Tips for Following Your Dentist’s At-Home Treatment Plans

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Mouthguards, mouthwash, numbing gel, floss, water flossers, hydration, brushing techniques: there are endless recommendations that a dentist can make that will help you improve your oral health. Here, we’ll look at how you can stay on top of the (sometimes relentless) day-to-day care so you can enjoy a cleaner, fresher mouth.

Identify the Why

The most common advice from a dentist in Indianapolis, IN is to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once per day. Yet even that is a task that many can’t keep up with. If you struggle, it helps to figure out what the problem is before you try to tackle it.

Instead of vague excuses, like general exhaustion, you might get a nugget of insight that you can work to change. For example, maybe you find it too hard to reach the back teeth while you floss, which may just mean that you need to relax your mouth to allow for more reach.

Plan Ahead

Despite this oft-repeated bit of advice, it’s also one of the easiest to ignore. Sometimes, it can be as simple as getting your supplies ready or writing down the steps on the mirror and checking them off every night. So, you might set out the water flosser before you brush, so you can just grab it right after you’re done. Or you might clean your mouthguard in the morning, so you don’t have to worry about it when you settle in.

At Indiana Emergency Dental, we know how busy schedules can get (it’s just one reason we offer emergency dental care in Indianapolis). But we also know that the closer you stick to your dentist’s recommendations, the less likely you are to need major dental work down the line.

Will My Dentist in Indianapolis Take Me as a Walk-In?

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Pain, irritation, bleeding, and follow-ups are just a few reasons to call an emergency dentist to get answers to immediate questions. However, what if you were hoping to walk into your dentist’s office without calling ahead for a more minor issue? Here, we’ll look at where you can turn.

Do Dentists Take Walk-Ins?

Walk-ins in Indianapolis, IN are not standard practice for many dentists, either because they don’t have the staff or because they have a very steady roster of appointments. However, the staff at Indiana Emergency Dental in Indianapolis can take walk-ins between 8 am and 8 pm everyday. While appointments are still preferred, our staff understands that having a walk-in option can be a major convenience.

Why Walk-In?

Walk-ins can be a more casual way to address your concerns that aren’t quite an emergency but still need attention. For example, if you have a filling that needs adjustment, you can just walk in, see a dentist, and then be on your way. Or if you had minor gum bleeding, you might ask the dentist if your gums are infected.

Emergency Services in Indianapolis

Seeing an emergency dentist can do more than just save your tooth, it can save your life. For example, severe infections can travel in your bloodstream to your heart, so it helps to call the right specialist when you need it most.

At Indiana Emergency Dental, we have three locations: Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Fishers. While only our Indianapolis location takes walk-ins, we also have a 24/7 emergency line at all three locations to ensure that you always have the help you need. Plus, you can use our emergency line if you’re not sure if it can wait.

Can I Treat a Toothache at Home?

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If you have a toothache in Bloomington, IN, you might be tempted just to wait it out. Or you might try to treat the symptoms at home until you can see your regular dentist. Here, we’ll look at what you can do, and when it’s time to contact a professional.

Treating a Toothache at Home

There are some cases when it makes sense to treat a toothache at home, especially if you’re dealing with straightforward pain. For example, maybe you brushed a little too hard, and your mouth needs some time to recover. In that case, you might try a saltwater rinse or a mild pain reliever, both of which can help abate the worst of the discomfort.

Or, if you think the pain is caused by excess plaque or food particles, you might use regular floss (as opposed to water flossers or pics) to remove as much as possible from between each tooth. Naturally antibacterial foods and drinks, like ginger slices or chamomile tea might also help you clean your mouth and provide some degree of relief.

Contacting an Emergency Dentist

At Indiana Emergency Dental, we recommend that you call an emergency team if you have a fever (even a very low-grade fever) or moderate to severe pain and swelling. Calling an emergency dentist in Bloomington, IN may seem extravagant, but consider that toothaches can eventually lead to tooth loss and gum damage — and it can happen faster than you think.

If you’re experiencing a toothache, our team is here for you (even if the pain strikes in the middle of the night). Contact us today to discuss your symptoms or to schedule an evaluation for a more mild toothache.

Warning Signs Your Tooth Is Infected

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If you have a tooth that is nagging you, it might be more than just a cavity. Pain can be a warning sign of a serious bacterial infection that requires emergency dental care in Indianapolis, IN. Recognizing the warning signs of a tooth infection can help you avoid the potentially severe complications that can arise from it.

What Are the Complications of Tooth Infection?

Your mouth is full of bacteria that can penetrate the enamel over time and enter your bloodstream, traveling to major organs such as the heart and brain. Some of the complications of an untreated tooth infection include:

  • Sepsis
  • Brain abscesses
  • Deterioration of the jawbone
  • Infection of soft tissue
  • Infection of the heart

Just to name a few. These conditions all occur because a bacterial infection moves beyond the tooth cavity.

Warning Signs of a Tooth Infection

The key to getting the emergency dental treatment that you need is recognizing the symptoms of a tooth infection.

Pain

Pain is how your body warns you that something is wrong. You may feel it radiating from the tooth, in your jaw, ear, or neck.

