Serving 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:

• Extrinsic staining — These are external stains, often caused by prolonged exposure to what’s likely some of your favorite foods and beverages, such as dark sodas, coffee, tea, red wine, dark berries, tomato-based sauces and chocolate.
• Intrinsic staining — Sometimes, stains are inside the tooth, under the white, durable, translucent outer cover of our teeth, known as enamel. Genes, trauma and even certain medications like tetracycline can cause intrinsic tooth staining.
• Age — Teeth, unfortunately, lose some of their luster over time. It’s just a fact of life, usually because enamel thins with age, often exposing the yellow, internal layer of teeth called dentin that’s just under the white enamel.

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.

Serving 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

It’s common knowledge that flossing your teeth is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy smile. However, there are plenty of perks that come with routinely using dental floss.  Drs. Craig Shepherd and Nathaniel Renner at Tusculum Dental Care are educated and experienced specialists who know that proper oral care benefits your overall health. Read further to learn more about the eight benefits of using dental floss that impact more than just your mouth.

Benefit 1: Immune Health

It’s true, flossing can help protect you from germs—and we’re not just talking about the germs and bacteria that lead to a case of gum disease. Anytime you have a build-up of excessive bacteria in your mouth, those germs can filter into the bloodstream and rapidly spread to the rest of your body. For example, if germs from your mouth travel to your lungs, they can cause a severe case of pneumonia.

Benefit 2: Regulates Weight

Guess what? Flossing is a better weight loss solution than dieting. Keeping on a crash diet is hard to do, even if you’re vigilant. Flossing is easy and takes just a few minutes per day. Researchers have linked the accumulation of dental plaque and tartar, in combination with the presence of gum disease, to people who have higher percentages of body fat. All of the foods that you eat can linger in between your teeth. The more you eat, the more food can build up between your teeth if you don’t floss. The more of those food particles that gather, the more plaque and bacteria will thrive in your mouth, creating a vicious cycle.

Benefit 3: Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Your oral health directly correlates to your heart health. Tooth decay and gum disease affect your heart’s ability to pump blood and do its job if the plaque in your mouth filters into your blood and forms blockages in your arteries. Flossing creates a healthier mouth, which makes for a healthier heart. That means your chances of suffering from a stroke or heart attack will be lowered.

Benefit 4: Manage Arthritis Pain

Joint pain and inflammation from arthritis can seem impossible to manage. Flossing can help make this type of pain more bearable. Inflamed gums and infections from the mouth can cause swelling in your major joints if the infection travels there by way of your bloodstream.

Benefit 5: Protects Your Baby

The to-do list for expecting mothers or women trying to conceive feels like it’s 1,000 miles long: Vitamins, the recommendations on things you should and shouldn’t eat, exercise, not overexerting yourself, monthly doctor’s visits, and more. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. If you’re trying to get pregnant, you should know that gum disease can delay conception. If you are already expecting, then you should know that the more bacteria you have on your teeth and gums, the higher your chances will be of issues such as premature delivery and low birth weight. Pregnant women also have a higher risk of gum disease because of hormonal changes.

Oral care in Greeneville, Erwin and Jonesborough in Tennessee

Flossing is a simple task that, if added to your daily routine, can lower your odds of suffering from any of the above ailments and problems. Your oral care regimen also should include biannual visits to your dentist in Greeneville for a checkup and cleaning. At each of these appointments, our staff also can provide instruction in proper flossing techniques. Make your appointment today by completing our online appointment request form or calling our office in Greeneville at (423) 639-7575.

Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

Halloween is the time of year that most people love getting scared but if you suffer from dental phobia, there’s nothing to enjoy about that kind of fear—and your oral health often suffers the consequences. People with dental phobia may experience feelings of fear or even outright terror at the mere thought of seeing the dentist. Ironically, individuals who avoid dental care for this reason actually end up in the greatest need of it, as their oral health declines because of the failure to seek professional dental care. Now for the good news … Tusculum Dental Care offers sedation through nitrous oxide, which relieves those nervous or fearful thoughts and allows individuals who suffer from these afflictions to receive the dental care they need.

