Busted Lip

Here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic in Bayside Medical Centre we recommend booking an emergency appointment if you have busted your lip. Lips are made up of three layers of skin muscle and oral mucosa which is on the inside of the mouth. There is a lot of blood flow to the lips which is why it is important to compress the area fast after a cut. Busted lips are common in children and people who play sports but they can happen to anyone. The symptoms of a busted lip may be pain or numbness, swelling and bruising which could mean there is bleeding under the skin. Your best dentist for treating dental accidents in Dublin.

Most Lip injuries are minor and will heal in a few weeks but they can be more serious if there is an internal laceration. An example of this is mucosal laceration which is a cut on the inside of the mouth which can make a flap that makes it hard to chew. Food can also get trapped in this flap which can cause infection. If an internal laceration is more than 2 centimetres long it may need specialist treatment. If an accident causes a lip puncture or a knocked-out tooth it is important to get antibiotics to prevent bacteria causing infection. Lip injuries can sometimes affect closing your mouth and even the structure of your teeth.

If a lip injury is not severe it can be treated by cleaning the external cut with soapy water and rinsing an internal cut with salt water. When lip injuries are more severe it is important to see a dentist or doctor if swelling continues or if it is a large puncture. An oral surgeon or cosmetic surgeon may be needed to ensure that the wound is corrected and heals properly.

Broken tooth/teeth

At Smile Dental Clinic in Bayside Medical Centre our highly skilled dentists provide emergency treatment to fix broken teeth and fillings. It is important to book an emergency appointment as soon as possible after the tooth is broken to fix the tooth and prevent any future dental problems. Delaying treatment can result in a patient requiring a root canal treatment or even removal of the damaged tooth. A broken tooth can be a result of an accident, trauma or decay in the tooth which makes it weak. A broken tooth can break in different ways from a small chip on the enamel to a large break leaving the dentin of the tooth exposed. If it is a large break the pulp of the tooth can be open to bacteria which can cause pain and sensitivity.

If you have broken a tooth it is best to come straight to Smile Hub Dental Clinic so one of our expert dentists can examine the tooth. Before you get to your appointment, we recommend covering the tooth with a piece of wax or sugar free chewing gum to prevent anything getting in it. Rinse the tooth with warm water to remove any dirt and place it in milk if possible. If the tooth was broken due to an injury it is a good idea to place ice on it to prevent swelling.

At Smile Hub Dental Clinic one of our friendly dentists will determine the severity of the break to come up with a treatment plan. If it is a small chip a filling will usually fix it. If the break is more severe the tooth may need root canal treatment or a crown placed over it. A treatment plan will be made to suit you and in the best interest of the broken tooth.

Bleeding gums

Here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic, we provide the best information and treatment to help prevent or heal bleeding gums. There are many different reasons why someone may have bleeding gums. Gums can bleed if a person is brushing too hard, insufficient brushing or interdental cleaning, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, gum infections or gum disease. Gingivitis is a common gum disease which can be caused by plaque gathering on the gum line and calcifying into calculus. Gingivitis can be identified by symptoms such as inflamed gums, pain in the gums and bleeding gums. Brushing your teeth and flossing properly twice a day will stop the build up of plaque and prevent Gingivitis. If gingivitis is untreated it can become more severe and turn into Periodontitis. If treatment of periodontitis is delayed it can lead to recession of gums and deterioration of bone and tissues which attach your teeth to your gums. Severe periodontitis will result in your teeth loosening or even falling out.

At Smile Hub Dental Clinic, we believe that prevention is the most important factor of keeping your gums and teeth healthy. It is vital to continue good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing every day. Make sure to come for regular check ups and cleanings at Smile Hub Dental Clinic where your dentist can teach you correct brushing and oral hygiene techniques to reduce the risk of gum disease.

Discoloured tooth

Tooth discoloration is the darkening or staining which can be found externally and internally on a tooth. Discoloured teeth are common and can be caused by a number of reasons and are usually treatable. Here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic in Bayside, we can examine the tooth and determine what is causing the tooth to be discoloured to come up with a treatment plan that suits you. The types of tooth discoloration are extrinsic, intrinsic and age related.

Extrinsic tooth discoloration is found on the outer layer of the tooth called the enamel and are usually stains which an be removed. The causes of extrinsic discolouration are food, drinks and smoking. People who drink coffee, red wine or people who smoke will be more prone to getting staining on their teeth. These stains can be removed or lightened by professional dental cleaning and in some cases teeth whitening.

