Common dental injuries in sports include:

Tooth Knocked Out:

• Time is the most important factor when trying to save a tooth, so get to your dentist as soon as possible. In general, there is a 30-minute window of opportunity to re-implant the tooth in the socket.
• Do not try to re-implant the tooth yourself.
• The best liquid to transport tooth in is cold milk. If milk is not available, use saliva (if possible), saline, or water if nothing else is available.
• Don’t let the tooth dry out and don’t wrap it in anything.
• Don’t touch the tooth root if you can avoid it.
• Primary teeth, often called “baby-teeth”, are generally not re-implanted.

Tooth Chipped/Cracked:

• Save the fractured portion of your tooth if you can locate it, and store it in saliva or milk until you’re able to reach our office. Your dentist may be able to save the tooth by bonding the fractured portion back on to your tooth.
• Your dentist will likely use an X-ray of the tooth to determine the treatment necessary based on the severity of the injury.
• For a serious chip that exposes the pulp of the tooth, get to your dentist as soon as possible.
• If a tooth is chipped or cracked, sometimes the tooth can be fixed with just a filling or bonding alone.
• Sometimes, a tooth is cracked or chipped in a way that the nerve of the tooth is affected, and a more complicated treatment may be needed.

Tooth Displaced:

• If a tooth is moved due to trauma, see your dentist as soon as possible.
• Do not try to move the tooth back on your own.
• For any mouth discomfort before you get to the dentist, apply ice.

Preventing injury

One of the best and most convenient ways to prevent injury to your teeth and mouth while playing sports is to wear a mouthguard. There are several types of mouthguards to choose from, and your doctor can help you choose the best one for your particular needs.

In most cases, the answer is no. However, it’s important to pay attention to your child’s habits, in case his behavior has the potential to affect his oral health.

What is normal thumb-sucking behavior?

Most children begin sucking their thumb or finger from a very young age; many even start inside the womb. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant and it serves an important purpose. Sucking often provides a sense of security and contentment for a young one. It can also be relaxing, which is why many children suck their thumbs as they fall asleep.

According to the American Dental Association, most children stop thumb-sucking on their own between the ages of two and four. They simply grow out of a habit that is no longer useful to them. However, some children continue sucking beyond the preschool years (although studies show that the older a child gets, the lower his chances of continuing to suck his thumb). If your child is still sucking when his permanent teeth start to erupt, it may be time to take action to break the habit.

What signs should I watch for?

First, take note of how your child sucks his thumb. If he sucks passively, with his thumb gently resting inside his mouth, he is less likely to cause damage. If, on the other hand, he is an aggressive thumb-sucker, placing pressure on his mouth or teeth, the habit may cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. Extended sucking affects both the teeth and the shape of the face and may lead to a need for orthodontic treatment in the future.

If at any time you suspect your child’s thumb-sucking may be affecting his oral health, please give us a call or bring him in for a visit. We can help you assess the situation.

How can I help my child quit thumb-sucking?

Should you need to help your child end his habit, follow these guidelines:

1. Always be supportive and positive. Instead of punishing your child for thumb-sucking, give praise when he doesn’t suck.
2. Put a bandage on his thumb or a sock over his hand at night. Let him know that this is not a punishment, just a way to help him remember to avoid sucking.
3. Start a progress chart and let him put a sticker up every day that he doesn’t suck his thumb. If he makes it through a week without sucking, he gets to choose a prize (trip to the zoo, new set of blocks, etc.) When he has filled up a whole month reward him with something great (a ball glove or new video game); by then the habit should be over. Making your child an active participant in his treatment will increase his willingness to break the habit.
4. If you notice your child sucking when he’s anxious, work on alleviating his anxiety rather than focusing on the thumb-sucking.
5. Take note of the times your child tends to suck (long car rides, while watching movies) and create diversions during these occasions.
6. Explain clearly what might happen to his teeth if he keeps sucking his thumb.

Whatever your method, always remember that your child needs your support and understanding during the process of breaking the thumb-sucking habit.

Types of mouthguards

Choosing the right mouthguard is important. There are three basic types of mouthguards: the pre-made mouthguard, the “boil-and-bite” fitted mouthguard, and a custom-made mouthguard. When you choose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, well fitted for your mouth and easy to keep clean. Also make sure it does not prevent you from breathing properly during use. If you wear braces or a retainer, it is imperative for you to wear a mouthguard. Your dentist can show you how to wear a mouthguard properly and how to choose the right mouthguard to protect your smile.

