Patient Education
Oral Health Topics
Bottled Water & Home Water Treatment System Hygiene
The American Dental Association has maintained that consistent use of bottled water could result in individuals missing the benefits of optimally fluoridated water. Moreover, the ADA has held that some home water treatment systems change fluoridated water supplies for the worse.
Toothpaste Warning Labels
The American Dental Association has stated that the FDA-required warning labels on toothpaste packaging, which state that poison control centers should be contacted if one swallows fluoride toothpaste, "could unnecessarily frighten parents and children, and that the label greatly overstates any demonstrated or potential danger posed by fluoride toothpaste."
The Preventive Program
Dr. Pliev and Dr. Plieva feel that it is very important that you understand that you play a big part in the maintenance of your oral health.
Both natural teeth and teeth with restorations survive best in an oral environment that is clean and where the intake of harmful foods is controlled. Our program is designed to help prevent new cavities, preserve teeth that have been restored, and manage periodontal disease. At the initial visit oral hygiene instructions are reviewed and are reinforced at subsequent recall visits. The following are helpful recommendations:
- Brush your teeth three times a day in a circular motion with a soft-bristled toothbrush aimed at the gum line to make sure that you are moving in a downward motion for upper teeth and upward motion for lower teeth.
- Floss every night in an up and down motion while keeping the floss in a U-shape and against the tooth surface.
- Avoid smoking!!!
- Avoid sticky, sugary foods.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Use antiseptic and fluoride rinses as directed.
- Sealants should be placed by Dr. Pliev, Dr. Plieva, or one of our hygienists on young permanent teeth.
If you have any questions about how you can help in preventing oral health problems, please feel free to speak with Dr. Pliev, Dr. Plieva, or one of our K&K Dental Studio members today.
Broken, Fractured, or Displaced Tooth
If you have a dental emergency, please call our Ottawa office at 613-235-5348 to schedule your appointment. You can also follow these instructions for lost or broken teeth:
Lost Tooth: If a tooth is traumatically knocked out of the mouth, it is best to place the tooth back into the socket and seek immediate dental attention. First, rinse the mouth of any blood or other debris and place a cold cloth or compress on the cheek near the injury. This will help reduce the swelling. If you cannot put the tooth back into its socket, hold the dislocated tooth by the crown, not the root. Next, place it in a container of a saltwater solution and keep it there until you arrive here at our K&K Dental Studio office.
Broken Tooth: For a fractured or broken tooth, it is best to rinse with warm water and again, apply a cold pack or compress. A pain reliever, such as Advil, will help keep down swelling. If the tooth fracture is minor, the tooth can be polished or if necessary, restored by Dr. Pliev and Dr. Plieva if the pulp hasn’t been severely damaged. If a child’s primary (baby) tooth is knocked out due to injury, it’s best to save the tooth. Re-implantation is not necessary as the permanent tooth will ultimately replace the lost baby tooth. However, placing cold compresses to the area and contacting Dr. Pliev and Dr. Plieva here at K&K Dental Studio is important to evaluate the injury to the area. An x-ray may be necessary.
If your child has a loose primary tooth, have him or her bite down on an apple or soft fruit to dislodge it. As always, if you have any concerns, Dr. Pliev, Dr. Plieva, and our entire K&K Dental Studio team are just a phone call away!