Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria. According to the National Health Portal of India, if you don't brush and floss daily, food particles accumulate in between your teeth and on tongue; bacteria grow on the food left in your mouth and leave foul-smelling waste products (volatile sulphur compounds) behind, which lead to bad breath. . Bad breath is also associated with certain health issues.
Tongue Cleaning Tools
There are three tools to choose from when it comes to cleaning your tongue:
Tongue Scraper
Toothbrush
Tongue Brush
Tongue Scraper
The tool of choice for most - a tongue scraper is a great way to clean the tongue. Today, you can buy scrapers made of metal or plastic. Place the edge of the tool on the back of your tongue and gently pull the scraper forward. This tongue cleaning method has been shown to remove odour-causing bacteria better than cleaning the tongue with a toothbrush.
Toothbrush
Your toothbrush is a convenient tool that you can use to remove bacteria from your tongue. However, toothbrushes may not do as good a job at cleaning the tiny crevices on the surface of the tongue as a tongue scraper can do. Some toothbrushes are designed to have bristles on one side of the toothbrush head to clean the teeth and a special brush on the other side to clean the tongue.
Tongue Brush
A tongue brush is a specialty oral brush with bristles designed to clean out the tongue's small crevices. This relatively recent invention is very effective at removing odour-causing bacteria comparable to a traditional tongue scraper. Today, you can even find combination products, which have a toothbrush on one side and a tongue brush on the other.
How to Use a Tongue Scraper
A tongue scraper can be used to clean your tongue either before or after you brush your teeth. Your tongue is sensitive, so it's essential to be gentle and not press the cleaner too forcefully into your tongue. Here are a few more general cleaning tips:
Rinse your tongue cleaner before and after using it to remove bacteria and food debris.
Start cleaning at the back of your tongue, then pull your way to the front of the tongue.
Don't just clean down the centre of your tongue. It is essential to scrape and clean the entire top and side surfaces as well.
If you use a tongue brush, move it the same way recommended for the tongue scraper, from the back of the tongue to the tongue's front, while caring for the sides and centre of your tongue. You may have to use this method a few times to clean your entire tongue adequately.
Rinse the tongue brush or tongue scraper off after using it to remove bacteria and any food debris from the areas of the tongue you cleaned.
Rinse your mouth after cleaning your tongue.
Tongue cleaners are an inexpensive way to boost oral hygiene while helping to prevent bad breath. While using a tongue scraper may be a new venture for some, cleaning your tongue as part of your daily oral care routine can reinforce good oral habits and help improve your mouth's freshness.
We've all experienced the sudden pain of biting the inside of our cheeks. Usually this is accidental and absolutely nothing to worry about. For some this could be a more regular occurrence and the sign of a more serious.
The reason why someone may bite the inside of their cheeks can vary drastically from person to person. A few of the more common causes are:
Just an accident
Often biting the cheeks is an annoying accident caused by a lack of concentration when chewing or when eating too fast. Whilst painful this generally isn’t something to worry yourself about.
Depression, stress, or anxiety
Similar to biting fingernails or grinding teeth, some will bite their cheeks as a reaction to feeling stressed or anxious.
Wisdom teeth
Often wisdom teeth being deflected toward the cheek can cause you to bite your cheeks often. A poorly constructed crown can also be the culprit for this.
Chronic cheek biting
This is a psychological issue (known as morsicatio buccarum) and is a compulsive behaviour that repeatedly causes someone to bite the inside of their cheek. In some cases, this is a repetitive behaviour (BFRB) and a person may not even realise they’re doing this.
This can potentially cause painful sores and tears. With BFRB-related cheek biting, a person may avoid social activity due to guilt or shame related to the condition in the hope no one will notice.
At what point should a person seek treatment for cheek biting?
For accidental cheek biting, generally treatment won’t be required as the mouth heals itself quite quickly and only slight discomfort will be experienced.
For more regular cheek biting, you may want to discuss this with Paramount Dental Sydney as the issue could potentially have something to do with your teeth but a consultation would be required to diagnose properly and treatment may range anywhere from braces to tooth extraction to properly align your teeth.
