Tooth knocked out? Try this.

If you find yourself in an unfortunate incident and your tooth gets knocked out, what do you do? Well, try this for a start: Rinse the tooth off very gently to make sure it is clean. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue that is attached to it. Be sure to place a towel or wash cloth in the sink so that it does not go down the drain.

If you can, gently place the tooth back into the socket. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a small container or cup of milk. You will need to take the tooth with you and get to your dentist immediately.

Bitten your tongue?

If you have bitten your tongue or lip while eating or during some other event, gently wipe the area clean with a cloth. Apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling. If the bleeding does not stop, you should go to the emergency room of a nearby hospital.

Holding your toothbrush

For effective cleaning of your teeth, here are two tips on how to hold your toothbrush. 

1. Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the line of your gums. Make sure that you brush 2 or 3 teeth at a time only. The toothbrush should move from the line of the gums to the edge of the teeth. This prevents erosion of the gums. 

2. To clean behind your upper and lower front teeth, hold the brush vertically at a 90 degree angle. Once you do this, use gentle up and down strokes with the top of your toothbrush. 

Six steps to follow before taking your child to the dentist!

I have a special interest in children's dentistry and recommend taking the following steps before your first visit to the dentist:

1. Talk honestly with your child in a positive and easy tone about going to the dentist before your dental visit.

2. Bring your child to the dental appointment to familiarise with the sight and sounds of the office.

3. Let your child sit in the dental chair and see the instruments the dentist will use to examine their teeth.

4. Give the child an opportunity to ask questions and answer any questions as truthfully as possible.

5. Use clever fun words to de-mystify the examination process. For example, say teeth are getting "counted" rather than examined, or that teeth are being "tickled" when they are been checked, cleaned or polished. Needles are not the favourite thing of anyone, but "putting teeth asleep" will help to avoid any associated pain. This will prepare your child for the visit in a less scary and clinical manner.

6. Never tell your child that "it won't hurt" or "I had bad experience and hate dentists". While you do not want to create an association between going to the dentist and pain, you certainly do not want to mislead your child into thinking that there will not be same possibility for discomfort. Be truthful and don't gloss over that fact that some procedure may be uncomfortable.

Top 10 ways to prevent bad breath

Preventing bad breath is easier that you think. We know some of the causes of bad breath, but have you ever asked yourself “How do I actually prevent bad breath for good?”

The following guidelines will help you eliminate or significantly reduce your halitosis. If you experience chronic bad breath, see your dentist or doctor as there may be a more serious cause for this embarrassing condition.

Bad breath!

1. Prevent bad breath by brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day, especially after meals that contain food and spices known to cause bad breath. Remember to brush your tongue, or try using a tongue scraper, to remove any trapped food and plaque caught in the tiny hair-like fibres on the tongue. Finish off your brushing by rinsing thoroughly with water or mouthwash.

2. Prevent bad breath by visit your dentist on a regular basis (every six months or as indicated by your dentist) for a complete examination of your teeth and gums and thorough cleaning by the dental hygienist.

3. Preventing bad breath is achievable when you have dental problems treated as they occur, such as tooth decay, gum abscesses, and abscessed teeth.

4. An easy way to prevent bad breath is to chew parsley after a meal. Parsley contains chlorophyll, a known breath freshener.

5. Place a few drops of tee tree oil or peppermint oil on your tongue or use the oil on your toothbrush along with your toothpaste. Alternatively, select a toothpaste or mouth rinse that contains these natural oils known for their antibacterial properties to assist in the fight against halitosis causing bacteria.

6. Preventing bad breath from smoking is easy when you take the necessary steps to quit smoking, as this is the only way to eliminate bad breath from the use of cigarettes, which is also responsible for periodontal diseases.

7. Avoid foods known to cause bad breath such as garlic, onions, cabbage, certain spices, and coffee.

8. A dry mouth, is a major factor when it comes to bad breath. Sip water throughout the day and during meals. Chew sugar-free gum or dissolve a sugar-free candy slowly in your mouth to keep help produce more saliva.

9. The use of sugarless gum, mints, breath strips, or breath spray may increase the flow of saliva in your mouth necessary to keep it cleansed throughout the day, plus add a crisp, minty aroma in place of your bad breath. Keep in mind that even though these products do freshen your breath, the effects are usually temporary and do not necessarily prevent bad breath. If you are using breath fresheners on a regular basis, consider choosing one that contains xylitol, a sweetener that some studies have shown to reduce cavities. Avoid products that contain sugar to prevent the accumulation of plaque. 

10. The use of commercially marketed breath freshening kits and bad breath remedies may help prevent bad breath. Ask your dentist or pharmacist before you invest in these products.

Using a Dental Floss

A dental floss or a dental floss tool is fairly common and well-known. But it should be used with care so as to not to cut the gum tissue. If you are unable to remove particles stuck between your teeth, contact your dentist. Never use a sharp tool like a tooth pick to remove stuck particles. They can cause injury to your gums and also cause bleeding.

What Is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous Oxide is a gas that's combined with Oxygen to produce a calming effect and a sense of wellbeing when inhaled. Many dentists use Nitrous Oxide to help a patient relax during dental treatments. When the dental procedure is over, the dentist will have the patient breathe only Oxygen for a few minutes to eliminate the effects of the Nitrous Oxide.

Unlike other sedations, the patient should have a clear head within minutes of coming off of the Nitrous Oxide allowing them to function normally with no lingering effects. Nitrous Oxide is also known as laughing gas.