Protect your Teeth!

Adult teeth are the last pair we will have! So, keeping our gums and teeth in good health is very important. Chewing or biting down on hard objects such as ice cubes, pencils, and nuts can cause tooth fractures. Here are some precautions you can take to avoid injuries to your teeth:

  • Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
  • NEVER use your teeth to cut things, use scissors.
  • Do not use your teeth to open items.
  • Use a mouth guard if you clench or grind your teeth

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Mouth Guards

Using a mouth guard is effective in reducing injuries to the mouth. Made of soft plastic or laminate, mouth guards prevent injuries incurred when you receive contact to the face or mouth. In addition to your teeth, they also protect your gums, cheeks, and jaw.

Clenching and grinding your teeth (bruxism) is a common involuntary reaction when we are put under physical or mental stress. If you are aware of this habit, be sure to talk to your dental provider about a mouth guard. Your dental provider can customize a mouth guard for you or recommend other over the counter products that are available.

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Night Guards

A night guard might be recommended if you clench or grind your teeth in your sleep. Usually, a night-time grinder is unaware of this habit until it is pointed out by a dental professional and/or another person. Consult your dental provider, they may customize a night guard for you or recommend other available products.

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Injured Adult Tooth

If an injury results in your adult tooth (permanent tooth) falling off or chipping, you must act fast!

  • Chipped or broken:
    • Collect all pieces of the tooth
    • Rinse the mouth with warm water
    • Call a dental provider right away and ask for an emergency visit
  • Permanent tooth knocked out:
    • Bite down on sterile gauze to stop the bleeding
    • Grab injured tooth by the crown (white, chewing surface of tooth)
    • Place in a cup of milk or your own saliva. Do not place in tap water!
    • Call a dental provider right away to schedule a visit

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