Going to the dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup is a great way to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy, but there are many other ways! Fend off gum disease or other unpleasant ailments by using natural ways that are easy and accessible. Of course, brushing your teeth properly and flossing regularly are great ways of reducing plaque buildup on the teeth, but that’s only the beginning. People who are fond of Ayurvedic medicine and alternative medicine methods have compiled a list of other ways to keep your gum wellness in tip-top shape.
Saltwater
Back in ancient times, the sea could cure everything from a wound to a cold. Congested? Pass some sea water through your nose. Sore throat? Gargle seawater. Have a cut that won’t heal? Submerge it into the sea. Acne? Put your face in the sea. Even in modern day, people use saline or saltwater rinses for sinus issues, while some retreat to saltwater isolation tanks to relax and unwind. Seal salt is natural and packed with healthy minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It’s useful in absorbing toxins in the body and skin including harmful bacteria while also working to treat infections and promote healing.
If you suffer from gum and mouth ulcers, rinsing with salt water is a great option to help heal the painful sores that can make talking and eating extremely difficult. The sodium in saltwater has been proven to increase the pH in your mouth, helping neutralize plaque-causing acidity and bacteria. Using a salt water rinse is particularly helpful for people who are sensitive to alcohol-based mouthwashes, and it’s much cheaper too! It can help ward off bad breath just as well, without the artificial and sometimes overwhelming, intense aromas of chemically created mouthwash.
Saline rinses are preferred after dental surgery because the components are often equal to those that are already found in the body. The equal concentrations of salts and minerals in this isotonic solution make it the safest way to keep a wound in the mouth sanitized without irritating or damaging tissue.
To create the perfect saltwater rinse, add ½ a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Swish the rinse around your mouth for ten seconds, and then spit it out. Don’t use this rinse more than three times a week since too much exposure to sodium can lead to enamel damage. As with any natural remedy, use them occasionally without overdoing it. More is not always better!
Neem
This remedy is based on ancient Ayurvedic medicine and is said to help promote good gum health because of its natural anti-bacterial properties. Neem is a plant and is extracted from a type of evergreen tree that is native to India. It’s widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for many different health conditions and is most often used in its oil form.
Researchers believe that the active ingredients in neem bark can reduce gum disease by reducing tissue inflammation. Doctors and scientists have been saying for a long time that inflammation is at the root cause of many ailments, including cancer. Therefore, using neem bark to bring inflammation levels down in the mouth can really improve your health overall, as well as reduce gum disease. Neem also contains anti-bacterial aspects that can help reduce the harmful bacteria in the mouth, including gingivitis and decay.
It’s been said that neem is useful in fighting off plaque on the teeth when used in gel form, more so than in a mouthwash. Even though people didn’t use gels or mouthwashes in ancient times, they used sticks of neem as toothbrushes! Research has shown that the leaves of neem aren’t the most beneficial part and that the magic was inside the bark. That’s means when buying neem products; it’s important to look at the ingredients to make sure that neem isn’t just being used to market a brand, and that the neem extract in the item is high quality. Be sure only to buy Neem products that use the bark and not the oil!
Septilin
This is another herbal remedy based on Ayurvedic medicine that helps boost immunity and is available in syrups, powders, and pills. It’s said to have incredible immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties which make it useful for overall wellness. When ingested, it can help increase antibody forming cells, helping the body become more resistant to infection through phagocytosis and macrophage. Phagocytosis is the process of elimination of bacteria through ingestion, while macrophage is the activation of white blood cells. Together, these two processes can help eliminate infection.
It’s been shown that some people have found success with septilin helping stop their receding gum lines. Most commonly, this product comes mixed with Guggulu, Guduchi, amla, licorice and several other compounds that are known for anti-inflammatory properties. Research has also shown that taking this supplement can help periodontal treatment outcomes, and is recommended to patients who have had procedures done to fix gum issues. It comes in syrup and pill form, and the recommended dosage for adults is two tablets twice a day, or 2 tsp of syrup three times a day for several weeks and up to two months to see results.
