Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Post-Operative Care

Whether you’ve undergone oral surgery for dental implants or tooth extractions, our doctors at Garrison Family Dentistry will give you a list of instructions to follow post-operation. It’s important to follow every step because if you don’t, you risk your stitches coming undone; making the healing process longer than it needs to be. Just in case you decide to toss your instructions in the trash, here’s a reminder to take it easy after oral surgery.


It’s important to maintain the extraction site during healing to avoid infection and continued pain. Keep the extraction site clean by applying necessary gauze and using a rinse that the doctor will give you. On your first day of surgery, you should lay in bed to rest, as daily activities can increase bleeding, swelling, and pain. If you experience increased swelling, apply ice as needed. If something arises that is a cause for concern, don’t hesitate to call the office.


If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth extraction or post-operative care, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.garrisondentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Garrison Family Dentistry here in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Banish Bad Breath

It’s one thing to have bad breath after drinking a cup of coffee or eating a dish that is heavy on the garlic. It’s another thing to have persistent bad breath that leaves you feeling self-conscious on a daily basis. If you suffer from bad breath, our doctors at Garrison Family Dentistry encourage you to review your oral hygiene habits. If you aren’t brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day, and flossing at least once a day, you are only making the problem worse.


Offensive odors in the mouth indicate that something is out of balance. Symptoms depend on the underlying cause which may include dry mouth, poor dental hygiene, food, and beverages, and/or an illness. Treatment will depend on the cause but it’s important to visit our doctors twice a year for routine dental visits to ensure that you have optimal oral health. To help prevent bad breath in the meantime, eat fibrous fruits and vegetables that stimulate saliva flow and avoid smoking and alcohol.


If you would like to discuss bad breath treatment options, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.garrisondentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Garrison Family Dentistry here in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.