Tag: Dental

What to Do During a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can strike unexpectedly, leaving you in pain and unsure of what to do next. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a severe toothache, or a cracked crown, acting promptly can make a significant difference in preserving your oral health.

As a trusted dental office, we at Bravo! Dental are here to guide you through the steps to take during a dental emergency.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first and most important step during a dental emergency is to stay calm. Panicking can make it harder to address the problem effectively. Take a moment to assess the situation and identify the severity of the issue. Is it a broken tooth? Is there excessive bleeding? Understanding the nature of the emergency will help you take appropriate action.

Common Dental Emergencies and Immediate Actions

Knocked-Out Tooth

  • Retrieve the tooth, holding it by the crown (the top part). Avoid touching the root.
  • Rinse the tooth gently with water if it is dirty, but do not scrub or remove tissue fragments.
  • Place the tooth back in its socket, if possible, facing the correct way. Bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
  • If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in a container of milk or saliva.
  • Contact your dentist immediately. Teeth have the best chance of being saved if treated within an hour.

Severe Toothache

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove debris.
  • Use dental floss to ensure nothing is lodged between teeth.
  • Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
  • Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, which can cause tissue damage.
  • Schedule an emergency dental visit to diagnose and treat the cause.

Broken or Cracked Tooth

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water.
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • Save any broken pieces of the tooth and bring them to your dentist.
  • Seek prompt care to prevent further damage or infection.

Lost Filling or Crown

  • Keep the area clean by rinsing it with warm water.
  • Use temporary dental cement, available at most pharmacies, to cover the exposed area.
  • Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you see your dentist.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., tongue, gums, cheeks)
  • Rinse with a mild saltwater solution.
  • Apply a piece of gauze or a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
  • If bleeding persists, seek immediate medical attention.

When to Visit the Emergency Room?

Certain situations, such as a jaw fracture, difficulty breathing, or severe swelling that could indicate an infection spreading to other parts of your body, require immediate medical attention. Visit the nearest emergency room if your dental emergency is life-threatening.

Prevention Is Key

While emergencies can happen, you can minimize risks by maintaining good oral hygiene, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and avoiding hard foods that may crack your teeth. Regular dental check-ups also play a vital role in catching potential issues early.

At Bravo! Dental, your health, and comfort are our priorities. If you experience a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our expert team is ready to provide the care you need when you need it most.

5 Major Benefits of Dental Sealants

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy smile, and while brushing and flossing are crucial, dental sealants offer an additional layer of protection. Dental sealants can significantly reduce the risk of cavities and other dental issues.

In this blog, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of dental sealants.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars and premolars). The sealant forms a protective barrier that prevents decay-causing bacteria from settling in these hard-to-clean areas.

Key Benefits of Dental Sealants

1. Prevents Tooth Decay

One of the primary benefits of dental sealants is their ability to prevent tooth decay. By creating a barrier over the grooves and pits of the molars, sealants block out food particles and bacteria that can lead to cavities. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), sealants can reduce the risk of decay in molars by nearly 80%.

2. Cost-Effective Solution

Sealants are a cost-effective preventive measure that can save significant money in the long run. Sealants reduce the need for more extensive and expensive treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canals by preventing cavities.

3. Quick and Painless Application

Applying dental sealants is a quick, painless process that typically takes only a few minutes per tooth. The procedure involves cleaning the tooth, using a special gel to roughen the surface, rinsing and drying the tooth, and then painting on the sealant, which is hardened with a special light. This simple process can provide years of protection.

4. Long-Lasting Protection

Dental sealants are durable and can last up to 10 years with proper care. During regular dental check-ups, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and can reapply them if necessary, ensuring continued protection against cavities.

5. Benefits All Age Groups

Children and teenagers are particularly prone to cavities due to their developing oral hygiene habits and dietary choices. The CDC recommends sealants for all children aged 6-11 as an effective way to prevent cavities. Adults can also benefit from this preventive treatment. Adults without decay or fillings in their molars can have sealants applied to protect their teeth. It’s never too late to take steps to preserve your oral health.

Maintaining Sealants for Maximum Benefit

To ensure your dental sealants last and continue to provide protection:

  • Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily to maintain overall oral health.
  • Regular Dental Visits: Attend regular check-ups so your dentist can monitor the condition of your sealants.
  • Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Refrain from chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candy, which can damage sealants.

Conclusion

Dental sealants are a simple, effective way to protect your teeth from cavities and decay. By incorporating dental sealants into your oral health routine, you can take a proactive step toward maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. Talk to our dental experts today about dental sealants and how they can help safeguard your dental health.

Dental Best Practices and Tips for Healthy and Happy Teeth


Taking care of our dental hygiene is something that we often overlook in our daily lives. We brush our teeth quickly in the morning and sometimes forget to floss before bed, thinking it’s not a big deal. However, poor dental hygiene can lead to serious problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. In addition, it is dental hygienist month, and what better way is there for us to celebrate than by sharing our knowledge with you on dental hygiene.  

So, let’s dive in and learn how to keep our teeth and gums healthy and happy!  

Brushing 

Brushing your teeth is one of the most important things you can do to maintain good dental hygiene. Here are some tips for brushing your teeth effectively: 

  • Use the right toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head to reach all areas of your mouth. 
  • Follow the right technique by holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and brush in a circular motion. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces. 
  • Brush for at least two minutes twice a day. 

Flossing 

Flossing is just as important as brushing for maintaining good dental hygiene, which includes: 

  • Choose the right floss that is comfortable for you to use, whether waxed or unwaxed. 
  • Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers and slide it gently between your teeth. Curve the floss around each tooth and use a back-and-forth motion to remove plaque and food particles. 
  • Floss regularly, at least once a day, preferably before bed. 

Mouthwash 

Mouthwash can be a helpful addition to your dental hygiene routine, but it’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing. Tips to effectively use mouthwash: 

  • Opt for a mouthwash that is designed for your specific needs, whether it’s for freshening breath, fighting cavities, or reducing plaque. 
  • Pour the recommended amount of mouthwash into a cup and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds to one minute. 
  • Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing or at another time of day that works for you. 

Diet 

What you eat and drink can greatly impact your dental hygiene. Here are some tips for maintaining a tooth-friendly diet: 

  • Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, leading to tooth decay and erosion. 
  • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. 
  • Drink plenty of water that helps rinse away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated. 

Conclusion 

Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for your overall health and well-being. Following these best practices and instructions can keep your teeth and gums healthy and happy for years. Though you follow all these carefully, a regular dental check-up, at least twice a year, is always best. Visit our dental experts at Bravo! Dental to get your teeth checked up and maintain dental hygiene.