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Dental Emergency

What To Do In Case Of A Dental Emergency

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Dental emergencies can be both painful and frightening. It’s hard to know what constitutes an emergency, whether you should visit your dentist or the emergency room, and what steps you can take on your own to minimize the damage until you receive professional care. If an unfortunate accident has taken place, and you are unsure what to do, follow this guide to best handle the situation.

Is it urgent?

One of the most important things to consider is whether or not your injury requires immediate care or whether it’s something that can be dealt with during your dentist’s regular office hours. This is especially important if the injury occurs during the night, on the weekend, or while on vacation.

Some examples of dental emergencies include:

  • Bleeding from your mouth that won’t stop
  • A permanent tooth that has suffered a severe crack, is partially missing, or completely knocked out
  • Severe tooth pain, from an abscessed tooth for example
  • Severely painful swelling

The following are examples of non urgent dental issues

  • A dull toothache
  • Food stuck in between your teeth
  • A broken or damaged retainer or mouth guard
  • A lost filling, crown or bridge
  • A slightly broken or cracked tooth. You are not in severe pain

Who should I contact in case of a dental emergency

Your dentist is the first person you should contact. Even if the office is closed, there may be an emergency number or instructions on the answering machine. If this doesn’t work and you’ve exhausted your options, you should head to the emergency room. You should also go to the hospital if you are experiencing bleeding that will not stop.

If you cracked or chipped a tooth

One of the most common dental injuries is a cracked or chipped tooth. If you are not in lots of pain, you’ve bought some time. Minor sensitivity to hot and cold is normal and does not require an emergency visit. If you are in severe pain then contact your dentist and seek care as soon as possible      

If you knocked out a tooth

Another common dental injury is a tooth that is completely knocked out. If this happens to you, stay calm and call your dentist. You may need an implant, but there’s also a fair chance that you may be able to keep your tooth. Here are some things you can do before receiving care.

  • Pick up your tooth by the crown (part you bite), and not the root (the pointy end). Touching the root could damage the tissue that is needed to replant the tooth in the socket.
  • For adult teeth only, try to get the tooth back in the socket. Only do this if you feel comfortable trying. To help you visualize how the tooth should be reinserted, examine the same tooth you have on the opposite side of your mouth. Be careful not to reimplant it the wrong way. Also remember to handle the crown and not the root.  If you reimplant the tooth the correct way, there’s a good chance you might be able to keep it, thought you might need a root canal.
  • If you can’t get the tooth in the socket, rinse any dirt off, and keep it in a container of milk or saliva, and get to a dentist as soon as possible.  
  • Try to get to a dentist or the emergency room within an hour of the tooth getting knocked out.

Dental emergencies are no doubt painful but the good news is that they are often not as severe as other medical emergencies. Remember to stay calm, examine whether your issue is urgent and seek immediate care if needed.

 

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cavity and tooth decay

Cavities: How to tell if you have one and how to treat it

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A cavity, as the name suggests, is quite literally a hole in your tooth. It’s also an extremely common condition. According to the national institute of health, cavities and tooth decay, are the second most commonly occurring condition, behind only the common cold. Despite how common they are, they can still be quite painful, and if left untreated, lead to more serious issues. In this article we’ll let you know what causes cavities, signs you might have one and how they can be treated.

How cavities form

The mouth is an area of the body that contains lots of normal bacteria. When you eat and drink, this bacteria will start to feed on the sugars that get left behind on your teeth. The left-behind sugars are turned into an acid which can wear away the enamel of your teeth. This can eventually turn into a cavity, if the acids aren’t cleaned off quickly enough (which is one of the reasons it’s so important to brush!)

What are the signs of a cavity?

In the earliest phases, you might not feel anything at all. Once a cavity starts to progress, you might feel a toothache, especially after eating foods and drinks that are sweet, hot or cold. The pain could be dull, or it could be sharp and intense. Same patients experience pain when they bite down. Depending on the size of the cavity, you might even be able to see pits of holes in the teeth.

What should you do if you think you might have a cavity?

You should make an appointment to see your dentist right away. Your dentist will take an X-ray to see how far the cavity has progressed.

How Will The Cavity Be Treated?

