Taking charge of oral health is the need of the hour especially during covid times. Unfortunately, oral hygiene has always been the last priority for people when it comes to overall health. All people know about dental hygiene is only to brush their teeth. But what about gums? Researches and studies show approximately 70% of patients have periodontal problems like bleeding gums are because of wrong brushing techniques that leave behind white plaque and tartar deposits causing gum irritation.
What exactly causes bleeding gums?
White soft deposits called plaque and yellow hard deposits on the teeth called tartar are the main culprits. Plaque and tartar deposits in and around the teeth irritate the delicate tissues surrounding the tooth (gums). This is the main reason for puffy and bleeding gums.
Other causes of bleeding gums are hormonal changes in females, faulty food habits, smoking, and constant use of toothpicks, vitamin deficiencies, and uncontrolled blood sugar levels (diabetes). Learning the right brushing technique is the basics of dental hygiene and a must to avoid problems like bleeding gums. In addition to this, visit your dentist every 6 months and eat raw leafy greens and fresh fruits, to keep your gums strong and healthy and gum infections like gingivitis and periodontitis away.
Where are you going wrong?
Majority of people follow a wrong brushing technique that is using a wrong brush, brushing aggressively (too roughly) or even too softly leading to bacteria residing on the teeth, not brushing on the sides, brushing for too long, or even too short period and failing to brush on the inner surfaces of the teeth. Staining of the teeth, cavity, plaque, tartar buildup, receded gums are the problems that begin owing to improper brushing and not following the right technique. It’s not only improper brushing techniques that can lead to gum problems, but there are other factors too.
Dr. Prachee Hendre, Periodontist & Implantologist (Gum Specialist) signifies, “Almost 70% of the patients visiting the dental care clinic have bleeding gums, due to inefficient brushing habits.” In her experience oral problems such as bleeding gums, periodontitis (infection of gums spreading to the bone), are commonly seen and the numbers are increasing at an alarming rate.
In her opinion, this is mostly because people are still aware of how to take care of their teeth, but are not aware of how to take care of their gums. Whereas what people need to understand is healthy gums make way for healthy teeth. Only when gums are strong, that’s when teeth can become strong and will not fall off at an early or old age.
Diet and gum care
Food habits also contribute to bleeding gums. Yes, the type of food we eat makes our teeth and gums strong. Soft consistency foods, mainly carbohydrates present in sticky foods like bread & chips, stick to and between the tooth and easily attract the bad bacteria. These carbohydrates attack the tooth and are tough to clean (teeth that are behind) causing bacterial accumulation and gum irritation.
Eat a healthy fibrous diet loaded with fresh fruits and veggies like carrots, spinach, etc. For initiating self-cleansing mechanism for your teeth and improving the condition of your gums. Including vitamin C in your diet can do wonders for your gums make them strong and improve their healing.
Who is more prone to bleeding gums?
Women in their late 30s and early 40s are more sensitive and attract more plaque and bacteria around their gums when the hormonal levels are high. For example, in conditions like pregnancy and menstruation, hence their gums can bleed easily.
An increase in the blood sugar levels of the diabetics also increases the sugar levels in the blood around the teeth and gums. This elevated blood sugar level can invite germs and aggravate plaque growth. And this plaque is the main reason gum problems happen in the first place.
People with maligned teeth (crooked teeth) also experience bleeding from their gums and are more prone to gum diseases and infections. This is because overlapping and crowded teeth are difficult to clean. These areas are often not cleaned properly and some amount of plaque and tartar deposits are left behind, even if you think you might be brushing properly using the right technique.
How can you prevent bleeding gums?
Ideal brushing and flossing techniques may not suit everyone. So if you are having bleeding gums while you brush or floss, consult your dentist about techniques that may suit you.
Next time you go to buy a new toothbrush don’t forget to buy dental floss too. Adding dental floss to your kit and flossing daily can keep the gums present between the teeth healthy too.
Remember to visit the dentist every 6 months to keep your gum health and eventually dental health intact.
Brush your teeth right, to keep your gums healthy and tight.
A perfect smile is not just a consequence of good genetics. Beautiful and healthy teeth do not require a lot of your time, money or sacrifice, these are small habits that should be part of your morning routine. In order to really maintain a beautiful smile, you need to stick to proper care and stay disciplined.
