Dental Injuries and Accidents

Baby Teeth (Children 0-6 years)

If a child’s baby tooth becomes loosened or knocked out of position, treatment may not be necessary. However the permanent tooth developing underneath may be damaged, so it is advisable to seek advice from a dentist as soon as possible.

If a baby tooth is knocked out completely it is not recommended that it be replaced in the socket. You should keep the tooth, but if you cannot find it, go to a dentist or the accident & emergency dept of the nearest hospital immediately (in case the child has swallowed or inhaled the tooth).

Permanent Teeth (6 years and older)

If a permanent tooth is fractured it should be looked at by a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist may be able to repair the tooth and will check for possible damage to the root.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out of position it should be seen by a dentist as soon as possible.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out completely, don’t panic but act quickly following these simple steps and you may save a smile:

1.

Hold the tooth by the crown (the part usually visible in the mouth), not by the root. Do not scrub the tooth or put it in disinfectant.

2.

If the root is clean, hold it by the crown and gently push it back into the socket, making sure that it is the right way round. This is usually painless if done immediately.

3.

If the tooth is dirty, rinse it under cool tap water for 10 seconds before gently pushing it back into place.

4.

Hold the tooth gently in place.

5.

Go to a dentist as soon as possible for advice and treatment.

If you can’t put the tooth back in it is important to prevent the tooth becoming dry by storing it in milk or in the owner’s mouth. To store the tooth in the mouth place it between the cheek and the gum, (be very careful not to swallow it). Do not allow the tooth to become dry. Do not place it in disinfectant. Go to your dentist or the accident and emergency dept of the nearest hospital* immediately and ask to be seen by the dentist on duty.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out completely and you can’t find it, still go to the accident and emergency department, as the tooth may have been swallowed or inhaled.

*Note: the nearest Accident & Emergency Department with a dentist on call is Luton & Dunstable Hospital.

Top Tips for Beating Bad Breath

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss your teeth every day. Food particles can get trapped between your teeth, leading to unpleasant smells.

Visit the dentist regularly. Bad breath can be a sign of gum disease, which can be a serious problem. There is evidence that gum disease may be linked to heart disease and other health problems.

Stop smoking. Using tobacco makes your breath, clothes and hair smell! Smokers are much more prone to gum disease and oral cancer.

Steer clear of onions and garlic. However well you clean your teeth the smell of strong food comes through on your breath.

Visit your doctor. If your dentist says your mouth is healthy and you still get bad breath it can be a symptom of other illness. Chest, nose and throat infections, bronchitis, diabetes or liver disease are disorders that can cause halitosis.

Chew sugar free chewing gum. This is only a temporary solution to the problem of bad breath and you should still seek dental advice. Chewing sugar free gum also helps increase the flow of saliva which protects the teeth from decay.

Breathe through your nose. Almost everyone has had bad breath in the morning because they breathe through their mouth when they are asleep. If you have a blocked nose through a cold or sinusitis ask your pharmacist for something to clear it.

Cut down on alcohol and coffee. They are dehydrating and can give you a dry mouth leading to bad breath. But don’t increase your fizzy drink intake because sugar in these can lead to tooth decay resulting in more bad breath!