Home Remedies for Toothaches

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Are you having trouble with a continuous toothache? This type of pain can interfere with your day to day tasks and overall mood. The good news is that there are some at home remedies you can implement to alleviate the pain if your toothache is mild.

Keep in mind that if you have a severe toothache, or your toothache lasts more than three days, you should contact your dentist in Keller and schedule an appointment to identify the underlying cause. Identifying and addressing the source of the pain allows you and your Keller dentist to effectively alleviate the symptoms you are feeling, usually for good.

The symptoms of a toothache generally include:

  • Pain
  • Sensitivity to food or drink
  • General discomfort in the mouth near infected tooth when eating or drinking
  • Inflammation of gums surrounding tooth

Whether its drinking, eating, talking or smiling, we use our mouths continuously throughout the day, for practically everything we do. Because of this, an ongoing toothache can really affect one’s quality of life. As a caring dental practice in Keller, Dr. Cornelius and the team want to help. If you are experiencing the above symptoms, keep reading, because we have some at-home remedies to help alleviate your toothache! Remember, if the pain is severe and has lasted three days or longer, you should give us a call. In the meantime, try out these at-home remedies.

  • Rinse your mouth with a hydrogen peroxide mix

Hydrogen peroxide is a compound that helps kill any harmful bacteria that could be the cause of (or worsen) your toothache. Hydrogen peroxide also helps reduce inflammation, which could help alleviate pain.

To make the mix, take equal parts water to the hydrogen peroxide in order to dilute the compound. Swish this around in your mouth as you would with regular mouth wash for thirty seconds to a minute. It’s important to not swallow any of this mixture, be sure to spit it out after swishing. Repeat this two-to-three times a day.

  • Gargle with warm saltwater
    Saltwater is a natural disinfectant. The mixture of warm saltwater reduces inflammation by killing germs that could be causing your pain. This home remedy for toothaches will probably be most readily available as salt is a common household item.

Simply mix a half a cup of warm water with a one-third teaspoon of sea salt. Stir the mixture until the salt partially dissolves in the warm water. Finally, swish this mixture around in your mouth for thirty seconds or longer. Also lean back and gargle with the salt mixture to kill bacteria in your throat. You can repeat this three-to-four times a day for the best results.

  • Apply ice on your cheek near the area

Cold temperatures are effective in reducing swelling and pain. The cold pack works by reducing the size of the blood vessels in the infected area which reduces inflammation. Reducing inflammation therefore reduces pain.

Simply wrap ice in a towel and place it to your cheek near the sore tooth. It’s important to remove the ice pack every five minutes, for two minutes, before repeating to avoid irritating the skin. After a few times, give the area a break. Repeat this method every few hours daily until you are able to visit your dentist in Keller.

  • Apply Clove oil on the sore area/soft tissue surrounding the tooth

Clove oil is a century-old home remedy for toothache used to dull the pain. Rumor has it that this natural home remedy for toothache is often just as effective as an over the counter antiseptic.

You should first wash your hands to kill any bacteria you could have on your fingers. Once your hands are clean, put a small amount of clove oil on a cotton ball or your finger and apply it to the sore area. You can do this twice a day after meals.

  • Apply a peppermint tea bag to the sore area in the mouth

Another natural home remedy for toothaches involves a peppermint tea bag. This household item can help numb and soothe the pain of a toothache. Start by resting the tea bag in a cup of hot water for about two minutes, then, remove it from the water and allow it to cool down. Put the bag in the freezer for an extra soothing effect. You can then apply the frozen tea bag to the sore area on your gum to help numb and soothe the pain.

With these home remedies for toothaches you can certainly soothe and even heal a mild toothache. While ongoing toothaches are often a sign of underlying oral-health issues, such as an infection, tooth decay, and cavities, we will again stress how important it is to alert your dentist in Keller when symptoms occur continuously. You must also remember the importance of regular dental checkups and cleanings with Dr. Cornelius to ensure the prevention of said oral health issues.

Here at Cornelius Dental, we put our patients first and ensure the highest quality of care. If you are experiencing continuous tooth pain or need a checkup or cleaning, call us today to schedule out your next appointment. Your smile is our number one priority.

It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month

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family oral care

It’s February, and not only does that mean the month of love, but it is also National Children’s Dental Health Month. So, what is it all about? From a Keller dentist, we say the purpose of this month is awareness. Dentists and practices, healthcare providers, and educators come together in this month to spread awareness to parents all over the importance of their children’s oral health. We use this month as a time to remind parents to teach their children healthy oral habits from a young age as well as ensure they are regularly bringing their kids in for visits and checkups.

