Dental Emergencies
If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, act quickly. Please pick up the tooth without touching the root, gently clean it with water, and place it in a clean container with cold milk or saliva. Contact our office immediately for urgent care. Swift action is crucial for the best possible outcome for your child’s oral health.
If your child chips a tooth, try to find any pieces that came off, as they might be re-attachable. Call our office for an emergency appointment and bring the pieces with you. Chipped teeth are common dental injuries requiring prompt attention but are less severe than knocked-out teeth.
Acute or persistent tooth pain is a sign of a dental emergency. It can be caused by tooth decay, bacterial infections, or other issues. If your child experiences tooth pain, schedule an urgent visit to the dental office. One of our skilled dentists will diagnose the cause and provide appropriate treatment, such as a root canal to relieve infection-related pain.
Injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, such as gums, tongue, or cheek lining, may need emergency treatment. Rinse the injured area with dilute salt water and clear visible debris. For bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean, damp material for 10-15 minutes. If bleeding doesn’t stop, seek immediate medical attention. If a foreign body gets lodged beneath the gum line, consult a dentist for safe removal.
A periodontal abscess is a pus-filled sac caused by gum infection, leading to pain and discomfort. It requires immediate attention at the dental office. We need to drain the abscess, remove the infection, and provide appropriate treatment to promote healing and prevent further complications.
Orthodontic Emergencies
If a bracket becomes loose or pops out, try to keep it safe by placing orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges temporarily. If the bracket was completely removed, place it in a clean container or a sealable plastic bag and bring it to your next appointment. Contact our office as soon as possible to schedule a visit and have it reattached.
If the wires of your braces are poking or causing discomfort, you can use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp edges temporarily. If the issue persists, contact us to schedule an adjustment appointment.
It’s important not to attempt to fix orthodontic appliances on your own, as you may inadvertently cause further damage. Always seek professional help from our office for any issues related to your braces or appliances. We would love to help!
In case of trauma or injury to your teeth or face while wearing braces, seek immediate care from an emergency room or contact our office immediately. We can assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment.
While some emergencies are unavoidable, you can minimize the risk of orthodontic issues by following your orthodontist’s instructions, avoiding sticky or hard foods, wearing mouthguards during sports activities, and maintaining good oral hygiene. Regularly scheduled appointments with your orthodontist can also help detect and address potential problems before they become emergencies.
Sports and your Teeth
Yes, playing sports can put your teeth at risk of injury, especially contact sports or activities with a risk of falls or collisions. Wearing a mouthguard during sports can provide protection and reduce the risk of dental injuries.
A custom-fitted mouthguard made by your dentist offers the best protection for your teeth during sports. These mouthguards are designed to fit your teeth precisely and provide superior comfort and protection compared to over-the-counter options.
Yes, braces or orthodontic appliances can be damaged during sports-related activities. Wearing a mouthguard is essential for orthodontic patients to protect both the teeth and the braces or appliances from potential harm.
Mouthguards act as a cushion, absorbing and dispersing the impact of a blow to the face. They create a barrier between the teeth, lips, and cheeks, reducing the risk of dental injuries, including chipped or broken teeth, lip and cheek injuries, and even jaw fractures.
While mouthguards are especially important for contact sports like football, hockey, and rugby, they are beneficial for any sport or physical activity where there is a risk of dental injuries, including basketball, soccer, gymnastics, skateboarding, and even biking. Protecting your teeth is crucial, regardless of the sport you play.
Fluoride and Sealants
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral crucial for proper tooth development and the prevention of tooth decay. It strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities.
When fluoride is present in the mouth, it becomes part of the tooth enamel, making it harder and more resistant to acid erosion. Fluoride can even repair the early stages of tooth decay before cavities fully develop.
Children aged two to six should use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, and kids under two should use just a tiny smear. Fluoride toothpaste should not be used on children younger than six months.
While fluoride is beneficial, it is possible for children to get too much fluoride, leading to enamel fluorosis. To ensure safe usage, consult your dentist about the appropriate fluoride-containing products for your child’s age and dental needs.
Dental sealants are thin, invisible coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They fill in the deep grooves and fissures where food particles and bacteria tend to accumulate, preventing cavities from forming in these areas.
Applying dental sealants is a simple and painless process. First, the teeth are cleaned and dried. Then, a special solution is applied to roughen the tooth surface, allowing the sealant to adhere better. The sealant is painted onto the tooth and hardens in about a minute, forming a protective barrier against decay.
Sealed teeth should be taken care of like unsealed teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits. Dentists will check the sealants for wear and tear during routine check-ups, and they can last for up to 10 years, providing effective cavity prevention during that time.
