choosing dentist in greenevilleJonesborough, Jefferson City, and Greeneville, TN

At Tusculum Dental Care in Greeneville, we believe that a smile is one of the most important things you can share with the world. It’s not just about looking good, but feeling good too. A healthy, beautiful smile enhances your confidence, helps you speak and eat comfortably, and plays a major role in your overall well-being. That’s why we emphasize the importance of long-term dental care—so you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for life.

The Importance of Long-Term Dental Care

Long-term dental care isn’t just about visiting the dentist when something goes wrong—it’s about creating a proactive plan to maintain your oral health year after year. At Tusculum Dental Care, we believe in partnering with you to ensure your smile stays healthy, strong, and beautiful throughout your life. Our goal is to help you prevent serious issues before they arise and provide timely, effective care when you need it.

Customized Care for Every Stage of Life

We understand that dental needs change as you age, and our team is here to provide the right care for every stage of your life. Whether you’re visiting us for routine check-ups or need more advanced treatments, we create a personalized approach for every patient.

For Children

The foundation of a lifetime of healthy smiles starts in childhood. At Tusculum Dental Care, we provide gentle care for your little ones, making their visits enjoyable while teaching them the basics of good oral hygiene. We offer sealants, fluoride treatments, and early education on how to care for teeth properly. Preventive care now helps set them up for a lifetime of dental health.

For Adults

As an adult, regular check-ups are essential for keeping your teeth and gums in top condition. Tusculum Dental Care offers a wide range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services to address any dental needs. Whether it’s routine cleanings, fillings, crowns, or even orthodontics, we’ll keep your smile in great shape. Additionally, our team keeps an eye on gum health, oral cancer screenings, and overall dental function.

For Seniors

As we age, the health of our teeth and gums can become more complex. At Tusculum Dental Care, we provide tailored care for our senior patients, helping with everything from dry mouth and tooth sensitivity to denture care and dental implants. Our goal is to ensure your smile remains comfortable, functional, and healthy well into your golden years.

Preventive Care: The Foundation of Healthy Teeth

Preventive care is the backbone of long-term dental health. At Tusculum Dental Care, we prioritize prevention through regular checkups and cleanings. By addressing potential issues early on, we can save you from more complex and costly treatments down the road.

Here’s what we offer:

Routine Checkups and Cleanings

Regular visits to Tusculum Dental Care ensure your teeth stay clean, your gums stay healthy, and any potential issues are spotted early. During these visits, we’ll clean your teeth, check for cavities, assess your gum health, and look for signs of oral cancer.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride is a key ingredient in preventing tooth decay and strengthening your enamel. Whether you’re a child or an adult, fluoride treatments at Tusculum Dental Care can help protect your teeth against decay and preserve your oral health.

X-Rays and Oral Cancer Screenings

X-rays allow us to detect issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth or bone loss. We also perform oral cancer screenings during routine visits to detect any abnormalities early, which is essential for maintaining your health.

Gum Health Monitoring

Healthy gums are just as important as healthy teeth. Gum disease is a common condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. At Tusculum Dental Care, we monitor your gums for any signs of inflammation or disease, ensuring that we catch any issues early.

Restorative Care When You Need It

Even with the best preventive care, sometimes dental problems arise. Whether it’s a cavity, broken tooth, or gum disease, Tusculum Dental Care offers a full range of restorative services to get your smile back on track.

Our services include:

Each treatment is designed to restore both the function and appearance of your teeth, helping you smile confidently again.

Cosmetic Dentistry: Enhancing Your Smile

At Tusculum Dental Care, we also offer cosmetic dental services to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Whether you’re interested in whitening, veneers, or bonding, our team will work with you to enhance the beauty of your smile, making it both stunning and natural.

Building Trust with Every Visit

Trust is at the heart of everything we do at Tusculum Dental Care. We believe in forming long-term relationships with our patients, based on mutual respect, communication, and top-quality care. Whether you’re coming in for a routine cleaning or a more complex procedure, you can count on us for comprehensive, personalized care.

