Preventing Tooth Decay To Maintain Healthy Teeth

Dealing With Common Tooth Problems

There are some dental problems that tend to be more common than others. By learning about some of the most common problems, you will be in a better position to spot some of them, should they happen to you. This will help you know when to get in to the dentist right away and when you can try at home treatments first. This article will help educate you on some of those more common dental problems that you may someday find yourself up against.

Chips and breaks

It can be easier than you think to chip or even break a tooth. Sometimes something as simple as biting down on a harder piece of food can do it. Chewing ice is actually a fairly common way that people chip their teeth. Using your teeth to open packages can also lead to breakage. Sometimes they can chip or break just by biting down on a piece of food that isn't even hard.

If you have chipped or broken your tooth, then you should get in to see your dentist as soon as you can. The part of your tooth that's now left with little to no enamel will be more susceptible to cavities. Also, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold things. Plus, that part of the tooth can now break even more, and it may have sharp edges that can even cut the inside of your mouth. The dentist may have several options for mending the tooth. Some of these may include using a bonding material to recreate the missing part of the tooth, putting a crown on the tooth, putting a porcelain veneer on the tooth, or even opting to extract the tooth and replace it with a dental implant if the break is bad enough.

Knocked-out teeth

If your tooth takes a hard enough impact, then it can get completely knocked out. If this happens, then you will need to act quickly and get to the dentist right away. However, you will also need to make sure you take the appropriate steps before leaving for the dentist. First, you want to rinse out your mouth. You'll also need to pick up the tooth without touching the root and clean it off using your own saliva. Put it in a container with some of your saliva in it to keep it wet during transport.

Get to the dentist immediately. If your own dentist isn't able to fit you in, then you'll need to find the nearest emergency dental clinic and go there instead. The most important thing will be for you to get in right away so there is a better chance of the dentist being able to save the tooth.

Contact a dental office like Barnstable Dental Associates for additional information.


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