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Every year, Americans all over the world celebrate the birth of the country and its independence on the Fourth of July. There are countless ways that people celebrate and they range from community parades and large scale gatherings to concerts, fireworks displays, and smaller scale celebrations among family and friends. For some people, July 4th is synonymous with baseball, while for others it is all about the beach of barbecues. However you celebrate, you can be sure that red, white, and blue is visible everywhere throughout the area.

The Beginnings of Fourth of July Celebrations

Although it wasn't officially designated as a federal holiday until 1941, the actual tradition of celebrating Independence Day goes back to the time of the American Revolution (1775 – 1783). At the time of the American Revolution, representatives from the 13 colonies penned the resolution that ultimately declared their independence from Great Britain. The continental congress voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence on July 2nd of 1776. Two days later, Thomas Jefferson's famous document that is now known as the Declaration of Independence, was adopted by delegates representing the 13 colonies.

First States to Recognize the Fourth of July

In 1781, Massachusetts became the first state (or commonwealth) whose legislature resolved to designate July 4th as the date on which to celebrate the country's independence. Two years later, Boston became the first city to make an official designation to honor the country's birth with a holiday on July 4th. In that same year, North Carolina's governor, Alexander Martin, became the first governor to issue an official state order stipulating that July 4th was the day on which North Carolinians would celebrate the country's independence.

Fun Facts About the Fourth of July

• The reason the stars on the original flag were arranged in a circle is because it was believed that would indicate that all of the colonies were equal.
• Americans eat over 150 million hot dogs on July 4th.
• Imports of fireworks each year totals over $211 million.
• The first “official” Fourth of July party took place at the White House in 1801.
• Benjamin Franklin didn't want the national bird to be the bald eagle. He believed that the turkey was better suited to the coveted distinction. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson disagreed with him, and he was outvoted, so the bald eagle became the official bird of the United States.

For many, the tradition is something entirely different. Along the coastal areas of the United States, people may haul out huge pots to have lobster or other types of seafood boils. Others may spend the day in the bleachers at a baseball game, or at a park, cooking a great traditional meal over an open fire. No matter how or where you celebrate, one thing is certain: all Americans celebrate July 4th as the birth and independence of our country.

Drs. Osman Swedeh, and Chris Stenzel and our team at Main Street Dental Clinics wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Regardless of the type of dental emergency you experience, it is important that you visit Main Street Dental Clinics for emergency dental care as soon as possible. A chipped or cracked tooth requires professional attention, as bacteria may gather in these areas, potentially causing infection that could require a root canal. Remember, you may be capable of managing pain, bleeding, and swelling at home, but by visiting our office for immediate treatment, you can fight infections and minimize lasting damage to your mouth, teeth, and gums under the expert care of our emergency dentist.

24/7 Emergency Dental Care

Main Street Dental Clinics is proud to offer emergency dental care around the clock, seven days a week. Dental emergencies do not wait for regular business hours, and if you experience a serious dental emergency, you need immediate treatment. Whether you have a broken tooth or if you have bitten through your tongue, do not hesitate to visit us day or night. Until you arrive at our office, however, there are some helpful steps you can take if you encounter a serious dental dilemma.

Managing Your Dental Emergency

If a toothache is causing problems, you can probably keep the discomfort under control until our emergency doctor can treat you. Start by checking the gums that surround the affected tooth for inflammation, bleeding, or foreign objects. There may be food lodged in the gum that could be removed by flossing. You can control pain by placing a cold compress against your mouth, or by using an over-the-counter oral numbing agent.

More serious situations may be extremely time sensitive, and require immediate emergency attention. For example, if a tooth is completely knocked out, carefully clean it with water. Try to place the tooth back into its socket or briefly store it in a cup of milk if it will not fit back into the gum. Never pick up a tooth by the root or force it into the socket. Come straight to our office, as your tooth will need to be replaced within a short amount of time. Similarly, if you have bitten through your lip or tongue, the American Dental Association recommends carefully cleaning the area before coming as quickly as you can to our emergency dental office for treatment.

