<p>Got a knocked-out tooth? We're sorry to hear that. We know how uncomfortable and painful that must feel. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to save that tooth if you act fast.</p>
<p>If your tooth was knocked out, here&rsquo;s what you should know:</p>
<h2>First Aid for a Knocked-Out Tooth.</h2>
<p>A tooth that comes out prematurely can be painful and messy. If it&rsquo;s a baby tooth that&rsquo;s been knocked out, use gauze on the gum and socket for a few minutes to put a stop to the bleeding. You can also use gauze on the same area for adult teeth. While you&rsquo;re taking care of the bleeding, track down your tooth so that you can safely reinsert it into the socket.</p>
<h2>What to Do With the Tooth?</h2>
<p>Hold the tooth&rsquo;s crown (avoiding the root). Then, wipe off any debris that might be on your tooth, or run it under some water, and place the tooth in the socket. Once it&rsquo;s in the socket, we recommend closing your mouth or biting down on the tooth to secure it.</p>
<p>You can also put the tooth in the middle of your cheek and gums inside your mouth if you are on your way to the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.wrfdc.com/our-team/">dentist</a></strong></span>. It&rsquo;s important to keep the knocked-out tooth in milk or saliva to keep it wet.</p>
<p>For young children, have them spit a little into a cup, and store the tooth in there for safekeeping. That will lower their chance of choking on the tooth.</p>
<h2>Call an emergency dentist.</h2>
<p>A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency. You typically have less than an hour to react before the tooth is unsalvageable. West Richland Family Dental offers <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.primedentaltricities.com/services/emergency-dental-tri-cities">same-day and emergency dental services</a></strong></span>, helping you get treatment fast.</p>
<p>Call us at (509) 414-7783 to schedule a time to come in. We can assist with tooth splinting (temporary attachment to the other friendly neighborhood teeth) and injuries that may have been done to the mouth or teeth.</p>
<p>When you call us, let us know how the injury happened and any pertinent details so that we can advise you on any additional steps to take to save your tooth. If, for example, it feels like part of your tooth is still in the socket, we can explain what to do while you&rsquo;re on the way to the dentist. (Essentially, you will not want to put the tooth back in the socket if you only have a portion of it, but you will still want to keep it wet in milk or saliva.)</p>
<p><a style="display: inline-block; padding: 12px 24px; border-radius: 10px; background: #105395; color: #fff; text-decoration: none; box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.2); font-weight: 500;" title="Contact Us" href="https://www.primedentaltricities.com/contact"> Schedule a Consultation</a></p>
<h2>What to Do After Tooth Repair?</h2>
<p>Once your tooth has been repaired, you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to make sure the tooth is reattached successfully. If this has been confirmed, you can continue seeing the dentist once every six months per your usual schedule.</p>
<p>In addition, you might consider getting a mouthguard to prevent any more teeth from getting knocked out in the future. Mouthguards are great for athletes of all ages. They keep your teeth safe and help you avoid injury while out on the court and field.</p>
<h2>Conclusion.</h2>
<p>If you&rsquo;re experiencing a dental emergency, especially a knocked-out tooth, it&rsquo;s important to see a dentist right away. You can reattach a tooth if you act quickly, clean your tooth in water or milk (never touching the root), and reapply it into the socket. A dentist can ensure that the tooth stays in for good.Need to see an emergency dentist right away? <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.primedentaltricities.com/contact">West Richland Family Dental</a></strong></span> is here for you. Call our office today at (509) 414-7783 to schedule an appointment.</p>

