Dental Advice

Regular visits to your dentist are not only important in early detection of dental problems, but also medical problems that may present themselves dentally, such as a mouth sore that does not heal within two weeks.

Daily home care at minimum should consist of two-minute brushings with a fluoridated toothpaste twice a day and flossing in the evening.

Practicing good home oral care on a daily basis will help prevent new cavities from forming; allow fillings, crowns, and bridges to last longer; reduce the chances of developing gum disease; and help keep your breath fresher.

Gums that bleed when brushing and flossing can be the first sign of gum disease. If the bleeding continues for more than a few days, visit a dentist to determine the source of problem and the treatment required.

What to do if a crown comes off – Contact a dentist as soon as possible for specific instructions on what to do. If possible, try to re-cement the crown back in place (ask your local pharmacist for temporary dental cement). If you cannot get to a store, use Vaseline or toothpaste. This will last only for a few days at most, so be careful, because you run the risk of swallowing your crown, should it come loose again.

What to do if a tooth gets knocked out – Contact a dentist immediately. DO NOT wipe off the tooth. Wrap the tooth loosely in a wet (water) tissue and place it in a zip-lock bag. Rinse the mouth gently with warm salt water and bite down lightly on a tissue. If you can get to a dentist within an hour, you will increase your chances of possibly having the tooth re-implanted.