While tooth decay is preventable, it is much too common amongst children. Life gets busy and parents don’t prioritize enforcing healthy oral habits, including regular visits to their Keller dentist. This results in cavities and tooth decay. To make sure your child grows up with a healthy smile you want to instill these good habits in them from when they are little.

family dentist keller

The importance of oral health, in general, is not widely understood, in that many people are not aware of the direct correlation between oral health and overall health. What does it mean to practice good oral habits?

• Having your child brush at least twice a day (for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and water)

• Having your child floss at least once a day

• & Taking your child in to see their pediatric Keller dentist every 6 months from age 2 and up

We know it can be difficult to enforce these habits, so we have come up with some tips as well as ideas as to how you can make it a bit more fun…

  1. Make brushing a family activity
    oral care kidsWhen it’s time for your child to brush their teeth in the morning and evening, make it a family activity! Spend time with your child while teaching them how to brush their teeth properly. Making it fun will help your child to learn these habits.

  2. Allow your child to pick out their favorite toothbrush and toothpaste from the store
    If your child is able to express themselves and exhibit a little bit of control, they will more easily learn healthy oral habits. Let them pick out their favorite toothbrush and toothpaste from the store.

  3. Portray your child’s Keller dentist in a positive light

    family dentist in kellerYour child looks to you when it comes to understanding and interpreting different things in life. If you portray the dentist in a positive light, they will learn to associate dental visits that way too. When you have to make trips yourself to your Keller dentist, ensure your child doesn’t see any disappointment in this.

  4. Play your child’s favorite song during brushing time
    While many songs are around 2 minutes long, playing your child’s favorite song during brushing time not only makes it more fun but ensures they are brushing for the expert-suggested amount of time.

  5. Substitute healthier snacks over sugary ones

    healthy snacks healthy teeth kidsYour Keller dentist will remind you that sugar is your child’s teeth’s number one enemy. Many kid’s snacks are full of hidden sugars that encourage tooth decay in your child’s mouth. Try to switch to snacks that contain only naturally occurring sugars.

  6. Make sure your children are getting their fluoride

    This month’s NCDHM‘s slogan is, “Fluoride in water prevents cavities! Get it from the tap”! Be sure your kids are getting the fluoride they need to help prevent cavities. They should be using a toothpaste with fluoride, but they can also get healthy amounts of fluoride from tap water, or you as a parent can even consider getting them fluoride treatments from their Keller dentist.

Take these tips and tricks to make oral health care more fun. Practicing these habits with your child when they are young will ensure they have a healthier smile for life. Don’t neglect your own smile, make sure you are setting a good example for your child by visiting your family Keller dentist for a cleaning and checkup every 4 to 6 months.

Here at Brent Cornelius, D.D.S, our patient’s health is our priority. Keep you and your family smiling and call us today to schedule a checkup and cleaning.

 

5 Tips for A Healthier Smile | From your family dentist in Keller

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tips for a healthier smile

Taking your oral health seriously is immensely important. If you want your smile to last you a lifetime, you must ensure you are taking all the necessary steps to keep your mouth’s health in check. Make good oral care a habit by brushing your teeth two to three times a day as well as flossing at least once a day. Also, do your best to avoid food high in sugar and make sure to go every 4 to 6 months for a cleaning and checkup at your family dentist in Keller. You should also encourage healthy oral care habits with your children from a young age so that they can have a healthy smile for life too.

Your oral health is linked to your overall health, so it’s important to take it just as seriously. Keep reading to learn more about how you can get and maintain a healthier smile.

Practice good oral care

When your dentist stresses the importance of taking care of your teeth, it’s not just because teeth are his or her specialty. Your family dentist in Keller stresses the importance of this because they have seen the outcomes of not caring from one’s smile.

Practice good oral care by brushing your teeth 2 to 3 times a day. When you brush, make sure you use enough toothpaste (with fluoride) and that you are brushing for 2 minutes. Also, remember to replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 90 days. The first step to a healthier mouth is that of following the basic rules of brushing and flossing regularly.

You should be flossing at least once a day. Don’t skip this step, flossing is just as important as brushing. Flossing helps to keep your gums healthy, which are the home in which your teeth reside, so clearly they are pretty important!