Sensitivity

If a tooth becomes sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, it may indicate exposure of the nerves in the root of the tooth. When a cavity forms in the enamel, bacteria can work their way down into the dentin. That allows the liquid to enter the tooth and reach the raw nerves.

Foul Taste

A foul taste in your mouth can mean pus coming from a tooth. A sudden foul taste might indicate an abscess rupture.

As the bacterial infection grows, you may experience swelling in the face and a fever. These are signs you need emergency dental treatment.

If you suspect you have a tooth infection, call our office today to set up an appointment with our emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN. The longer you wait, the more damage the bacteria can do.

Sugar Spots: What Are They and How Can You Avoid Them?

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What’s one of the main reasons for emergency dental care in Indianapolis, IN? Cavities and points of decay that have been allowed to progress to a point where they are causing unbearable pain. While cavities at this stage can require immediate intervention, most of these serious problems with decay start as a much smaller, much more manageable issue: sugar spots.

What Are Sugar Spots?

Sugar spots are the earliest warning signs of tooth decay, often showing up as faint white or chalky areas on the surface of your teeth. These spots form when bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and starches left behind from food, producing acids that slowly dissolve the protective enamel. This process, known as demineralization, weakens the outer layer of your teeth and marks the beginning of cavity formation. Sugar spots are most common near the gumline, around orthodontic brackets, or between teeth where brushing and flossing are often less effective.

How Do Sugar Spots Form?

Plaque buildup plays the biggest role. When plaque isn’t removed through proper brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar and traps bacteria against the tooth surface. Each time you consume something sugary or acidic, those bacteria release more acid, stripping away minerals like calcium and phosphate from your enamel. Over time, the surface becomes porous, creating that white, dull appearance known as sugar spots. If ignored, these early lesions can progress to full-blown cavities, requiring fillings or more extensive treatment.

How to Prevent and Treat Sugar Spots

The good news is that sugar spots can be reversed if caught early. Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing after meals helps stop demineralization and encourages natural enamel repair. Cutting back on sugary snacks and drinks also limits the bacteria’s fuel source. Professional fluoride treatments and remineralizing varnishes can strengthen weak spots before they turn into decay. Routine checkups allow your dentist to monitor early enamel changes and treat them promptly. If you notice sudden white patches or sensitivity, seeking emergency dental care in Indianapolis, IN, can help protect your teeth and prevent further damage.

Need a dentist in Indianapolis, IN to help keep your sugar spots at bay? Reach out to us at Indiana Emergency Dental to schedule an appointment.

Does Diabetes Impact Dental Health?

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Diabetes impacts most major organs, including your heart and kidneys. So, it shouldn’t be surprising to learn that it can affect your dental health, too. Seeing your dentist in Indianapolis, IN, is the key to controlling that impact.

How Diabetes Affects Oral Health: What’s the Connection?

Diabetes impairs the body’s ability to fight infections. That can have a significant impact on oral health.

Gum Disease

The risk of gum disease increases with diabetes. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels make it hard to fight bacterial infections in the gums. That can lead to gum disease in those who don’t already have it. It can also slow the healing for those who do.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is another side effect of diabetes that can mess with dental health. Saliva helps wash food debris off teeth and gums, as well as neutralize the acids produced by bacteria. It is these acids that erode the enamel on teeth, leading to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Increased Sugars

Bacteria thrive in environments where sugars are high. High blood sugar helps foster that environment, meaning the levels of bacteria increase. Higher levels of bacteria increase your risk for tooth decay and cavities.

How Gum Disease Impacts Diabetes

Gum disease also affects how your body controls the level of sugar in your blood. When your body detects an infection in the gum, it triggers an inflammatory response to fight it. That response increases blood sugar levels in a way that might reduce the impact of diabetes medication. It can also make cells more resistant to insulin.

For those with diabetes, the best defence you have against its impact is to manage your blood sugar effectively. That means taking your medication, controlling your diet, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups.

The health inside your mouth is intricately linked to your overall well-being. Preventative visits with your dentist in Indianapolis, IN, enable you to catch issues before they become a problem. If you have diabetes, please call Indiana Emergency Dental today to schedule a consultation.

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 3 Things To Do To Keep Your Teeth Looking Their Best

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When it comes to your appearance, your teeth are one of your greatest assets. Your teeth make your smile the dazzling beauty that it is. Taking care of your teeth is important. If you don’t, you could struggle to maintain your appearance and confidence. Your dentist in Indianapolis and Bloomington, IN, can help.

At Indiana Emergency Dental, we provide services to help your teeth look their best. Our teeth whitening, dental restoration, and dental care services can make all the difference.

1. Get Teeth Whitening

Tooth enamel is naturally white but can become stained over time. Yellowed and discolored teeth can leave some people feeling self-conscious. While it helps to keep your teeth clean, the best way to get rid of stains is through professional teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening services are fast and effective. Unlike many DIY whitening treatments, professional whitening takes around an hour, and the effects can last for years.

