Tongue-Tied

Though you usually hear this as a metaphorical expression, there is an actual medical condition known as Tongue-Tied. The official name is Ankyloglossia and is a birth defect. Dr. Martin Urban of Martin Urban, DDS encourages parents to reach out if something seems amiss with their newborn. It’s very easy to spot right away. Your child will struggle to breastfeed, swallow, and eat. Contact our office in Waltham, MA, right away!

 

What exactly is Tongue-Tied? The frenulum is a small strand of tissue that connects the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. For a tongue-tied baby, their frenulum is either too short or thick. It’s an issue that needs early intervention. Without the means to properly eat, your newborn can’t gain weight.

 

As mentioned, breastfeeding is highly difficult. Your child can’t suck out the milk or swallow it. This requires a functional tongue. Your baby will fail to thrive, refuse to eat, or bond with you. There are physical side effects too. You’ll notice issues with sleeping and digestion.

 

The nursing mother suffers negative effects too. It’s incredibly painful to breastfeed a tongue-tied infant. The nipples receive major damage, becoming severely chapped. They often experience bleeding too. In severe cases, the nipples are distorted or the ducts are blocked.

 

Your Waltham, MA, dentist recommends removing the abnormal tissue from the mouth. It is a quick procedure done with a surgical laser. Dr. Urban or a recommended surgeon can perform this. Resources are available online and in our office.

 

Martin Urban, DDS is located in Waltham, MA. If you notice your newborn struggling to thrive, contact us right away. Visit our website or call 508-425-9640.

Post-Extraction Care

It’s scary to get a tooth removed, but in reality, it’s a very straightforward process. Complications are exceedingly rare. This is because Dr. Martin Urban of Martin Urban, DDS provides you with quality post-operative care! Following these instructions guarantees a healthy and successful recovery. If you require extraction or want to learn more, contact our office in Waltham, MA.

 

You put your entire health and procedure in danger when you neglect your recovery care. It’s possible to develop a dry socket or infection. When a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in its place. This stops the bleeding and starts the healing process. A dry socket happens when the blood clot dissolves or dislodges. This means that it’s knocked out-of-place. Follow your post-operative care and this small guide to prevent this.

 

Your body has numerous responses to an injury. One of the most common is swelling. This isn’t any different when it comes to teeth extraction. To minimize the pain, utilize ice packs. Apply these to your face in 20-25 minute intervals. Continue doing this for two whole days or until the swelling goes down. Your Waltham, MA, assures that this is a great way to combat pain. If your tooth was infected before removal, a warm compress is better suited.

 

Don’t fret at the amount of bleeding after. Your head holds a large amount of your body’s blood. Keep pressure on the removal site for a minimum of 30 minutes. Holding the gauze in place will do the trick. Some patients prefer using tea bags to gauze. This is because tea contains tannic acid, a natural clotting agent. It restricts the blood vessels to lighten the bleeding.

 

It’s important not to eat or drink for at least two hours after your surgery. You also need to rest to avoid popping your stitches. Be very gentle when engaging in any physical activity. When you do eat, make sure these are soft foods. A few common examples are pudding, ice cream, jello, and mashed potatoes. Avoid acidic drinks like soda, along with harder foods like popcorn or peanuts.

 

Following these guidelines is the best way to recover. If you have any questions or concerns before or after an extraction, contact Martin Urban, DDS. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, visit his website or call 508-425-9640.

Fluorosis

All patients are welcome at Martin Urban, DDS. Located in Waltham, MA, Dr. Martin Urban treats pediatric dental conditions. This includes the problem known as Fluorosis. This happens when a child is exposed to large amounts of fluoride. Though it isn’t harmful, it stains the teeth with white, thin streaks. With all health concerns, prevention is the key! Learn how you can stop Fluorosis in its tracks.

 

Children are the only ones who have fluorosis. This is due to it only affecting the developing teeth. Once they erupt from the gum line, children are no longer at risk. Fluoride naturally occurs in our water supply and is not a dangerous mineral. Your child requires a dental examination because it possibly indicates that they are ingesting too much fluoride.

 

The best way to deter fluorosis in children under the age of three is through breastfeeding. It provides all the nutritional sustenance that a child needs. As mentioned, we ingest the majority of our fluoride through drinking water. Most baby formulas require you add in water. This is what puts them at risk for fluorosis. There are other ways a small child develops this condition. Pay attention to how much toothpaste they are using. Your Waltham, MA, dentist recommends brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they start emerging. Yet children under the age of three shouldn’t use more than a grain of rice worth of toothpaste. Following these suggestions keep your child’s teeth healthy and happy!

 

Your child must start brushing twice daily once they reach three years old. Again, it’s important to monitor how much toothpaste they are using. It should never be more than a pea-sized amount each time. Double-check that they are spitting out the toothpaste and not swallowing it. This is also the reason that other dental products, like mouthwash, aren’t recommended for children under the age of six.

 

If you have any questions or are worried that your child has fluorosis, contact Martin Urban, DDS. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, visit his website or call 508-425-9640.

