FAQs
We know you have questions—and we've done our best to answer them all. If you don't find the information you need here, just give us a call any time. We're here for you.
My child's permanent tooth was knocked out! What do I do?!
If you're sure it is a permanent tooth, hold the tooth by the crown, and if it's dirty, rinse the root with water. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any attached bits of tissue. If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket with a clean wash cloth or gauze. If this isn't possible, or if the child cannot safely hold the tooth in his/her mouth, put the tooth in a container with milk, saliva or water. Take your child to the dentist as quickly as you can. Don't forget to bring the tooth and any other fragments you can find.
My child broke part of his tooth off! What do I do?!
Rinse the mouth with warm water to keep the area clean. Put cold compresses (like an ice pack or a washcloth with ice wrapped inside) on the face to reduce swelling. Go to the dentist right away. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist, and if possible, wrap the tooth piece in some wet gauze or a wet towel.
What should I do after severely biting my tongue or lip?
Clean the area gently with a cloth and place cold compresses (like an ice pack or a washcloth with ice wrapped inside) on the area to keep swelling down. If there is a lot of bleeding or if it doesn't stop after a short period of time, go to a dentist or emergency center.
How do I remove a piece of food that is stuck in between my teeth?
Gently try to remove the object with dental floss. If that does not work, go to the dentist. Do not try to remove the object with a sharp or pointed instrument.
What can I do about my toothache?
Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Take what you would normally take for pain, but do not put aspirin directly on the aching tooth or gum tissue. Go to the dentist as soon as you can.
I think my jaw is broken! What do I do?!
Apply cold compresses (like an ice pack or a washcloth with ice wrapped inside) to control swelling. Go to the dentist or emergency center right away.
Why does my child grind his teeth while he's sleeping?
Approximately 15 to 33% of children grind their teeth. Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times: when their baby teeth emerge and when their permanent teeth come in. Most children lose the teeth-grinding habit after these two sets of teeth have come in fully. Most commonly, children grind their teeth during sleep rather than during waking hours. No one knows exactly why children grind their teeth, but considerations include improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth, illnesses or other medical conditions.
Why does my tooth hurt with I eat ice cream?
Sensitivity can be caused by a variety of things. Tooth decay, in its early stages, can frequently present as sensitivity before the telltale sign of a throbbing ache. For that reason, pain lasting more than a few seconds needs investigation by a dentist.
How can I ease my anxiety about my dental appointment?
Knowledge is the greatest defense against anxiety. Avoiding caffeine before a dental appointment can make you less anxious, and eating high-protein foods can produce a calming effect, unlike sugary foods. During the procedure, focus on breathing regularly and slowly. When you are nervous, you tend to hold your breath, which decreases oxygen levels and further increases feelings of panic. Use hand signals to inform the dentist when you are uncomfortable, and if you have specific fears, talk to your dentist about them in advance.
How can I get the yellow stain off my teeth?
The ADA recommends that if you choose to use a bleaching product, you should only do so after a full consultation with a dentist. This is especially important for patients who have fillings, crowns, and extremely dark stains. A thorough oral examination, performed by a licensed dentist, is essential to determine if bleaching is an appropriate course of treatment. A thorough dental cleaning can generally remove most stains and help lighten your teeth without bleaching. Reducing stain-causing beverages like iced tea, coffee, and sodas can also be effective.
How long will I have to wear braces?
Typically, braces are worn from a year and a half to two years, though they are sometimes worn for longer than that. Your orthodontist will prescribe a specific treatment plan tailored to your exact needs, and will discuss the timeline with you in advance.
How safe are dental x-rays?
Advances in dentistry over the years have led to the low radiation levels emitted by today's x-rays. Some recent improvements in digital x-ray machines include a limited radiation beam to the small area that is being x-rayed, and higher speed x-ray films that require shorter exposure time.
Do whitening toothpastes work?
Whitening toothpastes contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal. Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains only, and they do not contain bleach. None of the home-use whitening toothpastes can come close to producing the bleaching effect you get from your dentist's office through chair-side or power bleaching. Whitening toothpastes can lighten your tooth's color by about one shade while, in contrast, light-activated whitening conducted in your dentist's office can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter.
What toothpaste should my child use?
When purchasing a toothpaste for you or your child, select one that contains fluoride. Fluoride-containing toothpastes have been shown to prevent cavities. However, one word of caution: check the manufacturer's label before use. Some toothpastes are not recommended for children under the age of 6, since young children frequently swallow toothpaste and ingesting too much fluoride can lead to tooth discoloration in permanent teeth. Other toothpastes, such as Prevident 5000, Sensidyne and Fluoridex are excellent in reducing cold sensitivity. Ask your dentist or hygienist what he/she recommends for sensitive teeth.