newtonbrookdentistry
‘Rinse’ is one of the daily 4 habits recommended for optimal oral health. With October being National Dental Hygiene Month, we are going through each of the habits, how to do them correctly, and tips to make them the most effective. Today, we are focusing on how important it is to rinse your mouth as part of the daily oral care routine of: Brush, Floss, Rinse and Chew!
Did you know October is National Dental Hygiene Month? Our big push this month is promoting the recommended daily four habits for good dental hygiene: Brush, Floss, Rinse and Chew Gum. Of course you know to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and use mouthwash daily, but you may not know that your dentist wants you to chew gum. Today, we will clear that up by focusing on chewing!
Helmets, goggles, and knee pads are a no-brainer when it comes to kids’ sports. But when we talk to parents about mouthguards, they often ask, “Why do we have to do this? Is it really that important?”
You’re chatting with other parents while the kids are having fun in the bouncy castle. All of a sudden, everyone is looking at you and you can hear the unmistakable sound of your son sobbing in pain. He’s hit his front teeth on another girl’s head and one of his beautiful, brand new permanent teeth has been knocked out.
While you try to comfort your wet-faced, bloody son, one of the parents tells you to put the tooth in a glass of cow’s milk. Cow’s milk? That seems like it has to be an old wives tale. (It’s not.) One thing you do know is that you need to get him to an emergency dentist as soon as possible.
Dental emergencies happen. Knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between your son keeping and losing his tooth. (And we all know that those adorable, toothless grins don’t melt hearts forever).
A Few Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them
It’s good to have a dentist on speed dial. Pain and broken teeth can happen at any time and can bring even the most reluctant people to the dentist.
Knocked out tooth
Kids rough house, teenagers play sports, and adults take a “YOLO” approach to learning how to skateboard. When a tooth gets knocked out, pick it up by the crown (not the root), gently rinse with water, and try to gently push it back into the socket. If this isn’t possible, place it in a glass of milk and call your dentist.
Toothache
A toothache can bring you to your knees. It can be caused by tooth decay, infection, tooth eruption, an abnormal bite, or trauma to the tooth. Schedule an appointment with your dentist and rinse with warm salt water, take an ibuprofen or acetaminophen, apply an over-the-counter antiseptic and a cold compress to the outside cheek to relieve pain or swelling.
Crown or filling falling out
If your crown falls out, wipe the crown clean, wrap it in a clean cloth, , and schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Chipped or fractured tooth
Chipped and fractured teeth don’t always hurt, but the nerves can get damaged if you wait to get care. Even if it’s not bothering you, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Concussed tooth
When your little guy hits his tooth on a girl’s head and it doesn’t fall out, he might be left with a discolored tooth. Other than the unfortunate year-of-the-dark-tooth school photo, it’s not a serious dental emergency, but it’s still worth getting checked out.
How To Avoid Dental Emergencies:
If you find yourself or a family member in need of an emergency dentist, contact a dental office near you for the first available appointment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other inflammatory diseases. That’s why we are proud to offer a minimally invasive treatment for gum disease called Perio Protect®.
Why Does My Dentist Want Me to Quit Smoking?
Tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States.
Anyone who has ever watched a seven-year-old brush their teeth knows there is definitely a wrong way to brush teeth. You might even know a grown-up or two who doesn’t know the correct way to brush teeth.
Who knew that National Toothache Day is actually a day? Well it is, February 9th is National Toothache Day. The origin of National Toothache Day is unknown. Some people say it’s because February 9th is the day that the Hershey Candy Company was founded. Other people say it’s because February 9th is The Feast of St. Apollonia (the Patron Saint of Dentistry). We suspect that it was probably initiated by a wise dentist who wanted to bring attention to this common and painful affliction.
Brushing teeth is a real pain when you’re five years old. When you’re a parent trying to make sure your five-year-old is doing it well or often enough, it’s an even bigger pain. Sometimes it takes an apps with games, characters, music, and rewards to make it more fun for kids and parents alike.