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Scalloped Tongue May Be a Symptom of Bad Bite

A scalloped tongue is when your tongue has half-circle indentations around the edge. Scalloped tongue causes are usually when your tongue presses up against your teeth, either constantly or regularly, pressing the shape of your teeth into the sides of the tongue. It may also look like a rippled tongue.

There are many potential scalloped tongue causes and all should be checked out to eliminate the most serious possibilities.

What Causes a Scalloped Tongue?

Swelling of the tongue could be the reason why your tongue is pushing up against your teeth. If this is the case, it may be due to a number of different systemic conditions. Hypothyroidism is the most common cause of a swollen tongue, but there are others. Hypothyroidism condition is when your thyroid is not producing enough of its vital hormone, which controls how your body uses and stores energy. Hypothyroidism can lead to obesity, heart disease, and other serious health consequences.

Nutrient deficiencies may have links to a swollen tongue. In Chinese medicine, a swollen tongue is related to a spleen deficiency.

Scalloped Tongue Causes and Your Teeth

A scalloped tongue doesn’t have to be swollen to press against your teeth regularly. Instead, your tongue may be pressing against your teeth because your lower arch is too narrow. Your tongue might not have enough room. In some cases, it’s possible to remodel the lower jaw to increase the room for your tongue, especially if the problem is detected at a young age.

But what if there’s plenty of room for your tongue, and it’s still scalloped? In this case, it’s likely that your tongue is deliberately pressing up against your teeth on a regular basis. This may be because your bite isn’t coming together properly to stabilize your jaw for swallowing. To attempt to make up for this, your tongue pushes up against your teeth to help stabilize them. This repeated motion causes the tongue to acquire a scalloped shape. It can also lead to drifting of the teeth, causing the bite to become even less stable.

A bite that isn’t stable for swallowing is probably not stable for all the other muscular tasks your jaw muscles perform, such as chewing or assisting balance of the head. Even if you don’t have it yet, this could contribute to the development of TMJ, including jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms.

Scalloped Tongue Treatment

The treatment for a scalloped tongue is usually determined based on what’s causing it. By treating the cause of the rippled tongue, you can treat the rippled tongue. Some common scalloped tongue treatments include:

Nasal dilators

CPAP machine

Surgery to correct the tongue shape or size

Surgery to remove abnormal or excess tissue or cells

Thyroid hormone medications

Dental devices such as mouth guards

Anti-inflammatory medications

A scalloped tongue is an important symptom that you should talk to your doctor about. If your doctor clears your health, it’s time to see a neuromuscular dentist.

(07/26/2024)
by Smile Columbia

More Information: https://www.tmjtreatmentsc.com/patient-education/scalloped-tongue-may-be-a-symptom-bad-bite/

Mouth Problems: How to Remedy Difficulty When Eating

Many people experience mouth problems that make eating difficult. These problems can make mealtimes a pain, whether it’s due to gum disease, tooth decay, or dry mouth. Some people may even find that they’re losing weight because they’re unable to eat as much as they used to. However, there are ways to remedy the situation. This blog post will explore some of the most common mouth problems and how to fix them.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection that causes swelling, redness, and bleeding. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. The best way to prevent gum disease is to brush and floss regularly. If you already have gum disease, your dentist may recommend deep cleaning or surgery.

You want to avoid gum disease not just for your teeth but also for your overall health. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. If you’re having trouble with your gums, see a dentist as soon as possible. Some treatment options can help improve your gum health, from deep cleanings to surgery.

Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can make eating difficult, especially if they’re in the front of your mouth. If you have missing teeth, there are a few options for replacement, including dentures, implants, and bridges. Dentures are the most affordable option and can be removed for cleaning. Dental implant surgery is more expensive but gives you a more natural-looking tooth. Bridges are usually used when you have healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth.

Regardless of your choice, it’s essential to replace missing teeth. This will help you eat better and also improve your smile. It would help if you talked to your dentist about which option is best for you.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that eat away at the enamel of your teeth. It can cause pain, sensitivity, and tooth loss. To prevent tooth decay, brush your teeth twice daily and avoid sugary foods and drinks. Your dentist may recommend a filling or crown if you already have tooth decay. Some tooth decay can be repaired at home with a filling kit, but more severe cases require a dental visit.

If you have a tooth that is severely decayed, it may need to be extracted. This can be a painful process, but getting rid of the decay is essential before it spreads to other teeth. Your dentist will numb the area before extracting the tooth to minimize discomfort.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a condition in which there is not enough saliva in the mouth. It can be caused by certain medications, medical conditions, or simply not drinking enough water. A dry mouth can cause difficulty eating, as well as bad breath. To treat dry mouth, drink plenty of water and chew sugarless gum or candy. You may also need to take medications or use artificial saliva products.

Your teeth and gums need saliva to stay healthy. Saliva helps wash away food and bacteria and contains minerals that help keep teeth strong. If your teeth are damaged by decay, it’s more difficult for saliva to repair the damage. This is why it’s essential to keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water and using artificial saliva products if needed.

Misaligned Teeth

Some people have teeth that are not aligned properly. This can make it difficult to bite and chew food. If your teeth are misaligned, you may need to see an orthodontist for treatment. Treatment options include braces and clear aligners.

If you have misaligned teeth, you may not need treatment if it doesn’t cause pain or discomfort. However, if your teeth are making eating difficult, you should talk to your dentist or orthodontist about treatment options.

Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth may hurt when exposed to hot or cold temperatures. It can also be sensitive to sweet, sour, or acidic foods and drinks. Sensitive teeth can be caused by gum disease, decay, or worn tooth enamel. To treat sensitive teeth, use toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoid foods and drinks that trigger the pain. You may also need to see your dentist for professional treatment.

You should also avoid foods and drinks that are acidic or high in sugar, as these can contribute to tooth decay. See your dentist for an evaluation and possible treatment if you have sensitive teeth.

There are ways to remedy the situation if you’re experiencing difficulty eating due to mouth problems. Gum disease, tooth decay, and dry mouth are all common issues that can make eating messy or painful. However, by brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding sugary foods and drinks, and drinking plenty of water, you can help keep your mouth healthy and free from problems. If you experience difficulties, talk to your dentist about possible treatments such as fillings or crowns.

(07/26/2024)
by B2 Cafe

More Information: https://b2cafe.com/mouth-problems/

Salty Taste In Mouth: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Have you experienced salty taste in mouth without eating anything salty? You may wonder what is happening in your body. The abnormal taste in the mouth can make you feel uncomfortable. Though the sensation is strange, it is quite common. The salty taste is not a life-threatening condition. So, you need not worry too much about it. But, the taste can cause uneasiness in you. Therefore, read ahead to know the issue in detail. If the condition persists, see a doctor immediately. It will help you avoid further complications. Watch for other symptoms that point towards underlying diseases.

Common Causes Of Salty Taste In Mouth

As mentioned before, the salty taste in mouth is a very common condition. You can experience it due to various conditions. The most common causes for the problem are:

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is one of the most common causes of salty in the mouth. Along with the taste, you also feel like having cotton balls stuffed in our mouth. The condition is medically termed as xerostomia. The reason for dry mouth ranges from using tobacco, medication side effects to aging.

Apart from the salty in the mouth, you can also experience other symptoms. Therefore, the dry mouth has other signs like:

Bad breath

A sore throat

Sticky feeling in your mouth

Stringy or thick saliva

Grooved tongue

Hoarseness

Another Cause Of Salty Taste In Mouth: Dehydration

The lack of electrolytes in the body can lead to dehydration. It happens when you lose the water content from your body. Severe vomiting, diarrhea, extreme heat or vigorous exercise can result in the dehydration.

Symptoms Of Dehydration Causing Salty Taste In Mouth

Dehydration can cause several issues in your body. So, it can also induce several signs like:

Dark Colored Urine

Extreme Thirst

Less Frequent Urination

Confusion

Fatigue

Dizziness

Oral Bleeding

Oral hygiene is an important factor in the occurrence of the abnormal taste in your mouth. One such problem is the oral bleeding. The metallic or salty taste is the indicator of the oral problem. The following reasons lead to the problem:

Eating foods with sharp edges (like chips)

Brushing gums aggressively using a toothbrush

Gingivitis

The regular bleeding of gums with the salty taste in mouth is the indication of the gum disease known as gingivitis. The common gum condition can lead to swollen or sore gum over the time. You may also experience tenderness in the gums. Another sign of gum problem is the unexplained bleeding. Therefore, you need to see a dentist to overcome the problem. Ignoring it can lead to infection, which can cause severe problems.

Oral Infection

Overlooking the gum infection can cause periodontitis. Not getting treatment for gingivitis is the main reason for the issue. You need to see the dentist at the starting stage of the disease. It will eliminate the serious risk of damage to bones as well as teeth.

Symptoms Of Periodontitis

When the gingivitis progresses to the periodontitis, it can lead to the following symptoms:

Loose teeth

Bad Breath

Pus under your teeth

Gum abscesses

Other Oral Infections

Oral Thrush

Salty taste in the mouth along with bleeding also signifies other underlying oral infection like thrush. Oral thrush is the common yeast infection that affects anyone. The main symptom of the problem is the white patches in the mouth. It can accompany with painful burning sensation. Many people experience salty taste. But, some may not taste anything.

Oral HPV

The oral human papillomavirus can cause infection in your mouth. You may not experience any symptoms in the starting stage of the disease. But, as the disease progresses, you can see signs like:

Salty taste

Hoarseness

Coughing Blood

Post-Nasal Drip

You may have sinus infection or allergies that can cause trouble. So, your doctor may prescribe post-nasal drip to clear the issue. It can cause salty taste in the mouth. Your nose forms mucus due to the infection or allergy. When you get sick, it can build at the back of the throat. The mucus mixes with your saliva and results in salty taste. It also causes a runny or stuffy nose that makes it difficult to breathe. Postnasal drip is an irritating condition as the excess mucus in your nose starts dripping down the throat. So, the presence of the mucus can turn the saliva salty.

Symptoms Of Postnasal Drip

The issue is quite common, so you may experience stuffy nose. You can also experience salty taste in the mouth. But, you need immediate medical attention to the following symptoms:

The nose block that lasts for more than ten days

Sinus Pain

Nasal discharge with blood in it

High fever

Green/Yellow nasal discharge

Clear nasal discharge

Salty Taste In Mouth Due To Bile/Acid Reflux

Bile reflux is a cause of severe discomfort in your body. It can cause a sour or salty taste in the mouth. The bile reflux and acid reflux can occur separately or together. The acid reflux is caused due to the stomach acids flowing into another organ, esophagus. While the bile reflux is the result of bile fluid flowing from the small intestine into esophagus and stomach.

Symptoms Of Acid/Bile Reflux

Along with the salty taste, you can also experience other symptoms like:

The issue is quite common, so you may experience stuffy nose. You can also experience salty taste in the mouth. But, you need immediate medical attention to the following symptoms:

The nose block that lasts for more than ten days

Sinus Pain

Nasal discharge with blood in it

High fever

Green/Yellow nasal discharge

Clear nasal discharge

Salty Taste In Mouth Due To Bile/Acid Reflux

Symptoms Of Acid/Bile Reflux

Along with the salty taste, you can also experience other symptoms like:

Symptoms Of Salty Taste In Mouth Due To Nutritional Deficiency

Along with salty taste, you experience other symptoms like:

Irregular heartbeat

Fatigue

Personality Changes

Pallor

Numbness in hands as well as feet

Confusion

Another Cause For Salty Taste In Mouth: Sjögren Syndrome

It is the condition that results in the immune system attacking the moisture making glands. Hence, the glands in our body like tear ducts, salivary glands, and salivary gland gets affected. It causes dry eyes, dry mouth, and salty taste.

Symptoms Of Sjögren Syndrome

Fatigue

A dry Cough

Vaginal Dryness

Joint Pain

Skin Rashes

You may experience other autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus with the issue. Therefore, you need medical attention to get the desired treatment.

(07/25/2024)
by Facty Health

More Information: N

Why Does the Roof of My Mouth Hurt When I Eat?

There are some common sources to explain why the roof of the mouth hurts and causes you discomfort while you eat. It can have many possible causes, so one should not instantaneously assume the worst-case scenario.

Burns & Bumps

Any hot drink or extremely spicy foods can result in burns and bumps forming on the roof of your mouth. The skin on the roof of your mouth or the palate is more sensitive in comparison to that on your tongue. Hence a sore palate is more susceptible to a sore tongue.

A minor burn due to an extremely hot drink or spicy food can damage your soft palate and cause bumps, blisters, or swelling. If such is the case, then it may take about a week for the bumps to settle down. In the meantime, you can choose to eat soft and light foods and drink cool or chilled drinks so that your palate can heal without any further damage.

Canker Sores

Canker sores tend to form on the inside of the cheek and are round and very sensitive, at times though they may also end up forming on the roof of your mouth. They can be caused due to several issues related to the immune system. They may start to develop due to stress, hormonal imbalances, or consuming certain types of foods.

They usually tend to be sore for about a week and go away within two weeks. In the meantime, while they heal, you can consume bland foods to avoid irritating the canker sores. If they extend two weeks, you should pay a visit to the doctor, and your dentist could prescribe a pain-relieving gel to be applied to your sores.

Bump on Roof of Mouth Sinus Infection

Bacterial infections such as common cold, tonsillitis, streptococcal sore throat, sinusitis, and other types of such infections can result in the palate to be sore. The pain may be due to bacteria growth irritating your palate or the sinus pressure pushing on the palate of your mouth. Some fungal infections can also cause pain and redness of the palate.

Causes of Roof of Mouth Bump

The bump on the roof of the mouth can be caused due to multiple varying reasons. Some of the causes are:

Injury

Burns

Hyperdontia

Oral Cancer

Torus Platinus

Cold Sores

Cold sores generally tend to form on the lips but can also find its way to the roof of your mouth. When they form on the roof of your mouth, they can be extremely painful as fluid-filled blisters may also develop. They can be caused due to a virus knows as ‘herpes simplex virus.’

The fluid-filled blisters start to become crusty within four days and start to heal after 8-10 days. You should avoid touching them no matter how sore they become, as that increases the time of the healing process. Cold sores do have the chance of coming back again, so a visit to the doctor may be required to get a long-term medication to get rid of them completely

Variety of Other Symptoms of Pain in Roof Of Mouth

When you are facing pain in roof of the mouth ,you may experience following symptoms:

Itching

Fever

Blistering

Cough

Sore Throat

Runny Nose

Dental Issues

In some cases, when you have recently gotten done with dental treatment, the after effects may include pain around the treated area along with an infection. The infection can then reach the soft tissues on your palate, especially if the treated area includes the top teeth.

In such a case, visiting a doctor is the best option to get rid of the infection and get the proper medication to get rid of the pain.

Oral/Mouth Cancer

Generally, having a mouth sore is harmless and tends to heal on its own. Whereas, in some cases having the constant roof of mouth sores can be a symptom of oral/mouth cancer. It can be treated if found at an early stage. You should visit your dentist if your mouth sore does not heal by itself within two weeks. If your dentist suspects that the mouth sore might be cancerous, you will be sent to an oral surgeon to get an oral evaluation and perform a biopsy of the tissue.

Mouth Cancer can be developed on any part the mouth including:

Gums

Tongue

Roof of Mouth

Floor of Mouth

Lips

If cancer is found, the treatment can start instantly. The treatment may require surgically removing the cancerous sore and after that, getting chemotherapy or radiation to be making sure that other cells are not affected.

What is incisive papilla and how to get it removed?

It is the projection of the mucous tissue that appears between the upper teeth, two of them. A swollen papilla hurts a lot and is caused due to many factors. Oral hygiene has, however, nothing to do with it. It mostly occurs due to human impact, including consuming food that is sharp or biting the papilla.

Food that is hot or too spicy can also result in the incisive papilla. It can be treated quickly by thorough cleaning of the mouth or utilization of floss in the spaces. Brushing twice in a day and good oral hygiene helps it heal faster.

How to check if I have bumps on the roof of the mouth?

Checking for bumps on the roof of the mouth is an easy task. Most of the time, your mouth lets you know that it’s in trouble. You start to feel something extra in your mouth as your palate has become swollen. It gets hard to eat and drink the stuff without the pain and soon it starts irritating you. Or , you may experience erythema and spots in the mouth.

What is a hard bump on the roof of the mouth?

Bumps can be caused due to problems like canker sores; colored sores that appear on the roof of your mouth. Cold sores, infections, etc. however, torus palatinus is the most common cause and the hard palate is affected in this case. If your bump has not healed after two weeks, you need to see a doctor.

Home remedy to cure lump on the roof of the mouth

Lumps or bumps on the palate are not troublesome in the early days and can be treated at home. Several home remedies to get rid of such problems are:

Drinking as much cold water as you can; it helps get rid of mouth burns. You can also retain the cold water in your mouth for 5-10 minutes sequentially.

Another good option is to consume yogurt or milk (not hot), its proteins help as a barrier and coats your skin.

Utilization of aloe Vera gel is also practiced around the world as it is considered as a natural healing aid.

How to Cure if the Roof of my Mouth Hurts when I Eat Bread?

Eating bread or any other soft item may hurt if your mouth is going through an oral or dental problem including burns, bumps, sores, and infections. If it’s not serious you can cure the pain at home by using honey, milk, or keeping yourself hydrated. It checks your electrolyte imbalance and helps in quick healing. However, if the imbalance is severe, you need to see a doctor.

Burns & Bumps

Canker Sores

Bump on Roof of Mouth Sinus Infection

Causes of Roof of Mouth Bump

The bump on the roof of the mouth can be caused due to multiple varying reasons. Some of the causes are:

Injury

Burns

Hyperdontia

Oral Cancer

Torus Platinus

Cold Sores

Variety of Other Symptoms of Pain in Roof Of Mouth

When you are facing pain in roof of the mouth ,you may experience following symptoms:

Itching

Fever

Blistering

Cough

Sore Throat

Runny Nose

Dental Issues

In such a case, visiting a doctor is the best option to get rid of the infection and get the proper medication to get rid of the pain.

Oral/Mouth Cancer

Mouth Cancer can be developed on any part the mouth including:

Gums

Tongue

Roof of Mouth

Floor of Mouth

Lips

Have Some Questions About Roof Of Mouth Sore? Here Is Everything You Need To Know

Why the roof of mouth hurts when I eat after not eating for a while?

Sometimes this feeling is common and if your mouth aches for a couple of seconds or a few more maybe it’s just the salivary gland trying to produce more saliva all of a sudden. Since you haven’t eaten in a long time, your mouth reacts to the surge.

However, if the pain becomes frequent, you need to get it checked immediately as it can be due to buns, acute or chronic infections, dental issues, cold sores, or canker sores. It may also be due to mouth cancers. And in any such case, it is better to get inspected before your condition worsens.

What is incisive papilla and how to get it removed?

How to check if I have bumps on the roof of the mouth?

What is a hard bump on the roof of the mouth?

Home remedy to cure lump on the roof of the mouth

Lumps or bumps on the palate are not troublesome in the early days and can be treated at home. Several home remedies to get rid of such problems are:

Drinking as much cold water as you can; it helps get rid of mouth burns. You can also retain the cold water in your mouth for 5-10 minutes sequentially.

Another good option is to consume yogurt or milk (not hot), its proteins help as a barrier and coats your skin.

Utilization of aloe Vera gel is also practiced around the world as it is considered as a natural healing aid.

How to Cure if the Roof of my Mouth Hurts when I Eat Bread?

If your bumps or infections are caused due to trauma cold water can help, but painful blisters demand medical help. You may be advised to use medicated mouthwashes, soft toothbrushes, or other pastes.

Why does the Roof of Mouth Hurt when Swallowing?

Mouth roof, also known as palate may hurt or get sore when you try to swallow things if it’s injured. Damage can be of many forms. For instance, you may have developed a bump or burn due to hot or spicy food. As the palate, soft or hard, is much more sensitive than the tongue, a small burn can lead to a severe bump and become troublesome.

Apart from that, immune deficiencies may lead to the formation of canker sores right inside your cheek area and when it travels to the mouth, you feel pain when swallowing stuff. Dental problems can also lead to sore mouths.

How to Get Rid of Blisters on the Roof of the Mouth Due to Eating?

Mouth sores are irritating and really painful. They are caused by many related and unrelated mouth problems. Whatsoever, once a blister is formed inside your mouth or on the lips, it becomes really difficult to eat or drink something. But with patience and care, it can be treated. If you are unaware of the reason you should try avoiding hot, salty, crispy, and vitamin C food.

Also, items with high sugar content, tobacco, or alcohol should not be consumed. These foods can be acidic and are bad for your oral health. Along with precautionary treatments, you need to apply mouth ointment, gargle with salty water, and should not touch the blisters.

What is the Difference in Lump and Roof of Mouth Sore?

Lumps or mucous cysts occur on the lips or inside the mouth. It occurs when your salivary glands have excessive mucous. The problem is not so painful and is relatively harmless if treated early as compared to mouth sores. The latter results from canker sores, bumps, infections, or other reasons and mainly affect the palate area. Lumps, however, can occur everywhere.

Also, lumps formed on the roof of the mouth may lead to the roof becoming sore. Both can be managed if caught early and can be quite painful if the situations worsen or prolongs. Cysts can become permanent and cancerous if are not handled with care.

Is Blister and Roof of Mouth Burn the Same?

Essentially, they are not the same however are caused due to similar reasons. Mouth burns are usually internal and affect the palates. On the contrary, blisters mostly affect the area inside of the lips but can appear on the outside. As discussed, the set of causes is almost the same for both problems, and, hence, the treatments also converge.

You may avoid eating salty, hot, or edgy food. Also, stay away from food that is rich in vitamin C, sugar, etc. Ointments and mouth gels can help you get rid of both the problems but blisters are more damaging and irritating than the burns. The burned roof of the mouth can be healed fast by different cures.

What Causes Swelling in the Roof of the Mouth?

The swollen palate may result from one of the stated reasons. Cold sores or canker that appear on the gums, lips, and other areas may lead to blistering and swelling of the palate. Many people suffer this fate after eating pointy food that may hurt the soft palate, hot or spicy food resulting in a burn, or through a hard item.

Another common reason is dehydration that leads to electrolyte imbalance in the mouth. It leads to swelling and is usually one of the first indications of dehydration. Lumps, viral infections, or cysts are some of the extreme underlying problems. In any of these cases, you must receive proper medical care.

How do you stop the roof of your mouth from hurting?

Pain in the roof of the mouth can be unbearable and everyone wants some kind of immediate relief from that pain. If you are at home and you face such issue then the best thing you can do for an instance is that you can suck something cold or you can use warm water and rinse. This would make a lot of difference.

Why does the roof of mouth feels bruised?

You may feel that there is a bruise on the roof of your mouth after drinking something very hot or extreme cold. It may also happen due to inflammation or infections.

Why is the roof of my mouth red and hurts?

This is mostly searched by the people who face roof of mouth sore and red. They see some sort of small red spots on the roof of their mouth. The cause of such spots may vary. It might be because of the dentures or some infection and it also might be caused due to irritation from food.

(07/25/2024)
by Cards Dental

More Information: N

What is hot tooth? Tactics to numb hot teeth

The term ‘hot tooth’ in dentistry represents a condition of inflamed tooth pulp. This can be due to extensive tooth decay, periodontal (gum disease) complications or leaking old filling. The actual diagnosis is irreversible pulpitis, leading to spontaneous severe or moderate pain. It is an emergency situation, most commonly described as a patient, who is sitting in the waiting room, sipping on a bottle of ice-cold water to help relieve the pain.

This results in edema and increased pressure on the nerve fibres, which react with symptoms like discomfort and pain. The pressure into the pulp chamber can increase an average of 15mm Hg in the local area of inflammation. When a cold stimulus is applied (sipping on cold water or applying an ice pack) the blood vessels constrict and the intrapulpal pressure decreases. The effect is more visible if the tooth has an amalgam (silver) or gold restoration, because the metals are good thermal conductors. The hydrodynamic movement of fluids is the best explanation for the immediate relief of symptoms after applying cold to the hot tooth – blood vessels constriction and decreasing intrapulpal pressure.

