dentist | Dr. David Blake Lawlor, DDS, LLC Mon, 23 Apr 2018 19:21:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 The Basics: Tooth Hazards /the-basics-tooth-hazards/ Mon, 23 Apr 2018 19:21:31 +0000 https://www.burtonwichitadentistry.com/?p=408 Building a better dental profile includes minimizing risks that can slowly destroy your smile. Whether by immediate dental damage or damage that wears down your teeth over time, it’s always a good idea to have effective treatment plans in place to help prevent tooth hazard risks that may arise. The more you do to keep your smile safe, the less likely you are to suffer from dental damage and tooth failure.

Are you aware of the risks associated with oral accidents and injuries? As an oral accident can arise at any time, it is important to have some sort of risk prevention treatments in place to avoid common risks that can arise. If you’re playing any contact sports, it’s quite easy for your teeth to get knocked out, so you want to make sure that you’re always wearing some form of safety equipment including a mouth guard or face mask.

Another common risk is due to tooth hazards associated with tongue piercings. A tongue piercing may be impressive visually, but it can put your smile at risk because it can easily end up damaging your smile. If a tongue piercing is placed incorrectly, immediate nerve damage can occur. Furthermore, tongue piercings can lead to choking hazards or allergic reactions that can swell up your airway, as well as infectious diseases such as endocarditis.

Never bite into products that are not meant to be chewed on. This includes chewing on ice or cough drops, as not only can they cause dental enamel wear, but they can easily chip or crack your teeth as well. Furthermore, avoid biting into products that are not meant to be chewed on, including pencils, pen caps or even your own fingernails.

Are you in need of a dentist in Wichita, Kansas, for tooth hazard prevention? If so, our team at Dr. David Blake Lawlor, DDS, LLC can assist you. Dr. Blake Lawlor and our team can give you a complete oral examination to help you with tooth hazard risk prevention or any other oral health care needs you may have. Our number is 316-684-5511.

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Oral Health Tips for Athletes /oral-health-tips-for-athletes/ Tue, 23 Jan 2018 21:54:49 +0000 https://www.burtonwichitadentistry.com/?p=399 If you want a top-notch oral health as an athlete, then you need to take good care of your teeth, gums, and smile. This is very important because if you’re not careful, your oral health can suffer the consequences. In fact, there is a chance you can suffer dental problems and dental injuries. So, it’s best to keep your smile in tip-top shape. To help you do so, our dentists, Dr. Blake Lawlor, encourages you to do the following things:

-Wear a mouthguard: A mouthguard is a strong and reliable appliance that covers your arch of teeth. This appliance protects your smile when hard, forceful objects hit your mouth. This is possible because it absorbs all the force that is applied when the mouth is hit. This helps you avoid dental emergencies, like knocked-out and broken teeth.

-Avoid sports drinks: Whether you believe it or not, sports drinks are loaded with sugar. So, when you drink them, you increase your chances of having cavities. It’s best to avoid drinking sports drinks altogether and just drink water instead.

-Care for your smile each day: To properly clean and care for your teeth and gums, you need to brush twice a day, floss and rinse daily, and visit your dentist every six months for a routine dental cleaning and exam.

Do you have any questions about how to have a top-notch oral health in Wichita, Kansas? If so, please contact our dental office today at 316-684-5511. Our dental team is here to help you in any way we can, and we look forward to giving you the answers to your questions!

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Brush Up on Brushing Basics and Return to the Fundamentals /brush-up-on-brushing-basics-and-return-to-the-fundamentals/ Thu, 19 Oct 2017 03:32:09 +0000 https://www.burtonwichitadentistry.com/?p=392 When was the last time you researched the brushing basics? If it has been awhile, you might be a little behind on the recommended ways to brush. Either way, brushing up on brushing techniques and returning to brushing fundamentals can help you and your smile. To help you, our dentist, Dr. Blake Lawlor, is happy to share some information and tips.

First, remember to brush your teeth twice each day for two minutes each time. This is important because a thorough and frequent brushing technique will help you thoroughly remove the harmful substances from your teeth and gumline. If you have a hard time remembering to brush, set reminders for yourself. If you have a hard time brushing for two minutes, set a timer or listen to a short song when you brush.

Second, remember to use the proper equipment when brushing, like a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. The soft bristles will clean the chompers and care for the oral tissues. The fluoride toothpaste will strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities and enamel erosion. When you have used your toothbrush for longer than 4 months, please replace it.

Third, remember to keep your toothbrush clean. You can do this by rinsing the toothbrush bristles with warm water and then storing your brush in an upright position so the bristles can air dry. Don’t put a toothbrush cover on the brush until the bristles are dry.

Call Dr. David Blake Lawlor, DDS, LLC today at 316-684-5511, Kansas. Our dental team will be thrilled to help you. We look forward to your phone call!

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Taking Care of Your Toothbrush /taking-care-of-your-toothbrush/ Thu, 21 Sep 2017 18:32:05 +0000 https://www.burtonwichitadentistry.com/?p=387 Taking care of your toothbrush is vital to good health care habits for your mouth. When you take proper care of your brush, it can, in turn, take proper care of your teeth!