If you suspect your cheek biting is related to BFRD, stress/anxiety or depression it may be worthwhile discussing this with your GP or even psychologist if you’re already seeing one. Simple treatment may be the key to eliminating the pain and frustration of cheek biting.
As someone who’s always on the go — smartphone in one hand, coffee in the other — you’re often so busy you forget to take care of the things you can’t see (or smell). Your breath is just as important as the look of your teeth, and just because you hit the ground running every morning doesn't mean there's no time to maintain it. Here are some tips on how to keep your breath fresh during the day:
Live the 'Have Brush, Will Travel' Life
Brushing your teeth shouldn't be something you only do at home in the morning and before settling down at night. Ample opportunities exist throughout the day specifically to freshen your breath. Keep a toothbrush and tube of toothpaste with you at work so you can brush after lunch or a cup of coffee.
Remember that Water Works Wonders
Carrying around coffee can become routine when it doesn't have to be. Instead of toting java everywhere every day, load up your travel mug with water, which is often enough to wake the body up in the morning. Drinking lots of water prevents dehydration, and a lack of saliva in the mouth makes it a haven for bacteria and particles that can produce bad breath, according to Mayo Clinic. Be sure to drink water before, during and after exercise to provide fluids when you lose them the most.
Make Smart Food Choices
Eating out is popular because it’s so easy, especially with no food in the house. For others, eating on the go is a way of life. If you do either, choose your meals wisely. Strong, odorous foods like garlic and onions won't make you very popular after you're finished. Once you have consumed something that leaves your breath less than pleasant, chew on the parsley garnish from your meal. The parsley will help negate any foul smells emanating from your mouth.
Don't Forget the Oral Care
The above tips are great ways to keep your breath fresh when you’re away from home, but they aren’t substitutes for the basic dental care you should practice all the time. See your dentist twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. He or she can help you develop the right oral care plan for when odour-causing conditions crop up that you can't detect yourself.
Above all, your own plan should involve brushing two to three times a day and flossing once daily. Rinsing with a quality moutwash helps too. Doing so every morning and night will make this plan second nature when you're out of the house.
Everyone deals with bad breath at some point, but it doesn't have to be a chronic problem just because you lead a busy routine. Practice these tips when learning how to keep your breath fresh, and you'll be solely focused on making memories when special occasions roll around.
Dental hygiene can fight bad breath and prevent gum disease. So it’s important to regularly brush and floss, and see a dentist twice a year for routine dental cleanings.
Sometimes, though, a dentist will recommend deep teeth cleaning. Signs that you might need a deep cleaning include bleeding gums, receding gums, and loose teeth. But, sometimes life can get in the way of your ability to maintain optimal dental health.
When circumstances prevent you from maintaining the best possible oral health, you may benefit from a deep dental cleaning. At Tower Dental in Balwyn, our dentists often recommend deep cleanings for people who haven’t had professional cleanings every six months and need some extra care to bring their teeth and gums back to a healthier state. Read on to learn what a deep dental cleaning is and why you may need one.
Your gums might have deep pockets
Unlike your favorite sweatshirt, if your gums have deep pockets, that’s not a good thing. When you don’t brush as often as you should, and you can’t remember the last time you had a professional cleaning, there’s a good chance plaque and tartar have built up on your teeth, especially along your gumline. After a while, the plaque can cause your gum tissue to pull away from your teeth and create pockets.
Gum pockets are a breeding ground where bacteria can settle and form a sticky film of plaque. When this happens, your gums can become inflamed and pull away from your teeth. Once in the pockets, plaque can get trapped, and you won’t be able to remove it with brushing and flossing, or even a regular professional cleaning.
To find out if you can benefit from a deep cleaning, our experienced dentist in Kew use a small dental probe to measure the area around your teeth and gums. Healthy gums have pockets that are no more than 3 millimeters deep. If a pocket measures 5 millimeters or more, the pocket is too deep for a regular dental cleaning.
Dentist Deepdene
Gum disease and dental cleanings
Red, inflamed gums and gum pockets are the early signs of gum disease. If your dentist in Hawthorn catches it early enough, a regular professional cleaning may be able to get your mouth back into shape. But, if the plaque along your gums remains in the pockets, and your gums have been red and inflamed for a long time, the pockets can become deeper.
