Pauline CahillD.D.S. / Owner

Brenton YoungD.D.S. / Owner

ShelbyDentalCareCenter.com 704•482•7986

Jessica LackeyD.D.S.

Injured Tooth: What Should I Do?How Do I Know if I Need Treatment? As with any trauma to the mouth, you should consult with your dentist immediately to determine if treatment is required. The dentist will examine the affected area and may take X-rays.If you are in pain from a broken, cracked or chipped tooth , you may want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If possible, keep any part of the tooth that has broken off and take this with you to the dentist.If a tooth is completely knocked out of the mouth by an injury, take the tooth to your dentist as soon as possible. It may be possible for your tooth to be placed back into your mouth, a procedure called reimplantation.How Does a Dentist Treat a...

Chipped tooth? If there is no pain and the chip is small, it’s up to you to decide if, when and how the tooth should be repaired. Depending on the size of the chip, it can be smoothed or cosmetically corrected. Other options include veneers, crowns and fillings Ask your dentist to explain these options. If a filling or artificial tooth becomes chipped, it should be replaced.Cracked or broken tooth? Cracked and broken teeth should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Root canal therapy or tooth extraction may be necessary. If a crack affects the enamel and dentin of the tooth, a crown is frequently the best treatment. Keep in mind that cracks are not always visible, even on X-rays. Symptoms may involve pain

while chewing and Sensitivity to cold and possibly hot foods and liquids, as well as air, which may over time become more pronounced.Tooth knocked out? The key to successfully reattaching a tooth is to get it reimplanted in the socket as soon as possible. With each minute that passes, more of the cells on the root of the tooth die. If possible, rinse the tooth with water only, then reimplant the tooth at the site and hurry to a dentist as quickly as possible. The tooth should be picked up by the crown only and must not be allowed to dry. The best chance for success is reimplantation within the first 30 minutes, with chances still good for up to two hours. It may be necessary for your dentist to do a Root canal treatment one to two weeks after the tooth has been stabilized.Permanently lost teeth, whether they’ve been removed by a dentist or accidentally knocked out, should be replaced. This is to avoid problems such as difficulty chewing and speaking, a shifting of position among remaining teeth, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders caused by chewing on the side with more teeth, and a weakening of the jawbone. Options for replacing lost teeth include bridges, dentures and implants. Broken jaw? If you suspect you or someone else has a broken jaw, do not move it. The jaw should be secured in place with a handkerchief, necktie or towel tied around the jaw and over the top of the head. Cold compresses should be used to reduce swelling, if present. Go immediately to a hospital emergency room, or call your dentist.

HealthyM a y & J u n e , 2 0 1 4

ShelbyDentalCareCenter.com 704•482•7986

So…. Which rinse is best for me?In addition to freshening breath and masking bad breath the way that cosmetic oral mouthwashes do, specialty therapeutic oral rinses are formulated with active ingredients that help prevent or treat specific oral health conditions.Shelby Dental Care Center recommends over-the-counter, or prescribe specialized therapeutic oral rinses to patients who have oral health problems such as high decay rates and/or gum problems. Therapeutic rinses also are recommended for individuals who can’t brush because of physical impairments or medical reasons. Sometimes we suggest the use of a non-alcohol oral rinse if you wear dentures and have dry mouth. Dry mouth can aggravate problems associated with retaining and eating for denture-wearers, as well as contribute to tooth decay in patients with teeth. Therefore, the use of non-alcohol oral rinses is also helpful for patients with teeth.It’s important to remember that oral rinses do not take the place of brushing, flossing and regular preventive professional cleanings.

If you suffer from dry mouth, OTC products such as sugar-free gums and mints that help stimulate the flow of saliva or moisturizing agents such as artificial saliva and saliva substitutes sprays, may be helpful.

If you suffer from ulcers, minor throat irritation or denture sores, rinsing with warm saltwater is a mild, economical and homemade alternative to an OTC or prescription therapeutic rinse that alleviates discomfort and aids healing. (If the area continues to be sore or irritated after a week of saltwater rinsing, let us know).Always discuss your particular needs with us, especially if you are undergoing medical/dental treatment or taking medications that might affect your oral health. Before using any OTC oral rinse, you should read product labeling and instructions carefully. Always check the manufacturer’s label for precautions and age recommendations.But…Be Cautious

Some specialty therapeutic rinses contain high levels of alcohol (ranging from 18 to 26 percent), which can aggravate dry mouth syndrome and mouth sores, and be harmful to children, pregnant women and other alcohol-sensitive individuals.Many anti-cavity rinses contain sodium fluoride, which if taken excessively or swallowed, can produce fluoride toxicity. Children six years old and younger should not use fluoride rinses; children older than six years should only use therapeutic oral rinses with adult supervision.If you or your child experiences any negative reactions when using a therapeutic oral rinse, stop using it immediately.

Our New Location at 139 West Ross Grove Road Opening Summer, 2014!