Many people give into the bad habit of nibbling on foreign objects like pencils and pens. Biting your nails and chewing ice is also quite common. Here at Rai Family Dentistry, our team of dental professionals always warn our patients about the dangers of giving into these bad habits. The unnatural forces applied by these activities can easily chip or fracture a tooth. It’s also possible for a piece of a foreign object to break off and puncture your gums or get painfully stuck between your teeth.
In some cases, a chip or minor fracture can be repaired by having your dentist, Dr. Rai, apply a standard filling. If the damage to the tooth enamel is significant, he might recommend restoring the tooth with a dental crown.
In an extreme case where the damage to the tooth has compromised the pulp or root of the tooth, the dentist might need to perform a root canal in order to restore the tooth with a crown.
If something is caught between your teeth or in the gumline, you might be able to rinse it away with lukewarm saltwater or a dental water jet. If it doesn’t rinse away, you might want to try using waxed dental floss.
If a piece of a foreign object has punctured your gums, you will likely need to have it professionally removed. However, rinsing with lukewarm saltwater can at least soothe the injured tissues.
If your teeth or gums have been damaged by chewing on a foreign object, you should call us at 540-657-0867 to have it professionally treated. Your dentist in Stafford, VA, is more than happy to help you.