Intrinsic Tooth Discoloration is found in the inner layer of the tooth known as the dentin or the pulp and can be more difficult to treat as it can not be removed by dental cleaning. It can often make a tooth look grey in colour. This type of tooth discolouration can be caused by trauma or injury, medication, tooth decay, a dead tooth or too much fluoride. If a tooth is dead due to injury or decay it will need root canal treatment. Over time a dead tooth can darken. An intrinsic stain can be treated by internal bleaching which is whitening the tooth from the inside.

Age related discoloration is common as we get older. When we age our enamel begins to wear away which can cause the teeth to look yellow. Extrinsic and intrinsic staining over the years can add to age related discolouration.

Good oral hygiene and brushing your teeth twice a day with flossing is one of the best ways to prevent teeth discolouration. If you are planning on eating or drinking pigmented foods, we recommend rinsing with water or brushing and flossing after your meal to prevent any particles sticking to the teeth. If you smoke, our expert dentists here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic can provide you with information and help you to stop smoking to prevent any staining which may have been caused by tobacco.

Tooth Discoloration is common and if you would like to know more information about it, please book online or contact us at Smile Hub Dental Clinic on 01 5253888.

Loose tooth

Everyone in their life has had a loose tooth as a child which is normal but having a loose tooth as an adult can be concerning. A tooth becomes loose when it slowly starts to detach from the gum and bone causing it to lose its support. If you have a loose tooth you may find you have symptoms which could be related to the loose tooth such as bleeding, inflamed, red or receded gums. These symptoms can indicate other infections or diseases which is why it is important to see one of our dentists here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic in Bayside Medical Centre. It is very rare for a tooth to loosen in an adult without a cause such as gum disease, teeth grinding or an injury or trauma.

You may notice a loose tooth while brushing, flossing or eating. A loose tooth caused by gum disease is usually a result of poor oral hygiene. If gingivitis advances and turns into periodontitis, it can lead to bacteria which causes your gums, bone and tissues to deteriorate around the tooth. If you treat this disease early, you may be able to save the teeth. Delaying treatment will often lead to loose teeth which will eventually fall out as the have no support to stay in.

Teeth Grinding is very common and we usually don’t notice that we are doing it. Grinding your teeth occurs in your sleep or sometimes when a person is under a lot of stress. This can eventually lead to your teeth being worn down or damaged and can even cause teeth to become loose if the grinding persists over a number of years. Headaches and facial or jaw pain are common with teeth grinding. The best way to prevent problems related to grinding is to get a nightguard made. This is a removable appliance which prevents the upper and lower teeth from meeting.

Injury or trauma to the face or mouth can cause a loose tooth. A force to the mouth or a fall can cause a tooth to loosen. It is very important to book an emergency appointment here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic straight after a injury to the mouth to fix and prevent future dental problems. Your dentist will determine the severity of the loose tooth. It may be able to be fixed with a splint. This is a piece of metal which is bonded to the neighbouring teeth to hold the tooth in place and give it support.

Practicing good oral hygiene will help in preventing gum disease which can lead to loose teeth. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day and always come for your regular check ups and cleanings here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic. It is not possible to prevent a loose tooth from a trauma but it is important to wear a sports guard while playing sports the reduce the chance of an injury to the mouth.

Sports injuries

Over the years, sports injuries have become more common with the increasing popularity of contact sports such as rugby, hurling and hockey. An oral trauma from a sporting injury can lead to a number of dental problems such as a broken or damaged tooth, tooth loss or an oral infection. A sports injury can cause jaw or oral pain which can lead to headaches and facial, neck or back pain. All of these factors can result in future problems if treatment is delayed which is why it is vital to book an emergency appointment here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic as soon as a sports injury occurs. Treating the problem early could mean instant pain relief and saving teeth from damage or even falling out. A lot of the time a sports injury to the mouth may need to be fixed by a dentist and then referred to a doctor if it is also a medical emergency. If left untreated mouth injuries can lead to a person changing what they eat, how they chew and even their pronunciation. It can also lead to teeth moving or becoming misaligned as the teeth try to compensate for the position of the untreated tooth. This could lead to more expensive orthodontic treatment in the future.

It is so important to have a professional dentist examine and treat the tooth as receiving care from a parent or coach cannot replace the treatment that may be needed professionally. If you receive any of the following dental sports injuries, you must book an emergency appointment for treatment.