Invest in Your Smile’s Future Today

Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and investing in your oral health is an investment in your future. At Tusculum Dental Care, we’re committed to providing the best care possible to ensure your smile lasts a lifetime. If it’s time for your next checkup, or you’re interested in exploring our restorative and cosmetic treatments, give us a call today!

root canalsJonesborough, Jefferson City, and Greeneville, TN

At Tusculum Dental Care in Greeneville, Tennessee, we understand that the prospect of a root canal can be daunting. However, with advancements in dental technology and techniques, root canal therapy has become a straightforward and effective procedure to preserve your natural teeth and alleviate pain. Our team is dedicated to providing stress-free and efficient root canal treatments, ensuring your comfort and dental health.

Understanding Root Canal Therapy

A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure aimed at treating infections or damage within the tooth’s pulp—the innermost part containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or trauma, it can lead to severe pain and abscess formation. Root canal therapy involves removing the affected pulp, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the canals, and then sealing them to prevent further infection.

The Root Canal Procedure at Tusculum Dental Care

At Tusculum Dental Care, we prioritize patient comfort and employ modern techniques to make the root canal process as smooth as possible:

  1. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: We begin with a comprehensive examination, including digital X-rays, to assess the extent of the infection and plan the treatment accordingly.
  2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected area, ensuring a pain-free experience during the procedure.
  3. Isolation: A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva, providing a clean working environment.
  4. Pulp Removal: An opening is made in the tooth’s crown to access the pulp chamber. The infected or dead pulp is carefully removed using specialized instruments.
  5. Cleaning and Shaping: The root canals are meticulously cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and prevent reinfection.
  6. Sealing: After cleaning, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed to prevent future contamination.
  7. Restoration: Finally, the tooth is restored with a filling or crown to reinstate its function and appearance.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Opting for root canal therapy offers several advantages:

Addressing Common Concerns

It’s natural to have questions or concerns about root canal therapy:

Why Choose Tusculum Dental Care?

Our commitment to patient-centered care sets us apart:

Conclusion

Root canal therapy at Tusculum Dental Care is a safe and effective solution to treat infected or damaged teeth, relieving pain and preserving your natural smile. Our dedicated team in Greeneville, TN, is here to ensure your root canal experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been advised to undergo a root canal, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation.

bad breathJonesborough, Jefferson City, and Greeneville, TN

Bad breath (also called halitosis) is an embarrassing problem that can make people feel isolated and self-conscious — that is, if they even realize they have it. Sometimes, bad breath is a temporary issue, such as after coffee or an especially pungent meal. Other times, halitosis can be a symptom of a more serious dental issue. Let’s look with our family dentist in Jonesborough today at five possible reasons your breath may smell bad.

  1. Pungent foods

It’s common knowledge that garlic-laden dishes aren’t going to be the best choice for dinner if, for instance, you’re on a first date. Garlic, onions and spicy dishes are known to cause smelly breath because they contain compounds that enter a person’s bloodstream and are exhaled through the lungs. This means bad breath lingers for hours after consuming the meal with these ingredients.

Solution? When enjoying a meal heavy in garlic, onion and/or spices, be sure you drink plenty of water. Our Jonesborough family dentist also recommends chewing sugar-free gum, which helps increase saliva production. Saliva helps combat bad breath. And, of course, brushing your teeth after meals will help with bad breath, too.

  1. Poor oral hygiene

A lack of proper brushing and flossing often results in someone having lingering food particles in their mouth, particularly between the teeth. The food particles attract bad, sulfur-producing bacteria that thrive and multiply on the teeth, gums and tongue.

Solution? Practice strong oral hygiene to be sure you’re eliminating all food particles from your teeth after eating. Our family dentist in Greeneville, like all dentists, recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day — once after breakfast and once before bed — and flossing once daily, preferably during your nighttime oral health care regime. Boost your regime and the freshness of your breath by adding a mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine, and be sure to visit us at Tusculum Dental Care twice a year for your routine exam and cleaning.

  1. Dry mouth

Saliva is the unsung hero of oral health, but it’s Nature’s natural antiseptic mouthwash. It helps wash away food particles and harmful, sulfur-producing bacteria in your mouth. Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, can result from dehydration, taking certain medications or breathing through the mouth instead of the nose.

Solution? The best way to combat dehydration is to always have water handy and sip it throughout the day. You can also chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva production. If your dry mouth persists despite these efforts, contact our Tusculum Dental Care office.

  1. Gum disease

Chronic bad breath can be a symptom of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, which occurs when plaque and sulfur-producing bacteria build up on the teeth and irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and infection.

