Are You Grinding Your Teeth?

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Markus Kidwell - Bruxism, Dental Care Tips, Tooth Sensitivity

Teeth grinding can happen during the day or night. Most often the grinding of the teeth occurs while sleeping. Most experts classify teeth grinding, called Bruxism, as a sleep disorder. It can get ugly when grinding begins to cause damage to your chewing muscles, jaw joint, and teeth. Fortunately, there are telltale signs of teeth grinding. The Mayo Clinic notes the signs and symptoms of Bruxism (teeth grinding) may include the following:

Teeth grinding or clenching, which may be loud enough to awaken your sleep partner.
Teeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or loose.
Worn tooth enamel, exposing deeper layers of your tooth.
Increased tooth sensitivity.
Jaw or face pain or soreness.
Tired or tight jaw muscles.
Pain that feels like an earache, though it’s actually not a problem with your ear.
Dull headache originating in the temples.
Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek.
Indentations on your tongue.

Grinding your teeth at night is common, however, if not treated it can lead to a number of dental and health issues. If you are experiencing some of the symptoms above you may have Bruxism. Regular checkups are key to diagnose any dental problems and the proper treatment. If you suspect any dental problems including teeth grinding we can examine your mouth during your visit to determine what’s wrong and how we can fix it. We are committed to providing a warm, stress free environment in which our patients are treated as family. Only necessary procedures are recommended, in other words, no one is pressured with “up selling.” When considering treatment, patients are clearly presented with pros, cons, and all available options.

The solution to your teeth grinding may be as simple as fitting you with a night mouth guard. Contact our Southport Dental team today to schedule a visit. We look forward to seeing you and taking care of all your dental needs!

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental Indianapolis | Reasons for a Tooth Extraction

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Markus Kidwell - Dental Care Tips, Extractions, New Patients

Are you having discomfort with your teeth and feel you might need a tooth extraction? There are a number of reasons why your teeth may need to be extracted. The most common reason for the removal of a tooth is severe decay or breakage of a tooth that cannot be saved. Other reasons for extractions may include gum disease, infection, orthodontic correction, fractured tooth or roots, crowded teeth and impacted teeth (mainly wisdom teeth).

Tooth extraction procedures are vastly less painful than ever before, thanks to powerful anesthetics and Dr. Mills’ advanced surgical techniques. Surgical extractions are performed under local anesthesia especially for wisdom teeth extractions. In many cases, patients experience little to no discomfort, and only minor bleeding.

It is extremely important that patients with extracted teeth do not smoke for 4-5 days after the procedure. In addition, vigorous brushing and rinsing or drinking through a straw are discouraged because they hinder the healing and may cause the wound to open. Cold compresses applied to the outside cheek near the extraction area can help reduce any swelling and promote faster healing. Please see our Post Op Instructions for complete directions after surgery.

When considering treatment, patients are clearly presented with pros, cons, and all available options. Our friendly and professional staff is always available to answer questions about your dental health and about the dental services we recommend for your treatment. Southport Dental is located on Emerson Avenue between Southport Road and Stop 11. The office is just south of the I-65 bridge, on the East side of the road, in front of the Rosegate Senior Community. Call us at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental | About Us Video

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Markus Kidwell - New Patients, Oral Health, Our Patients, Preventative Dental Care, Southport Dental Video

At Southport Dental we appreciate our patients and new patients are always welcome! We offer a wide range of dental services for the entire family.

Our emphasis is on oral care education and the prevention of dental problems.

Check out our video to learn more about our practice:

Our friendly and professional staff is always available to answer questions about your dental health and about the dental services we recommend for your treatment.

Southport Dental is located on Emerson Avenue between Southport Road and Stop 11. The office is just south of the I-65 bridge, on the East side of the road, in front of the Rosegate Senior Community. Call us at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental | 10 Facts You Should Know About Tooth Decay

Posted on April 6, 2015 by Markus Kidwell - Dental Care Tips, New Patients, Oral Health, Preventative Dental Care

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. To repair a cavity, the decay must be removed and replaced with a manmade substance.

There are different types of materials used to fill cavities, including gold and metal alloys.

