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I think I have broken a piece of a filling in my tooth - what should I do? |
| |  Unfortunately sometimes fillings for whatever reason may fall out or become chipped or broken.
There are many reasons for this including biting down suddenly on something hard such as a hard boiled sweet. Symptoms can vary from none at all to sensitivity to hot and cold or tenderness on chewing. A lost filling will always feel much bigger to the tongue.
It is important to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. However if you cannot immediately access a dentist here are some helpful tips.
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If you are having sensitivity try avoiding eating or drinking in that area, similarly if it is painful on biting.
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The use of toothpaste can help with the sensitivity by rubbing some fluoride toothpaste on the tooth in question.
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As a temporary measure until you visit your dentist you may try and get some oil of cloves or a temporary filling kit from your pharmacy. However it is important that you attend your dentist as soon as possible to get the tooth restored to normal function.
Finally the use of over-the-counter painkillers from a chemist if is constantly painful are also helpful until you contact the dentist.
Don’t place any pain-killing tablets on the site of the tooth or its gum as this can cause burns to the gum. |
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My child has fallen on the pavement and has knocked out a front tooth. What should I do? |
| |  If a tooth is knocked out, the most important thing is to replace it as soon as possible. The tooth should be picked up by the crown (the part visible in the mouth normally) only. You should not touch the root.
The tooth should be rinsed briefly under cold water to dislodge any dirt. Do not scrub the tooth!
Still holding the crown, place the tooth gently back into the socket. (make sure it is the right way round - looking at the same tooth on the other side will help here.)
If the tooth can't be put back in the socket, the most important thing is for it to be stored properly until you get to the dentist. Milk is ideal, as it simulates conditions in the body quite well. If milk isn't available, water is better than nothing, but don't let the tooth dry out.
You must attend a dentist as quickly as possible. With all dental injuries, time is of critical importance, and will make the difference between possibly keeping the tooth, or surely losing it |
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While biting something hard, my crown came out - what should I do? |
| |  Crowns are special caps that are custom made to fit your tooth. They are normally placed on teeth that are broken down or had been decayed and may already have had a root canal treatment.
Sometimes the crown may come loose or even fall off. This can possibly happen if there is a problem underneath the crown such as decay or if the tooth has been traumatised.
It is important to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. If you cannot get to the dentist immediately here are some tips.
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It is a good idea to hold onto to the crown whether it’s a temporary or permanent crown.
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If the tooth is sensitive the use of a fluoride toothpaste will help by rubbing some toothpaste onto the tooth.
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As a temporary measure until you visit your dentist you can also place some temporary filling material over the tooth to help the sensitivity.
Don’t place pain killing tablets on the site of the tooth or its gum as it can cause burns to the gum. If the tooth is painful to bite on the use over-the-counter painkillers may help until you see your dentist. |
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I have a very sore jaw joint, especially after waking up - any ideas why? |
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This is a common problem which mainly affects adults. There are numerous causes including trauma, awkward biting and stress. This is due to excessive grinding (bruxing) of the teeth which can make the chewing muscles around the mouth tender and inflamed. It often happens subconsciously when you are asleep. It is important to contact your dentist if this problem arises.
Simple jaw exercises or the application of hot and cold may ease the tension or spasm in the muscles.
A splint that is like a night guard can also be made by your dentist to prevent your teeth contacting during grinding. This is a relatively straightforward procedure where your dentist takes impressions of your teeth.
Otherwise painkillers or other over-the-counter (OTC) remedies like anti-inflammatories may help relieve the symptoms. |
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I tend to suffer from mouth ulcers - how can these be treated? |
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Mouth ulcers are a common ailment of the mouth. Most people will experience them at some stage during their life.
The main causes of mouth ulcers are:
- chipped or broken fillings rubbing against e.g. the tongue
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poor diet
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stress or even a change in the weather.
Simple, small ulcers will usually heal within 7 days. However if you are having recurrent or longer lasting ulcers you should consult your dentist. The use of warm salty water or a mouth rinse can help with the discomfort. Similarly obtaining some medicated pastilles from the chemist may be useful.
Try to avoid spicy or acidic foods or locally applied asprin as they may aggravate the ulcers. |
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