Solution? Gum disease is a condition that usually results from poor oral hygiene and needs to be confirmed and treated by a professional. If you notice pink in your toothpaste when you brush your teeth, or if your gums are red, irritated or inflamed, contact our Erwin family dentist to make an appointment as quickly as possible. Early treatment of gum disease can help prevent more serious dental issues down the road.

  1. Medical conditions

Occasionally, bad breath has little to do with oral health and instead is linked to medical conditions such as sinus infections, acid reflux, diabetes or even more serious conditions like kidney or liver problems. These conditions can cause distinctive breath odors that are difficult to mask.

Solution? If you’re struggling with bad breath and have tried each of the oral healthcare tips above to no avail, consult with your primary healthcare provider to address any potential underlying medical conditions that could be causing your bad breath.

Bad breath treatment in Jonesborough, Jefferson City, and Greeneville, Tennessee

Bad breath can be an uncomfortable problem. Thankfully, in many cases, it’s also avoidable. Step up your oral health regime, stay hydrated, chew sugar-free gum and eat garlic, onion and spicy foods in moderation. If you try all of these tips and still struggle with bad breath, contact our Tusculum Dental Care office at (423) 639-7575, or reach out to us online today.

weight loss strugglesErwin, Jonesborough and Greeneville, TN

When we have patients who eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and exercise regularly but complain that they still can’t seem to shed unwanted pounds, they’re often surprised to learn of the correlation between oral health and overall health, including a person’s ability to lose weight. Let’s look today with our Erwin family dentist at how dental issues could be the culprit behind your inability to meet your weight-loss goals.

Inflammation

Chronic inflammation from poor oral health, such as gum disease, can significantly affect weight management. Inflammation resulting from oral infections spreads throughout the body, disrupting metabolic processes and contributing to insulin resistance, which may lead to weight gain.

Chewing and nutrition

Individuals facing dental problems, including gum disease or missing, decayed, damaged or misaligned teeth, might struggle to chew nutritious foods such as raw, crisp fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Consequently, they may opt for softer, processed foods that tend to be higher in calories and sugar.

Sleep apnea

Poor oral health, misaligned teeth or a small jaw can contribute to sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder characterized by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. This condition repeatedly interrupts the sleep cycle and prevents deep sleep. Quality sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism and regulating hunger-related hormones.

How can I improve my oral health?

  1. Practice strong oral hygiene

Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily. If you want to boost your regimen, add an antibacterial mouthwash.

  1. Visit your Erwin family dentist regularly for check-ups

Routine checkups help with the early detection of any potential oral health issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay.

  1. Talk to us about restorative dentistry

If you are missing teeth or have teeth that are decayed or damaged, our Jonesborough restorative dentist can correct this with treatments like fillings, crowns or dental implants.

  1. Treat sleep apnea

If you believe you may suffer from sleep apnea,  mention that to our Greeneville airway dentist. We can make recommendations, such as oral appliance therapy, that can improve your sleep quality and overall health.

Comprehensive dental care in Erwin, Jonesborough and Greeneville, Tennessee

If you’ve tried everything, including maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, and you still aren’t losing weight, your oral health could be what’s interfering. Schedule an appointment today with us at Tusculum Dental Care. We can be reached at (423) 639-7575 or by contacting us online.

fix overbiteErwin, Jonesborough and Greeneville, TN

An overbite is a common dental condition in which the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth more than what is considered normal. Most people have a slight overbite, which is normal and healthy. A more severe overbite, however, is considered a bad bite (malocclusion) and should be evaluated by our cosmetic dentist in Erwin at Tusculum Dental. Let’s look closely today at what overbites are and how cosmetic dentistry can correct them.

There are two primary types of overbites — skeletal and dental. While skeletal malocclusions often require orthodontics or surgical intervention to correct, dental overbites can usually be addressed with nonsurgical treatments, including cosmetic dentistry.

How can cosmetic dentistry fix an overbite?

Naturally, most people think of traditional braces or Invisalign — which our Jonesborough cosmetic dentist offers — to correct an overbite.

But mild to moderate overbites and their associated complications can also be addressed with cosmetic dentistry treatments in our office, such as:

  1. Veneers

Porcelain veneers are very thin, durable shells that adhere to the surface of teeth. They can cover minor imperfections in teeth like discoloration, chips or cracks. They can also be used to reshape teeth and disguise slightly crooked and gapped teeth. Veneers can also be used to fix worn or uneven teeth as the result of an overbite.