Dental anxiety is more common than you might think

If you feel a little nervous before a dental appointment, you are not alone. Research conducted by the American Dental Association has found that the vast majority of Americans feel some degree of anxiety or nervousness about going to the dentist. However, diagnosed cases of dental anxiety or dentophobia (the clinical term for the literal fear of the dentist) have been estimated to affect about 36% of American adults, according to The Cleveland Clinic.

What causes dental phobia?

Sometimes, there is no clear cause of such a phobia, but the condition also could develop as a consequence of having negative experiences at the dentist in the past, from a heightened sensitivity to pain in the mouth, or having an extremely sensitive gag reflex.

How sedation dentistry can help

If you suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia, then sedation dentistry can be the solution you have been seeking. Tusculum Dental Care provides sedation via nitrous oxide. Also known as laughing gas, individuals who have this gas administered experience a calming effect. You will feel an enhanced state of relaxation, while any feelings of fear or awareness of your surroundings decrease. This will make you comfortable enough to undergo dental work.

Certain pre-existing conditions may qualify you for sedation dentistry. These conditions may include difficulty maintaining muscle control, problems sitting still for lengthy periods of time, or being unable to keep your jaws open for lengthy periods of time.

You should not undergo sedation if you have an allergy to nitrous oxide. Sedation also is not advised for any individual who is pregnant.

Any dentist who offers sedation dentistry services should evaluate your past health history before administering any form of sedation. This evaluation will determine any pre-existing conditions that may complicate sedation or make the procedure hazardous.

Sedation dentistry in Greeneville, Erwin and Jonesborough in Tennessee

If you are interested in learning more about our sedation dentistry services, you will meet with one of our dentists, Dr. Craig Shepherd or Dr. Nathaniel Renner, for a consultation before any dental work is done. This consultation also is the ideal time for you to ask any questions about nitrous oxide or what to expect about undergoing a dental procedure under the effects of the gas.

To find out more, schedule your consultation today by calling (423) 639-7575 or contacting us online.

Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

A healthy set of straight, pearly-white teeth makes you feel good about yourself—benefiting you socially and professionally. By contrast, having damaged or missing teeth can be an eyesore that makes you self-conscious, while also jeopardizing your oral health. Tusculum Dental Care can help. Drs. Craig Shepherd and Nathaniel Renner can repair even a seriously damaged tooth by replacing the exterior with a beautiful dental crown.

What is a crown and how does it work?

A crown replaces the entire exterior of a tooth, restoring its shape and size, as well as its function. When placed by an experienced and highly-trained dentist, your new dental crown in Greeneville improves the visual appeal and strength of your tooth. You can receive a crown in two appointments at our office in Greeneville. At the first appointment, we remove any damaged or infected area of the tooth, take digital impressions that are used as a model to fabricate your crown, then place a temporary restoration. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory that manufactures the crown and you return approximately two weeks later to receive your permanent crown.

4 Benefits to receiving a crown

Aesthetics: At Tusculum Dental Care, we work with crowns made of dental porcelain. This is a beautiful and durable material that mimics the physical gloss and translucency of your natural tooth enamel. We understand that if you’re trying to boost your self-confidence, you don’t want people knowing your tooth has been altered. We can adjust the shade of your dental crown to match the surrounding teeth, allowing it to blend seamlessly into your smile.

Chewing ability: When your tooth becomes broken or chipped or has an area of decay that is too big to be repaired with a filling, it compromises your chewing ability. Eating can cause enhanced sensitivity and even pain. Using state-of-the-art materials and advanced dental technology, Tusculum Dental Care can provide a modern crown that restores your chewing ability for years to come without limiting your food choice.

Protection: Your dental crown serves as a shield to cover your existing tooth or cap a dental implant. Once installed, a crown provides protection from bacteria that could cause further decay and rot, while also safeguarding against cracks, chips or other more significant types of damage.

Versatility:  We can install a crown as a cosmetic treatment, to repair a tooth that has been damaged seriously  by an injury or decay, or as the final step in either a root canal or a dental implant procedure. A crown also can be placed to provide extra support for a dental bridge. Our experienced staff can help you decide how a crown can best suit your needs.

Dental crowns in Greeneville, Jonesborough and Erwin in Tennessee

Don’t let your smile change how you feel about yourself. Stop living with a tooth that is seriously damaged due to decay or injury. The team of oral health professionals at Tusculum Dental Care can place a beautiful, functional dental crown. To find out more about our crown procedure or any of the other services we offer, call (423) 639-7575 or complete our online appointment request form.

Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

Root canals have long been one of the most talked-about and feared dental procedures, especially among people who have dental anxiety. But if your dentist has told you that you need a root canal, we can assure you that the pain you’ve already experienced is far worse than you’ll feel in the dentist’s chair for a root canal. Once upon a time, perhaps root canals were painful and people had reason to fear them. But with modern medicines, dental equipment and procedures, our root canal dentist in Erwin can minimize your discomfort, repair your tooth and get you back home in hardly any time at all. Let’s dive into root canals today to help put your mind at ease.

The anatomy of a tooth

To understand what a root canal is, it’s important to understand the anatomy of a tooth, which is made up of two main parts: the crown, which is the top part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth, and the root, which is anchored into the jawbone.

Teeth also have:

• Enamel — the white, outer, protective shell of the tooth
• Dentin — a hard, yellow material under the enamel
• Dental pulp — soft tissue at the very center of the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue that was necessary to grow the tooth’s root during its development.

The root canal system contains the dental pulp.

When is a root canal needed?

A root canal is needed when a tooth’s pulp is inflamed or infected.

What happens during the procedure?

A root canal is essentially a deep filling. During the procedure, a small hole is drilled into the infected tooth, and the pulp is removed. Our Greeneville root canal dentist will clean and disinfect the bacteria from the infected root canal then fill and seal the tooth to prevent reinfection. Finally, it will be capped with a custom-made crown to match your surrounding teeth. The root canal procedure, in just one or two dental appointments, saves your damaged natural tooth as opposed to it having to be extracted.

Why shouldn’t I fear a root canal?

Sometimes anticipation is far worse than reality, and that’s usually the case with root canals. Here are two simple reasons you shouldn’t fear a root canal procedure:

You’ll be numb

We will use local anesthesia to keep you completely numb throughout the procedure. We will constantly ask you how you feel to ensure your comfort. Most of our patients report that their root canal didn’t feel much different than getting a filling! Still, we understand that while numbing agents can help with pain, they don’t curb anxiety. If you believe that despite the medication we use to keep you numb, you will still be too anxious for the procedure, don’t hesitate to talk with our dental team about other options to help keep you calm.

You will feel relief

The worst pain you’ll feel during a root canal procedure is the pain you felt, well, before we start the procedure. An infected or abscessed tooth is extremely painful. We will take the pain away temporarily with numbing agents during the procedure, and the procedure, itself, will take your pain away for good.

Root canal in Erwin, Jonesborough and Greeneville, Tennessee

We know root canals may sound scary, but they’re essentially just deep fillings. Our dental team will do everything in its power to ensure your comfort and ease any anxiety you may have. If you have questions, or if you need to schedule your root canal procedure, call us at Tusculum Dental Care, (423) 639-7575, or reach out to us online today.

Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

For nearly a century, dentists have been using veneers to improve the appearance of their patients teeth. A thin shell of dental porcelain, a veneer is bonded permanently to the front of the tooth or teeth being treated, able to simultaneously resolve an assortment of aesthetic flaws. One of the most common questions we receive about veneers is whether they raise or lower the risk of tooth decay. Today on the blog, we explore that topic.

Are you a good candidate for veneers?

If you have any imperfections in your smile that you’d like to remedy, veneers could be the right fix for you.

Veneers can help with any of the following:

• Correcting the appearance of misshapen teeth
• Permanently whitening your teeth to a brighter shade
• Resolving unevenly sized teeth
• Concealing an unwanted gap between teeth

When considering cosmetic dentistry, it is important that you have a high level of oral health and hygiene. Certain pre-existing conditions, such as gum disease, need to be treated before you receive veneers.

How do veneers impact your oral health and hygiene?

In reality, veneers don’t make as much of a difference as you may think in your oral condition. With proper care, your veneers can last up to 20 years, or even longer, with no issue. Therefore, if you already have a healthy oral hygiene routine, veneers will not drastically change the state of your oral condition.

