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Caring for Dental Fillings

By Vishant Nath DMD, Pediatric Dentist

When our teeth emerge from our gums, they are in their strongest, healthiest state.  From the moment they first appear, it is important to work to maintain the tooth’s health.  This is why it is so important to take great care of our teeth by establishing the best oral hygiene habits.

Once the health of a tooth is compromised, it will not be as strong again.  When a cavity forms, it greatly effects the overall health of the tooth.  Of course there are steps that can be taken to repair the tooth, but these repairs do not restore the tooth to its original state.

So doing your best to establish great oral hygiene habits for you and for your children is vitally important.  That is your first line of defense in protecting the health of your teeth.

But let’s say that, for whatever reason, you or your child develops a cavity and needs a dental filling.  The tooth that has been filled has been compromised.  It is no longer as strong as it was originally.  It may need extra care and attention to maintain the strength of the filling.  After you have received the filling, be sure to receive special instructions from your dentist concerning its care.  Never assume that the tooth is as good and new.  You may need to change your brushing and/or flossing habits to best care for it.  This is also true if your child has filling.  They may need extra help to clean and care for the restored tooth.

After receiving a filling, it is even more vital that you adhere to a schedule of visiting your dentist every 6 months.  Your dentist can check the integrity of the filling on a regular basis to best preserve it.

Though this article addresses dental fillings specifically, know that most of these guidelines can be followed with any type of dental treatment.  Always speak with your dentist to receive specific instructions for you or your child’s dental treatment.  Be sure to know when you leave the office what specific steps need to be taken to care for the restored teeth.  If you are unsure at any point in time, or if the appearance or feeling of the restored teeth change, return to your dentist for follow-up.

Caring for restored teeth is a task that must be addressed.  With proper attention, fillings can be cared for, and can be an important part ofn maintaining your dental health.

Mucoceles

By Vishant Nath DMD

A mucocele is an infected salivary gland. It looks and feels like a growth in the mouth. It is most often due to a blockage of the salivary gland, but can also result from trauma to the mouth. Another cause can be certain medications that thicken the saliva. The thicker saliva can block the salivary gland, leading to a mucocele. So what happens if you notice this in your mouth?

Most mouth-related sores heal rather quickly. Anyone who has bitten their tongue or lip will know that these types of injuries can be quite painful when they first occur, but then they are gone in a few days. A mucocele will sometimes heal on it’s own, but if not, it might require more attention.

Mucoceles can be present anywhere you have a salivary gland. This includes on the inner lips, the roof of the mouth, or under the tongue. Mucoceles are not normally painful, but they can be irritating, especially when you eat. They can especially be irritating in children if they keep moving their tongue against it.

Whenever you notice any sort of bump or lump in your or your child’s mouth, it is important to visit your dentist to have it evaluated. The dentist can examine the area and determine the best course of action. If the diagnosis is the presence of a mucocele, you may be referred to an oral surgeon. Normally mucoceles can be easily removed using a scalpel after numbing the area. The tissue can then be sent for pathology to make sure that it is benign, or not cancerous.

Once the proper treatment is completed, it’s important to keep an eye on the area, as the growth can sometimes reoccur. Again, consult your dentist if this is the case.

In any case, it’s best to visit your dentist and have them guide you through the process of determining what the growth may be and the best course of action to take in treating it.

Summer Safety Tips

The summer months bring with them lots of fun playtime, which can often lead to accidental injuries. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the best way to react to certain injuries, so that you can respond appropriately.

If your child has an injury that causes a tooth to become knocked out, contact your pediatric dentist immediately. If the tooth is a primary, or baby tooth the emphasis will probably not be toward saving the tooth. However, it’s still important for your child to be seen by a dentist so that they can check for damage to any adjacent teeth.

If your child loses a permanent, or adult tooth, its much more critical that every effort is put into saving the tooth. Obviously it’s most important to assess your child’s overall medical condition in the case of an injury. Injuries to the mouth can oftentimes be accompanied by injuries to the head. First determine if your child’s injury requires emergency room care. If the injury is focused only on the mouth, contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Most dentists should have a 24-hour phone number to contact if the injury occurs after hours or on weekends, if you are an existing patient. In many cases if getting to a dentist is difficult getting to a children’s hospital nearby would be an alternative option in case of emergency.   Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. Do not scrub it with soap. Use only water. If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a washcloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

If your child chips or fractures a tooth, contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection, and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist.

Some dental emergencies are not caused by injuries or trauma. Toothaches can be quite painful and bothersome to your child. Again, it’s important to contact your pediatric dentist immediately. To comfort your child, rinse the mouth with water. Apply a cold compress or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do not apply heat or aspirin to the sore area.

All of these scenarios have something in common. All require the immediate attention of a dentist. Time is truly of the essence. Having a pediatric dentist who is familiar with you and your child can greatly assist you in nursing your child back to great dental health!