How to Handle Dental Emergencies

 Most of the time, people who visit our Coleman, TX  dental office do so for cleanings and checkups as part of an ongoing commitment good dental health. Other times, there are dental emergencies that need immediate attention. In dental emergency situations, you can contact our office and we will work to fit you in as soon as possible.

What defines a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies typically refer to conditions in which the teeth or gums are seriously damaged and require professional treatment. Sometimes, treatment must be done right away in order to prevent even more serious consequences from occurring. Examples of dental emergencies might include injuries, which can range from chipped, broken, or knocked-out Teeth.

Other forms of dental emergencies involve infections of the tooth or surrounding tissues. If infections spread below the gum line, they can lead to an abscess and significant discomfort. Abscesses are especially dangerous because they damage supporting structures below the teeth and, if left untreated, can enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

In cases where the tooth is knocked out, it might be possible to replace it in the socket, so long as the tooth is handled properly and the patient gets to the dentist within an hour or so. However, many times it becomes necessary to consider replacements for the missing tooth, such as a bridge or dental implant. Some dental emergencies involve damage to dental work, such as lost fillings and crowns. This often results in discomfort or pain. While waiting to see the dentist, patients can diminish pain by applying clove oil to the tooth. Dr. Thompson will help restore function with a temporary or more short-term solution until your new, permanent is complete.

Contact Your Emergency Dentist

When you are suffering from a dental emergency, you want a dentist that you can depend on to treat the condition promptly. You want someone who can put you at ease during a stressful time. Call our Coleman office immediately if you have experienced a dental emergency. We will provide advice over the phone and have you visit our office as soon as you can.

Dr. Thompson has extensive experience dealing with all manner of tooth trauma and dental emergencies. You don’t have to put up with pain or wait until the problem gets worse. Contact our Coleman office today.

Quick Tips for Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing our teeth is important – we all know that, but along with understanding its importance, we should also know how to brush properly. Knowing the correct brushing technique can improve the durability and overall health of our teeth more so than simply going through the motions of brushing every day. If brushing your teeth is becoming a mindless activity for you, than it’s possible that you could be overlooking crucial steps in your oral hygiene. Follow these correct steps to brushing your teeth to help ensure a long-lasting and healthy smile!

• Choose the right brush
• You’ll want to pick a brush that has soft nylon bristles. Harder brushes run the risk of irritating your gums, so a soft toothbrush will be able to effectively remove plaque and debris from your teeth. You should also remember to replace your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months.
• Use the right toothpaste
• Toothpastes containing fluoride are going to be the most effective in fighting plaque buildup. Fluoride helps teeth resist the acids found in plaque known to cause tooth decay, so choose a toothpaste that not only will help fight plaque, but also strengthen your teeth.
•  Use the proper brushing technique
• Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste when brushing. To begin, brush in a short vertical or circular motion.
• Spend at least three minutes brushing, and brush only a few teeth at a time. Brush your entire mouth, spending a minimum of 12 seconds in each area. To help keep track of time, watch TV while you brush or hum a song to yourself.
• Make sure to target your back teeth by moving your toothbrush in and out of the back of your mouth until your top and bottom molars feel clean.
• According to many dentists, the inner surfaces of teeth are the most neglected area when brushing. Target the inside of your teeth by taking extra care to brush the inner side of each tooth.
• Brushing your tongue should also be a part of your brushing regimen, as it helps to fight bad breath and bacteria buildup. Gently clean your tongue using the bristles of your toothbrush.
• Finish off your brushing session by rinsing out your mouth with water. Take a sip of water, swish it around in your mouth, and spit it out. Rinsing your mouth helps to get rid of any lingering bacteria. Also be sure to rinse your toothbrush to rid it of any bacteria.
• An optional step is to rinse your mouth with a fluoride-based mouthwash. Using mouthwash for around 30 seconds can help clean your teeth even more.

Properly brushing your teeth will contribute to a healthier smile that you and your dentist can be proud of. Practice good dental hygiene by taking precaution when brushing your teeth so you may have those teeth for years to come. Lawrence Thompson, DDS is a dentist in Coleman, TX. To learn more about his practice, visit www.mycolemandentist.com.