Remember, there is no reason you should live with discomfort. By visiting our Rochester office immediately in an emergency, you can take control of your oral health comfortably and safely.

Fifty-eight percent of Americans visit the dentist at least once a year. The bulk of these will have some kind of insurance plan, which covers some (or all) of the costs associated with dental treatment.

Dental insurance, however, can be complicated. There are deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. How much do you need to pay? What's covered in your plan? Where do you get your plan? This blog will answer these questions and provide you with all the information you need to know about dental insurance.

Why Do You Need Insurance?

Dental work can be expensive. Even a check-up can set you back around $300. Sure, this covers your exam, x-rays, and, perhaps, a cleaning, but finding this money every 6 months or so can be difficult. Dental insurance works in a similar way to other types of insurance, like car insurance. In simple terms, you make a "claim" on your dental insurance when you go to the dentist for a check-up or require specialist or emergency treatment. You will pay insurance premiums every month. Nearly every dentist in the United States accepts dental insurance.

How Does It Work?

There are various dental insurance plans on the market. Like you would do with car insurance or home insurance, you will need to find the best financial products based on your specific budget and circumstances. Dental insurance plans can vary considerably, so it's a good idea to do your homework and read all the fine print. Find out what's covered in your plan and talk to the insurer about how much it will cost you. You can usually apply for insurance plans online and receive your insurance documents via email.

What's Covered?

The majority of dental plans will cover preventative care, like cleanings and x-rays. These services, usually, won't require any additional cost. Other services, such as gum disease treatment, fillings, and extractions, might require additional expenses, depending on the insurance plan. These are known as "out-of-pocket expenses."

Does Your Employer Have Dental Insurance Plans?

Some companies offer dental insurance plans to their employees. This is a great way of getting the dental coverage you need for no additional cost. Again, there will be restrictions when it comes to "free" treatment and out-of-pocket expenses. Research suggests that 77 percent of Americans have dental benefits, usually from their employer. However, many people are unaware that they have these benefits or never use them.

Different Types of Dental Coverage

There are three main types of dental coverage in the US:

A Dental Health Maintenance Organization, or DHMO, provides you with access to various dentists that accept your insurance. Depending on the service, you won't pay any fees at all. However, you might not be able to visit a dentist who is not part of the insurance company's network. If you do, you could incur additional costs.

A Preferred Provider Organization, or PPO, also provides you with a list of dentists that accept your insurance. You can visit dentists who are not on this list, but expect to pay more in out-of-pocket costs.

A discount or referral dental plan provides you with discounts on dental services from a list of dentists. You won't receive any free services, but you will get discounts on dental care and treatments.

Understanding Dental Insurance Billing

When you visit the dentist for a check-up or other service, you will be billed at the end of the treatment. If you don't have to pay anything for the service because of your insurance plan, you will just need to sign the relevant documents. If you need to pay for the service, the dentist's office will bill you.

How Much are Premiums?

This all depends on the service you choose. Some dental plans will set you back around $200 a month, but the majority are far less expensive. You will need to pay premiums, however, even if you never visit the dentist.

"The monthly premiums will depend on the insurance company, your location, and the plan you choose," says Investopedia. "For many people, the monthly premium will be around $50 a month. This means that you're spending $600 on dental costs each year even if you don't get any work done."

Dental insurance doesn't have to be complicated. Follow the tips above and you can find a cost-effective plan that caters to your budget. Do your research and find the right dental plan that suits you.

Call us today to schedule a consultation or check-up. We’re happy to help you and your family on the road to better dental health!

Teeth tingling is a prickling or stinging sensation in your teeth and might be accompanied by inflammation or bleeding gums. Usually, this is nothing to worry about, and your dentist will provide you with relief for the sensitivity.

