While most people are familiar with common issues (such as dental carries or impacted wisdom teeth), there are some issues that are far less common and less known.
ANODONTIA:
Anodontia (also known as Hypodontia) is a condition where some teeth never grow in place. Depending on how many teeth are missing, dentists either treat it with implants, dentures, or simply shifting teeth over to fill in the gap.
TALON CUSPS:
This condition involves a talon-like protrusion that grows at the back of a child’s tooth. It usually occurs behind incisors or canines. These protrusions can cause problems such as a misaligned bite, irritation of the mouth, and even plaque buildup.
Treatment can involve either grinding down the “talon”, or, if the growth contains pulp, a root canal.
GEMINATED TEETH:
When two teeth grow out from the same root, this condition is known as Geminated Teeth. While the teeth share one tooth, they each have their own tooth chamber with pulp.
Based on how this tooth interacts with other teeth, it may be removed or left alone.
SUPERNUMERARY TEETH (HYPERDONTIA):
Just as there’s a condition of not having enough teeth, there’s also a condition of having too many teeth. This is called Hyperdontia. Hyperdontia usually involves only one extra tooth, but it can be more. These teeth rarely erupt and usually develop inside the gums, which can cause all sorts of crowding and misalignment with other teeth.
When a dentist spots one of these, they will usually recommend having it extracted.
If you’ve started to notice an unpleasant metallic taste in your mouth, you’re not alone. Many men and women experience this sensation, and it’s usually nothing that a trip to your dentist can’t take care of. A metallic taste can be a sign of a serious disease, but this is very rare and will occur alongside other symptoms.
Dental Causes of Metallic Taste
A metallic taste in the mouth can occur for a variety of reasons having to do with the teeth and gums, such as: Tooth decay, Gum disease, Broken filling or crown, Dry mouth.
Infection is a common reason for a metallic taste. If you practice poor dental hygiene, you will most likely end up with cavities, inflamed gums, or both. Leaving these untreated can cause infection, which often creates an unpleasant taste.
Another reason for a metallic taste in the mouth is a broken filling or crown. This often occurs after a root canal, as the temporary filling used before your crown is placed is soft and can be easily chipped, broken, or dislodged. If you notice a metallic taste after your root canal, visit your dentist so that they can check on the state of your filling.
Dry mouth can be another culprit when it comes to a metallic taste. This is especially common if you’re taking medicines or vitamins that contain metals such as zinc or iron. Dry mouth can be prevented by drinking plenty of water and chewing gum to stimulate saliva production. Once your mouth is no longer dry, the metallic taste should disappear.
How to Prevent Metallic Taste in Mouth
Since the most common reason for a metallic taste in the mouth is poor oral hygiene, the best way to prevent it is to maintain a great oral health routine. Some of the things you can do to help keep your mouth healthy and free of bad tastes include: Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day, Use a mouthwash, Rinse your mouth with water after eating, especially after eating anything sugary, Avoid eating too many sweets, Avoid hard or sticky foods, Visit your dentist every 4 or 6 months.
Bacteria build up on the teeth after eating and drinking, so rinsing with water is a great way to help remove food particles and bacteria if you can’t brush your teeth right away. Rinsing with water after drinking coffee or eating berries can also help to prevent staining.
If you maintain good oral habits, you’ll have less of a chance of getting an infection which leads to a metallic taste in the mouth.
Dr. John O'Horo office is a family and cosmetic oriented dental practice built on developing personal relationships with each of our patients. We listen to you.
Our philosophy centers on treating people in a caring and gentle manner. We work carefully with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan. We promise to take every step possible to make your dental experience a positive one.
Providing Exceptional Dental Services is our ultimate goal. We provide you with top quality customer service through the best available dental care. You can expect to be greeted personally when you arrive in our office and always be an active participant in your dental care.
Our mission statement: We take the time to know you before determining your needs. This is achieved in a private consultation room, not the dental chair, where we discuss your current concerns as well as your likes and dislikes about your past dental experiences.
Our systems and procedures include the most advanced equipment and training to ensure a lifetime of dental health.
Dr. O'Horo graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1997. He completed a general practice residency in 1998 at Tufts New England Medical Center where he served as chief resident. Prior to moving to North Andover, he practiced in New York City at a prestigious Park Avenue cosmetic dental practice.
Dr. O'Horo is current with all the latest procedures and techniques. He has earned certifications in implant placement, laser dentistry, Invisalign, Clear Correct invisible braces, placing Botox and dermal fillers, and is licensed in oral sedation.
