Are you prepared for a dental emergency?

Are you prepared for a dental emergency? 

The American Dental Association shares some quick tips about dental emergencies that can make a big difference in your family. Take note of these ideas, and make sure you have this information recorded in a handy place for quick reference.

Thousands of dental emergencies—from injuries to a painful, abscessed tooth—take place every day. Would you know what to do if your child broke a tooth or had a tooth knocked out while playing outdoors? What if you had a bad toothache in the middle of the night and couldn’t get to the dentist until the next day? Knowing what to do can lessen the pain and save a tooth that might otherwise be lost. 

Keep your dental office phone number and an emergency number where the dentist can be reached after hours with other emergency numbers, such as your family doctor, and fire and police departments. Some families post these numbers on the refrigerator or inside a kitchen cabinet door near the phone. Call the dentist immediately for instructions on how to handle a dental emergency. 

Toothache: Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to remove any food or other debris that may be caught between the teeth. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth. This could burn gum tissue. If the toothache persists, try to see the dentist. Don’t rely on painkillers. They may temporarily relieve pain but your dentist should evaluate the condition. 

Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth: Try to find the tooth! This may not be as easy as you think if the injury took place on a playground, basketball court or while skateboarding, so try to stay calm. Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse the root in water if the tooth is dirty. Don’t scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If it’s possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket while you head to the dentist. If that’s not possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and bring it to the dentist. Time is critical for successful reimplantation, so try to get to your dentist immediately. 

Broken tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use cold compresses on the outside of the cheek to help reduce the swelling. 

Tongue or lip bites or wounds: Clean the area gently with a clean cloth and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling. If the bleeding can’t be controlled, go to a hospital emergency room or clinic. You may able to reduce bleeding from the tongue by pulling it forward and using gauze to put pressure on the wound. 

Objects caught between teeth: Try to gently remove the object with dental floss. Never use a sharp instrument to remove any object that is stuck between your teeth. If you can’t dislodge the object with floss, contact your dentist. 

Possible broken jaw: Apply cold compresses to control swelling. Get to the hospital emergency room immediately.

Don't ever hesitate to call our office. Believe us, we've seen it all, and we are here to help. Waiting too long can cause permanent damage, so it is better to call and let us help you decide on a treatment plan.

Don't delay, call right away!

541-451-1440

Nail Biting - Your Teeth's Arch Enemy!

Courtesy of Dental Plans.com

When you get a dent in your car's exterior you take it to the repair shop to be fixed. So what do you do when your habit of biting your nails dents, dings, and breaks your teeth? Your repair options may not be so simple.

Dental Plans.com has a great article on the risks you are exposing your health and your teeth to if you persist on biting your nails. The Academy of General Dentistry indicates that people spend thousands of dollars every year to repair damaged teeth from this seemingly innocent nervous habit.

Aside from the damage nail biting causes to your teeth, have you considered the pathogenic microorganisms you introduce into your body every time your finger enters your mouth?  Not a pleasant thought. You can cause gum infections, bad breath and compromised health by chewing on your fingernails because the mouth is the gateway to your body.

Nail biting has also been associated with teeth shifting, TMJ, overbites or gaps between the teeth as well causing surface damage, even breakage. Repairing any one of these conditions is costly.

Dental Plans.com lists some simple steps you or a loved one can apply to break that finger nibbling habit. They include:  

• Keep your nails short and filed. Long or ragged nails trigger the chewing habit for many people.
• Get regular manicures, and consider wearing artificial nails. Many people have no inclination to bite on fake nails.
• Give your hands something to do – squeeze a stress ball, knit, sketch, doodle, fold origami, whatever works for you.
• Bitter-tasting clear nail polishes, available at drug stores and beauty supply shops, are a great way to remind yourself that you really don’t want to bite your nails. 

We encourage you to make a serious commitment to your oral and physical health by putting a stop to nail biting. While it may appear as something small and insignificant, nail biting can turn into large medical bills down the road.

If you have any questions about nail biting, or if you are concerned about your own teeth, please don't hesitate to give us a call. We would be happy to visit with you about this topic further.

Remember to use your HSA and FSA money before the year runs out. You've worked hard for those benefits - make sure they work hard for you!

Call us today!

(541) 451-1440

Back to School Dental Tips

Back to school dental tips are summarized in this fun info graphic:

 Source: http://findingdebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Dental-Care-Tips-for-Kids.jpg

It's Back to School Time - Let's Keep Your Child in School

Believe it or not, school is back in session. Did you know one of the most common reasons children miss school is due to dental issues? Parents who do not bring their children in for regular exams find that cavities, abscesses, and other preventable oral health care concerns can interrupt their child's ability to learn and be present at school.

Dr. Clark is great with young children. He has decades of experience in helping them feel calm and safe while he and our team clean their teeth and perform examinations. Tooth decay, tooth loss, and sports injuries to the mouth are all part of the growing up years. However, the pain and time necessary to treat these things are lessened greatly when a child receives regular dental care and has time to develop a rapport with Dr. Clark and our team. 

Call us today to schedule your child's semi-annual exam. Let's team up together to keep them at their healthiest and happiest this school year!

Did I Hear You Correctly?

We promise to explain your dental procedure to you in language that you can understand. If something is not clear, please do not hesitate to ask. We would much rather repeat something and clarify what we are saying rather than let you leave with unanswered questions. No question is a dumb question.

Photo Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/388224430354989584/

The Dentist Office Can Be a Happy Place!

We have heard and seen all of the fear and anxiety that can accompany dental visits. Through several decades of experience, Dr. Clark values open communication above all in our dental office.

We want you to be honest with us about any fear or concerns you are experiencing. We will be able to walk you through each procedure, and before you know it, you will be on your way.

It is especially important to appear calm in front of your children. Your own personal fears can project onto them. Let us know before your dental office appointment about any concerns you have about yourself or your child. We will do everything we can to make your visit a good one!

Photo source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/388224430355486013/

No Fear, Dr. Clark is Here!

Sometimes a little fear can set in when it is time to visit the dentist. However, Dr. Clark is a really punny guy and makes your time in our office a fun place to be. Our team will explain to you every step of the way what to expect. And we promise you will not leave our office without hearing at least one (likely more) funny puns.