Dental care requires a team effort between patient and dentist. Individuals have the responsibility of practicing oral hygiene, eating nutritious foods and showing up for regular dental visits as recommended by their dental care provider. Once the individual has showed up at a dental clinic, the dental services team has a responsibility to make a person feel relax, conduct a proper examination of potential dental problems and provide solutions. Most of the time, it is that shared moment between patient and dentist that will solve dental issues, however in some rare instances individuals can successfully practice at home dentistry to save their smile.

Some dental problems seem to happen overnight and while individuals are always encouraged to seek the advice of a professional dentist, there are circumstances when the timing of an event may make it impossible or unnecessary. In those rare situations, there are some steps a person can take to safely make like a dentist and correct tooth issues.

Knocked Out Tooth

There is an old saying “it’s always funny until someone loses an eye,” and it can also be applied to the cases of a knocked out tooth. While most individuals do not tend to get into a situation with the intent of losing a tooth, trauma such as a blow to the head, falling face down or getting walloped by a stray ball can deliver the unfortunate results. Luckily, those who react quickly to a knocked out tooth can potentially save their smile.

If a tooth has come free from the jawbone, individuals are advised to handle the tooth by its crown, rinse off any dirt with fresh water, place it back into the socket. Then, placing gauze or a moistened tea bag over the tooth and gently biting down will apply the pressure needed to help torn periodontal ligaments reattach to the tooth. Even after a tooth has been knocked out, there will be some ligaments clinging on. Individuals should be cautious not to remove them and instead, place it a tooth back into place in the hope it will reconnect.

Individuals should make sure to avoid drinking hot beverages, smoking or playing with the damaged tooth to increase the chances of success. Although the initial move will increase the odds of reattachment success, a professional dental exam is recommended to full assess the situation. A dentist may also suggest patients getting a custom made mouth guard to prevent that type of accident occurring again in the future.

Canker Sores

For those who have ever endured the discomfort associated with a canker sore it is disheartening to think that a there is no cure for the little pains in the mouth. While there are no clear cut reasons for canker sores to develop, it is scientifically theorized that dental braces, certain foods and even stress can cause the mouth irritations. People that are susceptible to canker sores are advised to avoid the potential causes in the first place.

If however it is too late an a mouth ulcer has already formed, hitting up the kitchen cupboard for the vegetable oil may provide the best relief. According to Mary Ellen Camire, Ph.D., a professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Maine the best remedy is applying a cotton ball soaked in veggie oil against the sore for a minute up to four times a day as “The oil helps to coat the sore and protect it from irritation,” (http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/dental-problems?cat=11720&;tip=11726).

Tooth Sensitivity

Although teeth appear to be strong as bricks, the devices are made up of an intricate network of tooth enamel, tooth pulp, dentin and nerves. Once any of those portions are damaged, a tooth can become incredibly sensitive to a variety of stimulation including food, pressure and air.

Individuals suffering from tooth sensitivity should first try to modify their dental care behaviors to see if that provides any relief. Brushing teeth too hard and overusing abrasive toothpastes such as whitening, tartar control, and baking soda options can contribute to the discomfort so eliminating those behaviors may provide the sweet relief needed. If however behavior modification does nothing, a trip to the dentist is in order to find out the cause of the issue.

Individuals needing to ensure their dental health is up to snuff can call us directly to find more information