Do you know what to do if one of your permanent teeth comes out, or how to avoid teeth staining? In this article, we discuss these important questions and more. Here’s what you need to know.
What should I do immediately if one of my teeth is knocked out?
Try to stay calm. Even if your tooth has completely come out, it may be possible to save the tooth and replace it in your mouth. The most important thing to do is to keep the root of the tooth moist. You can do this by:
- Putting the tooth in a baggie filled with milk, OR
- Fitting the tooth back into your tooth socket and biting down gently to keep it in place, OR
- Tucking the tooth inside your mouth beside your cheek.
Then get yourself and your tooth to your dentist as quickly as possible—ideally within 30 minutes.
Don’t put the tooth in tap water, which can damage the root; and touch the tooth only on its chewing surface—never by the root. More details are available here.
What causes teeth staining, and how can I avoid it?
Changes in your gut flora may contribute to teeth staining. Your gut flora include all gut bacteria (good and bad); yeast, and viruses. When changes occur, these flora eventually reach the mouth and cause staining. If you are taking an antibiotic, we recommend taking a probiotic at the same time, as well as eating foods rich in good bacteria. Fermented foods such as kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut can help to offset the change in your gut bacteria. Taking these kinds of measures can also help you to avoid the stomach upset that frequently occurs during a course of antibiotics.
Can antibiotics cause my teeth to stain?
Most antibiotics do not cause teeth to stain. However, tetracycline and doxycycline are known to cause teeth staining in children younger than age 8, and may also result in stains to the teeth of children whose mothers took these antibiotics during their pregnancies. If you notice stains developing on your child’s teeth or your own, please contact us.
What can I do to avoid bad breath?
Bad breath occurs due to a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. To minimize bacteria buildup, we recommend:
- Drinking plenty of water; aim for about two liters each day
- Eating healthy foods, high in fiber and low in sugar
- Flossing your teeth once each day
- Brushing your teeth twice each day
- Using a tongue scraper to remove dead cells from the top of your tongue.
Can I keep my wisdom teeth if they come in straight?
Yes! We recommend keeping your wisdom teeth as long as they are healthy. Did you know that healthy wisdom teeth in your mouth can help prevent concussions? In the event of accidental head trauma, the wisdom teeth help by dispersing your bite force. Read more.