1. Get a quality toothbrush
If you do not have an adequate toothbrush, you can easily injure yourself. This also has a bad effect on dental health. Do not use a toothbrush that has too hard bristles, because you will end up losing enamel or pulling gums. Harder bristles are very aggressive, and if you brush too much, you will do more damage. It is best to opt for softer fibers.
2. Brush your teeth carefully
It is not enough to get a soft toothbrush, but also to brush your teeth properly. This means you will be washing them for a minimum of 3 minutes. The movements must be gentle and circular, and the brush flexible enough to reach each side of the tooth.
Pay equal attention to the front and back teeth, and try to avoid back and forth movements. This will make your teeth much more sensitive, and there is a risk of permanent damage to the protective enamel. Don’t forget to change the brush every three months or when it starts to look bad.
3. Introduce fluorite into your daily routine
Experts recommend its use to prevent tooth decay. You will mostly find it as one of the ingredients in toothpaste or mouthwash. Of course, not all dental products contain fluoride, which means that some people do not use them at all. Don’t be one of them if you want to always have beautiful and healthy teeth.
Lack of this ingredient leads to tooth decay even though you do everything else properly. Regardless of the fact that you use an adequate toothbrush and floss, you can get caries if you do not use fluoride. Often people opt for pastes that have whitening properties, but such products can only bring you results in the short term.
4. Use dental floss
Don’t forget this product, because people often leave it out or rarely use it. Flossing is as important as a toothbrush. Research shows that a lot of people lie to their dentists about flossing regularly. This small step can help you a lot in maintaining your teeth.
Although it does not provide the most pleasant feeling, you need very little to clean all the food residue between your teeth. With a toothbrush, you remove only a small part of the surface plaque, which is not the most dangerous for your gums and teeth.
In fact, only with it can you access all parts of the teeth. It is best to do this routine before going to bed so that bacteria do not grow during the night. It is important to use it at least once a day. There are different types of dental floss on the market, we are sure you will find the one that suits you best.
5. Go for regular checkups at the dentist
Dentists use special tools to reach certain parts of the mouth that you may not be able to reach. Although you have an excellent oral hygiene regimen, you must not forget to go to the dentist regularly.
They will clean your teeth better than you, but he will also give you a lot of useful advice. You will also prevent more serious damage and other dental problems. So schedule your appointment and check if everything is fine. That is much easier than treating problem, once it arises.
6. Use mouthwash regularly
Try to never omit this remedy from your daily oral care. There is no reason to do so. These products help you reduce the amount of acid in your mouth, but clean and hard-to-reach areas in the oral cavity and remineralize your teeth. You can also rinse your mouth with herbs or oil. The healing properties of the oil are well known when it comes to oral hygiene.
Shaking the oil whitens your teeth, strengthens your gums and jaw, gets rid of bad breath, etc. Medicinal herbs are another type of prevention, and many dentists recommend marigold, Aloe Vera, etc. For example, make tea from these herbs and rinse your mouth with it, or use herbal oils by massaging it into your gums after washing.
7. Drink plenty of water
We need enough water for our overall health. However, a certain amount of water that you take in during the day will not only affect your general health but also your oral health. Don’t forget to drink some water after each meal to wash away leftover food and deposits. This is especially useful when you can’t brush your teeth after a meal.
8. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetable
By choosing food, you also influence oral hygiene, but also overall health. So, fresh foods are not only healthy for you because of minerals, vitamins and healthy fiber, but they will help you keep a perfect smile.
You have probably seen advertisements many times in which beautiful teeth are often painted next to a bitten apple and raw vegetables. These foods will strengthen your bite, but also improve the circulation in your gums.
9. Clean your tongue
This is a habit that is very easy to adopt. All you need to do is brush and brush your teeth with it during regular brushing. There are also special items used for this purpose. However, this procedure will not take you more than one minute. This has a positive effect on the health of the oral cavity.
You can also use toothbrushes that have a tongue-rubbing attachment on the back. This behavior originates from India, because it has been practiced there for centuries. This way you will remove all harmful substances from your mouth and perform some kind of detoxification.
Plaque can also accumulate on the tongue, which can lead to bad breath and other oral problems. Often dentists themselves do not draw attention to the importance of washing the tongue, so people may not even know that regular tongue hygiene is important for oral care.