How to Save a Knocked-Out Tooth

Associate | Client Success Team

<p>Are you worried about or suffering from gum disease (also called periodontal disease)? You're not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 47 percent of adults over age 30 have a variation of gum disease, and that number goes up to more than 70 percent in those above age 65.</p>
<p>While this condition might be unsettling, it is manageable and preventable (in most cases). Today, we&rsquo;re going to share a few quick tips on how to deter gum disease and strengthen your teeth and gums naturally.</p>
<h2>How to Prevent Gum Disease</h2>
<p>The symptoms of gum disease range from barely noticeable to constant discomfort. You may experience anything from a little redness on your toothbrush post-brushing to inflamed, sensitive gums. Fortunately, preventing gum disease is possible.</p>
<h2>Here are some suggestions:</h2>
<h3>1. Brush your teeth twice daily.</h3>
<p>One of the best, simplest ways on how to prevent gum disease naturally is to prioritize your oral care. That means brushing your pearly whites twice daily with a good toothbrush and toothpaste.</p>
<h4>Use the right toothbrush.</h4>
<p>Any toothbrush can keep your teeth clean, but an electric toothbrush (vibrating, not spinning) can kick things up a notch. We highly recommend this type of toothbrush to help prevent gum disease. Electric toothbrushes have a vibrating motion, which is great for your teeth and also takes away any plaque or residue that might be lurking on your gums.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that electric toothbrushes can cause gum recession if you aren&rsquo;t careful. The key is to let your toothbrush do the work. Move it through your mouth, but let the bristles work themselves. There&rsquo;s no need to add a lot of pressure or dig into your gums or teeth.</p>
<h4>Use fluoride toothpaste.</h4>
<p>We&rsquo;ve all heard about the benefits of fluoride (<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/fluoridation">cavity prevention</a></strong></span>, for one). But did you also know that it can help prevent gum disease? The way it works is simple: it helps get rid of any pesky bacteria lingering around.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re experiencing sensitive, receding gum lines, the bacteria will have a plethora of places to hide out in your mouth. Not only can this lead to cavities, but it can also worsen your gum disease symptoms which may include <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/fluoride/can-fluoride-help-adults">more space between your teeth, bleeding gums, or loose teeth in severe cases</a></strong></span>.</p>
<h4>Brush the right way.</h4>
<p>Gum disease prevention involves thorough tooth brushing twice daily. You&rsquo;ll want to hold your toothbrush about <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth">45 degrees</a></strong></span> from the gums and use small movements to clean all parts of your mouth. When you get to your gums, use the same gentle motion that you used on your teeth.</p>
<p>Your gums are sensitive, and too much pressure or movement can wear them down and put you at greater risk for gum disease due to receding gum lines. Too little movement can prevent you from cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly.</p>
<h3>2. Floss daily.</h3>
<p>We know that flossing is integral for your teeth, but how does it affect your gums? Flossing removes any plaque or buildup in between your teeth and gums, which leads to gum disease. Taking the time to floss can do away with any food remnants and bacteria, and it can keep your gums in great condition.</p>
<h4>Floss the right way.</h4>
<p>With your floss of choice (handheld or string), allow the floss to move along the right and left sides of your teeth. You&rsquo;ll want to pull the floss all the way down the sides of your teeth to remove any debris. Once you get to the bottom of the teeth, make a <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-floss#how-to-floss">&ldquo;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>C shape</strong></span>&rdquo;</a> with the floss to get into the tiny area in the middle of your gums and teeth.</p>
<h3>3. Use antiseptic mouthwash.</h3>
<p>As mentioned above, bacteria is a major contributor to gum disease. That&rsquo;s where antiseptic mouthwash comes in. It reduces bacteria, which keeps your mouth healthy and your gums as strong as they can be. It can also work beneath the gums, reaching areas that your toothbrush doesn&rsquo;t quite cover. You&rsquo;ll want to use your antiseptic mouthwash twice each day (morning and night, preferably).</p>
<h3>4. Get regular dental cleanings.</h3>
<p>Scheduling biannual cleanings can ensure that your teeth stay in tip-top shape. At these appointments, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.wrfdc.com/our-team/">your dentist</a></strong></span> can also identify the early stages of periodontal disease. That can help you get proactive about your oral care and take the necessary steps to improve your gum and tooth health moving forward.</p>
<p><a style="display: inline-block; padding: 12px 24px; border-radius: 10px; background: #105395; color: #fff; text-decoration: none; box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.2); font-weight: 500;" title="Contact Us" href="https://www.primedentaltricities.com/contact"> Schedule a Consultation</a></p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Putting your gum care first is vital to keeping gum disease away. We recommend brushing not just your teeth but also your gums with an electric toothbrush if you have one.</p>
<p>Gum disease can affect anyone. Fortunately, a few tweaks to your dental care routine can make a huge difference.</p>
<p>Experiencing symptoms of gum disease and want to meet with a dentist? West Richland Family Dental would love to help. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.wrfdc.com/contact/">Contact us today to schedule a cleaning</a></strong></span>.</p>