Limit your sugar and acid intake


Two of your teeth’s worst enemies are sugar and acid. Foods and drinks that are highly acidic or sugary break down your teeth’s natural enamel. The bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay feed off of sugar, so the more sugar you consume, the higher the levels of these bacteria in your mouth. Avoid the obvious high sugar foods but lookout for food and drinks with hidden sugar as well, like many juices, some dried fruit snacks, and so on. Lower your acid intake by consuming less coffee, alcohol, as well as concentrated lemon, lime, etc.

Visit your dentist on a regular basis

teeth cleaning family dentist keller texas

It is very important to visit your family dentist in Keller regularly for cleanings and checkups. This should be about every 4 to 6 months, depending on your unique dental situation. Visiting your dentist regularly helps ensure a lower plaque buildup as well as allows him to catch any oral health issues early on before they can progress and cause permanent damage.

 

 

Quit smoking


Surely you already know how bad smoking is for your general health, however, you might not realize how damaging it is to your oral health. Smoking cigarettes is the number one cause of mouth, tongue, and throat cancer. Smoking cigarettes also leads to plaque buildup, bad breath, gum disease, and yellowing/staining of the teeth.

Boost your oral health, and your overall health, by making the decision to quit smoking.

Drink more water


Your body is about 60% water, so considering your body runs off it, it’s important to always stay hydrated. Drinking more water aids in not just your oral health, you’re your overall health. If you drink more water, you will likely see better functioning of your digestive system as well as healthier skin. Drinking water after a meal is great for helping to remove stuck food particles in between your teeth.

Need a family dentist in Keller that you can trust?

Follow these tips to help maintain a healthier smile as well as a healthier you. When choosing a family dentist in Keller, you want someone you can trust, someone who you know has your best interest at heart. Here at Brent Cornelius, D.D.S., that is exactly what we have to offer. Schedule an appointment by contacting us today.

What to Know Before Starting Invisalign in Keller, TX

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Invisalign in Keller

Invisalign in Keller, TX is a highly desired and innovative orthodontic technique and tool that was created to imitate the results achieved with metal braces. The difference is that Invisalign uses clear aligners rather than metals, wires, glue, and brackets; therefore giving a much more desirable appeal aesthetically as well as in regard to comfort.

Invisalign is highly beneficial to those who desire a straight smile but are concerned with the aesthetics of the technique used to straighten their smile. Invisalign has many benefits, that are recognizable as a choice over metal braces, but that doesn’t mean they are for every person. To learn if clear aligners are for you, continue reading and make an appointment with your family dentist in Keller.

#1 Your clear aligners need to be worn pretty much 24/7 (that is, about 22 hours every day)

You do have the option to remove your clear aligners and are of course supposed to whenever you eat or drink anything besides water, however, if you think you will be tempted to take them out for longer periods than that, then Invisalign may not be for you. Not wearing your clear aligners for the recommended time periods will likely lead to you not getting the results you desire. If you do not wear your clear aligners as prescribed, it will only end up costing you more time and money down the line.

#2 Ensure you will be able to keep track of your clear aligners

Invisalign in Keller When you have Invisalign, it is your responsibility to ensure you keep track of them (as well as take care of them). This means always storing them in their case when they are not in your mouth. This also means cleaning them daily. If you are taking them out more than you are supposed to, you will find that misplacing them is even easier. Not storing them in their proper case when you take them out often leads to lost or damaged aligners.

#3 You need to up your oral care

Regular oral care involves brushing your teeth twice a day as well as flossing once a day. This changes when you have Invisalign, as it is best to brush your teeth after every meal. The reason for this is that when you put your aligners back in after a meal, if there is any food leftover or stuck in between your teeth, the aligners will shield your teeth from your saliva. This puts your teeth at higher risk for decay as saliva aids in naturally dissolving or removing some of the left-over food particles.

#4 Invisalign isn’t always the best option for children or teenagers

Invisalign in KellerWhen considering Invisalign in Keller, often parents decide against clear aligners for their children over traditional metal braces for the reasons above. Kids and young adults are more prone to losing dental ware as well as not taking as good of care of their dental ware as they should. You know your child best, consider their level of responsibility to make the decision whether they should have traditional metal braces or Invisalign in Keller.

#5 You have to keep your aligners clean

Keeping your clear aligners clean is very important. You need to ensure you soak them in the prescribed solution. You also need to brush them gently with a toothbrush every morning and at night before you go to sleep. It is often recommended to avoid using toothpaste to clean your aligners but rather a prescribed solution or a gentle dishwashing soap.