In a world where blindingly white teeth are everything, it’s important that we don’t forget to take care of our gums! Periodontal disease can lead to gingivitis and tooth loss, which can cause irreparable damage. Periodontal surgery can also be very painful and costly if severe gum damage occurs. The best way to avoid the trouble is to take great care of your gums by brushing and flossing regularly, along with routine checkups. It doesn’t hurt to reach for natural remedies to help keep your gums in the best shape they can be. Be sure to always consult with your dentist before adding any new supplements or medicines to your routine, even if they are all natural.
If you're experiencing a burning sensation from your tongue or in your mouth, it may indicate a condition known as Burning Mouth Syndrome, also known as BMS. What exactly does this indicate about your health? What are the potential causes, and how do they result in discomfort? We're here with answers to your top questions and guidance on what you can do for relief.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a painful and often frustrating condition — some people compare it to having burned their mouth with hot coffee. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), BMS symptoms include a burning, tingling sensation that may affect the tongue, the roof of the mouth, the gums, the inside of the cheeks, and the back of the mouth or throat. This condition is also known as "burning tongue syndrome," "scalded mouth syndrome," "glossodynia," and "stomatodynia."
Once burning tongue syndrome begins, it can persist from short durations of time up to many years. While anyone can be affected, a BMS diagnosis is more prevalent in women during and after menopause. Individuals afflicted with BMS may wake up with no symptoms only to find painful, burning sensations grow progressively worse throughout the day. Additional symptoms of BMS may include dry mouth, altered taste, difficulty sleeping, mood changes, anxiety, and depression.
But don't fret; your dentist/physician can evaluate you, take a thorough history, and review your symptoms to help establish a diagnosis. Then you and your healthcare provider can work together to implement the most appropriate treatment solutions.
Types of Burning Mouth Syndrome
There are two types of BMS, primary and secondary.
Primary BMS presents with no underlying medical conditions or apparent cause. Because primary BMS is often diagnosed in the absence of any clinical signs, it's characterized as "idiopathic" and can often be frustrating for the patient.
Secondary BMS is related to an underlying disease such as diabetes. It will be helpful for your dentist/physician to conduct a diagnosis and differentiate this condition from dry mouth (also known as xerostomia).
The following are some of the minor causes of burning tongue syndrome:
1. Dry Mouth
When your mouth does not have enough saliva, you get that dry, uncomfortable, sticky feeling known as dry mouth (xerostomia). This is an oral condition caused by different factors, such as diseases that affect the salivary glands, over 600 medications, or natural hormonal changes. Chronic dry mouth can contribute to burning, tingling or sensation, or soreness in your mouth.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies may also contribute to your symptoms. Deficiencies of vitamin B and minerals, such as iron and zinc, can contribute to a burnt tongue sensation. Ensure you're eating a well-balanced diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, nuts, seeds, and healthy proteins. Talk to your doctor before taking nutritional supplements.
3. Mouth Irritation
Acidic beverages such as soft drinks, hot spicy foods, overzealous brushing of your tongue, and overusing your mouthwash can irritate your mouth. If you're experiencing a burning sensation in your mouth, try to drink fewer irritating beverages. Talk to your dental professional about your oral hygiene habits to see if they could be the culprit of the irritation.
4. Medication Side Effects
One of the possible causes of the burning tongue is the use of certain medications associated with dry mouth and burning tongue syndrome. These medications include anti-depressants and ACE inhibitors. Interestingly, antidepressants are sometimes used to treat BMS, so check with your medical professional before making any changes to your medication regimen. Some drugs may cause soreness and dryness of the mouth. Inform your dental or medical professional if you're experiencing side effects due to medications.
5. Oral Conditions
The burning tongue feeling can also be caused by another oral health condition, known as candidiasis or thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth) or geographic tongue (a condition where the surface of your tongue develops a map-like appearance).
Geographic tongue is not associated with any long-term health conditions but can sometimes become inflamed and painful. Your dental professional can diagnose and provide options to reduce the pain and discomfort.
Other Possible Causes for Burning Mouth/Tongue
While some of the possible causes of burning tongue are easier to identify, others are hard to pinpoint. If your dental professional determines that no apparent conditions are causing burning mouth symptoms, discuss your medical history with your physician.
A comprehensive medical examination will review whether any underlying diseases may be contributing to your symptoms. This includes diabetes, thyroid disease, Sjogren's syndrome, or other conditions associated with menopause, allergies, or acid reflux.
