When should I call the dentist? 

At Holistic Family Dentistry at National Integrated Health Associates, we get this question all the time, so we thought it would be a good idea to tell you what constitutes a “dental emergency.”

Emergency Dental Services in Washington, D.C.

Toothache: Call your dentist as soon as possible.

Loose or knocked out tooth: If you have a tooth that is loose or out of alignment, you should call your dentist for an emergency appointment right away. A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires urgent attention.

Broken, chipped or cracked tooth: If a tooth is chipped and doesn’t hurt, this usually does not constitute a dental emergency and you may be able to wait a few days to see a dentist, but call immediately. However, it is important to be careful while chewing so as not to chip it more. A cracked or fractured tooth is a serious issue constituting a dental emergency; call your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment.

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Most dental appointments are scheduled, preventive and planned but sometimes a dental emergency occurs and a dentist must be seen right away. If you have tooth pain, tissue swelling, a cracked tooth, a broken filling  – please act fast and contact a dentist.

Catering to the emergency dental patient requires commitment to convenience, compassion, a degree of comprehensive services and the ability to accommodate and listen.

Does it make a difference if the dentist is a traditional or biological or holistic dentist?

Well, it may – and here’s why.

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Oral Cancer....Not Just for Smokers

More than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year.  According to the National Cancer Institute, oral cancer is more common than leukemia, skin melanoma, and cancers of the brain, liver, bone, thyroid, ovaries, and cervix.  It is a major cause of disfigurement and death in the United States.

Oral cancer  includes cancers found in the mouth, and on the tongue, lips, throat, parts of the nose, and larynx.  Seventy five percent of these cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol use but anyone can get oral cancer. Also, human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant risk factor for the development of cancers in the tonsils and the back of the throat.

Your mouth is one of your body’s most important early warning systems.

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Why would anyone want to remove mercury amalgam fillings from their mouth?

The short answer is: your health may depend on it.

Our health is under assault. Measured by any statistic - there is more cancer, diabetes, brain deterioration (Alzheimer’s etc.), autoimmune disease, chronic pain, joint disease, fatigue, Lyme Disease… than ever before. And itseems to be getting worse.

Why? One reason is because we as a population are overwhelmed by so many toxins in our environment that may affect our neuroimmune system. Mercury in amalgam fillings, heavy metals in food, chemicals in water and personal care products and modern computer technology has created an environment for modern living that is not natural. Can the body handle it all?  The long term affects of living in a "toxic soup" are not yet known, but we can take measures to protect ourselves and our children. 

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Heart disease is the #1 killer in the United States. Cardiovascular disease, or CVD, accounts for one in three deaths in the United States. It is a multi-factorial disease and there are many risk factors which contribute to heart disease including obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, lack of exercise, genetics, periodontal disease and other dental issues.

Biological dentists are conventionally trained and holistically oriented – and the dentists at NIHA assess the mouth in such a way that considers the condition of the mouth as it relates to the overall health of the body and disease prevention, such as diabetes and heart disease. Early signs of gum inflammation may be risk factor for these diseases. 

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Dental Implants:  An Important Development

Teeth are critical for overall health, not just for aesthetics.   Teeth structure and alignment affect the nervous system, digestive system, immune system, structural alignment and so much more.

Teeth can be lost due to infection, decay, accident, orthodontics, a disrupted bite or even for aesthetic reasons.

Missing teeth that are not replaced can  negatively affect the overall bite, which in turn can affect structural alignment of the jaw and even our sleep.  Without replacing the missing tooth the neighboring teeth will move into that space, altering the way your teeth come together. That altered bite can change jaw alignment, blood flow to the brain as well as alter the nervous system function of the head and neck. Most of these missing teeth should be replaced to restore the bite for long term health and body  alignment.

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Over a year ago, the Biological Dental Group at NIHA embarked on new dimension in dental services: the same day dental crown/onlay.

The technology and advantages to our patients and the quality control has been nothing short of fantastic. For the first time, dentists can have total control over the quality of the lab work for the restoration process. That means precision in the design of the crown to the under 10 micron level. This level of precison has not been achievable in the past by dental lab transfer or the old way of making crowns and onlays. More importantly, the whole process is done on site while the patient waits, and the result is a durable, high quality and attractive ceramic crown.

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Are you aware of the critical tooth-sinus connection?

At this time of year, spring rushes into our lives and brings warmer weather and longer daylight.  

While most of us welcome the beauty of spring, for many it may be the beginning of bothersome symptoms. The explosion of pollens may result in a host of sinus problems- a runny nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing, facial congestion, headaches and “tooth pain.”

Yes, I said tooth pain.   Your upper back teeth, the maxillary molars,  actually project into your sinuses and are only separated by very thin bone and the sinus membrane.

When your sinus lining is inflamed in a sinus infection, not only are your sinuses irritated and painful but the nerves of the teeth projecting into your sinuses are irritated.

The tooth - sinus proximity is such that inflamed sinuses may result in painful teeth.  

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Dry mouth (also called xerostomia) is what happens when saliva flow is reduced or absent. It may be a symptom of your medical condition or medications. It is not a disease and is quite common.  While it may seem like a minor condition, moist saliva is critical to the health of the mouth and has protective benefits for oral tissues and to prevent tooth decay. Extreme dry mouth may contribute to permanent mouth or throat disorders.

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I was recently honored to have been selected to be interviewed by the Holistic Oral Health Summit 2015. The interviews were taken from leading edge medical, dental and other health practitioners. The theme we addressed was why patients may have difficulty getting the treatment they need and how dental issues and oral health may relate to sleep issues and overall health. Even with the best of intentions some dental patients are still getting piece meal treatment instead of integrated treatment.

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