First, don’t try to make your toothbrush last for too long. Toothbrushes only last 3-4 months! This means you need a new toothbrush every season of the year. Use the opportunity to treat yourself to a favorite color or style. Make sure that when buying a toothbrush, you choose one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal guarantees a great product. If you are in a place that doesn’t have the ADA Seal available, be sure to choose the softest-bristled toothbrush you can find. Soft bristled allow the toothbrush to work effectively without damaging your gums or enamel. Toothbrushes need to be replaced sooner if the bristled look worn or frayed.

When you have purchased your new toothbrush, be sure to store it properly. It should be stored upright, in open air, away from other toothbrushes. If you need to store it by other toothbrushes, make sure the heads don’t touch, as this can lead to cross-contamination.

After using your toothbrush (for two minutes, twice a day!), clean it gently by running it under warm water to remove any debris or food particles. Then return it to its upright position, allowing the moisture to drain and the bristles to dry off. This will help limit bacterial growth on your toothbrush.

Of course, it is important to support your toothbrush’s efforts by going to the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. To schedule an appointment in Wichita, Kansas, call Dr. David Blake Lawlor, DDS, LLC at 316-684-5511. Dr. Blake Lawlor and our team will help keep your mouth in great shape!

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Protect Your Smile Today Using a Mouth Guard /protect-your-smile-today-using-a-mouth-guard/ Wed, 19 Jul 2017 15:27:11 +0000 https://www.burtonwichitadentistry.com/?p=380 One thing you can do to protect your smile while playing in competitive sports or games is using a mouth guard. This is an effective and protective tool to avoid a dental injury. Dr. David Blake Lawlor, DDS, LLC and our team strive to give you the best protection for your teeth while making sure you can perform comfortably in your physical activities.

Created to protect teeth against cutting or biting of the lips and other injuries, mouth guards reduce these risks greatly. Risks that often occur without a mouth guard include lip or cheek lacerations, root damage, chipped/broken teeth, a fractured jaw, or damaging a restoration. These are especially important when if you are wearing braces.

Different mouth guards include these three accessible options: stock, “boil and bite,” customized guards. Stock mouth guards are one of the least expensive dental guards you can find at a store. These aren’t usually recommended since they tend to be uncomfortable and a bulky fit.

“Boil and bite” guards are specified to your teeth when they are put in boiling water until it softens the material enough so you can bite into it. This forms into your tooth shape. The bite will fit comfortably and protect your smile if directions are followed closely. These can be found in many sporting goods stores.

Custom-made mouth guards are made from an impression at your dentist’s office. This is specifically designed to your teeth’s specifications and made in either a special factory or your dentist’s office. This is the preferred guard for athletes, due to its fit and comfortability, although it tends to cost more.

Visit Dr. Blake Lawlor and our dental professionals to see what mouth guard is best for you and smile. Our team in Wichita, Kansas, wants you to have the protection you need so give us a call at 316-684-5511 today!

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Can Bad Breath Be Easily Treated? /can-bad-breath-be-easily-treated/ Fri, 30 Jun 2017 00:03:23 +0000 https://www.burtonwichitadentistry.com/?p=378 Did you know that bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an oral health disorder caused by foul odors emanating from your mouth? Oftentimes, these odors arise from bacteria. If you are unsure what is causing your bad breath, ask yourself the following questions:

– Do you have any plaque buildup on your teeth and gums, which is a known cause of bad breath?
– Do you take any medications that list bad breath as a side effect?
– Do you ever brush and floss your teeth properly?
– Do you ever use mouthwash or similar cleaning tool to help freshen your breath?
– Do you suffer from gum disease or appear to have gum tissue that is possibly infected?
– Do you have any dentures, which can cause bad breath if they become contaminated and are not cleaned daily?
– Do you suffer from any liver and kidney problems, or respiratory tract infections?

If you want to experience the joys of a bad breath treatment system at Dr. David Blake Lawlor, DDS, LLC, simply call us at 316-684-5511 to schedule an appointment at our dentist office in Wichita, Kansas. Dr. Blake Lawlor and our team look forward to enhancing your smile.

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Common Questions About Toothbrushes /common-questions-about-toothbrushes/ Tue, 11 Apr 2017 21:55:44 +0000 https://www.burtonwichitadentistry.com/?p=372 Although brushing is teeth is a vital part of our oral health care, we often fail to give the necessary amount of attention to the tool that accomplishes this task, the toothbrush. If your toothbrush is inadequate or damaged, then its ability to brush properly will be hindered. Listed below are common questions about caring for toothbrushes:

True or False: Standard toothbrushes need to be replaced every 3-4 months.
a.) True
b.) False

True or False: Sharing toothbrushes with others can cause cross-contamination to occur.
a.) True
b.) False

Which of the following attributes should you look for in a toothbrush?
a.) Soft bristles
b.) Brush heads that comfortably fit into your mouth
c.) Brushes that can easily and effectively reach all areas within your mouth
d.) All of the above

Which of the following habits can damage your toothbrush?
a.) Storing your toothbrush in an upright position
b.) Brushing too hard or for too long
c.) Using your toothbrush for tasks other than cleaning your teeth
d.) Both b and c

Answer Key: a, a, d, d

If you would like to set up an appointment to discuss your oral health treatment options with Dr. Blake Lawlor and our team at Dr. David Blake Lawlor, DDS, LLC, please call 316-684-5511 to set up a visit to our dentist office in Wichita, Kansas. Get the smile you’ve always dreamed of!

