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Emergency rooms are for emergencies, so before you head to the hospital because of a dental problem, you need to ask yourself this question: Is what you're experiencing really a medical emergency? While emergency room visits for dental related issues are on the rise across the United States , they’re not necessarily the best solution for every problem. Many people don't know about emergency dental care services, many of which are available 24/7, and so they go to the ER.

These types of statistics are common across the country. However, despite the numbers, not all dental problems are created equal. If you've experienced some type of injury to your mouth, jaw, or face, then an ER visit is a good idea, but if you're suffering from a toothache, cavity, or broken crown or veneer, then the ER is not the best place to handle the situation. If you're having a dental emergency, then seeking emergency dental care should be your course of action.

Seeking Long-Term Solutions

The ER doesn't provide a long-term solution to your dental issue; it only gives you temporary relief. There’s a chance they will simply hand you a prescription for pain medication and tell you to call your dentist in the morning. In the end, you’re going to be saddled with two medical bills, and nobody wants that. Even if the ER outfits you with a temporary crown or filling, you're still going to have to make a follow-up appointment our office.

There are numerous homemade remedies that can sooth tooth and gum pain. However, if you're experiencing a dental emergency, the ER is not the place to go. The specialized emergency team at Cardinale Dentistry is available to take care of every dental problem you may have. In the case of a dental emergency, don't wait any longer than necessary. Feel free to contact our Naples, FL office at any time, day or night.

Toddlers are notoriously balky about strangers. But their first dental visit should not be cause for fear and tears. Nor should you assume that getting your toddler to Cardinale Dentistry is going to involve a full-blown tantrum or Mafia-style bribery. “Honey, don’t worry. We’ll go get ice cream after…” sort of defeats the purpose of making that first dental appointment.

These five tips will make your toddler’s trip to see Dr. Vincent Cardinale and Dr. Chris Moody as fun as a stop at an amusement park.

1. Before you make a dental appointment for your child, take him or her on a ride-along to one of your dental appointments. Let your son or daughter experience the office and get the lay of the land. Toddlers don’t like surprises. But if your little one is already familiar with the big chair that goes up and down, the next time he or she will have no problem taking a seat.

2. About the big dental chair … well, it’s really an amusement park ride. See how it goes up and down? Toddlers love games, and turning the trip to the dentist into a game is among the oldest (and most successful) tricks in the parent playbook.

3. Positive reinforcement is a good thing. That's why Dr. Vincent Cardinale and Dr. Chris Moody and our staff hand out cool toothbrushes or stickers to children after their appointment. A fun-colored toothbrush with a suction bottom is a good incentive to come back for another cleaning.

4. Timing is everything. Don’t take your child to the dentist an hour before the daily nap. Make the appointment with your child’s schedule in mind. This increases the chances of success.

5. A few days before the scheduled appointment, start reading your toddler bedtimes stories about what happens at the dentist. Dora the Explorer’s Show Me Your Smile, written by Christine Ricci, is a popular dental story that your child might relate to.

The community health awareness group Oral Health America has reported that 82 percent of adults are unaware of the role that infectious bacteria can play in tooth decay or cavities, and almost three out of five children aged 12 to 19 have tooth decay. Since June is National Smile Month, Dr. Vincent Cardinale and Dr. Chris Moody and our team at Cardinale Dentistry thought we’d remind our patients about the importance of good oral hygiene visits between office visits.

To keep your family’s smiles healthy and beautiful for years to come, be sure to:

• Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss every day to clean between your teeth
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks
• Visit Dr. Vincent Cardinale and Dr. Chris Moody for scheduled appointments

If you want to know more about healthy home care habits, feel free to ask our team at your next appointment, or ask us on Facebook!

We love hearing for our amazing patients! Take a look what they're saying about their experience in our office.

"Kenny does a great Job. He is a huge asset to your practice."

"I arrived a few minutes early and they took me straight back.  The front desk people are always great and the doctor and Jayme were awesome.  Can't recommend this office enough."

"I have always come away very satisfied with the office staff as well as the professional staff (Kenny and Vin)"

"Great cleaning today"

"Excellent service"

"I honestly can't think of a thing to improve upon."

"You guys are the very best.  Jayme has done an amazing job with my cleanings, everyone is super friendly and I'm happy I found you."

"Excellent experience"

"My hygienist is Jayme.  I was going away for 3 months and I needed an emergency cleaning (after I broke a few appointments)  Jayme was booked, but I was assigned Kenny.  He was informed how I like my teeth cleaned before I arrived.  He is fantastic."

"Kenny does his job expertly and professionally.  I know when I leave there I have been in the best of hands."

"It is with great confidence that we continue to use the services provided"

"Very happy with the service"

"I liked the new music you were playing on 5/4/2015!"

"We are very satisfied with the service we receive at your office and sure spread the experience we had with you."

"My hygienist is simply delightful, she makes every trip as enjoyable as a trip to the dentist can be =-)  I recommend this practice to everyone, you guys are the best!"

"Jody was terrific.  She explains well and carefully.  Thanks, Jody."

"I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!"

"Dr. Moody was awesome, very caring and worked diligently to make sure everything was done correctly."

"First class"

"Dr. Moody did a great job of reinserting my crown which had fallen out.  He was fast, efficient and pain free.  He has always been very personable and professional in his interactions with me."

"Always at ease with your patients, making sure that they are comfortable with any procedures being done."