Conclusion
It is not difficult to get a beautiful smile, because it is enough to introduce some healthy habits. They won’t take much time or money. If you are consistent, you will always have healthy and beautiful teeth. Don’t forget that there are also bad habits like sugar and alcohol. They have a very bad effect on the condition of your teeth, so take care never to overdo it.
By no stretch is it rare for your gums to hurt during and after flossing. Even some bleeding is to be expected. This is especially true if you have not flossed in a long time. However, if your gums do indeed hurt when you floss, and unbearably so, there are some things you can do.
Be Gentle
Perhaps the most obvious way to combat gum soreness and bleeding is to be gentle. One of the most common occurrences of these gum problems is over-aggressive flossing. In other words, if you are too rough on your gums while flossing, either because you are out of practice or because you are in a hurry, soreness and hurting is to be expected.
Instead, try taking your time and be gentle. Also, if you are just starting out, be patient and consistent, your gums will become more conditioned over time.
Use an Alternative Method
If being consistent and gentle does not work, there are other alternative methods of flossing that you can try. You can also try a water floss machine, or what is sometimes called a water pick.
The device essentially shoots water into the crevasses between your teeth, and in other areas of your mouth, in order to dislodge food and plaque. These oral instruments also come with different attachments that allow you to reach many of the hard to see and reach areas of your mouth. And lastly, you can always buy floss that is not as abrasive to your gums.
There is floss that comes with soft and gentle coatings that will do less harm to your gums while they are adjusting to the good oral hygiene habit you are creating.
Flossing is one of the easiest parts of oral hygiene to overlook. When you first start out, it is common that you may want to stop because of the pain it can initially cause.
However, if you try one, or all, of the above mentioned methods, you will give yourself the best chance of being success with your flossing, and it won’t hurt as much.
Statistics show that over 64 million adult Americans have some form of gum disease. This is alarming data given that the disease has been found to be connected with other health issues like heart disease, several forms of cancer, stroke and hypertension. To help reverse this growing trend, your dentist in Upper Arlington provides some helpful tips for preventing gum disease and fortifying your oral health.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease is the infection and inflammation of the gum tissue. The fight against the condition starts with understanding it. The primary contributor to the development of gum disease is the growth of oral bacteria. While these microorganisms are always present in the mouth, when food or beverage particles are allowed to rest on the teeth and gums, they flock to the areas to feed and multiply.
If this goes on for a prolonged period of time, a sticky substance called plaque can form. Eventually, it can seep beneath the gum line, the typical result being the development of germ pockets that can bring about the following symptoms:
Bleeding
Redness
Irritation
Puffiness
Swelling
If you notice any of the above, then it could be an indicator of gum disease. To prevent the issue getting worse, you should immediately reach out to a local dentist.
What Else Can Contribute to Gum Disease?
In addition to poor dental hygiene and the growth of oral bacteria, such life changes as hormonal shifts related to puberty, pregnancy and menopause can contribute to developing gum disease. Furthermore, researchers have found links between the condition and such illnesses as HIV, diabetes and cancer.
Certain medications can also contribute to gum disease by decreasing the body’s natural production of saliva, which can make the mouth a rest haven for bacteria.
Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
A skilled dentist can provide treatment for gum disease, but the main objective is always prevention. Here are some actions you can take to protect yourself:
Brush and Floss – The combination of brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day provides the perfect one-two punch for preventing bacteria growth.
Monitor What You Consume – The less sugary foods and beverages that you consume, the better the odds are of avoiding gum disease.
Avoid Tobacco Usage – In addition to being harmful to your overall health, smoking or chewing tobacco releases toxins in your mouth that can encourage the development of gum disease.
Visit a Dentist for Preventive Care – By visiting a local dentist semi-annually for cleanings and examinations, you can have the peace-of-mind of knowing that you’re protected from several potential problems.
If you want to know for sure that your oral health is fortified, the time is now to take action by contacting a dentist to schedule a visit today!
It's an all too common human experience to roll out from under the covers and realise that your throat is dry. This annoying symptom can make it difficult to speak, swallow, or even eat. We're here to help you understand the most likely causes of a dry throat and what to do about it.
Dehydration
Did you know that you have hundreds of salivary glands that supply saliva to your mouth and throat? These glands rely on a steady supply of water to do their job. Dehydration can cause a lack of saliva production, along with a dry throat and dry mouth.
