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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Sometimes it can be tempting to skip a late-at-night tooth bushing, especially for children, and to reason that a quality tooth brushing can happen as soon as morning arrives. But the problem is that when teeth are not brushed the plaque continues to build up, and the possibilities begin for tooth decay and gum disease. If you have children, then the child should brush his or her teeth twice each and every day; they should also floss between any two teeth that touch. 

And while summertime has its own share of sugary treats, many of which are hard on teeth, try to remember to either refuse the types of treats that can harm teeth, or consume them only in moderation. It’s tempting when we’re at a barbeque or an outdoor event to graze (consume small amounts of food over a long period of time) but when we graze it can be difficult for the mouth, and its natural cleaning properties, to rid the surfaces of the teeth of food debris. So make sure to stay clear of grazing, and drink water instead of sugary drinks, because the water will help to clean the teeth. 

Most importantly have fun this summer, but just remember, that while you’re having fun, to eat/snack smarter. And remember that even though we tend to pack the summer months with activity, you should keep to regular dental visits; kids, too, would benefit from a summertime visit before the school season begins. So if you need to schedule your next appointment with your dentist at Silver Creek Family Dental, then call today.

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Stick to interdental cleaners that are approved by the American Dental Association. No, it doesn’t have to be a strand of floss. Other options for interdental cleaners include water flossers and dental picks. For instance, if a person has trouble navigating by hand a strand of floss they may be able to use a device to hold the floss in place; they may also find that a water flosser requires much less effort and coordination to use properly. Make sure to talk to your dentist about the best option for you to keep that space between your teeth clean. Remember that plaque can quickly build up in the spaces between teeth, and when the plaque goes unchecked it can harden into a substance called tarter—a substance that can only be cleaned away by your dentist—and tarter is a major indication of an impending case of gum disease.

There is no one good time to clean the space between your teeth. The most important part of interdental cleaning is that it happens. There is no right or wrong time of day. It doesn’t seem to matter if you floss before your brush or you brush before you floss; stick to the routine. Pick a time and do it at that same time every single day. If you have any questions pertaining to the best way to floss your teeth then talk with your dentist. Remember also that if you’re someone who doesn’t floss regularly, but who is now picking up the habit, you may experience some tenderness in your gum line for the first few days to a week.

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What do we do?

First, we brush and floss twice daily. We brush for at least two minutes, making sure to hit every exposed surface on our teeth (Make sure to keep the backs of the teeth clean as well!) You should also be flossing between your twice at least once every day. Flossing helps to remove the bacteria buildup between our teeth, all the way down to the gum line. If bacteria are allowed to thrive around the gum line, plaque buildup will eventually lead to oral conditions such as gingivitis and, if left untreated, the much more severe condition of periodontal disease. You should also see the dentist at least once-yearly—for a checkup and a routine cleaning. Your dentist at SilverCreek Dental will be able to chart your oral progress, note any changes that take place in your mouth, basically playing offense—cleaning and managing your healthy smile—and also playing defense—managing and planning for changes in your mouth—and doing both at once!

If it’s been awhile since your last dental checkup, or if you don’t have a regular dentist, and you would like to begin a long and reliable relationship for your dental health, then call SilverCreek Dental to schedule an appointment.

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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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