Ever had a toothache past your dentist office hours? Need something to hold you over until your dentist can examine the tooth causing you all the pain? Home remedies could be one way to help you alleviate you’re pain quickly and budget friendly.

According to an article at 1dental.com, “a list of natural toothache remedies”

“You may wonder if home remedies really work to stop the pain. It’s important to see a dentist, and some emergency dental plans can start immediately. However, these inexpensive, effective and easily accessible toothache home remedies may help alleviate your pain and get you moving again.

Natural and Home Remedies for Toothaches

Cloves or Clove Oil

Cloves or clove oil is another great natural home remedy for a toothache. Cloves were used as a natural method of alleviating toothaches even before modern medicine was invented. Clove oil’s antiseptic properties help bring down infection which decreases the pain. This spice or its oil should be applied directly into the cavity or other source of pain in order to help bring down the infection. Make sure you only use a drop or two of clove oil, because too much can be harmful.

Garlic Remedy

Garlic is one of the most effective home remedies for tooth pain. There is a chemical found exclusively in garlic called allicin with antibiotic properties that slow down bacterial affects. When the bacteria decrease, so does the pain. By applying a clove of crushed garlic directly on the affected tooth, the allicin is released and should immediately help alleviate the pain.

Wheatgrass Juice

Wheatgrass juice is another natural way to stop pain as well as help reverse tooth decay. Being a natural antibiotic, wheatgrass juice naturally draws out toxins that may be in the gums. This toothache home remedy helps stop the infection from spreading which in turn reduces tooth pain. Use wheatgrass juice as a mouthwash to draw out toxins, or you can chew on wheatgrass for similar results.

Raw Onion

Raw onion has antiseptic properties, so chewing raw onion for 3 minutes can help. If it is too painful to chew, you can simply place a piece of raw onion directly on your tooth.

Guava Leaves Solution

Guava tree leaves have been used for this purpose in many tropical cultures. There are 2 common uses. You can chew 1-2 leaves until the liquid comes out on the tooth, or you can put 4-5 guava leaves in a pot with some water. Bring nearly to a boil, then let cool to a warm temperature. Add some salt to the solution, swish or gargle in the mouth and spit. Repeat this process, being sure to allow the liquid to swish into the aching tooth.”

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Remember a toothache should always be examined by a dentist. If you have a toothache or any dental issues of concern click here to contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno, to set-up an appointment.

The infamous “Root Canal” many people hear these words and say oh no! Do I really need to have that done? Want to know the ten most common myths about root canals?

According to an article at dentist.net, “Top ten myths about root canals”

“People seem to cringe when they hear the words root canal. I know that I used to. But reading the truth about these 10 root canal myths can help you get a better sense of what having a root canal really is all about.

1. Root Canals Hurt

According to the American Association of Endodontists, the perception of root canals being painful began decades ago when root canal treatments were painful. Today, with modern technology and better anesthetics, root canal treatments are no more painful than having a filling. Knowing what to expect while having a root canal can help ease a lot of anxiety.

2. Root Canals require a lot of Visits to the Dentist

With today’s cutting edge technology, most root canals can be performed in one or two office visits.

3. Crowns Cause Teeth to Need Root Canals

Many people believe that having a crown on a tooth means that the tooth will eventually need a root canal. Crowns do not cause the need for root canal therapy. If a crowned tooth does require a root canal, it could be that the tooth has abscessed or that decay has gotten underneath the crown and reached the pulp of the tooth.

4. Root Canals Cause Illness

There is no evidence to support that root canals cause illness. However, there is evidence to support the fact that people who have had root canals are no more at risk for developing illness than people who have never had root canals.

5. Root Canals Involve Removing the Roots of the Tooth

When the dentist or Endodontists performs a root canal treatment, he or she removes the pulp from inside of the tooth. The roots of the tooth are not removed.”

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No need to let your oral health go downhill take control of your dental health, click here to contact Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice in Reno to set- up an appointment today.

Now days we are so strapped on time with work, kids and commitments, we need all the help we can get. Just because we all have busy lives you don’t want to neglect your oral health care. Below are some great tips to help you out in a time crunch.

According to an article at oralb.com, “products to help maintain oral care on the go”

“These days, it seems like everybody is going non-stop. But just because you’re busy or traveling — whether for work or play; — that’s no excuse for neglecting your daily dental care routine. One of the easiest ways to maintain oral care on the go is to carry a small container of floss with you. If you’re hiking or camping and want to travel light, floss takes up less space than your electric flosser.

