Monthly Archives: April 2018

If You Chip a Tooth, Act Fast | Palm Harbor Dentist

More often than not, a chipped or broken tooth is not our fault. Accidents happen all the time, and sometimes a tooth or two become the victim. Luckily, they can be repaired, but you are going to have to take some precautions until then. Teeth are very strong, but not indestructible. The funny thing is, when tooth chips, cracks or breaks, it will rarely hurt. At least, at first the pain seems to come and go. If a large enough piece breaks off, the nerves found inside the tooth could be damaged, which will cause some pain. In even worse cases, you can feel a sharp pain every time you expose the dentin to air, or hot and/or cold foods. The best way to know if you have a damaged tooth is if it hurts only when you try to release the bite whenever you apply pressure to it.

If you happen to have found yourself in this predicament, it is important to see the dentist as soon as possible to see if a cavity caused the tooth to break, or nerve damage necessitating root canal treatment. Until you get to the dentist, however, it’s best to do the following:

  • Rinse and gargle with warm water until your mouth is clean.
  • If any area is bleeding, apply pressure with a piece of gauze or a tea bag for ten minutes.
  • Apply a cold pack to the cheek or lips over the side of the broken tooth to help reduce pain and swelling.
  • If it is not possible for you to see your dentist immediately, try to cover the damaged part of the tooth with an over-the-counter temporary dental cement.
  • If the pain is too much, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

If you’re interested in learning more about damaged tooth repairs, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and surrounding areas.

You Don’t Have to Have Gum Disease | Palm Harbor Dentist

No one wants gum disease, but it is more common than one would think. In fact, most adults will have some sort of gum disease in their lifetime. Luckily, with proper dental hygiene and an examination by your dental professional. The symptoms are visible, and include gum inflammation, sensitive teeth, and pain when chewing but can develop into much worse if left untreated, even as far as the loss of your permanent teeth. Luckily, preventing periodontal disease is simple. Here is what you need to know:

Brush your teeth. This should be a given – brushing your teeth is important. The number one way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush after every meal. Brushing after every meal prevents plaque from building up in the mouth.

Floss. Flossing is extremely important in preventing periodontal disease by removing the plaque and bacteria that accumulates in the mouth.

Watch what you eat. Your diet is key is preventing periodontal disease. Keep things healthy by replacing your sodas and junk food with water and veggies.

In order to prevent periodontal disease, it is essential to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Extensive brushing and flossing is recommended, along with regular dental visits. Taking preventative measures is the key to good dental health. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms for periodontal disease, avoid waiting and make a dental appointment as soon as possible. By preventing or treating periodontal disease, you will not only save a significant amount of time and money, but your will save your smile from decay and permanent loss.

If you’re interested in learning more about gum disease prevention, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and surrounding areas.