For the most part, you want to continue with your normal routine of dental care, as recommended by the American Dental Association. This should include brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste. You should also floss once a day, and may consider using an antibacterial oral rinse. Veneers do cover up the visible part of your teeth, but the enamel underneath still may decay without proper cleaning and care. Moreover, a non-abrasive toothpaste is necessary to prevent accelerated deterioration of your veneers.

You also want to ensure you continue with your biannual visits with your dentist, being sure not to miss the appointment six months after your veneers are placed. This will ensure your smile stays looking its best, and that the veneers have maintained their bond to your natural teeth. This appointment also gives your dentist a chance to remove any stubborn tartar and plaque from the surface of your veneers.

So, can you get cavities if you have veneers?

While the veneers themselves cannot hold cavities, the tooth structure underneath remains just as susceptible to decay as teeth that do not have veneers. Keeping a normal oral hygiene routine, which includes regular dental visits every six months, will help in preventing this.

Porcelain veneers in Greeneville, Jonesborough and Erwin in Tennessee

If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your teeth, getting veneers can give you the confidence in your smile you never knew you could have. You can trust the skilled cosmetic dentists at Tusculum Dental Care to transform the appearance of your smile. The first step in receiving any cosmetic procedure is to meet with Dr. Craig Shepherd or Dr. Nathaniel Renner for a consultation. Schedule an appointment today by calling (423) 639-7575 or contacting us online.

Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

So you’re interested in professional teeth whitening. Do you call a general dentist? Or a cosmetic dentist? What if you’re interested in Invisalign to straighten your teeth or you know you need a filling? Who do you call? With so many fields of healthcare and dentistry popping up, sometimes it’s difficult to know which dental professional to call. General and cosmetic dentists share many of the same skills but they also have their own specialties. Let’s take a look at some of them today.

What is general dentistry?

When you say you’re going to the dentist, a general dentist is likely who you’re referring to. General dentists are the primary care providers for your dental health. They take routine care of your mouth and teeth and address dental problems associated with oral hygiene, dental pain and discomfort. They also perform procedures like extractions, root canals and fillings. Let’s take a broader look at what services general dentists provide.

1.  Preventive care, including:

• Routine check-ups, cleanings twice a year to prevent dental issues, fluoride treatments and sealants.

2. Dental-issue diagnosis and treatment, including:

• Cavities and fillings
• Gum disease treatment
• Root canals
• Tooth extractions

3. Overall oral health guidance
4. Limited cosmetic procedures

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry focuses specifically on the aesthetics of a smile. If you have teeth that are chipped, cracked, broken, misshapen, gapped, stained or overcrowded, you’ll want to call our cosmetic dentist in Erwin.

The following cosmetic services we provide can give you a bright, white smile that can transform your self-confidence and your life:

• Profesional teeth whitening
• Dental veneers
• Dental bonding
• Contouring and reshaping
• Dental crowns
• Orthodontics
• Dental implants
• Dental bridges
• Smile makeovers

What’s the main difference between a dentist and cosmetic dentist?

The main difference between cosmetic and general dentistry is that cosmetic dentists are focused on providing the highest-quality aesthetic results while general dentists are more concerned with overall oral health.

A cosmetic dentist has the same basic training as a general dentist and can clean teeth and perform X-rays and other fundamental techniques that are usually carried out by a general dentist. Both general and cosmetic dentists can fill cavities and provide restorative procedures, and either can help straighten your teeth with braces and/or Invisalign.

General and cosmetic dentists have specialized focuses, but their roles can — and often do — overlap. For instance, a general dentist might offer cosmetic services like professional teeth whitening while a cosmetic dentist’s procedures, aimed at supporting dental aesthetics, will also support oral health and function.

Cosmetic and general dentists in Greeneville, Tennessee

Whether you’re looking for a dentist to help you with the cornerstone tasks of brushing, flossing and routine checkups or you’re ready to talk about combining multiple cosmetic procedures to completely transform your smile, Tusculum Dental Care covers it all. Call us at (423) 639-7575, or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment today.

Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

Experiencing some stress is inevitable, and as daily life in our society seems to get more and more hectic, then it’s no surprise that stress levels also appear to be increasing. Stress, or failing to manage it, is a huge health risk. High stress can diminish your appetite or make it difficult to sleep. Stress can elevate blood pressure, affect your blood sugar levels and sap your physical and mental energy. But did you know that stress also can be harmful to your oral health? Keep reading as your dentists in Greeneville explore that topic, today on the blog.