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Root Resorption: The Facts /root-resorption-the-facts/ Fri, 13 Jan 2017 22:28:52 +0000 https://www.burtonwichitadentistry.com/?p=365 When your little one’s teeth fall out, they actually go through a process known as resorption. During this process, the roots of your child’s teeth will be reabsorbed into the gums, which allow the teeth to fall out. However, adults could also have resorption, which could lead to a number of problems. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to address this issue.

Tooth trauma and tooth decay could each trigger tooth resorption. Similarly, if you suffer from teeth grinding—also known as bruxism—you could suffer from inflammation, which could also trigger this issue. Cavities, genetics, and nutritional deficiencies have also all been linked to resorption as well.

Root resorption may be difficult to spot. Because of this fact, many individuals don’t have the issue addressed until it’s too late. To avoid this problem, we strongly recommend visiting our team at Dr. David Blake Lawlor, DDS, LLC regularly—typically once every six months. Doing so will give our team a chance to spot and address these types of issues before they become too severe.

If your case is minor, our dentist may be able to remove the affected portion of the tooth and fill it like they would a cavity. If the damage is more extensive and has affected your dentin—which is an inner layer of your teeth—we may recommend root canal therapy. If the issue is severe enough, we may suggest a tooth extraction.

If you’re interested in learning more about resorption, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. David Blake Lawlor, DDS, LLC at 316-684-5511. Our dentist, Dr. Blake Lawlor will be happy to examine your teeth and answer any questions you have. We’re excited to hear from you soon!

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Positive Oral Health Restoration Options /positive-oral-health-restoration-options/ Tue, 18 Oct 2016 15:58:52 +0000 https://www.burtonwichitadentistry.com/?p=359 This time of year is not always easy to keep your oral health in excellent shape with so many candies and treats at our fingertips. That is why our team here at Dr. David Blake Lawlor, DDS, LLC is happy to give you information on different dental health restoration options for you choose from when restoring your oral health.

Any dental restoration in Wichita, Kansas, can be nerve-wracking if you don’t know enough information about it. Thankfully, we have provided a list for you, so you know what to expect with any one of these restoration options.

-Dental fillings: Dental fillings are known for repairing cavities to restore your smile from tooth decay. This is commonly used in thousands of dental offices today.

-Dental bridges: Dental bridges are successful restorations that permanently replace your missing teeth without the need for oral surgery. They can replace one or more missing teeth in a row, and they are anchored to the remaining natural teeth next to it to complete your smile.

-Dental crowns: Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over a tooth. These caps cover the entire surface of your tooth and give it a natural-looking appearance. They are helpful when you have broken, fractured, worn down, or weak teeth.

If you still have questions, please call our office at 316-684-5511 today! Our team is happy to take your call and give you a smile you can be proud of! So, spook away poor oral health, and bring your smile back to positive oral health. Don’t be afraid of your smile this season. We are happy to help give you the smile you always dreamed of.

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The Facts about E-Cigarettes /the-facts-about-e-cigarettes/ Fri, 29 Jul 2016 22:28:01 +0000 https://www.burtonwichitadentistry.com/?p=353 E-cigarettes tend to be a popular alternative to the conventional cigarette. While avoiding traditional smoke may be useful, there is still some risk to using e-cigarettes.  While using e-cigarettes may not be great for your overall health, would you be surprised to learn that they can affect your oral health as well?

The issue is nicotine; e-cigarettes still allow nicotine into your body. Unfortunately, nicotine can—and will—contribute to receding gums, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Similarly, nicotine restricts blood flow to your gums, meaning they won’t receive enough oxygen—which can lead to a number of issues.

Similarly, because nicotine causes your blood vessels to constrict, you may not be able to notice the symptoms of gum disease—and could also be responsible for causing your gum disease. Unfortunately, oxygen deprivation will actually prevent your teeth from bleeding or swelling. This condition could make it difficult for you to notice certain dental issues and could potentially fool your dentist as well.

Also, please remember that your jaws are extremely powerful, but they can be affected by e-cigarettes as well. If you use an e-cigarette, you could ultimately find yourself grinding your teeth. Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding can lead to a series of major problems, such as headaches, tooth loss, and shifting teeth. If you smoke e-cigarettes, you could also suffer from dry mouth which makes you more prone to cavities.

If you would like to learn more about e-cigarettes, we can help. Our dentist, Dr Blake Lawlor, and our team can help assess your mouth and determine your needs. To schedule an appointment with us, please call us today at 316-684-5511. We look forward to hearing from you!

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