Ill-fitting dentures can irritate mouth tissues. If you feel the burning sensation is stemming from your gums or places where your dentures come in contact with your cheeks or roof of your mouth, you can ask your prosthodontist to review your fit to see if that might be the issue.
Did your burned gum feeling start soon after switching to a new toothpaste or mouthwash? A mouthwash containing alcohol, for example, can dry the inside of your mouth and cause a burning sensation in the gum tissue, tongue, or other areas. It's also possible to develop an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the toothpaste or other oral product.
If you suspect your toothpaste or mouthwash is the culprit, try switching back to your previous product and see if the sensation goes away. When in doubt, ask your dental professional for advice.
How to Soothe Burning Tongue Syndrome
An accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of your pain or discomfort is vital to determining appropriate treatment. It's best to work with your medical professional for guidance on the best treatment for your specific health history and condition.According to the Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center (GARD), solutions to ease burning tongue symptoms may include:
Avoid irritants for two weeks to see if there is any improvement, including mouthwash with alcohol, chewing gum, smoking and tobacco, acidic liquids, spicy foods, soft drinks, and coffee.
Consider over-the-counter options, including pain relief, saliva replacement products, or topical capsaicin.
Try at-home options to confront dehydration and dry mouth like drinking plenty of water, sucking on ice chips (be sure not to chew for your teeth), or chewing sugar-free gum that promotes saliva production.
Your medical professional may prescribe medication to help manage your symptoms or address their underlying cause. These typically include anticonvulsants, B vitamins, oral thrush medications, and select antidepressants.
Helpful tip: Be sure to consult your medical or dental professional if your symptoms do not improve.
Be sure not to ignore your symptoms; no one deserves to live in discomfort. Your dental and medical professionals are there to help identify what's going on and find options to manage your pain or treat its underlying causes. You're not informed on Burning Mouth Syndrome, its causes, and what your best options to deal with it are.
The shape, configuration and landscape of each person's teeth are unique to them. Your teeth are shaped by your genetics and then altered and worn by the food you eat and how you live your life. Your dentist can tell a lot about your personal health and diet from your teeth, and sometimes your teeth also offer clues to your heritage.
How Your Teeth Provide Clues to Your Ancestry
As much as your teeth can tell about you, they can also tell a lot about your ancestors. The genetic markers that determine the shape and size of your teeth are passed down through generations, and some have very particular links to geographical groups of people.
Like many features, our teeth evolved and specialized over thousands of years to accommodate the needs of our ancestors and their lifestyles. These adaptations can still be found in our mouths today, and they can give us clues to understanding where our families came from.
Your Teeth Are Shaped By Genetics
If your ancestors originated in certain regions, there's a chance your teeth may reflect the adaptations theirs made to accommodate their lifestyle, environment and diet. While there are many variations, the three most prominent teeth and ancestry links include:
- Shovel teeth: Shovel teeth are distinctively shaped teeth primarily found in people with East Asian heritage. These teeth have roots that are double the tooth's size and scooped backs that resemble a shovel.
- Cusp of Carabelli: People of European descent frequently have Carabelli's cusps on their upper molars. These cusps are additional ridges that help with chewing. Teeth with Carabelli's cusps also have two roots instead of three.
- Eagle Talon cusp: About 1% to 6% of the population has Eagle Talon cusps. This incisor tooth shape — which looks like a T when viewed from below — is primarily found in people with Native American, Inuit, Chinese or Aleutian ancestry.
What We Can Learn From Teeth
Dental anthropologists study ancient teeth to find out more about the people of the past and how they lived their lives. Studying these teeth has given us insight into historical events and humans or human ancestors in the region, including their behavior, development, diet and health.
We've found that our ancient ancestors faced the same dental problems we experience today, like gum disease, cavities, tartar and abscesses. Their dental remains still reflect the effects of these diseases. From studying dental remains, we know that Neanderthals had diets containing a lot of tough foods and meats, which is why they generally had a lower rate of cavities.
When children experience periods of illness or malnutrition, it can affect their enamel growth. We can see that indication in their adult teeth thousands of years later.
Teeth allow us to understand the lives of the past and how environmental factors and behavioral habits can alter teeth over time.