At this point, the best way to remove the accumulated plaque buildup is with a deep cleaning that includes scaling and root planing. If you let the earliest stages of gum disease — called gingivitis — remain untreated, it can quickly progress to periodontitis — an irreversible form of gum disease that can lead to bone and tooth loss.
Deep cleaning can help restore your mouth to optimal health
A deep cleaning has two parts: scaling and root planing. Scaling removes the plaque and tartar above and below your gumline. During the scaling process, your dentist in Camberwell cleans all the way to the bottom of the gum pockets to ensure that all the plaque is removed, so it can no longer cause gum irritation.
Dentist Mont Albert
The next part — root planing — involves smoothing the roots of your teeth so your gums can reattach more easily. Scaling and root planing may take more than one visit depending on the severity of your condition. In some cases, you may need a local anesthetic to help keep you comfortable.
Referred tooth pain is when you experience pain in a tooth that isn’t the source of the discomfort. For example, if you have a toothache on the right side of your mouth but also feel pain in your left ear, you may be experiencing referred tooth pain.
Referred tooth pain can have numerous causes, making it challenging to treat. Learn more about the causes of referred pain and when you should contact your dentist for a consultation.
How Does Referred Tooth Pain Happen?
When you experience tooth pain, it is crucial to understand where it comes from to determine the best course of treatment. Some potential causes of referred tooth pain include:
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. The sinuses and teeth share a common nerve pathway (the trigeminal nerve.) Pressure from sinus inflammation can compress the nerves leading to the teeth, causing referred tooth pain.
Vagus Nerve Irritation
The vagus nerve is a bundle of nerve fibers that travel from the brain through the face to the chest. One of the nerve fiber types contained within the vagus nerve is the general afferent (sensory) fibers, which detect and transmit pain.
If the vagus nerve is irritated or inflamed, it can send signals to the brain that are misinterpreted as pain in the neck and jaw.
Headaches
In some cases, the pain from a headache may be referred to the teeth because of nerve irritation. When the muscles in the head and neck become tense, they can put pressure on the teeth and jaw, causing pain. Headaches can also trigger changes in blood flow that can lead to tooth pain.
Recent Fillings
When a filling is placed in a tooth, your dentist uses articulating paper and a dental drill to realign your bite. If your bite is not correctly aligned during treatment, it can change how the biting surfaces of the teeth come together, creating small areas of increased pressure on the teeth. The pressure irritates the dental nerves, leading to pain that radiates to other teeth.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is a rare condition that can cause referred tooth pain. The trigeminal nerve sends signals from your face but also tells the muscles in charge of chewing and biting what to do. When there’s damage along this nerve route, some people experience discomfort near their jawline.
Heart or Lung Disease
Heart or lung disease is a rare cause of referred tooth pain, but it is possible. These conditions can cause a build-up of fluid in the tissues around the heart and lungs, putting pressure on the nerves that supply sensation to the teeth. This can lead to referred tooth pain.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of a tooth’s root or on the gums. Dental abscesses are one of the most common causes of referred tooth pain. Dental abscesses can be very painful and cause significant swelling, which radiates pain along the jaw to your other teeth. If a dental abscess is left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening sepsis.
Most people wake up in the morning with less than kissable breath. But when bad breath, also known as halitosis, interferes with your confidence and social life, it's time to figure out what's causing it. Do cavities cause bad breath? And is your oral care routine strong enough to keep bad breath away? Here's what may be causing your bad breath and how you can remedy it.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath results from bacteria accumulation in the mouth. According to a review in the Journal of Pharmacy & BioAllied Sciences (JPBS), when certain bacteria in the mouth interact with proteins in the saliva, it creates volatile sulfur compounds. The sulfur compounds are what we smell when we realize it's time to grab a mint. According to the JPBS review, bad breath can be caused by:
Poor oral hygiene that allows food debris to get trapped in the mouth
Gingivitis and periodontitis
Bacteria on the tongue
Ear, nose and throat problems, including tonsillitis and sinusitis
Dry mouth
Personal habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol
Do Cavities Cause Bad Breath?
