Are You Afraid to Go to the Dentist?

If a large filling in your tooth breaks or falls out, it's essential that you keep your tooth safe from infection until you see a dentist. Small particles of food can travel inside your tooth and attract bacteria. If your tooth becomes infected, you may need to extract it. Keep your unfilled tooth safe from bacteria with the simple tips below.

Rinse Your Mouth Thoroughly 

One of the easiest ways to keep infection out of your unfilled tooth is to rinse your mouth every time you eat something, even if it's a small snack. Food can pack inside the tooth and cause further decay. Although brushing and flossing can help keep your teeth clean, the dental tools might not reach food packed deep inside your unfilled tooth's cavity.

The bacteria inside your mouth can use the particles of food as nourishment. Once the organisms begin to feed, they create a strong acid or byproduct that may make the cavity in your tooth even worse. Some of the bacteria can travel inside the tooth's pulp tissues and infect them.

If possible, rinse your mouth with an antibacterial agent or mouthwash. You can also use warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to make your mouth less hospitable to bacteria. Salt creates an alkaline environment in your mouth that deters the growth of bacteria.

After you rinse your mouth, you can do one more thing to keep your tooth safe from germs.

Cover Your Tooth

The cavity in your unfilled tooth could be deep. Rinsing your mouth after every meal keeps food out of the cavity, but you also want to keep the nerves and other soft tissues inside the tooth safe. You could potentially experience a toothache if you expose these tissues to cold or hot temperatures, sweets, and air.

To prevent additional problems with your tooth, you can place a temporary filling inside it. However, be aware that temporary fillings can fall out or trap food inside the tooth. It may be better for your unfilled tooth if you covered it with a piece of clean gauze or cotton ball. Change the gauze or cotton ball when it becomes too wet with saliva. Also, use a new piece after you rinse your mouth or eat. 

Be sure to contact a dentist about your broken filling as soon as possible. Unless the tooth is too infected, a dentist may be able to refill it right away. You can also visit websites like http://www.treasuredsmilesdentistry.com.