Having a sore throat is uncomfortable and inconvenient, and even more so when accompanied by a sore tongue. The combination of a sore throat and tongue is not a rare symptom of certain conditions, but your diagnosis depends on the other signs and symptoms you experience.
Causes of a Sore Tongue and Throat
Mouth ulcers are a common reason for a painful throat and tongue . Whether they're caused by canker sores, cuts from sharp foods or a bacterial infection, they can affect any of the soft tissues inside your mouth – including your tongue, inner cheeks and the gum tissue surrounding your teeth. However, don't count out conditions such as candidiasis, thrush or burning mouth syndrome as other common reasons for a sore throat and tongue.
Signs and Symptoms
Patients who have any of these conditions typically show some or all of the following signs:
Tiny, red or white spots on the tongue and throat
Blisters containing fluid
Sore and swollen throat
Pain and difficulty swallowing
Tongue swelling
Tooth sensitivity to hot foods
It is also possible to have a fever and experience chills or sweating alongside this oral irritation.
Treatment Options
The first step in determining the cause of your sore tongue and throat is to find (and deter) the cause of the pain itself. Move to quit smoking, step up your oral health regimen by brushing after each meal and rinse your mouth daily with a Peroxyl based mouthwash. This type of mouthrinse has a bubbling action that specifically cleans and soothes ulcers and other mouth irritations. If your sore throat and tongue are indeed related to oral hygiene, this should eliminate the cause and promote long-term healing. Of course, feel free to use non-prescription medications such as lozenges and ibuprofen to reduce swelling in the interim.
When to See a Doctor
Most mouth sores and irritations disappear within 14 days. But if your sore throat and tongue returns, or if it lasts longer than this period with no sign of clearing, make an appointment with your doctor. Alternatively, sore throats that are exceptionally severe – or bring with it fever of over 101, according to the Indian Dental Association– might indicate a bacterial infection that requires antibiotic treatment. You may also be a candidate for more comprehensive treatments to tonsillitis, swollen glands or a thyroid condition.
Keep in mind cancers of the head and neck can also cause symptoms such as a sore throat and tongue, but symptoms often persist beyond a few weeks in spite of treatment. They may also be accompanied by a hoarseness, coughing, trouble breathing, ear pain or unexpected weight loss.
With proper dental care and a good oral care regimen, however, you can protect your teeth and tongue from basic health problems and deal with related concerns immediately when they arise.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain from an abscess, you may be wondering: Is there any tooth abscess home remedy that works? Are home remedies for tooth problems safe? In short, this is not a problem you can solve on your own, but you can take steps to reduce your discomfort while waiting for treatment from the pros. Read on for some vital information on this condition.
What Are Dental Abscesses?
If you’re experiencing a concerning amount of pain or discomfort in your mouth, it may be caused by a condition known as a dental abscess. An abscess is a hole or dent created by germs that can occur in your tooth (periapical abscess) or gums (periodontal abscess).
Your abscess may be caused by:
Not following a good oral care routine
Traumatic injury to your face or mouth
Dental work that has been damaged or broken.
Symptoms of a dental abscess may include:
Continuous pain coming from your mouth, jaw, neck, or ear
Swelling around the affected areas
Sensitivity to touch, pressure, or temperature
Unpleasant taste in your mouth due to the abscess draining
Fever.
When Should I See a Professional?
If you’re wondering how to get rid of a tooth abscess without going to the dentist, the simple answer is that you can’t. Your dental health has reached the point where you need professional intervention and treatment, or it will continue to worsen. Luckily, this is a great opportunity to talk with your dental professional, and they’re specially trained to help you solve the problem and understand what has caused it.
We recommend booking an appointment with your dental professional immediately. In the meantime, we have some helpful tips for finding relief at home while you’re waiting for your appointment.
Helpful tip: The Mayo Clinic recommends visiting the emergency room if you experience swelling and fever or have trouble breathing or swallowing.
Finding Relief
It’s important to remember that home remedies for your abscessed tooth will not treat your abscess or address its underlying cause. Your abscess will not get better without treatment from a professional, and will likely worsen. However, there are options available that may help temporarily reduce your discomfort in the meantime, which can still offer tremendous relief.