  1. Dental bonding

Dental bonding addresses many of the same issues as veneers but for less time and money. It involves our cosmetic dentist in Greeneville applying a tooth-colored resin to an affected tooth, shaping it to subtly adjust the length or alignment of the tooth and then hardening it with a special light. This can help minimize the visual impact of an overbite.

  1. Dental crowns

Overbites are notorious for causing excessive wear on teeth. Crowns cover and protect teeth that have been damaged, restoring their appearance and function.

  1. Orthodontics/Invisalign

Our Erwin cosmetic dentist often recommends Invisalign to correct crooked teeth and bad bites. We custom-create a series of clear trays that gradually shift the teeth into their correct position in usually about half the time it takes braces.

Cosmetic dentistry in Erwin, Jonesborough and Greeneville, Tennessee

If you are concerned about your overbite, call Tusculum Dental Care at (423) 639-7575, or contact us online today. We would be happy to evaluate your bite and discuss your options with you.

dental crownsErwin, Jonesborough and Greeneville, TN

A dental crown is a cap placed over a tooth for one of several reasons but primarily to protect a damaged or weak tooth. Crowns are most well-known for being used in root canals and to top dental implants and attach bridges.

The cost of a crown can vary based on the material used to make it, but generally, it is between $800 and $2,500 per tooth. With that kind of price tag, most of our patients understandably want to know how long they can expect their crowns to last.

Fortunately, crowns are durable and long-lasting, but their life expectancy depends on a few factors. Let’s look at those today with our family dentist in Erwin:

Materials

The duration of a crown depends on the material used to make it

Other factors

A crown’s lifespan not only depends on the material it is made of but also on how well it’s cared for. Here are five of the most common factors, besides material, that impact the lifespan of a crown:

  1. Oral hygiene

Crowns can’t get cavities; however, any exposed area of the affected tooth near the gumline can. Crowns must be cared for as if they’re natural teeth. That means brushing twice a day, flossing at least once daily and visiting our Jonesborough family dentist for regular checkups and cleanings every six months.

  1. Teeth grinding

Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding wears down natural teeth and can do the same to a dental crown. If you grind your teeth, be sure to tell our Greeneville cosmetic dentist before you get a crown so that we can custom-make a protective nightguard for you to wear during sleep.

  1. Bad dental habits

Crunching on ice, chewing on pens, biting nails or opening packages with teeth (using your teeth as tools) can cause damage to both natural teeth and crowns.

  1. Food choices

Hard foods like popcorn kernels and hard candies can spell disaster for a crown. Chewy foods like taffy and caramel can cause a crown to loosen from a tooth.

  1. Location

Where a crown is located in the mouth can impact its lifespan. The back teeth withstand more pressure because of chewing. This can shorten the life of a crown.

How will I know if my crown should be replaced?

If you have a crown and are experiencing pain or sensitivity in the tooth it covers, if you notice any damage to your crown or if it feels loose, be sure to reach out to our dentist in Erwin as soon as you notice it.

Dental crowns in Erwin, Jonesborough and Greeneville, Tennessee

Dental crowns are durable and can last a long time depending on what material they’re made of, where they’re located in the mouth and how well they’re cared for. If you have questions about crowns, or if you have one and you think it may need to be replaced, call Tusculum Dental Care, (423) 639-7575, or contact us online today.

sleep apneaServing patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

When most people think of sleep apnea treatment, they envision wearing a face mask hooked to a noisy and cumbersome machine at night. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is the standard way to treat sleep apnea, but a patient’s reluctance to use a CPAP can, unfortunately, prevent him or her from seeking treatment for this common and potentially dangerous sleep disorder.

But what if we told you it’s possible to treat mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea without a CPAP? Let’s look with our airway dentist in Erwin today at what sleep apnea is and the different ways it can be treated without a CPAP.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that is known to frequently interrupt a person’s breathing — and sleep pattern — at night. It’s caused when the throat muscles relax during sleep, either partially or completely blocking the airway. Sleep apnea can lead to snoring, severe daytime fatigue and, if left untreated, more severe overall health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

The most severe cases of OSA and people with issues like a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils may require surgical intervention, but mild to moderate cases of OSA can be treated in other, less-invasive ways.