Cavities are small holes in the teeth where bacteria collect and eat away at the enamel. While cavities do not directly cause bad breath, they can contribute to it. Bacteria can get stuck and accumulate in the decay pockets, making it more difficult to keep your mouth clean and your breath fresh, explains the American Dental Association (ADA).
If you have bad breath, it does not mean you definitely have a cavity, but it's possible that you might. That's why it's important to maintain regular dental appointments and see your dentist right away if you suspect that you have a cavity or are experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain.
Manage Bad Breath and Cavities Like a Pro
One of the easiest ways to manage and prevent both bad breath and cavities is to practice good oral hygiene. Start with brushing twice a day. Brushing your teeth physically removes decay-causing bacteria and food particles. You should also floss daily to remove lingering bacteria and food particles hiding in between your teeth.
Keeping your mouth moist is important for fresh breath, too. A healthy saliva flow is one of the best defenses against bad breath, as it washes out the mouth, notes the ADA. Be sure to drink plenty of water and talk to your doctor about any possible contributing factors for dry mouth, such as taking certain medications.
Smoking is another contributor to bad breath, and it can also increase your risk for gum disease, explains the ADA. Ask your doctor for strategies to help you quit.
If you wear dentures or another oral appliance, the Mayo Clinic suggests cleaning them daily to prevent bad breath. Follow your dentist's specific directions for cleaning your appliance.
Finally, seeing your dentist regularly ensures that your mouth stays healthy. A professional teeth cleaning can remove bacteria and food that your toothbrush at home may miss. Your dental professional will also check for decay that may harbor bad bacteria. If they do detect any cavities, they can fill them to stop the decay from worsening.
Bad breath can be a real bummer. While cavities do not directly cause bad breath, you can prevent both bad breath and cavities by practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly.
The vast majority of gum or periodontal diseases are painless and rarely require urgent dental attention. The gum abscess is a common exception. Associated with pain that does carry a more pressing need, this acute problem will require a visit to a dentist to make the appropriate diagnosis and provide a form of gum abscess treatment that relieves your irritation. Other signs and symptoms of a gum abscess include swelling, redness, bleeding and pain when chewing.
Gingival Abscess
The first type is called a gingival abscess because it is contained in the area of the gum that is closest to the "neck" of the tooth. The tooth usually doesn't have preexisting pockets or bone loss, suggests the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Târgu Mureș, and often catches inflammation caused by food or foreign-body impact into the gum area around this particular tooth.
Periodontal Abscess
The second and more advanced form of gum abscess is the periodontal abscess. This is associated with a tooth that already has a periodontal pocket and a degree of bone loss. Like the gingival abscess, however, it can also be caused by food or a foreign object impacted into the pocket around the tooth. Coming on its own as your gum problem worsens, this condition can still develop after a dental cleaning where germs still overgrow despite having recently received treatment in the area.
Making the Diagnosis
Your dentist will need to take an X-ray of the affected spot and, with a dental probe, check the gum pocket for pus, bleeding, swelling and pain. The nerve within the tooth will also need to be tested to make sure the abscess is not present due to the need for a root canal or because an existing root canal is reinfected. Tooth loss or fractures into the root are also possible in some situations.
How It's Treated
It's important that you receive gum abscess treatment not just to address what may have caused the condition, but also because it can lead to further bone loss around the tooth above it. This treatment will usually involve draining the abscess either through the gum pocket or from the outside of the gum with an incision. Local anaesthesia is usually required in these cases. Next, the tooth root needs to be cleaned to remove any food, tartar, foreign material or germs. This is done with a variety of dental instruments you may have seen used before. Lastly, depending on the severity of the problem, local or systemic antibiotics may be given to curb infection. Of course, pain medication may also be provided for lingering irritation or a younger individual.
Home Care
Prior to visiting your dentist, consider rinsing with warm salt water and a mouthwash. You may also need to brush or floss the area – aside from your twice-daily routine – to remove any foreign bodies or food that may still be stuck inside.
Ultimately, however, prevention is your best approach; see your dentist on a regular basis and use quality oral health products that keep any periodontal irritation from creeping up before it becomes too much to handle on your own.