A variety of products make oral care easier when you are traveling or time-strapped. Soft flosses, such as Oral-B’s Satin Floss, can be used by anyone. They slide easily between the teeth to make flossing faster and easier. Also, interdental brush cleaners made of nylon bristles and narrow enough to fit between teeth, combine brushing and flossing for surfaces between the teeth.

If you are hiking, camping or traveling where space is at a premium, buy a small travel toothbrush that fold up. The brush will stay clean and it will take up less of your valuable space.

Another point: If you’re going to be traveling for an extended period of time, and especially if you will be traveling overseas or in the wilderness, be sure to schedule a checkup with your dentist before you go. The last thing you want is a dental health problem to erupt when you are far from reliable dental care. Problems can still occur, but you can reduce the risk by being as prepared as you can before you travel.”

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Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice located in Reno, Nevada is an exceptional dentist. Click here to contact Dr. McElhinney to set-up an appointment.

Do you have any allergies? Or do you have an allergy to latex? Below are some great tips on preventing an allergic reaction at your next dental visit.

According to an article at knowyourteeth.com, “tips to prevent allergic reactions”

“Patients with a latex allergy should consider visiting the dentist first thing in the morning before latex and powdered gloves are used, recommends AGD spokesperson Maharukh Kravich, DDS, FAGD. “Particles of latex build up in the air as the day goes on.”

For patients allergic to anesthetics, “It is usually because of the preservative in the anesthetic and in that case another anesthetic without the allergen should be used,” explains Dr. Kravich.

Latex and local anesthetics are not the only materials that may cause an allergic reaction. Dr. Kravich notes that patients can have reactions to other chemicals and materials found in some dental materials or medications. Dr. Kravich recommends patients have a full examination by an allergist to determine if any allergies exist.

Patients can do their part by completing the medical history form in detail, outlining their allergies and past reactions to specific materials and drugs. In addition to alerting the dentist and dental staff of any allergies, patients who have concerns should also consider carrying an epinephrine kit (EpiPen) and use a medic alert bracelet that clearly states their allergy. “

Common allergic reactions:

• Itchy, swollen eyes
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Asthma
• Hives
• Wheezing

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If you have any questions or concerns related to allergic reactions please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno. Click here to contact Dr. McElhinney’s dental practice to set-up an appointment. He’ll take great care of you!

It’s always nice to recap on why laser dentistry is the best. For those of you that haven’t had the opportunity to experience all the benefits of laser dentistry, you’re in for a real treat. Due to the advances in the dental industry laser dentistry has made it much easier for patients that may have “dental anxiety”.

According to an article at articlesrx.com, “list the benefits of laser dentistry”

“Laser dentistry is an easy decision whenever it is available. Dental care providers that offer it know it offers patients improved service. No one likes going to the dentist, but if you could get this type of procedure, you may be more willing to climb into that big chair. You may even find that any treatment available using high powered lasers really makes dental work easy to manage. The more you know about these procedures, the better.

The Advantages

The use of laser dentistry is growing. In these procedures, dentists use very high-powered lasers that have excellent accuracy. The goal is to handle the procedure with more precision and in doing so most people will see significant benefits.The following are some of the advantages you may experience by having these procedures.

• Most people say that this type of procedure reduces pain. Patients note there is a lot less pain and sometimes no pain at all. This treatment does not cause any vibrations, which means your nerves are not relying pain messages to the brain.

• The accuracy that comes from lasers is one of the main reasons dentists turn to these products. With these procedures, the result is usually better. This means identifying and treating conditions like cavities is more precise. That makes the job easier to manage for both the dentist and the patient.

• You will have a shorter recovery time after the procedure. In most cases, laser dentistry can reduce the recovery time considerably. This is because of the increased precision and the reduced pain. It also is a more effective procedure in most cases, which means the problem is gone faster.

• Often, these devices are easier to manage by the dentist. This makes the entire dental procedure more manageable for most patients. You will not have to deal with uncomfortable positions or tools in your mouth. Overall, most people say the lack of stitches, anesthesia or other treatments makes the procedure a good one.

• In some situations, this type of dental care is also more affordable. Because you will need fewer treatments and because of the improved accuracy, these procedures can actually reduce the costs associated with dental care. The costs of having this type of procedure are being reduced as more dental care providers offer the service, too.

Laser dentistry can be a good idea for many types of treatments. If your dentist does not offer this type of treatment, you may want to look for a provider that does. It can make all of the difference in the way you feel after your appointment. It may not be necessary to put off those dental appointments anymore. Ask your provider if he or she offers these types of treatments.”

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If you’re looking for a dentist to brighten up your smile and improve the quality of your oral health, contact Dr. McElhinney located in Reno to set-up an appointment.