Dr. Wall is pleased to welcome Dr. Sherrill as a full partner at Richview Family Dentistry!

Patients, staff, and friends have long known Dr. Nina Sherrill as a vital and innovative part of Richview Family Dentistry, and now we are proud to announce that she has become a partner in our dental practice. She officially became a partner in January of 2017 and is pleased to take on all of the exciting responsibilities involved in her new position with our practice.

“It has been a dream of mine for nearly a decade to partner with Dr. Wall and help lead this amazing team,” said Dr. Sherrill. “Not only am I honored to have this opportunity, but I am also blessed to have such a gifted mentor to help me continue to provide optimal care to my patients.”

Dr. Sherrill is a Clarksville native who graduated with high honors from Austin Peay State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. She then went on to attend the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry where she was an active participant in the student research program. She is a member of the American Dental Association and the Eighth District Dental Society.

Dr. Sherrill is dedicated to providing optimal patient care with a gentle touch. In her spare time, Dr. Sherrill can be found chasing her son, Maxwell, and their two boxer pups. Dr. Sherrill also has her level 1 CrossFit certificate and is a CrossFit enthusiast. Her other hobbies include baking, playing the piano and interior design.

Richview Family Dentistry is located in Clarksville, TN on the corner of Memorial Drive Extension and Warfield Blvd. Our office is a state-of-the-art facility where we perform implants and restorations in addition to routine cleanings and exams. It’s also a warm, welcoming environment where you’ll actually enjoy a visit to the dentist.

Discover more about Dr. Sherrill, find out how to get here, and learn about the art on display at our office. Give us a call at (931) 647-2243 to schedule your consultation.

We need healthy gums in order to have healthy teeth and a healthy body.

Our gums have the sole job of hold our teeth firmly in place, protecting them from the elements, and keeping our entire mouth nourished and healthy. Unfortunately, people often under-valued their gums!  In fact, a CDC report from 2012 found that more than 47% of adults living in the United States have some form of gum disease and that number for adults over 65 is 70%!

What Is Gum (Periodontal) Disease?

What Causes Gum Disease?

1. The presence of bacteria in the mouth
2. Areas that allow the bacteria to congregate and grow.  

Bacteria will collect and build up around and below the gum line. This buildup will eventually cause inflammation and irritation, triggering an immune response by the body. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is the least severe form. Unfortunately, if gingivitis is left unchecked, the condition can create periodontal “pockets” or areas where the bacteria can collect deeper under the gum line.  Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, where the bacteria, inflammation and the body’s efforts to fight infection can break down the connection between the gums and the teeth.

What are symptoms of gum disease?

Unfortunately, in the early stages of gum disease, symptoms are extremely mild and they are easily ignored.  As the disease progresses more severe symptoms start to happen, including:

• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

Untreated gum disease can result in the loss of teeth and other more serious health issues. Gum disease can have a major impact on the body’s other systems. It has been tied to serious health issues. If untreated gum disease is left unchecked, this can make some existing conditions worse.

The good news about gum disease!

Gum disease is highly treatable most of the time! At regular checkups, your dentist can detect the presence of gum disease, or signs it may be developing, long before you will notice symptoms. Below are a few key things to help prevent gum disease:

1. Brush –  twice a day, every day to remove this bacteria, and to help avoid cavities.
2. Floss – every day to remove bacteria that has accumulated between your teeth and around your gum line.
3. Professional Cleanings – Regular cleanings by a dentist or hygienist will help to remove any plaque, buildup, and bacteria that is impossible to reach during your daily dental routine.

If you are worried you may have gum disease or are ready for a routine cleaning, contact Richview Family Dentistry.  Dr. Wall and Dr. Sherrill are ready to help you get your mouth healthy and keep you smiling bright!  At Richview Family Dentistry we’re the best choice for all your family’s dental needs, including dental implants, teeth straightening, cosmetic, and preventative dentistry.

Sources:
Colgate
First Family

There is nothing quite like the twinge of sensitive teeth.

Have you ever bitten into something crunchy or cold only to leave your teeth whimpering in pain? Tooth sensitivity is a really common problem, but that doesn’t make it less painful. Richview Family Dentistry wants to share with you some possible reasons behind your sensitive teeth as well as ways to find some relief!
 

Some causes of tooth sensitivity are:

• Tooth erosion (potentially because of highly acidic food/drink)
• Tooth decay
• Worn fillings or broken teeth that expose the dentin of your teeth
• Gum recession (especially if the root becomes exposed)
• Grinding your teeth at night
• Worn tooth enamel (may be caused by using a hard toothbrush or brushing aggressively)

How can you help ease tooth sensitivity?

Even mild tooth sensitivity can be very uncomfortable. To help avoid or combat sensitive teeth, try these tips!

• Take care of your tooth enamel. – Stop the problem before it starts by taking great care of the protective enamel of your teeth. Establish a regular brushing and flossing routine as part of your day.
• Brush gently. – Speaking of brushing routines, tooth sensitivity is further aggravated by aggressive brushing habits. Take care to brush gently while taking time to still be thorough.
• Try a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. – Check with your dentist about alternative tooth paste options that may be helpful for you.
• Consider a guard at night. – If you are grinding your teeth, a mouth guard is worth looking into to protect your teeth while you sleep.