Taking care of your mouthguard

Similar to a retainer, braces, or any other special dental appliance, it is important to take care of your mouthguard by storing it properly and keeping it clean. You should also know when to replace your old mouthguard with a new one. Here are a few simple ways to keep your mouthguard clean and working correctly:

• Gently scrub your mouthguard after each use with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Store your mouthguard in a protective case.
• Do not leave your mouthguard in the sun or in hot water;  it may melt or become deformed.
• Replace your mouthguard at the beginning of every new sports season. You should also replace your mouthguard if you notice it has become worn and no longer fits properly.
• Do not wear a retainer with your mouthguard. If you wear braces, your dentist will help design a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your braces.
• Do not chew on or cut pieces off of your mouthguard.
• Bring your mouthguard to each dental checkup, and your dentist can check to make sure it’s still in good shape.

Our goal is to help minimize your chances of a sports related injury. Be sure to ask your dentist about mouthguards at your next dental checkup – GO TEAM!

Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. These compounds, often called composite resins, are usually used on the front teeth where a natural appearance is important, but they can also be used on the back teeth depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay.

What’s right for me?

Several factors influence the performance, durability, longevity and expense of dental restorations, including:

• The components used in the filling material
• The amount of tooth structure remaining
• Where and how the filling is placed
• The chewing load that the tooth will have to bear
• The length and number of visits needed to prepare and adjust the restored tooth

Before your treatment begins, your doctor will discuss with you all of your options and help you choose the best filling for your particular case. In preparation for this discussion it may be helpful to understand the two basic types of dental fillings — direct and indirect.

• Direct fillings are fillings placed into a prepared cavity in a single visit. They include glass ionomers, resin ionomers, and composite (resin) fillings. The dentist prepares the tooth, places the filling, and adjusts it in one appointment.
• Indirect fillings generally require two or more visits. They include inlays, onlays, veneers, crowns, and bridges fabricated with gold, base metal alloys, ceramics, or composites. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth and makes an impression of the area to be restored. The dentist then places a temporary covering over the prepared tooth. The impression is sent to a dental laboratory, which creates the dental restoration. At the next appointment, the dentist cements the restoration into the prepared cavity and adjusts it as needed.

Dental sealants are plastic resins that bond and harden in the deep grooves on your tooth’s surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth and are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing your teeth becomes easier and more effective.

Sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth after their permanent teeth have erupted as a preventive measure against tooth decay. However, adults can also receive sealants on healthy teeth. It is more common to seal permanent teeth rather than baby teeth, but every patient has unique needs, and your dentist will recommend sealants on a case-by-case basis.

Sealants typically last from three to five years, although it is fairly common to see adults with sealants still intact from childhood. A dental sealant only provides protection when it is fully intact so if your sealants come off, let your dentist know, and schedule an appointment for your teeth to be resealed.

You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and visit the dentist every six months, but did you know that rinsing with fluoride — a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay — also helps keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay by coating your teeth and preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth’s surface.

Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic:

• Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth and includes toothpastes and mouth rinses.
• Systemic fluorides are generally only used by your dentist and are not often available for at home use. Systemic fluoride treatments are generally designed to help protect the oral health of children undergoing dental procedures. Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists office is often a much stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your dentist before purchasing professional strength fluoride).

Receiving a fluoride treatment from your dentist

A fluoride treatment in your dentist’s office takes just a few minutes. After the treatment, patients may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or your doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or twelve months. Your doctor may also prescribe an at-home fluoride product such as a mouthwash, gel, or antibacterial rinse.

How to choose the right fluoride treatment

When choosing your own at home fluoride product (such as toothpaste or mouthwash), always check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined by the ADA, and approved based on safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth and smile bright with dental fluoride treatments!

It’s very important to brush and floss after every meal in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you need help choosing the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, please ask us and we can help you choose the right products for your teeth.

Brushing InstructionsFlossing Instructions

Brushing Instructions

• 

Brushing: Step 1

Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum.

• 
  

  Brushing: Step 2

  Brush gently in a circular motion.

• 
  

  Brushing: Step 3

  Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

• 
  

  Brushing: Step 4

  Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.

---

Flossing Instructions

• 
  

  Flossing: Step 1

  Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.

• 
  

  Flossing: Step 2

  Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.

• 
  

  Flossing: Step 3

  Holding the floss tightly, gently saw the floss between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.

• 
  

  Flossing: Step 4

  Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.

---

Flossing Instructions

• 

Flossing: Step 1

Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.

• 
  

  Flossing: Step 2

  Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.

• 
  

  Flossing: Step 3

  Holding the floss tightly, gently saw the floss between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.

• 
  

  Flossing: Step 4

  Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.

