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Tooth decay can be a major cause of anxiety and detractor of self-confidence. Feeling better about your teeth can be achieved through learning techniques to hide them in your mouth, using wax to temporarily cover them, or visiting a dentist for more permanent solutions.
Steps
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Cover your teeth with your lips. Ensure that when you are smiling, you open your mouth in a way that keeps your lips over your teeth, or that you are smiling with your mouth closed. [1] X Research source
- Use your eyes to convey emotion rather than your mouth when speaking to people.
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Chew with your mouth closed. When eating, keep your lips together while chewing your food to avoid showing your teeth. Your jaw can open and close inside your mouth, but your lips should not. [2] X Research source
- Chew small pieces at a time. You won't have to open your mouth as wide to bite off larger pieces.
- Focus on chewing with your back teeth rather than your front.
- Chew slowly to allow yourself more control in covering your teeth.
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Practice how you control your lips and mouth in the mirror. Work on a go-to smile that you would feel comfortable using everyday, or when introducing yourself to someone. Try talking as you would, but in a way that allows your teeth to remain covering your lips. [3] X Research source
- Make a conscious effort at first until it becomes easier to do. Eventually try to make it seem less practiced, and more of how you naturally smile and talk.
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Acquire paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is often used in candles, and is a moldable, non-toxic material that easily hardens in the shape of the area it's set in.
- Paraffin wax can be purchased at pharmacies, big-box stores, or online.
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Heat a pan on the stove. Use a small to medium sized pan or skillet, making sure it's clean. Dry it completely before putting it on the stove.
- Heat the skillet on low.
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Melt the paraffin wax in the pan. When your pan is hot enough, use a knife to scrape off a few flakes of the wax into the pan. Heat on the stove until melted.
- Continue to use low heat to melt the wax.
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Add cold water to the melted wax. Add a splash of cold water to the melted wax, cooling it down and allowing it to thicken.
- You will know it's thickening when it begins turning white. It will become more firm as it does.
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Apply wax to the gaps in your teeth. When the pan and wax are cool enough, use your fingers to scoop up the still soft wax. Begin to place it into the gaps between your teeth. Shape it so that it's flush with your other teeth, and extends down as far. Repeat until all your desired gaps are filled. [4] X Research source
- The wax should not remain in your mouth for long periods of time. Take it out at the end of the day.
- Do not reuse. Make a new wax fill-in each time.
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Have X-rays taken of your mouth. The X-rays will allow the dentist to see the condition of your mouth to determine what procedures must be performed, and what approaches can be taken to help your teeth. [5] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- X-rays will be performed on the first visit with the dentist.
- Further appointments will be scheduled to have the procedures performed.
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Discuss your options for treatment with the dentist. The dentist can recommend several options based on what they think should be done to treat your tooth decay. [6] X Research source
- Smoothing and polishing down a tooth that may be damaged in just one spot.
- Porcelain veneers or fillings that will cover up or fill in areas of your teeth affected by tooth decay.
- Having a reconstructed dental crown fitted if a large piece of the tooth needs to be rebuilt.
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Find out from the dentist if you need a root canal performed. The extent of your tooth decay may require an entirely new structure to be rebuilt for a dental crown to be fitted. It's also possible the decay has allowed for the root of the tooth to become infected. In these instances, a root canal must be performed or the decay will worsen. [7] X Research source
- An antibiotic may be prescribed to you if the infection is causing a fever or swelling.
EXPERT TIPBoard Certified Dentist & Oral SurgeonDr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim.Balanced nutrition fights decay. A balanced diet can be your secret weapon against tooth decay. Minimize sugary drinks and snacks, and go for tooth-friendly foods like produce, dairy, and fiber. It's not just what you eat but when — limiting between-meal snacks can reduce decay risk.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat medicine can I take if it's painful?Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim.Nonprescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation. Always follow the dosing instructions on the packaging.
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QuestionWhat can I do to reduce discomfort?Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim.A saltwater rinse can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In a glass of warm water, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
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QuestionCan I use temporary filling products for my tooth decay?Dr. Pradeep Adatrow is the only board certified Dentist, Periodontist, and Prosthodontist in the southern United States. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Adatrow specializes in dental implants, TMJ treatments, periodontal plastic surgery, surgical and non-surgical periodontics, bone regeneration, laser treatments, and soft tissue and gum graft procedures. He received a BS in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Alabama and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. Adatrow then completed a three-year postgraduate program in periodontics and implantology at Indiana University and went on to complete another three-year postdoctoral program in advanced prosthodontics from the University of Tennessee. He also serves as a full-time professor and the Director of Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Adatrow received the Dean's Junior Faculty Award and the John Diggs Faculty Award, and he was inducted into the Deans Odontological Society. He is board certified by the American Board of Periodontology and is a Fellow of the prestigious International College of Dentistry – a feat that only 10,000 others worldwide can claim.Products for temporary filling, such as "temporary lost filling and loose cap repair," are widely available on the market. If you have a troublesome tooth cavity that traps food when you eat, or if you have lost a permanent filling and cannot immediately visit your dentist, these products are a convenient solution. To get the most out of them, start by reading the instructions on the product packaging. Inside, you'll find the temporary filling material and a placement tool, as well as tweezers, dental floss, and cotton pellets. Avoid eating for at least 30 minutes, particularly steering clear of sticky or hard foods on that side. Keep in mind that this is a temporary solution. It is crucial to schedule an immediate dentist appointment if you have lost a filling, as the tooth might be at risk of infection, and sometimes temporary filling of the tooth by yourself can cause extreme pain due to increased tooth pressure inside.
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Tips
- Brush your teeth twice a day with toothpaste containing flouride. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Dental Association World's largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health Go to sourceThanks
- Use antiseptic mouthwash in the mornings and at night to eliminate bad breath smells that arise from the decaying teeth. [9] X Research sourceThanks
- Consider getting a dental sealant. A sealant is placed over your teeth, bonding with the surface of the tooth to create a protective layer over the tooth's enamel, helping to prevent decay. [10] X Research sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Understand that visiting a dentist can be costly, especially for more involved procedures. If you have insurance, find a dental practice that is covered under your plan.Thanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about taking care of your teeth, check out our in-depth interview with Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS .
References
- ↑ https://healthfully.com/hide-tooth-decay-8566900.html
- ↑ https://healthfully.com/hide-tooth-decay-8566900.html
- ↑ https://healthfully.com/hide-tooth-decay-8566900.html
- ↑ https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/what-is-tooth-wax
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11199-dental-x-rays
- ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/questions-about-going-to-the-dentist
- ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/r/root-canals
- ↑ https://www.ada.org/resources/community-initiatives/fluoride-in-water/fluoridation-faqs
- ↑ https://healthfully.com/hide-tooth-decay-8566900.html
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