West Maitland Dentistry Blog

It’s a Saturday afternoon, your child is playing their team sport and all of a sudden get’s an injury to their face.  Upon further look you notice a tooth knocked out.  What do you do?  Unfortunately injuries to the mouth and teeth are common in children, in fact the American Academy of Pediatrics states 30% of children will experience a dental injury by the age of 14.  Prevention and knowing what to do in these scenarios are key to stopping permanent damage to your little one’s mouth.

What do I do if the tooth knocked out is a baby tooth?

If your child’s baby tooth gets knocked out here are some steps to follow.

• First find the tooth.  This is to make sure it isn’t in their mouth leading to a choking hazard.
• Gently place pressure on the gum tissue to stop any bleeding.
• DO NOT place the baby tooth back in the mouth as to avoid damage to the permanent tooth that is forming below.
• If it looks like there was any damage done to the surrounding tissues (gums, cheek, lips, bone) go to the emergency room to rule out any fractures or tooth fragments lodged in the soft tissues.
• Make the appointment with your child’s dentist to further evaluate the need for treatment and don’t forget to bring the tooth.  The dentist may take an X-ray to evaluate the extent of the injury.  If the tooth was lost extremely premature then a device to maintain space or for esthetics may be recommended.

What do I do if the tooth knocked out is a permanent tooth?

This is a trickier situation as the permanent tooth can and should be saved.  The sooner the tooth can be placed back in its place, think within 30 minutes, the better chance of that tooth surviving.

• First make sure to pick up/touch only the top portion (crown) of the tooth.  This is the part that is usually visible in the mouth.  Avoid touching the root portion of the tooth.
• Exam the tooth and if there is any debris or dirt on the root then gently rinse with cool water.
• DO NOT wipe/scrub the tooth and avoid any soap or cleaner.
• Gently reinsert it in the space of the missing tooth, known as the socket.
• Have your child slowly bite down on it as you hold it in place with your finger.
• Let them bite down on paper towels or a washcloth until you can reach your dentist.
• If you are uncomfortable or your child won’t let you put the tooth back then store the tooth in milk.
• DO NOT use water to store the tooth.
• DO NOT use milk substitutes such as almond or oat milk.
• If you do not have milk available find a container to put the tooth in and spit into it until the tooth is covered with saliva.
• REMEMBER to keep the tooth moist and prevent it from drying out.

How do I prevent a knocked out tooth

Preventing damage to teeth is important. Here are some tips to help your child avoid an injury:

• Do NOT open objects such as bottles, plastic or use your teeth to cut string/fishing lines.
• Avoid rough housing or activities with high risks of falling, such as trampolines.
• Have your child wear a mouthguard if they play sports where there is a high chance of physical contact or high velocity contact, such as ball to the face.
• Check that their mouthguard is snug and fits properly and fits on the top teeth (maxilla) and covers the gum tissue to help reduce risk to the teeth, gums, lips and cheeks.
• Make sure it is free of any sharp or rough edges.

Sometimes its unavoidable to have a tooth knocked out.  Remember to remain calm and rely on this new knowledge as well as your dental provider to get you through this stressful event!

Pregnancy is a wonderful time for a new mom to be as well as sometimes a confusing one. With limitations on what to eat, drink and medicine to take it is no wonder that the safety of dental care during pregnancy is questioned. Most dental treatment is not only safe during pregnancy but recommended. Let’s go over some of the common dental procedures that are safe during pregnancy.

X-Rays

Dental radiographs aid in the diagnosis of oral problems, such as cavities, bone loss and infections. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecology and the American Dental Association both agree that x-rays are safe during pregnancy. Although the amount of radiation is minimal with new dental technology it is still important that you share your pregnancy with the dental staff so that proper shielding is used.

Cleanings

The change in hormone levels cause gums to be easily irritated by plaque which can lead to gingivitis. The CDC estimates that nearly 60 to 75% of pregnant patients have gingivitis. Cleanings are not only safe but recommended.  Some insurance will even cover an extra cleaning a year for pregnant patients.

Fillings

Pregnancy increases the chances of getting cavities. The consumption of more carbs as well as morning sickness make a nice acidic environment for cavities. It is important and safe to stop the progression of cavities during pregnancy. Your dentist will take in consideration though many factors such as what trimester you are in, how small the cavities are and the length of procedure.

Tooth Extractions and Root Canals

Dental infections can often lead to the need for a tooth extraction or root canal. A dental infection has serious consequences so it is necessary to stop that infection by one of the before mentioned treatments. Both procedures are safe during pregnancy but considerations of how far along the pregnancy is will be considered.  Local anesthetics are safe but it is recommended to avoid general anesthesia and oral sedation during pregnancy.

Elective Treatment

Elective treatment such as cosmetic procedures like tooth whitening should be avoided during pregnancy. Postponing such treatment prevents the minimal risks to the fetus.


