Emergency Situations

Question 1

Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?

Accepted Answer

The most common reason gums bleed when brushing is that they are not being cleaned well enough and you may be missing areas when brushing. Bacteria and plaque have formed on the tooth surface and just below the gum line and your gums may be inflamed, red, tender to touch or infected.If left untreated this can lead to gum recession, gingivitis or periodontitis. In advanced stages periodontal disease can lead painful chewing problems and even tooth loss. It is important to practice good oral hygiene with an effective brushing technique. Our dental hygienist can help teach you the best way to brush and floss your teeth if this is something you are experiencing.

If you notice bleeding gums you can try:

Brushing diligently for 2minutes, twice per day
Flossing daily
m saltwater mouth rinses/dental rinses

There may be other reasons your gums are bleeding and it is important to see a Dentist or Hygienist if this problem does not improve or continues to occur.

Question 2

What Should I do if I knock a tooth out?

Accepted Answer

Knocking a tooth out is a serious Dental injury however, if care is taken and professional help is sought immediately teeth can be saved in some circumstances. We recommend that you handle the tooth carefully and if possible, avoid touching the root (the part to be embedded back into the gum). This part of the tooth can be damaged easily and there are cells on the root that will help the tooth to reintegrate. If the tooth is dirty, hold it by the crown (the biting surface) and rinse it off with a saline solution or milk then replace the tooth into the socket it came from. If you don’t have either of these liquids available, it is best to leave the tooth alone and seek immediate medical attention; wiping it off may cause damage. If you don’t feel comfortable replacing the tooth yourself keep the tooth safe in a cup of milk or saliva or place the tooth in the mouth between the cheek and gum. Contact your Dentist immediately or seek attention at an emergency room.

Question 3

What should I do if my tooth breaks?

Accepted Answer

If you have a broken tooth, try to keep the remaining tooth structure as clean as possible, brush gently and seek a dental appointment at your earliest convenience. If you have suffered a blow to the face which has resulted in a broken tooth apply a cold compress to the face to minimise swelling. If a large piece has broken off, try to find this and bring it to your appointment. Call your Dentist and arrange an emergency appointment, if you are in pain you may need to contact your doctor to arrange pain relief or if out of hours you may need to present to the emergency room if the pain is not tolerable.

Question 4

What should I do if my implant seems loose?

Accepted Answer

If you have any concerns about your Dental implant, we recommended booking an appointment to as soon as possible with one of our Specialist Prosthodontists to asses.

Question 5

Why is my tooth sensitive to hot or cold?

Accepted Answer

Teeth can become temperature sensitive for many reasons. Including, over exposure to acidity, clenching, grinding, a crack in the tooth or from nerve pain. It is best to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to asses the possible cause of your discomfort.

Question 6

Why are my teeth sensitive?

Accepted Answer

Teeth may become sensitive for many reasons. Including over exposure to acidity, teeth whitening, clenching and grinding or gum resorption (this is where the gum surrounding your tooth recedes) this in turn exposes the dentin; the part of the tooth that is not covered by enamel and this part of the tooth can be quite sensitive. In most cases we can apply a coating over the tooth or using a sensitive toothpaste may help. Limit acidic foods and drinks such as lemons, pineapples, limes, oranges, lemon or citrus infused water and soft drinks. If sensitivity persists we recommend an appointment with your dentist to further explore the cause.