While sensitive teeth are a common problem, it’s still important to let your dentist know if you are experiencing discomfort on a regular basis. This is especially true if your tooth sensitivity is keeping you from performing normal activities such as eating and tooth brushing. If you are experiencing sensitive teeth, make an appointment with us at Richview Family Dentistry. Our team can help you find the root of your dental issues and get you on the right track toward healing!

Sources:
Colgate
FDC

We think that is a great idea! Overall health and wellness is incredibly important to the team at Richview Family Dentistry.

 
Whether you are flossing daily, taking your dog for a short walk or jog each night, or cutting sugary drinks from your diet, we say go for it!
 

You may not know it, but some healthy foods are extra good for your teeth. Try these out!

1. Yogurt

Yogurt is great for your digestive system, but did you also know it helps your oral health? The calcium and protein found in most yogurts make this snack perfect for building stronger teeth. Plus, we like to think of yogurt as a low-guilt sweet treat. Just be sure to stick to the kind with no added sugar. Now that is something to smile about!

2. Leafy Greens

We all know that salad is a better choice than a pizza, but seeing leafy greens on virtually every  “healthy foods” list should not be a bummer. Try adding some spinach to your scrambled eggs in the morning or finding other ways to “sneak” greens in. The vitamin B and calcium found in this food is great for your oral health!

3. Crunchy Foods

Before you grab that bag of chips, allow us to clarify. By crunchy foods, we mean things like carrots, celery, apples…you get the idea. Crunchy foods can help knock plaque out of place. It’s almost like having a snack that helps brush your teeth on your lunch break!

While an apple a day does not truly keep the dentist away, we hope these simple tips can help you reach your health goals this year and give your teeth some extra love at the same time. Come see us at Richview Family Dentistry to tell us all about your new found success! Be sure to schedule a routine visit, dental cleaning or exam at our Clarksville, TN office as part of your new year health plan. We are excited to see your smiling face soon!

 
Sources:
Colgate
Live Science

The new year is right around the corner, which means now is a great time to think about your resolutions for 2017! Perhaps making improvements to your pearly whites is on your list? If so, you may want to give Invisalign a shot!

Here are some great reasons why Invisalign maybe right for you:

1. They are more comfortable.

Unlike traditional braces, some patients have reported that the Invisalign treatment can be almost pain free! In addition, patients who go the Invisalign route have less food restrictions, making the teeth straightening process more enjoyable overall. The fact that the Invisalign system is clear against your teeth often helps people feel more confident vs. braces as well!

2. Easier care.

Because the alignment trays are removable, Invisalign is easier to clean. You can remove them to eat, brush and floss, and this in turn helps you care for your oral health along the way.

3. Efficient.

Invisalign works by using a series of plastic alignment trays to gradually shift the position of your teeth according to a plan that we will customize for you, right here at Richview Family Dentistry! While the total timeframe differs in each case, most adults can expects to see results within one year of Invisalign treatment.
 
While Invisalign is not the right solution for everyone, we would be glad to consult with you about the best method of tooth straightening for your needs. Come see us at Richview Family Dentistry to get started! Give us a call at 931-647-2243 to schedule an appointment at our office on Rudolphtown Rd. right here in Clarksville, TN!

If you are like many of the parents in our office, you know that tooth brushing time can be an uphill battle with kids. For many households, tooth brushing time can be the most tension filled minutes you face in the morning or evening with your kids. We’re here to tell you, it does not have to be this way! With a little creativity, teeth brushing can go from a dreaded chore to tolerable, dare we say, even…fun!

Check out these tips to make tooth brushing time more exciting!  

1) Make tooth brushing special.  

Making brushing a special time starts at the grocery store. Allow your child to choose a toothbrush that includes a colorful character or something else they like. Make a “big deal” over their selection, and let them know that their special toothbrush is only to be used at certain times. Creating a sense of exclusivity to the tooth brushing experience gives kids something to look forward to, rather than something to fear or hate.

2) Consider games.

Playing games involving tooth brushing is right up kids’ alley. For smaller children, allow them to have a toothbrush just for their stuffed animals, dolls, or other playthings. Demonstrate how fun tooth brushing can be by showing them on their favorite toys. Other games can include (you) singing or playing a favorite a song while your child brushes their teeth, making up a fun story for each tooth until each tooth is shiny and clean, or cheering as each tooth is brushed. A little attention and added fun can go a long way to the tooth brushing process painless!

3) Check out tooth brushing apps.

This day and age, there truly is an app for everything. This include teeth brushing. Check out the app store on your smartphone for several options to help make the tooth brushing process more exciting. One popular app, Brush DJ, incorporates popular songs into your daily tooth brushing ritual. The best part… this cool app won’t cost you a dime!

At Richview Family Dentistry, we know that thinking about the dentist and oral health can sometimes leave a bad taste in your mouth. We are are here to make your dental health process more enjoyable for you and your family. We hope these tooth brushing tips help you and your little ones enjoy taking care of their teeth. Don’t forget to make a professional dental cleaning part of your own yearly routine as well! Give Richview Family Dentistry a call at 931-647-2243 to set up your appointment today!  

Sources:

Brush DJ

Colgate