Dental Anesthesia and Medications

Sometimes dental infections require antibiotics. Antibiotics that are considered safe during pregnancy include penicillins and amoxicillin. Your dentist will confer with your OB/GYN to ensure the proper medication is prescribed. Some dental anesthetics are not recommended during pregnancy. There are options that fall into Category B classification of drugs, such as the most commonly used lidocaine.

Even though dental care during pregnancy is safe, your dentist might modify your treatment based on recommendations by your physician. Dental treatment is ideal during the second trimester and early third trimester. If though you have any questions about your specific needs refer to your OB/GYN.

A common trend we’ve been seeing lately is the use of charcoal infused tooth products.  These products claim that they whiten your teeth.  They also promote bacteria removal from your mouth as well.  Let’s dive deep and see what are the risks and benefits of charcoal toothpaste.

First off what is charcoal toothpaste?

Charcoal is a form of carbon that is made by burning natural substances such as coconut shells and wood.  This becomes oxidized and formed into a fine powder which is placed into toothpaste.  These charcoal toothpastes generally don’t contain fluoride.

Does it whiten teeth?

Yes and no.  Due to charcoal’s abrasive nature it may remove staining on the outside of the tooth called extrinsic staining.  But it cannot penetrate the tooth to remove the staining within, called intrinsic staining.

Does it have an antibacterial effect?

No studies have shown that there is a significant antibacterial effect with charcoal toothpaste.

Can it do any damage?

Yes, it can damage teeth with its abrasiveness leading to loss of enamel.  The enamel is the hard, white outer surface layer of your tooth.  The more you strip it away the more yellow your teeth will look since the layer below it, the dentin, is a yellower color.  The dentin is also a sensitive layer so with more of your enamel gone you may notice increased sensitivity.

The dark charcoal can get into small gaps you may have on your teeth.  This can range from existing dental work or micro cracks your teeth.  This type of staining is difficult to remove.  Finally without any fluoride in the toothpaste it leaves you susceptible to cavities.

The American Dental Association has not found any evidence that charcoal toothpaste is safe or effective for your teeth. We agree and do not recommend any charcoal based tooth product.  When considering whitening your teeth remember there are safer options to choose from such as in office or take home whitening trays.  For toothpaste recommendations refer to the ADA website to see if your toothpaste is accepted and recommended.

Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism, is a disorder that occurs commonly when people are sleeping.  Although people often clench or grind their teeth occasionally, done for a prolonged time it can lead to severe issues.  We’re answering the most common questions that patient have about clenching and grinding.

Why Do I Grind or Clench My Teeth?

Common reasons are:

• Stress or anxiety
• Teeth that are improper aligned, also known as malocclusion
• Sleep apnea

What are some signs that I’m Grinding or Clenching my Teeth?

• Wear or chips on teeth
• Jaw pain
• Muscle pain
• Feeling popping when you open or close your mouth
• Hearing a clicking noise when you open or close your mouth
• Your mandible (lower jaw) moving to the right or left when opening or closing

Can I do permanent damage if left untreated?

Yes! If left untreated expect teeth to start wearing down. After the protective, hard enamel is worn down, the bottom layer of the tooth, the dentin is exposed. This is the soft and yellow looking layer. As well as being not aesthetically pleasing, even worse it can lead to sensitivity and more cavities.

Not only can you get permanent damage to your teeth but permanent damage to your jaw joint, the TMJ, is possible. It is important to let your dentist know if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms so that we can discuss the appropriate treatment to help prevent any long term damage!

It’s National Pizza Day and we know that ooey-gooey cheesiness sometimes has to be eaten while pipping hot!  Often times though the result is a burn on your tongue or roof of your mouth.  We’re sharing some tips and tricks to help soothe your mouth in case this happens so you can still enjoy your pizza today!

Cool it down

For some immediate relief eat or drink something cold.  Try first sipping on some cold water or sucking on a popsicle.  Yogurt or ice cream can also do the trick!

Pain reliever

Try an over the counter pain reliever to help alleviate some of the discomfort. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label or consult with your physician first if need be.

Salt rinses

Salt rinses can help prevent infection at the burn site and can also provide some relief for pain.  To make a salt water rinse dissolve 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt into 8 oz of water.  Gargle the salt water and then spit it out.

Keep your mouth clean!

Maintain your normal oral hygiene care to keep your mouth clean. This can help prevent the burn spot from becoming infected.

Watch what you eat and drink

Try to stick to non-spicy, softer foods.  Avoid hard, sharp, crunchy foods that might scratch or irritate the burn even more such as chips or granola.  Choosing foods that are cooler in temperature can soothe the burn spot as well. Try to avoid alcohol/alcohol based mouth rinses and acidic foods and drinks such as citrus which can often cause the burn to become more painful and irritated.

