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Utah, we offer a range of effective solutions to mend chipped teeth and help you regain your confidence.

Whether it’s a simple bonding procedure or a more extensive restoration with veneers or crowns, our team is dedicated to delivering the best care for your oral health and aesthetics.

Don’t let a chipped tooth affect your self-esteem or oral health; contact us today to discuss your options and embark on the journey to a beautifully restored smile.

 

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

385-375-3715

Location (Tap To Open In Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Tooth Injuries and How To Treat Them In Utah

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Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Tooth Injuries and How To Treat Them In Utah

Accidents can happen unexpectedly, and one area of the body that is particularly vulnerable to injury is the mouth, including the teeth.

Tooth injuries can range from minor chips and cracks to more severe cases such as fractures or avulsions (complete tooth displacement). Understanding the causes, types, and immediate actions for tooth injuries is crucial for minimizing pain, preventing further damage, and preserving dental health.

If you experience a tooth injury, come into Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry as soon as possible and we can help you make a plan for repair, recovery, and long-term care.

In the meantime, let’s take a look at common Utah tooth injuries, their causes, and what steps to take in case of an emergency.

Causes of Tooth Injuries

  • Tooth injuries can occur due to various factors, including:
  • Accidental Falls: Falling can result in impact to the face, causing teeth to hit hard surfaces.
  • Sports Injuries: Contact sports or recreational activities without proper mouthguards can lead to tooth injuries from collisions or falls.
  • Vehicle Accidents: High-speed collisions or sudden stops can cause severe trauma to the face and mouth.
  • Biting Hard Objects: Biting down on hard foods, ice, or non-food items can cause tooth fractures or chips.
  • Physical Altercations: Punches, kicks, or other forms of physical violence can result in tooth injuries.

Types of Tooth Injuries

Tooth injuries can vary in severity in Utah, and they can be classified into several types:

  • Fractured or Cracked Teeth: These injuries involve partial or complete fractures of the tooth structure. They can range from minor cracks affecting only the enamel to more severe fractures extending into the dentin or pulp.
  • Chipped Teeth: This type of injury involves a small piece of the tooth enamel breaking off, usually caused by a direct impact.
  • Luxation Injuries: Luxation refers to the abnormal displacement of a tooth. It can include subluxation (tooth pushed out of alignment), extrusion (tooth partially pushed out of the socket), lateral displacement (tooth moved sideways), or intrusion (tooth pushed into the socket).
  • Avulsion: Avulsion occurs when a tooth is completely knocked out from its socket. Immediate action is crucial in attempting to save the tooth.

Immediate Actions for Tooth Injuries

In case of a tooth injury, it’s important to take immediate action at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry to minimize damage and maximize the chances of saving the tooth.

Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Stay Calm: Remaining calm helps you think clearly and act effectively.
  2. Assess the Injury: Examine the affected tooth and surrounding area to determine the severity of the injury.
  3. Control Bleeding: If there is bleeding, rinse your mouth gently with warm water and apply a clean piece of gauze or a tea bag to the area for about 10 minutes. If bleeding persists or is severe, seek immediate medical attention.
  4. Preserve the Tooth: If a tooth is completely knocked out (avulsed), try to re-implant it into the socket, if possible. Handle the tooth by the crown (top part) and avoid touching the root. If re-implantation is not possible, place the tooth in a container with milk or a saline solution to keep it moist.
  5. Seek Dental Care: Regardless of the severity of the injury, it is essential to visit your dentist at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry as soon as possible. Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry can assess the injury, provide appropriate treatment, and offer guidance for optimal recovery.

Preventing Tooth Injuries

While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, there are preventive measures that can significantly reduce the risk of tooth injuries:

Wear Protective Gear. When engaging in contact sports or activities with a risk of dental trauma, use a mouthguard or helmet with a face shield to protect your teeth.

Avoid Biting Hard into foods. Biting into a bone or other unexpected obstruction can result in chipped or broken teeth.

Avoid using your teeth as a tool. It’s sometimes natural to use your teeth to open packages or to hold items while you tug at them. This is a risky practice that can result in damage to your teeth.

Be safe out there, and protect your teeth from injury. If you need a recommendation for tooth protection during work or sports, come into Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry, and let’s talk about it.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604

Who Do You Call If You Have a Dental Emergency?

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Categories: Dental Emergency, Restorative Dentistry

urgent dental clinic Provo

A dental emergency is any event in which damage to the teeth occurs and the patient needs urgent care. While a dental emergency may have never happened to you, it could happen in the future.

Some things are too pressing to wait for an appointment. How do you know if you need to call for help? Who do you call? How can you be prepared? In this article, we at Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT will guide you through the process.

Some persistent questions individuals may have in a dental emergency:
“Is this serious enough, can’t we treat it at home for now?”
“Should I call 911?”
“How can I help in the moment?”
How to know if it is a dental emergency and when to seek help

If you are experiencing any of the following, call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT:

  • A knocked-out tooth
  • A broken tooth
  • An abscess with pus
  • Unexplained severe mouth pain
  • Persistent bleeding of the mouth

Should I call 911 for a dental emergency?

If you suspect you are dealing with a potential dental emergency, stay calm. In the heat of the moment a person’s instinct may be to call 911. However, paramedics and dentists would encourage you to analyze the situation.

Dental emergencies are serious. Dental offices are for an urgent dental issue. If you need treatment, dentists are the specialists for the job. Act fast and responsibly.

Calling 911 may ultimately waste your time in getting the help you need. The police cannot help in dental matters and paramedics are not dentists. They can help if you have a non-dental medical emergency, but not if it is a dental-specific issue.

We are here for you when you have a dental emergency

When it comes to your smile, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Obtaining immediate assistance is the first step in addressing the situation. When you call Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo UT, a dental professional will counsel you over the phone. Do not hesitate. The consequences of untreated emergencies can leave permanent damage. Some serious dental infections can even threaten your life if not treated.

Our contact information is below. Save our number in your phone contacts so you will be prepared in the unfortunate event that you suffer a dental emergency. We serve patient in the American Fork and Lehi areas. We are also well know for cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, and dental restorations. Schedule an appointment with us any time.

Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

801-374-0070

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604