How to numb up a hot tooth

1. Patient can be premedicated with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs like 800 mg Ibuprofen or 1000 mg Paracetamol with a glass of water, 30 min prior to local anaesthesia. This is done to suppress inflammation

2. Dentist should not bury needles to the hub in soft tissue

3. Dentist should not use 30G needles

4. Local anaesthetic Lignocaine (1:80000 epinephrine) should be administered initially as an ID block. Wait for 5min and then administer ½ cartridge as Gow Gates technique (Scandonest 3% plain) 1cm higher than the stnadard technique. Don’t contact the bone and don’t forget to aspirate. You can double aspirate by rolling the needle through 90 degrees. Positive aspiration is rare

5. Exposing longer section of nerve to the local anaesthetic is likely to produce higher degree of success

What is hot tooth? Tactics to numb hot teeth

The hot tooth syndrome appears when the chronic inflammation of the pulp progresses into an acute exacerbation (flare up). During this acute pulp inflammation, the blood vessels increase their permeability which allows the plasma proteins to escape the blood and get into the connective tissue spaces outside the capillaries (the smallest blood vessels that occupy the tooth pulp chamber). This results in edema and increased pressure on the nerve fibres, which react with symptoms like discomfort and pain. The pressure into the pulp chamber can increase an average of 15mm Hg in the local area of inflammation. When a cold stimulus is applied (sipping on cold water or applying an ice pack) the blood vessels constrict and the intrapulpal pressure decreases. The effect is more visible if the tooth has an amalgam (silver) or gold restoration, because the metals are good thermal conductors. The hydrodynamic movement of fluids is the best explanation for the immediate relief of symptoms after applying cold to the hot tooth – blood vessels constriction and decreasing intrapulpal pressure.

How to numb up a hot tooth

2. Dentist should not bury needles to the hub in soft tissue

3. Dentist should not use 30G needles

5. Exposing longer section of nerve to the local anaesthetic is likely to produce higher degree of success

6. The numb lip scenario, a +ve lip sign indicates local anaesthetic efficacy with A delta fibres. However, this does not indicate pulpal anaesthesia

7. Long buccal infiltration, 0.5 ml of articaine

8. You can use an electric pulp tester to assess efficacy

9. Quoted success rate for pulpal anaesthesia with pulpitis cases is 25% success rate and 75% failure

10. You can use alternative local anaesthetics to modify the pH of the local tissues (this will improve the permeability of the anaesthetic into the bone)

11. You can do lingual infiltration, to block the Mylohyoid nerve sensory branches. They tend to innervate the mesial roots of the lower molars. The technique here is, to deposit 0.5 ml in the attached gingivae lingual to the tooth distal to the one you are working on

12. Intraligamentary infiltration of the anaesthetic may be used but this creates post operative discomfort for the patient

13. Dentists can use an electronic device for controlling the rate of infusion. A computerized local anaesthetic system, known as WAND, has been developed to automatically deliver LA solution with a fixed pressure. This potentially results in controlled, comfortable and highly effective injection into resilient tissues like the palatal and periodontal mucosa. However, this can be used effectively by hand, because a WAND device costs around $1500

14. If the tooth is still sensitive as you are drilling out the dentine it can be dressed with Ledermix or Pulpomixine

15. If the pulp is directly exposed, but very sensitive, the tooth can be dressed with Ledermix or Pulpomixine

16. If the pulp is directly exposed, but very sensitive, you can do intrapulpal anaesthesia. It s creates a sharp pain to the patient so make sure you prewarn about the discomfort. It is very effective as long as you are able to develop pressure with the injection. It should provide about 10 min of analgesia – lond enough to do the pulpectomy and remove the nerve. All anaesthetics are effective in the intrapulpal injections

17. Alternative techniques to be used on a hot tooth are intra-osseous LA infiltration, stabident and X-Tip (Prestige dental)

18. Scandonest can be used as an alternative anaesthetic

19. Another anaesthetic useful for controlling hot tooth pain is Bupivacaine (Marcaine)

(07/24/2024)
by Denta Gama

More Information: N

Foods to Avoid for Teeth Staining - Expert Tips

A bright, dazzling smile can make a lasting impression and boost your confidence. From whitening toothpaste to teeth whitening strips, there are endless products on the market that promise to give you pearly whites. While these options can help remove surface stains, it's important to also consider the impact of what you eat on the color of your teeth.

You may be surprised to learn that there are certain foods that can stain your teeth over time, undoing the effects of regular brushing and whitening treatments. These foods, if consumed in excess, can cause discoloration and leave you longing for a radiant smile.

In this article, we will explore 10 common foods that you should avoid if you want to maintain a stain-free smile. By being mindful of what you eat and making smart choices, you can help preserve the whiteness of your teeth and avoid the need for frequent visits to the dentist or relying on whitening strips.

So, before you take that next bite, let's delve into the world of teeth-staining foods and discover how you can keep your smile bright and beautiful.

Coffee: A Common Culprit for Teeth Stains

Coffee has long been a popular beverage, enjoyed by millions for its rich aroma and stimulating effects. However, its dark hue can leave a lasting mark on our teeth. It is no secret that coffee is one of the main culprits when it comes to teeth stains. The deep pigments in coffee can easily penetrate the enamel and leave unsightly brown or yellow discoloration.

In conclusion, if you are a coffee lover, it is important to be aware of its potential to stain your teeth. While completely avoiding coffee may be a difficult task, taking preventive measures such as limiting consumption and maintaining good oral hygiene can go a long way in preserving the whiteness of your teeth. Remember, a healthy smile is not only aesthetically pleasing but also contributes to overall dental well-being.

Black Tea: A Dark Drink That Can Darken Your Teeth

Black tea, the rich and robust beverage that many of us enjoy on a daily basis, may be causing more harm than good. While it provides a comforting and energizing experience, it can also lead to the darkening of your teeth. If you are an avid black tea drinker, you may have noticed a yellowish or brownish discoloration on your pearly whites. This is due to its high concentration of tannins, which are natural compounds that can easily adhere to teeth.

To minimize the staining effects of black tea, it's helpful to follow a few simple practices. One is to avoid sipping tea slowly and instead, drink it in a few continuous swallows. This reduces the exposure time for the tannins to interact with your teeth. Additionally, you can rinse your mouth with water after drinking tea to help wash away any residual particles. Regular brushing and flossing, along with routine dental cleanings, can also assist in keeping your teeth bright and healthy.

In conclusion, while black tea is a delicious and beloved drink, it's important to be aware of its potential to darken your teeth. Understanding the foods and beverages that may stain your teeth can help you make informed choices to maintain a radiant smile. By practicing moderation and implementing good oral hygiene habits, you can continue to indulge in your favorite cup of black tea while minimizing its impact on your dental aesthetics.

Red Wine: Sip with Caution to Keep Your Smile Bright

Red wine, with its rich color and complex flavors, is a favorite indulgence for many. However, before you reach for that glass, you may want to consider its impact on your pearly whites. Red wine, like many other dark-colored beverages, can stain your teeth over time, leaving you with a less than desirable smile.

The deep pigments in red wine, called chromogens, have a tendency to cling to the enamel of your teeth, leading to discoloration. While enjoying a glass or two occasionally may not cause significant staining, regular and excessive consumption can gradually darken your teeth.

To protect your smile, it is important to sip red wine in moderation and take precautions to minimize the staining effects. Along with maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, such as brushing and flossing daily, there are a few simple steps you can take. First, consider drinking through a straw to bypass direct contact with your teeth. Additionally, rinsing your mouth with water after enjoying a glass can help remove any residual wine.

In conclusion, while it's tempting to indulge in a glass of red wine, it's essential to be aware of its potential impact on your smile. Moderation, preventive measures, and avoiding other staining foods are key to maintaining teeth that dazzle. So go ahead and sip that red wine, but remember to prioritize the health and radiance of your teeth.

Berries: Delicious and Nutritious, but a Potential Teeth Stainer

Berries offer a tantalizing burst of flavors, making them the perfect treat for any time of the day. Besides being delicious, these tiny fruits are also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. However, as much as we love to indulge in their vibrant hues, it's essential to be aware that some berries can stain our teeth over time.

Foods to avoid that stain your teeth include blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, all of which are notorious for leaving behind stubborn stains on our pearly whites. Their deep pigmentation can gradually seep into the enamel, leading to a duller and less vibrant smile. While this doesn't mean you need to give up enjoying berries altogether, it's important to take some precautions to keep your teeth looking their best.

In conclusion, while berries offer numerous health benefits, their vibrant colors can also pose a challenge to maintaining a bright smile. By being mindful of the foods that stain our teeth, such as certain berries, we can still enjoy their enticing flavors while taking steps to mitigate any potential staining. Remember to practice good oral hygiene, talk to your dentist about whitening options, and don't let the fear of stains keep you from savoring these delicious and nutritious fruits!

Tomato Sauce: Tasty but Treacherous for Teeth

Tomato sauce, a staple in many kitchens, is undeniably delicious. Whether it's smothered over a plate of spaghetti or used as a base for pizza, its tangy and savory flavor adds a delightful twist to any dish. However, while tomato sauce may be a culinary delight, it can also be treacherous for your teeth.

The vibrant red hue of tomato sauce comes from a pigment known as lycopene, which is notorious for staining teeth. Over time, consuming tomato sauce regularly can lead to unsightly discoloration and yellowing of teeth. The acidic nature of tomatoes can also weaken the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.

To minimize the negative impact of tomato sauce on your teeth, there are a few things you can do. First, try to limit your consumption of tomato sauce, especially if you're prone to teeth staining. Additionally, consider using a straw when enjoying tomato sauce-based beverages such as Bloody Marys, as it can help bypass direct contact with your teeth. Lastly, practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth after consuming tomato sauce, can help reduce the chances of staining and enamel erosion.

In conclusion, tomato sauce is undoubtedly a tasty addition to many dishes, but its vibrant red color and acidic nature can pose risks to your teeth. To prevent staining and enamel erosion, limit your consumption of tomato sauce, use a straw when possible, and practice good oral hygiene. Remember, tomato sauce is just one of the many foods to avoid that stain your teeth, so be mindful of what you consume to maintain a radiant smile.

Soy Sauce: A Flavor Booster That Stains Teeth

Soy sauce, a savory condiment popular in many Asian cuisines, can add an explosion of flavor to your dishes. However, it's important to be aware of its potential side effect on your pearly whites. Soy sauce contains pigments called chromogens that have a tendency to stick to the enamel of your teeth, leaving behind a stubborn stain. If you're a fan of soy sauce and want to maintain a bright smile, it's crucial to take precautions and be mindful of foods to avoid that stain your teeth.

In conclusion, soy sauce is a delicious flavor enhancer that can unfortunately leave stains on your teeth, along with other pigmented foods and beverages. By being cautious about what you consume and maintaining proper oral hygiene, you can reduce the chances of staining and keep your smile bright and beautiful. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to enjoying foods that have the potential to stain your teeth. So, go ahead and savor that umami taste, but be mindful of the impact it can have on your pearly whites.

Balsamic Vinegar: Beware of This Dark Dressing

Balsamic vinegar, with its rich and dark color, has become a popular dressing for salads and a key ingredient in many recipes. However, while this tangy and flavorful condiment may enhance the taste of your favorite dishes, it could also be putting your pearly whites at risk. Yes, you read that right – balsamic vinegar is one of the foods to avoid that stain your teeth.

The dark pigment in balsamic vinegar is known to stick to tooth enamel, leading to unsightly stains over time. Despite its numerous health benefits and culinary uses, this acidic dressing can leave your teeth looking discolored and dull. So, if you're a fan of balsamic vinegar, beware of its potential impact on your smile.

In conclusion, while balsamic vinegar adds a unique taste to your culinary creations, it's essential to be mindful of its staining effects on your teeth. Remember to practice good oral hygiene, and consider alternative dressings if preserving the whiteness of your smile is a priority. By being proactive and vigilant, you can still enjoy the wonders of balsamic vinegar without compromising your dental aesthetics.

Cola and Soda: Fizzy Drinks, Fading Smiles

Cola and soda, the beloved fizzy drinks that bring joy and refreshment on a hot summer day. We all love the burst of carbonation and sweetness that tickles our taste buds, but have you ever thought about the impact they can have on your smile? Unfortunately, these fizzy drinks are major culprits in causing teeth stains and discoloration.

One of the main reasons cola and soda stain teeth is their high sugar content. Sugar not only erodes the enamel, but it also feeds the harmful bacteria in our mouths, leading to plaque and tooth decay. Additionally, both cola and soda are highly acidic, which further erodes the enamel and makes teeth more prone to staining. So, while enjoying these fizzy drinks in moderation may not cause significant harm, excessive consumption can lead to faded smiles.

In conclusion, while cola and soda may bring instant gratification to our taste buds, they can also take a toll on our teeth. Understanding the harmful effects of these fizzy drinks and being mindful of other stain-causing foods can go a long way in preserving our sparkling smiles. Remember, moderation is key, and maintaining good dental hygiene practices will help you enjoy your favorite fizzy drinks without compromising the beauty of your smile.

Dark Chocolate: A Bittersweet Treat That May Stain Your Teeth

Dark chocolate is a beloved treat for many, with its rich flavor and potential health benefits. However, indulging in this bittersweet delight may come with an unexpected consequence - stained teeth. While dark chocolate is often lauded for its antioxidant properties, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects it can have on your pearly whites.

The culprit behind dark chocolate's staining properties is its high content of tannins. Tannins are organic substances found in various foods and beverages, including red wine, coffee, and tea. These compounds can bind to the porous surface of tooth enamel, leading to discoloration over time. To maintain a bright smile while still enjoying your dark chocolate fix, it's important to be mindful of other foods to avoid that stain your teeth.

Ultimately, while dark chocolate may offer numerous health benefits, it's essential to understand that it can stain your teeth over time. By being aware of the foods to avoid that stain your teeth and adopting good oral hygiene practices, you can continue to enjoy your favorite treats without compromising the brightness of your smile. So, go ahead and savor that piece of dark chocolate, but remember to take steps to protect your teeth's natural brilliance.

Cigarettes: Avoid Smoking to Preserve Your Pearly Whites

Smoking cigarettes has long been known to have detrimental effects on our overall health. From increasing the risk of cancer to damaging our respiratory system, the negative impacts of smoking are well-documented. However, one aspect that is often overlooked is the effect smoking has on our teeth. If you want to preserve your pearly whites, it's crucial to avoid smoking.

Cigarettes contain nicotine and tar, both of which can cause severe staining on teeth. These substances can penetrate the enamel, leaving behind unsightly yellow or brown stains. Even regular brushing and professional cleanings may not be enough to remove these stubborn stains. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so it's important to keep it bright and healthy.

Ultimately, the decision to quit smoking is a personal one, but considering the effects it has on our overall health, including our teeth, it's a choice worth making. By avoiding smoking and being mindful of the foods and beverages we consume, we can keep our teeth looking their best for years to come. So, let's choose to prioritize our oral health and say no to smoking, protecting our pearly whites and our smile.

(07/24/2024)
by Laser Glow

More Information: https://www.laserglowspa.com/blogs/news/10-foods-to-avoid-for-teeth-staining-expert-tips

Why do my gums hurt?

You may have experienced toothache before, but what about gum pain? The tissue that our gums are made from can be sensitive, which means they react to all sorts of things and become red, sore and swollen. There’s usually a reason for such symptoms, so read on to find out what may be causing your gums to hurt and how to resolve the issue.

Why are my gums sore?

You’re brushing too hard or flossing incorrectly

It could be that your oral hygiene routine is actually making your gums worse and not better. One of the most common reasons for painful gums is simply that you’re brushing your teeth too hard or flossing incorrectly. The pressure can begin to irritate your gums and potentially even damage them, particularly when you’re using a stiff-bristled brush or using a floss pick that’s too large.

You have an infection

Infections, such as gum disease, are quite common, more so in people who don’t brush their teeth regularly enough. Signs of gum disease include bleeding, red or swollen gums and it’s generally caused by lack of brushing or incorrect brushing techniques. When ignored, gum disease, also known as gingivitis, can become a more severe form known as periodontitis. This can result in abscess formation or even tooth loss. However, following a strict hygiene routine can help to reverse the effects.

You have a vitamin deficiency

We’re regularly reminded, especially as children, that we should eat our fruits and vegetables in order to maintain a healthy diet, but the vitamins and nourishment we get from these foods can impact our bodies in lots of ways.

Your gums may be hurting because of a vitamin deficiency, most likely B, C or K. While it’s a disease most notorious among sailors, scurvy is a condition caused by a vitamin deficiency, and this can cause sore and swollen gums. If you think you’re not getting enough vitamins in your diet, you should consider taking vitamin supplements.

You’re experiencing a change in hormones

If you’re pregnant or are going through the menopause, you may notice that your gums are more sore than usual, and this is generally caused by hormonal changes. When your hormones are fluctuating as you go through puberty, more blood can flow to your gums, causing them to look red and to swell. As you go through menopause, the opposite can happen and you may find you have a very dry mouth or gums. During pregnancy, it’s common for women to experience bleeding and sore gums, particularly from months six to eight.

Why do my gums hurt when I brush?

If you have sore gums, you’ll likely find the pain flares up or gets worse when you brush your teeth or floss. Don’t assume that ‘my gums are sore because I brush too hard’, though. While this could be the cause, it could also be that brushing just irritates your already sore gums and there’s another underlying problem that needs to be addressed.

How can you find out if this is the case? Well, aside from watching out for other symptoms of the issues we’ve discussed above, the simplest way is to use trial and error. There are lots of things you can change about your day-to-day life to try and reduce pain in the gums. If you suspect your brushing is the problem, follow our advice below on how to do it properly – and if that doesn’t work, you know it’s something else.

How to treat sore gums

Now that we’ve identified some of the reasons why you may have sore gums, it’s time to look at treatments so you can make the pain go away. Below, you can find just some of the ways to do this. If your pain persists, we’d recommend that you visit your dentist for a checkup.

Change how you brush your teeth

It’s common for people to brush their teeth too hard, or be aggressive when it comes to flossing. But the harder you brush doesn’t equal cleaner teeth. In fact, you could be making issues in your mouth, such as swollen or receding gums, worse for it.

To reduce gum pain and soreness, you could swap your toothbrush to a soft bristled brush or use floss picks for sensitive teeth. You don’t need to apply a lot of pressure when brushing, but should lightly sweep the brush over the surface of your teeth.

Keep a balanced diet

To avoid any vitamin deficiencies, it’s important that you maintain a balanced diet, getting enough fruit and vegetables (five a day, to be precise) to keep your vitamin C and K levels up. The best foods for a vitamin K deficiency are kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, lettuce, pumpkin and pine nuts. For a vitamin C deficiency, you should try to eat more citrus fruits, such as oranges, as well as other nutritious fruit and veg, including peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants and potatoes.

Take vitamin tablets

If you aren’t able to get your daily vitamins through your diet, you may consider taking vitamin supplements, particularly through winter, when colds are rife and you’re getting less sun exposure. Not only could this resolve gum pain that is caused by a deficiency, but could improve your skin, maintain bones and cartilage, reduce your recovery time when you do come down with an illness, heal wounds faster, and more.

See a dentist regularly

Dentists can catch issues early, as they get up close and personal with your oral hygiene and are professionals in all things to do with your mouth. They may be able to provide advice on how to get rid of gum soreness, refer you to a hygienist for professional teeth cleaning and plaque removal and check for any obvious issues or conditions, like gum disease.

(07/23/2024)
by Dentek

More Information: https://dentek-eu.com/oral-care-tips/why-do-my-gums-hurt/

What can cause gum pain?

The gums are soft, fleshy tissue that support and protect the teeth. Pain in gums can be a sign of irritation, infection, or injury to the gums and teeth.

Gum pain can often be a temporary symptom, but other times a person may require dental treatment to prevent further health complications.

In this article, we discuss some of the possible causes of gum pain. We also cover treatment, home remedies, prevention of gum pain, and when to see a dentist.

Causes

Gum pain can range from a minor irritation to severe and debilitating. Some potential causes of gum pain include:

Canker sores: These are small, painful ulcers that can occur on the gums. Causes of canker sores can include emotional stress, mouth injuries, an impaired immune system, or other underlying health conditions.

Cuts or injuries: Food and objects that enter the mouth can sometimes cause minor cuts or injuries to the gums and teeth. A person may also accidentally bite down on the gums, which can sometimes cause pain and bleeding.

Gum disease: Also known as gingivitis, this condition occurs when bacteria build up under the gums and cause inflammation and bleeding. Without treatment, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis and lead to loose teeth. People who smoke are at a higher risk for gum disease than nonsmokers.

Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, can cause a person to experience swelling, pain, and bleeding in the gums.

Improper flossing or brushing techniques: Brushing or flossing too vigorously or frequently can sometimes cause the gums to bleed and be painful.

Sinusitis: A bacterial or viral infection in the sinuses can cause swelling of the sinus cavity. Some people with sinusitis also experience gum pain and toothache.

Tooth abscess: A bacterial infection in the root of a tooth can cause an abscess or pus-filled sac. Tooth abscesses can lead to gum swelling and pain. They can also be serious and spread to other parts of the body, so it is essential to see a dentist quickly.

Treatment

Treatment for gum pain depends upon the underlying cause.

For people with gum disease, for example, a dentist may recommend professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the gums. They may also prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash, such as one containing alcohol or chlorhexidine, to kill excess bacteria and prevent the future build up of plaque.

If a person has severe gum disease, a dentist may recommend surgery to repair bone or gum loss that the condition has caused. Sometimes, this can include bone and tissue grafting to encourage the growth of new, healthy tissue.

People with tooth abscesses may require root canal treatment. During this procedure, a dentist will remove the infected pulp, or soft tissue inside the tooth, and the abscess from the root and then repair and seal the damaged tooth.

Gum pain due to sinusitis usually lessens once the infection clears up. For bacterial infections, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Home remedies

People with gum pain that they cannot explain should see their dentist for a checkup. However, some simple home remedies may help relieve the discomfort. These include:

Gargling salt water. A person can prepare a gargle by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water.

Clove oil. Applying clove oil to gums can reduce pain and swelling.

Pain medication. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to reduce gum pain.

Brushing carefully. Brush sore, swollen, or bleeding areas of the gums gently.

Avoiding foods that can irritate or scratch the gums may also help while they are healing. Examples include:

acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes

sharp or scratchy foods, such as chips, nuts, or pretzels

spicy foods, such as those containing chilis or other hot peppers

For people with canker sores, taking vitamin and mineral supplements, such as iron and vitamin B-12, may help reduce gum pain.

Prevention

Good oral hygiene can help prevent gum pain and other dental issues. This includes:

brushing teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste for at least 2 minutes

flossing once daily

using a dental mouthwash daily

having regular checkups with a dentist, such as every 6 months

If a person stops smoking, this can also improve gum health. Smoking can reduce blood flow to the gums, which may impair healing and lead to discomfort.

When to see a dentist

It is advisable for people with severe, persistent, or recurring gum pain to see a dentist for a checkup.

A dentist can examine the gums, teeth, and mouth for signs of infection, tooth decay, and other dental issues.

A person may also want to consider seeing a dentist if the pain occurs alongside any of the following symptoms:

bad breath that does not improve with tooth brushing

bleeding gums

gums that are receding

loose teeth

pain when chewing

red gums

sensitive teeth

Summary

There are many possible causes of gum pain, including gum disease, infections, abscesses, and ulcers.

People with gum pain they cannot explain may wish to consider seeing a dentist for a checkup. Without treatment, some causes of gum pain can lead to tooth decay or tooth loss.

Home remedies for gum pain include applying clove oil to gums, rinsing the mouth with salt water, and avoiding irritating foods.