Tooth Extraction Site Preservation

Sometimes pulling teeth is a necessary procedure for overcrowding in the mouth or infection due to tooth decay. It isn’t a procedure to be taken lightly. Like wisdom teeth removal where they are located in the back of the mouth and sutures are used, the tooth extraction site essentially becomes an open wound, one that needs to be monitored and given time to heal. We at Martin Urban, DDS understand that getting a tooth pulled isn’t very fun, but we are committed to making the procedure and healing process as comfortable as we can for our patients. 

If you ever think your healing process doesn’t feel normal, you should contact your dentist. Signs of complications include:

- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

- Severe nausea or vomiting

- Redness, swelling, or excessive discharge from the extraction site

- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills

Something else to keep in mind when removing teeth is what to do with that open space once it has healed. If a tooth is removed and nothing is done to the extraction site, your jaw bone will degenerate and change shape while the site heals. This can create problems in your bite and may affect chewing and speaking. Make sure you and your dentist come up with a plan to fill this space.

Martin Urban, DDS practices at 976 Main St. in Waltham, MA 02453. For more information on tooth extractions or to schedule an appointment, please visit martinurbandds.com or call 508-425-9640.

 

Crown Lengthening

Do you feel like you have a “gummy” smile? In other words, are your teeth covered by excess gum tissue? We at Martin Urban, DDS are committed to helping our patients feel confident and happy with their smiles. We are excited to offer crown lengthening to bring out the fullness of your teeth!

The crown lengthening procedure involves reshaping your gum line as well as the bone around the affected tooth or teeth, creating a more balanced gum to tooth ratio. The great thing about crown lengthening is that it can be performed on as many or as little affected teeth there are in the patient’s mouth. One tooth with excess gum tissue can be reshaped or a whole gum line can be reshaped, depending on the patient.

In addition to your smile becoming more aesthetically pleasing, crown lengthening also improves the overall health of your gums. The edge of the restoration is sturdy enough to withstand brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. 

Not sure if this procedure is right for you? We are happy to address any concerns or answer any questions that you have! Martin Urban, DDS is located at 976 Main St. in Waltham, MA 02453. For more information about our crown lengthening procedure or to schedule an appointment, you can visit martinurbandds.com or call 508-425-9640.

 

Senior Dental Care

At Martin Urban, DDS, we treat patients of all ages, especially senior citizens. Dr. Martin Urban of Waltham, MA, provides excellent dental care. It’s important to take good care of your teeth as you age. Older individuals are at a higher risk of oral complications, including extraction, tooth decay, and periodontal (gum) disease. Elderly patients often need more frequent visits to stay healthy. Contact our office today to set up your appointment.

 

One of the best things you can do for your mouth, especially when you’re in your golden years, is investing in an electric toothbrush. These clean your teeth while requiring minimal physical effort. This is perfect for patients who struggle with mobility. It cleans your mouth without jeopardizing your physical wellbeing.

 

We have other tips for those who struggle with physical activity. Try elongating the handle of your toothbrush. This way you can easily reach your back molars and harder areas. Look around your home for a few simple materials. Specifically, foam, rubber, or even tongue depressors. Wrap these around your toothbrush handle closer to its end. You should now have a longer toothbrush! Brushing your teeth should be much easier now.

 

If you live or take care of an older individual, your help is important too! Gently remind them to brush twice a day and floss as well. If they have problems with physical tasks, assist them. You can also offer to give them rides to their dental appointments or even schedule them for them. Your Waltham, MA, dentist knows that dental care is expensive. That’s why many communities offer public health programs for older patients. They offer discounted or even free services for senior citizens. Reach out to your local social services or public health office to learn more.

 

Martin Urban, DDS is located in Waltham, MA. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, visit our website or call 508-425-9640.

Cleaning Your Tongue

It’s a common misbelief that for a healthy mouth you should focus on your gums and teeth. In reality, cleaning your tongue is just as important! At Martin Urban, DDS, Dr. Martin Urban recommends using a tongue cleaner. These are small dental appliances that brush your tongue. Use them to remove harmful bacteria and coatings from the tongue’s surface. At our office in Waltham, MA, using these appliances improves your breath and overall dental health!

 

There’s no reason to be nervous about using a tongue scraper. It’s a quick and easy process! First, begin by placing the applicator towards the back of your tongue. Don’t put it so far back that it activates your gag reflex. Then move the device forward, scraping along the way. Rinse the device off once you reach the tip. Repeat this process multiple times until the coatings are gone.

 

It’s important to note that there are many reasons your tongue is coated. There’s no need to panic. A few examples are yeast infections, smoking, dry mouth, medications, and other oral health conditions. A tongue cleaner solves any of these problems. It removes the dangerous pathogens and dead cells from your mouth. If you notice continual or frequent coatings, especially ones that don’t seem to improve, then schedule an appointment with your Waltham, MA, dentist.

 

Besides the listed health improvements, recent studies show that tongue cleanings improve your sense of taste. You’ll notice a difference in your breath and health. Fewer bacteria lowers your risk of tooth decay.

 

Remember to always use your device with caution. It can injure your tongue if used improperly. Use the appropriate amount of force when scraping.

 

At Martin Urban, DDS, your health is our top concern. If you’re interested in learning more about cleaning your tongue, talk to our team today! We’ll provide you with any information you need. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban at our office in Waltham, MA, visit our website or call 508-425-9640.