I’m a dental hygienist... go on then ask away..

[Heatherjayne1972]

Been a hygienist over 20 years
In lots of different practices

Hi OP. I've been to the dentist today for an emergency appointment because I had what felt like a loose filling. The dentist looked at it and said actually the tooth is fractured inside and needs to be removed so he's booked an appointment for next week. He said it should come out ok, but there was a chance it may shatter. If this happens I will have to be referred to the hospital. What happens in the meantime while I'm waiting for an appointment? Will I just be left with a shattered tooth??

Also, I saw the very same dentist only a week ago for a check up. I told him the tooth didn't feel right but he said it was perfectly fine, he even took x-rays. How could he have missed there was a problem?

I had an eating disorder which has WRECKED my teeth. My dentist always judges me about this. Is there any advice now that i no longer have the disorder but have all the teeth problems stilll?

I told him the tooth didn't feel right but he said it was perfectly fine, he even took x-rays. How could he have missed there was a problem?

I can answer this one, as it's happened to me. Cracks don't always show up on x-rays as they only show a view of the tooth from one direction and they can also be hidden by x-ray scatter from nearby metal restorations.

I had one tooth where they couldn't locate the fracture until they started the extraction.

Is mouthwash with Chlorhexidine commonly used in the UK? In the states it's by prescription only, but has done wonders for reducing my plaque issues and bacteria in general.

Does your practice do dental implants?
I just had some and recently am getting bad headaches. Is their a connection, do you think?

@missConductUS
I can only speak from my own experience but as a hygienist I hate chlorhexidine known here as corsodyl
It stains it masks gum problems and increases the amount of tartar/calculus build up
Their advertising suggests that if you don’t use their product you will loose your teeth- not necessarily the case. I never tell people to use it

@junebirthdaygirl
Yes we do implants. But I’ve not heard of a connection between headaches and implants. Maybe you could ask the person who placed it.

I have asked and they said they have no experience of it. I am having it investigated by my GP but keep thinking of the headaches starting just as a got the screw things in. Thanks for replying.

I just had 2 back teeth out!! I was a nervous wreck, but I did it!!! I’m so proud of myself and my wonky face. Starting to ache a bit now though...

The staining has been a problem with the Chlorhexidine rinse, but it's also greatly decreased my pocket depths and I've had easier cleanings with less scaling.

I also use a Waterpik water flosser and and Sonicare toothbrush, so I really try to work on the home care.

Tbh. The pocket depth reduction is likely down to the increased home care and waterflosser.

Less so the corsodyl

Honestly. It’s really not that great

Feeling a bit sorry for myself now... the sockets are still bleeding a bit. I’m hungry-haven’t eaten all day-but the idea of putting anything in my mouth doesn’t sit right!! Any advice?

Bite on a clean rolled up hanky to soak any blood up and sit still. Rest. And put your feet up

Take your usual painkillers as the instructions on the packet tell you
If it’s not right / painful then call dentist back for advice

Oh and soft food. Plenty of liquids

All I’ve got in to make for tea is chicken korma... think I’ll mash it up. Don’t fancy rice stuck in my hole!! 😳

I could murder a glass of wine too!

I tried the bottle brushes once but the size my dentist recommended were too big. I will buy some more but how do you clean them between use? Thanks

Chicken korma - good
Wine - tomorrow. Lol

Thanks for the thread OP. By tepee brushes, do you mean something which looks like this photo?

And is that the same as bottle brushes?

@Jayfee
Tepees are designed to be disposable. So long term cleaning not necessary. However after each gap rinse the plaque/ food debris under the tap
I leave mine uncapped in a little cuo in my bathroom cabinet to dry out
If you leave the cap on the warm wet air trapped will help the bacteria grow They don’t grow much if left to dry But the brush usually only lasts a few days anyways

@ widgeon
Everything in dentistry has multiple names
So yes that is a tepe a bottle brush. An interdental/ interspace. Little brush. Micro brush and probably lots of other names too!!

Just bought a water flosser what are your tips on using it?

Thanks

Does having children affect your teeth not to blow my own trumpet but I have what you could call perfect teeth but since I have had a baby I have noticed two very small black spots on a back tooth should this be a trip to the dentist ?

Thought that’s what you’d say!

I occasionally mix hydrogen peroxide with water and froth it between my teeth before going to bed. I understand this is good for getting rid of dental debris. Is that correct??