How to Prevent Gum Disease

<p>"<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.wrfdc.com/our-team/">Find a dentist</a></strong></span>," they said. "Choose a dental office right here in the Tri-Cities."</p>
<p>It might seem like an easy choice, but if you live in the Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland area, your options for dental care are far from limited.</p>
<p>Below, we&rsquo;ve put together a few helpful tips to narrow down your search for a dentist. Not only can this cut down on time, but it can ensure that you find dental care that best meets your needs.</p>
<h2>Tips to Find a Good Dentist in the Tri-Cities</h2>
<p>Everyone&rsquo;s idea of a good dentist may vary, but the ways to find a dentist are largely the same. Here are some things to consider:</p>
<h3>What to Look For in a Dentist</h3>
<p>First thing&rsquo;s first, you&rsquo;ll want to make sure the dentist takes your <strong>insurance</strong>. That will ensure your first dental appointment is a smooth one (with no surprise bills or out-of-pocket charges due to your insurance being out of the network).</p>
<p>The <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.wrfdc.com/services/">services</a></strong></span> are also important in finding a good dentist. We don&rsquo;t want you to have to go to two dentists to get your teeth whitened, a root canal fixed, and for cleanings. Checking the list of services is vital to ensure your new dentist will cover all your dental needs, and it can save you time and money in the long run.</p>
<p>Thirdly, the <strong>experience</strong> is important. It might be the first dentist appointment you&rsquo;ve had in years (or your child&rsquo;s first one ever), and you may be a little nervous. Your dental team should ensure you&rsquo;re comfortable, answer your questions, and have a track record of providing dental services for families. (West Richland Family Dental has served families in the Tri-Cities area for more than 35 years, and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.wrfdc.com/our-team/">our dentists</a></strong></span> have 72 years of combined experience.)</p>
<h3>What to Be Wary Of</h3>
<p>When finding a dentist, reviews are important. If they <strong>don&rsquo;t have any reviews online</strong>, and people aren&rsquo;t talking about their services, that could be a reason to steer clear. People tend to review local services they like, so check out their Facebook page, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://local.google.com/place?id=9354283226998249909&amp;use=srp&amp;ved=1t%3A65428&amp;authuser=1&amp;authuser=1&amp;_ga=2.147274103.1512756515.1621013424-1130038397.1586388904#fpstate=lie">Google My Business page</a></strong></span>, and other online platforms to see what people are saying. If there are reviews, make sure they speak well about the company, and avoid dental offices that the reviews describe as unprofessional.</p>
<p>Further, if your <strong>dentist cannot give you a clear answer</strong> on whether you need a procedure or what is covered by your insurance, it&rsquo;s best to hold off on going to that dental office. A good dental team will tell you what&rsquo;s included in your dental insurance and explain your options so that you know the facts before making any decisions.</p>
<p>Another reason to try a different service is if the <strong>atmosphere feels unfriendly</strong>. Ideally, you should see a dentist twice per year for a cleaning, so naturally, it&rsquo;s important to have a dentist who&rsquo;s personable and trustworthy.</p>
<h3>Why We&rsquo;re Different</h3>
<p>West Richland Family Dental Care is not your average dental office. We prioritize our patients&rsquo; comfort, offering cozy seats with ceiling TVs to keep you entertained during the exam and your mind off of any procedures that might be needed. (This is especially great for kiddos and those who experience anxiety at the dentist.)</p>
<p>Not to mention, our dentists are top notch&mdash;with experience providing dental care for all ages. If you need a dentist but don&rsquo;t have insurance, that&rsquo;s not a problem. We offer convenient <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.wrfdc.com/membership/">monthly membership club options</a></strong></span> that give you access to routine dental services (such as two cleanings per year) for a low cost of $30 per month for those above age 13 or $25 per month for children below age 13. That keeps our dental services affordable and accessible for everyone.</p>
<p><a style="display: inline-block; padding: 12px 24px; border-radius: 10px; background: #105395; color: #fff; text-decoration: none; box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.2); font-weight: 500;" title="Contact Us" href="https://www.primedentaltricities.com/contact"> Schedule a Consultation</a></p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Finding a dentist for life should be enjoyable&ndash;never stressful. A good &ldquo;dentist near me&rdquo; should offer a variety of dental services, have easy-to-access insurance coverage information, and maintain professionalism at all times.</p>
<p>When in doubt, choose West Richland Family Dental.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re looking to find a dentist by insurance, you&rsquo;re in good hands. West Richland Family Dental caters to many insurance plans, and we&rsquo;re dedicated to making your dentist experience a pleasant one. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.wrfdc.com/contact/">Contact us today to book a cleaning</a></strong></span>.</p>

