What to do if you Break or Crack a Tooth
Breaking or Cracking a tooth may or may not cause immediate pain. If the damage does not interfere with a nerve ending then you may not feel a thing. However, that does not mean you shouldn’t do anything about it. In fact, that’s the perfect time to call and see a dentist because we can take a look and see if the tooth can be fixed without extensive dental work. If you continue to eat and chew on broken or cracked teeth you can damage it further. In many cases to fix a compromised tooth that has impacted the nerve we have to either fit it with a crown or extract the tooth all together.
If the tooth has to be extracted then you are looking at a bridge or dental implant to fill the gap in the teeth that the extraction has caused. Broken and cracked teeth are much easier to fix if we can get to them quickly; before irreparable damage has been done.
While broken teeth are pretty easy to feel with your tongue it can be a little bit harder to identify a cracked tooth. One of the best ways is to pay attention to how hot and cold water feels in your mouth. If you feel any sensation whatsoever when drinking hot or cold drinks you will want to get the tooth looked at and taken care of as quickly as possible. If we can catch the break before it goes to the bone then we may be able to get by with a crown.
We find that people who grind their teeth at night are more prone to breaking and cracking teeth. If you are a grinder it is well worth the time and money to get fitted for a night guard. The guard will keep you from grinding and potentially breaking or cracking teeth in the night. Stress is another factor. Watch to see if you clinch your jaw when stressed or during difficult situations. If you do, investing in some stress reducing activities like meditation or exercise could help you save your teeth.
The bottom line is pay attention to your mouth and teeth during your normal day and start looking to prevent the things that might potentially damage your beautiful smile!
What To Do About Bad Breath
Halitosis, or “bad breath” as it’s more commonly known, is an age old problem. It can cause embarrassment for both the person speaking, and the one being spoken to. This can cause unnecessary social awkwardness, and can be a hindrance in professional situations. Learning the causes of bad breath will go a long way toward prevention.
- Waking up – The flow of saliva comes to a near standstill during sleep. So does it’s cleansing ability, which causes bacteria to grow. These bacteria cause bad breath.
- Certain types of food – Food like garlic and onions possess odor-causing properties which enter the blood stream. From there, they go to the lungs and are exhaled.
- Poor oral hygiene – Any food remaining in the mouth is a fertile breeding ground for bacteria.
- Periodontal disease – The condition that is Periodontal disease, inflamed gums, is caused by the presence of food debris and bacteria under the gums.
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) – Medications, salivary gland problems or constant mouth breathing can cause dry mouth, leading to bacterial buildup.
- Tobacco use – Tobacco products dry out the mouth, which leads to the growth of bacteria.
- Dieting - As the body burns fat, chemicals, called ketones, are released in the breath.
- Dehydration and hunger – Saliva flow is increased by drinking water and chewing food. The saliva washes away bacteria.
Stopping any habits that dry out the mouth is a good way to combat bad breath. Also, using correct brushing and flossing technique will remove any food from the mouth that can cause periodontal disease and bad breath.
When to Use an Amalgam Filling
An amalgam filling is a silver material that is used for fillings and is a natural choice, because of cost, for fillings you can’t see due to cavities and other affected teeth. However, there are many types of filling materials available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. You and your dentist can discuss the best options for restoring your teeth.
As with most dental restorations, amalgam fillings are not permanent and may someday need replacement. They are great for cracked or broken teeth. These fillings are usually placed in one appointment. While the tooth is numb, your dentist will remove decay as necessary before proceeding with the filling procedure.
It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when amalgam fillings are first placed, however this will subside shortly after your tooth acclimates to the new filling. You will be given post-care instructions at the completion of your treatment. As with any dental procedure, if you have any problems or questions, we advice you contact us right away.