Stress is considered the main reason that people grind their teeth

Clinically referred to as bruxism, this behavior refers to any time someone grinds or clenches their teeth. According to data compiled by the American Sleep Association, bruxism affects as many as 10% of American adults and 15% of children in the United States. Most people who grind their teeth do it unconsciously, in their sleep. Failing to obtain treatment for bruxism can have devastating consequences on your mouth. Grinding your teeth exerts major additional pressure on your teeth, potentially throwing your bite out of alignment, causing jaw problems including temporomandibular joint disorder, or even wearing down all the teeth in your mouth to nubs.

Tooth or jaw pain are the major warning signs of bruxism, especially if these pains develop for no apparent reason or “migrate” to different locations in the mouth. Tusculum Dental Care can treat your bruxism, but we also would like to recommend some coping mechanisms you can use to lower your stress level.

Consider these lifestyle changes to lower your stress level

• Try to get at least seven hours of sleep a night.
• Add regular exercise to your daily routine.
• Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Spend more time with loved ones.
• Play soothing music or try to avoid loud noises, which can trigger a stress response.
• Volunteer or find other ways to help your community.
• Keep a journal to chronicle your thoughts, goals and the things that make you feel stressed.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as breathing, muscle relaxation or meditation.
• You also may benefit from seeking the care of a counselor or therapist, who can help you identify and work through whatever is causing your stress.

Treating bruxism in Greeneville, Jonesborough and Erwin in Tennessee

If you or someone you love is grinding their teeth, Tusculum Dental Care can provide protection against future damage. We offer custom-made mouthguards, which are fabricated from the specific impressions of your teeth and mouth to make for a snug, secure, comfortable fit. These high-quality mouth guards protect your teeth and mouth from sustaining any additional damage from bruxism, while putting into practice some of the lifestyle and behavioral changes mentioned above hopefully will curtail the actual grinding habit from continuing.

Take steps to lower your stress level, and protect your oral health from the potential damage of bruxism. Schedule a consultation at Tusculum Dental Care today. Just call (423) 639-7575 or contact us online by completing our appointment request form.

Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN

Dental visits aren’t only a time for your dentist to check your oral health and a hygienist to give your teeth and gums a deep cleaning. They’re also a time to ask questions and raise any concerns you may have had in the six months since your last checkup at our Erwin family dentist office. We want you to make informed decisions about your oral health, and we welcome your questions. Let’s take a look today at five questions you may want to ask at your next visit with us:

1. How is my overall oral health?

Our family dentist in Jonesborough can give you an overview of any issues noticed, including any signs of tooth decay, which are best addressed early. Our dentist can also give you an overall picture of your gum health, which is an important part of oral health. Ask our dentist if there are any signs of gum disease or inflammation in your mouth.

2. Am I brushing and flossing correctly?

Our Greeneville family dentist can review your oral health regimen and make sure you’re brushing and flossing correctly. We can also provide guidance about techniques that will maximize effectiveness and minimize risks of dental issues.

3. Do you see any signs of teeth grinding or clenching?

Teen grinding or clenching during sleep, also known as bruxism, can lead to serious dental issues, including tooth wear, headaches and jaw pain. Bruxism is often a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea — a dangerous sleep-breathing disorder characterized by snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep — and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD), which is a common disorder of the jaw joints. Ask our dentist about your overall bite and if any corrective measures may be needed.

4. Could I benefit from any other dental treatments or procedures?

Based on your dental exam or concerns you may have about the condition of your oral health, we may have suggestions for you about other treatments or procedures from which we think you may benefit. These could be elective, to address issues like crooked or gapped teeth, or they could be recommended to address existing issues or prevent future problems.

5. What can I do to improve my oral hygiene routine?

Our dentist can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and concerns, whether that includes switching to a different toothbrush or incorporating additional oral care products into your routine.

Family dentist in Greeneville, Tennessee

At Tusculum Dental Care, we will certainly take care of any dental concerns or issues you may have, but we also want our time with you every six months to be an opportunity for you to learn how to better care for your teeth, mouth and gums. If it’s time for your checkup, give us a call at (423) 639-7575 to schedule an appointment today.