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Having a Fever Along with a Toothache Is Never Something to Ignore | Issaquah Dentist

If you have a toothache, then you want to consider all of the symptoms that you have. This is because when there is a fever that comes along with the aching tooth, then you need to make sure to have this looked at.

Why a Fever is a Bad Thing with a Toothache

If you don’t have the flu or a viral bug but a toothache that doesn’t go away and continues to persist, then you may have an infection. This infection can travel through the body and into places you don’t want it to reach. It can become dangerous to the person.

This is why it is important to speak with our office when you notice a toothache. Having it taken care of right away is always the best way to go about any sort of oral pain.

If you do not contact us immediately, and the pain persists, plus you develop a fever, then you need to contact us right away. This is a dental emergency and you need to speak with our dentists regarding a pain medication, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic that you should be started on.

Usually, when there is pain and a fever, you will also notice a painful, pus filled area under, to the side or inside of the infected tooth. This is an abscess that is filling with the infection. Our dentists can take care of this issue for you.

Reach Out to Us Now for Help Managing Your Situation

Speak with us today regarding the toothache and fever that you have. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and our dentists are equipped to handle it. We will provide you with a way to get the help needed so you can take care of the infection and tooth, while also removing the pain. You don’t have to deal with it, call us now.

For more information about toothache pains, call Dr. Frank S. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Sciabica proudly serve patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

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How Does a Rainbow Diet Improve Your Oral Health? | Issaquah Dentist

We don’t know about you, but rainbows have always been our friends. We love the beautiful spectrum of color, in a harmonious palette that the rainbow brings us. Did you know, however, that you can also experience feelings of joy and harmony when you eat the rainbow as well?

Rainbow Eating

Eating the rainbow is actually a very simple concept. Rather than try to understand all of the complicated nutritional formulas that are out there, you can make sure that you have a variety of fruits and vegetables available for you to eat. Each color represents a different nutritional value with regard to vitamins and minerals.

For example, eating orange colored fruits and veggies means you are putting Vitamin C in your body, which is essential for healthy gums and circulation in your mouth. Each color means that a different vitamin, mineral, or value is added. Red colored fruits and veggies produce increased levels of Resveratrol, which means that it has anti-cancer properties, including oral cancers and throat cancers.

Yellow veggies or fruits mean that you can protect your mouth and throat from the effects of food allergies. Yellow citrus also works to protect existing body structures free from cancer and disease. Leafy greens are good for the calcium in your teeth, but they are also excellent for maintaining gum health and gum circulation. Blues and purples contain acids to improve gum health as well.

If you eat the rainbow, you not only improve your dental health, but you also improve your overall health as well. A rainbow diet also helps to prevent some types of cancer including stomach, mouth, esophageal, breast and prostate cancer.

Questions about eating the rainbow or eating in general to maintain good oral health? Why not give us a call? We can talk with you about your oral health and steps you can take to make it better.

For more information about diet improvements, call Dr. Frank S. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Sciabica proudly serve patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

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Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth | Issaquah Dentist

A lot of people have sensitive teeth, but they may not have realized what that meant until it was officially diagnosed. We see people all the time who are showing symptoms of having sensitive teeth. Do you have sensitive teeth? If you are not sure, we can help.

The symptoms show up slowly, so you may be in the early stages of a problem. Here are a few symptoms to watch out for if you think you may be slowly getting sensitive teeth.

Temperature Changes Cause Discomfort

The first symptom that most people note when developing sensitive teeth is that temperature changes in their mouth begin to cause them discomfort. If you have started to notice that going from standard body temperature to either hot or cold temperatures starts to make your mouth a bit sore, this could be due to increased tooth sensitivity. Some people only have discomfort with one temperature, usually cold, while others get discomfort with both.

Sensitive Teeth Can Also Lead to Headaches

If you have started getting more headaches, it could also be a symptom of sensitive teeth. When your teeth become more sensitive, no matter what the sensitivity is, it can lead to pain and pressure in your head. When you avoid the items you have developed a sensitivity to, the headaches should subside. If you have noticed this pattern, you need to come in for a checkup.

People all around the world struggle with the discomfort of sensitive teeth on a daily basis. Thankfully, we can do a lot to minimize, if not eliminate, sensitive teeth. Call our office today and let us see what we can do to help you remove that type of discomfort from your life. Just because you find yourself shying away from certain items now, does not mean you need to live the rest of your life like that.

For more information about sensitive teeth, call Dr. Frank S. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Sciabica proudly serve patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

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Calcium Needs to Be a Big Part of Your Diet When Restoring Your Oral Health | Issaquah Dentist

If you think about calcium, you probably already know that it is essential for healthy bones. Do you know that it is just as important for your oral health? Of course, you need calcium to keep your teeth strong, but it is also needed for your jaw.

Calcium is also important in muscle health. It is absolutely essential when it comes to oral health. What happens if you have had problems, and you are trying to restore your oral health? Do you still need calcium? The answer is a resounding yes!