#6 Similar to traditional metal braces, Invisalign will produce slight discomfort from time to time

Invisalign in KellerAlthough clear aligners appear sleeker and less intense, they are still working to do the same job and produce the same result as traditional metal braces.

In order for your teeth to be straightened, you will need to be prepared for slight discomfort for a couple of days whenever you first put in a new aligner. You will become more accustomed to this over time.

#7 You need to keep regular dental appointments

While keeping up with regular dental appointments is always important, it is even more important when you have Invisalign. Ensure you are visiting your family dentist in Keller ever 3 to 6 months for cleanings and checkups. You will need to come in to have a new aligner fitted every 1 to 2 weeks or as specified by your Keller dentist.

Taking the next step

If you are considering getting Invisalign in Keller but have more questions about these clear aligners and if they are right for you, give us a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our caring doctors.

How to Prevent Dry Mouth While Sleeping

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how to prevent dry mouth from your keller dentistAs a dentist in Keller, I often have patients asking “why do I have dry mouth at night?” or “how can I prevent dry mouth”. If you are someone who suffers from dry mouth, you understand the frustration of the condition. Dry mouth interferes with your quality of life, and especially, getting a good night’s sleep. It is quite a common condition and typically exhibits its worst symptoms during the night when you are trying to sleep. The condition is caused by a lack of saliva production in the mouth via the salivary glands. This lack of saliva production leads to a lack of necessary moisture within the mouth. Your family dentist in Keller will reassure you of the important role that saliva plays in the mouth, aside from just keeping it from becoming dry. Saliva helps to suppress the levels of acid and bacteria in the mouth which cause problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, as well as bad breath. Keeping reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and remedies for dry mouth.

The symptoms

If you are experiencing dry mouth at night you will likely notice a few or even all of the following symptoms:

  • Frequently needing to drink water throughout the night
  • Waking up because you feel like you can’t get a breath through your mouth – because it is so dry
  • A sore throat when you wake up in the morning
  • Dry/chapped lips
  • Dry scratchy throat
  • Bad breath in the morning or even throughout the day
  • A buildup of thick saliva in the morning
  • A sore tongue

The causes

What people fail to note is that the simple cause of their dry mouth is due to them breathing through their mouth too much while they are sleeping. The reasons for breathing through one’s mouth at night are usually due to one of the following reasons:

  • A plugged up nasal cavity due to allergies or a cold (swollen tissues in the nose as a result of an irritation)
  • Mouth ware such as bite splints, dental retainers, etc.
  • Sleep apnea and sleep apnea treatment devices such as a CPAP mask
  • Other breathing troubles due to other conditions
  • Dehydration (often as a result of excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine) 

Prevention of dry mouth at night

As the best-reviewed dentist in Keller, I recommend the following DIY (do it yourself) solutions at home that can help you to prevent the symptoms of dry mouth at night. While it is important to try and identify the underlying cause, in the meantime, you can try these tactics to help your symptoms:

  • Put a humidifier in your room at night to help raise the moisture levels in the air
  • Avoid the use of tobacco
  • Don’t have too much caffeine or alcohol before you go to sleep
  • Try to stay away from acidic or spicy foods for dinner
  • Avoid eating too late at night
  • Drink more water and ensure you stay hydrated
  • Try a nasal spray, nasal strips, or a menthol rub before you go to sleep to help open up your nasal cavity
  • Chew sugar-free gum during the day (gum triggers the saliva glands to produce more saliva)
  • Ensure you are taking good care of your mouth and teeth, i.e., proper brushing and flossing
  • Try out available over-the-counter dry mouth sprays, mouthwashes, toothpaste, and gum
family dentist in Keller

Call us today, your family dentist in Keller

It is immensely important to take your oral health seriously. Your oral health is the gateway to your overall health. Make it a priority by ensuring you regularly visit your family dentist in Keller for checkups and cleanings. Here at Brent Cornelius, DDS, our caring team of experts wants to help, call us today to schedule an appointment.

 

 

Home Remedies for Toothaches

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If you are having trouble with an ongoing toothache, it’s important that you take the time to go see your family dentist in Keller to identify what could be the underlying cause.

If you know what is causing that toothache, you will be more efficiently able to alleviate your symptoms such as pain, sensitivity, discomfort when eating and drinking, and swelling.