A knocked out or avulsed tooth
A fractured, broken, split, chipped or cracked tooth
A dislodged tooth or teeth forced into the gum line and jaw
Oral cuts to the gums, jaws, tongue, mouth and lips
Damage to orthodontic devices or tooth restorations

For an emergency appointment here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic, please book online or contact us on 01 5253888.

Road traffic accidents

Here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic in Bayside, we treat every type of accident including a road traffic accident. When it comes to road traffic accidents, we suggest you go to hospital for any other trauma than an injury to the teeth or mouth. Injuries with road traffic accidents can be direct or indirect. A direct injury is when an object hits the mouth or teeth or the force of the accident causes the teeth to strike an object such as the steering wheel. This can cause to become damaged, broken, loose or even to fall out. In indirect injury happens when the movement of the car in the accident leads to the mouth closing abruptly which can cause damage to the teeth. If the accident was caused by a person who was breaking the rules of the road, we suggest finding out more from your insurance company.

Schoolyard falls

In a schoolyard, children will play which can sometimes lead to falls or collision. A lot of the time these are minor problems that don’t need attention but in more severe cases where there is a dental injury, it is vital to book an emergency appointment at Smile Hub Dental Clinic as soon as possible. A dental accident could be a broken, chipped, loose, damaged or knocked out tooth. It is important that the school has the correct contact details for parent in the case of a dental accident that occurred in the school. We also recommend having school insurance as severe injuries could lead to the child needing ongoing dental treatment.

Playground falls/collisions

Here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic in Bayside Medical Centre, we understand that kids will be kids and this can sometimes lead to accidents. We are open late 7 days a week which means we can see your little one for emergency dental treatment. In the case of any dental accident on the playground whether it be a fall or a collision with an object or another child, it is very important to book an emergency appointment here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic as soon as the trauma occurs. Before your emergency appointment try to clean away any dirt or debris from the area with warm water. If it is a broken or knocked out tooth, place it in milk and bring it to your appointment. One of our expert dentists will examine the injury and make a treatment plan in the best interest of the child and the tooth that needs to be saved. If the child is nervous, we can provide Happy Air inhalation sedation, to make sure the injury is treated in the safest and quickest way to prevent any delay which could lead to future dental problems.

Home falls/collisions

Here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic, we understand that it is impossible to make your home childproof. Children will have falls and bumps regularly but in the case of a dental injury which occurred at home it is important that the child is seen by one of our dentists as soon as possible. There are many things in the home that can cause dental injuries such as damaged, broken or loose teeth. If any of these injuries happen, they can usually be fixed if the child is examined by a professional dentist fast after the trauma occurs. It is important that parents or siblings do not try to fix the problem as it does not replace professional treatment and can sometimes make the injury worse. If your child has a dental injury, please book online or contact us on 01 5253888.

We treat all ages from babies to adults

Here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic in Bayside Medical Centre, we treat all ages especially in the case of accidents and emergencies. As a child it can be stressful coming to the dentist as it is an unfamiliar place. Our friendly dentists are experts in making children feel safe and comfortable whether its just an exam or a more serious treatment. If children are very nervous, we can also offer Happy Air inhalation sedation to make sure your child is relaxed and their treatment can be completed in the safest way. We also provide adult sedation for our nervous patients who may feel more comfortable going through with treatment under sedation.

We have happy air to put your child at ease

At Smile Hub Dental Clinic in Bayside Medical Centre, Sutton we provide Happy Air inhalation sedation for nervous children that need to feel at ease for dental treatment. We know that children differ physically and emotionally from adults and therefore at Smile Hub Dental Clinic we tailor our dental treatment to your child’s age, personality and temperament. Happy Air Inhalation sedation is a very safe sedation method that ensures that your child is calm and co-operative throughout their dental treatment. It allows our expert dentists to provide the highest quality of dental treatment for your child in the most comfortable and relaxed environment we can possibly provide.

Happy Air inhalation sedation is a quick and easy method. A mask is placed over the child’s nose where they will feel the laughing gas work quickly but once the mask is removed this will wear off in a few moments. The gas from the sedation has no after effects so your child will be fine to go about their day as usual.

If you have any queries regarding Children’s Sedation at Smile Hub Dental Clinic, please do not hesitate to book an appointment online or contact us at 01 525388.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child has fallen and knocked out a front tooth. What should I do?