Each Part of Your Mouth

There is not a part of your mouth that does not need calcium. It is found even your blood vessels and nerves. When trying to restore oral health, you will want to make sure that you ingest enough each day. Not only will you end up with a healthier jaw and teeth, it will help you to heal.

Calcium and Gum Disease

In many cases, a calcium deficiency can be linked to gum disease. In several studies, people who had enough calcium in their diets had healthier gums than people who were not getting enough calcium. Gum disease can lead to other health issues beside just oral ones.

Sources of Calcium

Dairy is possibly the best-known source of calcium. Milk, cheese, and low-sugar yogurt are all great sources. Leafy green vegetables are another great way to add calcium to your diet. Supplements can help as well.

If you have oral troubles because of a lack of calcium, you need to make an appointment to see us right away. A calcium deficiency can lead to tooth loss and other problems. We would like to help you to turn things around and to get back on the right track.

For more information about calcium, call Dr. Frank S. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Sciabica proudly serve patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

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Bruxism Needs to Get Treatment Before It Breaks Your Teeth | Issaquah Dentist

Many people suffer from the involuntary habit of grinding or clenching their teeth while they are sleeping. Known as bruxism, this habit can do more than just annoy your spouse or partner.

If it is left untreated for long enough, bruxism can result in jaw problems, chronic headache, uneven and accelerated tooth wear, and even tooth breakage. If you suffer from bruxism, it is very important that you seek out treatment as soon as you can.

What Causes Bruxism, and What Can Be Done?

The exact cause of bruxism will vary from person to person. Contributing factors include stress levels, a bite patter that is abnormal, a misalignment in the jaw, and other similar conditions. Regardless of the exact cause, the symptoms are similar, and the outcome can be devastating.

Fortunately, there are a number of treatments for bruxism. Depending on what is causing your bruxism, the treatment could be as simple as wearing a specially crafted mouth guard while you sleep. In some cases, you may need to undergo more extensive treatment. In rare cases, you might even need surgery.

Aside from undergoing proactive treatments as outlined above, you might want to consider cutting back on certain things. If you consume a great deal of caffeine or alcohol, this could be contributing to your bruxism. Also, if you are in the habit of chewing anything that is not food—such as pens, pencils, or even chewing gum—you might want to reconsider. These habits train your jaw muscles to clench and will contribute to bruxism.

Get Treatment Right Away

If you think you might have bruxism, you should come see us right away. You might think that it’s not a big deal, but the truth of the matter is that bruxism can lead to serious problems if you neglect it long enough. It is even possible to crack or break your teeth.

So, don’t wait. Contact us today and let us help.

For more information about bruxism, call Dr. Frank S. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Sciabica proudly serve patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

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Types of Oral Cancer Screening Tests | Issaquah Dentist

There are many important reasons to keep up with your regular dental exams, and oral cancer screening is one of the most important.

Everyone should have regular oral cancer screenings, but if you smoke, drink regularly, spend a lot of time in the sun, or have a history of oral cancer, you will be at a heightened risk for this disease. Fortunately, there are screening methods that can detect problems early.

Basic Oral Cancer Screening Test

Our basic oral cancer screening tests involve a thorough look at the inside of the mouth. This includes the lips, gums, tongue, and all sides of the mouth. In some cases, we may feel around the inside of the mouth to look for bumps or lumps, and we will also examine for changes in color or spots. At times, we may also utilize a mouth rinse with a blue dye, which further highlights any suspicious cells.

Advanced Oral Cancer Screening Test

Should we notice anything unusual, we will work with you to determine the best way to proceed. We may have you return to the office in a few weeks to see if anything has changed. In some cases, we will suggest a biopsy, removing a small piece of tissue from the area of concern and sending it to a lab for further testing.

Keep in mind that not all areas of concern or further testing turn out to be cancerous. In fact, few of them do, but in the event that cancer is detected, catching the problem early will give you more treatment options and the greatest chance for a successful outcome.

It is crucial that you keep up with your regular appointments with us so that we can monitor your mouth for any potential problems. Give us a call today to set up your next screening.

For more information about oral cancer screenings, call Dr. Frank S. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Sciabica proudly serve patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

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Which Sports Are Known for Dental Damage? | Issaquah Dentist

It’s common knowledge that cheerleaders and gymnasts are at highest risk for back injuries, and boxers and football players are high risk for brain injuries? But which sports are infamous for dental injuries, and lead to the horrifying statistic that 5 million teeth are popped out each year?

Better Wear a Mouthguard

Dental injuries in sports are normally preventable with the right gear, but some damage can slip through. There are several sports that put you at higher risk of toothaches and jaw injuries, some which may seem surprising.

Sports with balls in play top the list, with football, basketball, tennis, and baseball on the list. It makes sense, in any game where high speed objects flying at your face, occasionally one will connect and leave the victim with a nasty welt at best and spitting out teeth at worst.

Other high-speed objects to avoid include pucks, gloves, and even bare fists, for the respective sports of hockey, boxing, and martial arts. These tend to be moving faster, and thus extra care should be taken to avoid them!