2. Replace Missing Teeth

One missing tooth can affect your whole mouth. Missing teeth are hard to hide and can leave some people afraid to smile or talk. Missing teeth can also cause other teeth in your mouth to shift, and may even cause parts of your jaw to lose volume.

Replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant can fix everything. Dental implants look like natural teeth, and can last a lifetime.

3. Address Dental Problems Quickly

Some dental problems, like a cracked or chipped tooth, can lead to dental decay or dental infection. A dental infection that goes untreated can even lead to a tooth extraction. If you’re having tooth pain or if your tooth is damaged or injured, contact Indiana Emergency Dental for emergency dental care in Indianapolis and Bloomington, IN.

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Have Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away? See the Dentist

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Bad breath can be embarrassing! Even worse, bad breath can be a symptom of a condition or dental injury. If you suffer from persistent bad breath, you might have a cavity or a dental infection.

Your dentist in Indianapolis and Bloomington, IN, can help by providing fast, effective dental care. The dental professionals at Indiana Emergency Dental offer dental services to help patients discover the cause of their bad breath.

Causes of Bad Breath

Most people can get rid of their bad breath by brushing their teeth. If your bad breath persists after you brush your teeth, there could be many reasons.

  • Diet: Some food causes bad breath when it enters the bloodstream. Onions and garlic are examples. These foods can cause bad breath long after the food is consumed, even if you brush your teeth.
  • Cavities. Dental cavities are the result of dental decay caused by poor oral hygiene. Cavities can cause bad breath.
  • Dental infection. Like cavities, dental infections can also cause bad breath. A dental infection is a serious problem that needs urgent root canal therapy.
  • Gum disease. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that can lead to bad breath. Like an infection in your tooth, gum disease is a serious problem that can cause your oral health to deteriorate.

Why You Should See a Dentist

See a dentist to get help for your bad breath. The cause of your bad breath may be a problem like gum disease or a cavity.

Contact Indiana Emergency Dental

Don’t let bad breath get you down. The professionals at Indiana Emergency Dental can help you with a dental exam in Indianapolis and Bloomington, IN. It’s important to stay on top of your dental care and catch problems in their early stages. Call today to make an appointment.

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3 Reasons to See the Dentist When You Have a Toothache

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A toothache can be an indication of a serious dental problem. If you have a toothache, your dentist in Indianapolis and Bloomington, IN, can help stop the pain while treating the cause.

The professionals at Indiana Emergency Dental provide fast, efficient dental treatment to patients experiencing dental emergencies. Our modern facilities and excellent dental staff are fully equipped to treat the cause of your dental pain.

You should not wait to contact a dentist when you’re in pain. Here’s why.

1. It Could Be a Dental Infection

A dental infection is a dental emergency, so it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. Dental infections start when bacteria enter the tooth through a crack or an area of dental decay. When the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected, this can lead to a lot of pain, sensitivity, and swelling around the tooth.

2. It Probably Won’t Get Better On Its Own

Toothaches rarely go away on their own. Waiting for a toothache to get better without seeing the dentist is unlikely to help.

3. The Dentist Can Prevent It From Getting Worse

Cavities often cause toothaches. Cavities without fillings can turn into dental infections, and dental infections left untreated can spread to other parts of the body. Going to the dentist when you have a toothache can prevent the problem from escalating, and may save your tooth. It’s important to get care when it’s needed.

If you have a mild toothache, get help. If you have a severe toothache, it’s a dental emergency. Contact Indiana Emergency Dental for emergency dental care in Indianapolis and Bloomington, IN. We provide dental services to patients in need of cavity fillings, root canal therapy, and more.

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What to Do if Your Teeth Hurt

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In today’s world, there’s little reason to endure a toothache. Although oral discomfort can stem from a variety of causes, Indiana Emergency Dental in Indianapolis can diagnose a problem and make quick work of necessary treatment, no matter what the underlying cause may be.

If you have chipped a tooth, lost a crown, or have an infected root canal, you can be sure that Dr. Garry and our team will not only determine the cause but will ease your discomfort in no time.

 

Offering Full Dental Services

We specialize in emergency dental care and restorative treatment. With the availability of sedation dentistry to take the pain out of treatment and same-day crowns and dentures to speed the timeline of needed tooth replacement and oral surgery, we will have you out of the dental chair and smiling as soon as possible.

However, we offer routine dental care as well, from childhood check-ups to routine cleaning, teenage braces to tooth whitening, and both restorative and cosmetic dentistry, the professional team at Indiana Emergency Dental is there for you.

Dr. Garry and our team understand that emergencies don’t often happen at convenient times, so our office is open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for walk-in patients. Our call center answers 24/7, and we respond to emergencies at all hours.

Building Ongoing Relationships

We believe that the highest compliment you can pay us is to schedule a regular check-up after we have treated you for an emergency.

But you don’t have to have an emergency to select our practice for all your dental needs. By combining compassionate care with the latest in dental technology, Indiana Emergency Clinic can be your “go-to” dentist from early childhood through old age. Whether you visit us for a routine cleaning or you chip a tooth, lose a crown or need implants in a hurry, we respond to all your needs.

Are you ready to schedule an appointment? You don’t have to wait for a toothache.