If your child has knocked out its tooth it is vital to book an emergency appointment here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic as soon as the trauma occurs. Before getting to the dentist, there are a few things you can do to help save the tooth. Clean around the area with warm water to remove and dirt and debris. Place the tooth that has been knocked out in a container with milk. If you do not have milk use water. Place a cold compress on the area to prevent any swelling. If you get to the dentist within an hour of the injury occurring, there is a higher chance of the tooth being able to be placed back in the gum. One of our expert dentists will examine the trauma and provide a treatment plan that suits the child.

How do you stop a busted lip from bleeding?

There is a large amount of blood flow in our lips so if you have busted your lip it can seem like there is a lot of blood. To stop this bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth for a few minutes. If the lip continues to bleed after a good while, it is important to have it examined by a dentist. If it has stopped bleeding you can wash the outside area with some warm soapy water. If the cut is on the inside of the mouth you should rinse with salty water to keep the area clean. We suggest booking a dental appointment here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic to ensure there is no further damage to the area.

What's considered a dental emergency?

A dental emergency can range from many things but it can be defined as an injury to the teeth, gums or jaw. It is difficult to know the severity of a dental injury, so we suggest booking an appointment with your dentist even if the injury seems mild. Even a small trauma which may not hurt that much at the time of the injury can cause dental problems in the future if treatment is delayed. Untreated dental emergencies can lead to pain and even the tooth dying.

Are Broken Teeth an emergency?

A broken tooth can be mild or severe so not every broken tooth is an emergency. Although not every broken tooth is an emergency, we suggest booking an appointment at Smile Hub Dental Clinic as soon as you can to prevent any further damage to the broken tooth. If the break is on the enamel it usually wont cause pain and can be fixed easily. If the tooth has broken off at the enamel it can cause the pulp to become exposed to bacteria. This can cause pain and sensitivity and if left untreated may lead to root canal treatment. If you have a broken tooth, please do not hesitate to book an appointment online or contact us at 01 525388.

When should I be concerned about bleeding gums?

Bleeding gums are quite common but they are also usually a sign of an underlying problem. Gums can bleed if a person is brushing to hard but they usually bleed due to inadequate oral hygiene which causes plaque to gather at the gumline causing gum disease like gingivitis. If gingivitis advances it can become periodontitis which is more serious. If caught in the earl stages it can be treated but delayed treatment can soon lead to the gums receding and the bone and tissues deteriorating causing the teeth to become loose. It is vital that you see a dentist if you have periodontitis to have a chance of saving your teeth.

What are the most common dental sports injuries?

There are many different types of dental injuries that can occur during sports but the most common are cracked teeth, fractured roots and tooth intrusion. It is extremely important to wear a mouthguard if you play sports as you are 60 times more likely to damage your teeth if you do not wear a mouthguard. A cracked tooth is a crack or split that starts at the crown of the tooth and goes downwards into the tooth. A fractured root is when a crack starts at the rot and travels down to the crown of the tooth. Fractures can’t usually be seen so they might only be noticed when an infection occurs which is why it is very important to see a dentist after any injury or trauma. Tooth intrusion is when the tooth is hit and forced back into the jawbone. This is more common in children as their bones are not as strong and developed as adults are. Tooth intrusion can cause long term dental problems which is why it must be examined as soon as possible.

How do you fix discoloured teeth?

Good oral hygiene with brushing twice a day and flossing regularly.
Avoid food and drinks which may cause staining such as coffee or tea.
Rinse with water or brush your teeth after eating or drinking foods which cause staining.
Get your teeth cleaned regularly by a dentist or hygienist.
You can try teeth whitening treatment with your dentist to lighten any discolouration.
Cosmetic bonding or veneers can be an option for covering up tooth discolouration.

What can I do to protect my child's teeth during sporting events?

If your child plays any sports it is recommended that they wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth. Here at Smile Hub Dental Clinic, we can take an impression of your child teeth and create a custom-made mouthguard which will save the teeth from any force or trauma. A mouthguard is essential for any contact sports.

Can a loose tooth tighten back up?

If a tooth has been loosened due to an accident or injury it is very important to get to a dentist as fast as possible to have a chance of tightening a loose tooth. The dentist can treat the tooth with a splint which is a metal wire which attaches to the neighbouring teeth to hold the tooth in position. The tissues can then grow around the tooth to create support until it is tight again and the splint can be removed.