How can OSA be treated without a CPAP machine?

  1. Lifestyle changes

Sometimes, simple lifestyle changes can be enough to improve mild to moderate OSA symptoms.

  1. Oral appliance therapy

Our Jonesborough sleep apnea dentist custom-makes oral appliances that fit in a patient’s mouth like a nightguard. These appliances comfortably reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.

  1. Myofunctional therapy

Myofunctional therapy teaches exercises to strengthen the tongue and throat muscles, which helps reduce airway collapse during sleep. For the best results, myofunctional therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments.

Sleep apnea treatment in Erwin, Jonesborough and Greeneville, Tennessee

If you feel you’re receiving adequate sleep but still feel extremely tired the following day — or if you’ve heard from a sleeping partner that you have a persistent, loud snore or that you stop breathing at night — call Tusculum Dental Care, (423) 639-7575, or reach out to us online today. Our Greeneville dentist works alongside sleep specialists to design a comprehensive sleep plan that will improve your sleep quality and overall health.

sleep betterServing patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

Are you a person who consistently struggles to fall asleep or to stay asleep at night no matter what you try? We all should be aware by now how important sleep is to our overall physical and mental health. Studies show that sleep is directly related to brain function and that insufficient sleep or poor sleep quality weakens the immune system and is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. While the impact of sleep on physical health is well-known, not as many people realize that dental health can be a major factor in the quality of sleep.

At Tusculum Dental, we want you to sleep through every night peacefully, so today our our airway dentist in Erwin is sharing a few tips to help!

Create a consistent sleep schedule

All humans have a circadian rhythm, which is a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning — even on weekends — will help reinforce your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up at the same times each day. Over time, this routine will help your sleep schedule, in turn improving your sleep quality, health and well-being.

Create a relaxing bedtime routine

It’s easy enough to lay in bed at the same time each night, hoping to fall asleep. But it’s often the falling asleep part that proves difficult. It’s important to relax at night and prepare your mind and body for rest. As difficult as it may be at first, our Jonesborough family dentist encourages no screentime — including TVs, phones, computers or tablets — at least an hour before bed. Instead, develop some calming nighttime habits like reading, gentle stretching, taking a warm bath or meditating.

Avoid snacking, caffeine and alcohol before bed

Food right before bed has to be digested so if you eat a big meal or snack just before sleep, your body is still actively working while you’re trying to rest. Also, caffeine is a stimulant that will keep you awake at night, so avoid it before bedtime. While some people turn to a nightcap to help them fall asleep quicker, it actually impairs the body’s ability to get a deep, restful sleep.

Rule out obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that is recognized by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. It happens when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked when the throat muscles relax too much, allowing soft tissues to collapse and obstruct airflow.

Symptoms of OSA include:

How is OSA treated?

Left untreated, OSA can lead to serious health complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes, so it’s very important to talk to our Greeneville airway dentist if you suspect you have the condition. We treat mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea with a custom-fitted oral appliance that keeps the airway open during sleep by repositioning the jaw or tongue slightly forward. This prevents the collapse of soft tissues that block airflow.

Sleep apnea treatment in Erwin, Jonesborough and Greeneville, Tennessee

At Tusculum Dental Care, we know how much a good night’s sleep affects our patients’ daily lives. If you’re struggling to sleep through the night and think you could have OSA but you’d like to pursue an alternative to a CPAP machine for treatment, call us at (423) 639-7575, or reach out to us online today.

staining teethServing patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

We all try to keep our pearly whites, well, pearly white. Since our smile is usually the first feature others notice about us and it’s a universal sign of friendliness, approachability and self-confidence, we all want our teeth to be white and bright. Unfortunately, age and time often lead to dingy or yellow teeth. If you’ve found yourself hiding your smile because of stained teeth, we have great news: Tusculum Dental can help you rewind the hands of time …. sort of. Let’s dive in with our cosmetic dentist in Erwin today to look at the reason your teeth may be stained and what our dental team can do to help.

Why are my teeth stained?

Before you decide on a treatment plan for your yellow or dingy teeth, it’s best to try to identify the source of the staining.

Generally, tooth stains can be attributed to one of the following:

How can I correct tooth staining?

