When a tooth is knocked out completely, keep it damp at all times. If you can place the tooth back into its socket, without touching the root, then do it. If you’re unable to reposition the tooth, then you can either place the tooth between the cheek and the gum until you can get to your dentist’s office, or submerge the tooth in milk.

A cracked tooth is best left to your dentist, but there are a few precautionary steps to take before you reach your dentist’s chair. First, rinse your mouth out with clean, cold water. The water will clean the tooth and the surrounding area. Then, place a cold compress on the face near the damaged tooth to reduce the swelling.

If you are traveling and you experience a dental emergency, call your dentist’s office to determine the best course of action. It may a problem that can wait until you arrive home; it may be a problem that requires a dentist’s attention immediately.

To avoid a dental emergency, wear a mouth guard when you play sports; all sports have the potential to damage or knockout a tooth. And avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice chunks and popcorn kernels, hardy candies can also be problematic. And one of the things people forget often is to use a scissor to open packaging and other objects; never, ever use your teeth in the place of a tool.

If you have any questions about how to proceed after a dental emergency, or if it’s time to schedule your next visit with your dentist at Silver Creek Family Dental, then call today.

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You should change your toothbrush whenever it begins to appear frayed. Broken, frayed bristles are poor cleaners of the teeth, so throw away a bad toothbrush the moment you begin to see deterioration. If the brush holds its shape and continues to appear effective, then abide by the rule to change out the brush every three to four months. 

When you brush your teeth how long do you spend at the sink? Did you know that the average person only spends forty-five seconds brushing his or her teeth? It’s true. And your dentist at Silver Creek Family Dental would definitely prefer you to spend two minutes at the sink, brushing. If you have any doubt about the amount of time spent, then set a timer. You can use a simple baking timer, set to two minutes. Your phone’s clock is also likely capable. A timer that goes off with an alarm or a buzz can be a fun way for a child to end a tooth brushing session. 

You also want to be careful how hard you press with the toothbrush. It’s common for people to push too hard, and the bristles can cause damage to both the teeth and surrounding gum tissue. You will also want to use a toothbrush that’s soft-bristled or medium-bristled. The stiff-bristled brush can cause damage to the gum tissue and should be avoided. If you have any question as to which toothbrush will work best for you, speak with your dentist. 

Often people think it’s best to brush immediately following a meal, but it’s actually best to wait sixty minutes. If you have consumed something acidic, it’s possible that a brushing will only spread the acid around the mouth. 

If you have any questions about toothbrushes, or if it is time to schedule your next checkup with your dentist at Silver Creek Dental, then call today.

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How it happens

The human teeth have a thin membrane of bacteria called plaque. Whenever you take in food substances that are full of sugar, plaque comes into contact with the sugar. The reaction between plaque and the ingested sugars forms acids that attack and erode the enamel of the tooth. If you consume food substances with higher sugar concentrations, you eventually increase the reaction of plaque and sugar creating more acid that damages the teeth.

Making healthier decisions

For the sake of your dental health, it is important to start focusing on healthy eating habits. A good practice that promotes dental health is a reduction of your sugar intake. Make sure you read through the nutritional details to determine how much sugar is in the food or drink.  You can also visit the dentist to get a check up on your dental health. Changing your eating patterns can also influence your dental health. It is recommended to take in more water and avoid or limit between meal snacks.

Healthier foods to eat

Since eating right is among the ways through which you can maintain your dental health, here are some of the foods to consider.

• Cheese, plain yogurt, and milk are some of the food substances that reduce an individual’s chances of getting gingivitis.
• To curb mineral deficiencies in the body, take lean red meat that is known to contain iron.
• It is good to take crunchy fruits and vegetables that rinse and remove harmful bacteria from the body such as apples, celery, and carrots.

Contact Silvercreek Dental for all of your Dental Care needs.

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