Nitrous Oxide and Children
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a colorless gas with a sweet odor used to administer sedation during dental procedures. It helps children feel relaxed and comfortable during treatment, reducing anxiety and making the experience stress-free.
Yes, nitrous oxide is safe for children when administered properly by trained dental professionals. It has been used in medicine for many years and has proven to be safe when administered properly.
Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask covering the child’s nose. The gas is mixed with oxygen and delivered at safe levels. The child remains awake during the procedure but feels relaxed and calm.
Yes, children under nitrous oxide sedation can remain in control during the procedure. They can communicate, be aware of what’s happening, and cooperate with the dentist. The level of sedation can be adjusted to ensure they are comfortable yet alert.
Any child who experiences fear or anxiety about dental treatments can benefit from nitrous oxide sedation. It helps make dental visits more manageable and enables children to receive necessary dental care without distress. Before administering nitrous oxide, the dental team will ensure the child’s safety and suitability for the sedation.
Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking
Using a pacifier is recommended over thumb-sucking for babies because a pacifier habit is easier to break at an earlier age. Thumb-sucking may lead to more prolonged habits, which can affect the way a child’s teeth bite together and the growth of the jaw.
Children should ideally stop using pacifiers or thumb-sucking habits by the age of three. By this age, the habit may start to affect the proper development of their teeth and jaw. Most children naturally outgrow these habits between the ages of two and four. However, if the habit persists beyond this age, it is essential to address it with positive reinforcement and encouragement to prevent any potential dental issues. If parents notice that their child is still using a pacifier or sucking their thumb beyond the age of three, they should consult with a pediatric dentist for guidance and intervention strategies.
Prolonged thumb-sucking can interfere with normal tooth eruption and jaw growth. It may lead to an “open bite,” where the upper and lower teeth do not overlap properly. Monitoring thumb-sucking habits is essential to prevent potential dental problems.
Positive reinforcement and rewards for not sucking their thumb can be effective in breaking the habit. Praising your child when they stop, comforting them in other ways, and offering gentle reminders are helpful strategies. If necessary, a pediatric dentist can fit them with a special oral appliance to prevent thumb-sucking and break the habit.
There are several approaches to help your child give up their pacifier. You can start by asking your pediatric dentist for guidance and recommendations tailored to your child’s specific situation. Offering alternative comfort objects, getting creative with the weaning process, and using countdown games can all be helpful strategies to ease the transition and make the process smoother for both you and your child. Remember to provide positive reinforcement and praise when your child is able to sleep through the night or self-soothe without the pacifier.
Braces Care
Caring for your braces and teeth is crucial during orthodontic treatment. Brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and clean between wires and braces with an interdental brush or a floss threader. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also essential to maintain good oral hygiene.
Yes, it’s essential to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that can damage your braces. These include gum, hard candies, popcorn, nuts, and chewy candies. Also, avoid biting directly into hard foods like apples or carrots. Cut them into smaller pieces to minimize the risk of damaging your braces.
The frequency of orthodontic adjustments depends on your specific treatment plan. Generally, you’ll visit your orthodontist every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments to ensure your braces are working effectively. These visits allow your orthodontist to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments to achieve the desired results.
Yes, flossing is crucial with braces to clean between the teeth and around the wires. Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss to carefully navigate around the braces and remove plaque and food particles. Floss at least once a day to maintain proper oral hygiene and prevent gum disease and cavities.
Yes, you can participate in sports and play musical instruments while wearing braces. However, it’s advisable to wear a mouthguard during physical activities to protect your braces and mouth from potential injuries. Consult your orthodontist for a custom-fit mouthguard suitable for your needs.
Invisalign Care
Proper care of your Invisalign aligners is essential for effective treatment. Rinse them with lukewarm water before and after wearing them. Brush the aligners gently with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to remove any debris or plaque. Avoid using hot water, as it may warp the aligners. In addition, you can use Invisalign aligner tabs or cleaning crystals to soak your aligners regularly.
For optimal results, wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. Remove them only when eating, drinking anything other than water, and when brushing and flossing your teeth. Consistency in wearing the aligners ensures successful treatment.
It’s best to remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Eating with the aligners can damage them and lead to breakage and discoloration. Remember to brush your teeth before reinserting the aligners after meals.
Your orthodontist will provide a specific treatment plan, including the schedule for changing to new aligners. Typically, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks as your teeth gradually move into their desired positions. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully for the best results.
It’s normal to experience some discomfort when starting with a new set of aligners. This is a sign that the aligners are working to move your teeth. Over-the-counter pain relievers and eating soft foods can help ease the discomfort. If the pain persists or the aligners are causing irritation, contact our office for guidance. We can make necessary adjustments to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment.