Losing a permanent tooth is considered a dental emergency. While a lost tooth can be replaced with a prosthetic, such as a dental implant and crown, it is expensive and takes time. The best option is to save the tooth for re-implantation.

To ensure successful re-implantation, it is vital to follow the proper precautions. First things first—find the tooth and handle it with care. Do not touch the tooth root or try to remove debris or tissue. If necessary, you can rinse it gently with lukewarm water.

The tooth must remain moist. For the best outcome, try to place the tooth back in its socket. If this is not possible, put it in a clean container with milk. Then, get to the dentist or emergency room as quickly as possible. It is best if the tooth can be re-implanted within 30 minutes, but re-implantation can be successful for several hours if the tooth is properly protected.

Many things can cause this embarrassing condition, also known as halitosis, and it can be hard to get rid of. The most common culprits include tobacco products, certain foods (especially onions and garlic), and poor oral hygiene. Improving your brushing and flossing habits can help, as can mouthwash and sugar-free gum.

However, if halitosis continues with improved hygiene habits, it could be a sign of something more serious. Periodontitis (gum disease) and dental decay (cavities) can cause bad breath, as can oral infections and poorly fitting dental appliances. Many medications cause dry mouth, and this can contribute as well.

It’s important to know, however, that chronic halitosis could indicate illness or disease, such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or respiratory or sinus infection.

If you suffer from bad breath, your dentist can help you figure out the reason and come up with a solution.

Since teeth bleaching products can cause irritation, pain, and increased sensitivity, many patients wonder if that means they are not safe.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), teeth whitening is safe. The unpleasant side effects are most likely to occur when the bleaching agent comes in contact with your gums. This can easily happen with whitening strips or “one-size-fits-all” trays. To avoid these issues, it is best to utilize custom trays that fit your teeth properly and keep the bleaching material off your gums. At Smiles on 35^th, we customize bleaching trays and offer a safe, effective, ADA approved bleaching material.

Teeth whitening products can also cause issues for patients with gum disease or dental decay. Therefore, it is best to see your dentist to ensure good oral health before beginning any teeth whitening regime.

Until recently, dentists filled cavities with silver and mercury amalgam. While these materials are durable, they do not bond well to teeth and require additional enamel removal to keep them in place. This extra enamel removal weakens the tooth and leaves it vulnerable to fractures. Moreover, metal fillings are highly visible.

In addition, mercury is considered toxic to humans. While many people believe the amount of mercury in these fillings is not enough to be harmful, many patients want to keep their bodies mercury-free.

Tooth-colored composite resin fillings look natural and are considered safer. They are also stronger, as the material bonds well.

If you prefer a safer, stronger, more durable alternative that looks beautiful and natural, we can remove your old fillings and replace them with tooth-colored composite resin.

If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, it is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene habits. You should brush for a full two minutes at least twice a day to remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque. Daily flossing is also imperative, as it cleans areas brushing can’t reach, such as between your teeth.

In addition, you want to see your dentist for a checkup and professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year.

Avoiding sugary foods and drinks is also important, as sugar is the favorite food of cavity-causing bacteria. You should also avoid sticky foods, like candy and dried fruits. Just remember, if a food sticks to your teeth, it supplies a constant source of food for harmful bacteria. If you do eat sugary or sticky foods, be sure to brush your teeth afterward.

If you don’t brush after eating, be sure to swish and rinse to remove food particles. To ensure you remove all the food particles, chew sugarless gum after eating.

Routine dental visits include a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. While many issues are visible to the naked eye, some can only be seen with diagnostic imaging.

Dental x-rays can spot issues that can’t normally be seen, such as small cavities, decay below restorations or between teeth, or a cyst, abscess, or tumor. They can also detect infection, gum disease, and developmental abnormalities.

In short, x-rays help dentists spot problem areas as early as possible, which saves you time, money, and discomfort.

Fluoride is a mineral that is known to help decrease dental decay by strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to the acids and plaque that cause cavities.

While fluoride is found in many foods and is added to most municipal water systems, this may not provide enough protection.

To improve your protection, you want to be sure to use fluoridated toothpaste. For the maximum protection from cavities, we offer fluoride treatments.