What should I do if I break my tooth?

Don’t panic. Get a clean handkerchief and fold it up, then hold it over the socket and bite down. Keep your jaws together to apply pressure. If you need something for the pain, don’t take any medication containing aspirin as this can encourage further bleeding. Do not apply clove oil to the wound.  

If the tooth is complete it needs to be replaced in the socket as soon as possible, ideally in under 30 minutes. Avoid handling the root. If it is very dirty, rinse it with milk and wipe it with a clean cloth. Do not clean it with disinfectant or water or let it dry out.

Hold the tooth by the crown and put it back into the socket firmly, root first. Bite on a clean handkerchief for about 15-20 minutes. Your tooth has more chance of survival if you keep it in your cheek until you can get emergency dental treatment. This will keep the tooth in its most natural environment. If this is not possible, keep it in some milk.

If only part of the tooth has come out It is not a good idea to try and put it back into the socket. Contact your dental surgery as soon as possible and your dentist will tell you what options are available to restore the tooth. You may need dental x-rays to see if there is any root damage.

What should I do to cure toothache?

Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Ensure that there is no food or other debris caught between the teeth by using dental floss or similar products. If you are suffering from a painful toothache it is more than likely that you require dental attention.

What should I do if I have knocked a tooth out?

The tooth will need to be re-implanted into its socket immediately so contact your dentist. In the meantime hold the tooth by the crown and rinse off the root of the tooth in water if it's dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket. If that isn't possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and take it with you to your dentists as quickly as possible.

How much will it cost?

As you are no doubt aware private dental treatment can be an expensive procedure. At City Centre Dental practice we can offer several treatment plans to accommodate your dental requirements and how much you are prepared to spend on your dental health. Interest free credit terms from 3 - 12 months can be arranged. Registering as a Denplan patient for a regular monthly amount reduces the likelihood of a large one off payment. Ask your dentist for alternative treatment options and payments and we will be happy to accommodate your request.

Every time you eat or drink anything sugary, your teeth are under acid attack for up to one hour. This is because the sugar will react with the bacteria in plaque (the sticky coating on your teeth) and produce the harmful acids. So it is important to keep sugary foods only to mealtimes, limiting the amount of time your mouth is at risk.

Acidic foods and drinks can be just as harmful to your teeth. The acid erodes the enamel, exposing the dentine underneath. This can make the teeth sensitive and unsightly.

A diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals and fresh produce can help to prevent gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and cause bad breath.

For more information please visit the
British Dental Health Foundation
www.dentalhealth.org.uk