If you have ever had tooth decay, you should know:

Tooth decay is one of the most common of all diseases, second only to the common cold.
Tooth decay affects more than one-fourth of U.S. children ages 2 to 5, half of those ages 12 to 15, and more than 90 percent of U.S. adults over age 40.
Tooth decay causes pain, suffering and disability for millions of Americans each year — even more disturbing, tooth decay is preventable.
If it is not treated, in extreme and rare cases tooth decay can be deadly. Infection in an upper back tooth can spread to the sinus behind the eye, from which it can enter the brain and cause death.
Tooth decay is an infectious process caused by acid-producing bacteria. Your risk for decay can be assessed in our office with a simple test for specific bacterial activity.
Three factors are necessary for tooth decay to occur: susceptible teeth, acid-producing bacteria and a diet rich in sugars and refined carbohydrates.
Babies are not born with decay-causing bacteria in their mouths; the bacteria are transmitted through saliva from mothers, caregivers, or family members.
Fluoride incorporated into the tooth structure protects teeth against decay by making the enamel more resistant to acid attack.
Sealants, which close up the nooks and crannies in newly erupted teeth, stop bacterial collection where a toothbrush can’t reach. Teeth with sealants have been shown to remain 99 percent cavity-free over six years.
Restricting sugar intake is important in preventing tooth decay. Your total sugar intake should be less than 50 grams a day (about ten teaspoons) including sugars in other foods. A can of soda may have six teaspoons of sugar — or more!

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discuss possible tooth decay issues. We are accepting new patients!

You can learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Tooth Decay – The World’s Oldest and Most Widespread Disease.”

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Spring Break Dental Tips from Southport Dental

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Markus Kidwell - Dental Care Tips, Oral Health, Preventative Dental Care

Spring break is just a few weeks away. It’s a time when you and your family look forward to getting away together on vacation.

Your vacation is not the time to neglect your teeth. Your overall oral health shouldn’t take a break!

There are a few spring break dental care tips you should know and consider while on vacation.

Drink water. Drinking water throughout the day will reduce the buildup of plaque on your teeth.

Avoid sugary drinks. High sugar drinks such as soda erode the enamel on your teeth.

When traveling, have all regular oral heath essentials with you. Bring healthy snacks (such as apples) that act as a cleanser for your teeth. Carry travel-size toothbrushes and mouthwash for road trips.

Whatever your plans are this spring break, remember to keep up with your dental care. Spring break isn’t the time to give your teeth a break! If you would like to schedule an appointment before your break give us a call.

The staff at Southport Dental is dedicated to providing you and your family the highest quality dental care.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental | Choosing The Right Toothpaste

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Markus Kidwell - Dental Care Tips, New Patients, Oral Health, Our Patients

These days there are so many different types of toothpastes on the market. You may feel overwhelmed by all the choices available. The truly important thing to remember is to choose a toothpaste that you like and will use everyday.

In choosing a toothpaste, some offer certain benefits over others. You may have sensitive teeth so you will need to choose a toothpaste that’s best for sensitivity. If you are a coffee or tea drinker, you may prefer a whitening toothpaste that helps remove and/or prevent stains from forming on your teeth.

There are toothpastes that meet the oral care of virtually everybody. Whatever your goal is in choosing a toothpaste, make sure that you pick a fluoridated toothpaste. In general, as long as the toothpaste you choose has the American Dental Association Seal of Approval it meets the standards for being safe and effective.

If you have further questions about which toothpaste may be best for you, just ask us on your next appointment.

We are accepting New Patients! Call us at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental Indianapolis | Are You A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Markus Kidwell - Dental Implants, New Patients, Our Patients

If you have a missing tooth or missing teeth you may be a good candidate for dental implants. The ideal candidate for dental implants is in good overall health. Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system.

A few signs Southport Dental will look for in evaluating you for implants are: Healthy Gums, Adequate Bone Support and a Commitment to Oral Health.

Dental implants are among the most successful procedures in dentistry. Dental implants are a good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth. Studies show that in healthy patients most implants have a high success rate of 90% or more! The success of the dental implant lasting for years to come is meticulous oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

The steps to see if you are a candidate for implants will require an examination. The exam will include thoroughly examining your teeth, gums, bone density and quantity. Based on your examination and condition of your oral tissue, oral hygiene and personal commitment to aftercare a treatment plan will be recommended.

If you are looking to be evaluated for Dental Implants call our office at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment. Our team at Southport Dental takes the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventative care.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental’s Top Four Tips for Avoiding a Cracked Tooth

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Markus Kidwell - Dental Care Tips, New Patients, Our Patients

types of cracked tooth The healthy enamel on your teeth is literally the hardest substance in your entire body. Believe it or not, it’s even harder than your bones! That’s really great news when you consider the enormous force our jaw muscles exert on our teeth when we bite down on something.

But before you get crazy ideas about doing circus tricks with your teeth, it’s important to note your teeth can still be cracked and chipped. Here are four “Don’ts” for avoiding a cracked or chipped tooth.

1. Don’t Chomp On Ice

High powered blenders have specially sharpened blades and settings for crushing ice. So imagine what chewing on ice can do to your teeth! Some people do it out of habit—and others do it when they’re nervous or bored. Just stop! It can chip or crack teeth.

2. Don’t Chew Hard Sweets

Hard candy isn’t good for your oral health anyway. Besides the high sugar content, and the long periods of time the sugar sits on your teeth, hard candy can also crack your teeth. Jawbreakers, suckers, and frozen candy bars are common culprits. If you enjoy these occasionally, consider licking them instead to avoid damage.