No Matter Where Your Teeth Are From, Keep Them Healthy With EverSmile
While our ancestors may have shaped our teeth, modern advancements in dentistry and orthodontics have allowed us to improve the way we care for them. Those Neanderthals might have had even fewer cavities if they had the tools and products we have for keeping our teeth pristine.
Some things in life we can control. And some things we can't. How about traffic? Nope. The weather? Uh-uh. Or toddlers? No chance. But when it comes to controlling infections — yes, we can. And that starts by getting rid of and preventing the spread of bacteria. Bacteria can lead to inflammation and then eventually, infection. And that's just no good. Sure, toothbrushing helps your mouth, but there are various steps you and your dentist should put into practice to control infections at home and in their office. Prevent any infections in your future with these tips below.
How To Control Infections In Your Dentist's Office
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every time you walk from the waiting room into the dentist's chair, a series of rules must be followed to stop disease or infection from spreading. Per CDC guidelines, every dentist office must:
Replace dentist chair protective coverings after every patient
Replace gloves after every patient
Wear a new mask over their nose and mouth with every patient
Clean any glasses or face shields after every patient
Sterilize instruments after every patient
Dispose of any materials (gauze, needles, etc.) after every patient
Clean and sanitize all surfaces a patient or employee make come into contact with
Following these guidelines is crucial to preventing the spread of infection between your dental team and yourself.
How To Control Infections In Your Home
When you're at home, however, the power to control infections is in your hands. Removing all bacteria and germs is next to impossible. Still, there are various ways you can stop their spread, especially in the bathroom and in your mouth. You can control mouth infections from spreading when you:
Wash Your Hands:
Probably the most important rule when it comes to cleanliness and overall hygiene. You touch everything with your hands, so make sure they're clean, scrubbed, and healthy.
Use Mouthwash:
Consider adding antibacterial mouthwash to your toothbrushing and flossing routine. By doing so, you're eliminating even more germs and the chance for infection.
Replace Your Toothbrush:
If you're healthy, replace it every 3 months.
If you have gum disease, replace it every 4-6 weeks.
If you've been sick, replace it immediately.
Clean Your Mouthguard:
Every morning, brush your mouthguard with toothpaste and a gentle soft toothbrush and rinse your mouthguard with cold water to wash away the germs.
Clean The Kitchen and Surrounding Areas:
Clean all the kitchen surfaces in your home as well as other high-traffic locations in your home.
Clean Your Bedroom:
Wash your bedroom sheets each week, dust the furniture and bathroom surfaces with an antibacterial cleaner in this area.
Clean Your Bathroom:
Every bathroom layout is a little different, be safe and put the lid down before flushing. Bacteria from the toilet can enter the atmosphere.
Your dentist's office should keep your health top of mind and make sure your visits are as clean as possible. But it's you who has control at home. Implement these tips into your oral hygiene routine now, and you won't have to play damage control later.
Are you feeling motivated to improve your smile? There are a number of things that you can do right away to start getting back on track. Try following these five steps to give a boost to your oral health today!
Step 1: Swap out your toothbrush.
Do you know the last time you changed out your toothbrush? If it has been longer than 3-4 months, then it is time for a change! Otherwise, your toothbrush bristles may be worn down to the point of not being as effective anymore. Also, if you’ve been sick lately, you might want to consider replacing your toothbrush a bit earlier than scheduled. This way, you can ensure that there are no lingering germs that could continue to make you sick.
Step 2: Check in on your brushing technique.
Over time, we can get a bit careless about our brushing technique, so it is always good to check in to ensure we’re cleaning our teeth as effectively as possible. Here’s how you should be brushing: hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and move it back and forth in small, tooth-wide strokes, focusing on each individual tooth and its surrounding gums in turn. Don’t forget to target each side of each tooth—including the chewing surfaces and the sides that are a bit more difficult to reach! Finally, be sure to brush your tongue, as it can harbor bacteria from your food. This will allow you to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, as well as tooth decay and other oral health issues.
Step 3: Make flossing a habit—really!
Flossing is an important part of your oral healthcare routine—it can help you prevent tooth decay, gingivitis, and more! However, it also seems to be the first element to go by the wayside. Try putting a reminder in your phone so that you’ll remember to floss at least once per night. You can also store your floss right next to your toothbrush so you never forget.