---

]]> http://bhatdental.com/preventive-care-instruction/ Mon, 03 Nov 2014 07:27:12 +0000 http://bhatdental.com/?p=288 Preventive dental care is important throughout your life, no matter your age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with your dentist, you can help keep your smile bright and healthy for many years to come. Here are a few simple ways that you can prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure to brush the top surface of your tongue; this will remove any extra plaque causing food particles, and help keep your breath fresh!
• Clean between your teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.

Brushing InstructionsFlossing Instructions

Brushing Instructions

• 

Brushing: Step 1

Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum.

• 
  

  Brushing: Step 2

  Brush gently in a circular motion.

• 
  

  Brushing: Step 3

  Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

• 
  

  Brushing: Step 4

  Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.

---

Flossing Instructions

• 
  

  Flossing: Step 1

  Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.

• 
  

  Flossing: Step 2

  Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.

• 
  

  Flossing: Step 3

  Holding the floss tightly, gently saw the floss between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.

• 
  

  Flossing: Step 4

  Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.

---

Flossing Instructions

• 

Flossing: Step 1

Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and the other finger takes it up as the floss is used.

• 
  

  Flossing: Step 2

  Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.

• 
  

  Flossing: Step 3

  Holding the floss tightly, gently saw the floss between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.

• 
  

  Flossing: Step 4

  Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.

---

• Eat a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or fruit can help keep your smile healthy.
• Remember to schedule regular checkups with your dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning.
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
• If you play sports, be sure to ask your dentist about special mouth guards designed to protect your smile.

]]> http://bhatdental.com/my-tooth-is-infectedwhat-can-i-do/ Mon, 03 Nov 2014 07:01:00 +0000 http://bhatdental.com/?p=281

Root Canal therapy can save an infected tooth that otherwise would need to be extracted.

At Bhat Dental Associates we believe in the importance of educating our patients about keeping their natural teeth for life. Some of our patients who require tooth extraction could have visited us sooner and saved their teeth with a root canal therapy. Unfortunately, people often assume that root canal treatment is lengthy and painful, however, thanks to today’s technology and techniques, root canal treatment is as simple, safe and quick as receiving a filling!

When is a root canal required?

If you are starting to notice a dark coloring on your tooth, if your old fillings are starting to deteriorate, or if your teeth are becoming increasingly sensitive to hot and/or cold, you may require a root canal treatment. These symptoms are caused by an infected tooth pulp which acts as the central nervous system of your teeth and delivers key nutrients to keep the tooth health and functional.

There are a few early warning signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of infected nerve tissue in the mouth. Root canal treatment can save your teeth that otherwise would need to be removed the longer it is left untreated. These include:

• Tenderness when chewing
• Toothache and sensitivity
• Trauma to the tooth or jaw
• Deep tooth decay
• Severe gum disease

Time is essential, too. If treatment is not undertaken swiftly, this can cause severe pain, abscesses and even bone loss to the infected tooth site.  As a result, the tooth will not be able to receive root canal therapy, and instead, may need to be removed.

At Bhat Dental Associates we can determine the level of damage after conducting a full mouth examination to assess the infected tooth and provide the necessary treatment.

What is a Root Canal treatment?

Root canal treatment, also known as Endodontics, is a dental procedure to treat infection at the center of a tooth (the root canal system). Our front teeth generally have one and sometimes two root canals, premolars also usually have one or two root canals, while our molar teeth generally three to four canals.The Root canal treatment is a process whereby inflamed or dead pulp is removed from the inside of the tooth, enabling a tooth that was causing pain to be retained.

The root canal process

Depending on the complexity of your case, your root canal treatment may need to be performed over several visits. Generally, our professional dentists will assess your tooth to identify how much damage there is. Once this has been discovered and you are happy to move forward with treatment, we will numb the area and create an opening at the top of the tooth. The diseased pulp tissue is then removed from inside of the tooth and the root canals are cleaned. If your tooth has suffered structural damage in the process, we will place a dental crown over the tooth to help maintain its structural integrity.

How successful is root canal treatment?

The sooner you commence root canal treatment the greater the successful outcome will be. When you receive root canal treatment it is important to follow a consistent oral hygiene routine to ensure the longevity of your treatment. As with any invasive process there are certain risks involved and on rare occasions complications may arise such as removing the tooth all together. These complications could result in the need for additional treatment or the need for the tooth to be extracted. However, these complications are rare and in most cases root canal treatment is very successful

If you believe you may be suffering from an infection in the pulp or nerve tissue of your tooth, at Bhat Dental Associates we can help you. Our highly experienced team can diagnose and treat your infected tooth and get you back on the road to a healthy smile!