Dr. Pinette grew up in Reading, Massachusetts. She attended Quinnipiac University and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business. She received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Pinette has earned certifications in Invisalign, Clear Correct invisible braces, placing Botox and dermal fillers, and is licensed in oral sedation.
A board certified pediatric dentist has elected to complete accredited training and successfully completed an examination process to assess a candidate’s knowledge skill and judgment regarding standards of oral health care for infants, children, adolescents and patients with special health care needs. It also reflects a value of lifetime learning and practicing pediatric dentistry with state of the art techniques and materials. This reflects an effort on the part of the practioner to provide the highest standard of health care for patients.
Dr Gallegos welcome you to consider establishing a dental home for your child early on preferably by age one. A dental home refers to an ongoing relationship between our office and your family, inclusive of all aspects of oral health care delivery in a comprehensive, continuous, accessible, coordinated and family-centered way. As your child develops from an infant into an adolescent there can be challenging issues that we can address and help you make informed educated decisions regarding your child’s oral health care.
Everyone wants a bright smile and there are quite a lot of different ways to whiten teeth. Often, the choices can be confusing, but it may help to know that there are basically only two categories of teeth whitening options to choose from: professional, in-office bleaching or at-home products.
No matter which type of teeth-whitening option you choose, both will contain peroxide-based bleaching agents. At-home products contain between 3 and 20 percent carbamide or hydrogen peroxides while professional, in-office treatment systems contain 15 to 43 percent peroxide.
If you’re considering your options and trying to decide whether to do tooth whitening at home or have it done professionally by a dentist, this article will help you better understand the advantages of professional teeth whitening. While some people are able to get a decent outcome using at-home products, the advantages of professional teeth whitening are numerous and there are some important health risks involved in using at-home teeth whitening products.
As a general rule, if you keep a strong solution of peroxide on your teeth, your teeth will become whiter. Higher percentages of the whitening solution can be applied to the teeth for a shorter period of time to get good results. If you keep the tooth whitening gel on your teeth too long, it will dehydrate the teeth, increasing tooth sensitivity. This can cause pain and other dental problems which is one of the reasons why at-home products may not always be the best option. If a patient leaves the lower percentage solution on the teeth too long, pain and sensitivity in the teeth can lead to pain when you eat certain foods. And it’s much more likely that patients will misuse the at-home whitening systems than that the professional treatment will go awry.
Teeth whitening at the dentist usually works much faster than teeth whitening at-home. In addition to the stronger peroxide solution that’s used in dental offices, heat or light or both can be used to speed up and intensify the whitening effects of professional treatment. Typically, to get teeth from three to eight shades brighter, patients should expect to do several 30 to 60 minute office visits, though some dentists are able to use specialized techniques that take only one single 2 hour visit. Typically the cost of professional teeth whitening is more than the cost of at-home treatment, but the final results demonstrate that in terms of teeth whitening you get what you pay for.
It makes logical sense that teeth whitening that’s done at home is not as safe as teeth whitening done in a clinic by a professional. At-home teeth whitening treatments are essentially DIY and so, as with all DIY projects, it carries risk (because patients rarely understand fully what they’re doing or how the treatment works and therefore can easily do damage to their teeth).
At the dentist, when you get your teeth whitened, you also will have your teeth and gums cleaned so that plaque and tartar are removed and any cavities are filled. So, one of the advantages of professional teeth whitening is that the dentist will check your teeth and make sure they’re healthy and ready for the treatment. And the treatment itself won’t hurt the teeth because a professional knows how to avoid causing damage while still getting results that are dramatic and long-lasting.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of in-office, professional teeth whitening is vigilance and the fact that the dentist is watching to make sure nothing goes wrong or isn’t working during your treatment. Teeth whitening is a treatment that’s been proven to be safe for many years, but despite this gum irritation is a common problem and tooth hypersensitivity can also occur such that extremely cold or extremely hot foods are irritating after the procedure.
Patients who have specific teeth with noticeable stains that they’d like to have removed should carefully consider going to a professional to ensure that these stains are addressed with care and that the final results repair the problem fully. With an at-home kit patients run the risk of making the problem appear worse rather than better. But professional teeth whitening systems are designed to address these types of issues.
And finally, professional teeth whitening leaves all the responsibility in the hands of the dentist which means that, as the patient, you can sit back and relax during the procedure. At the end of your appointment, you’ll leave the office with bright, pearly whites. At-home treatments, on the other hand, could yield results that are less-than-perfect or even worse-than-before-the-treatment. When poor results happen, in-office treatment has to be aimed at fixing two problems instead of just one (stained teeth). So, if you’re not sure whether at-home or in-office treatments are right for you it might be best to err on the safe side and see a dentist for professional treatment to ensure excellent results.