How to Find a Dentist in the Tri-Cities

<p>Good dental care habits start when you're young (as early as when that first tooth breaks through). It's important to take care of each tooth from the inside out. Not only can this keep your teeth in good condition, but it can also support your general oral health.</p>
<p>Want to learn the basic ways to take care of your teeth (and gums) at home? We&rsquo;ve got you covered.</p>
<h2>Dental Care Tips: Top 10 Ways to Take Care of Your Teeth</h2>
<p>Talking about how to keep your teeth healthy is one thing. Practicing it is another. Here are some good ways to take care of your teeth, straight from the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.wrfdc.com/our-team/">dentists</a></strong></span> at West Richland Family Dental:</p>
<h3>#1: Brush teeth twice daily.</h3>
<p>The <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth">American Dental Association (ADA)</a></strong></span> suggests brushing your pearly whites twice each day (morning and night) for two minutes. Any toothbrush will do the job. We recommend soft brushes.</p>
<h3>#2: Use a fluoride toothpaste.</h3>
<p>Dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste that features the ADA Seal of Acceptance for all ages- infants included. Fluoride deters cavities and helps in the battle against tooth decay, which can happen even in kids. A rice-sized amount is plenty for little ones below age 3. You can increase that to pea size after age 3.</p>
<h3>#3: Brush thoroughly.</h3>
<p>When you brush, you want to be thorough but not rough on your teeth or gums. Be sure to clean all parts of the teeth (back, front, sides, and top) with your toothbrush facing your gums at about 45 degrees.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>#4: Limit acidic drinks.</h3>
<p>While acidic drinks are tasty, it&rsquo;s best to steer clear or at least cut down on them to prevent discomfort or wearing away at your enamel. This includes soft drinks, coffee, cordials, and fruit juice. If you&rsquo;d like to enjoy one from time to time, that is okay. (Balance, right?) <a href="https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/e/dietary-acids-and-your-teeth"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The ADA simply recommends utilizing a straw and swishing water in your mouth after to break down the acids</strong></span>.</a></p>
<h3>#5: Floss daily.</h3>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing">Making time to floss your teeth once per day is necessary to fight against cavities and gum disease.</a></strong></span> Not only can floss get rid of plaque (which creates cavities), but it also gets rid of any food particles lingering from the day (which can cause bad breath and more).</p>
<h3>#6: Only use your teeth to chew food.</h3>
<p>If you need to open a package and don&rsquo;t have scissors on hand, it might be tempting to use your teeth. However, teeth are for chewing and breaking down food only. Using them for other things increases your chance of injury.</p>
<h3>#7: Protect your teeth from injury.</h3>
<p>Injury is especially common if you&rsquo;re an athlete. Always use a mouthguard when playing contact sports to decrease the chance of something happening to your teeth. Another way to prevent injury is never to insert objects in your mouth to clean your teeth, which can do more harm than good.</p>
<h3>#8: Limit sugary food.</h3>
<p>We all love a good dessert. However, moderation is key to prevent damaging your teeth as sweets excrete acids which break down your enamel and contribute to tooth decay. If you choose to indulge in a sweet or two, have it alongside lunch or dinner. Your mouth has more saliva when eating full meals, and saliva can break down the acids and clear out remaining food from your mouth.</p>
<h3>#9: Don&rsquo;t forget tongue scraping.</h3>
<p>A toothbrush will clean your teeth, tongue, and mouth. However, if you&rsquo;d like a little extra cleaning power, consider a tongue scraper. You&rsquo;ll want to begin at the back part of your tongue and gently bring the scraper toward the front.</p>
<h3>#10: See your dentist for regular check-ups.</h3>
<p>We recommend having a dental appointment every six months to keep your oral health in tip-top shape. Dentists will clean your teeth, check for cavities, advise you on oral care best practices (such as the proper brushing and flossing techniques), and more.</p>
<p><a style="display: inline-block; padding: 12px 24px; border-radius: 10px; background: #105395; color: #fff; text-decoration: none; box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.2); font-weight: 500;" title="Contact Us" href="https://www.primedentaltricities.com/contact"> Schedule a Consultation</a></p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Many of our patients ask us for tips for healthy teeth and <a href="https://www.wrfdc.com/gum-disease-treatment/">gums</a>. While every dentist&rsquo;s dental care tips may vary slightly, the general ways to take care of your teeth remain the same:</p>
<ul>
<li>Brush your teeth, and don&rsquo;t forget to floss regularly.</li>
<li>Make smart eating choices, limiting sugar and acidic food consumption.</li>
<li>See a dentist twice per year.</li>
</ul>
<p>Not only can these suggestions promote your oral health, but they can also keep your smile healthy and bright.</p>
<p>Are you coming up on your next dental appointment? West Richland Family Dental is currently accepting new patients.<strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.wrfdc.com/contact/">Call us today to schedule your first exam</a></span></strong>. You&rsquo;ll be well on your way to a renewed, lasting smile.</p>

Blogs

How to Save a Knocked-Out Tooth

How to Prevent Gum Disease

How to Find a Dentist in the Tri-Cities

Dental Care Tips: Top 10 Ways to Take Care of Your Teeth