We’ve been an established dental practice in Kokomo, IN, for years, so we’ve seen it all. Although over the years, we’ve noticed certain dental issues appearing more frequently in our community than others, so we wanted to share what we’re seeing—and more importantly, how you can avoid these problems yourself.
The Cavity Situation in Kokomo
Let’s talk about the most common issue first: tooth decay. Nearly 80% of our new patients come in with at least one cavity that needs attention. While this might sound alarming, it’s actually right in line with national averages.
What makes Kokomo interesting is that we tend to see more decay on the chewing surfaces of back teeth compared to other areas. This could be related to our local diet or perhaps even our water composition (more on that later).
If you’re wondering whether you might have a cavity brewing, watch for:
- Tooth sensitivity that lingers after eating something sweet
- Visible holes or pits in your teeth
- Toothaches that seem to come out of nowhere
- Dark spots on tooth surfaces
Preventing cavities is straightforward but requires consistency. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily (yes, we can tell when you don’t!), and consider adding a fluoride rinse if you’re particularly cavity-prone. And here’s something specific to our area — Kokomo’s municipal water has moderate fluoride levels, which helps, but don’t rely on water alone for protection.
When Gums Need Attention
The second most common issue we treat is gum disease.
What’s interesting is that we’re seeing gum disease in younger Kokomo residents than the national average. While we’re still researching why, we suspect it might be related to higher smoking rates in our county compared to state averages.
Healthy gums don’t bleed when you brush or floss. If yours do, that’s your first warning sign. Other signals include:
- Red, swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums pulling away from teeth
- Loose teeth or changes in how your teeth fit together
Prevention starts with thorough daily cleaning—not just brushing teeth, but cleaning along the gumline and between teeth where bacteria love to hide. An antibacterial mouthwash can help, too. If you smoke, quitting will dramatically improve your gum health (and we have resources to help with that).
Sensitive Teeth: A Kokomo Special
Tooth sensitivity affects a lot of our patients. Interestingly, we’ve noticed this tends to worsen during our cold Indiana winters.
If you wince when drinking hot coffee or biting into ice cream, you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity. This happens when your tooth’s protective enamel wears down or gums recede, exposing the sensitive dentin layer underneath.
In Kokomo specifically, our water has a moderate mineral content that can contribute to both protecting and potentially irritating teeth, depending on your individual oral chemistry. Some patients find that switching to filtered water helps reduce sensitivity.
To manage sensitivity, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure. Try toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Avoid acidic foods and drinks, consider incorporating foods dentists recommend eating, such as dairy products and fiber-rich vegetables, which can help protect enamel and promote oral health. Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth (which leads to our next common problem).
The Grinding Issue
We’ve seen a significant increase in teeth grinding (bruxism) over the past few years, with many Kokomo adults showing signs of nighttime grinding. The stress of recent economic changes in our region might be contributing to this trend.
Many people don’t realize they grind their teeth because it happens during sleep. You might have morning headaches or jaw soreness. Look for worn-down, flattened, or chipped teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, or a tired feeling in jaw muscles.
The best protection is a custom-fitted nightguard, which we can create specifically for your mouth. Over-the-counter guards provide some protection, but custom guards last longer and protect more effectively. Stress reduction techniques like meditation or yoga before bed may also help reduce grinding.
Dental Emergencies We Commonly Treat
Every week, we see several Kokomo residents with dental emergencies that could have been prevented. The most common are cracked teeth from biting hard objects (like ice or popcorn kernels), lost fillings or crowns, and infections that could have been caught earlier.
If you experience a dental emergency, call our office immediately — we reserve time each day for urgent care. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. If a tooth is knocked out, keep it moist in milk or saliva until you reach us. For pain, take over-the-counter pain relievers (but don’t place aspirin directly on gums).
Many emergencies can be prevented with regular checkups, where we catch problems while they’re small and manageable.
Your Ideal Kokomo Dental Care Routine
Based on what we see in our practice, here’s what we recommend for optimal dental health in our community:
- Morning: Brush for two full minutes with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth with floss or an interdental brush, and rinse with water.
- After meals: When possible, rinse with water or chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.
- Evening: Brush again for two minutes, floss thoroughly, and use an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended.
- Twice yearly: Visit us for professional cleanings and checkups, though some patients need more frequent visits based on their specific risk factors.
Indiana winters can cause dry mouth for many people, which increases cavity risk. Staying hydrated year-round is especially important for Kokomo residents.
Keeping Your Smile Healthy
We’ve covered the most common dental problems we see in our Kokomo practice, but remember that prevention is always easier (and less expensive) than treatment. Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you, and we want to help you keep it healthy and bright.
Our team is always here to answer questions, provide personalized recommendations, and help you maintain optimal oral health. We’re proud to serve the Kokomo community and look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!
Have questions about something we didn’t cover? Notice any unusual changes in your mouth? Don’t wait for your next scheduled visit—give us a call. Your dental health is too important to leave to chance.