It’s not just violent, contact-oriented sports, either. Falls and collisions can occur that impact teeth if you are a marathon runner, jogger, skater, or cyclist. Dental trauma can even be caused by no-contact sports: for example, the tooth grinding stress of winning a game of chess (which the International Olympic Committee recognizes as a sport), planning out a fantasy football league, or solo activities like squash and swimming can lead to lost or damaged teeth.

If you have experienced dental trauma while exercising or participating in sports, don’t panic! In some cases, the teeth can be reimplanted and put back without lingering issue. In other cases, you’ll have a smile with character that serves as a warning for other sportsmen to follow.

In either case, the best contact sport is contacting us, so we can help you form a sporting solution to your dental needs!

For more information about dental damages from sports, call Dr. Frank S. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Sciabica proudly serve patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

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What We Look for Specifically During Dental Exams | Issaquah Dentist

Most people take their trip to the dentist for granted. They go in with the hope that they will hear they have no cavities and they will walk away with a new toothbrush and an appointment to return in 6 months.

They do not really pay attention to what we are doing during the exam and the rest of their appointment. It is not a bad thing to learn about if you want to improve your oral health.

Before the Exam

While most people think that the most important work we do is during the actual exam, the work we do before that is just as important. We start out by looking at the history we have for our patients. This includes looking for any issues that could signal potential problems with oral health. We look at the risk factors to know what to pay attention to during the exam.

We also want to look at the x-rays and notes from previous exams. We are going to look to see if there are any changes that signal a potential issue.

During the Exam

During the exam we are looking for more than changes. We look for signs of any bacterial growth that could lead to a build-up of plaque. We also look at the positioning of the teeth and gums. We search for gaps and pockets that may form and can cause a problem.

We look for any discoloration of the teeth or spots on the teeth =that are a sign of tooth decay. We are looking for the same signs that a patient can look for at home that the health of their teeth and gums are at risk.

We also rely on x-rays to look at the structure of the teeth and gums. We are trying to spot problems before they become a bigger issue. Our goal is to make sure we can treat any issues as easily as possible.

The goal of our offices is to prevent problems before they occur. During an office visit, we will do this and then give you the treatments and tools needed for optimal oral health.

Contact our office today to schedule your next visit.

For more information about dental exams, call Dr. Frank S. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Sciabica proudly serve patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

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If You Struggle with Depression, Your Teeth May Show It | Issaquah Dentist

In recent years, scientific research has discovered a close link between your oral health and your overall health. There are many conditions we can identify during a visual examination of your oral cavity, even if you don’t know you suffer from them.

This includes mental health problems such as depression. Recent studies suggest that depression conclude depression is closely related to poor oral health.

Signs of Depression in Your Oral Health

When someone is depressed, they lose interest in everyday activities, and in many cases, the person stops taking care of themselves, including neglecting his or her oral health in general. Not brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once per day can be extremely detrimental to your mouth and set the stage for serious dental conditions in the future.

When you struggle with depression or other emotional condition your teeth will also suffer. Some signs of depression that will show in your teeth are:

  • General dental neglect. If you stop brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, you may have more cavities than usual, and your gums may be tender or swollen without the stimulation from brushing.
  • Periodontal disease. There is a close connection between depression and periodontal disease. Depression can affect your oral health through the salivary glands. When the production of saliva is restricted, you can have dry mouth which results in a higher risk for tooth decay.
  • Oral pain. Many people who have recurrent pain from conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) also suffer from depression. There is a clear connection between pain and depression, according to scientific studies.

Keeping your regular checkups will let us identify any potential problems that may develop in the future. If you struggle with depression, your teeth may show it at different levels. The health of your mouth, in general, will suffer from the effects of depression.

For more information about depression, call Dr. Frank S. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Sciabica proudly serve patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.

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How Water Impacts Your Oral Health | Issaquah Dentist

Food, water, air – the basics to life. And while food is delicious, water is the more vital of the two. Water is vital to many of your body’s natural functions by keeping your body hydrated and free from many illnesses. But water is also very important for your oral health. Without clean water, you’ll begin to experience a number of different issues with your teeth and gums.

In the U.S. and many other countries, the city drinking water includes fluoride. This helps to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Without clean drinking water, your teeth will be exposed to a number of bacteria. These bacteria will attach themselves to your teeth and begin to eat away at the enamel there, especially if you don’t brush your teeth regularly. They can also lead to gum disease.

In areas without clean drinking water, it’s also common to find manganese and other elements in the water. Continued exposure to high levels of some of these elements, especially those that are highly acidic, can cause damage to your teeth and gums.

Water also helps keep your mouth clean by washing away some of the bacteria and food particles that have become stuck in your teeth. While it’s no substitution for brushing or flossing, drinking plenty of water will help your mouth clean, especially if the water is clean.

Overall, drinking water keeps you healthy in multiple ways and protects your teeth. If you haven’t had access to clean drinking water for some time, you need to come in to see us for a checkup and a cleaning as soon as you can.

For more information about water, call Dr. Frank S. Sciabica in Issaquah, WA at 425-392-3900 or visit www.issaquahdentists.com.

Dr. Sciabica proudly serve patients from Issaquah and all surrounding areas.