When people think about the impact of crooked teeth, one of the first things that comes to mind is physical appearance of the smile and how it affects self esteem. Most people’s primary motivation to seek treatment for crooked teeth is to improve the appearance of their smile. However, the impact of crooked teeth goes beyond physical appearance. Issues with tooth and jaw alignment are associated with decay and other damaging effects, and can potentially increase the risk of other general health issues.
Crooked Teeth Can Affect your Oral Health
There are several ways that crooked teeth can have an impact on your oral health. Issues related to crooked teeth include:
Damage to the Teeth and Jaw
Issues with tooth alignment can cause extra wear on protruding teeth. Abrasion on the teeth can damage fillings or wear down the outer layers of the teeth and cause tooth sensitivity. When the bite doesn’t align properly it can lead to bruxism (teeth grinding) and cause pain and strain in the muscles of the jaw and face. Bruxism can also lead to headaches.
Tooth Decay
Crooked teeth can make it harder to reach the entire surface of the teeth when brushing and flossing. When the teeth aren’t properly cleaned on a regular basis it leads to complications such as tooth decay. When plaque and bacteria are not removed effectively, the plaque hardens into tartar that can only be removed by professional scaling.
Gum Disease
Bacteria between the teeth causes inflammation, so if the tight spaces between the teeth can’t be reached with regular flossing it can lead to bleeding and gum disease.
Bad Breath
Although your mouth feels fresh after a quick brush or rinse with mouthwash, a lot of odour-causing bacteria live between your teeth in the areas that are hard to reach when the teeth are not properly aligned.
Higher Risk of Injury
If some teeth are protruding it can make them more likely to be chipped or damaged. Minor cracks can often be repaired using a white filling, but more serious injuries may require a root canal, crown, or dental implant.
Complications of Poor Oral Health
In some cases, issues with oral health can lead to general health complications such as infections or higher risk of certain diseases.
Respiratory and Other Infections: People with ongoing tooth decay or gum disease may be breathing in extra bacteria from the mouth. It is thought that in some cases bacteria in the mouth can contribute to respiratory infections, pneumonia, or other lung and respiratory issues. In addition, when gum disease is present, disruptions to the gum tissue can create an entry point for bacteria to get into the bloodstream.
Diabetes: People with diabetes have a higher risk of gum disease. When gum disease is present, it may affect the management of blood sugar levels. This can contribute to the development and progression of diabetes. People with diabetes are also generally more susceptible to infection.
Dementia: Although the two may seem unrelated, there is research that supports a possible connection between poor oral health and the development of dementia later in life.
To prevent the symptoms and complications associated with poor oral health, it is important to maintain a good oral health routine and visit your dentist regularly. Your family dentist can help find solutions to any issues you are having keeping your teeth and gums healthy. If crooked teeth are affecting your oral health, your family dentist can recommend options for orthodontic treatment to help properly align your teeth and jaw.
Are you looking into common dental issues so you can figure out why your mouth hurts? Experiencing any type of discomfort or pain in the teeth and gums is not pleasant, making it a good idea for you to find out why your mouth is hurting as soon as possible.
If the pain is making it difficult for you to get through the day, then making a dental appointment as soon as possible is recommended.
Types of mouth pain:
There are different types of mouth pain someone can experience, including sudden, sharp pain and persistent, dull pain. The pain can be felt in the teeth, gums, jaw area, neck and even the entire face.
Dental issues that cause dental pain:
The following is a list of dental issues that are common reasons for someone experiencing pain in their mouth.
Dental issue #1 — damaged teeth. When a tooth is cracked or broken, it can expose its inner layers, which will cause various levels of pain in the mouth.
Dental issue #2 — sensitive teeth. When a tooth’s enamel is jeopardized, it is no longer able to fully protect the tooth, which can cause various levels of pain in the mouth.
Dental issue #3 — bruxism. This is also called teeth grinding and clenching, which is known for causing teeth soreness.
Dental issue #4 — wisdom teeth. When these teeth grow in, they can cause various levels of pain or soreness.
Dental issue #5 — cavities. When tooth decay is present, it is only a matter of time before cavities begin to develop.
Dental issue #6 — abscessed tooth. A tooth abscess is caused by a bacterial infection and needs immediate treatment.
Dental issue #7 —– gum disease, a.k.a. receding gums. When gums start pulling away from the teeth, it will cause various levels of sensitivity and pain in the mouth.