Consult your dentist

If the burn feels severe, isn’t going away or is becoming extremely painful consult your dentist to make sure there isn’t an infection.  We can prescribe ointments, rinses or gels that can help numb the area or take care of the infection.

Burns can take several days to heals so don’t get discouraged. But, if your burn lasts more than 1-2 weeks or the pain is getting worse that’s when you need to contact your dentist.

New year, new you?  Whether it’s getting new dental insurance, fulfilling New Year’s resolutions or deciding to focus on the health of your mouth, January is a common month that we see new patients.  A lot of times these new patients have put off seeing the dentist.  What often keeps them from the chair is anxiety.  We use the term dental anxiety when it comes to patients who are anxious or afraid of the dental office.  But did you know that this is a common and manageable anxiety? So if this sounds like you, keep reading for recommendations to help your next dental appointment go smooth and stress free!

Find the right dentist for you. 

A dentist-patient relationship is special and not all dentists might be the right fit for you.  Do some research and find out what other patients interactions are with that dentist.  You can do this through their website, reviews or word of mouth.  Also, it helps to find out if the dentist has experience working on anxious patients.

Communication.

Let your dentist and staff know about your anxiety and ask questions.  Letting your dentist know can help them determine how to make you the most comfortable at your appointment.  Also remember you are in control of the appointment. So if you are feeling overwhelmed and need a break, don’t be afraid to let them know!

Drown out the noise. 

During treatments we encourage people to be relaxed and listening to your own music can help achieve this.  Especially now a days with noise cancelling headphones it makes it possible that you can completely tune out the noise.  Also, if you forget your headphones see if your dentist has any earplugs as often times we do.

Let go of any embarrassment. 

If being embarrassed of your mouth is the cause of your anxiety- please don’t be embarrassed!  As healthcare providers, not only are we used to seeing a wide range of conditions in the mouth, we also have a no judgement policy.  Not only that, we are excited to help someone get out of pain, get a healthy mouth or achieve a smile that is a source of pride.

Get comfortable. 

Some offices, such as ours, provide neck pillows and heavy blankets to help reduce the stress of being in the chair.  Our office even carries stress balls for you to hold onto to help alleviate tensions.  Most dental offices don’t mind if you bring one of your own in as well.

Zen time. 

Try controlled breathing or mediation.  Controlled breathing and meditation can calm and lower anxieties.  At your next visit try some of these out.

Look into sedation. 

If all else fails there is anti-anxiety medication, laughing gas, conscious or general sedation, to help your experience be a positive one.  Be sure to discuss with your dentist the risks and benefits of these as well as any side effects to expect.

Although it may seem daunting to make that appointment if you have dental anxiety, letting problems in your mouth go can lead to serious consequences.  Utilizing these tips can help crease a stress free and relaxing trip to the dentist.

You’re eating lunch and all of a sudden you feel something hard only to spit out your crown.  This is unfortunately a common scenario we see.  Most crowns at some point are redone.  Knowing what to do and not to do with a lost crown can help you not only save time and money but possibly your tooth.

Why do crowns come off?

There are many different reasons why crowns come off.  One is chewing something sticky that lifts the crown off.  Another cause is the dissolving of the cement over time which loosens the crown.  Finally the most common reason is a cavity under the crown.  The cavity softens the tooth the crown is bonded on to leading to nothing for the crown to hold on to.

Will I be in pain?

It depends.  If the tooth is root canal treated there should be minimal pain.  However, if the tooth has not had a root canal most likely there will be some sensitivity until the exposed tooth structure is covered. Avoid foods with extreme temperatures, sugary and acidic foods to minimize the sensitivity.

Can my crown be reused?

Sometimes yes.  In cases where the cement has worn thin often times the same crown can be placed back onto the tooth.  When the reason is because of a cavity the cavity has to be removed and the shape of the tooth changes.  This leads to the crown being unable to fit back onto the tooth snuggly and a new crown has to be made.

What if I don’t get the crown put back on?

The layer of the tooth that is exposed is called the dentin.  This is a soft layer and is prone to cavities,so there is a risk one might start forming. Also the lost crown acts as a space holder. When it is missing there is nothing keeping the adjacent teeth from tipping into the now open space.  This may make it difficult to insert the crown again or to create a new one.  Finally without a crown there it can become an area for food to trap.  Often times these teeth get cavities and this which untreated leads to eventually the tooth having to be removed.

Should I place the crown back on?

No. Placing your crown back on without the proper adhesive can lead to the crown dislodging again.  This can become a choking hazard and can be a risk for swallowing or worse aspiration.

So what should I do?

Call you dentist and make an appointment.  Although most of the time this is not considered an emergency it is important to get the crown back on as soon as possible.  Make sure you keep the crown in a clean, safe place and don’t forget to bring it with you to your appointment so that you dentist can determine whether it can be used again or not.

Last year with quarantine in full effect, many people turned to the social media platform TikTok for entertainment.  With entertainment also came users coming up with “hacks” as a way to trend on the platform.  While some of the hacks give insight, such as how to clean your stove, when it comes to your oral health, a lot of TikTok Dental Hacks are not only misleading but can be extremely damaging to your mouth.  Here are some top trends to avoid.

Cleaning Your Own Teeth

You will find over the counter tools aimed at plaque removal.  However scraping plaque off teeth incorrectly can lead to enamel removal, damage to gums and possibility of injuring other parts of the mouth.  Long term complications can occur such as sensitivity or infections with the use of unsterile instruments.

Filing Your Teeth

A user posted a video of herself filing down her teeth with a nail file to make them straight and the video went viral.  Not only does this remove the healthy enamel that protects our teeth but it can lead to chronic sensitivity and an increase in the chances of getting cavities when you introduce bacteria into the mouth.  Also when you shorten your teeth you alter your bite.  When your bite is uneven this is called malocclusion.  Malocclusion causes wearing down and grinding of your molars and jaw pain in most cases.

Bleaching with Hydrogen Peroxide

The trend has followers using undiluted hydrogen peroxide to whiten their teeth.  What they fail to realize is that at high concentrations hydrogen peroxide is extremely corrosive.  This can not only strip your enamel but lead to burning of the gums and loss of them. Dental products containing hydrogen peroxide or professional whitening use a controlled amount of the substance to avoid such complications.

DIY Dentures

Users show moldable plastic used to replace missing teeth.  This is not only unhygienic but since it is not custom gaps can lead to food, plaque and bacteria being caught underneath the plastic.  Since the dentures cannot have a reliable fit it becomes a choking hazard risk as well.  Also since a professional isn’t checking your bite it will most likely be uneven.  This uneven bite leads to jaw pain, muscle pain and TMJ issues.

Hair Flossing

A TikTok Dental Hacks trend that is also harmful is using a piece of hair to floss in between your teeth.  This can lead to damage to the gums and introduce bacteria to the mouth.  It is important to use proper, ADA approved tools when it comes to your oral health.

Tooth pain is unfortunately an everyday problem that often brings patients into our office.  We many a time hear the question, “Why does my tooth hurt when I floss?”.  Let’s breakdown some common reasons why flossing might make a tooth hurt.  

• Cavity.  One common cause for sensitivity while flossing is due to a cavity or the start of a cavity. For more information about cavities, the mayo clinic breaks them and their symptoms down in this article.
• Gum Disease. Both gingivitis and periodontal disease can lead to gums that are tender, swollen and prone to bleeding.  Flossing them can often be sensitive or even feel painful.  For more information on gum disease read up our blog.
• Bone loss.  When you lose the surrounding bone of a tooth the root of the tooth is exposed.  This layer, known as the dentin, is a very sensitive layer.  Flossing can lead to sensitivity or pain when the floss is rubbing against that exposed area.
• Improper flossing.  Flossing too aggressively or incorrectly can lead to pain. Check out our previous blog on maintaining proper oral hygiene here.

 If your pain persists make sure you get checked out with your dental team. Remember that only your professionally trained dental team can determine your source of pain and come up with an appropriate course of action.

February is National Children’s Oral Health Month.  It’s commonly known that brushing and flossing your teeth can help prevent cavities.  Did you know what you feed your child is just as important for a healthy mouth?  We’re celebrating National Children’s Oral Health Month by sharing some of our favorite healthy and nutritional foods and beverages!

Drinks:

• Make water your child’s go to drink.  It helps rinse off food and increases the pH of their mouth making it harder for cavity causing bacteria to live.
• Avoid soda, juice and other sugary drinks.  These drinks are fuel to cavities!
• Milk is a great option and has many benefits.  One of them is that it is rich in calcium which helps promote healthy teeth and bones.
• Limit juice to once a day.  For children 1 to 6 years of age no more than 6 ounces.  Children 7 and older should be limited to 12 ounces a day.  If possible try to dilute the juice with water.

Food:

• Offer up some crunchy veggies, think celery and carrots.  Both act like a natural teeth cleaner and carrots have the added bonus of having lots of vitamin C, calcium and keratins.
• Fruits, such as apples which naturally clean the teeth and pears which neutralize the mouth are great snack options.
• Cheeses and yogurts, just like milk, are calcium rich and help make bones stronger.
• Try to sneak in broccoli or leafy greens for a healthy, vitamin packed snack or side dish.
• Limit snacks that contain carbohydrates since they have lots of sugars in them. Try to substitute them out with some of the foods we described earlier.

Remember nothing replaces good oral hygiene which includes brushing twice a day for two minutes, daily flossing and regular dental check ups when it comes to children’s oral health.