(07/23/2024)
by Medical News Today

More Information: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324356

Nine Most Common Mouth Issues in Adults and Children

Did you know that most mouth issues happen because people aren’t brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist? The truth is that healthy behaviors can improve a person’s oral health, but not knowing what is necessary or not having access to the right resources can make that impossible.

Even so, there are still individuals that do have access to resources and still have poor oral health. When someone starts to get one dental issue, it usually snowballs to create more issues. For instance, if you have tooth erosion, you likely also have various stages of tooth decay, gum disease, and/or bad breath.

Knowing what causes some of the more common mouth infections and general concerns will help with prevention.

Keep reading to find out about the top 9 mouth problems that may require a trip to the dentist.

1. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a serious problem around the world for both adults and children. In fact, it’s the second most common health problem in the US after the common cold.

Most notably showcased as a cavity, tooth decay happens when plaque on your teeth mixes with sugar and starch from foods that you eat. This produces specific acids that are harmful to your tooth enamel.

No matter how old you are, you are susceptible to cavities. Poor dental hygiene, gaining, and dry mouth are all things that can contribute to tooth decay.

2. Gum Disease

Also called periodontal disease, gum disease is a type of infection in a person’s gums.

It can end up leading to tooth loss if it doesn’t get treated. Just like tooth decay, anyone can get gum disease. However, it is more common in people over the age of 30 and in smokers.

Symptoms of gum disease include things like pain while chewing, red or swollen gums, and sensitive teeth.

To avoid gum disease, you’ll want to practice good dental hygiene and get regular dental cleanings and check-ups.

3. Bad Breath

A lot of underlying dental conditions can end up leading to bad breath, also called halitosis, but it still can be an embarrassment for plenty of people that have to deal with it.

Some of the reasons that a person might have bad breath include:

Tongue bacteria

Cavities

Gum disease

Dry mouth

Mouthwash can help with bad breath, but if the person doesn’t get to the root of the problem, this is only a temporary fix. Talk to your dentist if you’re dealing with bad breath to see if you can find a more permanent solution.

4. Tooth Sensitivity

Another common issue is tooth sensitivity, which can be a sign of other dental concerns. Generally, people will notice the sensitivity when they have hot, cold, or sweet drinks and food.

When you have sensitive teeth, you might find that brushing or flossing your teeth is painful. This can lead to poor dental hygiene and more dental problems later on.

If you’re dealing with sensitive teeth, your dentist has treatments available that can help you before it gets worse.

5. Sores or Blisters

There are a lot of different types of mouth sores out there, and generally, they are nothing to worry about. Most will clear on their own within a week or two.

You might have canker sores, fever blisters, or thrush if you’re dealing with a common mouth sore. These are caused by different things, so talking to your dentist about what triggered or caused the sore(s) to come up can help prevent future sores.

Remember that fever blisters (cold sores) are actually contagious, so make sure to keep this in mind if you think that you might have this type of mouth sore.

6. Tooth Erosion

When your teeth lose the structure they need, they will start to erode. This is what will happen after tooth decay isn’t treated and acids continue to attack the tooth enamel.

Someone that is dealing with tooth erosion can feel sensitivity, pain, or even cracked teeth. The symptoms will vary based on the severity of the erosion.

If you have tooth erosion that led to teeth extraction, you may need dental implants. In addition to that, your health team may recommend jaw surgery to get your bite and tooth wear back on track. You can visit korbtaylor.com to get more information on what options you may have.

7. Imperfect Smile

While this isn’t necessary a dental concern in terms of medical necessity, it is a huge reason that people find themselves seeking dental treatment. People that don’t like their smile can struggle with embarrassment, low self-esteem, and even sadness.

The good news is that people that have a smile they don’t love can often talk to their dentist about treatment options. There are a variety of ways that dental health professionals can alter a smile, including:

Braces

Aligners

Teeth whitening

Implants

8. Tooth Pain

When you have sudden tooth pain, you might be a little bit freaked out. In some cases, this pain may be so intense that you need urgent treatment (just like in any other emergency).

If you notice that your tooth has cracked, abscessed, or fallen out, it’s important to make an immediate trip to the dentist. They will have someone on call during weekends or evening hours to handle emergencies, so don’t hesitate to call right away.

You might have tooth pain that comes and goes, so it doesn’t seem like an emergency. In most cases, you’re likely right. However, you still want to make an appointment with your dentist since it could be a cavity, nerve issue, or other dental concern that requires treatment.

9. Oral Cancer

Did you know that someone in the US dies of oral cancer each hour? It’s a serious and fatal disease that impacts millions of people, but it is often curable if caught in the early stages.

Regular dental visits are a great way to ensure that oral cancer is caught early, but always make sure that your dentist does an oral cancer exam as part of their check-up.

Symptoms to be aware of include:

Lumps

Sores

Rough parts of the mouth

Difficulty moving the tongue

Problems biting down

Recognize the Common Mouth Issues Out There

The key thing to remember with many mouth issues is that a dentist can help. Whenever you notice something that doesn’t seem right, give the professionals a call so that they can help you.

Always brush your teeth twice per day, floss at least once per day, and see your dentist every 6 months or so.

(07/22/2024)
by Finding Farina

More Information: https://findingfarina.com/9-most-common-mouth-issues-in-adults-and-children/

Five Common Tongue Problems

Normally when you think of oral hygiene, you think about taking care of your teeth and gums. However, as WebMD explains, your tongue is an extremely important part of your body. It allows us to taste foods, chew and swallow them, and it helps us to speak.

When healthy, the tongue is pink, covered in small nodules that are called papillae. In between the papillae are your taste buds. Because the tongue is so crucial, and because you’re using it all day long, when it develops a problem, it can be very uncomfortable.

Tongue problems can include pain and discoloration, but fortunately, most of the common tongue symptoms aren’t serious and they might even go away on their own.

Here are 5 common tongue problems, their possible causes and typical treatments.

White Coating on Tongue – There are several conditions that can cause patches of white areas to appear, including oral thrush, oral lichen planus and leukoplakia. Oral thrush, otherwise known as candidiasis (candida), is a common yeast infection that, inside your mouth, can resemble cottage cheese on your tongue. This is very common for infants and elderly people, in addition to those with weakened immune systems. Others who are susceptible include diabetes sufferers and people who take inhaled steroids for lung disease or asthma. Oral thrush can also occur after taking antibiotics, which can also attack the healthy bacteria that lives in your mouth. Therefore, one treatment is to eat plain yogurt with active cultures or take a probiotic supplement to restore your mouth’s natural flora. Your doctor might also prescribe medications to fight the infection.

Redness on Tongue – There are several factors that may cause this, and in certain cases, your tongue might even begin to look like a strawberry, since taste buds can turn red and become enlarged. A deficiency in vitamin B12 and folic acid may be the culprit. If this condition is accompanied by a high fever, it may be scarlet fever. If you have a red tongue and a high fever, see your doctor immediately! You might also have a geographic tongue, which is so-named because it looks like a map of red spots. This is likely harmless, but see your dentist if they last for more than 2 weeks. No treatment is necessary, but they might prescribe a topical medication to relieve any pain or discomfort.

Sore or Bumpy Tongue – Many things can cause your tongue to become painful or bumpy, including accidentally biting it or burning it with hot liquid, canker sores, smoking, burning tongue syndrome (in postmenopausal women), enlarged papillae or some medical conditions like anemia or diabetes. In rarer instances, it could be a sign of oral cancer, so you should always see a doctor if it doesn’t go away in 1 to 2 weeks.

Tongue Swelling – The New York Times health guide mentions other common tongue problems, including tongue swelling. This can occur with various hormonal conditions and medical disorders, but it can also be an allergic reaction or a side effect of certain medications. An enlarged tongue might also be due to a strep infection, so if you have a swollen tongue, it is wise to alert your doctor.

Taste Problems – Your tongue can sense salty, sweet, sour and bitter tastes, and sometimes, you might experience a loss of taste. This will frequently happen if you are sick and are suffering from some type of infection. Other causes can include damage to the taste buds, nerve problems or a medicine’s side effect. If this persists for longer than a week, consult your doctor.

(07/22/2024)
by Dentalux

More Information: https://dentaluxpa.com/5-common-tongue-problems/

Mouth Issues That Can Scare You Stiff

You want to keep your teeth shining bright, white, and clean. But that takes more than just an occasional brushing with toothpaste- it sometimes includes changing up (or improving) your brushing technique; ditching the daily coffee and soda habit; and obviously saying goodbye to the cigarettes. Failure to take care of your teeth can result in some pretty nasty results. Here’s a look at seven mouth issues that can scare even the bravest of dentists away…

Blood Blisters in Mouth

Blood Blisters in the mouth are not caused by lack of brushing or flossing, but rather by direct trauma to the oral cavity. For example, if your dentist gives you a local anesthetic injection before a procedure, afterwards you may notice a blood blister has formed where the needle had entered your body.

Usually you do not need any type of medical intervention for oral blood blisters, as they go away on their own within a couple weeks time. However, you should contact your doctor or dentist if you see any sort of infection forming in, or around, the blister.

Lichen Planus

According to the Mayo Clinic, Lichen Planus is a condition that can cause swelling and irritation in the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. The inside of your mouth and gastrointestinal tract is covered in a mucous membrane. When Lichen Planus attacks the inside of the mouth, it forms white, lacy patches and sometimes painful sores on the mucous membrane.

It has been discovered that Lichen Planus is caused when your immune system attacks the cells of the mucous membrane. It is therefore important to see your dentist every six months to evaluate these areas should Lichen Planus be present. Lichen Planus is quite annoying to the person it affects – those who suffer range from being completely asymptomatic to having burning/ulcerated patches in their mouth. Although it’s not contagious, you should see your doctor if you start to notice those white, lacy patches on the inside of your mouth.

Aphthous Ulcers

Canker sores, or Aphthous Ulcers, are small, shallow lesions on the inside of your mouth (on the soft tissue) or at the base of your gums. Although these sores are little, they bring mighty pain and discomfort to their host– they can even interfere with properly eating or speaking!

Unlike cold sores, Aphthous Ulcers are not contagious, nor are they caused by the same thing. Similar to cold sores, canker sores (usually) go away on their own after a week or two. However, if you have a canker sore that is unusually large, painful, or sticks around for longer than two weeks, you should consult a doctor or dentist.

Females tend to get canker sores more often, but we are all susceptible to getting one. Stress is a major causing factor when it comes to canker sores.

Oral Thrush

One of the most unpleasant mouth afflictions you can get is oral candidiasis, or Oral Thrush. Candida is an organism that normally lives in your mouth. However, when you have a compromised immune system mixed with bad oral hygiene, the Candida can accumulate on the oral lining as a fungal infection, resulting in creamy, white, lesions on the inside of your mouth and tongue.

Usually this only affects immuno-compromised populations, such as babies, the elderly, and people with autoimmune diseases. The white patches can be wiped off, but if you notice symptoms of Oral Thrush, you should contact your doctor or dentist.

Black Hairy Tongue

Another awful mouth issue that can arise from lack of regularly brushing (i.e. brushing at least two times a day), is a condition called Black Hairy Tongue. This temporary ailment is aptly named because the papillae on the tongue grow longer than normal and can become stained by everyday food, bacteria, and other substances. The bacterial build up on the papillae results in a dark brownish-black, furry-like appearance on the tongue.

Without a doubt, Black Hairy Tongue is one of the most unattractive mouth maladies one can have. However, it can easily be avoided (or treated) by brushing your teeth- and tongue- with toothpaste. Within a few days of regular brushing, Black Hairy Tongue usually starts to go away on its own. Of course, if the problem persists, you should go see your doctor.

Amalgam Tattoos

If you have noticed a blueish-gray stain on the gums around a tooth filling you have, then you may have an Amalgam Tattoo. These painless and harmless oral “tattoos” are nothing to be afraid of. They are actually caused by the metal known as dental amalgam that is used in tooth fillings. If during the filling process, any of the dental amalgam spills over onto the gums, it can leave a painless, but permanent, bluish-gray stain. Unfortunately, you cannot get rid of an Amalgam Tattoo– but that should not deter you from a continued proper brushing and flossing schedule.

Leukoplakia

Part of having good oral hygiene includes not using tobacco products, like cigarettes, chewing tobacco, dip, and even vaping. Chronic use of tobacco products can result in thickened, textured, white patches forming on your gums, on the inside of your cheeks, on the bottom of your mouth, and sometimes on your tongue. This unsightly build-up is known as Leukoplakia, and these white patches cannot be wiped out.

Most cases of Leukoplakia are benign (noncancerous). However, in some cases Leukoplakia has actually been an early warning sign of a serious condition. Even if you brush your teeth and floss, that may not be enough– especially if you have a long-standing relationship with tobacco products.

If you start to see these thick, textured patterns on the inside of your mouth, you should always go see a doctor. Not only could it be a sign of Leukoplakia, but it may be your body alerting you of a more serious condition.

Keep Your Mouth in Tip-Top Shape

For the entirety of your life, you will only have one mouth– so it is important that you take extra good care of it! That means regularly brushing your teeth, flossing your teeth, brushing your tongue and the insides of your mouth, and laying off dark, staining drinks, and harmful tobacco products. It may seem like a lot, but a shiny, bright smile is much more pleasant than a mouthful of gross infections.

If you have any concerns about your oral hygiene, or just need your six month checkup, contact DeJesus Dental Group. At DeJesus Dental Group, we have carefully selected a highly trained team of dental care professionals. Our team loves what they do, and not only will they help you receive fast, accurate dental care, but they will also help you feel relaxed and welcome.

(07/21/2024)
by DeJesus Dental Group

More Information: N

How to Solve Your Dry Mouth Problem

Anyone who has suffered from dry mouth will tell you it’s not a pleasant experience. It’s not a healthy experience as well. We frequently see patients with dry mouth issues. They often wonder why it occurs and what can be done about it.

Dry mouth can occur for many, varied reasons. They include:-Side effect of numerous medications for a variety of conditions and ailments-Side effect of certain diseases and infections-Side effect from medical treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy-Nerve damage to head and neck from surgery or injury-Dehydration caused by illness-Poor lifestyle and diet that includes smoking and other tobacco products and caffeinated drinks-Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose

Dry mouth symptoms are not hard to spot because you feel as if you’re in a desert with nothing to drink. Basically, you’re not producing enough saliva to keep your mouth wet. But the symptoms go beyond the obvious dry mouth and throat and constant thirst. Additional symptoms that can develop are:-Mouth sores and cracked lips-A burning sensation in the mouth, especially the tongue-A dry, red, raw tongue-Speaking, tasting, chewing and swallowing issues-Hoarseness, dry nasal passages, sore throat-bad breath

As you can see, health issues related to dry mouth can be many. But equally problematic, these issues can have an adverse impact on your dental health. Dry mouth can raise the risk of gum disease, tooth decay and mouth infections, such as thrush.

There are some fundamental things you can do to lessen the problem or perhaps cure it completely. They include:-Suck on sugar-free candy or chew sugar-free gum-Drink plenty of water throughout the day and evening-Quit drinking caffeinated beverages-Decrease consumption of alcoholic beverages-Stop smoking and using other tobacco products-Breath through your nose, not your mouth-Use a vaporizer in your bedroom to moisten the air

If your problem persists, we can develop a program to help you. For instance, we might try in-office fluoride treatments and prescribe antibacterial/antifungal mouth rinses. We also would do more frequent x-rays to check for deep tooth, root or gum issues. In general, as long as your dry mouth condition continues, it’s a good idea to visit us every six months until we can correct the problem.

(07/20/2024)
by Jaime O’Neill DDS

More Information: http://jaimeoneilldentistry.com/how-to-solve-your-dry-mouth-problem/

How To Prevent Tooth Decay And Gum Disease

In addition to giving one confidence, a healthy smile is a sign of general well-being. Maintaining optimal oral health requires preventing gum disease and tooth decay. These frequent dental problems may cause pain, result in tooth loss, or even hurt your general health. We’ll examine the causes of gum disease and tooth decay in this thorough guide, along with practical advice on how to avoid these issues with oral health.

UNDERSTANDING TOOTH DECAY AND GUM DISEASE

TOOTH DECAY (CARIES):

When plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria, accumulates on teeth, tooth decay results. By consuming the sugars and starches found in food and drink, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that erode enamel and result in cavities.

GUM DISEASE (GINGIVITIS AND PERIODONTITIS):

Gum disease begins with plaque buildup, leading to gingivitis (inflamed gums). Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis where the gums pull away from the teeth, pockets form, and bone loss occurs.

PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY

Oral hygiene: Plaque can be removed and cavities can be decreased by brushing and flossing twice a day. For further protection, use a toothpaste containing fluoride.

Dietary Habits: Steer clear of sugary, starchy foods and drinks, and cut back on between-meal snacking. Have some water instead.

Fluoride: Fluoride fortifies tooth enamel, increasing its resistance to decay. Obtain fluoride by using mouthwash, toothpaste, and drinking water.

Frequent dental check-ups: Your dentist can find cavities early on and treat them before they get worse. Dangerous plaque deposits are also removed by expert cleanings with Columbia General Dentistry.

Dental sealants: These plastic coatings are placed on the back teeth chewing surfaces, to stop cavities from forming in the grooves and pits.

PREVENTING GUM DISEASE

Good Dental Hygiene: The plaque that causes gingivitis is eliminated by thorough brushing and flossing. Observe the spaces beneath and surrounding the gums.

Flossing: Floss once a day to get rid of plaque that your brush can’t reach between teeth. It reduces inflammation of the gums.

Frequent Dental Check-Ups: During examinations and cleanings, dentists and hygienists search for the earliest indications of gum disease. If treatment is required, they can offer it.

Healthy Lifestyle Options: You can improve your dental and general health by avoiding tobacco use, controlling stress, eating a balanced diet, and exercising.

Stress management: Long-term stress impairs immunity, increasing the risk of gum disease.

Periodontal Maintenance: To avoid reinfection, follow gum disease therapy with special deep cleanings that eliminate bacteria overlooked by routine cleanings.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR ORAL HEALTH

Avoid Tobacco: If possible give up smoking and chewing tobacco as they raise your risk of gum disease.

Limit Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of gum disease. Drink only in moderation.

Stay Hydrated: Avoiding dry mouth throughout the day by drinking lots of water reduces the chance of decay.

Mouthwash: Fluoride-infused antiseptic rinses build enamel, eradicate bacteria, and improve breath.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing gum causes saliva to flow more freely, which helps to neutralize acids and wash away food particles.

(07/20/2024)
by New Columbia Dentistry

More Information: https://newcolumbiadentistry.com/blog/how-to-prevent-tooth-decay-and-gum-disease/

The Link Between Your Oral Health And Alzheimer’s: Everything You Need To Know

The human body is wired in a manner that even the slightest of imbalances or changes can start a long chain of events. This may sometimes prove to be good for us, but in most cases, this can cause a number of issues that you may have never wanted in your life. For example, diabetes is known to cause high blood sugar levels that often end up clogging the main arteries of the heart, leading to cardiovascular diseases.

However, while that may be a correlation that is perceivable, did you know that there is a connection between your oral health and your chances of getting Alzheimer’s? Here is a quick look at this correlation between your oral health and Alzheimer’s.

How Are Alzheimer’s and Oral Health Related?

According to a study published in the year 2019, there is a deep-set relation between your oral health and your chances of getting Alzheimer's. Due to poor oral hygiene and improper care, gum diseases like Gingivitis begins to take shape in your mouth. What starts as a film of plaque begins to take over your gums, causing swelling, tenderness, and sometimes bleeding of the gums.

However, while gingivitis is a non-destructive disease in itself, if left untreated, it can become periodontists, an advanced gum disease that can cause tooth loss. But according to the 2019 research study, it is least of your worries. The bacterium that causes gingivitis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, is the point of concern here. The bacteria were observed to move from the mouth, directly into the brain.

Once inside the brain, the bacterium begins to release an enzyme called gingipains, which has the potential to destroy nerve cells. This triggers memory loss and eventually becomes the onset of Alzheimer's. The study noticed an increase in the presence of gingipain in the brains of deceased patients of Alzheimer’s, with almost a 100% success rate of the study. It was also noticed that the amount of gingipain increased with time, which meant that there was generally a point where a patient first began to notice the signs of dementia.

While the situation may seem without a ray of hope, the current efforts of scientists and dentist around the world are dedicated to stopping this enzyme from having the kind of effect that it does. For the time being, you can concentrate on taking care of your teeth and gums with the best dentist near you. Visit Nanda Dental Care, a well-equipped dental clinic with professional services to help you with all your dental needs. Book your appointment now.

(07/19/2024)
by Nanda Dental Care

More Information: https://www.nandadentalcare.com/blogs/the-link-between-your-oral-health-and-alzheimers/

Why Is Gum And Tongue Health Just As Important As Teeth Health?

Oral health is an essential aspect of overall health and well-being. While many people focus on their teeth when it comes to oral health, there are other important aspects to consider as well. Gum and tongue health are just as crucial as teeth health, and neglecting them can have serious consequences for both oral and overall health.

In this article, we will explore why gum and tongue health is just as important as teeth health. We will discuss the role of gums and tongue in oral health, the consequences of neglecting them, and practical tips for maintaining healthy gums and tongue.

The Role of Gums and Tongue in Oral Health

The gums and tongue are crucial components of the oral cavity. They play an essential role in maintaining healthy teeth and preventing oral diseases. Here are some of the roles of gums and tongue in oral health:

Gums protect teeth roots: The gums protect the roots of teeth from harmful bacteria and other substances that can cause decay and gum disease. Healthy gums create a tight seal around the teeth, preventing bacteria from entering the root canal.

Gums provide nutrients to teeth: The gums supply nutrients and oxygen to the teeth through blood vessels. This helps to maintain the health and strength of the teeth.

Tongue cleanses the mouth: The tongue is covered in tiny bumps called papillae, which help to clean the mouth by removing food particles and bacteria. It also helps to distribute saliva, which is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Tongue aids in speech and taste: The tongue plays a crucial role in speech and taste. It helps us to form words and distinguish different tastes.

The Consequences of Neglecting Gum and Tongue Health

Neglecting gum and tongue health can have serious consequences for both oral and overall health. Here are some of the consequences of neglecting gum and tongue health:

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common oral health problem caused by bacteria in the mouth. Neglecting gum health can cause gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss and bone damage.

Tooth Decay

Neglecting gum health can also increase the risk of tooth decay. When bacteria in the mouth are not kept in check, they can produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

Halitosis

Neglecting tongue health can cause halitosis, or bad breath. The tongue can harbor bacteria and food particles that can cause an unpleasant odor.

Difficulty Eating and Speaking

Neglecting tongue health can also cause difficulty eating and speaking. A buildup of bacteria and food particles on the tongue can make it difficult to form words and chew food properly.

Practical Tips for Maintaining Healthy Gums and Tongue

Maintaining healthy gums and tongue is crucial for oral and overall health. Here are some practical tips for maintaining healthy gums and tongue:

Brush and Floss Regularly: Brushing and flossing regularly are essential for maintaining healthy gums and teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth.

Use Mouthwash: Mouthwash can help to kill bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride and antiseptic properties.

Clean Your Tongue: Use a tongue scraper or soft-bristled brush to clean your tongue daily. Gently scrape or brush your tongue from back to front to remove bacteria and food particles.

Quit Smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease and tooth decay. If you smoke, make an effort to quit to improve your oral health.

Visit the Dentist Regularly: Visit your dentist every six months for a check-up and professional cleaning. This will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy and catch any problems early.

Your Teeth And Gums Reveal A Lot About Your General Health

Your mouth is full of bacteria, most of which are not harmful, just like the rest of your body. But, your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, including your digestive and respiratory systems, and certain bacteria in your mouth have the potential to cause disease.

In a normal situation, bacteria are kept under control by the body’s natural defenses as well as by proper oral health care, such as brushing and flossing the teeth on a daily basis. Yet if you don’t practice good dental hygiene, bacteria in your mouth can build up to dangerous levels, which can result in oral infections including tooth decay and gum disease.