While you wait for professional treatment, there are many options that can help provide relief for your discomfort from a dental abscess:
Over-the-Counter Medication
Medications can help to reduce your pain or swelling. If you decide to go this route, be sure to use these medications as instructed on the packaging. This may be effective in helping to reduce your discomfort, but don't let it prevent you from scheduling an appointment with your dental professional.
Cold Compress
You can use a store-bought icepack or make your own at home by freezing a washcloth or using a bag of ice or frozen veggies. Apply it to the affected area on the outside of your cheek for 10 minutes once an hour.
Antiseptic Mouthrinses
You can try three types of rinses to find relief.
For a salt-water rinse, stir a few teaspoons of salt into warm (but not hot) water until it dissolves.
Another option is to mix 3% hydrogen peroxide with water in a one-to-one ratio.
If you're not the DIY type, you can purchase an over-the-counter antiseptic mouthrinse at your local pharmacy, grocery or convenience store.
Swish whatever mixture you choose around your mouth, or rinse with it after meals and spit it into the sink. Note that while this is a great habit in the early stages, it will not cure your abscess.
Helpful tip: While some dental conditions (such as gum problems) are reversible on your own with the help of proper dental care, dental abscesses will not heal on their own or through any methods you try at home. They require treatment and diagnosis from your dental professional and can lead to more serious conditions if left untreated.
Dental Abscess Treatment and Prevention
Please take comfort in the fact that while abscesses are unpleasant to deal with, they’re a regular occurrence at your dental office. Your dental professional is specially trained and equipped to diagnose the underlying cause of your abscess, provide appropriate treatment, and offer tips to prevent it from occurring again in the future.
Treatment for a dental abscess may include:
Prescribed antibiotics (be sure to take these as instructed and only at the recommendation of your dental or medical professional)
Professional removal of affected tissue, draining of the abscess, and cleaning affected areas of your mouth
Root canal treatment if the abscess has entered the soft inside of your tooth.
To prevent future abscesses and avoid worsening the issues that led to your condition, it would be helpful to ensure you are practising a good and healthy dental routine.
Steps to maintain your oral health may include:
Gently brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Cleaning between your teeth once a day using floss, a flossing device, or an interdental brush
Consuming a balanced diet that limits overly sugary or acidic foods and beverages
Avoiding smoking and tobacco products
Visiting your dental professional regularly.
Dealing with an abscess can be difficult, but you can see this as a challenge to improve your dental routine and avoid further problems in the future. You’ve made a great choice to inform yourself on what dental abscesses are, why you need professional treatment, and what you can do to find temporary relief in the meantime.
If you have sensitive teeth, you know how much of a struggle it can be in your everyday life. Anytime you try to enjoy your morning coffee, an ice cream cone, or even a glass of ice water, your teeth don’t appreciate it. During these winter months, there are all sorts of delicious foods that come around, but many of them could trigger pain in your mouth if you aren’t careful. An emergency dentist in Doylestown lists some treats that you should probably avoid so you don’t have to face the painful consequences.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits have all sorts of benefits for your health. They are high in vitamin C and many people are a fan. However, the advantages of consuming these fruits does not translate to your dental health. In fact, they can actually be quite harmful, especially if your teeth are already sensitive. It is probably in your best interest to skip the wassail around the holidays. The acidic nature of the beverage can corrode your enamel over time, causing your teeth to be even more sensitive and weak.
Eggnog
This is probably the worst thing you can drink during the holidays. It is sweet and delicious, but that is the problem. Because it has so much sugar, the bacteria in your mouth have a lot to feed off of. As a result, they will release a weak acid that will weaken your protective enamel. Ultimately, your teeth will be even more sensitive than usual.
Wine
With your holiday meals this year, you may want to enjoy a glass of wine. However, this is not a good option for your sensitive teeth. Wine is quite acidic which will only contribute to your sensitivity. If you decide to have a glass, rinse your mouth with water afterwards. Be sure to wait at least 30 minutes before you brush so you don’t damage your already softened enamel.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Even though sweet potatoes are beneficial vegetable, when you cover them with marshmallows, this will do no good for your sensitive teeth. They are sugary and will stick to your teeth, making your sensitivity worse than before. They also contain gelatin which can contribute to bad breath.
