Gum recession, while not a dental emergency in most cases, can still be quite serious. If you have receding gums in Bel Air , you’ll want to schedule a dental appointment soon so that the cause can be determined and appropriate treatment can be started.

Gums can recede for several reasons, the most common of which is periodontal disease. You may also experience gum recession if there’s been trauma to the area or if you are genetically predisposed to the condition. Treatments are available to reverse gum recession, including scaling and root planning, and gum grafting to restore lost tissue.

Check out this video to learn more about the causes of gum recession and its treatments. Remember that complications from the condition can range from tooth sensitivity to cavities in the root, and in some cases, tooth loss. Talk to your dentist today about your receding gums and what can be done about them.

Many parents mistakenly believe that the health of their children’s baby teeth isn’t that important since they’ll lose the teeth anyway. This unfortunate misconception has led to nearly half of all children experiencing at least some form of tooth decay before their permanent teeth erupt. A child’s primary teeth are extremely important to their long-term oral health, however, so it’s vital to follow and teach good oral care habits early. Talk to your family dentist in Bel Air about the best way to care for your child’s teeth, and follow these tips:

Start Early
Most children’s primary teeth begin to erupt between four and six months of age. Some dentists recommend gently cleaning the gums from birth by simply wiping them with a damp cloth, then moving on to a baby toothbrush when the first tooth erupts. By beginning oral hygiene this early and sticking to it twice per day, you can help ensure it becomes a normal part of daily life that your child simply expects; struggles over brushing teeth in the morning and evening can be greatly minimized by teaching the habit early.

Teach Proper Techniques
As children become toddlers and start to exhibit some independence, they will want to “do things themselves.” This is a good thing, but it’s important that they learn how to do them the right way. Allow your child to brush his or her own teeth, but be present to monitor the technique. You may even consider brushing together so that your child can imitate your motions until he or she has a solid grasp of the technique. Be sure to go after your child to finish the job until he or she is able to do a thorough job on his or her own.

Visit the Dentist Regularly
The family dentistry professionals at your dentist’s office can be your biggest allies in caring for your child’s teeth . At the dentist, your child will receive regular cleanings and have his or her oral health monitored through x-rays and comprehensive exams. You and your child will also receive tips and education on maintaining lifelong oral health.

Most people agree that a toothache can be a terribly painful experience. However, many people do not know what causes a toothache that might send them rushing to their dentist in Bel Air .

The most common cause of toothaches is cavities, or tooth decay. When a tooth decays to the point that it exposes the nerves inside the tooth, even the act of breathing can be excruciating as air moves across the area. You may need a filling, root canal, or crown depending on the level of decay. Another common cause of toothaches is dental abscesses. These are infections in or around the tooth and are quite serious. Immediate dental care is required. Toothaches can also be caused by a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, infected gums, lost fillings or crowns, or tooth grinding. Talk to your dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing any type of tooth pain so that he or she can determine the cause and administer the appropriate treatment.

While you probably strive to protect your mouth and teeth from injury or infection, life isn’t always easy to control. Certain dental situations will require a prompt trip to an emergency dentist near Bel Air , while others may be handled with at-home care until you can see your dentist during regular business hours. Here’s what to do if you find yourself facing a dental emergency:

Stop Any Bleeding
If you sustain injury to the soft tissues of the mouth, or if you have a tooth knocked out, partially dislodged, or broken, it’s vital to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. This can be accomplished by rinsing your mouth gently with a warm saltwater solution and then applying pressure to the area. You may use either a folded piece of gauze or a damp tea bag over the area to keep pressure on for 15 to 20 minutes. If the bleeding is not controlled after that, continue applying pressure but seek treatment immediately either at an emergency room or an emergency dentist.

Control Swelling and Pain
​Dental emergencies typically come with pain, and often are accompanied by swelling. Unless your doctor has placed restrictions on it, take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help with the pain. Ibuprofen will also help to control inflammation and swelling. Apply cold compresses to the face over the area where there is pain and swelling. A gentle rinse of warm water, either plain or with a touch of salt, can also be soothing until you can get to the emergency dentist.

Preserve the Tooth
If your dental emergency involves a dislodged or knocked out tooth, it’s important to keep the tooth viable if at all possible. Do not handle the tooth by the root; pick it up by the crown and very gently rinse it with warm water. Never attempt to clean the attached tissue off the root. If it is possible, reinsert the tooth in its socket, taking care to ensure it is facing the proper direction. If reinsertion is not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk and try to get to the emergency dentist within one hour if at all possible.