In addition, the production of saliva can be inhibited by the use of several pharmaceuticals, including decongestants, antihistamines, opioids, diuretics, and antidepressants.

The food particles are washed away by saliva, and the acids that are created by bacteria in the mouth are neutralized by saliva, which helps to protect you from the microorganisms that can multiply and cause disease.

According to a number of studies, oral bacteria and the inflammation caused by an advanced type of gum disease known as periodontitis may both have a role in the development of certain diseases.

In addition, some conditions, like diabetes and HIV/AIDS, can weaken the body’s resistance to infection, which can make oral health problems even more severe.

Which Conditions Are Associated With Oral Health?

The knowledge of taking care of your oral health has been passed down to us for many years. There are a lot of conditions where oral health plays a role in the overall wellbeing of your body. Some of these conditions include:

Diabetes – People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease and tooth decay due to their weak immune system.

Heart Disease – Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of periodontal disease and can lead to an increased risk for heart diseases.

Kidney Disease – Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of infection in your mouth and can cause buildup of bacteria which may lead to kidney failure.

Pregnancy Complications – Poor oral health during pregnancy can increase the risks for preterm birth and low birth weight.

(07/19/2024)
by River District Smiles

More Information: https://riverdistrictsmiles.com/why-is-gum-and-tongue-health-just-as-important-as-teeth-health/

What Are the Stages of Tooth Decay?

You probably know that a dental cavity is a hole in one of your teeth. And you might also know that a cavity is the result of the process of tooth decay that happens over time. That’s why regular dental visits are a particularly important part of tooth decay prevention – if caught early, tooth decay can be easily treated and possibly even reversed. But exactly what are the stages of tooth decay?

Stage 1: Tooth decay starts with lesions appearing on your teeth

Before a cavity forms, there is an initial lesion on the tooth, which often results in chalky white or brown areas appearing on your tooth’s surface. This is due to a build-up of plaque and is due to the loss of calcium. Bacteria in the plaque eventually begins to metabolize sugars from the food that you eat, and the build up of these acids causes your tooth enamel to deteriorate, which is known as demineralisation.

At this early stage of dental decay, your tooth structure is still intact and damage won’t be visible in any X-rays. Which is good news, because that means tooth decay may still be reversible and further decay may be suspended if you undergo proper treatment. Treatment generally involves using good oral hygiene, brushing properly, using a fluoride toothpaste, and undergoing a topical fluoride treatment when you attend one of your regular dental visits.

Stage 2: Enamel decay results in dental cavity formation

If the lesion on your tooth is allowed to progress, the tooth enamel is affected and starts to breaks down under your tooth’s surface. This is because the natural remineralisation process is unable to restore the proper minerals and enamel, causing a lesion to form within your actual tooth. At this stage of dental cavity formation, the decay of your enamel is visible in X-rays, and if your tooth is damaged enough that the underlying dentin layer of your tooth is exposed, you may experience sensations of pain and/or tooth sensitivity.

Dental restorations like dental fillings are the best option to treat this stage of tooth decay, and your dentist will also work to rebuild missing enamel and restore your ability to chew and bite normally.

Stage 3: Dentin decay leads to dental cavities and tooth sensitivity

If left untreated, acids and bacteria will continue to dissolve the enamel on your tooth and tooth decay can begin to spread beyond the enamel layer. This can affect the dentin of your tooth, which is a porous substance beneath your tooth enamel. When dentin is affected, tooth decay can spread very rapidly, and you may begin to experience sharp pains in the infected tooth.

When enough of the sub-surface enamel is weakened by the loss of minerals and calcium, the enamel collapses and a dental cavity results. At this stage, a filling will definitely be required to restore the tooth and rebuild the damaged structure.

Stage 4: Infection of the dental pulp often results in root canal treatment

Inside the centre of every tooth is a chamber filled with soft tissue known as dental pulp which is made up of nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels, and this is what has assisted in the initial formation of your tooth. Cells of this pulp produce dentin, which acts as the connective tissue between the pulp and the enamel and pulp.

If the pulp of your tooth gets infected with bacteria and reaches the pulp chamber, pus then forms which inadvertently kills the nerves and blood vessels in your tooth. This is known as a root canal infection, and it can be extremely painful.

At this stage of tooth decay, the most common type of dental care is root canal treatment, which involves removing the pulp within the tooth, sterilizing the pulp chamber, and filling the chamber with an inert material, which is then capped off with a crown.

Stage 5: The formation of an abscess often requires tooth extraction

If the infection of the dental pulp spreads to other parts of your mouth like the jawbone and surrounding gum tissue, inflammation and swelling can occur resulting in the formation of an abscess. This is the final stage of tooth decay and is without a doubt the most painful. If the infection reaches the tip of the root of the tooth, the conjoining bones risk infection as well, and this is when advanced dental treatment is needed. This can include tooth extraction, infection control and procedures which can help restore the damagedstructures that have been affected.

Prevention of tooth decay starts with practising good oral hygiene

Preventing tooth decay comes down to a number of factors, with the most important one being that you should practise proper oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, using mouthwash and flossing at least once a day.

However, other dental hygiene tips can also include cutting down on sugar (including natural ones like fruit and honey), avoiding acidic foods like lemons, oranges and soft drinks, and drinking plenty of water to help flush the bacteria off the surface of your teeth.

And of course, don’t wait for the onset of dental pain before you see your dentist. Pain in a tooth means there is inflammation, which means the tooth is probably already affected by decay or infection. If you ignore it, it’s only going to get worse. That’s why it’s recommended that you see your dentist at least twice a year. As they say, prevention is better than cure!

(07/18/2024)
by Australia Dental

More Information: https://www.australiadental.com.au/stages-tooth-decay/

Five Top Tips To Maintain Oral Hygiene And Have Sparkling Teeth

Keeping up with your oral hygiene is a lifetime job, however, with the healthy daily habits reckoned by the expert you can understand how to maintain oral hygiene.

Maintaining sparkling teeth and fresh breath are indicators of overall good health and are a lifetime job. Even if someone has complimented your nice teeth, you still need to ensure taking the right steps every day to cater to your oral hygiene needs. All of us who keep putting off our ‘date’ with the dentist need to do a rethink.

Why is oral hygiene important?

The oral cavity allows bacterial proliferation in the mouth. “Without the habit of proper brushing, these bacteria have a big chance of multiplying, posing health risks. In severe cases, they can enter the bloodstream, leading to various health problems,” explains Dr Banerjee.

According to him, the bacterial infection affects both diabetic patients and cardiac patients infecting the lungs. In a recent study, it has been found that poor oral health in pregnant women has been linked to an increased risk of premature birth. Neglecting nighttime brushing allows food particles to remain trapped between teeth, leading to overnight fermentation. This fermentation promotes bacterial growth in the mouth.

What to do to maintain oral hygiene?

The expert reckons few changes that we can make in our daily habits to maintain the health of our teeth and oral hygiene.

1. Brush your teeth post breakfast

“It is suggested to brush your teeth immediately after breakfast instead of doing it early firs thing in the morning after waking up from sleep. It allows saliva to neutralize acids first. So, wash your mouth, have breakfast,” says the expert.

Also read: Oral hygiene for kids: Tips to keep your child’s dental health in check

2. Never skip the bedtime brushing

Have a chat with your dentist and the cliché suggestion will pop up, brush your teeth twice a day. In spite of knowing all this, we choose to ignore brushing our teeth at night. However, brushing after dinner helps maintain oral hygiene by helping us get rid of the plague and germs that have accumulated throughout the day, suggests the expert.

3. Don’t forget to be regular with your dental check-ups

Dr Banerjee emphasizes regular dental check-ups and scaling every 7 to 8 months. Patients with different profiles may be susceptible to gum problems, and some may require scaling or maintenance therapy. These are essential for maintaining optimal oral health, provided there are no additional issues like gum disease or tooth damage.

4. Flossing and mouth-washing are also helpful

While it is advisable to brush after every meal and beverage, including coffee or tea, waiting for 10 minutes after eating allows the mouth temperature to normalize. Additionally, flossing between teeth after dinner is crucial for comprehensive oral hygiene. Using mouthwash is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene. While mouth fresheners provide a temporary fresh feeling, they do not contribute to oral health.

5. Limit the consumption of foods that can harm your teeth

To maintain oral hygiene effectively, it is crucial to limit the consumption of food with refined sugar, carbonated drinks, and chocolate regularly. “It is a misconception that drinking milk helps build strong teeth, but this is only applicable only up to the age of 5 years,” Dr. Banerjee adds.

(07/18/2024)
by Health Shots

More Information: https://www.healthshots.com/how-to/tips-to-maintain-oral-hygiene/

Problems Caused by Impacted Teeth

Many people across the country struggle with different dental issues. Impacted teeth is a common oral/dental problem that can often cause pain and discomfort in the mouth and jaw area. A lot of people often dismiss impacted teeth as a simple toothache, and don’t get the dental care they need in order to address the issue, ultimately leading to worsening problems.

What Is an Impacted Tooth?

An impacted tooth is simply another term for a tooth that has not completely broken through the gum tissue. A tooth can become impacted when there is not enough room within the jaw to accommodate the tooth. Some people naturally may have more impacted teeth than others, but the most common impacted teeth are a person’s third molars, also known as wisdom teeth.

4 Problems That Impacted Teeth Can Cause

Impacted teeth can cause someone a variety of issues from pain to even cysts, or lesions within the jaw. It is important to keep an eye out for any symptoms you think you may have with an impacted tooth and discuss these with your dentist or an oral surgeon.

1. Pain

The most common issue that comes along with an impacted tooth is pain. Whenever a tooth grows or erupts incorrectly, it can create pressure or get irritated easily, causing pain. Many people experience pain at the site of the impacted tooth, and others experience jaw pain under the impacted tooth.

2. Infections

The mouth is full of bacteria, both good and bad. If you have an impacted tooth that is struggling to erupt or is slow to break through, bacteria can infect the site. Food also can get stuck between crowded teeth causing cleaning issues, swelling, and infection.

3. Damage to Other Teeth

Whether it is your permanent adult teeth or wisdom teeth coming in, impacted teeth have the ability to cause damage to nearby teeth. When trying to break through the gum, the impacted tooth can push into or ‘crash’ into the other teeth around them, causing sensitivity and damage. They can also cause resorption of the roots of adjacent teeth.

4. Cysts

Cysts are another common problem caused by impacted teeth and occur when fluid forms around one of the eruption sites of a tooth. Cysts can result in pain and possibly damage to the roots and bone of surrounding teeth.

Do You Have an Impacted Tooth?

Don’t let tooth pain control your life. If you think you have an impacted tooth, you should consult with an oral surgeon and see what your next steps might be.

(07/17/2024)
by OMS Nashville

More Information: https://omsnashville.com/blog/oral-surgery/problems-caused-by-impacted-teeth/

Burning Tongue Remedies: Top 5 Solutions

When you burn your tongue, all you want is to know when it'll feel better. Burning your tongue is a common nuisance when you don't notice how hot your food or drink is before taking a bite or sip. It may even cause the papillae (the natural bumps on your tongue) to temporarily disappear. Not paying attention or neglecting to test your food and drinks before digging in is usually the cause, and it's easy to do.

An oral burn calls for a swift response if you want to ease the pain. Fortunately, there are several burning tongue remedies that can help next time a swig of steaming coffee or bite of pizza hits a nerve.

1. Sip and Soothe

Your first response to a tongue burn dictates the speed of your recovery, and this first step is simple. As with any minor burn you may experience, cold water can quickly regulate the tongue's irritation. Drink a glass to bring down the temperature of your burning tongue and to keep your mouth hydrated (saliva flow is key to ensure bacteria don't further harm the area). Stay away from hot foods and drinks, which will only irritate the burn, until it heals.

2. Cool It Down

After the "event" itself, consume something soft and cold to numb the stinging sensation naturally during the day. Reach for a food that's easy to eat, like a fruit cup, yogurt or some applesauce – all of which can help calm the burning sensation. Also, be sure to drink a glass of water at the same time to wash away any of the food debris left behind that could still hurt your tongue.

3. Swish with Salt Water

Once your mouth has cooled off, rinse it with a warm salt water mix. Add 1/8 teaspoon of salt to a 250 ml glass of warm water, swish it around in your mouth gently and then spit it out. Salt is a natural antiseptic that can reduce swelling and pain, ultimately relieving your burn symptoms.

4. Sugar-coat It

Sugar is a little-known pain reliever available in your own pantry. A spoonful may help the medicine go down, but a tiny sprinkle over the tongue can also dull the pain when you've burned your tongue. Drizzle some sugar over your tongue, let it dissolve and feel it work – but be conservative with your portions, as it isn't nearly as good for your teeth. Honey is another delicious burn cure, used in countries like India for its antibacterial properties to speed the healing process against ulcers.

5. Take a Chill Pill

When all of the above suggestions fail to provide you the relief you need, there's always your standard over-the-counter pain medication. Take your recommended dosage of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat the inflammation. Keep in mind hot foods can do a number on your teeth's surfaces, as well, so to allow your burned tongue to fully heal and use a toothbrush with extra soft bristles.

If you're unsure of the cause of your burning tongue symptoms, or they just don't seem to go away, check with your dentist to rule out burning tongue syndrome, which is a chronic problem.

A tongue burn eventually goes away, but in the meantime, it's comforting to know you can try some simple burning tongue remedies at home that work. Small sips and bites are important when you eat and drink things that are hot. And if your tongue burn yields no improvement, give your dentist a ring to find out what you should do next.

(07/17/2024)
by Colgate

More Information: https://www.colgate.com/en-gb/oral-health/mouth-sores-and-infections/five-burning-tongue-remedies-1115

Sore Roof of Mouth Behind Front Teeth

Having a sore roof of mouth behind front teeth can be frustrating. While the mouth heals quickly, eating and speaking can be painful for a few days until sore spots are gone. Finding the cause of a mouth sore can be tricky, but most cases can be helped along by keeping the site clean and visiting your dentist to determine the source of your discomfort.

Sore Roof of Mouth Behind Front Teeth: Causes

We've all burned our mouth on a slice of pizza or a cup of hot cocoa. Minor oral burns heal fairly quickly, but sometimes the pain in your palate can come from a more long-lasting source.

For example, cold sores and mouth ulcers can cause mild to severe discomfort. They can be found on the roof of the mouth, or other locations ranging from the gums to the cheeks and lips.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, and usually last around one to two weeks. These contagious blisters often weep liquid and crust over before healing.

A mouth ulcer, on the other hand, is not contagious, though it lasts about as long as a cold sore. These ulcers look more like tiny craters with a yellow or grey centre. More rarely, a sore roof of mouth behind front teeth can be a warning sign of oral cancer. Talk to your dentist immediately if the sore spot also feels numb or tingles.

Treating a Sore Spot

While treating a mouth burn might be as simple as waiting for your coffee to cool down, other sores may need stronger treatment. Because these lesions can be found in multiple areas of the mouth, a mouth rinse provides an easy way to deliver a cleansing and comforting solution. Your dentist may suggest a soothing mouth rinse to help promote the natural healing of minor mouth irritations.

One important thing to remember is that medicated mouth sore rinse is not meant to be used as a regular addition to your home care routine. If your sore palate has not improved after a few days, talk to your dental professional. They may need to perform further tests, such as a biopsy, to determine the cause of your oral pain.

Other Ways to Help

It often helps to avoid alcohol, tobacco products and spicy foods while your sore mouth is healing. Spicy foods will not necessarily keep the site from healing, but they can cause discomfort. The NHS also suggests abstaining from salty and crunchy snacks, which can sting or scratch an open sore. Identifying your triggers for sores (such as acidic foods or stress) can also help prevent new lesions if the problem is a mouth ulcer.

Maintaining good oral care by brushing at least twice a day and flossing can help prevent the conditions that cause some mouth sores. There may be no magic solution to your sore roof of mouth behind front teeth problem, but talking with your dentist about the possible causes can help you find a path to relief.

(07/16/2024)
by Colgate

More Information: https://www.colgate.com/en-gb/oral-health/mouth-sores-and-infections/sore-roof-of-mouth-behind-front-teeth-diagnosing-and-healing

How to Stop Dental Bleeding

Have you ever experienced bleeding from your mouth? There are several reasons this may occur, but most of the time it’s considered dental bleeding. Sudden or serious bleeding could constitute a dental emergency, and it’s best to see a dentist right away.

But there are some ways you can temper dental bleeding at home and reduce blood flow. Schedule an appointment with your dentist if bleeding persists after following these steps.

WHAT IS DENTAL BLEEDING?

Dental bleeding is bleeding coming from the gums, tooth sockets, tongue or lips. Dental bleeding can be an indication that something is wrong inside your mouth. But it is also a natural part of the recovery process for many dental procedures.

A split lip can result from impact or other conditions, and a bleeding tongue is often due to a laceration. Let’s focus on blood in the mouth coming from your gums or tooth sockets; why this occurs and what to do to manage the bleeding yourself.

CAUSES OF DENTAL BLEEDING

Your mouth might be bleeding for several reasons, but there are some common causes of dental bleeding. Thankfully, there are solutions for slowing the bleeding and there are always dental professionals who can help when it just won’t stop.

Gum Disease

Bleeding gums are the most common symptom of gum disease. Gums that bleed after brushing could indicate you are brushing incorrectly, often too hard or not enough. Gums that bleed after flossing might indicate you need to be flossing more. If your gums are bleeding consistently and in between tooth brushing, you might have a dental condition to address.

Frequently bleeding gums could be due to:

Gingivitis (reversible form of gum disease)

periodontitis (an advanced form of gum disease)

leukemia (cancer of the blood)

vitamin deficiency (especially vitamin C)

lack of clotting cells (platelets)

If your gums are bleeding all the time and healthy oral habits do not remedy the bleeding, it’s time to visit your dentist for a professional assessment.

Trauma

Physical impact in or around your mouth can cause dental trauma and dental emergencies. Dental trauma includes all injuries to the mouth, including teeth, lips, gums, tongue, and jawbones. Sports injuries, vehicular collisions, and personal accidents (like falling) are among the most common causes of dental trauma.

Dental bleeding may result directly from impact or lacerations caused by damaged teeth. Bleeding can occur from any of the following outcomes following an accident:

Chipped tooth

Tooth fractures, including root fractures, enamel fractures, etc.

Tooth knocked loose (subluxation)

Tooth jammed into the socket (intrusion)

Tooth knocked out (avulsion)

Fracture of the tooth socket wall

Jaw fracture

Lacerations of the lips

Lacerations of the gums

Lacerations of the tongue

Dental Surgery

Even a scheduled and prepared procedure can result in dental bleeding afterwards. It is very normal to experience bleeding after undergoing dental surgery. When the gum or a tooth is operated on, it’s important to expect bleeding for a time following the surgery and not to panic.

The following dental procedures commonly produce bleeding afterwards:

Wisdom tooth extraction

Emergency tooth extraction

Dental implant surgery

Deep cleaning and scaling

Gum surgery

HOW TO STOP THE BLEEDING

There are some effective ways to slow down bleeding at home following dental surgery or an accident. And there are some methods to try and prevent your gums from bleeding all the time. Certain lifestyle choices can also reduce dental bleeding and quell the flow.

Slow Down Bleeding Gums

The first step in preventing bleeding gums is practicing good oral hygiene. This means brushing correctly twice a day and flossing every day, as per Canadian Dental Association guidelines. It also means visiting your dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings.

These techniques can help slow down constantly bleeding gums:

Increase consumption of vitamin C and vitamin K, with foods like oranges, carrots, spinach, and kale.

Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide or saltwater to disinfect your mouth and manage inflammation.

Apply a cold compress to the gum line to reduce blood flow and swelling. Use a cold cloth or ice pack and apply pressure for 20 minutes on/20 minutes off throughout the day.

If the bleeding persists, it’s advised to return to your dentist for further evaluation.

After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure that many people get in their lifetime. Despite usually being a predictable, safe surgery, tooth extraction of any kind will often produce significant bleeding in the hours and days after an extraction.

Eventually, the bleeding should stop if you are following your dentist’s recommendations for recovery. Prolonged postoperative bleeding several days after surgery requires a follow-up appointment with your dentist. It takes some patience and commitment, but you should see a reduced blood flow by following these guidelines:

Place a pad of folded, moist gauze directly over the surgery site, moist gauze is less likely to disturb the blog clot upon removal. For wisdom tooth removal, this is at the very back of the mouth. Apply constant firm pressure for at least 20 minutes.

During periods of bleeding don’t change the gauze more than every 20 – 40 minutes. Once you can only see pink staining on the gauze pad, you can stop the process.

Remove gauze when you are eating, drinking, or sleeping. If bleeding persists at a later time, reapply gauze with pressure and contact your dentist.

Other Factors Affecting Dental Bleeding

Drinking alcohol during the recovery process can slow blood clotting in 2 ways. First, it can disrupt the actual clots forming at the site of surgery, meaning that bleeding will take longer to slow down. Secondly, alcohol is a natural blood thinner that makes it harder for your body to clot blood and slow down the bleeding.

Smoking tobacco, whether cigarettes, cigars, or vapes, will also make it more difficult to stop dental bleeding, the suction effect of inhaling can actually pull out the blood clot. The chemicals in tobacco can lead to infection where teeth have been removed and have shown to be a cause of serious gum disease. So avoid drinking and smoking, at least immediately, after dental surgery or dental trauma.

SLOW THE FLOW & RECOVER QUICKLY

We can’t help needing our wisdom teeth removed and don’t ever plan on a dental accident. But treating your dental bleeding with the right steps at home can help you recover quicker. Use gauze and cold compresses to diminish bleeding from the gums or tooth socket. And keep up good oral hygiene and healthy habits to make your recovery quicker. Dental bleeding should slow down as the hours and days pass by after a dental procedure. But don’t be afraid to consult your dentist when bleeding in your mouth just won’t seem to stop.

(07/16/2024)
by Southgate Dental Centre

More Information: https://southgatedentalcentre.com/how-to-stop-dental-bleeding/

Sore in Roof of Mouth: Causes And Solutions

Mouth ulcers are not uncommon but developing a sore on the roof of your mouth can still have you concerned. Nevertheless, the location of this oral sore has many possible sources, so you shouldn't immediately assume the worst. In fact, if you have a sore on the roof of your mouth tissue, you may have one of these four conditions:

1. Burns

Bumps on the roof of your mouth are sometimes just a burn, particularly after a hot meal. This phenomenon is known as "pizza palate" because fresh slices of pizza are usually the cause of irritation in this part of the mouth. However, pizza isn't the only food that can burn your mouth; any hot food can have this effect. Hot drinks, like coffee or tea, can lead to similar burns.

A burned palate usually heals by itself within three to seven days. To ease your discomfort in the meantime, stick to soft foods and cool drinks. If the pain is severe, your dentist may recommend using a product to ease the sensation in your sores and promote quicker healing. If the area is still sore after seven days, don't hesitate to see your dentist.

2. Canker Sores

Canker sores can always develop on the inside of your cheeks, but don't be surprised to feel them on the roof of your mouth as well. Canker sores are round, sensitive masses whose origins depend on the case. Researchers think these sores may be caused by problems with the immune system, and are therefore triggered through factors like stress, certain foods and hormonal changes.

Generally, people will get one to three canker sores per instance, but some may develop upwards of 10 or more sores at one time. These sores usually hurt for a little over a week, then disappear completely after two weeks. While you wait for your mouth to heal, you may benefit from eating bland foods to avoid irritating your sores. Of course, your dentist could also prescribe a pain-relieving gel for you to apply to your sores during the recovery process. If your sores haven't healed after these two weeks, they should be checked out by your dentist.

3. Cold Sores

Sores on the roof of your mouth – particularly those that don't dissipate right away – may ultimately be cold sores. A common growth caused by the herpes simplex virus, cold sores are usually found on the lips, but they can also be found on the hard palate. These sores present themselves as painful, fluid-filled blisters; the blisters later rupture and crust over as less-painful lesions.