Saliva helps lubricate your throat and mouth, so it’s important to ensure your body can make enough of it to prevent a dry feeling. If dehydration is your problem, effective home remedies for dry throat might be as simple as finding ways to drink more water. To stimulate saliva production, considering chewing sugar-free gum or consuming dairy products.
Helpful tip: Hindustan Times reports that a normal healthy person needs about eight glasses (two litres) of water a day, which should go up in hot, sweaty weather and during vigorous activities, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research’s Dietary Guidelines for Indians. . . .
Allergies
Hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis) occurs when your body is sensitive to particles entering through your airway, increasing mucus production and inflaming your nasal passages. This response can cause you to experience a range of symptoms, including a dry throat.
Allergens and irritants like pollen, dander, dust, and smoke are likely to trigger hay fever.
If you’re experiencing hay fever, your symptoms may include:
Dry throat or dry mouth
Cough
Congested or runny nose
Itchiness
Tiredness
It can be frustrating to deal with hay fever, but there are various steps you can take to prevent exposure and manage your symptoms.
Treatment and prevention tips include:
Medications: Both prescription and over-the-counter options are available to reduce some of the most annoying symptoms, like runny nose and dry throat. These options include antihistamines, decongestants, and other widely available options.
Air Conditioning: Avoid fans that can blow particles around in favour of air conditioning that can help remove them from the air.
Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses to block particles from entering your eyes, and try not to rub your eyes to avoid aggravating them.
Keep a clean environment: Regular removal of potential irritants or allergens will help prevent episodes or reduce your symptoms.
The Common Cold
The common cold is, as the name suggests, incredibly common. The Times of India reports that the common cold is an infection that is caused by viruses, there are over 200 viruses that can cause cold and flu-like symptoms. .
Symptoms of the common cold may include:
Mucus in your throat
Itchy throat
Congested or runny nose
Fever
Soreness or tiredness
While there’s no cure for the common cold, there are many steps you can take to reduce its symptoms:
Drink plenty of fluids and get a lot of rest
Use over-the-counter medications as instructed on the packaging, like decongestants, cough medicine, antihistamines, or pain medication
Gargle with a mixture of salt dissolved in warm water
Did you know: Despite what you may have heard from friends and relatives, the common cold is not caused by exposure to cold or wetness.
Waking Up With Dry Throat
If you go to bed feeling fine but wake up with a bothersome dry throat, you might be breathing through your mouth while you sleep. This can be caused by a congested nose or throat, back sleeping, or another medical condition.
You may also find yourself with a dry throat in the morning if you experience sleep apnoea, a condition that disrupts your breathing and sleep. Sleep apnoea is a serious condition that can cause other health problems, so it’s a great idea to speak with your medical professional.
To prevent waking up to an annoying dry throat, it’s a good idea to drink a glass of water before bed to help prevent dehydration, avoid sleeping on your back if possible, and take steps to unclog your nose, so you don’t breathe out of your mouth.
There are many potential causes for your dry throat, so it’s your best bet to determine and treat its underlying cause. While it can be hard to do this on your own, luckily, there are medical professionals at your disposal to assist with expert diagnosis and treatment. You’re now informed of the top causes of your dry throat and ready to manage your symptoms.
A dental crown is a cap that can be placed over a cracked or damaged tooth to protect it from further harm. Crowns are very durable and can be made of metal, resin, porcelain, ceramic or other materials.
However, poor dental hygiene and eating hard or sticky foods can compromise the integrity of your crown. Sometimes, they can become loose or even fall off. If your crown does become dislodged, it can be fixed. Here are some things you should do if this occurs.
Book an appointment with a dentist. Though it isn’t a dental emergency, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible if your dental crown falls off. Arranging a visit within two to three days is typically recommended.
Keep your crown. Try to retrieve your crown so that you can bring it with you when you see your dentist. It’s possible that it can be cleaned and reused. If you think you may have swallowed your crown, call a medical doctor right away.
Consult a pharmacist if you’re in pain. If you experience any soreness as a result of your crown becoming dislodged, a pharmacist can recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce your discomfort.
Chew carefully. As much as possible, stick to eating soft foods until you can get your crown fixed.
Brush and floss regularly. Keep your mouth clean to prevent plaque from accumulating on your exposed tooth.
Don’t try to fix the crown yourself. Using glue or some other type of product to adhere your crown back in place can damage the remaining tooth structure and cause further problems. Leave the dentistry to the professionals.
