Tag Archives: Holiday Tips

What To Do During A Dental Emergency

shutterstock_165405326Dental emergencies can be frightening and painful. They also seem to happen when it is least convenient like during the Holidays. Often people are unsure of what to do during an emergency so we have put together some guidelines to help get you through.

What constitutes a dental emergency?
-Bleeding That Will Not Stop
-A Loose or Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
-Injured Jaw
-Painful Swelling
-Painful Toothache

Who should you contact?
Always remember to contact your dentist right away if you experience a dental emergency. In the case, your dentist’s office is closed and you are experiencing unbearable pain or bleeding that will not stop, it is best that you go straight to the emergency room.

What can you do at home during a dental emergency?
-Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of hot water and rinse out your mouth to relieve irritation and swelling.
-If the tooth has been knocked out, put it in a glass of milk until you can see your dentist.
-Floss around the tooth if you are experiencing pain in one specific area. It could be possible something has gotten stuck between your teeth.
-Use a cold compress. This will help reduce swelling and numb irritation.

How to prevent dental emergencies?
-Brush and floss daily
-Avoid foods that are tough or very chewy
-Visit your dentist regularly

Dental emergencies are never fun, but knowing how to handle them can help relieve pain, stress and possibly save a tooth! Again, if you experience a dental emergency please reach out to us right away so that we can help.

How To Keep Your Teeth Healthy This Holiday Season

12-12-2013-the-holiday-food-fightWith the Holidays among us, we worry so much about the impact it can have on our body, we often forget the impact it can have on our teeth. A few factors contribute to this. First, people tend to indulge in sweets more often than they do the remainder of the year. Second, people tend to snack more throughout the day, and without a break, your saliva doesn’t have a chance to clean the bacteria off your teeth. Third, people travel more and tend to get out of their regular routine and can often forget to grab a toothbrush or forget to brush normally.

But don’t stress! We have tips for protecting your teeth while also enjoying the Holiday!

Avoid Foods That Stain Your Teeth
Think red wine, coffee, and soda. Try to avoid these as much as possible.

Try To Avoid Snacking All Day Long
Keeping eating to mealtimes is ultimately the best, but try hard to not snack too much throughout the day.

Drink Plenty Of Water
Drink plenty of water so the food you’re eating doesn’t stick and stay on your teeth for long.

Brush, Floss, and Rinse
Try hard to remember your toothbrush and mouthwash, but in case you forget always keep a small container of floss with you. That way you can clean in between your teeth after snacking.

Limit The Amount Of Sugar
It can mean making some tough decisions. But choose where you really want to indulge and try to pass on the other sugary foods.

Happy Holidays and healthy eating from all of us at Nicollet Station Dental!