Cold sores usually become crustier within four days of appearing and will heal completely after eight to 10 days. While they're healing, avoid touching or picking at them, just as you would for a scab. If the sores don't go away by themselves, as you know, your dentist is happy to help.

4. Oral Cancer

Although some of the sores that form on the roof of your mouth are harmless, not all of them are best left alone. Sores on the roof of your mouth can sometimes be a symptom of oral cancer. And if you have a sore on the roof of your mouth that hasn't healed after two weeks, you need to see your dentist as soon as you can for an evaluation. Oral cancer is most treatable when it's caught early, so it's important to bring suspicious sores to your dentist's attention right away.

If your dentist suspects a sore is cancerous, they will send you to an oral surgeon for an oral evaluation and perform a biopsy of the tissue. If cancer is found, treatment can start just as quickly. This treatment often involves surgically removing the cancerous sore, and afterward, radiation or chemotherapy to be sure it doesn't affect other cells.

If you develop a sore in roof of mouth tissue, there's no need to assume the cause is out of your control. These sores can have many drivers, ranging from harmless to the more invasive. Many of them go away on their own, but a sore on the roof of your mouth that doesn't heal within two weeks is the perfect reason to see your dentist for an evaluation – and a regular check-up.

(07/15/2024)
by Colgate

More Information: https://www.colgate.com/en-gb/oral-health/mouth-sores-and-infections/sore-in-roof-of-mouth-causes-1115

What Can Your Tongue Reveal About Your Health?

Don’t take your tongue for granted. The muscular organ that sits in your mouth and throat does a lot more than help you taste, speak, and swallow. It’s also both a protector and harbinger of health.

“It’s a very, very important organ,” says Alexander Kerr, DDS, MSD, director of oral medicine at the New York University College of Dentistry. “You can certainly tell a lot about a patient from their tongue.”

The tongue can be broken down into two parts. The tongue you see in your mouth, called the oral tongue, only makes up around one-third of the organ, Dr. Kerr explains. The bulk of the tongue, the body or anterior tongue, extends from the back of the mouth and down the throat. There is also a tonsil, called the lingual tonsil, that sits on the body of the tongue.

That anterior part of the tongue is actually part of the immune system.

“If you were to breathe in a virus like COVID, it interacts with those tonsils, and that’s how the body sets up the immune response,” Kerr says.

The color and texture of your tongue can indicate infections, vitamin deficiencies, and disease. Here are some common issues related to tongue health, as well as signs you may need to see an oral health specialist.

Black Tongue

There could be several reasons why your tongue is dark or even black. Often when this happens, your tongue will also appear to be hairy.

While it may sound pretty gross, a condition called black hairy tongue is actually harmless. Tiny hairlike structures on the tongue, called filiform papillae, hold onto the chemicals that tastebuds interpret as salty, sweet, sour, bitter, or umami, which can be described as savory. According to Kerr, a normal diet that includes coarse or crunchy foods naturally whittles down the filiform papillae, so most people don’t even notice them.

If they get too long, filiform papillae can collect bacteria, some of them pigmented. Drinking coffee or colorful fruit juice can also turn the bacteria tangled in the filiform papillae dark, Kerr says. Taking antibiotics can help abnormal bacteria flourish on the tongue, putting a person at higher risk of developing black hairy tongue, he adds.

If someone is a smoker, tar and tobacco can also stain filiform papillae, turning it dark or sometimes yellow. According to the Mayo Clinic, over-the-counter medicines that contain bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol, may also cause discoloring similar to black hairy tongue. A black tongue could indicate a fungal or viral infection, which should be diagnosed by an oral health specialist, dentist, or healthcare provider.

In rarer cases, a tongue that appears to be black and hairy can be a symptom of hairy leukoplakia, a condition associated with the Epstein-Barr virus, also known as human herpesvirus 4, which usually occurs in people who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), according to the National Library of Medicine.

“People can brush or scrape the top of their tongue if the hairs are long and they feel they need to, but a healthy coarse diet and not smoking should keep things stabilized,” Kerr says.

Smooth Tongue

According to Kerr, the tongue can reveal nutritional deficiencies, the most common being iron. If a person does not have enough iron, red blood cells can’t deliver blood to tissues around the body.

The tissue in the mouth in particular is always renewing itself, Kerr notes, but if a person is deficient in iron, some of those tissues don’t get replaced. Filiform papillae get whittled down in their normal way, but new cells don’t replace them.

“Sometimes the tongue can look bald, which may be indicative of some sort of anemia or iron deficiency,” Kerr says, adding that chronic dry mouth can also cause a bald-appearing tongue.

According to a review published in the Journal of the Formosan Medical Association, around 20 percent of people with reported atrophic glossitis, or a bald-like tongue, have anemia. More than 5 percent have a vitamin B12 deficiency.

A clinician can test for vitamin deficiencies, which can usually be corrected with supplements or diet changes.

White Patches

White patches on the tongue may indicate several conditions.

The most likely is a benign condition called geographic tongue, or migratory glossitis. It’s also sometimes called erythema migrans or annulus migrans. According to the Mayo Clinic, geographic tongue is a harmless inflammatory condition that causes patches of filiform papillae to disappear from the tongue, leaving a patchwork effect of white and red on the tongue.

“It’s this strange condition with lesions or spots that migrate around the tongue. Sometimes they disappear and come back, and sometimes they can cause a little soreness, but most times they don’t cause any discomfort,” explains Kerr, adding that the condition is fairly common.

An inflammatory condition called oral lichen planus, which affects the mouth’s mucous membranes can also cause lacy white patches, sores, or a swollen red tongue, according to the Mayo Clinic.

A thick white coating on the tongue and throat can indicate an oral candida, or yeast infection, also called oral thrush, according to the National Library of Medicine. It’s one of the most common side effects of cancer treatments. Wearing dentures, living with diabetes, and taking certain medications (such as antibiotics or steroids) can also increase a person’s risk. Living with HIV puts a person at higher risk of developing oral thrush as well. While improving oral health can improve many conditions that impact the tongue, oral thrush is treated with oral or topical antifungals, usually for one to two weeks.

White or Red Spots or Lesions

Noncancerous issues are much more common than cancers, Kerr says, but tongue cancer can happen, and deadly cases are rising.

According to the American Cancer Society, the death rate for mouth and throat cancers increased by nearly 0.5 percent every year from 2009 through 2020, after decades of decline. This was mostly driven by an increase in deaths from oropharyngeal cancer, a type of head and neck cancer that develops in the oropharynx, which can impact the back part of the tongue.

According to Kerr, tongue cancers are more likely to occur on the side or underside of the oral tongue, whereas the part of the tongue that sits where the throat meets the mouth is at higher risk of oropharyngeal cancer. The types of cancer that impact the back of the tongue are usually caused by the human papillomavirus.

Tongue cancer usually appears as a white patch, red patch, or red and white patch, or as a sore or growth, he notes. The important difference between cancer and a lesion caused by a sharp tooth or food is that a cancer spot typically gets bigger over the course of months or even years, Kerr says. It’s also usually a solitary spot.

“Most things you see on your tongue are benign. The tongue gets rubbed on a sharp tooth or bitten or burned, and that will usually heal over time,” Kerr explains, noting that if a sore on the tongue hasn’t healed in two weeks, you should go see your healthcare provider to make sure it’s nothing to worry about — plenty of tumors are benign, but catching any cancer early is paramount to good outcomes.

“Tongue cancer is pretty serious. As tongue cancers progress, they can spread into the lymph nodes in the neck,” he adds.

Oral herpes can also cause sores or lesions on the tongue. According to a paper published in Malaysian Family Physician, sores on the tongue caused by the herpes simplex virus are ulcers that have a white or mixed white and red appearance. The ulcers can be painful, and they occur often; outbreaks can be managed with oral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir.

Yellow Tongue

A yellow tongue can be caused by smoking or by something a person ate, but it can also indicate an underlying health issue.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a yellow tongue could also be a symptom of gastritis, a condition that causes inflammation in the stomach lining and side effects such as acid reflux. Like black hairy tongue, a yellow tongue can also be caused by the buildup of filiform papillae, bacteria, and skin cells on the tongue that give it a hairy appearance and trap things like tobacco smoke and pigmented foods and beverages.

If an underlying issue isn’t at the root of any tongue problems you have, practicing good oral hygiene — brushing your teeth, flossing, scraping your tongue if you feel you need to — should keep your mouth, and tongue, healthy, Kerr says.

(07/15/2024)
by Everyday Health, Inc

More Information: https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/what-can-your-tongue-reveal-about-your-health/

How can bacteria in your calculus cause you general health issues?

Dental plaque is a known risk factor for developing gingivitis and other general health issues. However, when plaque build-up in your mouth, it can turn into an even greater threat to your dental and overall health, known as calculus. Calculus creates a conducive environment for dental bacteria, and its action can pose a severe threat to your general health.

Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the risk of developing these dental bacteria-related health problems. One of the most effective methods is a regular scale and clean. In this blog post, we will discuss how bacteria in your calculus can cause you general health issues and how regular scale and clean can help avoid those issues.

What is Calculus?

First things first, it is important to understand what calculus is before discussing some of its negative effects on general health. Simply stated, calculus is calcified bacterial plaque that forms on the teeth’ enamel and below the gum line. Calculus cannot be removed by normal brushing and flossing. One will need to see the dentist for its removal.

How can bacteria in your calculus cause you general health issues?

• Stroke

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death globally. It is caused by a number of factors, including high blood pressure, cholesterol, and age. However, one of the most important risk factors for stroke is dental bacteria.Dental bacteria can damage arteries in your neck and brain. They can also cause inflammation, which can lead to artery blockages.

• Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia and across the world. There are several factors that can heighten your risk of developing heart disease, including smoking, being overweight, and having high cholesterol levels. Dental bacteria can also play a role in increasing your risk for heart disease.

It can cause inflammation and infection in the heart. Inflammation can lead to atherosclerosis, which is a plaque build-up on the inside of arteries. A build-up of plaque can block blood flow to and from the heart and cause a heart attack.

• Respiratory Illnesses

The bacteria on calculus can easily travel from the mouth to the lungs aggravating the respiratory system. This can lead to complications such as infection, pneumonia, and bronchitis.

• Pregnancy Complications

There are a number of pregnancy complications that can be caused by dental bacteria. These can include pre-term birth, low birth weight, and even stillbirth. In some cases, the infection can go ahead and spread to the baby’s brain and cause serious problems. If you’re pregnant, it’s vital to talk to your dentist about your risk factors for dental bacterial infections and how to protect yourself from them.

How regular scale and clean can help avoid general health issues?Oral health is a vital part of life, and it’s important to ensure your teeth are healthy. Everyone should practice brushing and flossing daily. However, apart from brushing and flossing on a daily basis, it is vital to have a scale and clean at least twice a year. It helps remove plaque and calculus and thus prevents severe general health issues, as discussed above.

Here are some of the benefits of Scale and Clean:

• Plaque Removal

Professional dental scales and cleaning can help to remove plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other general health problems. It also helps to restore your teeth’s natural color and clarity. It is quite difficult to remove plaque from your mouth, and that is why you need a dental scale and clean.

• Calculus Removal

Unlike plaque, calculus is hard and cannot be removed by brushing and flossing at all. You will require a dental scale and clean to remove it. The dentist has special dental tools that can reach every nook and cranny of your teeth and remove plaque. When you leave calculus to sit on your teeth and below the gum line, it means you are giving bacteria a chance to thrive. And apart from these bacteria ruining your smile, they might also bring you some general health complications.

• Protects Your General Health

Professional dental scaling and cleaning can help protect your overall health. Removing harmful bacteria and debris from your teeth and gums can help reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other general health issues.

Bottom Line

There you have it; dental hygiene is a very important part of your life. Poor dental hygiene can lead to calculus formation, which in turn can damage your oral and general health. Therefore, it is important to visit your dental professional at least twice a year for a dental scale and cleaning.

(07/14/2024)
by Springvale Dental Clinic

More Information: N

What Are the Signs Of Poor Oral Hygiene?

To avoid dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, oral hygiene involves keeping the teeth, gums, and mouth clean. It includes flossing, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and getting regular dental exams. In addition to maintaining a radiant smile, good dental care is essential for general health. Poor oral hygiene directly impacts heart health, diabetes, and other systemic disorders. Practicing good hygiene lowers the chance of developing significant oral disorders by preventing bacterial growth and plaque buildup.

It enhances self-confidence, promotes digestion, and supports a healthier lifestyle, emphasizing the crucial link between oral hygiene and overall well-being.

Signs of poor oral hygiene

1. Bad breath (halitosis): Persistent foul breath often indicates the presence of bacteria due to inadequate oral hygiene, causing an unpleasant odor.

2. Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis): Swollen, bleeding gums or gum recession are signs of gum disease resulting from poor oral hygiene practices.

3. Tooth decay: Visible cavities, tooth sensitivity, or toothaches indicate decay due to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria from poor oral care.

4. Plaque and tartar buildup: Yellowish or brownish deposits on teeth, along the gum line, or between teeth signify inadequate plaque removal, leading to tartar formation.

5. Oral infections or sores: The development of mouth sores, ulcers, or infections may occur due to compromised oral hygiene, making the mouth susceptible to bacterial or viral invasion.

Causes

1. Inadequate brushing and flossing: Irregular or improper brushing and flossing techniques can accumulate plaque and bacteria, contributing to poor oral health.

2. Unhealthy diet: High consumption of sugary, acidic foods and beverages without proper oral care afterward can promote bacterial growth, leading to dental issues.

3. Avoidance of regular dental check-ups: Neglecting routine dental visits prevents early detection of oral problems and professional cleaning, worsening oral health over time.

4. Tobacco use: Smoking or using tobacco products increases the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancers, significantly impacting oral hygiene.

5. Lack of awareness and education: Insufficient knowledge about the importance of oral hygiene and its practices can result in neglect or improper care of teeth and gums.

The effects of poor oral hygiene on overall health

1. Cardiovascular complications: Poor oral hygiene has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart disease and stroke due to the spread of oral bacteria, leading to inflammation and potential blockages in blood vessels.

2. Diabetes complications: Individuals with poor oral health may experience difficulties in controlling blood sugar levels, as gum disease can make it harder to manage diabetes and may contribute to insulin resistance.

3. Respiratory issues: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing respiratory infections, pneumonia, or aggravating existing conditions, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.

4. Pregnancy complications: Periodontal disease has been associated with premature birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia, highlighting the impact of poor oral hygiene on maternal and fetal health during pregnancy.

5. Systemic diseases: Studies suggest a link between poor oral health and other systemic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, and digestive disorders, indicating that oral health can influence overall systemic well-being.

Tips for maintaining good oral hygiene

1. Proper brushing technique: Brush teeth twice daily using a fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes, ensuring gentle circular motions to clean all tooth surfaces effectively.

2. Flossing daily: Clean between teeth and along the gum line using dental floss or interdental brushes to remove plaque and food particles that brushing alone may not reach.

3. Balanced diet: Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages, choosing a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy to support healthy teeth and gums.

4. Regular dental check-ups: Schedule routine visits to a dentist every six months for professional cleanings, examinations, and early detection of any potential oral health issues.

5. Avoid tobacco products: Quit smoking or using tobacco, as it significantly reduces the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancers and promotes better overall oral health.

Conclusion

Keeping your mouth clean is essential to your general health. Individuals can prevent oral issues by following proper brushing and flossing and having a balanced diet.

(07/13/2024)
by DNA Dental Studio

More Information: https://www.dnadentalstudio.com/what-are-the-signs-of-poor-oral-hygiene/

Could You Be Overbrushing Your Teeth?

You understand the importance of good oral hygiene and brush and floss diligently. But is it possible to be too diligent in your toothbrushing? Orthodontists say it is!

Excessive tooth brushing, or overbrushing, can actually cause damage to your teeth and gums. What is overbrushing and what kind of damage can it cause? Is there something you can do about it? Our article will answer these important questions for you.

The serious effects of overbrushing

Brushing regularly is vital for healthy teeth and gums, but dental experts warn that you can overdo a good thing. Known as “toothbrush abrasion,” overbrushing can lead to sensitive teeth and receding gums.

When you brush too hard, you can wear down the outer layer of your teeth. Lost enamel means less protective coating for your teeth, which can cause your teeth to become sensitive to hot and cold. Brushing hard also damages tender gum tissue and can eventually cause it to recede, exposing sensitive tooth roots and leaving them vulnerable to periodontal disease and decay.

Those most at risk for tooth or gum damage from overbrushing are those who brush too vigorously using medium- or hard-bristled toothbrushes. What are some signs to look for that may indicate you are overbrushing?

Splayed bristles on your toothbrush

Swollen or red gums after brushing

Bleeding gums

Gum recession

So, how can you clean your teeth and gums effectively without damaging them?

How should you brush your teeth?

The aim of brushing your teeth is to remove plaque, the white sticky material which causes decay. To remove plaque, it’s good brushing technique that matters most, rather than brushing hard.

Gently brushing the tooth surface in a circular motion is the ideal way to clean enamel and remove plaque. Electric toothbrushes use this circular motion very effectively and are a good option if you are having trouble brushing correctly with a standard toothbrush. What is a good brushing technique? Here are the recommended steps to follow:

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and aim at the gum line.

Brush in a circular motion, not in a back and forth sawing motion.

Apply just enough pressure to feel the bristles against the gums.

Brush for two minutes – 30 seconds per quadrant.

How often should you brush? Brushing two to three times a day is ideal. If you can brush once after every meal – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – you will help prevent the growth of bacteria. But, and this is very important, wait an hour after each meal: Brushing too soon can also cause damage to the enamel of your teeth.

Tip: Toothbrush bristles break down with use and become frayed, which can damage tender gum tissue. Remember to replace your toothbrush or brush head every three months. An easy way to remember is to change your toothbrush with the change in seasons and buy brushes or brush heads in four-packs.

Lighten up!

Overbrushing is a wide-spread problem, but it can be corrected! If you’ve noticed that your gums have receded, or your teeth have become sensitive to hot or cold, contact your orthodontist right away. Otherwise, follow the tips we mentioned above and immediately make any needed adjustments to your brushing technique to enjoy a clean and healthy smile!

(07/12/2024)
by Zuroff Orthodontic Care

More Information: https://www.zurofforthodontics.com/blog/overbrushing-your-teeth/

Does Natural Oral Care Actually Work?

Natural oral care has been having a moment of late. With many consumers wary of the myriad chemicals we either put into our body or absorb unknowingly on a daily basis, the category is really taking the spotlight. The question is, ‘does natural oral care actually work’?

I recently chatted with celebrity cosmetic dentist, Dr Gamer Verdian from Dental Lounge Sydney and the co-founder of Dental 99 for his take on the topic. And then, went and tested some top brands for good measure!

Is Natural Oral Care Effective As Mainstream Care?

The key is whether it has fluoride. If it does, then the answer is yes. We have seen quite a few instances of people switching over to natural oral care (without fluoride) and having a dramatic increase with oral health issues such as decaying teeth and gingivitis. The fluoride is the most active ingredient in traditional toothpastes that has not had a match yet in the natural toothpaste department. There are some brands out there that do have fluoride, so they are a good option.

What Should I Look For In A Natural Toothpaste?

A natural toothpaste is generally made without chemical ingredients like SLS, dyes, preservatives or artificial flavourings. Don’t forget to choose one with fluoride as the main ingredient.

Is There Any Evidence That Activated Charcoal Dental Hygiene Products Actually Work?

There is evidence that it does have a very minimal effect, particularly in the abrasive properties of the of the charcoal that remove surface stains. However, if used long-term it can cause unnecessary surface wear.

What If I Choose To Go Without Fluoride In My Toothpaste? What Risks Am I Facing? How Can I Supplement To Circumvent These Risks?

In my opinion, there is too high a risk to go down this path. Fluoride has been a huge part of the improvement in the oral health of our populations that have access to it in their water supply and via oral health products. I have personally seen a rather high number of patients who have had a dramatic turn in their oral health journey just by making this change alone. When trying one of the new products, ask your dentist first so they can help monitor your progress and advise if there are any changes sooner rather than later.

Whether you choose to go fluoride-free or not is totally that – your choice. However, as Dr Gamer advises, it is wise to have a lengthy discussion with your oral health practitioner before you begin your journey in natural oral care.

In the meantime, here are a few products I’ve trialled and tested, and my experience with them.

Keeko Super Clean Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

What I love about this product is that it is vegan, Plastic Neutral Certified and comes in a recyclable tube. I also really loved the taste and feel of it in my mouth. I did feel as though my teeth appeared whiter and brighter after using up the entire tube and the flavour was fresh and minty. It does contain activated charcoal, which will leave your sink with black spills. I quite like this though, as it means I can easily spot and clean up the mess before it turns to hard slugs of old paste on the porcelain (which is always a risk with white on white!). It is fluoride free (so chat with your dentist prior to long-term use).

Grants Natural Toothpaste

In terms of natural oral care, this has to be one of the broadest selections you can find. there are over 15 variants. My fave flavour (and one I’ve used for quite a few years) is the Mild Mint. It’s refreshing, leaves my mouth feeling super clean and my teeth beautifully polished. This variant contains no fluoride, but has lots of healing ingredients like organic aloe vVera, which soothes teeth and gums, and natural herbs for gentle oral care and fresh breath. I also love that it’s certified vegan and Aussie made and owned. Bonus: it’s ideal if you have sensitive gums or mouth ulcers. Note that Grants does have two natural toothpastes with fluoride.

Grants Minty Fresh Natural Mouthwash

I literally couldn’t get enough of this tasty gargle, going through the bottle in less than a week. Its clean, cooling flavour and cleansing effect made my mouth feel so fresh after each use (which for me was after every meal and sometimes when I woke through the night). While it’s fluoride-free, it does contain Xylitol, which has been clinically proven to inhibit the growth of cavity-promoting bacteria. These bacteria can’t use Xylitol to grow. It also contains natural cleansing herbs like eucalyptus, cardamom and rosemary, which only add to the yummy taste. And, it doesn’t contain alcohol. Again, it’s certified vegan and Aussie made and owned.

Hello Natural Toothpaste

With a huge range of flavours and options, both with fluoride and without, this range makes natural oral care super fun. Choose from Whitening Charcoal, Strawberry, Tea Tree Oil and more. There’s even a fun Unicorn Sparkle variety that kids will love to use. I tested both the Whitening pastes – Goodbye Plaque, Hello Whitening and Activated Charcoal. I really loved them both and did find my teeth dazzled quite a bit after a month or so of use!

Hello Activated Charcoal Freshening Mouthwash

You’re going to want a black sink here, but again, I find that a bonus for as it makes the bathroom vanity so much easier to clean (you can actually see the spots and quickly whisk them away). This tastes great and really refreshes. My tongue felt less fuzzy and my breath was fresh all day (at least nobody told me otherwise!). Alcohol and fluoride-free, it relies on activated charcoal from bamboo, which makes it pretty sustainable, and it has a moisturising effect on the mouth.

Hello Goodbye Plaque, Hello Whitening Toothpaste Tablets

These little drops of genius are perfect for travellers, with a small tin of 60 tabs easily fitting in to your carry on luggage. You could (and should) even carry them in your bag each day. They’re perfect for your regular clean, or if you’re caught in-between cleans and needs to freshen up. Simply pop one in your mouth, chew and brush. Even if you don’t have your toothbrush with you, you can chew one, swirl it around in your mouth with water and get instant freshness. The tin is plastic free and recyclable and you can even buy refills for it, which is an added bonus for the environment.

ROCC Natural Toothpaste

This innovative, natural, vitamin enriched oral care brand comes with sustainable packaging and biodegradable tubes, helping to halt the problem of the 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes that enter landfill each year (and live there for 500+ years!). ROCC Naturals tubes break down in as little as six years, without breaking into micro-plastics which can harm ocean and aquatic life. I tried all three variants – Fluoride Whitening with Minerals, River Mint and green tea and Vitamin B12 Mint + Coconut Oil. I was super impressed by each. They tick every box for taste, mouth freshness and brightening. With naturally derived ingredients, they’re gluten-free, cruelty-free and vegan.