If you've ever suffered from tooth pain, you know how uncomfortable it can be. There are multiple reasons why you could be suffering from tooth pain. Some of the more common reasons include cavities, a cracked tooth, or tooth sensitivity resulting from cold or hot foods. But a lesser-known cause of tooth pain is a sinus infection. If you suffer from a sinus infection, tooth sensitivity, or pain, here's some helpful information.
Sinus Infections
If you're a constant sufferer of sinus infections, you are not alone! Did you know that, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 31 million people in the United States get them? It's such a common ailment that they're the cause of 16 million doctor visits a year. Also known as sinusitis, a sinus infection occurs when the nasal passage cavities become swollen and inflamed. Because the sinuses are unable to drain, a mucus build-up can occur. It's usually caused by a virus like the common cold, but can also result from allergies or germs.
Once your sinuses have a blockage, the moist environment created by an excess of mucus creates a fertile ground for infections. We know — it's not the most pleasant imagery to think of, but it's helpful to understand what a sinus infection is so you can find the right relief! But what do our sinuses have to do with tooth pain? Can a sinus infection cause tooth sensitivity to hot and cold?
Tooth Pain
If you take a gulp of cool water and notice a sharp pain, a sinus infection could be the reason. This is due to where your sinuses are located in your facial structure. The roots of your upper molars are close to your sinus cavities. So when your sinuses become infected and swollen, the resulting pain is often mistakenly believed to have originated in your teeth.
Easing Tooth Pain
How long does a sinus toothache last? Unless other factors contribute to your tooth pain, it should stop when your sinus infection goes away. While sinus infections — and the resulting toothaches — can be painful, the United States Mayo Clinic reassures patients that they usually clear up within seven to 10 days. If you don't feel better by such time, consult your doctor. Over-the-counter medications might offer some pain relief, but a physician will best be able to determine your course of treatment.
How do you relieve sinus pain in your teeth? In addition to seeing your doctor, you can try some at-home remedies outlined in Medline Plus, an online information service produced by the United States National Library of Medicine:
Use a warm compress on your face several times a day.
Increase your fluid intake as a means of thinning the mucus produced from your sinus infection.
Inhale steam from a hot shower several times a day.
Use a humidifier in your bedroom when sleeping.
While a sinus infection can be one cause of teeth pain, it's best to avoid toothaches altogether! That starts with regular check-ups with your dental professional. They will diagnose potential issues, such as cavities or gum problems, that could eventually lead to a toothache. Your dentist and dental hygienist can also help you develop a good oral care plan. This includes brushing twice a day, then flossing or cleaning between your teeth with a water flosser or other interdental cleaning device, and lastly, using mouthwash to rinse away any remaining germs.
We know you care about your oral health and take preventive measures seriously. So it can be frustrating to find out you have tooth pain from something outside your control. Toothaches can be painful, especially when they occur with a sinus infection, but there are ways to find relief. When at-home remedies haven't given you the sinus tooth pain relief you need, speak with your dental professional to find a treatment that works for you!
Most of us work hard to keep our dental health in check, making sure we brush twice a day as well as floss. And for those of us who do put the time into our oral health, it can feel frustrating to still see some blood in the sink. It seems like we’re doing everything right, so what the heck is going on?
If you’ve been seeing a little bit of blood in the sink every time you brush, or have just started a new flossing routine and noticed your gums are red and inflamed, here’s what may be happening — and how long it should take for your bleeding gums to heal.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
According to Dr. Samantha Rawdin, DMD, prosthodontist at Gallery 57 Dental in Bronx, NY, one reason you may be seeing blood in the sink after brushing and flossing is that you’re dealing with gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. “Leaving plaque and food debris on [tooth] surfaces causes inflammation of the gums, and the inflammation is what causes the bleeding,” Dr. Rawdin says. Luckily, gingivitis is reversible.
Another reason for bleeding gums? You’ve just started a new daily flossing routine, and you’re being a little too rough with your mouth, explains Dr. Rawdin.
How Long Before Bleeding Gums Heal?