Stuffing
This may seem like the perfect side for your turkey dinner, but it is actually quite a gummy and sticky food. It can get stuck between your teeth where bacteria will break it down, turn it into acid, and wear away your enamel that is protecting the sensitive nerves in your teeth.
Cranberry Sauce
You may think cranberries are healthy, and they are! However, the processed, jelly-like cranberry sauce that comes in a can is not doing anything good for your smile. It contains corn syrup and other artificial products that feed bacteria. If you are wanting cranberry sauce, try to find a recipe that uses fresh cranberries. This way, you can control the amount of sugar it contains.
Candy Canes
They look good when hanging on your Christmas tree, but your teeth won’t look so good when you eat them too often. Candy canes are pretty much pure sugar, so you aren’t doing your smile any favors. They can even crack or chip your teeth if you bite down on them wrong.
This holiday season, you don’t want to be dealing with especially sensitive teeth. Be wary of the foods and beverages listed above so you can enjoy this festive time with your family.
Everyone knows how super important it is to have a regular brushing habit. Not only does it stave off bad breath but it also prevents a host of teeth and gum diseases. However, lots of people think that a good oral routine consists of brushing their teeth once in the morning- but that's far from the truth. Brushing teeth in the morning is only the first step - one needs to brush twice each day.
And hold on, we aren’t quite done yet because mouth cleaning doesn't just stop at brushing teeth. A good oral hygiene routine also needs you to preferably rinse with a mouthwash- and you definitely cannot get away without flossing twice a day!
Brushing Teeth Essentials
Whenever in doubt, it’s a good idea to go back to the basics. If you want to cultivate a solid oral care routine that will impress even your dentist, here are some essentials you need in your oral care kit:
Manual or electric toothbrush
Toothpaste (preferably fluoride)
Tongue scraper or cleaner
Dental-recommended mouthwash
Plain, waxed floss strips
It is essential to use advanced dental products to keep your teeth healthy- so you can use Oral-B electric toothbrush or manual toothbrush to effectively clean teeth at home.
Brush your teeth, step by step
So now that you have your essentials in place, here are some awesome tips on how to brush your teeth efficiently -
Place a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the brush head and wet it.
Start brushing the outer and inner surfaces. Brush at a 45 degree angle against the gum line.
Now hold the brush flat and brush back and forth along the chewing surfaces.
Next step, tilt the brush vertically and gently clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth in up and down motion.
Clean your tongue back to front with the back of the toothbrush or tongue scraper to remove mouth bacteria.
And viola! With the right technique, you can rest assured that your teeth are cleaned properly.
How to brush your teeth with an Electric Toothbrush
For those of you who prefer to use an electric toothbrush, here are some hacks that will help:
Just as you would with a manual brush, simply place some toothpaste on the brush head and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle.
Electric toothbrushes have smaller heads that clean about one tooth at a time. So turn on the electric toothbrush and move it from tooth to tooth.
Gently guide the electric brush along the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. You don’t have to apply too much pressure- these brushes also come with built-in 2 minute timers to help you keep track of brushing time.
Lastly, softly grace the brush along the tongue to clean it as well- but don’t be too hard and be careful.
How to brush your teeth with braces
If you or your kid has braces, here is what you can do to brush more effectively -
Before brushing, take off the elastics or any removable parts of the braces.
Preferably use a single-tufted toothbrush.
Clean each tooth individually for about 10 seconds.
Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle to clean around the brackets and wires of the braces- clean from top to bottom. If the braces are removable then you can clean them over the sink filled with water. Once clean, you can put it back in the mouth.
How to brush your teeth with spacers
You may not have braces yet but your dentist might be planning to install them. Chances are that you have orthodontic spacers in your teeth and you are wondering how to brush your teeth with these. Here’s what to do:
Brush normally as you would without the spacers, but with an exception. Instead of up-and-down motion, brush your teeth in a back-and-forth movement.