Step 4: Reconsider your toothpaste.
Does your toothpaste have the ADA Seal of Acceptance? If you’re not certain, go take a quick look at your tube of toothpaste. The American Dental Association ensures that products used to clean your mouth are safe and effective. While you’re at it, you may want to consider whether or not you’re getting the most out of your toothpaste. Make sure that yours contains fluoride, as this is important for combatting germs that lead to dental decay.
Step 5: Schedule your next dentist appointment.
Visiting the dentist regularly is an important element of maintaining your oral health. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit the dentist every six months in order to prevent issues from arising, including tooth decay, gum disease, and tartar buildup. During these appointments, you will receive preventative care—such as x-rays, an examination, and professional cleaning—as well as any restorative procedures that are needed to bring your teeth back to good condition.
Having sensitive teeth is a problem that thousands of people struggle with every day. It can make planning meals and enjoying outings very difficult, knowing that most food items will cause pain or discomfort. The pain from sensitive teeth can also come insidiously without being prompted by something you ate. You could have pain throughout the day just from being in a cooler room or standing in front of a fan in serious cases.
There are a two ways to combat sensitive teeth:
Avoid any food that errs even slightly from room temperature
See a dentist to get to root of the problem!
We can help you treat your teeth sensitivity and find out what your symptoms are. In the meantime before your appointment, you’ll want to switch over to a toothpaste that’s better for your condition.
Here’s some information about what to look for in toothpaste for sensitivity. This way, you can still enjoy all your favourite drinks and foods like ice cream, coffee, and soda.
Why Are Your Teeth Sensitive?
Sensitivity in teeth stems from eroded enamel. When your enamel erodes, pores in your teeth become exposed and extremely hot or cold food items have access to your tooth nerves.
While you unfortunately can’t build back enamel after it’s been lost, sensitivity toothpaste can cover up the pores in your teeth or numbing your gum lines. This is a temporary, but financially economical way to get daily relief from symptoms of tooth sensitivity.
Who is At-Risk for Teeth Sensitivity?
There is no population that is more at risk for having sensitive teeth than others. Anyone can become subject to the symptoms of tooth sensitivity.
What Are the Signs Teeth Sensitivity?
This condition can be caused or exacerbated by several factors:
Brushing your teeth too hard (scrubbing and pressing down too hard) can eventually rub away your tooth enamel. Even using a brush with hard bristles instead of soft ones can cause your gums to receded, exposing the dentin beneath, which is where the nerve endings are.
Gingivitis can inflame the gums and expose the tooth root as well, leading to symptoms.
A cracked tooth will expose the pulp of the tooth, which can become filled with plaque and inflamed.
Grinding or clenching your teeth often can also erode the enamel on the crown.
Acidic foods and even some mouth washes that are acidic can grind down your enamel as well.
You can also suffer sensitivity issues after a whitening session or a dental procedure. Teeth whitening opens the pores on the enamel which can lead to sensitivity, but this is usually temporary. Some procedures such as a tooth filling can cause sensitivity as well, but pain should also be temporary. You can use a toothpaste for a few days to lessen the symptoms.
What Kind of Toothpaste You Need
When choosing a toothpaste to combat sensitive teeth, you have to first consider what your main goal is:
Are your symptoms so bad that you’re willing to sacrifice anything for the maximum relief?
Or are they just sort of bad, and you’d rather have tooth whitening effects, fresher breath, multi-action, or the like?
Not all sensitivity toothpastes offer the same things. Some may offer maximum sensitivity relief, but you may not like the taste, or they may do nothing for gum protection, plaque, or cavity prevention. If your symptoms are relatively mild, you would probably benefit from a tooth paste that works on multiple dental issues.
If you have sensitivity that’s due to a cracked tooth, this is unfortunately not able to be remedied by a mere toothpaste. You need to see a dentist right away to avoid an infection.
How To Pick The Right Brand
There are dozens of toothpaste brands out there, and just as many that are indicated for sensitive teeth. While it may be tempting to just go for the cheapest brand, it may not have all the things you need for a sensitivity-reducing toothpaste. There are several categories to assess such as:
Brand
Cost
ADA approval
Active ingredients
Here are some criteria to look out for when choosing a new toothpaste brand.