Walk into any retail store these days, and you may be overwhelmed with all the brands making promises of whitening your teeth quickly and effectively. Unfortunately, over-the-counter whitening products usually lead to slow and inconsistent results that often leave you with burning gums or sensitive teeth.

In our Jonesborough cosmetic dentist office, we offer truly remarkable, speedy solutions for stained and dingy teeth without the common side effects of store-bought products:

  1. In-office whitening treatment — If you’re looking for dramatic results that take no longer than your lunch break, and if whitening supervised by our professional dental team in Greeneville appeals to you, then consider our in-office whitening treatment that can drastically whiten your teeth with no ill side effects.
  2. In-home treatments — For patients who prefer a more convenient treatment, we offer in-home professional teeth whitening. To do this, we custom-create dental trays for you to take home and fill with professional-strength whitening gel. We also provide you with instructions to use the whitening solution, including how often and for how long it should be applied.
  3. Pre-filled trays — Does in-home treatment appeal to you but you’re afraid you may overfill the custom whitening trays, which can lead to tooth and/or gum sensitivity? If so, then you may want to choose our pre-filled trays. The process couldn’t be more simple: The gel is already in a tray. You use the tray and then dispose of it when you’re done. That’s it!
  4. Veneers — Unfortunately, bleaching can’t generally help intrinsic tooth staining. If your stains are stubborn internal stains, we recommend dental veneers or cosmetic bonding to correct the stains. Both are custom, economical restoration solutions for intrinsic staining that work by covering and masking the stains.

Professional teeth whitening in Erwin, Jonesborough and Greeneville, Tennessee

You deserve to have the white, bright, confident smile you’ve always dreamed of. Don’t put off whitening your smile any longer. Contact Tusculum Dental Care today by calling (423) 639-7575 or sending us a message online.

visiting the dentistServing patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

We recognize that we’re probably more excited to see you twice a year for your routine checkups and cleanings than you are to see us. Visiting the dentist doesn’t usually rank high on people’s lists of favorite things to do. Still, your oral health and overall physical health depend on scheduling and attending these regular dental visits. Today, our family dentist in Erwin is exploring six solid reasons you shouldn’t put off your biannual visits to the dentist.

  1. Cavities

Even if you brush and floss your teeth religiously at home, plaque and tartar can still build up in hard-to-reach places around your teeth and gum line. Tooth decay often begins with no signs or symptoms. Regular checkups at our Jonesborough family dentist office give our dental team a chance to look closely at all of those places where plaque and tartar may be lurking. Tartar can only be removed by dental professionals. Catching cavities early can prevent you from having to have more extensive and expensive procedures, like root canals, down the road.

  1. Gum disease

Have you ever noticed that your gums are red or swollen or perhaps sometimes that your toothpaste is tinted a little pink while you’re brushing your teeth? These are the most common symptoms of gingivitis, also called gum disease, which can fairly easily be managed and reversed. Unfortunately, if gum disease isn’t detected and treated early, it can lead to a more serious stage of gum disease called periodontitis. Gum disease begins the same way cavities do: a buildup of plaque and tartar. At its worst, gum disease can progress and lead to tooth loss and receding gums.

Untreated infections from gum disease have also been linked to serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections.

  1. Bad breath

Chronic bad breath, also called halitosis, is an embarrassing and isolating problem often caused by dental issues like gum disease, infections or plaque buildup. In a simple exam visit to our Greeneville family dentist, we can pinpoint the cause of bad breath, and we work with our patients on ways to effectively treat the source of the problem.

  1. Oral cancer

In addition to the more obvious reasons that routine dental exams are an important part of your oral health, visits to our office twice a year allow our dentist to keep a close eye on serious potential health concerns that may develop, such as cancer. Early detection of oral cancer can make a life-saving difference.

  1. Cost savings

However you may feel about visits to the dentist, it’s important to weigh the cost of preventative dental care versus emergency dental treatments. Crowns, root canals and dental implants are well-known for their beautiful smile restorations. But they’re also known for their price tags. Regular checkups and cleanings not only protect your smile but also your wallet.

Protect your smile in Erwin, Jonesborough and Greeneville, Tennessee

Visiting the dentist twice a year helps keep your smile bright and beautiful, but it can also save dollars and your life. The American Dental Association recommends visits to your dentist every six months. If it’s time for your routine checkup, call Tusculum Dental Care at (423) 639-7575 or reach out to us online to schedule your appointment today.