If your dental crown falls off, the tooth will become vulnerable to plaque, and if you wait too long to fix it, you may lose the tooth entirely.
It's easy to let booking a dentist appointment drop down the ever-growing list of things to do, but be honest - when was the last you visited yours?
Well done you if it was less than six months ago.
If it was more than six months ago then - no judgment - but you may want to steel yourself. Especially if you let years elapse between visits to the dentist.
However, even if you are blessed with good teeth, robust health and regularly practise stellar oral hygiene , you should not be leaving more than two years between visits.
Because, depending on how long you do leave it, outlined below is what's happening to your mouth in the meantime.
1. SIX MONTHS
Speaking to the Independent , Dr Tariq Idrees explains how, at this point, many patients might be developing cavities they are unaware of.
Which is a pretty scary thought.
But cavities, which can lead to tooth loss and decay, are not the only thing dentists can detect and address.
The early signs of orals cancers can be spotted by dentists, which is important for patients who regularly drink and smoke.
"One of the most common signs of head and neck cancer is an ulcer which develops in the mouth and does not heal within 14 days," says Dr Idrees.
The good news is that caught early, survival rates are strong. However, these do obviously dwindle with time.
2. ONE YEAR
One year on from your last appointment and gum disease is likely to have set in, painful and resulting in bleeding gums.
This is not all, however. Left untreated, and painful inflammation and tooth loss may occur. A common mistake patients make, according to Dr Idrees, is brushing less owing to the pain.
This only makes the problem worse.
3. TWO YEARS
Things are now becoming increasingly serious.
The likelihood, warns Dr Idrees, is toothache is or has occurred, and painful and costly treatments are required to get to the root of the problem.
A cavity detected a few months in is comparatively cheap to sort out. By now, however, expensive, invasive and time-consuming root canal may be needed.
In addition to all these woes are receding gums and the fact that any existing work may need a bit of a facelift.
4. FIVE YEARS
Tartar, by this point, is such a problem that it requires a special process called scaling, using a specific type of tool to get scrape it off.
Teeth will also be covered in an alarming amount of the tough, calcified substance, which leads to decay.
The long-term prospects of a patients' teeth are looking grim.
5. TEN YEARS
Let's put it this way, one of Dr Idrees' patients who had not visited in a decade required 18 months worth of work reconstructing his teeth in a £27,000 procedure.
This is because leaving it this long could cause the entire shape of the mouth to be an issue, with crooked teeth and overcrowding.
Some people bite their tongues while they are sleeping as a result of an urge to chew or to prevent themselves from speaking out in their sleep. For others, it may be due to stress or anxiety. When the biting is done unconsciously, it can disrupt sleep and lead to numerous health problems, including dental problems and jaw pain.
Tongue-biting is a common habit that many people exhibit while they're asleep. In fact, it's estimated that up to 70% of adults exhibit some form of nighttime biting. This behavior can have a number of negative impacts on your health, including affecting your sleep, contributing to dental problems, and even leading to conditions like sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea and smoke, one treatment you can try is quitting smoking.
The reasons why people bite their tongues while they're sleeping are varied and complex. Some people do it as a way of controlling their emotions or as a way of relieving stress. Others do it out of habit or because they're experiencing anxiety or pain. Regardless of the reason, biting your tongue can have serious consequences for your health and well-being.
Do you struggle with biting your tongue in the middle of the night?
Dentists often hear complaints of people biting their tongues or cheeks when they're asleep. This can be uncomfortable and even painful, and the more you do it, the worse it becomes.
Why do I constantly bite my tongue?
The habit of biting your tongue from time to time can happen. If, however, you're continually biting your tongue during sleeping, it might be a more serious issue like a misaligned bite or a tongue swelling, or even problems from TMJ.
The harm done to your tongue can be very painful and can also be visible. If you're someone who bites your tongue when sleeping typically you bite it along the sides or close to the edge. This can cause inflammation and even damage to the soft tissues of your tongue.
Biting your tongue can also lead to other problems, including:
Infection: Biting your tongue can lead to an infection if the bacteria from your saliva gets into the wound.
Jaw Clenching: Jaw clenching during sleep is a common sign of TMJ, which is a disorder of the jaw that can cause pain and difficulty opening the mouth.