Brand Name
Sometimes, sticking with a brand name gives you a sense of trust and ease, since these names have been trusted for generations. If you already have a brand of toothpaste that you know and love, making the switch to the sensitive version of that brand will be easy and seamless.
Cost
Buying sensitive toothpaste may seem too costly, and some brands may appear too expensive. However, most sensitive toothpastes are the same price as many major brand tooth pastes like Crest or Colgate. It’s easy to find a brand that costs as much as you’re already paying for toothpaste, and a tube of paste will usually last a couple of months.
Buying a toothpaste that is a little pricier is still much more cost effective than having a procedure done to reduce sensitivity, like a root canal.
Seal of Approval
Not all toothpaste brands have been certified for all the benefits they claim to have. However, some brands, such as Crest Pro-Health, have a seal of approval for fighting sensitivity, gingivitis, plaque, stains, etc. This extra stamp of approval will make you confident that you’re getting the best product for your teeth.
Active Ingredients
The main thing you need to look for when searching for a sensitivity tooth paste is that the paste is indicated for sensitive teeth. This will tell you that that specific toothpaste has been specially formulated to desensitise the nerves that cause the sensitivity and pain.
Bottom Line
Living with the symptoms of sensitive teeth can feel debilitating. The pain can sometimes be so uncomfortable that it may even disrupt your day-to-day life. Luckily, there is a very practical solution! Finding a good sensitive tooth paste can be your key to living a discomfort-free life. All the information you need about what brand is best for you is right on the product box!
Many people struggle with dental anxiety, including both children and adults. Often, dental anxiety occurs prior to a dental appointment or procedure. Typically, people have feelings of anxiousness, nervousness or even fear. The causes are various, and each person is different, meaning that they may have specific things that trigger their dental anxiety.
What causes dental anxiety?
Outlined below are a few of the most common causes of dental anxiety. Although relatively common, it can be helpful to understand what causes it, in order to learn how to manage it.
Fear of pain
One of the main causes of dental anxiety for both children and adult patients is fear of pain. There are many dental procedures that involve dental drilling, poking around or reconstruction, which can all ignite dental anxiety. However, modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of pain management and anesthetics, which help reduce, prevent and remedy pain. Most procedures that require dental drilling will also involve the use of anesthetics, which helps prevent any potential pain. Procedures that require extraction or surgery will involve the use of anesthetics and a pain management tool, such as an oral medication.
Ultimately, discussing pain preventers and managers can be helpful in managing dental anxiety that is caused by a fear of pain or discomfort. Most dentists have various tools that can be used prior to and during dental procedures.
The unknown
Another cause of dental anxiety is the unknown. Not knowing what to expect or how things will go can be scary for many people, adults included. There is a common misconception that only children experience dental anxiety because they are not sure what to expect. However, that is far from the truth! Many adults are also not sure what to expect from their dental appointment or procedure, which can result in dental anxiety.
The average person does not know exactly how a dental procedure works or what to expect, which is completely normal. Often, however, it results in dental anxiety, which can be managed with the help of a dental team. Patients who are afraid of the unknown should consult with the dentist prior to the appointment or the procedure. The dentist or dental assistant can walk the patient through each step so they know what to expect. Additionally, they can walk the patient through each step as it is happening, which can ease fears or feelings of nervousness.
Embarrassment
Embarrassment is another cause of dental anxiety, typically for adult patients. Children are often too aloof to feel embarrassed by their teeth or gums. However, adult patients tend to experience some level of dental anxiety when they have lapsed in their oral hygiene or skipped a dental appointment. What is important to know is that dentists and their teams will never judge patients on the status of their oral health. They may make recommendations to ensure that better care is taken in the future, but judgment will not be passed.
There’s nothing quite as terrifying as pressing your tongue against your teeth and feeling the telltale wiggle of a loose tooth.
Whether you were playing sports and suffered an impact injury, or you were merely biting into a crisp and delicious apple, feeling a loose tooth isn’t the end of the world depending upon a variety of factors, your tooth can still be saved, and your smile restored.