Dental issue #8 — TMJ disorders. TMJ is a jaw disorder that affects the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, which tends to cause more discomfort than pain.
The most common dental issues are often preventable with routine exams and cleanings, visiting your dentist regularly.
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental issues that is addressed during dental exams. If you are having troubles with decaying teeth or cavities, you may want to make an appointment with your local dentist. A dentist offering dental X-rays and other procedures serving Hazlet can diagnose and treat any cavities or other forms of decay that may be affecting your smile. To help you gear up for your next trip to the dentist, here are some questions that you can ask your dentist about tooth decay.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
When you visit your dentist, you may want to ask about the most likely causes of tooth decay. In fact, tooth decay is caused by the buildup of acid producing bacteria in your mouth. As these bacteria build up around your teeth and gums, they will start to eat away at the enamel of your teeth. Eating certain foods and neglecting oral hygiene can speed up the formation of decay in your teeth.
What Are Some Signs of Tooth Decay?
In order to prevent an oral health emergency, you may also want to ask your doctor about some of the most common signs of tooth decay. For example, if you have a cavity, you may find that an area of your mouth is very sensitive to hot or cold. Since many cavities form without symptoms, it is also important to schedule routine dental exams.
How Can I Prevent Tooth Decay?
Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding tooth decay issues. In order to prevent tooth decay, you will need to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. You can also help prevent tooth decay by making sure to visit your dentist biannually.
Do you ask your dentist any questions? Well you should, because dentists can be a wealth of knowledge and most are more than happy to answer your questions to help you maximize your oral health. Let’s explore some other good questions you may want to ask at the dental office.
How’s my oral hygiene? What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use? Am I at risk for any dental problems? Will I need any major dental services in the future? Will you accept my dental plan? Will you balance bill me for charges? Can you spread dental services out to maximize my benefits?
You know that what you eat directly impacts your health, and that includes the health of your teeth and gums. But it can work the other way around too. If you have an orthodontic appliance, such as braces, or have had certain dental problems or procedures, the health and comfort of your teeth and gums can directly impact what you eat. Here are some tips for what to eat and how to avoid these common dental issues.
Braces are delicate, and any food that you need to bite into to eat is prime for breaking braces. You can get around this by cutting the food, such as corn off the cob or rib meat off the bone, or slicing apples and chopping carrots into small, bite-size pieces.
Any food that you need to bite into to eat is prime for breaking braces. You can get around this by cutting the food, such as corn off the cob or rib meat off the bone, or slicing apples and chopping carrots into small, bite-size pieces. You may also experience problems eating after your braces are tightened–teeth may feel sore.
The first few days are the worst, so try eating softer foods like those listed below until the soreness passes: Scrambled eggs,oatmeal, soup with soft vegetables or pureed or cream soups, soft cheeses, including cottage cheese, smoothies and milkshakes, pudding and custard, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, sorbet and frozen yogurt, tortillas (soften by microwaving or steaming), yogurt, soft-cooked, shredded chicken and meat, protein shakes, tofu, ripe fruits, such as peaches and nectarines, cut into bite-size pieces, couscous, quinoa, bulgur, soft-cooked rice, pasta and noodles, polenta, baked apples, peanut butter, chicken or tuna salad, refried beans, avocado , applesauce, macaroni and cheese, pancakes, soft bread, saltines and matzoh, mashed bananas, cooked veggies, hummus, canned or cooked fruit.
If you get mouth sores, try these tips to make eating easier and speed healing: Choose cool or room temperature foods, blend and moisten dry or solid foods, drink through a straw to bypass mouth sores, eat high protein, high calorie foods to speed up healing time. For example, add protein powder to milk shakes or powdered dry milk to fortify mashed potatoes and soups.
Your nutrition and dietary needs following oral surgery or getting implants depends on factors including your nutritional status prior to your procedure, the extent of your procedure, how much impact there is on oral function and how long your recovery is expected to last. A liquid or soft foods diet may be required for a few days or longer, until your mouth heals. Opt for nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods and lean meats, eggs and beans whenever possible since they provide vitamins, minerals and nutrients needed for healing, including zinc, protein, and vitamins A and C.
Try these foods: Scrambled eggs, oatmeal or cream of wheat (make with milk instead of water to boost nutrition), soup with soft vegetables or pureed or cream soups, soft cheeses, including cottage cheese, smoothies and milkshakes, pudding and custard, meatloaf, mashed potatoes (fortify by mixing in powdered milk to boost nutrition, sorbet and frozen yogurt, tortillas (soften by microwaving or steaming), yogurt, soft-cooked, shredded chicken and meat, protein shakes, tofu,ripe fruits, cut into pieces like peaches and nectarines, peanut butter, saltines and matzoh, mashed bananas, cooked veggies, like carrots, squash, green beans, spinach and other greens, spinach soufflé, hummus, canned or cooked fruit.
