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DIY Dentistry

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In today's tough economic climate, we're all looking for ways to cut corners. But DIY dentistry? Yup! There are a few do-it-yourself fixes for your teeth and mouth that you can do at home to hold you over until you make it into the dentist's chair. Dr. Jonathan Levine shows you how easy -- and affordable -- you can do it:

• Missing filling. If your filling comes out, Dr. Levine recommends Dentemp O.S., the same material dentists use. Take a small amount and apply it using a wet Q-tip into the empty cavity and let it set for 60 minutes. This should tide you over until you can see a dentist to replace the missing filling.

• Lost crown. If a crown comes out and is lost, chew on a piece of sugarless chewing gum to get it wet. Apply it to the area where you lost the crown, tighten it down with your finger and it will dry to the tooth. This will hold for 24-48 hours as long as you avoid sticky foods before you can see the dentist.

• Loose crown. If a crown falls out but you still have it, mix Vaseline and baby powder into a paste. Place the mixture inside the crown and put it in place. See you dentist within 24-48 hours.

• Chancre sores. If you've bitten the inside of your cheek and have chancre sores, apply a bit of vegetable oil with a cotton ball to the area 2 to 3 times a day.

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