There are a number of factors that cause teeth tingling, and making an appointment with your dentist will help you identify the source of the problem. Four reasons to why you might be experiencing teeth sensitivity that we'll cover include

1. Pulpitis, or a toothache
2. A worn tooth enamel
3. Teeth grinding
4. Gum recession

1. Pulpitis

Pulpitis, often referred to as a toothache, is an inflammation of the dental pulp — the connective tissues and cells in the center of your teeth. If the pulp comes into contact with irritants — such as impacted food in the gum, tooth decay or gum disease — you might experience a tingling sensation on your teeth.

Avoiding cold and hot food or taking an over-the-counter painkiller could reduce some of the pain. But it's best to visit your dentist, who will take an X-ray of your teeth and prescribe the right treatment. Sometimes, pulpitis can be reversed with a simple tooth filling.

2. Worn Tooth Enamel

Your tooth enamel — a hard substance that covers the crown of each tooth — can become worn down over time, causing your teeth to tingle. Acids from sugary drinks and processed foods often break away the enamel surface, making it more sensitive to irritants. Hard toothbrushes are another culprit of tooth enamel erosion, and you might experience a tingly sensation if you brush your teeth too hard.

[RELATED: Do you brush your teeth properly? Find out!]

Your tooth enamel could also be eroded due to

• Dry mouth
• A high-in-sugar diet
• Acid reflux disease
• Genetics
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Medications (aspirin, antihistamines)

Unfortunately, you can't restore your tooth enamel after it's been damaged, but there are a number of ways you can take better care of your teeth. The American Dental Association recommends you use a soft-bristled brush for teeth cleaning, for example.

Another solution for ceasing wear on the enamel would be to limit your intake of sugary, acidic, and highly-processed foods. Switch to foods that promote oral health, such as cheese, leafy greens, and yogurt.

3. Teeth Grinding

Most people grind their teeth at some point in their lives. Regular teeth grinding, however, increases sensitivity and could damage your jaw bone. Bruxism — the medical name for teeth grinding — affects 10 percent of Americans, and is characterized by a clenching of the teeth, which usually occurs during sleep.

Oftentimes, teeth grinding is a result of stress or anxiety during the day. Other causes can include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sleep apnea, too much caffeine, and depression. Bruxism sometimes can be a side effect of a new medication as well.

There are a number of treatments for bruxism, and many of these will stop any tingling sensation you experience. A dentist might recommend you wear a mouthguard, for example, or suggest muscle relaxation and breathing techniques to lessen the symptoms.

4. Gum Recession

Gum recession is another cause of teeth tingling. This occurs when the gum tissue pulls away to reveal more of the tooth, creating gaps between the teeth and gum line. When bacteria fills these gaps, you might experience mild sensitivity or a dull pain. Various factors cause gum recession, including genetics, vigorous tooth brushing, and poor oral health.

Even if you take care of your dental hygiene, you might still develop a receding gum line. "Some people may be more susceptible to gum disease," says WebMD. "In fact, studies show that 30 percent of the population may be predisposed to gum disease, regardless of how well they care for their teeth."

While your gums can heal, they cannot grow back. However, a surgical procedure called a gum graft can potentially reverse the damage of gum disease. Pinhole surgery is another procedure that's minimally invasive and will help to correct a receded gum line.

Seeing a dental hygienist for a regular cleaning could prevent gum recession getting worse. The hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from the root surfaces of your teeth, instantly destroying harmful bacteria. Better oral care, such as flossing, will prevent the bacteria from returning in the future.

What to Do About Tingling Teeth

Teeth tingling is more than a nuisance. It signals that there is an underlying issue with your teeth that you need to resolve. One in eight people experience tooth sensitivity in some form, according to a recent study. Only a dentist, however, knows how to fix the problem and prevent this unwanted sensation from getting worse.

The doctors at Main Street Dental can help with any questions or concerns you have about sensitive teeth. Request an appointment today!