(07/12/2024)
by Bella Media Group

More Information: https://cosbeauty.com.au/health/diet-fitness/does-natural-oral-care-actually-work/

Three Surprising Causes Of Bad Breath

Rumor has it that the Queen of England doesn’t allow garlic in the palace. And, even if you have no royal duties in the near future, it might be a good idea to avoid foods like garlic and onion before a big presentation or a first date. But if your diet is filled with mint, fresh apples, and parsley and you still worry about your breath, here are some common causes for bad breath that you might not have considered.

A Slip of the Tongue

We brush and floss to remove food particles and bacteria. After all, bacteria that linger in the mouth produce acids that damage tooth enamel and cause bad breath. But there is one important brushing target you might be overlooking—your tongue.

Remove food particles and bacteria on the surface of the tongue with a gentle brushing after you have finished cleaning your teeth. With a dab of toothpaste, brush the top of your tongue gently from back to front. There are also tools called tongue scrapers available that are specifically designed to remove food particles and bacteria from the tongue’s surface. However you choose to clean your tongue, remember to move from the back to the front, and always clean gently.

A Dry Spell

We spend the vast majority of our day not brushing our teeth. What helps keep breath fresh even during the hours between brushings? Saliva! As saliva bathes the teeth throughout the day, it not only washes away food particles and bacteria, but also neutralizes the enamel-damaging acids that are produced by bacteria. Yet another benefit? Saliva is not a friendly environment for the oral bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). It is these compounds that cause most of the unpleasant odors we know as bad breath.

If you are drinking the recommended amount of water each day, you are helping your body produce saliva and fight bad breath. Sometimes, a medical condition called dry mouth, or xerostomia, interferes with saliva production. Talk to Dr. Bates about ways to deal with dry mouth. Solutions as simple as drinking more fluids or chewing sugarless gum can help, or we can suggest over-the-counter products or prescription medications if needed.

A Bad Night’s Sleep

We’re all familiar with the concept of morning breath. As we sleep, our saliva production naturally decreases. It’s like a nightly version of dry mouth. Without normal levels of saliva, bacterial growth takes off, VSC’s are produced in greater quantities, and we wake up wondering what on earth happened to that fresh feeling we had after brushing the night before.

Unfortunately for snorers, nighttime brings more problems. Snoring leads to mouth breathing, and mouth breathing creates an even drier environment where oral bacteria increase more quickly. If you find you are consistently waking up with an especially unpleasant case of morning breath, you could be a chronic snorer without even realizing it. If you discover or suspect you have a snoring problem, talk to Dr. Bates or your GP. Snoring can have serious health consequences, so let’s discuss possible solutions.

One important note to end on: if you have eliminated all the obvious causes of halitosis but still have persistent bad breath, give our Colonial Heights office a call. Chronic bad breath can be a symptom of serious gum disease, oral infections, illnesses such as diabetes or kidney disease, and other medical conditions that should be treated as soon as possible. If the topic is bad breath, let’s make sure garlic is the only thing you have to worry about.

(07/11/2024)
by Richard W Bates, DDS

More Information: https://www.richardwbatesdds.com/blog/2020/12/three-surprising-causes-of-bad-breath

Mouth Issues That Can Scare You Stiff

Blood Blisters in Mouth

Lichen Planus

Aphthous Ulcers

Females tend to get canker sores more often, but we are all susceptible to getting one. Stress is a major causing factor when it comes to canker sores.

Oral Thrush

Black Hairy Tongue

Amalgam Tattoos

Leukoplakia

Keep Your Mouth in Tip-Top Shape

(07/11/2024)
by Dejesus Dental

More Information: N

How Long does a Root Canal Take to Heal?

Don’t we often hear absurd things like; a root canal is painful or that pulling a tooth is better than getting a root canal? One answer to all these questions - NO!

A root canal is a simple procedure twisted into different things that aren’t even real. Neither it’s painful, nor does it cause illness. As far as the longevity of the procedure is concerned, it takes 30 to 60 minutes on average, which could be flexible depending on the case.

Below are all the details regarding ‘how long does a root canal take’, ‘what the procedure entails’, and ‘how long is the recovery period’.

What Exactly is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a soft pulp-containing chamber that accommodates nerves and blood vessels inside a tooth. This soft chamber connects your bones and gums to your tooth.

Every tooth has its own canal, and each contains one or sometimes more than one.

What is a Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal is a dental procedure that is done to treat infected or inflamed canals in a tooth. The process entails removing the soft chamber (dental pulp) inside the tooth, followed by cleaning, disinfecting, and filling it with an adhesive called gutta-percha to seal the void.

When is a Root Canal Needed?

As said earlier, when a root canal becomes infected, leading to tooth abscesses, a root canal procedure becomes imperative to relieve the pain. The infection usually roots from an untreated cavity, or damaged or cracked tooth due to trauma.

When do you Know you Need a Root Canal Treatment?

Very few people could know in their early stages that they need a root canal treatment. However, some widespread symptoms to know for a root canal include:

Persistent Deep Pain in the Tooth

While tooth pain is common in dental conditions, those who need a root canal may feel deep pain inside the tooth that doesn’t go away. The discomfort may also extend to their jaw and surrounding teeth.

Tooth Sensitivity

If you feel sensitivity to hot and cold foods, it could mean that you may need a root canal treatment. Root canal pain usually lingers longer than a few seconds.

Swollen Jaw and Gums

When a tooth is infected, it develops puss in the area, which leads to puffiness and swelling. When the puss starts to accumulate in the jaw as well, it becomes visibly swollen, indicating that you need a root canal treatment.

Boil on the Gums

Pimple or boil on the gums is another common symptom of tooth infection. The pus that accumulates drains from the boil, causing a weird taste in the mouth.

Tooth Discoloration

A tooth, when infected, appears darker due to poor or no blood supply. Hence, giving off another sign of a bacterial infection.

Pain while chewing

When the nerves inside the pulp of the tooth get damaged, they hurt when pressure is applied to them while chewing.

Dental Injury

If you have a chipped or cracked tooth due to a trauma or sports injury, you may require a root canal as bacteria can reach all the way inside the tooth to infect the pulp.

What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?

To make it easier for you to understand, we have broken down the entire process in 3 stages. Let’s check what each stage looks like:

Stage 1 - Evaluation and initial cleaning

The first stage of the procedure involves a deep evaluation of the tooth to determine the severity of the case, followed by cleaning to stop the infection from spreading.

Next, the dentist will numb the infected area and draw a small incision near the gums on the top of the tooth to clean and disinfect the canal using medications.

Finally, the dentist will fill the hollow with a temporary filling before hopping on to the next stage of the treatment.

Stage 2 - Deep cleaning and medications

The next stage can come on the same day or 1 to 2 weeks after the first stage, depending on your decision or what the dentist suggests.

This time, the dentist will perform a more thorough cleaning to clear the remaining bacteria, followed by taking an x-ray to determine the length of the canal and learn if it is cleaned completely.

The dentist will also apply medication to the treated area at this stage.

Stage 3 - Filling the canal

Once the root canal is all-cleaned up, and the symptoms have vanished, it’s time to fill it up with a dental filling. A filling is typically applied after 4 to 6 weeks of the second stage.

Root canal filling involves particular rubber points placed into the canal before it is sealed and protected. Also, depending on your case, the dentist will apply temporary or permanent filling to complete the procedure.

How Long Does it Take to have a Root Canal?

The length of the procedure depends on two things: the number of canals a tooth has and the severity of the infection.

Normally a root canal procedure takes 30 to 90 minutes to complete. Here is a quick rundown of the time duration for each tooth:

Canines Incisors (Front Teeth)

Since these teeth contain only one root, their treatment can be completed in 45 to 60 minutes.

Pre-molars (cupids)

These teeth locate between the front teeth and molars and usually contain 1 to 2 canals, so their treatment takes about 60 minutes.

Molars (Back Teeth)

These locate at the very back end of the mouth and contain 4 canals. They are treated in approximately 90 minutes.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take to Heal?

Every dental treatment has a specified recovery time, and so has the root canal procedure. While the healing period depends from person to person, it generally takes around 7 to 10 days for a root canal to heal. Slight discomfort is normal during the healing period and can be managed using over-the-counter medications.

How Long Do you Have to Wait to Eat After a Root canal?

While 30 to 45 minutes are good enough to harden your temporary filling, most dentists recommend avoiding eating until the anesthetic has worn off.

What not to Do After a Root Canal?

Avoid having extremely hot and cold beverages and food that can irritate the nerves.

Avoid consuming sticky and chewy foods, including caramel and sugary candies.

Avoid hard foods like nuts, pretzels, tortilla chips, etc.

How Can I Speed up my Root Canal Recovery?

Avoid carbonated beverages

Elevate your head with an extra pillow as you sleep

Quit smoking

Have plenty of non-sugary fluids

Avoid hot and cold foods

Take pain relievers

Conclusion

Generally, a root canal is a relatively simple and painless procedure and can take a maximum of two sitting to get completed. However, the length and sessions of the procedure may vary depending on how many teeth need therapy and the severity of the infection.

(07/10/2024)
by Franlin Dental

More Information: https://franklindental-supply.com/blogs/news/how-long-does-a-root-canal-take-to-heal

What Is the Influence of Your Lifestyle on Your Teeth and Gums?

We frequently believe that leading a healthy lifestyle entails eating a balanced diet and getting as much exercise as possible.

Although both are essential for good health, we frequently overlook the importance of oral health and how it affects our entire health. Oral diseases can have a severe impact on both our general health and our oral health.

To maintain your mouth in good health, you’ll need more than a toothbrush and floss. Genetics and systemic disorders are all factors that can affect how well your smile endures over time.

However, your daily behaviors might significantly impact your oral health. If your dental health is a concern, these easy lifestyle modifications can have a good impact on both your mouth and your overall health.

1. It Is Important to Maintain a Healthy Diet

A balanced diet is vital for overall health, but did you know that it also affects your teeth? It is critical to consume a variety of vegetables and fruits and wholegrain versions of starchy meals such as pasta, potatoes, and bread.

Beans, fish, meat, eggs, and some dairy should all be included as sources of protein. To keep teeth and gums healthy, one should avoid fat and sugar as much as possible. The vitamins and minerals found in these foods help to maintain dental health.

2. Restrict Tobacco Consumption

Tobacco Cigarettes and chewing tobacco use can negatively damage your oral health. According to a study, smoking may be responsible for 38.5 percent of gum disease progression. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, severe pain, and systemic health issues if left untreated.

Tobacco usage can make your mouth dry, leading to tooth decay. It also discolors teeth and impairs taste and smell. Many smokers are entirely unaware of their foul breath! Tobacco, including cigarettes and other kinds of tobacco, is one of the most common causes of mouth cancer.

3. Limit Your Sugar Intake

Sugar is the most common cause of tooth decay. Bacteria in your mouth convert sugar to acids, which erode your teeth. Acids eat away at the surface of a tooth, eroding the enamel, weakening the tooth, and producing decay in the form of holes or cavities over time.

Worst of all, sugar is found in practically everything! As a result, it’s critical to study food labels and determine the specific contents of products; you might be shocked. The primary sugar sources are fizzy beverages/soft drinks, sports drinks, fruit juices, flavored milk, energy drinks, and some processed meals.

As a general rule, make sure you know what you’re eating: limit soft drinks, sip through a straw if at all feasible, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash regularly.

4. Improve Your Brushing Habits

Inconsistent brushing practices can result in a wide range of oral health issues, including poor breath, mouth infections, cavities, tooth loosening, and more.

The PH of the oral cavity decreases after eating, activating harmful bacteria and putting oral health at risk. As a result, brushing or rinsing after meals is always recommended.

Brushing twice a day and using mouthwash afterward can help reduce plaque buildup on teeth. Plaque serves as an attachment platform for bacteria and a possible harmful location.

Tongue washing should be a part of our daily brushing routine to prevent the risk of diseases such as candidiasis, hairy tongue, halitosis, and others.

5. Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months

A dental visit is divided into two sections. As part of a standard checkup, the dentist will examine your whole oral condition, including your teeth, gums, and tongue. To obtain a better understanding of what’s going on within your mouth, they’ll take X-rays.

The dentist will then clean your teeth using various equipment such as scrapers and small mirrors to remove any plaque or tartar buildup. The dentist will provide you with a treatment plan and make appointments in case you need to wear any ortho appliances.

6. Consume a Lot of Water

Water, particularly fluoridated water, can aid in oral health. Drinking water helps wash away the germs and acid that cause tooth decay in your mouth. It also keeps your mouth moist, which prevents bacteria from forming.

If you want to reap even more benefits, rinse your mouth with water after each meal, particularly after eating sweet meals. This will aid in the removal of sugary food particles from your mouth, which can promote tooth decay.

When it comes to maintaining your teeth and gums, excellent dental hygiene is only the first step; you should also avoid cigarettes, get plenty of rest, stay active, and eat healthy meals to keep your smile in good shape.

(07/10/2024)
by Love Life Eat

More Information: https://lovelifeeat.com/what-is-the-influence-of-your-lifestyle-on-your-teeth-and-gums/

How bacteria’s in your calculus can cause you general health issues?

What is Calculus?

How can bacteria in your calculus cause you general health issues?

• Stroke

• Heart Disease

• Respiratory Illnesses

The bacteria on calculus can easily travel from the mouth to the lungs aggravating the respiratory system. This can lead to complications such as infection, pneumonia, and bronchitis.

• Pregnancy Complications

Here are some of the benefits of Scale and Clean:

• Plaque Removal

• Calculus Removal

• Protects Your General Health

Bottom Line

(07/09/2024)
by Springvale Dental Clinic

More Information: https://www.springvaledental.com.au/blog/how-bacteria-in-your-calculus-affects-your-general-health/

Is The Sore On Your Tongue Serious?

A sore on your tongue can be a real nuisance. Some causes of mouth sores can include the foods you eat, certain medications, broken teeth and some medical conditions. If you’re wondering ‘Why do I keep getting mouth ulcers?’, read on for more information on the types of mouth ulcers, mouth ulcer causes and the best tongue ulcer treatment methods.

Mouth Ulcer

Mouth ulcers, or canker sores, can appear on the gums, roof of the mouth, cheeks and tongue. According to the National Health Service (NHS), you may develop a mouth, cheek or tongue ulcer from biting the inside of your mouth. Genetics, stress, broken teeth, spicy and acidic foods or a burnt tongue may lead to mouth ulcers. Make sure you're getting enough vitamin B12, zinc and iron in your diet because a tongue ulcer may develop when you lack these nutrients. This type of sore on your tongue typically goes away on its own within two weeks. You may want to rinse your mouth with a mouthwash for ulcers to soothe the sore and reduce irritation.

People often wonder ‘Are ulcers contagious?’ – but you’ll be relieved to know they’re not. However, it’s worth noting that recurrent mouth ulcers are thought to be hereditary as up to 40% of people who experience them report it runs in their family, as noted by NI Direct. So, if you get this type of sore regularly, your children are likely to get them too. Limit the acidic or rough-textured foods that you or your child eats – and note, that mouth ulcers occur more often in women. If the problem is recurring, consult your doctor about the medications you take or the food you eat that may lead to frequent mouth ulcers.

Cold Sore

A sore on your lip may be a cold sore and shouldn’t be confused with a mouth or tongue ulcer. According to the NHS, this type of sore is caused by the contagious herpes virus HSV-1. Once caught, the virus lives inside your body for years, and certain triggers can activate it, causing a cold sore to develop. Triggers for the disease include illness, hormonal changes, stress and sunburn. Cold sores usually go away on their own within two weeks. Over-the-counter treatments are available to help the cold sore disappear more quickly.

You or your child can contract a cold sore from touching something that the virus has contaminated, such as a towel, toothbrush or eating utensils. Ensure that you wash your hands frequently; touching a cold sore may cause it to spread to other areas. Eating ice pops, rinsing with salt water and taking pain relievers can help you feel better until the sore goes away.

Oral Lichen Planus

Another oral condition not to be confused with a tongue ulcer is Lichen Planus. Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition, and those who have it will most likely experience symptoms on the legs and arms. However, lichen planus has the potential to affect your mouth and tongue as well, according to the NHS. Lichen Planus can look like white patches on your tongue or the inside of your cheeks and may feel tender or itchy. The cause of this condition is unknown, but an allergic reaction or infection may be a factor. Visit your doctor for medication, they may also prescribe light therapy to treat it.

At Home Treatment Options

A tongue ulcer will usually heal itself in around a week, however, there are a few things you can try to speed up the healing process. Visit your chemist for an anaesthetic gel or cream that contains lidocaine – these can help with pain and inflammation. You can also try using a mouthwash for ulcers that contains hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine and no alcohol. Rinsing your mouth with this solution can help to heal the sore faster.

If you’d prefer to try some natural at-home treatment methods, we’ve listed some for you here, however, be mindful that these methods aren’t scientifically backed and may not be effective or suitable for everyone.

Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.

Rinse your mouth with a solution made from water and baking soda for 15-30 seconds.

Eat natural yoghurt.

Apply manuka honey directly onto the sore – don’t use this method for infants under 12 months.

Apply coconut oil to the sore several times a day until it clears.

Use a cool or warm chamomile tea bag as a compress on your tongue sore.

These are just a few of the methods you can try for tongue ulcer treatment, they may help with the pain and speed up your healing time!

Consult with a Healthcare Professional

Consult with a healthcare provider if a tongue ulcer lasts longer than two weeks or if you experience a skin rash, fever, difficulty swallowing or drooling in addition to the sore. If you find a tongue ulcer, lesion or lump, and if the development of the sore coincides with the start of a new medication or if the sore is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a strange taste in your mouth, difficulty swallowing or deep cracks within the tissue of the sore, seek treatment from a medical professional. A persistent sore could be an indication of a more serious condition.

A tongue ulcer is usually nothing to worry about, however, it’s always worth getting anything unusual checked by your dentist, this will help to put your mind at ease and get treatment as soon as possible.

(07/09/2024)
by Colgate

More Information: https://www.colgate.com/en-gb/oral-health/mouth-sores-and-infections/is-the-sore-on-your-tongue-serious-0214

Skipping Tooth Brushing At Night Could Increase Your Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease

If you prefer to just brush your teeth first thing in the morning or leave the toothbrush entirely untouched on a busy day, a new study may prompt you to think twice.

The study findings stressed that while a brushing session before breakfast is necessary, brushing teeth before bed time is even more important to prevent cardiovascular problems.

The research team looked at participants aged 20 or over who were hospitalised at the Osaka University Hospital in Japan between April 2013 and March 2016 for examination, surgery, or treatment.

Furthermore, people who visited the hospital's Unit of Dentistry to seek dental treatment, perioperative oral care, and screening for infection were also considered.

Including the total of 1,675 participants, the researchers put the subjects into four groups.

Group MN consisted of people who brushed their teeth twice daily, once after waking up and once at night-time.

Group Night only reported brushing their teeth once at night, while group M brushed their teeth only after waking up.

The last group dubbed None didn’t perform this key practice of oral hygiene at all.

The researchers then evaluated each participant's age, gender, smoking history, and follow-up results.

In addition, four independent investigators also looked at the dental and medical records of all study participants.

They focused on factors like oral health, pre-hospitalisation frequency and time of toothbrushing, the depth of periodontal pockets, the extent of tooth mobility, and teeth count.

When it came to markers of cardiovascular health, the researchers considered hospitalisation for heart failure, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and valvular and aortic diseases requiring surgery.

The findings suggested that non-smokers in groups None and M had “significantly” worse prognosis when hospitalised with cardiovascular issue.

On the other hand, groups MN and Night had higher survival rates.

While the team explained that the findings are limited to cardiovascular diseases, they stressed the importance of nightly tooth brushing.

“We suggest that brushing teeth at night is important for lowering cardiovascular disease risk,” the team penned.

(07/08/2024)
by Express

More Information: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1787254/tooth-brushing-skipping-at-night-risk-cardiovascular-disease

Five Proven Tips For A Fun And Fresh Oral Hygiene Routine

Learn expert-recommended daily habits to help you achieve clean teeth and fresh breath.

Achieving and maintaining clean teeth and fresh breath are vital signs of good health that demand lifelong dedication. Regardless of receiving compliments on your beautiful teeth, it remains essential to fulfill your daily oral hygiene requirements consistently.

If you’ve been avoiding a visit to the dentist, reconsider your decision. Many people are unaware of the important role that dental care plays in maintaining good health.

Individuals with diabetes and heart conditions are particularly susceptible to oral health issues. Additionally, pregnant women who do not prioritize oral hygiene may also experience dental problems. Dr Dhiman Banerjee, a Dentist at Manipal Hospitals, Kolkata, has recommendations to understand how to maintain oral hygiene and its significance in daily life.

What is oral health?

Our oral health has a significant impact on our ability to eat, speak, smile and express emotions. It also affects our self-esteem, school performance, and attendance at work or school.

Millions of Americans suffer from oral diseases, which include cavities, gum disease and oral cancer. These conditions cause pain and disability and result in substantial costs for taxpayers annually.

What is the significance of maintaining good oral hygiene?

If proper brushing habits are not practiced, bacteria in the mouth can easily multiply in the oral cavity, which can lead to potential health risks. In more severe cases, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream, resulting in various health problems. A recent study found that poor oral health in pregnant women has been linked to a higher risk of premature birth.

Bad breath and possible illnesses linked to it

The Mayo Clinic explains that the odors related to bad breath can differ depending on the root cause. Dry mouth is commonly caused by medical conditions like tonsillitis and acid reflux.

Sometimes, stomach acids can move upwards in the digestive tract due to conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease. If a person’s kidneys are not functioning properly and their respiratory system is weakened, they may have breath that smells like fish. This could indicate that their body is struggling to eliminate harmful toxins that have built up in different areas of their body.

What to do to maintain oral hygiene?

Dr Banerjee offered HealthShots some tips on how to maintain good oral hygiene and keep our teeth healthy through daily habit changes:

Brush your teeth after breakfast rather than right after you wake up. This allows saliva to balance any acids in your mouth. So, it’s advisable to rinse your mouth and eat breakfast before brushing your teeth.

Make sure you get regular dental checkups. You should have a dental checkup and maintenance every seven to eight months. According to each patient’s profile, some are more prone to gum problems and may need scaling or maintenance therapy.

Don’t skip brushing before going to bed. By brushing after dinner, you can maintain good oral health by removing accumulated plaque and bacteria over the day.

Flossing and mouth-washing are also helpful. If you want to maintain a healthy mouth, it is advisable to floss between your teeth after dinner. In addition, mouthwash may help provide a temporary fresh feeling, although not contributing too much to oral health.

Limit the consumption of foods that can harm your teeth. Limiting food with refined sweeteners and carbonated drinks is vital for maintaining good oral hygiene. It is important to note that drinking milk will help build strong teeth until age five.

(07/08/2024)
by Longevity Technology

More Information: https://longevity.technology/lifestyle/sparkling-smiles-5-proven-tips-for-a-fun-fresh-oral-hygiene-routine/

Ammonia Breath And Associated Health Concerns

Bad breath can be an indicator that something's going on in your mouth. Perhaps it's as simple as a few slices of pepperoni and onion pizza for lunch. Or maybe your oral care habits haven't been as consistent as they could be. Both are easily fixable. But what if your bad breath stems from something more complicated? If your breath smells like ammonia or you have an ammonia taste in your mouth, it may be a sign of a problem with your kidneys. Here's what you need to know about kidney functions and what having ammonia breath could indicate.

The Function of the Kidneys

To understand how kidney health relates to your oral health, it's best, to begin with a simple anatomy lesson. Humans have two kidneys. Both are about the size of a fist and located on either side of the spine just below the rib cage.

The kidneys are vital to your health as they remove waste products from your body. They filter the blood and help ensure any excess fluids leave the body through urination. They also perform other functions, such as controlling red blood cell production, releasing hormones to regulate blood pressure, and helping the body maintain healthy bones by producing vitamin D.