While your day is full of tasks that involve the use of your mouth, from drinking to eating to speaking, an ongoing toothache can immensely affect the quality of your day to day life.

Try these home remedies to help alleviate the pain of your toothache

Short-term or infrequent toothaches can be taken a bit more lightly and there are some home remedies that you can try to help alleviate said temporary toothache. However, it is important to keep in mind the importance of going to see your family dentist in Keller if your toothache lasts for more than a day or two. If you are experiencing a mild, short-term toothache, or perhaps waiting to get into your dentist for a checkup, you can try out these at-home remedies.

#1 Gargle with warm salt water

The first thing to try if you are suffering from a toothache is to gargle warm salt water. Mix a glass of warm water with about a 1/3 teaspoon of sea salt, stir it and allow some of the salt to dissolve, then swish this mixture around in your mouth for 30 seconds. Gargle with this mixture about three times a day for the best results.

Saltwater is a natural disinfectant and it will help to cleanse the area where you are experiencing pain. It is one of the most popular treatments for not just toothaches, but other oral ailments. This can also help to keep your entire mouth and teeth clean as well as reduce inflammation and swelling which can then reduce the pain.

#2 Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide, similar to saltwater rinsing, helps to kill any harmful bacteria that could be contributing to your toothache symptoms. It can help reduce inflammation which can then help reduce the pain. While it kills germs, it can also reduce plaque and aid in gum health.

When you make this hydrogen peroxide mix, you will want to take equal parts water to dilute the hydrogen peroxide. Swish this mixture around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds. Make sure to not swallow any of the mixture, but to spit it out in the sink.

#3 Rub a bit of clove oil on the area

Clove oil is often used to numb pain. First, wash your hands well, then take a bit of organic clove oil on a cotton ball and rub it on the sore area. Many people have said that this natural solution is just as effective as some over-the-counter oral antiseptics.

#4 Apply a cold compress on the area

Wrap a cold ice pack in a towel and apply it on the cheek of the sore tooth. Do not leave the cold pack on for more than 20 minutes at a time as it can irritate the skin. This method can be done several times a day. Cold compresses work by narrowing the blood vessels in the area they are applied, which in turn helps to reduce inflammation and swelling and therefore alleviate some of the pain.

Visit your family dentist in Keller

family dentist keller

If you follow these home remedies, they will help to relieve you of your toothache pain. Keep in mind these remedies are only temporary and it is important to see your dentist if your toothache persists for more than a day or 2. Toothaches can be symptoms of oral problems like tooth decay, and cavities, so it is important to ensure you are regularly seeing your dentist for a teeth cleaning in Keller.

 

 

Our trusted and experienced team at Brent Cornelius, D.D.S can provide you with the kind of care that makes you feel like family. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Defining “Bio-” Terms That You Will Hear

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As you will notice over the course of your experience with our dental practice, there are a lot of important terms that begin with “bio-.” Why so, you wonder? Well, when it comes to dental care, one of our goals is to provide you with treatments that allow your smile to look natural and lifelike, that protect the tissue in your mouth, and that do not cause harm or irritation. As you may know, “bio” means “life.” We think a few particular terms will help clue you in a bit more as to how all of this works together to protect your oral health.

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Overstimulated Senses: What To Do During Dental Visits

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What is it that gets you feeling nervous about your dental visits? Do you simply find that you feel overstimulated by all of the different scents going on? Do you feel jumpy as a result of the foreign noises? Perhaps the way things taste is a bit of sensory overload. To help you feel nice and relaxed during your care, we suggest you consider some helpful suggestions that can easily take the edge off and help you feel calm and centered.

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Keller’s Annual Campout

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There’s nothing quite like camping out beneath the beautiful, big open sky as the weather warms up! If you couldn’t agree more, you’ll be thrilled to be reminded that it’s time to join fellow enthusiasts in the community at Keller’s Annual Campout. Gather up friends, family, and all the camping gear you need for some good old fashioned time outdoors.

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Invisalign Treatment Quiz: Why Choose It?

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When we’re talking with you about Invisalign treatment to align your smile, what do you think about all of the details? Do you immediately figure that you should go ahead and begin treatment right away because you’d love a more uniform smile? Do you feel like you need a bit more motivation, so you can make a final decision? To ensure you’re on track with what makes Invisalign a wonderful choice for many patients, we offer a helpful quiz.

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