Doctor suggestions

What should you do when a milk tooth falls out during an accident or a fight? Many parents believe that milk teeth   get replaced with permanent teeth , so they think it is okay if a child loses a tooth due to a fall or injury. While it is true that milk teeth eventually fall out, but losing a milk tooth due to trauma is not something that should be ignored. If a child loses a milk tooth due to an accident or injury, the child should be taken to a dentist. Milk teeth are usually  not re-implanted (put back in) , but the dentist needs to check whether any tooth fragments are left inside the mouth. Retained fragments can increase the risk of aspiration or infection.After removing any remaining fragments, the dentist may place a space maintainer if required. What is a space maintainer? A space maintainer helps preserve the space for the permanent teeth to erupt properly. Teeth always tend to move, and when a milk tooth is lost prematurely, the adjacent teeth can drift i...

Did you know a fallen tooth can be put back in the mouth? If you lose a tooth during an accident or a fight, take the fallen tooth to a dentist within 60 minutes by placing it in milk , coconut water , or a save-a-tooth solution .Many patients bring the fallen tooth to the dentist after washing it with water, but most are not aware that this can reduce the chances of saving the tooth. Because of this lack of awareness, the tooth may get damaged even before reaching the clinic.Cleaning the tooth with water makes it dry and damages the delicate cells present on the root surface . These cells are very important for the successful reattachment of the tooth inside the mouth. Loss of these cells reduces the chances of saving the natural tooth. One more common issue is visiting the dentist late.The best approach is to visit a dentist as soon as the tooth falls out. Hold the tooth only by the white part (crown) and place it in milk, coconut water, or a save-a-tooth solution. Never store the ...

  Many of us experience tooth sensitivity. Have you ever wondered what causes it? One common reason is brushing too hard in a horizontal (back-and-forth) motion. This can wear away the outer enamel layer of the tooth, which is actually the hardest substance in the human body. Hard to believe, but the strongest part of our body can be damaged just by improper brushing. ​ Many of my patients brush their teeth in a strong horizontal motion and also use hard‑bristled toothbrushes. They often say, “Doctor, I feel like I’m cleaning better when I brush harder with a hard brush.” But this is not true. Aggressive horizontal brushing with a hard brush can cause abrasion of the enamel and recession of the gums. ​ This scrubbing wears away the first (enamel) layer and exposes the second layer, called dentin. Dentin has tiny tubules (pathways) that connect to the nerve inside the tooth, especially near the gum line. When hot, cold, or sweet foods touch this exposed dentin, it triggers a sudden ...

  How to Use Animism to Help Toddlers Love Brushing and Dental VisitsAs a dentist, I often meet parents who find it difficult to make their toddlers enjoy brushing or cooperate during dental visits. One simple and effective technique I recommend is using animism - the idea of giving life or emotions to non-living things. Toddlers naturally believe their toys and favorite objects have feelings, so parents can use this to build positive habits. For example, if your toddler loves a teddy bear or any toy, you can tell them, “Your bear feels sad if you don’t brush your teeth, but he’ll be happy when you do!” Children think it’s real and immediately respond with enthusiasm and cooperation.Parents can also motivate their toddlers by setting small rewards. If the child brushes their teeth, they can earn a sticker of their favorite cartoon or TV show character.  This simple reward system encourages consistency and makes oral care more enjoyable.Using animism in this way helps toddlers ...

A common question many people ask is: When should you use mouthwash - before or after brushing your teeth? And another one that often follows is: Can mouthwash replace brushing altogether? Let’s clear this up. You should always use mouthwash after brushing your teeth. If you use it before brushing, it doesn’t do much - it just slides off your teeth like oil on water . That means it won’t have any real effect. Brushing first helps remove the layer of plaque and debris, allowing the mouthwash to work more effectively afterward. Now, you might also wonder, is it okay to use mouthwash daily instead of brushing your teeth? The answer is no - mouthwash cannot replace brushing. The reason is that the pellicle , a thin layer that forms on your teeth, needs to be removed mechanically with a toothbrush . Only after that can the mouthwash properly clean and disinfect your mouth. So, to sum up: Brush first.Rinse with mouthwash next. never skip brushing.