If you’re starting a new flossing routine, Rawdin says it can take a week or so for your gums to settle down and potentially stop bleeding. If you’re dealing with gingivitis, individual prognosises vary, so it’s best to talk with your dentist first. After talking with your dentist, using an antigingivitis toothpaste like parodontax — which has been shown to significantly reduce plaque and bleeding gums.
However, if the plaque between your teeth has mineralized and become stuck, you’ll likely need to call in the pros, as you may be dealing with tartar. According to Rawdin, “no amount of brushing or flossing” will remove tartar, which means you’ll need to have your teeth professionally cleaned at your dentist’s office.
How to Floss Properly
If you’ve been to the dentist and he or she doesn’t see any gingivitis or tartar, Rawdin says that it’s possible you may be flossing incorrectly. “To properly floss, take a piece of floss that’s approximately shoulder-width in length (about 18 inches) and wrap it around your index fingers so that there's about an inch of floss when held tight between your hands,” says Rawdin. “Then you'll slide the floss between the teeth. There's a small triangle of tissue between each of your teeth — pass the floss on one side of the triangle, hugging the tooth by making a small C shape with the floss, gently allowing it to pass just under the edge of the gums until you feel resistance, and slide the floss up and down a few times to scrub the plaque off of the teeth.”
Repeat that same process on the other side of the triangle of tissue before moving to the next tooth. Ideally, Rawdin says you want to use a new section of floss between each tooth to avoid redepositing the bacteria you’re removing.
Feel like your flossing and brushing game is on point and your gums are still bleeding? Talk to your dentist, Rawdin says, as there may be an underlying cause that will need some further investigating.
Getting ready for a special day? Want to appear more youthful? Gave up coffee, red wine, or smoking and wish to get rid of the stained teeth resulting from your former habits?
Whatever your reason for wanting whiter teeth, it's never been easier to have a brighter smile. Multiple options exist to whiten teeth, and some include UV, halogen, and LED lights designed to enhance the whitening process. But do you really need the extra expense of a light? And are the lights safe?
What Teeth Whitening Light Treatments Are Available?
At your convenience at home, you can apply any of the numerous over-the-counter treatments to whiten your teeth. Or your dentist can perform a cosmetic teeth whitening procedure in the office with at-home follow-ups if necessary. It all depends on your budget and time.
The types of treatments include everything from whitening toothpaste to products incorporating teeth whitening lights. There are primarily three types of lights used in teeth whitening:
UV (ultraviolet) light is a form of magnetic radiation that heats up in the tooth whitening process. A type of UV light used in teeth whitening is a laser. Teeth whitening employing UV light is usually performed in a dental office because of the burn risk of using UV at home.
Halogen light also emits heat produced by the metal tungsten in the heart of the light. As with UV light, halogen light is best used in dental offices.
LED (light-emitting diode) produces blue light to increase the teeth whitening process without any radiating heat to the teeth. Most over-the-counter tooth whitening kits with lights contain LED products – although dentists might use LED blue light, as well.
Does Light Teeth Whitening Work?
First up – how it works: The lights must be used in conjunction with a teeth-whitening substance, such as hydrogen peroxide or other whitening agents. After you or your dentist applies the whitening agent to your teeth, targeting the light on your teeth activates the whitener.
Is using light-activation worth it, though? Researchers found that laser, halogen, and LED light-activation produced increased lightening of tooth shade and maintained the lighter shade longer than non-light-activated teeth whitening in a study published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry. Laser and halogen lights were most effective.
Is Teeth Whitening with Lights Safe?
This comes down to you or your dentist using the lights safely.
If not used correctly, UV light is considered a risk. It might cause soft tissue burning, gum irritation, damage to teeth, and increased tooth sensitivity. That's why your dental professionals will take every precaution to protect your teeth and gums when using UV light during a teeth whitening procedure.
For home use, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly as written. This entails the length of time to use the whitening agent and the LED light.
If you have questions about teeth whitening lights, have a conversation with your dental professionals about the treatments available. They'll help you decide what's right for you regarding whitening agents and light-activation methods, whether UV laser, halogen, or LED.
By shining a light on the various teeth whitening activation methods, we want to help you become a more informed dental consumer when you talk to your dental professional.