It depends on how bad the cavity has progressed. If the cavity has progressed to the point where you already feel pain, then it is likely some treatment will be needed. In moderate cases, your dentist will remove the part of your tooth that has decayed with a drill. He will then replace it with a filling. Most fillings tend to be silver, gold or porcelain, however we offer white fillings which tend to blend in better with your teeth.

If there is a significant amount of tooth decay, to the point where not much remains, crowns might need to be used in order to hold the tooth together.

If the pulp in the tooth has become infected due to the cavity, a root canal might also be needed.

Is it possible to reverse a cavity that’s already formed?

There is some evidence suggesting that cavities in their early stages can be reversed. Unfortunately, if you’ve gotten to the stage where you already feel pain, it’s probably too late for that to happen. That’s why the best way treatment is often good care and prevention.

How can I prevent cavities from forming?

There are four easy things you can do to give yourself and your loved ones the best chance against developing cavities.

First, watch what you eat and how often. Remember that sugars and starches are the culprits that get turned into acid causing cavities. If you eat a lot of these foods, and eat them frequently throughout the day, that will create more acid which can lead to a better chance of cavities

Second, brush properly, at least twice a day, to remove this acid build up on your teeth

Third, use fluoride. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can prevent tooth decay, or even reverse it once it’s happened. It also reduces the ability of the bacteria to make acid. You can get fluoride by drinking fluoridated water, brushing with a fluoride toothpaste or  by obtaining gel or tablets from your dentist.

Lastly, it’s important to visit your dentist for regular checkups! At your dental visit, your dentist can remove any plaque that has built up, check for tooth decay and apply fluoride if necessary.

 

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Bleeding Gums

Everything You Wanted To Know About Bleeding Gums

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It’s never a great moment when you notice traces of blood in the sink after brushing or flossing. The source of this blood is usually your gums. Bleeding gums can have many causes, some of which are temporary and some of which need a little more attention. In this post, we’re going to details what causes bleeding gums, what you can do about it, and when it’s time for you to visit a dentist.

Common Causes of Bleeding Gums

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the most common cause of bleeding gums. It is the first stage of gum disease and results from not brushing or flossing your teeth regularly. When you neglect your oral health, plaque, containing bacteria, builds up on your teeth. This bacteria spread, irritating your gums which is what causes them to bleed.

Thankfully, early stages of gingivitis can be reversed with good brushing and flossing habits as well as regular visits to the dentist.

Medications

Some medicines can increase the likeliness of your gums to bleed. Common medicines including blood thinners, like Tylenol, are especially likely to cause bleeding.

Pregnancy

Changes in hormones can affect your entire body and your gums are no different. Pregnancy gingivitis can lead to swollen and sensitive gums that may bleed after brushing or flossing. Symptoms should clear up after pregnancy.

New Toothbrush Or Routine

A new toothbrush with firmer bristles may cause your teeth to bleed. Your gums may also be irritated if you are brushing too hard.

Changes in flossing habits can also be the reason for bleeding gums. Whether you start flossing more often, or simply skipped a few days, changes in this routing can cause irritation and you may notice some bleeding. Once your body readjusts to the (good) habits, the bleeding should cease. This shouldn’t take longer than about a week.

What You Can Do About Bleeding Gums

There are several steps you can take to sooth your gums if they have started bleeding recently:

  • Make sure to brush and floss twice a day
    • Brushing and flossing remove bacteria from your teeth and mouth. Gums sometimes stop bleeding completely with regular flossing and brushing.
  • Consider your toothbrush
    • It’s best to use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
    • You may also consider buying an electric toothbrush as they are more effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your gums than a regular toothbrush.
  • Eat a healthy diet
    • The foods and drinks you consume play an important role in your oral health. Enjoy sugars and starches in moderation. Sugar in particular is the perfect breeding ground for plaque to form. Try to brush after enjoying these snacks so that the sugar doesn’t have time to stick around.
  • Avoid tobacco
    • Tobacco products destroy all aspects of your health including your teeth.
  • Visit your dentist regularly
    • You should try to visit your dentist once every six months for teeth cleaning. During cleanings, dentists and dental hygienists will remove built up plaque on your teeth.

When to See a Dentist

If you start practicing good habits, for example by brushing and flossing twice a day, your teeth may stop bleeding on their own.

If your teeth bleed continuously, for example after every time you brush your teeth for a few weeks in a row, it might be time to visit the dentist.