Don’t forget to check after brushing if the spacers are still in place.
How to brush your children’s teeth
Getting kids to brush their teeth is a task in itself. But if you are in charge of their brushing habits, you can still help them learn and improve their brushing technique. Here is how you can brush their teeth:
Brush their teeth for two whole minutes with a soft or medium-bristled toothbrush
Use a pea-amount of fluoride toothpaste
After they brush, make them spit out but don’t rinse with water
Help them brush twice a day, especially before bedtime
It is helpful for them to use a child-sized toothbrush. Oral-B kid’s electric toothbrush is specially designed for children to help them brush their teeth effectively while also being soft on the gums. They come in fun colours to make brushing an interesting experience for kids as well!
How to brush your teeth without toothpaste
Travelling and forgot to pack your toothpaste? Don’t worry- here are a few hacks to help you take care of the teeth even without a toothpaste:
Brush with mouthwash:
Just swirling it in your mouth isn’t enough to remove plaque, so what do you do? Dunk your toothpaste in mouthwash! Yes, seriously. Make sure the bristled are covered with mouthwash and gently remove the plaque.
Brush with sea salt:
Mix half teaspoon sea salt in warm water and dip your toothbrush into it- works effectively as sea salt has natural antibacterial properties. But be sure to brush gently so as to not wear off the enamel.
Brush with a wet toothbrush:
Something is better than nothing, and that is true in this case. If you cannot find anything else, simply wet the toothbrush and start brushing - it will still be a better alternative to not brushing at all.
Good Oral & Dental Hygiene Tips
In general, you should follow these good oral hygiene tips to make sure your teeth and gums are always healthy:
Brush for two minutes twice daily.
Rinse with a antibacterial mouthwash.
Floss well post brushing, especially before bed.
Chew sugarless gum during the day to promote saliva production and prevent dry mouth.
Visit the dentist at least once every six months.
No matter what the age, you can learn how to brush your teeth more effectively and follow a good oral care routine.
From the time you were a child, you probably were told that you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. That instruction likely came from your dentist (and your parents), but not necessarily your doctor. But did you know that brushing and flossing may do more than just keep your teeth and gums healthy? It may even lower your risk of heart disease.
Although there’s not widespread consensus that there’s a cause-and-effect relationship between oral health and heart health, studies have shown that people who have poor oral health, such as gum disease and/or tooth loss, are more likely to have heart disease. The exact reason for this is not yet known, however.
Here are some explanations as to why people with poor oral health may have an increased risk of cardiovascular problems:
Oral bacteria. One theory is that poor oral hygiene may cause bacteria from the mouth to get into the blood stream. This can cause inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body, including the heart. Inflammation in the blood vessels surrounding the heart may contribute to heart health issues, including a narrowing of the arteries that may lead to heart attack or stroke. Inflammation may be especially troublesome in people who have heart valve issues.
Other risk factors. Another reason why there may be a connection between oral health and heart health has to do with other factors that contribute to both conditions. For example, smokers are more likely to experience gum disease and tooth loss. They’re also at an increased risk for heart disease. Smoking may be the reason a person is more likely to experience both poor oral health and heart health.
Quality of care. Still another explanation is that people who don’t make oral health care a priority may also not keep up with other factors that affect their overall health, such as seeing a doctor regularly, eating a healthy diet or exercising. Less access to quality dental and medical care may also be to blame.
Although it can’t be stated conclusively that brushing and flossing regularly will make your heart healthier, the fact is that you can’t lose by being vigilant about your oral health. Routine oral hygiene, along with regular visits to the dentist, help keep your teeth and gums healthier. This makes it less likely you’ll experience gum disease, tooth loss or other tooth-related issues such as cavities. As an added bonus, you may just be keeping your heart healthier by keeping your mouth healthier. Now that’s something to smile about!