Tooth Loss: If you're biting your tongue often enough, it's also possible that you're putting stress on teeth and contributing to tooth loss.
Tongue Swelling: If you bite your tongue often enough, it can swell and cause problems with speech and swallowing.
Pain: If you bite your tongue often enough, it can cause pain and soreness.
Read on to discover what you can do to stop your habit and live a healthy life. Here are some common causes and solutions. Learn more about Rhythmic movement disorder and the role of nicotine chemicals.
Nicotine is a chemical found in cigarettes and other forms of tobacco. It can be addictive, and it can have effects on the body that depends on the person. Some people who smoke develop Rhythmic movement disorder (RMD), which is a type of sleep disorder. RMD is marked by abnormalities in the patterns of movement during sleep. These abnormalities can make it hard for people to get a good night's sleep, and they may also lead to problems with their day-to-day activities.
Rhythmic movement disorder
If you find yourself gnawing on your tongue while you sleep, you could have Rhythmic movement disorder. In some cases, medication is prescribed to treat this disorder. If it continues, you should seek a medical diagnosis.
If you find that you or a loved one has this disorder, you should seek medical care immediately. Most cases of rhythmic movement disorder go away without treatment. However, if you have Lyme disease, you should consult a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. In such cases, antibiotics may be required for treatment. Using a mouth guard could prevent the symptoms of rhythmic movement disorder from occurring.
Morsicatio linguarum
Many people don't realize that they're damaging their tongue while they sleep. While you may not notice it, clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep can exert more than 250 pounds of force, damaging the soft tissues of the tongue. Night guards can help reduce the force of bites by acting as a buffer between the upper and lower teeth.
This condition is common but rarely recognized. Dermatologists have little experience with it. It's also rarely described in pathologic or dermatological textbooks. Usually, this condition regresses after the habit ceases. While it can be a symptom of a larger underlying disease, it's not considered malignant. The cause of biting your tongue while you sleep is unclear.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion is the medical term for a misaligned set of teeth. It affects how the teeth fit together, and this wears the teeth down over time. People with malocclusions are more likely to grind their teeth, which is not a conscious habit. During sleep, people grind their teeth, causing them to wear down their teeth more than normal. Consequently, these people have a harder time chewing and are more prone to gum disease and tooth decay.
Bruxism is also common. While it may sound harmless, this habit can affect your oral health. When you grind your teeth, the jaw muscles tighten and the tongue becomes restricted. Malocclusion can also lead to other symptoms such as pain and infection. Fortunately, there are plenty of treatment options for bruxism. However, if the condition is severe, you may need more aggressive therapy to address the cause of your bruxism.
Using a Custom Night Mouth Guard to Protect Your Tongue During Sleep
Whatever the reason for biting your tongue, custom mouth guards allow you to shield yourself from further damage. These are non-toxic, BPA-free plastic mouth pieces designed to be fitted over your teeth. If worn, they assist to minimize the risk of injury to your tongue. Remi custom-fit mouthguards are designed by our in-house labs in order to fit your mouth precisely. You create the impression of your teeth in the comfort of your home and send them back to us in the package you received them in. Remi's easy mail-order service makes ordering your custom dental night guards easier than ever.
A fall on a slippery sidewalk, an automobile crash, a sports injury: Accidents happen. And if an accident results in trauma to your jaw, a fractured mandible (lower jaw) can be the outcome.
By recognizing the symptoms and getting the correct diagnosis, you can successfully treat a mandibular fracture. And that's great news! After all, you want the only movable bone in your head to function fully so you can eat, talk, sing, cheer, and smile. In other words, enjoy life.
Symptoms of Mandibular Fractures
A mandibular fracture is similar to a bone fracture in any body part. The bone becomes stressed, usually from excessive force, and breaks under that pressure. Beyond accidents, mandible fractures can result from violence. In fact, most U.S. adults experience such trauma because of a violent act, reports research published in the Seminars in Plastic Surgery journal.
Jaw fracture symptoms you might experience include:
Pain, swelling, redness, and increased heat in the jaw or ear area
Difficulties speaking, chewing, and breathing
Numbness or bruising of your face and neck
Loose teeth or change in teeth alignment
Bleeding from the mouth
If you think you have a broken mandible, it's crucial to visit a medical or dental professional as soon as possible for a diagnosis. If the symptoms are severe, it's in your best interest to have someone drive you to the emergency room – or call 911.