Other signs of gum disease that would warrant a visit to the dentist include:

  • Gums that are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures
  • Bad breath, or constant bad taste in your mouth
  • Red and swollen gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Changes in the way your teeth align

If you notice any of these signs or experience any of these symptoms, you should consult with a dentist as soon as possible. Gum disease is reversible but only if you catch it in its early stages.

 

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Comments Off on What Happens When You Put Teeth In Soda

What Happens When You Put Teeth In Soda

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Do you love drinking soda? If yes, you might want to skip this video. See what happens to a human tooth after five days of being inside a cup of soda. Still feel like grabbing a pop?

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Comments Off on What To Do When You Encounter A Broken Tooth
Dentist fixing little girl's broken tooth

What To Do When You Encounter A Broken Tooth

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What to do when you encounter a broken tooth.

It’s all fun and games until someone breaks a tooth. If you do break a tooth you should try to see a dentist as soon as possible. Until you get into the dentists chair, there are several steps you can take to minimize the damage.

What To Do When You Encounter A Broken Tooth

  • If possible, try to save the loose piece(s) of your broken tooth.
  • Get a glass of warm water, add some salt, and use it to rinse your mouth properly.
  • If the pain is unbearable, take an over-the-counter pain relieving medication.
  • If available, get some medical gauze and apply some light pressure on the affected area for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bleeding finally stops.
  • Get some ice and wrap it around a towel. Keep your mouth closed, and place this ice-filled towel over the area where you broke your tooth. This will help you reduce some of the pain and swelling before you see a dentist.
  • If you absolutely need to eat something, be sure to carefully eat soft foods. Refrain from biting down on anything with your broken tooth.

Lastly:

  • Book an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible! A dental care professional will be able to provide you with the proper treatment to dutifully repair your broken tooth.
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How Often Do I Really Have To Visit The Dentist?

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You brush and floss daily, steer clear of sugary drinks, and even wear a night guard to keep from grinding – do you really need to see your dentist twice a year?

Are you high risk for cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer? While it might be tempting to believe there’s nothing wrong with taking your oral care into your own hands, only your dentist will know for sure, and they can determine how often they need to see you in their chair.

It’s true that there are a handful of folks with low risk of cavities or gum disease who will be able to get away with fewer visits, but they are the exception to the rule. In general, you should aim for at least two visits a year, unless your dentist recommends otherwise. People at high risk for dental disease may need to see their oral care team every three to four months, or more.

A good cleaning helps remove the build up of plaque or other material between teeth and below the gum line that your regular brushing and flossing may have missed. Plus, who doesn’t love that “fresh from the dentist” feeling? Plaque and tartar build up is relatively easy to remove after six months, but going longer between cleanings requires a more thorough job, and longer time in the chair.

Outside of ensuring your teeth are clean and tartar free, the idea behind regular visits is twofold: prevention and monitoring. The goal is to catch small problems early and keep track of them before they can develop into something more serious.

Children should see the dentist as early as one year, or at least six months from the eruption of their first tooth, although some dentists prefer to wait until the child has all of their primary teeth (typically, by age three). Even children as young as six months are susceptible to tooth decay. Contact your dentists office to find out their policy.

What’s the state of your dental health? Talk to your dentist about how often you should be seen for cleanings and checkups, but (at least) two visits a year is a small price to pay to prevent avoidable complications from poor dental hygiene.

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Diabetes and Oral Health

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Diabetes, if left untreated or managed properly, not only can affect parts of the body such as your eyes and feet but also your teeth and gums. Here are some ways that Diabetes can affect your oral health.

Tooth Decay (cavities)

The sticky substance that forms on your teeth (plaque), contains bacteria and when combined with the sugar and starches in your mouth, acids are formed which can gradually destroy your teeth and result in a cavity. The higher your blood sugar levels, the greater supply of sugar to the bacteria results in a greater risk for decay. These high sugar levels may also help bacteria to survive.

Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease

If plaque builds up over time, it hardens into calcium deposits that can cause your gums to become inflamed or swollen. This in turn, if left untreated, can spread to the underlying bone and result in periodontal disease. Diabetics have a harder time fighting infection and slower healing time, therefore gingivitis and periodontal disease tend to be more severe in people afflicted with this condition.