Acting Fast is Key to Saving Your Tooth
If your tooth becomes loose or partially removed due to impact trauma or injury, that means that your tooth has become “extruded.” Fortunately, if your tooth has not been broken and the nerves and blood vessels haven’t become detached, you can still save your tooth.
You must move quickly, though, and waste no time. The longer that you delay treatment, the worse the outcome will be for your extruded tooth.
If you are in pain, you can take a NSAID such as ibuprofen to relieve the discomfort. Avoid aspirin, as it can make bleeding worse. Resist the urge to yank the tooth – that can things worse, and effectively sabotage your chances of saving your tooth.
If you’re not suffering from a concussion, then please make haste to our office. If you get in within an hour, your chances of saving the tooth are greatly improved.When we see your tooth, we’ll inspect it to ensure that the nerves and blood vessels are still intact. If they are, we’ll proceed with a procedure called “replanting.” This includes returning the tooth to the socket then supporting it with a series of wires and splints to ensure that it stays in place.
If your blood vessels and nerves have become dislodged, don’t panic! We can still perform a root canal to save the tooth. This will help prevent infection and discoloration of the tooth. If the tooth cannot be saved, we may extract the tooth and insert a bridge or implant.
Of course, nobody can predict when dental emergencies will happen. Taking preventative measures such as utilizing mouth guards when playing sports can help prevent these things from happening, but if you find yourself in a dental emergency with an extruded tooth, give us a call right away. Our skilled dental team can begin working right away to save your tooth and prevent unwanted gaps in your beautiful smile!
Staying healthy isn’t just about eating right and exercising. Oral health is a core component of overall health that sometimes gets overlooked. Poor oral hygiene causes tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to serious consequences for your overall health. In adults, tooth decay can lead to tooth loss, infection, and even put the brain or heart at risk.
In addition to regular brushing and flossing, stay on the lookout for these ten common symptoms of tooth decay:
1. Decay/Cavities. Caused by acid production released when mouth bacteria breaks down leftover foods and sugars, cavities are uncomfortable, unsightly, and the most recognizable sign of tooth decay.
2. General Pain & Discomfort. Tooth decay can lead to pain, discomfort, and swelling of the mouth, face, or neck. The pain may be sharp and sudden or a dull long-lasting ache. Either way, dental pain is usually a symptom of a deeper root cause like gum disease or tooth decay.
3. Sensitivity to Temperature. As decay eats away at layers of the tooth, dentin in the tooth—more sensitive and porous than enamel—can become exposed causing sensitivity to temperature. If you feel a sudden shock of pain when eating ice cream or taking a sip of hot soup, a cavity could be the culprit.
4. Sensitivity to Sweets. As with extreme temperatures, tooth decay can also cause sensitivity to sweets.
5. Discoloration. Tooth decay causes dark spots to form on the surface of the teeth as a cavity grows. This discoloration is often mistaken for common staining caused by coffee, tea, or smoking. Inspect teeth regularly to spot early discoloration changes.
6. Gum Inflammation. The soft tissues of the gums can quickly become impacted by tooth decay, especially when cavities form near the gum line. If you experience signs of gingivitis, such as bleeding or swelling gums, it’s time to check in with your dentist.
7. Infection. As decay persists, the tooth itself may become infected. Infections can lead to dangerous pus-filled abscesses that cause swelling, pain, fever, and even damage to vital organs.
8. Bad Breath. The bacteria that causes cavities produces acidic waste as it eats away at leftover food and plaque. This acid changes the mouth’s pH levels, causing bad breath that may become persistent, even after brushing and flossing.
9. Unpleasant Taste. The acidity changes that cause bad breath can also cause a lasting unpleasant taste that lingers on your tongue. If there’s a bad taste in your mouth that brushing and flossing won’t get rid of, then tooth decay may be to blame.
10. No Symptoms. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to spot tooth decay without the presentation of physical symptoms. Some cavities are only spotted during dental cleanings or x-rays.
Prevent Tooth Decay With Regular Dentist Visits
Keep your body in tip-top shape by staying proactive about your dental health. Here to answer all of your questions, 38th Modern Dental is committed to repairing and preventing tooth decay.
Schedule an appointment with a trusted dental professional today. It’s time to start your journey to better health.
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.
