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HELP! My tooth came out… What do I do?

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I’m not talking about what to do if a baby tooth falls out.  That’s easy.  Place it underneath your pillow and wait for the Tooth Fairy to arrive…. everybody knows that.  I’m talking about what to do if, heaven forbid, you should ever have a tooth knocked out- like in a rough game of hockey.  This is a dental emergency, and what dentists refer to as an “avulsed tooth”.  We always advise wearing protective mouth guards while playing any sport to minimize the risk of such incidences occurring, but as we all know, accidents happen.

If this happens, there are a few steps you can take which might make saving that tooth possible (believe it or not).

  1. Remain calm.  Losing a tooth would be a bit traumatizing for anybody, but the calmer you are, the more clearly you can think.
  2. Look for your tooth.  Is it in your mouth? Is it on the ground lying next to you?  If you find it, make sure you try to pick it up by the crown, and avoid touching the root as much as possible.
  3. Replant the tooth in the socket if possible.  This will give it the best chance for survival.  If the tooth is dirty, wash it with cold running water for about 10 sec.  Try to hold it steady in the socket (biting down on something may help).
  4. Or place the tooth in a suitable storage medium, e.g. a glass of milk, Hanks balanced storage medium (which is made specifically for avulsed teeth), or saline. Avoid storing the tooth in water!  The tooth can even be stored in the mouth, between the molars and the inside of the cheek, but it is not recommended if the patient is very young, as he/she could swallow it.
  5. Seek emergency dental treatment immediately.

Keep in mind that these recommendations are only for permanent teeth – baby teeth should not be re-implanted into the mouth if they’ve been knocked out.  There are different factors that will affect the prognosis of the tooth, and it will have to be closely monitored by your dentist from here on out.

Dr. Jaimee Buchkowsky

4 Easy Tips for Keeping your Teeth Healthy This Summer

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Okay, we’re all excited about summertime – it’s easy to get distracted by ice cream cones and volleyball and forget about your teeth.

Here are my summertime tips for your teeth (and mouth)!

1.Your Teeth Are Not Tools

Many people feel that their teeth can substitute for tools and use them to open bottles, wrappers, and chew ice. Save yourself an emergency trip to our office for a broken tooth, and avoid this potentially unpleasant habit.

2. Use Mouth Guards During Sports

Wearing a mouth guard during your sports activities can easily protect your teeth. Mouth guards are fairly inexpensive and serve to ensure your teeth do not crack, chip or damage your lips, cheeks and gums in the event of an accident or foul while you are playing sports. We recommend having a custom fit mouth guard to provide the best possible comfort and protection for your teeth while playing summer sports.

3. Don’t Go Crazy On The Ice Cream, Slushies And Soda

Here’s where the downer dentist starts to come out, but it’s important you keep this in mind. I know summer and ice cream kind of go hand-in-hand but high volumes of sugars can cause cavities, plaque and loss of enamel if over consumed. Bacteria loves sugars and converts this into acids that can strip away the enamel of your teeth causing sensitivity issues. So keep the soda and ice cream cone consumption in-check and brush regularly after eating your summer treats.

4. Be Sure To Wear Lip Balm With An SPF Of At Least 15

Your lips are more susceptible to burning than most parts of your body, yet many people don’t think about protecting them from the sun. A quick application of lip balm will go a long way in protecting your lips from the sun’s harmful rays.

Dr. Jaimee Buchkowsky

Better Late Than Never

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A lot of people feel embarrassed to make a dentist appointment if a long time has passed since their last check-up or if they’ve never been back to the dentist since they were children.

Don’t worry. This is a really common circumstance for a lot of people, especially people who are afraid of the dental chair.

I know so many people who have avoided going to the dentist for years simply because they hadn’t been there in a while and were afraid of being judged or criticized for neglecting their oral health.   They think the dentist or hygienist is going to take one look in their mouth and be appalled at what they see.

Let me tell you, that’s not the case.  As health care providers, our primary goal is to make sure your mouth is healthy. We want to make sure you are disease-free and out of any discomfort.  We are not here to scold, pass judgment, or make fun of you and we do not think any less of somebody if they require a filling, a root canal, or an extraction.  Remember, most people, including most dentists, have had some form of dental treatment at one time or another themselves.

So don’t be embarrassed to come in and don’t wait until it becomes an emergency.

Remember that if you do have a problem, the longer you wait to have it checked-out, the worse it is likely to get.  Don’t let your fear of being judged stand in the way of getting the proper care you and your mouth deserves.

Dr. Jaimee Buchkowsky

Could Bottled Water Be Giving You More Cavities?

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Although bottled water is a convenient way to keep you hydrated throughout the hot summer months, it might mean that you’re missing out on the benefits of fluoride in tap water.

Like many cities across our country, Edmonton adds fluoride to the water supply to help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride gets absorbed into the enamel – strengthening it and making it more resistant to cavities. This is especially important in children, whose teeth are still developing. There has been a noticeable increase in tooth decay amongst children in recent years, and although we can’t determine causality from an increase in drinking bottled water over fluoride infused tap water (as pop, candy, and a reluctance to brush and floss are also major contributors), we can’t help but wonder how much of a role it’s playing.

Here are some things to keep in mind about getting more fluoride this summer:

  •  If you drink tap water but pass if through a filtration system (like Brita), some systems do not remove fluoride from the water, so you still may be receiving the benefits of fluoride in your tap water.
  • Some bottled water brands actually contain fluoride – so check the label.
  • If you are concerned you may not be getting enough fluoride, there are some other ways to add it to your diet, but ask your dental professional what will work best for you.

Dr. Jaimee Buchkowsky

Hello!

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I am so honoured to be a member of the ThirtyTwo Dental family and can’t wait to get to know more of our patients – old and new.

Because one of my favorite parts about my job is getting to know you – the patient, I wanted to return the favour and tell you a little about myself too.

I graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery. I couldn’t be happier about joining Dr. Bill and all the staff at ThirtyTwo Dental.

I always wanted to work for a clinic that not only allowed me to practice dentistry, but also made me feel like I was making a difference. The community atmosphere, close working relationships and charitable efforts of the office compliment the kind of dentist I always aspired to be.

The welcoming staff and friendly patients made me feel like I have been working here for years and the newly renovated office has made my job so much easier, with high-tech equipment and a refreshed and inviting environment to work in.

When I’m not working I enjoy golfing, trying new foods, seeing the world and my all-time favorite, playing with my dog Peach.

So that’s a little snapshot of who I am. I hope you all enjoyed my first blog post and remember to check back here for more as I will be posting regularly on all the inside scoop around the office and important tips and information to improve your overall dental health.

Can’t wait to here all about you at your next visit!

Dr. Jaimee Buchkowsky