Dry Mouth

A decrease in saliva flow in the mouth caused by high glucose levels increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Improving your blood sugar level can help restore salivary flow.

Yeast Infections of the mouth (Thrush)

Excess sugar in the saliva resulting from poorly controlled diabetes can lead to a buildup of fungus called Candida albincans and can cause thrush. Watch for creamy white patches on your tongue or inner cheek. This infection can also spread to other parts of your mouth or throat. Working with your health care professional to keep your blood glucose under control can help preserve your oral health. Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine including regular brushing of your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste, regular floss use and following a healthy diet will also help.

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Is Dental Reconstruction Right For You?

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Do you live with headaches, jaw pain, neck and shoulder pain, clicking of the jaw, or tinnitus (ringing in the ear)? You’re not alone. Many people suffer from discomfort on a daily basis, without knowing the root cause of the issue.

This kind of pain can occur as a result of several situations – an accident involving trauma to your head and neck, genetics, missing teeth, poor oral hygiene, or chipped, worn down or broken teeth.

Over time, improperly balanced daily forces on your jaw – chewing, grinding, and the like – can cause strain on the hard and soft tissues of your mouth, head, and neck. Dental reconstruction aims to correct, realign and balance these forces into a normal position through various means.

– Crowns

– Bridges

– Veneers

– Resin fillings

– Dental implants

– Extractions

– Orthodontics

Often, patients refer to dental reconstruction in order to restore their once young and vibrant smile. Overtime, unusual wear and tear of the teeth and jaw can change the appearance of your face and mouth.

If you find yourself suffering from the any of the above ailments, we would like to help. Reconstructive dentistry will boost your confidence and get you smiling once again!

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Door 2 Door Service For Senionrs

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At Dentistry on 7, we understand how difficult and stressful it can be for senior citizens to get to dental appointments on time when relying on public transit or other means of transportation. But we have great news! In conjunction with Door 2 Door Dental, we are proud to announce a new, free travel service for seniors!

It’s our mission to help seniors achieve and maintain a high caliber of dental care without worrying about relying on unpredictable transit and associated safety risks. That is why we have joined with Door 2 Door Dental to help take the stress out of getting to and from your dental appointments.

Dentistry on 7 is one of the foremost dental clinics serving seniors across York Region, providing complete dental care, including exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, night guards and snore guards. Our team of specialists include oral surgeons, periodontists and endodontists, and we are fully capable of responding to any dental emergency on short notice.

Our family friendly, high-tech facility proudly provides an on-site Denture Specialist, an expert whose work focuses on dental implants and complete denture services, including repairs, relines and soft liners.

If you or someone you love is a senior who has difficulty getting to their dental appointments, Door 2 Door offers a professional service that ensures you arrive to your appointment on time. And we will be glad to remind you of your appointment date, as well as co-ordinate your transportation. Contact us today!

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How To Make Your Dentures Last Longer

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You may not have been born with them but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat your dentures to the same level of health care you do your natural teeth. The average lifespan of a pair of dentures is about five to seven years, but be kind to them and they will give you many years of happy chomping.

Following these simple Do’s and Don’ts will go a long way to helping you extend the life of your dentures.

Do! Scrub your dentures at least twice a day using a cleaner specifically formulated for dentures (most commercial toothpastes can damage dentures) and a soft bristle toothbrush to remove food particles. Steer clear of harsh cleaners and stiff bristled brushes that can damage the material.

Do! Try to make a habit of thoroughly rinsing your dentures after every meal.

Do! Treat them gently when they aren’t in your mouth. Fill the sink with water and lay a folded towel in it when you have to handle your dentures to lessen the chance of them breaking if they fall.

Do! Give them a good soak with a specially formulated dental cleanser. This will also keep them from drying out when you aren’t planning on wearing them for any extended period, especially if you leave them out overnight. Soaking is not a substitute for brushing, though. You still need to brush to remove that icky build up of plaque.

Do! Watch what you eat. You don’t have to give up all your favorite indulgences but certain foods – like sticky candy, steak, and nuts, to name a few – you’d do better to steer clear of, or at least limit your portions.

Don’t! Use whitening agents – the chemicals involved are abrasive and can cause irreparable damage.

Don’t! Forget to visit your dentist on a regular basis. Not only do they keep a keen eye on your overall oral health, they will help to ensure your denture fits properly.

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