Kidney Disease and Oral Health

One of the products removed from the blood supply by kidneys is urea. When the kidneys fail to remove all of the urea, the urea breaks down into ammonia. Hence, the reason people with renal problems often have breath that smells like chemicals or ammonia breath. Additionally, the body is unable to absorb calcium properly as a result of kidney disease. Lack of calcium can lead to bone loss, impacting the jaws and the bone around the teeth.

Ammonia Breath Causes and Treatments

Often something else going on with the body, including some other illness, results in kidney disease. Some of the common causes of kidney disease are:

High blood pressure

Diabetes

Autoimmune disorders like lupus

An injury to one of the kidneys

Certain medications

Ammonia breath will only subside once you treat the underlying condition. First and foremost, you need to seek the help of a medical professional. Until then, there are plenty of different ways to mask bad breath.

Carry a toothbrush and toothpaste with you for on-the-go brushing.

Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.

Avoid pungent foods like garlic and onions.

Clean your tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush or tongue scraper.

Quit smoking and using tobacco products.

Chew sugar-free gum.

Monitoring your overall health is the most important way to recognise that there might be something wrong. Your body could be providing clues. So, when you book an annual health screening with your primary care physician, go ahead and schedule regular dental check-ups at least twice a year. Talk to your dentist about developing a good oral care routine that includes brushing at least twice a day. Follow that up with regular flossing or cleaning between your teeth to remove food particles from spots a brush might not be able to reach.

Bad breath can be unappealing, but it is also treatable, even if there is a deeper issue causing it. Talk to your primary care physician and dentist as soon as possible if you notice ammonia breath, and they will be able to help come up with a treatment plan that's right for you.

(07/07/2024)
by Colgate

More Information: https://www.colgate.com/en-sg/oral-health/bad-breath/ammonia-breath-and-associated-health-concerns

Natural Remedies: Five Ways To Treat Toothache

Around the home, some natural remedies can alleviate toothache almost immediately.

Toothaches can be incredibly discomforting and painful. If you wake up in the middle of the night to a toothache, how do you deal with the pain?

To reduce the effect of whatever pain you might be feeling, you should try the following natural home remedies.

1. Salt water solution

Rinsing your mouth with salt water is an effective treatment for almost every pain you feel in your teeth.

This is because saltwater is a disinfectant. It helps to treat inflammation and wounds in your mouth and remove substances that might be stuck in your teeth.

2. Cold compress

A cold compress can be used to make most pain and inflammation better. So if you notice pain around any area in your mouth, apply a cold damp towel to it.

It will cause the blood vessel to constrict and reduce whatever pain you may be feeling.

3. Garlic

Garlic is an anti-bacterial substance that helps to fight the bacteria that causes dental plaque.

Garlic also helps to relieve pain. Chew raw garlic or apply the garlic to the area affect. Add some salt to it too.

4. Guava leaves

Guava leaves are also good for protecting your teeth and relieving you from the pains of toothache. Guava leaves help to heal wounds when chewed or used as a mouth wash.

5. Onions

Onion has anti-inflammatory and microbial qualities that ease pain and reduces swelling in the mouth. Take a slice of onions, place it between the teeth and chew.

(07/06/2024)
by Pulse Africa

More Information: https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/beauty-health/5-ways-to-treat-tooth-ache/4k9m886

Dental Issues Could Be The Cause Of Your Bad Breath

Having bad breath can cause a negative impact on your daily life, affecting both your relationship with others and your self-esteem. Although this condition is easy to control, it still affects around 25% of the population.

Usually, it disappears after brushing your teeth or using a mouthwash. However, on some occasions doing so will only mask the odor or make it disappear for a brief period.

If this is your case, your bad breath could be related to dental issues instead of the food you eat.

In this article, we will discuss the relationship between bad breath and dental issues and explain how to solve it.

How does bad breath occur?

Halitosis, commonly referred to as bad breath, is caused by different factors.

Usually, it is caused by food that possesses strong smells, such as garlic and onion. After eating these types of food, the scent impregnates the oral cavity.

However, halitosis is also caused by bacteria involved in oral diseases. When food residues are left in the mouth, they begin decomposing as bacteria break them down.

Moreover, large amounts of bacteria present in different oral diseases, such as gums disease and infections, can produce an unpleasant odor.

Bad breath and oral diseases

Whenever there is an oral disease, there is enormous bacterial colonization behind it. The most common dental issues responsible for bad breath include conditions such as:

Gums disease: gingivitis and periodontitis are caused by tartar build-ups, which are made of a combination of proteins, minerals, and bacteria. Thereby, as long as the tartar is not removed, bad breath will not disappear.

Infections: abscesses and other oral infections possess large amounts of bacteria. When they remain confined inside the bone, they usually don’t produce odor. However, once they start draining into the mouth through the gums, the bad smell is released, and bad breath occurs.

Furthermore, it is also common to experience a type of infection called pericoronitis. It often develops when the third molars are erupting, causing pain, swollen gums around the tooth, and bad breath.

Dry mouth: saliva acts as the mouth’s natural defense system. It regulates its pH (acidity level), helps remove food leftovers after eating, and controls the bacteria population, keeping the flora at standard levels.

However, certain conditions and medicines can decrease saliva production, leading to dry mouth.

As there is not enough saliva, odor-producing bacteria are increased. Moreover, this results in the development of gums diseases, increasing bad breath.

Comment la traiter ?

Unfortunately, brushing your teeth will only mask the odor. It is vital to attend dental consultation to undergo the appropriate treatment.

Luckily, most times, professional cleaning is enough to eliminate halitosis completely.

Although bad breath is a common condition that can impact daily life directly, affecting thousands worldwide, it can be easily prevented by maintaining good oral health.

If brushing your teeth is not helping you eliminate it, the cause is most likely related to a dental issue, such as gums disease. Make sure to book an appointment with your dentist, and he will get rid of your halitosis so you won’t have to worry about your breath anymore.

(07/06/2024)
by Votre dentisterie

More Information: N

Three Reasons Early Detection Of Oral Health Issues Is Important

Have you ever wondered why you need to visit the dentist at least every six months? Do you really need to have a checkup this frequently? Unfortunately, oral health issues develop quickly, and a regular checkup leads to catching them early on. But why are preventive care and early detection so important? Here are three reasons why you want to find oral health problems as soon as possible.

Early Detection Can Help You Avoid Tooth Pain

Even though teeth are small and can withstand immense biting force, they can also cause excruciating pain. When acids from harmful bacteria and acidic foods erode the tough enamel protection, the more sensitive layers become exposed. In other words, a cavity forms.

At first, a cavity may not necessarily hurt; in fact, you may not notice it at all on your own. Eventually, however, the cavity delves deeper into the tooth where the nerve is located. At that point, you can be downright miserable with pain. But if your dentist has the opportunity to examine your teeth on a regular basis and take X-rays, they can keep a close eye out for early signs of decay and address the issue while it’s still small and not hurting you.

Early Detection Can Help You Avoid Tooth Loss

It starts out as red, puffy gums that slightly bleed when you brush. In the beginning stage, called gingivitis, gum disease is fairly easy to treat and get rid of, but this condition can cause more serious damage than you may think. If it goes untreated, gum disease ultimately leads to gum recession, jawbone deterioration, and tooth loss. By having your dentist routinely watch out for the early signs of this disease, you ensure that it doesn’t progress to the point of permanently damaging your smile.

Early Detection Could Save Your Life

Did you know that oral cancer is the sixth most common type? Overall, it has high mortality rate, not because it is particularly difficult to treat but because it is often discovered in later stages of development. However, when it is diagnosed and treated early, patients can have up to a 90 percent survival rate. Fortunately, oral cancer screenings are part of your routine six-month checkup with your dentist, increasing the chances of identifying cancer as early as possible.

In addition, gum disease can have a direct impact on your overall health. In fact, many studies have found that having this oral disease drastically increases your chances of experiencing a cardiovascular event like a heart attack or stroke. Gum disease has also been linked to poorly managed diabetes, kidney disease, and Alzheimer’s. Allowing this condition to progress only harms your body and even potentially puts your life in danger.

In the end, your dental visits are about more than just cleaning your teeth; they also allow your dentist to inspect your mouth for signs of trouble. If they find something amiss, they can take care of the problem sooner rather than later when it becomes harder to fix. It’s worth putting in a little bit of time with preventive dentistry to catch issues now so that you can keep smiling in the future!

(07/05/2024)
by Greenwood Dental

More Information: https://www.dangreenwooddental.com/blog/2022/04/14/3-reasons-early-detection-oral-health-issues-important/

What To Do When You Have A Toothache

A toothache can be caused by anything from a popcorn shell wedged between your teeth, to a broken tooth, or even a bacterial infection. Some issues that cause a toothache may result in simple gum irritation, and others may require specialized treatment by a dental professional to resolve the issue.

It is incredibly important to seek out your local dentist if you are experiencing a prolonged toothache, as it may indicate an infection. Continue reading to learn more about the various causes and solutions for sensitive teeth, so you can decide if your toothache needs to be seen by a dentist.

The Causes of Toothaches

Toothaches are often caused by cavities. If this is the case, your tooth probably hurts when you drink and eat, especially so when you bite into your food. You may also feel tooth sensitivity when consuming a sugary drink or snack.

Some early indicators that your toothache is due to a cavity are bad breath, and noticeable cracks, discoloring, or pits in the tooth. Mention any unusual occurrences to your dentist when you schedule an appointment.

Other possible causes of a toothache include tooth decay, infected gums, a damaged filling, sudden temperature sensitivity (either hot or cold), or a broken or fractured tooth. If you notice any of these issues, be sure to contact a dentist immediately.

Can I Treat My Toothache at Home?

Home treatments should not be used as a permanent solution, but it is possible to use homemade toothache solutions to ease your pain until you manage to see your local dentist. Here are some options for temporary relief of a toothache:

Take an anti-inflammatory to decrease swelling as well as blunt the pain. It is important to not exceed the daily recommended dose. An anti-inflammatory medication will treat both potential swelling and tenderness.

Rinse your mouth with salt water or hydrogen peroxide. It is imperative to keep your mouth as clean as possible. To remove any harmful debris from your mouth and provide some pain relief, swish around salt water or hydrogen peroxide.

Apply either a hot towel or cold compress to your jaw or the affected area. A hot towel will boost the flow of blood and nutrients, while a cold compress will slow the flow of blood, reduce swelling, and reduce pain. Make sure to wrap the heating or cooling appliance to prevent skin irritation.

For a natural remedy, you can use clove oil, peppermint tea, or crushed garlic. Clove oil is a natural antiseptic that will numb pain and reduce inflammation. Try putting it on a cotton ball and applying it directly to the aching tooth. Peppermint tea is naturally soothing, and the warmth of the tea will serve as a rinse and relaxant. Garlic is naturally antimicrobial and will also reduce pain levels.

See Your Local Dentist for Treatment

Now that you have some methods to ease your toothache symptoms while you wait to see your local dentist, you may be wondering what you can expect once you visit the dentist. There are a few treatments available, depending on the level of attention that is needed to correct the issue.

Your dentist will provide a deep cleaning to prevent any periodontal damage, as well as prescribing an antibiotic if there is a fever or swelling of the jaw accompanying a toothache.

If your toothache is caused by a cavity, there are a few options available. Your dentist will likely fill the cavity, or if necessary, remove the tooth. A root canal is another possibility, if the cause of your toothache is an infection deep inside the tooth. During a root canal, your dentist will remove the infected pulp from the tooth and seal it.

(07/05/2024)
by Humbert Road Dentistry

More Information: https://www.humbertroaddentistry.com/blog?p=what-to-do-when-you-have-a-toothache

How To Get Rid Of An Abscess In The Mouth

Dealing with an abscess in the mouth can be both painful and concerning. It’s crucial to address this dental condition promptly to alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications. In this article, Coombe End Dental will guide you through the steps to effectively get rid of a mouth abscess while providing insights on its causes and prevention.

Understanding Mouth AbscessesA mouth abscess is a collection of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It typically develops due to dental decay, gum disease, or trauma to the tooth or surrounding tissues. Common symptoms include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, swollen gums, facial swelling, bad breath, and a bitter taste in the mouth.

Steps to Treat a Mouth Abscess

Step 1:

Seek Professional Dental CareThe first and most important step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist at Coombe End Dental. Dental professionals have the expertise to diagnose and treat mouth abscesses effectively. Prompt intervention will prevent the infection from spreading and causing more severe issues.

Step 2:

Drainage and AntibioticsDepending on the severity of the abscess, your dentist may drain the pus to provide immediate relief. They will make a small incision to allow the accumulated fluid to escape. In addition, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control the infection and prevent it from spreading.

Step 3:

Pain ReliefTo manage the pain associated with a mouth abscess, over–the–counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used. Follow the instructions provided on the packaging or consult with your dentist for the appropriate dosage.

Step 4:

Maintaining Good Oral HygieneProper oral hygiene is vital in preventing and managing mouth abscesses. Brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and a soft–bristled toothbrush. Don’t forget to clean between your teeth using floss or interdental brushes. Rinsing your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash can also help reduce bacterial growth.

Step 5:

Warm Saltwater RinseA warm salt water rinse can alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling associated with a mouth abscess. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gently swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this process several times a day.

Prevention Tips:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash daily will minimise the risk of dental infections.Regular Dental Check–upsSchedule routine dental visits at Coombe End Dental for professional cleanings and thorough examinations to detect any potential issues early on.

Address Dental Problems PromptlyIf you notice any signs of dental decay or gum disease, seek dental care promptly to prevent complications such as abscesses.

Avoid Smoking and Tobacco ProductsSmoking and tobacco use increase the risk of gum disease and compromise your oral health.Follow a Healthy DietA balanced diet low in sugary and acidic foods can help maintain healthy teeth and gums.A mouth abscess should never be ignored. Seeking professional dental care is essential to effectively treat the abscess and prevent the infection from spreading. Coombe End Dental encourages regular dental check–ups and diligent oral hygiene practices to minimise the risk of developing abscesses and other dental issues. By following these steps and adopting preventive measures, you can maintain a healthy and pain–free smile.

(07/04/2024)
by Coombe Dental Care

More Information: N

Which Oral Pains Are a Dental Emergency and Which Can Wait?

Dental problems cause some of the most uncomfortable and debilitating pains in your teeth, gums, and jaw. If you are one of the thousands of Americans who suffer from toothaches constantly, you agree with us. We’re sure you’ll agree with us if you’ve ever had a toothache! Oral pains are distracting and debilitating. While it may be tempting to contact the dentist right away for immediate help, not all cases of oral pains are dental emergencies and can wait.

We’ve compiled a list of the major problems where you should see a dentist straight away and minor ones that can be addressed later. You should still visit a dentist if you suffer from any oral pain, but these are minor issues that do not require immediate medical attention.

Along with our guide to what is and isn’t a dental emergency, we’ve included some tips on how best to look after your dental health and keep your teeth looking and feeling their best.

Some oral pains are signs of serious problems that should be addressed by a professional as soon as possible.

1. Agonizing Toothache

You shouldn’t ignore any toothache, but some pose a more significant threat than others. A toothache with a deep and ceaseless pain can be an indicator of severe tooth decay. Here’s how you know if a toothache needs to be treated right away:

Pain is continuous and throbbing, even when no pressure is applied to the tooth.

Discomfort continues for more than one day

Your toothache is paired with fever, earache, or any other symptoms.

After a thorough physical examination, the dentist will determine the best treatment to ease pain and treat the condition. These may include:

Filling in a cavity

Extracting the damaged tooth entirely

Performing a root canal

2. Oral Abscess

An oral abscess is another reason for calling the dentist straight away. An abscess occurs when an infection forms a pocket of liquid around the root of the tooth, causing severe discomfort in the jaw and gum. An oral abscess cannot be left untreated, as this will lead to the infection spreading to other teeth or into the jaw and neck bone.

When your gum is swollen and red, you are experiencing pain in your tooth, gum, or jaw, and/or you’re having trouble breathing and swallowing, you may be suffering from an oral abscess. Visit a dental expert immediately to get it sorted.

3. Severely Cracked Tooth

The moment a tooth is severely cracked or fractured, you are at risk of developing an infection and may find it painful to chew or swallow. It can happen as a result of a tooth cavity, a fall, or another accident. These large cracks in your teeth don’t just put your oral health at risk, but any infection that develops will have a substantial effect on the health of the entire body.

4. Knocked Out Tooth

If your tooth has been knocked out, you need to act quickly. Get to the dentist as soon as possible – ideally within 30 minutes of the incident – like every minute can make a difference between saving and losing your tooth. To maximize the dentist’s chances of saving your tooth, here are a few steps to follow:

Pick up the tooth by the crown, the surface that you chew with, not by the root.

If it’s dirty, lightly rinse it with water, do not use any chemicals or soap.

You need to keep the tooth moist, so either reposition it within the socket or put it in a bag filled with a small amount of milk inside.

Get to the dentist as fast as you can, within 30 minutes if possible.

Minor Problems – The Dentist Can Wait

These oral problems might be disconcerting or painful, but they are not dental emergencies. Book an appointment to see your family dental team and get these sorted, but there is no need to stress and head right over to the clinic.

1. Mild Toothache

Toothaches are never a pleasant business, but there are many causes for toothache, not all of which require urgent medical attention. Unless the toothache is:

Causing you serious ongoing pain

Showing other symptoms of being unwell such as fever or jaw pain

Preventing you from eating

You do not need to rush straight to the dentist’s, although you should see them in the future for a checkup, so the problem doesn’t grow into something worse.

2. Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth can happen for a variety of reasons. Whether from a sporting accident or from eating something crunchy, it’s a common dental issue, and it does not call for an emergency trip to the dentist. The enamel that coats your teeth provides a strong protective layer, but if enough force is placed upon it, pieces can break off. The likelihood of this happening increases as you age and your tooth enamel wears down.

Wash your mouth out with salt water to prevent infection, and eat soft foods so as not to damage the tooth any further. Your dentist at Sheehan Dental will be able to repair, fill or smooth off the chipped tooth to prevent any future problems from developing.

3. Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are among the most common issues affecting oral health. Whether accompanied by pain or not, bleeding gums can be a sign of the early stages of gum disease. Bleeding gums are often caused by the buildup of plaque and can be treated by improving your dental hygiene.

Make sure to talk with your dental team during your next checkup if you are experiencing bleeding gums. However, if you notice a little bit of blood while you brush your teeth, there is no need for rushing over to your local clinic.

Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Most oral pain and dental emergencies can be prevented by practicing good dental hygiene and keeping your teeth healthy.

Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice – before breakfast and before you go to bed. Replace your toothbrush regularly. If you use an electric toothbrush, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing the head.

Floss and use a dentist-approved mouthwash once a day to remove food and plaque that can get trapped between teeth

Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco as this can lead to discoloration and gum disease.

Protect your teeth during sports using a dental shield

Avoid damaging drinking liquids, such as fruit juice, coffee, and alcohol. Drink through a straw to help protect your teeth

Visit your dentist regularly – at least once every six months for a checkup and professional clean.

There is a fine line between what is and isn’t a dental emergency, so it’s important that you’re informed before contacting your dentist if something doesn’t feel right. We hope this list helps clarify the different grades of oral problems and helps you make the best decision for your teeth if you ever have an issue.

(07/04/2024)
by Dental House

More Information: N

Living with Lupus Affects Oral Health

May is Lupus Awareness Month. Like many other systemic diseases, lupus can affect your mouth. About five million people worldwide suffer from this chronic condition, which can range from mild to life-threatening. In some cases, dentists have been among the first medical professionals to play a role in diagnosing the disease.

Life with Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its healthy tissues, leading to damage of joints, organs, and skin. Over time, this process can cause inflammation, pain, and permanent damage. It affects more women than men, particularly those of child-bearing age. Those who have a family member with an autoimmune disease are at increased risk for lupus as well as other autoimmune diseases.

Oftentimes, lupus is tricky to diagnosis since the symptoms can mimic many other conditions. While there is no cure for lupus, there are medications to treat symptoms and improve quality of life.

Here are common symptoms of lupus:

Anemia

Blood clotting issues

“Butterfly rash” (across cheeks and nose)

Chest pain with deep breathing

Extreme Fatigue

Fever

Headaches

Light sensitivity

Mouth and nose sores

The Link Between Lupus and Oral Health

Oral diseases can cause bacteria to travel to the lungs and bloodstream leading to infection. Lupus is associated with chronic inflammation, so conditions such as periodontal (gum) disease is worrisome because it can exacerbate inflammation throughout the body and lead to serious complications.

Many symptoms of systemic diseases affect the mouth and oral tissues. Oral sores or mouth ulcers are visible symptoms of lupus. They typically appear as red lesions surrounded by a white halo with lines radiating outward. At first appearance, these sores may raise a red flag for oral cancer. With thorough testing, certain conditions can be ruled out while others can be narrowed down.

Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a common symptom of autoimmune diseases, and the medications used to manage lupus may also be a contributing factor. Additionally, some of the strong medications can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing infections and oral cancer.

Those who suffer from lupus and other autoimmune diseases are at risk for Sjogren’s Syndrome, which affects the lacrimal glands in the eyes and salivary glands in the mouth. Oral symptoms include burning, cracked lips, dry tongue, gingivitis, swelling of salivary glands, and tooth decay.

Keeping Your Mouth Healthy

Proper oral hygiene such a regular brushing and flossing can make a big difference for those suffering from systemic conditions. It’s also important to inform your dentist of any health problems such as lupus so that you will receive the best dental care catered to your medical needs.

(07/03/2024)
by Whitney In Oral Health

More Information: N

Simple Steps for Managing Your Patient's Toothache

It all begins with the phone call: "I’m in terrible pain. I need an appointment ASAP to see the doctor."

Often we get these calls in the middle of a busy day. Managing patients with acute pain is a crucial cornerstone of most dental practices and this needs to be done methodically, consistently and efficiently every time.

If all aspects of the workflow were to go right, what would that look like? Let's examine the steps behind diagnosis and treatment of a case of acute irreversible pulpitis.

1. Gathering information on the patient's condition

The front desk person has to listen with empathy, gather all the required information from the patient and then schedule the most appropriate appointment time.

Capture and record the patient's chief complaint in his or her exact words

Location, severity and trigger factors of patient's pain

New forms or updates to medical and dental history if they are current patients

Ask: Does the patient need medicine before this appointment?

Help the patient understand financial/paperwork obligations for the visit

2. Preliminary evaluation

The assistant reviews all the information. When she seats the patient in the chair, she narrates to them what she knows about the problem. Then she LISTENS to the patient's story.

Get an intraoral image of the tooth/quad

When the dentist is in the room, narrate the findings. Start by saying the patient's name and then stating the chief complaint in their words

Begin the appropriate notes in the chart

3. Clinical exam checklist

Evaluation of soft tissue: Inflammation, swelling or draining fistula

Evaluation of teeth: Defective restorations, cracks, decay or fracture

Perio-probing: Walk the probe around the circumference of suspect teeth

Periapical test by palpation and percussion of all the teeth in the quad and the opposing quad

Bite stick test to check for cracked tooth syndrome

Pulpal health: Check control teeth and then suspect tooth with Cold test. If results are inconclusive, an Electric Pulp Test can help supplement the diagnosis

Radiographic evaluation

4. Controlling tooth pain

If the patient is in significant pain, it helps to get it under control with a local anesthetic right away. This option is offered to the patient.

Local anesthetic block injection.

If patient has not taken a pain medication in the last four hours, offer the appropriate OTC pain medication.

Blocking the transmission of pain to the CNS by giving local anesthesia will help the sensitized central pain receptors to return to normalcy. In addition, ibuprofen combined with acetaminophen helps relieve pain and reduce the local mediators of inflammation.

5. Communicating the diagnosis and treatment plan

With the acute pain in control, the patient is in the right frame of mind to now hear the diagnosis. The following need to be addressed:

Diagnosis

Endodontic Tx plan

Restorative Tx plan

Pain management plan

6. Initiating most effective, immediate treatment for toothache

In this situation, pulpectomy would be the most ideal immediate treatment.

