Piercings and Dental Care

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by Lynnwood Song Dental

Do you have oral piercings? Song’s Lynnwood dental center advises that you take particular care of your teeth. A piercing in the lip or tongue poses a whole new set of problems for your dental hygiene.

The problems with oral piercings are threefold: first of all, biting down on a piece of metal is a good way to damage a tooth. They can also rub against your gums, which breaks them down and puts you at risk of tooth loss. And finally, piercings give bacteria lots of new places to hide. With extra holes in your mouth that your brush cannot reach, and extra surfaces for food to cling to, you’re at a greater risk of infection.

If you have oral piercings, consult your dentist to learn more about the risks involved and the steps that can be taken to mitigate them.

Toothaches: the Aspirin Myth

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by Lynnwood Song Dental

Do you have a toothache, but aren’t able to make an appointment with your Lynnwood dental clinic quickly enough for your liking? It can be agony to have to live with a throbbing tooth for even a few days, and most people look for ways to dull the pain. A common belief is that placing an aspirin next to the tooth will make the ache go away. This is unfortunate, as you can only make the problem worse with such a practice.

Your tooth isn’t benefiting from the anti-inflammatory attributes of an aspirin for as long as it’s in your mouth. Quite the contrary, the acidic nature of aspirin is working to weaken your gums and enamel, effectively acting just like the bacteria that are eating away at your mouth. Only when you swallow the aspirin can you hope to get some relief from your pain.

Should you or a family member have a toothache, remember to never give aspirin to children. Consult your doctor for appropriate painkillers, and contact Song’s Lynnwood dental center to get to the root of your tooth problems as soon as possible.

When Canker Sores Go Bad

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by Lynnwood Song Dental

We all get canker sores every now and then.  They usually appear without apparent reason, only to disappear just as easily within a few days.  But when does a canker sore turn into a problem?  Look out for these warning signs for when it’s time to bring your sore to Song’s Lynnwood dental clinic:

  • You have a sore that persists for more than two weeks.
  • Your sore is more than one centimeter in diameter.
  • You have a high fever that appeared when your sore appeared.
  • Your sore is unbearable, particularly if it makes it difficult to drink.