Navigation

Austin Dental Center

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT (512) 454-0414

Dental Emergency First-Aid Kit and Tips

by Leave a Comment

Medical emergency kits are common in vehicles on the road today. This is great, given the risks while traveling. It is good to know that medical care is within reach.

First aid kits are sold in stores throughout the country for a very reasonable price.

However, what happens when there is a dental emergency on the road?

Though people take great precautions to be ready should someone suffer in an accident, they often overlook the damage that could be done to the mouth. Some of this dental trouble can be very minor and unprovoked, while other issues can be more serious.

Being prepared for dental emergencies is just as important as the first aid kit. It doesn’t take much to be prepared in case of an unexpected dental problem.

There are a few minor things that can be added to the existing medical kit that will keep your mouth safe until you get to the dentist’s office.

Petroleum jelly or temporary dental cement can be used to replace a dislodged cap or crown.

Sugarless gum or dental wax can prevent cuts from sharp wires of braces.

Though help for a broken filling will be needed as immediately as possible, a small cotton pellet soaked in oil of cloves can fill the space and ease any related discomfort until you get to the dentist. This is made much easier with a pen light and a dental mirror.

If a tooth is dislodged, it is good to try to replace it as quickly as possible without disrupting any tissue particle on it. If that doesn’t work, the tooth can be preserved in the side of the mouth (just be careful not to swallow. It can also be placed in a cup of milk until arriving at the dental office.

Gauze can be used to control bleeding from tooth loss and as a result of mouth trauma as well.

 

For more travel tips and safety advice, keep reading the full article.

Dental Emergency Information

by Leave a Comment

Dental emergencies aren’t just painful–they can also be a major health risk.

When you have a toothache that doesn’t resolve itself within 24 hours, getting treatment can be critical; but you may be concerned with how you’ll be able to pay for it.

Well, read on, there is help available.

When Is It Time to See a Dentist?

Chances are, your teeth are going to drive your decision to see a dentist. A toothache that doesn’t respond to common home remedies like aspirin or heat aren’t going to go away on their own, and unrelenting pain can certainly make it clear that you need help.

If you’re still uncertain, here are some of the things that constitute a dental emergency:

• Pain when you eat or extreme sensitivity to temperature changes
• Facial swelling
• Severe pain in your tooth or jaw
• Bleeding
• Infected gums
• Difficulty breathing
• A broken tooth
• A tooth that has been knocked out (be sure to put it on ice and bring it to the dentist with you as the doctor may be able to reattach it)

Emergency Dental Care Offers Help

An unexpected trip to the dentist can be very costly. Often times, people have limited dental insurance, or none at all, and that means an unbudgeted expense that can put a strain on family finances. In order to avoid the financial stress emergencies can cause, prudent families invest in an emergency dental care plan. While you may think that dental care plans are too expensive, there are some viable options available.

Medicaid recipients may be eligible to receive dental care though public assistance. A joint effort between the state and federal governments, public assistance automatically covers children under the age of 21; but if you do some research or speak with a caseworker, you may discover that your emergency dental care is also covered. Note: Medicare does not cover dental emergencies.

If you have medical insurance available through your place of work, dental coverage may also be offered. Look through your employee handbook or visit an HR representative to see if dental care is offered through your company policy. While there is a fee for this coverage, it is usually reasonable and could save you money in the long run.

While HMO and indemnity plans may offer dental coverage, they could have hidden costs that make them prohibitive. Be sure to check the price of the premiums, the deductibles, payout ceilings, and the length of the waiting period for certain procedure before contracting for a dental plan.

There are discount dental plans available that offer good coverage at a minimum cost. One of the big advantages of these plans is that there is no waiting period. They also publish a price list so you know what procedures cost, even in an emergency.

A little coverage can be a big help in an emergency. Take the time to do a little research into the dental plans available to you—you’ll be glad you did.

“I can’t eat that, it’ll hurt my teeth…”

by Leave a Comment

When you bite into something cold or sweet, does it send a shock wave through your entire body?

Chances are, if you answered, “yes”, you have sensitive teeth. The answer isn’t to avoid the foods you love, there are too many, and life is too short. But what are you to do when the mere thought of biting into an ice cream bar has you stressing in anticipation of the pain?

Well, let’s just look at sensitive teeth causes and how you might deal with them.

Sensitive Teeth Causes

Tooth sensitivity usually occurs when the teeth come in contact with extreme hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods or beverages or cold air. The painful sensation that follows is usually quick and temporary. If you don’t know what causes sensitive teeth, it can be difficult to correct the issue, so here are a few things that might be at the “root” of the problem.

The center layer of the tooth, or dentin, is exposed as tooth enamel erodes. This may be due to the natural aging process or because of foods that are high in sugar and/or acid—both of which take a toll on tooth enamel. As the protective layers grow thinner, the nerves in the dentin layer react to stimulants like heat or cold.

Occasionally, a cracked or broken tooth allows bacteria to enter the tooth causing an infection. When that happens, the tooth becomes sore and sensitive. Gum disease or gingivitis may also cause sensitivity in the teeth. The infection erodes the ligaments supporting the teeth leaving the roots and nerves exposed.

Oddly, brushing too frequently with a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode tooth enamel and leave nerves exposed; and the overuse of teeth whitening products can put your teeth at risk. Whitening products whether applied at home or in the dentist’s office are harsh and can make teeth very sensitive. You can learn more by searching whitening strips for sensitive teeth.

People 25 to 30 are more susceptible to sensitive teeth; and women are more likely to develop sensitive teeth than men. It isn’t unusual to experience sensitivity after a visit to the dentist—fillings, cleanings, crowns, and other procedures may leave teeth temporarily sensitive. This usually wears off quickly without any treatment.

Treating Sensitive Teeth

When teeth are sensitive and don’t respond to over-the-counter sensitive teeth treatments like special toothpastes or mouth washes, it is important to see your dentist. While sensitive teeth are usually a temporary irritation, they can signal a more serious problem. Your dentist may recommend desensitizing toothpaste, a fluoride gel, or rinse that you apply directly to sensitive teeth. These products usually resolve the problem in 2–3 weeks.

Sensitive Teeth Home Remedy

If you want a sensitive teeth home remedy, there are several options. Be sure that your toothbrush has soft bristles, they will get between teeth better, and are kinder to tooth enamel. Brush longer, not harder! Brushing 2-3 minutes is much better for your teeth than a 1-minute scrub. In order to cover more area, vary the direction as you brush. Limit acidic foods like tomatoes, lemons, etc. Eliminate tobacco—it’s good for your teeth and your overall health. And last, but not least, brush twice a day with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.