Swallowing problems can occasionally happen, but if it persists, talk to your doctor since it could be related to something serious. Causes of swallowing issues vary and treatment depends on what is causing the problem. If you are having trouble swallowing, to prevent choking and aspiration avoid these foods: Alcoholic beverages, extremely hot foods and beverages, caffeine, spicy foods, popcorn, bran cereal, nuts, cottage cheese (unless pureed), skins of fruits, celery, dry, crumbly, or sticky foods (such as bread, cake, peanut butter, banana).
Depending on level of swallowing difficulty, the following foods may be included in the diet. These foods are grouped into four different categories:
Thin liquids that dissolve quickly in the mouth such as frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelatin and broth.
Nectar-like liquids where liquid coats and drips off a spoon such as nectars, milkshakes, cream soup and vegetable juices.
Honey-like liquids that flow off a spoon in a ribbon like in yogurt, tomato sauce and honey.
Spoon-thick liquids that are thickened to pudding consistency such as pudding, custard or hot cereal.
The first and foremost reason to maintain and preserve your natural teeth is cost. If you invest time into practicing good oral hygiene and regularly visit your dentist, you will save money later on expensive dental repair and restorative procedures. This also means less time in the dental chair which can help to alleviate dentophobia in patients.
Another benefit of saving your natural teeth is that you will preserve the structure of your jaw and facial shape. Often times a dental bridge or dentures may not completely fill the space where your natural tooth was extracted from, which may cause bone loss or collapse. Eventually, your teeth will shift to try and fill this space as well, causing changes in the overall alignment of your teeth.
As your teeth shift they can become more challenging to clean resulting in tooth decay and gingivitis.
How Can You Save Your Tooth?
One of the best ways to ensure you keep your natural teeth is to practice good oral hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice a day, flossing between teeth each day, using a mouthwash daily, limiting snacks between meals, and visiting your dentist for checkups as recommended.
Benefits of Keeping Your Smile Real
Self-confidence is one of the most important side effects of a natural smile. Studies show that millennials believe their natural teeth are the most important aspect of their appearance to maintain.
In addition to a desirable natural smile, repair or replacement of the teeth is costly and time-consuming. Investing in preventative oral care, such as regular dental visits and good oral hygiene, is the best way to preserve your natural smile and avoid costly dental repairs later on.
Sobering Statistics on Tooth Loss
According to studies, it is estimated that 40 million Americans are missing all their natural teeth, and 178 million are missing at least one. Tooth loss can lead to systemic diseases such as diabetes. It can also affect psychological well-being and performance at the workplace and can cause avoidance of social events. Because of these statistics and findings, tooth loss is now more frequently than ever being treated as a chronic medical condition.
Tips for Preserving Your Natural Teeth
In addition to brushing and flossing and visiting your dentist regularly, preserving your natural teeth includes care of the enamel and aesthetic. For example, red wine is acidic which means it may deteriorate the tooth enamel, making the teeth more porous. This is why red wine is notorious for staining teeth. Other pigmented foods and beverages like coffee, tea, tomato sauces, and even berries also cause tooth discoloration over time.
While the most effective and safest way to whiten teeth is with a professional teeth whitening procedure in our surgery teeth, there are several simple at-home holistic remedies you can try.
Naturally removing surface stains can be done at home and usually takes less than 20 minutes per day. It is important to check with your dentist before trying at-home remedies.
These methods are gentle and viable options for those who experience tooth sensitivity. Some methods include:
Activated charcoal – activated charcoal is known to purify teeth and eliminate toxins, which can lead to a brighter smile and healthier gums.
Apple cider vinegar – the main ingredient in apple cider vinegar is acetic acid which is an effective antibacterial. It has been used for centuries as a disinfectant and in some cases may whiten teeth.
Hydrogen peroxide – gargling with hydrogen peroxide may help remove stains and bacteria from the mouth and gums. It is important to use a 3% strength or less. Higher concentrations may cause irritation and damage to the enamel.
Baking soda – baking soda has natural whitening properties and may help to remove surface stains. Since baking soda is mildly abrasive, it’s important to check with your dentist before trying this method at home.
(09/29/2020) by Owens cosmetic and family dentistry