Diagnosing Mandible Fractures
After a physical check of your jaw and face, you'll undergo a radiograph to detect jaw fracture(s) resulting from the injury. Maxillofacial radiologists – doctors who specialize in reading dental radiographs – access the presence and severity of cracks, splits, or complete breaks.
A Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology report notes two types of radiographs that best identify mandibular fractures:
CT Scan: A special type of radiograph called cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) allows maxillofacial radiologists to assess bone conditions and fractures in three dimensions with 100 percent accuracy. Since you might have more than one fracture, it's important to pinpoint all fractures.
X-ray: A lower-price option is a panoramic X-ray that can detect 86 percent of mandibular fractures.
If you live in a community without this radiographic equipment, you might undergo a regular CT scan or X-ray initially. But you'll do yourself a favor by making arrangements for a CBCT scan before treatment begins.
Who Treats Mandibular Fractures
After being diagnosed with a broken jaw, you'll typically receive a referral to a specialist for further treatment. Most likely, you'll see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who'll determine the best plan to do these two things at the same time:
Heal the jawbone.
Restore the proper bite pattern, or occlusion, of the teeth.
If your teeth are improperly aligned as your jaw heals, you might have future issues with temporomandibular joint pain.
Treatment of Mandibular Fractures
Mandibular fracture treatment depends on the severity, the location, and the number of jaw fractures. Treatments can include:
Resting your jaw. This requires you to avoid opening your jaw except to consume – but definitely not chew – soft foods and liquids.
Wiring your mouth closed. This stabilizes your jaw joints as the bones heal. And, yes, a liquid diet will make up your meal plan.
Surgery for more severe breaks. This might involve screwing metal plates into the jawbone. Again, so your jaw remains stable, wiring your mouth closed might be required. And, again, a liquid diet might be on the menu.
Treatment and recovery can require up to four to six weeks for your fracture to heal. During this time, you'll typically receive prescriptions or advice to take:
Anti-inflammatory medications to increase your comfort and aid in your healing.
Antibiotics to prevent an infection of the bone.
To rebuild your jaw muscles and joints' strength, you'll likely need to undergo physical therapy.
Good oral hygiene is crucial during healing, but wires and a limited mouth opening will impair your ability to brush. Your dentist may recommend that you swish with an antibacterial mouthrinse.
If you experience trauma to the jaw, don't hesitate to seek a diagnosis and treatment for a broken mandible – even if you don't experience obvious symptoms. And though you might have to wait up to six weeks before eating solid food again, it'll be something to smile about once your jaw and bite start working properly again.
Children and adults every year sustain an estimated 5 million knocked-out teeth. If this happens to you or your child, you need to know what to do to save your tooth.
Our team of dedicated professionals at Bay Dental Group, led by Dr. Woo Young Lee and Dr. Sean Kim, has the expertise to treat your injury immediately with our emergency dentistry care. If you suffer from a knocked-out tooth, we encourage you to follow these action steps to help save your tooth:
1. Locate your knocked out tooth, if possible
If you’re able to find your knocked-out tooth, pick it up without touching its roots. You want to avoid damaging the roots because they’re vital to your healing. Instead, pick the tooth up at the base side or the crown of the tooth where you chew.
2. Rinse off your broken tooth
Once you pick up your tooth, check for debris or dirt. If you need to clean it, rinse it gently with water only. Do not add soap or any cleaning agents, and don’t scrub it or wipe it off. You want to keep the tooth in its original state.
3. Put the tooth back in its socket
If possible, you need to place the tooth back in its socket. Once there, hold it in place with your fingers or slowly bite down, and keep your mouth closed until you reach our practice. Studies show that if you can get your tooth back in its socket within five minutes, it has a strong chance of surviving.
If you can’t get your knocked-out tooth back in place, you need to keep the roots of the tooth moist. Put it in your mouth next to your cheek until you see our team. If you can’t keep it there, put it in a small container of milk, or spit some of your saliva into a cup and gently place it in there. Do not soak it in water.
4. Get emergency care immediately
After taking the necessary steps to save your tooth, you need to call our office or get to our practice as soon as possible. It’s best to get emergency dental care within 30 minutes of your injury.
At Bay Dental Group, we have the expertise to reimplant your tooth or perform the necessary procedure to repair and restore the life of your tooth, whether you’re an adult or a child.
