Swollen gums can indicate a number of different dental health problems. They act like the check engine light that comes on when there is a problem in your car. In much the same way, swollen gums alert you that something is wrong. Identifying the accompanying symptoms will allow your general dentist to determine what the problem is. Here are some of the possible causes of swollen gums.
Read MoreDoes Coconut Oil Pulling Have Oral Health Benefits?
A recent oral health craze called coconut oil pulling has become extremely popular on social media sites such as Facebook and Pinterest, as well as throughout segments of the holistic health community, but does it actually work? As you are probably aware, many DIY health crazes fall short of being a “miracle cure,” and so our Knoxville Dentistry practice wanted to deliver the facts and myths surrounding this oral hygiene routine to provide our current and future patients with the most up-to-date information. In this article, we examine how coconut oil pulling works, if it works, and what, if any, are the claimed oral health benefits.
Read MoreTips for Inspiring Good Dental Health Habits in Your Kids
As a parent, you want your kids to grow up healthy and strong, and it is your responsibility to help them get there. Maintaining good dental health is an important aspect of your child’s health and wellness, so it is crucial that you teach them how to keep their mouth healthy. Here are some easy tips to help you inspire good dental health habits in your kids that will stick with them for the rest of their lives.
Read MoreA Letter to Our Patients Regarding Reopening Plans
To All Our Valued Patients,
Like many healthcare providers and businesses, our regular schedule and hours have been altered due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Over the past few weeks, we have seen patients on an emergency only basis and have been working to reschedule patients as we could. As we near the expiration date of Executive Order 31 from Governor Bill Lee limiting dental procedures, we have worked to create a “back in office” plan that functions to promote a safe and healthy environment for our patients and staff.
Read More10 Bad Dental Habits to Leave Behind
There are many opportunities for change and self-improvement throughout the course of our lifetimes. People set goals to better themselves in health and fitness, but dental health is usually left by the wayside. However, taking care of your teeth is vital for your overall health. Many of us are pretty consistent about maintaining good dental health habits—we brush our teeth, floss, and visit the dentist regularly—but we also tend to keep our bad habits with us over the years, too. Here are the top ten bad habits for your teeth and how you can break them in order to practice good dental care.
Read MoreNew Protocols in Place Post 3/23/2020 Executive Order with Update for 4/8/2020 Exec. Order
Update: On April 8, 2020. Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order 25 that limits non-emergency healthcare procedures until at least May 1, 2020. This means our offices will remain closed to non-emergency procedures at this time. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Read MoreImportant Information Regarding Appointments Effective 3/19/2020
To our patients and their families,
Effective Thursday, March 19, 2020, we will be suspending all dental hygiene appointments. If you have an appointment scheduled for essential dental work that does not require a drill or water spray, such as crown placements or denture work, our team will still be able to see you; however, other appointments will be rescheduled for a later date. If you are unsure if your appointment is essential, please give us a call at either office.
With the American Dental Association recommending that dentists nationwide postpone elective procedures in response to the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, our offices will only see patients with essential dental care needs, i.e. abscess tooth issues, toothaches and pain, problems related to crowns. By doing this we hope to:
- Minimize patient as well as staff risk of exposure to the virus.
- Preserve personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical masks, gloves, and eyewear should they become needed in other situations.
We will be conducting essential and emergency visits in both offices. Here are a couple of factors to keep in mind when determining essential, urgent, or emergency needs:
- Patient is in pain.
- Infection is present.
- Nontreatment would severely inhibit normal operation of patient’s teeth and mouth or negatively impact their health in the next three to six months.
If you have any questions, concerns, or are wondering if your next visit qualifies as essential, please give us a call. Our team will be available to speak with you and guide you through this time.
University of Tennessee Medical Center Office – (865) 305-9440
West Knoxville Office — (865) 500-5700
Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus at University General Dentists
The coronavirus, or COVID-19, has been labeled by the World Health Organization as a pandemic. To help prevent the spread of the disease, University General Dentists is taking extra precautions and is following all the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the American Dental Association (ADA). Your health is our top priority, and we are doing everything we can to protect you from the spread of COVID-19.
Read MoreInfection Control: Why It’s Important in the Dental Office
No matter the reason for your visit to your dental care provider, infection control is important to the safety and effectiveness of your oral health. Procedures and recommendations established by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) help prevent transmission of infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV in the dental office. Here’s a list of just a few reasons why infection control is vital in the dental practice.
Read MoreWhy Do My Teeth Hurt? — 15 Possible Causes of Your Tooth Pain
Have you ever woken up one day and your teeth just started hurting, seemingly for no reason? There are a number of different conditions that can cause tooth pain. Some can be easily resolved on your own while others will require a trip to your general dentist. Here are some of the most common possible causes of your tooth pain.
Read More