Tooth Decay

Caries, also called cavities, is considered to be tooth decay, is a preventable disease. While caries generally do not endanger your life, they can truly have a negative impact on your quality of life. 

Acids form on your tooth enamel when your teeth and gums are consistently exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars.  These acids will begin to eat away at your tooth enamel. Many carbohydrate-rich foods such as sweets, biscuits, soft drinks and even fruit juices will leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits will bond with the bacteria that are normally found inside your mouth and will form plaque. Tooth decay will result when the combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth.

Sensitive Teeth

Hot and cold foods and/or drinks often cause pain and irritation to people with sensitive teeth.  This happens because teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature.  In time, this process can wear down tooth enamel, cause gum tissue to recede, or develop microscopic cracks that expose the nerve endings inside of the tooth.  When this happens, merely breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis or periodontal disease, can cause inflammation of the gum tissue, tooth loss and bone damage. When plaque builds up, gum disease can begin.  In the early stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, gums can bleed easily and become red and swollen. Once the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be removed by your dentist. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing. One indicator of gum disease is consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Help prevent bad breath, or halitosis, with daily brushing and flossing.  This helps to prevent the build-up of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem.

Canker Sores

Small sores that can recur in the mouth are called canker sores (aphthous ulcers).  These sores generally last about one or two weeks.  Topical agents or antimicrobial mouthwashes may lessen the duration.  These sores are identified by having a white or grey base surrounded by a red border, and are often quite painful.

Orthodontic Problems

A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited, though some types may be acquired. Some causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth, or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may cause malocclusions. 

Tooth Ache

To treat a toothache, you should begin by cleaning around the tooth that is sore very thoroughly.  Flushing the area with warm salt water, meticulously rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. NEVER USE aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum.  If you experience facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area.  Acetominaphen is recommended for temporary pain relief.  See a dentist as soon as possible.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek

Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.

Broken Braces and Wires

Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek or tongue; see a dentist immediately. Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.

Broken Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Get immediate dental attention.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately.

Inlays and Onlays

Besides traditional fillings, it is also possible to use finished, pre-cast temporary fillings. The dentist prepares the cavity and then makes a precise mould of it. The technician then removes the mould and creates an inlay that fits perfectly in the tooth. The dentist then attaches the completed inlay in the cavity of the tooth.

Before	After

The exactness of the fit is very high with technique and thus guarantees a long lifetime for the inlay. The inlays can be made of gold, tooth-coloured ceramic, glass-ionomer or even the combination of ceramics and precious metals.

Emergency Conditions

Possible Broken Jaw

In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie, or handkerchief. Go immediately to an accident and emergency hospital.

Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out

Fold a piece of gauze and place it tightly over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes; if bleeding continues, see a dentist right away.  We'll do our best to see you right away.

Cold or Canker Sore

Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief; ask your pharmacist. If sores persist, contact us.