Little Rock Family Dental Care Blog

Why Do My Teeth Hurt?

March 6, 2017

For some people, the pain that causes them to ask themselves, “Why do my teeth hurt?” might not only be in the teeth, but in the gum line, the jaw, or the exterior of the tooth. Perhaps the word “hurt” is too general as well, because there are different types of pain, such as tender gums, sensitivity to hot and cold, toothaches, and more.

Pain is a defensive response of the body that is meant to alert you that something is wrong and needs attention. It can range from moderate to severe and can be aggravated by an external stimulus like chewing or drinking hot/cold liquid. If you are experiencing symptoms that are generalized as “teeth hurting,” it’s important to pinpoint where the pain is coming from, what type of pain you are feeling and under what circumstances it is happening. When you do this, you can discern the issue and find out if you need emergency dental work or not.

Below you will find common symptoms of pain and what might be wrong. Contact our knowledgeable dentists if you have any questions!

(more…)

Dental Tips for Every Age and Stage

January 30, 2017

Much like the rest of your body, your teeth go through the different stages of life and need to be taken good care of. Whether they are growing and changing or the new lifestyles that come with each age affect your teeth, you should always be aware of conditions that influence their health. Knowledge about tooth development will help you remain a step ahead of any potential problems so that you can keep your teeth strong for as long as possible. For a beautiful smile at every age and stage, read our dental tips below!

Infants and Children Tooth Care

Perhaps the most important stage for teeth, both in growth and in laying the foundation for good oral health the rest of the child’s life. You don’t even need to wait until your baby actually has teeth! Great oral hygiene can and should start early with good nutrition and in developing routines at the outset. Look below for additional suggestions: (more…)

Endodontics: What is It?

December 31, 2016

There are quite a few misconceptions as to what endodontic therapy is (also known as root canal), so we thought it would be a useful subject to shed some light on.

This is such an intricate and complex area of dentistry that endodontists (a dentist specializing in root canals) are required to take two years of additional schooling to be a specialist in this area of dentistry.

What is Endodontics?

To start, the term “endodontic” can be broken down to two simple components: the prefix “endo” and the suffix, “dontic.” In medical terminology, “endo-” means “within, inner, absorbing, or containing,” and “-dontic” refers to teeth. From this, it’s clear that “endodontics” means the treatment of the interior of a tooth. (more…)

Dental Veneers or Bonding: What is Right for Me?

November 29, 2016

The appearance of your smile affects everything in your life, from your relationships to your career. Perceptions matter, and having straight teeth and a great smile is a big part of that. There are many options for fixing your teeth that fall under the realm of cosmetic dentistry. Two of the options – dental veneers and dental bonding – are procedures that fix broken or chipped teeth and offer a great aesthetic solution to your smile.

What are Dental Veneers?

A dental veneer attaches to the front of your teeth and is made of a customized porcelain material that matches the color of the surrounding teeth. Unlike painful dental procedures that can improve the appearance of teeth, a veneer is like a “cap” or a semi-translucent shell over the tooth that adjusts the shape and color of the tooth.

Veneers fix many common aesthetic problems in teeth such as:

Spaces between teeth
Chipped or broken teeth
Teeth that have become stained or discolored
Misshapen or crooked teeth

(more…)

How Thumb Sucking Affects Teeth

October 15, 2016

Whether done for comfort, due to anxiety, or out of habit, thumb sucking in children can lead to dental problems later in life. Many parents may wish to address thumb sucking at an early age before it becomes a problem, and they would be right to do so.

Parents need to understand how thumb sucking affects their child’s teeth and what can be done to address the issue before it impacts the child’s teeth long-term.

Does Thumb Sucking Harm A Child’s Teeth?

If an infant sucks their thumb, it may not result in any dental problems. Normally, children tend to stop sucking their thumbs as their teeth begin to come in. In some cases this is due to the child developing other coping mechanisms due to language or mobility. However, as a child ages and thumb sucking occurs, it begins to become a concern because it can affect their permanent teeth alignment and their bite. Some studies show that even in children as young as two years, thumb sucking can have negative effects on the jaw. (more…)