3. Don’t Bite Down On Unpopped Popcorn Kernels

We know that they’re difficult to avoid! When you’re enthralled in a movie, the last thing on your mind is the popcorn you’re enjoying. Just try to be aware of those pesky unpopped kernels!

4. Don’t Use Teeth As Tools

They’re not bottle openers. They’re not scissors. They’re not pliers. You get the idea.

Contact Southport Dental Immediately If You Crack A Tooth! Together, we’ll figure out the best course of action. Call us at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Southport Dental PC – Tips To Help Erosion of Tooth Enamel

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Markus Kidwell - Dental Care Tips, New Patients, Our Patients

Tooth-anatomy Tooth enamel erosion is the irreversible loss of tooth structure due to chemical dissolution by acids not of bacterial origin. Some foods and drinks are worse than others for tooth enamel loss. The most common drinks and food that contribute to enamel loss are Sports Drinks, Energy Drinks, Fruit and Fruit Juices. All of these cause dental erosion because of the citric and phosphoric acids.

Here are 3 tips from Southport Dental on things you can do to minimize tooth enamel erosion:

1. Don’t rush to brush

– Wait for 30-60 seconds after drinking a soda so your teeth have time to re-mineralize from the acid softening the enamel on the teeth.

2. Drink through a straw

– By drinking through a straw the contact to your teeth will be minimalized because the acidic beverages will not come into as much contact with teeth.

3. Don’t eat before bed

– When you sleep the saliva flow dramatically decreases taking longer to neutralize the acids. It’s best to not eat anything at least an hour before bed.

You might not notice enamel erosion at first because the differences in your teeth are subtle. However, as you lose more enamel, you’ll begin having additional symptoms. If your teeth hurt or throb when you eat something hot or cold, you probably are experiencing some enamel loss. This problem gets worse over time.

The enamel around your teeth is very important because it protects teeth from damage and allows you to eat foods without hurting your teeth. As long as you take good care of your enamel, you’re teeth will continue to be protected for years to come.

Our team at Southport Dental takes the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventative care.

We are accepting new patients! Give us a call today at 317-494-7366.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

Why Do I Need a Regular Dental Exam?

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Markus Kidwell - New Patients, Our Patients, Preventative Dental Care

Dental exams are normally on the bottom of our to-do list unless we have a tooth causing pain. However, if you are doing so then not only are you missing the opportunity to keep your teeth longer, you are also missing out on learning about other medical issues you haven’t considered.

Here are some other conditions we can alert you to when you have a dental exam.

Anemia – Gums that appear light pink or almost white can indicate a very low iron level, which is an indicator of anemia.
Antidepressant Use – The dry mouth that comes from taking antidepressants can create a problem with increased cavities in your teeth.
Stress – When you are stressed, your body creates more cortisol, which is the main cause of inflammation. During stressful times, gum and tooth problems are likely to worsen. Not only is the risk of inflammation greater, but we also tend to neglect things like our teeth when stressed.
Diabetes – One of the many side-effects of this disease is the repeated creation of abscesses on the teeth roots and sometimes between teeth. This is often one of the earliest signs of diabetes.
Autoimmune disorders – Many times these disorders can cause either red or white spots in the mouth. While the spots themselves are easy to treat, if left untreated, they can turn into ulcers. These ulcers are extremely painful and difficult to treat.
Heart disease – This is the big one. The same bacteria that cause gum disease also causes heart problems by clogging the major arteries feeding the heart. It is very likely that a person with long-term gum disease may also have heart trouble.

We are accepting New Patients! Call us at 317-494-7366 to schedule an appointment.

About Southport Dental PC

New patients are always welcome. We will not make you wait weeks to get the dental visits you want. Let us know what you want to accomplish at your first visit and we will make it happen! We take the time with our patients to explain their treatment options and inform them of additional preventive care.

Contact us today to learn more.

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Tagged: dentist indianapolis

Are You Grinding Your Teeth?

Southport Dental Indianapolis | Reasons for a Tooth Extraction

Southport Dental | About Us Video

Southport Dental | 10 Facts You Should Know About Tooth Decay

Spring Break Dental Tips from Southport Dental

Southport Dental | Choosing The Right Toothpaste

Southport Dental Indianapolis | Are You A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

Southport Dental’s Top Four Tips for Avoiding a Cracked Tooth

1. Don’t Chomp On Ice

2. Don’t Chew Hard Sweets

3. Don’t Bite Down On Unpopped Popcorn Kernels

4. Don’t Use Teeth As Tools

Southport Dental PC – Tips To Help Erosion of Tooth Enamel

1. Don’t rush to brush

2. Drink through a straw

3. Don’t eat before bed

Why Do I Need a Regular Dental Exam?

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