Check adequate anesthesia on the tooth with a Cold Test.

If needed, supplement with 4 percent articaine infiltration.

Additional long acting anesthesia given as a block helps ensure adequate pain control.

Create a small access hole into the pulp chamber and place intra pulpal anesthesia. Keeping the access hole small helps create backpressure, which is necessary for successful intra pulpal injections.

Complete pulpectomy under rubber dam.

Occlusal reduction.

7. Post-pulpectomy home care

Patient is instructed to take the analgesic every four to six hours for the first few days. This allows for consistent blood level of the drug and ensures consistent pain relief. Prescription pain medications follow a flexible protocol. This provides the best pain control with minimal side effects.

If the patient can take them, maximize the NSAID dose (i.e 600mg of Ibuprofen q6h).

Add acetaminophen if additional pain control is needed.

Give the patient the option of narcotic medications, which can be taken in place of acetaminophen if additional pain control is needed.

Antibiotics are only needed in selective cases when there is swelling.

8. Following up after treatment

A follow-up call that night or the next day goes a long way in ensuring patient comfort and is a great practice builder. Following these eight steps, you can consistently expect successful results.

(07/03/2024)
by Spear

More Information: N

Fizzy Water and Your Teeth

With so many drinks out there boasting some form of health related boost, simple tap water has been pushed a little into the background by its shiny ‘healthy’ alternatives.

Recently though, water has been fighting back. Becoming the solo focus on many health articles and indeed the backbone of many health plans.

With this resurgence, there is of course a commercial angle and many companies have jumped on the idea of making water more exciting, and so we come to the main focus of this article, fizzy or ‘sparkling’ water.

When it comes to the benefits and drawbacks of sparkling water, the leading question from a dentistry viewpoint is one of carbonation, and its potential damage to teeth and gums.

In this article we will seek to clear up the pluses and minuses of sparkling water and to take an honest look at the alternatives.

Teeth and the ‘fizz’ factor

The science behind carbonation:

Carbonation is formed by adding carbon dioxide to water in a pressurised environment of up to 12000 pounds per square inch. This slow, controlled release creates bubbles of carbon dioxide gas or ‘fizz’.

This carbon dioxide then remains carbon dioxide while it sits in your glass. Then, as we drink, it enters the bloodstream and its chemical state changes to become carbonic acid, it is this carbonic acid which theoretically presents a threat to tooth enamel.

So, it is actually a form of acid that is attacking our teeth, having entered the bloodstream and being pumped around.

Do not be alarmed though, the damage of fizzy water alone would appear to be small when well-managed, indeed there have been saturation tests comparing sparkling water and regular water on teeth erosion and surprisingly the erosion levels were actually very similar.

Based on this, it would seem that the real threat is that many of these ‘water’ replacements are jazzed up with flavourings and sweeteners such as Aspartame or Xylitol, both of which are present in many household items such as toothpaste and cough drops, and have been proven to affect general health when consumed in large quantities, and the teeth are not spared.

Lemon or Orange flavourings, particularly boasting fruit benefits and improved taste, are especially harmful due to their excessive acidity.

It is a good idea for your oral and overall health if these drinks and sweeteners can be cut from your diet, but if you really can't face giving them up, slight changes in how you drink can go some way to better protecting your teeth.

Protecting your teeth from sugary acids

Minimise your drinking time, having sparkling water with a meal can dilute the potential damage on your teeth

Avoid sipping, sipping causes a continued refresh of bacteria, a beverage consumed in one go has a much reduced effect.

Using a straw, this allows the acids and sugars to largely bypass the teeth

Do not swirl, swirling drinks in your mouth may feel refreshing but from a dentistry standpoint, it takes the harmful compounds into distant areas such as wisdom teeth and other hard to reach gaps, as well as keeping the acids in contact with the teeth for longer

Rinse after consumption

Rinsing with regular water is always a good idea, once again this dilutes and breaks up the acids and sugars, lessening the potential damage.

An overall assessment

There is now plenty of research to suggest that sparkling water is generally a reasonable option for your teeth as long as it is kept to small quantities, research methods are ever improving and more defined guidelines will come ever closer.

One certainty is that carbonated water is definitely better for us than anything high in sugar, sugary drinks that leap out at us from the shelves shouting their ‘high energy’ message are just bad in every way, and should definitely be avoided.

Even water alternatives with ‘low sugar’ are still a threat to dental health and should only be consumed at very limited levels, with the greater intake of our water consumption coming from natural processes and fluoridated water.

What is fluoridated water I hear you ask, that seems like work! Well, the good news is that water naturally contains fluoride so the fight against cavities begins by just turning on the tap.

Always read the ingredients

It is important to recognise the difference between products dressed up as ‘healthy’ but high in sugar and/or acids, and electrolyte based products that contain sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, chlorides and phosphates. The latter are all essential minerals for health and many of these products are a great option.

It can be tricky but a little product discipline can go a long way to helping your everyday health.

One key culprit to watch for is the ‘Citrus’ water options, these are often labelled to promote their benefits, without highlighting their pitfalls, so special care should be taken when considering these.

More water alternatives

As mentioned, the two most damaging elements for teeth are sugar and acid, and there are a few other standout products which we may take for granted as being healthy which are in fact, not.

Soda water for example often has high levels of sugar, and where there is sugar, cavities and tooth decay can swiftly follow, plus increased acidity contributes to teeth erosion, making the teeth and gums weaker and more vulnerable.

Tonic water contains quinine, used to give water a distinctive bitter flavour, and promoted as a health benefit. Indeed quinine can be very effective against malaria, but beyond this has no noted health benefits.

Tonic water also often contains added sugars which actually present an even greater threat than soda water.

And finally, mineral water, a reasonable option but acid content can still be present so it's always a good idea to read the ingredients.

Sports drinks are at the other end of the healthy spectrum, these are known to be extremely erosive to our teeth as well as just generally being bad for overall health, so be very mindful of advertising slogans that promote increased energy, always read the ingredients to see where that energy is coming from, if it's sugar, then from a dental perspective, we advise going to the next fridge.

Summary

Beyond the presented guidelines, hard and fast rules are difficult to state, but a sensible approach if you do like some fizz in your water is to stick to the unsweetened and unflavoured brands, such as spindrift and highland spring.

If you actually like water, or just don’t dislike it, just normal fluoride based tap or spring water is the healthiest choice of all.

Aside from water, there is little better for your teeth than milk, once again, consider all the healthful and harmful benefits of milk before consuming it in large quantities, but calcium is fantastic for continued strong teeth and bones.

(07/02/2024)
by Life Dental & Wellbeing

More Information: https://www.lifedentalandwellbeing.co.uk/news/fizzy-water-and-your-teeth-2/?_gl=1*1lb2biz*_up*MQ..*_ga*Mjc1ODk4MzAxLjE3MTk4OTI2MzI.*_ga_TMT10LRH1M*MTcxOTg5MjYzMS4xLjAuMTcxOTg5MjYzMS4wLjAuMA..

Common Oral Health Mistakes

For many of us, teeth are a secondary thought, they do their job and as long as they don’t hurt, don’t seem to need a lot of maintenance.

This is unfortunately far from the truth, as teeth are constantly being affected by what we eat, what we do and the chemicals we use such as toothpastes and mouthwashes.

The teeth are often a hidden issue, as they do not behave like a bruise or cut, the growing damage is usually not visible until it is far too late.

In this article I shall offer guidance into the how’s and why’s of tooth maintenance, and offer instruction that may assist your own daily routine.

It is important to know that teeth are not just a solid mass for biting and chewing, each one is an intricate collection of 4 types of integrated tissue, pulp, dentin, enamel and cementum.

Pulp sits inside the tooth and contains connective tissues, nerves and blood vessels.

Dentin surrounds and protects the pulp, it's hard bone-like density gives teeth their natural yellow tint.

Enamel is the exceptionally hard outer shell that forms the crowns outermost layer, this is our natural protection from bacteria and from heat and cold sensitivities.

Cementum sits under the gumline, protecting the root and holding the tooth in place.

All of these tissues need protecting from the constant bombardment of modern living, enhanced products and today’s increased stresses.

How to brush your teeth

Oral Health is something so easily taken for granted, brushing seems like a logical process and flossing is something that many of us only include later in life and again seems fairly straightforward.

Unfortunately there is much more to correct tooth brushing than many of us realise, and it is in these finer details that ongoing premium oral healthcare resides.

From a very young age we are told to ‘Brush our Teeth’ but this phrasing does not explain the ‘why’ we do it.

‘Brushing the teeth’ properly actually extends well beyond the teeth, as it is very often the gumline where issues begin to cultivate.

Oral bacteria works its way into these unseen places and only noticeably affects the teeth once the gums are infected.

So, on that basis, the first set of tips are all about correct brushing.

Tip 1: Gum brushing

Ensure to brush across the line of the gums preferably at a 45° angle, this is absolutely paramount to dislodge settling bacteria and remove the chance of tartar build-up before it sets.

Tip 2: Pay attention to the tops

Bacteria can nestle into these ridges and go undisturbed, working their way into the tooth over time.

Tip 3: Don’t forget the back

The backs of the tooth are also a habitual breeding ground as front brushing often doesn’t disturb the bacteria hidden behind the tooth.

Tip 4: Use a soft bristled brush

Hard bristles can damage both the gumline, contributing to receding gums, and tooth enamel, weakening the tooths defensive barrier.

Tip 5: Replace your brush often

Frequently replace your brush, every 3 to 4 months is the recommended maximum.

Toothbrush heads are designed specifically to target bacteria, once the bristles become misaligned, bacteria is likely to get missed.

Tip 6: 2 minutes twice a day

Thorough brushing is essential, you must target all areas of the tooth surface and the gumline, at the times when they are most vulnerable to bacteria.

When skipping on a thorough routine, tartar and the resultant biofilms will not be properly removed, this can lead to deposits of plaque, gum inflammation, halitosis (bad breath) and ultimately, cavities.

We all know about brushing at night, but overnight new bacteria can be produced and allowed to fester due to decreased saliva production during sleep.

Morning brushing also ensures a clean foundation to start the day.

Flossing

The next critical mistake that factors heavily in tooth decay is either not flossing at all, or flossing incorrectly.

When flossing it is important to change the angle of the flossing action several times during each floss, this ensures that all sides of the gap have been addressed including (and essentially) the gum root.

It is also critical to focus specifically on each gap, going backwards and forwards atleast 3 or 4 times to free stubborn particles and make sure every part of the surface is addressed.

Flossing can cause bleeding but this is not a sign to stop, bleeding helps to combat infection and flossing more is actually a better choice but always feel free to consult your dentist if you have concerns.

Specialist brushes

In the flossing category we can also place specialist brushes, such as interdental and tepee brushes, these are ‘made for the task’ brushes of differing head sizes that can fully fill a gap and free debris that brushing and perhaps even flossing cannot reach.

These specialist brushes should be utilised in the same way as flossing, focussing on each gap in a concentrated way rather than seeing it as a chore and only briefly poking the brush in once. This seems like a small thing but is a significant contributor to managing potential gum disease.

Ongoing oral mistakes

Once you have a solid tooth brushing routine in place, it is important to address other areas which may be contributing to poor oral health.

There are many small daily mistakes that many of us have never heard of, that over time can add up to significant issues, among these are:

Brushing too soon after eating

Instinctively, after eating you may feel like you want to clean your teeth, much as getting dirty hands warrants a trip to the sink, we feel the same about our teeth.

Studies now show that this is a bad idea. When we eat we soften the enamel of our teeth and brushing while the enamel is in this softened state can actually damage it.

Brushing an hour afterwards gives the teeth ample time to regain their strength.

Don’t brush too hard

It is very easy when not paying attention to put a little extra downward pressure in your brushing action, this has 2 negative impacts, one is to damage tooth enamel making it prime for bacterial attack, and it can also weaken the connection between tooth and gum. As a third note, it is also less effective than softer brushing.

A few tell-tale signs that you are brushing too hard might be a scattered brush head in under 2 months, or an increase in tooth or gum sensitivity or appearance.

Electric brushes are best with soft bristled heads, some of these even come with a pressure indicator that monitors the intensity of your brush stroke.

How to store your brush

This is one of the little known factors of toothbrush care.

As your brush sits in a drawer or led on its side it can remain wetter for longer, and so has a much greater likelihood of developing its own bacteria!

This is then brushed into the teeth and joins forces with the daily bacteria already there. Correct storage is to sit it upright with a protective guard on the brush head.

Beyond the Brush

As well as brushing itself and correct toothbrush care, there are other factors that can severely damage your dental wellbeing.

Sugar consumption

You may have a stellar and highly disciplined tooth cleaning regime, but consuming lots of sugar will still have an impact, sugar consumption will embed into the gumline over time despite our best efforts. It is also a significant contributor to many other debilitating health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.

High sugar drinks are one of the leading problems in today’s oral health, with a 16 ounce drink containing as much as 30 grams of sugar. Sugars are essentially carbohydrates that the bacteria already in your mouth like to feed on, add to this their acidic nature and we can see that sugars are extremely harmful to our health.

A better option would be green tea, black tea, or even coffee, all of which not only have a lot less sugar but also have other intrinsic health benefits.

If you are concerned about staining from these options, sipping through a straw can effectively combat this.

Overall, if you consume a lot of sugar, the advice is simple, cut down.

Not drinking enough water

Water is amazing stuff, it is essentially the oil for our engine, and the teeth will also benefit. Regular water consumption helps to reduce plaque causing bacteria between brushing. Normal tap water also contains fluoride which is a natural healthy cleaning agent for our teeth and gums.

Lack of hydration also leads to dryness which provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

Incorrect oral health products

It is so easy to see tooth brushing as a necessary add on to the weekly shop, something we can do ‘on the cheap’ to offset the cost of that luxury cake, but this is not a wise choice for your teeth.

We would recommend researching the product you use, checking for harmful health implications from the ingredients, and ensuring you use a fluoride toothpaste, consistent use of fluoride adds daily strength to your teeth and gums in the constant fight against bacteria.

It is also important to use toothpastes that are dentally approved as these contain the necessary combination of ingredients for correct tooth cleaning and daily protection.

If you already have tooth issues it is important to consult with your dentist as to the correct product for your specific needs.

Different approved toothpastes will target different elements of oral health such as ‘inflammation toothpastes’ for gingivitis, ‘fluoride toothpastes’ for cavity protection and so on, so do make sure to get the best advice for your own situation.

Beware of ‘Whitening’ products

So called ‘Whitening’ products are everywhere these days, but many do more harm than good, please seek for dentally approved brands only as these have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they perform as expected, and in a health conscious way.

Don’t wait for pain to see the dentist!

Your teeth feel fine and the last check-up was fine so what could have changed?

The answer, plenty! Skipping dental visits, especially as we get older is one of the more damaging mistakes that people make, gum disease can develop undetected and asymptomatically, turning rapidly from gingivitis into periodontitis within a few months or even weeks.

We advise that you view your dental visits and especially cleanings as essential and not optional so that any beginning issues can be addressed and any problems greatly minimised and treated.

(07/02/2024)
by Life Dental & Wellbeing

More Information: N

Deep Cleaning Your Teeth: When to Do It

Deep teeth cleaning, might sound like a dental procedure that will be needed after that late Saturday afternoon braai just before or after the last soccer game. A procedure your dentist will recommend after a spree of unhealthy eating, lack of brushing and flossing or midnight feasting without proper care and teeth cleaning. If your answer consisted of the removal of plaque and tartar or the prevention of gum and periodontal diseases you are spot on. Deep cleaning of your teeth is performed by your local dental hygienist whom you should visit every six months, this includes the retired community as well, according to the South African Dental Association (SADA).

The Need for Deep Cleaning

The dental hygienist will use their instrument, the probe, to ensure that your teeth and gum tissue stay healthy. The probe is also used to measure the space between the teeth and the gums. If the space is more than 3mm, the space, that is called a pocket, can be the cause of gum and periodontal disease. The Dental hygienist will use the probe to scrape away the plaque and tarter off the enamel and up under the gum, not just along the gum as with regular brushing and cleaning. They also reach up along your roots to smooth the softer cementum on the surface to prevent plaque from forming in uneven or open spaces. Going to visit the dental hygienist twice annually, is a very good routine to adopt, as stated by Netcare.

Deep Cleaning Process

Deep cleaning can be performed on one or two quadrants of the mouth, or the entire mouth can be treated in one visit. It is also known as scaling and root planing and the dentist will do the recommendation of the treatment. The dental hygienist will numb the area to be treated. Scaling is the first procedure and involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and from the pocket areas between the teeth and gums and under the gum line, if necessary.

The second half of the process involves the root planing using either electiceor ultrasonic instruments or manual scaling tools. The dental hygienist shape or plane the root of the tooth, to remove places where bacteria can hide. Root planing procedures require a minimum of two visits, and a follow up visit might be necessary to ensure that teeth are healthy and that there is no pocket depth.

Care after Scaling and Root Planing Appointments

Gum disease can be treated and is curable with regular visits to the dentist and dental hygiene, cleaning your teeth regularly. It is a good idea to monitor the status of your teeth, gums and bone. You need to make sure it healed and that the bacteria did not return. Individuals predisposed to having gum disease may need to return for regular periodontal maintenance cleanings while others may be able to return to regular hygiene routine and 6-month dental checkup visits.

Colgate Total Toothpaste, recommended by dentist worldwide, provides antibacterial protection, more plaque and gingivitis reduction than regular fluoride toothpaste, ADA Seal of Acceptance and effective prevention against caries, gingivitis, plaque, caculus build up and malodor. Just for a bit more protection it is also a good idea to use Colgate Total 12 Clean Mint Alcohol Free Mouthwash that also promotes mouth hygiene, healthy teeth and gums and protection against plaque and germs.

In the event that the periodontal disease persist or re-occur, individuals can ask their dentist to be referred to a Periodontist which will be able to recommend the best treatment and the way forward to perfect oral hygiene and health.

(07/01/2024)
by Colgate

More Information: https://www.colgate.com/en-za/oral-health/dental-visits/deep-cleaning-your-teeth-when-to-do-it-0314

Important Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Caring for your teeth is essential if you want a beautiful smile. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums requires daily care and regular care from a licensed dentist.

You need to do several things regularly if you want to have a beautiful smile. Seeing a dentist twice a year for routine dental cleanings is highly recommended. Once a year, the dentist will take X-rays to monitor the condition of your teeth as a preventive measure.

There are routines you can follow between appointments to reduce plaque buildup and prevent cavities. Here are our six best tips for healthy teeth and gums.

1. Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums Start With Brushing Twice a Day

As children, going to the dentist was something our parents had control over. For adults, keeping up with dental care can take a backseat. Understanding how to have healthy teeth and how to have healthy gums is the first step to caring for your teeth.

Brushing twice a day can make a difference between appointments. Scheduling appointments ahead of time will help you remember to get your regular cleanings.

2. Practice Flossing After Each Meal

Benefits of flossing after each meal include includes reducing bacteria and plaque. Flossing also dislodges particles, and food stuck between your teeth.

Floss comes if several forms. The most popular are waxed dental floss, floss picks, and a water flosser.

3. Ask the Dentist for Dental Sealants

Before going to the dentist, make a list of questions and concerns you might have about how to have healthy teeth. One idea is to learn more about dental sealants.

Sealants are a protective coating placed over your back teeth. They don’t replace the need to brush or floss. However, they can prevent tooth decay.

4. Avoid Food and Drinks That Contain Sugar

Avoiding food and drinks high in sugar is great for your diet and for caring for your teeth. When plaque builds up on your teeth, it can interact with sugary substances and lead to tooth decay.

5. Don’t Start Using Alcohol, Smoking, or Tobacco

Like sugar, drinking alcohol, and using smoking products are unhealthy for your teeth. Knowing how to have healthy teeth means understanding what substances are harmful to your overall oral health and hygiene.

6. Use the Best Oral Care Products

Your dentist will offer tips for healthy teeth and gums. The suggestions will include the best oral care products. Whether it’s floss, toothpaste, or mouthwash, your dentist is the best source for products to use based on your current oral health.

Give Your Teeth the Care They Deserve

Staying abreast of your dental care can save you time and money in the long run. It can also save your teeth. These six tips for healthy teeth and gums are a good start to preventing cavities.

(07/01/2024)
by Dr. Parul Mehta DDS

More Information: https://www.hi-techsmiles.com/6-important-tips-for-healthy-teeth-and-gums/

Learn the Facts About What Toothpaste Does for Your Oral Health

Do you ever wonder if the toothpaste you use really does anything for your oral health? Or do you just buy whatever’s on sale without considering what’s in it and how it’ll actually benefit your teeth? If so, then you’re certainly not alone.

Every day, consumers are faced with an overwhelming variety of choices when it comes to taking care of their pearly whites—from minty-fresh flavors to tartar control varieties. But how exactly can all these different kinds of toothpastes help oral hygiene? In this blog post, we’ll tackle that question head-on by giving patients a comprehensive look at how specific ingredients in today’s leading brands foster healthy teeth and gums. Let us show you why knowing the facts about what toothpastes contain is key to making smart decisions regarding your dental health!

What Toothpaste Does for Your Oral Health

The most important role of toothpaste is to remove plaque—a sticky film that accumulates on teeth and gums due to bacteria. Plaque can lead to cavities and gum disease, so it’s essential to remove it regularly in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Toothpaste works by combining mild abrasives, fluoride, and detergents to fight plaque.

The abrasive components help scrub away food particles that have become stuck on your teeth, while the fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. The detergents help break down plaque so that you can easily wipe it away.

Ingredients to Know About

Many toothpastes also contain other beneficial ingredients, such as calcium carbonate, which helps to remineralize teeth and fortify enamel. Another common additive is sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, which helps neutralize the acidity of oral bacteria and promote fresher breath.

Xylitol is another popular ingredient that helps reduce the number of harmful bacteria present in the mouth, while silica is often added to help gently polish teeth and remove surface stains. Some brands also contain enzymes that are thought to help maintain oral health by breaking down plaque-causing food particles.

The ingredients in your toothpaste matter because they interact with and strengthen each other. For instance, fluoride may be more effective when combined with sodium bicarbonate because it helps the fluoride penetrate deeper into the enamel.

So, whether you’re looking for a toothpaste that whitens your teeth or one that fights cavities, be sure to check the label of any given product to ensure that it contains the right ingredients for your oral health needs.

What Toothpaste is Best For You?

Ultimately, the best toothpaste for you is one that meets your oral health needs. You could benefit from:

Sensitive toothpaste: Look for ingredients such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, which block pain signals to the nerve of the tooth by stopping up the tiny tunnels in your teeth, which go to the nerve.

Whitening toothpaste: This type of toothpaste helps remove surface stains to make your teeth look brighter and whiter.

Tartar-control toothpaste: Tartar-control toothpastes are designed to help minimize the buildup of plaque on teeth and gums, making them less vulnerable to decay and other forms of damage.

Beyond the Toothpaste

No matter what toothpaste you choose, be sure to follow good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist for checkups every six months. With the right combination of ingredients in your toothpaste and good oral hygiene practices, you can ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy for years to come.

By taking the time to learn about what toothpastes contain and how they work, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about your oral health care. Doing so can help protect your teeth and gums from plaque buildup, cavities, and other problems that can arise due to poor oral hygiene habits. With the right toothpaste and healthy habits, you can maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come.

The Takeaway

Taking the time to learn about what toothpastes contain and how they work will help you make informed decisions regarding your oral health care. Doing so can protect your teeth and gums from plaque buildup, cavities, and other problems that can arise due to poor oral hygiene habits. With the right toothpaste and healthy habits, you can maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come. Good oral hygiene is an essential part of overall health and well-being– so make sure to take the time to find the right toothpaste for your needs and practice good brushing habits.

(06/30/2024)
by Glacier Creek Dental.

More Information: N

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