Most of the time, when one experiences tooth decay, it is due to poor oral hygiene practices at home, leading to infection in the tooth. Our teeth are vulnerable to infection because of the soft pulp in the center of each tooth. Neglecting your oral hygiene routine can speed up the decay process and require that you visit a dental clinic in Cranbrook for treatment. Often, there are two options for dealing with an infected tooth: root canal treatment and tooth extraction. What is the difference between the two, and which is best? Keep reading to find out.
What is a Root Canal?
Most people dread the idea of getting root canal therapy in Cranbrook, but today, this procedure is quick and painless, thanks to modern technology. Root canal therapy near you is used as a last resort before having to extract a tooth when it is infected. The purpose of a root canal is to remove the infected tissue from the tooth and restore it without extracting it.
When you visit Symmetry Dental for a root canal, our dentist will begin by numbing your tooth and its surrounding tissue using a local anesthetic. They will then drill a small access hole into your tooth to access and remove any infected or damaged pulp. Next, they will disinfect and clean the inside of your tooth. Finally, they will fill and seal the tooth with a rubber-like material before placing a dental crown over it to protect and strengthen it.
A dentist will almost always suggest a root canal over a tooth extraction, especially if you manage to catch your infection early on. Some symptoms that indicate a possible tooth infection include:
Sensitivity to hot or cold substances
Tender gums
Pain when chewing
A visible bump on your gum line
As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see a dentist at a dental clinic near you. The sooner you see a dentist, the better the chances are that your tooth can be saved with root canal therapy. It is always in your best interest to keep your natural tooth in your mouth for as long as possible, as missing teeth can cause more oral health trouble down the line and lead to the need for more expensive treatments.
When is Tooth Extraction the Only Option?
No one wants to have a tooth extracted if it can be avoided, especially if it is a front tooth. However, tooth extraction may be the only option to remove decay from your mouth and protect your gums and surrounding teeth in some circumstances.
If your dentist suggests that you get a tooth extraction, you can rest assured that this is in the best interest of your overall oral health. While tooth extraction is not as common as root canal therapy, it is necessary when a tooth has become so decayed that your dentist cannot safely remove the affected tissue.
The process of tooth extraction is simpler than that of a root canal. After numbing the area, our dentist will simply use a tool to gently wiggle your tooth back and forth. Once it is loose enough, they will gently lift it out of the socket.
The Bottom Line
While both root canal therapy and tooth extraction are options for treating tooth infection, root canal therapy is the preferred choice. If this is not an option, then tooth extraction will be performed to protect your oral health. If you suspect that you have a tooth infection, speak to your dentist today.
When everything seems to be going well in your mouth, you probably don’t pay much attention to your saliva: if everything is normal, your saliva is helping to break down food, rinsing food off your teeth, protecting your mouth from infection, and aiding the chewing and digestion process. But if your saliva suddenly feels sticky, you might be wondering: why is my saliva so thick? Sticky saliva can make it difficult to swallow, speak, and keep your mouth clean. Here's an overview of thick saliva causes and what you can do at home to get your mouth back to normal.
What Cause Sticky Saliva?
What does it mean when your saliva is thick and sticky? If your saliva is feeling sticky, viscous, or thick, it might be due to one of these four conditions.
Stuffy Nose
A stuffy nose due to allergies or a cold can cause thick saliva. After going to bed with a stuffy nose, you may wake up the next day with a dry, sticky mouth that feels covered in mucus. Nasal congestion often forces you to breathe with your mouth open, which can dry your mouth and make your saliva thicker and stickier than usual.
Cancer Therapy
People undergoing radiation therapy to the head or neck may develop dry mouth and thicker saliva. As the American Cancer Society (ACS) notes, this type of treatment can irritate the saliva glands, causing them to produce less saliva or produce thicker, stickier saliva.
Dehydration
Sticky, thick saliva can also be a sign of dehydration. When you're dehydrated, your body isn't taking in enough fluids to replace those lost. A person can become dehydrated for a few reasons. If you're sick to the point of vomiting, cannot keep food or fluids down, or are experiencing severe diarrhea, you can become dehydrated. Additional causes of dehydration include excessive sweating, which can occur if you exercise on a hot day and don't drink enough fluids, as well as excessive urination, which can happen if you're taking certain medications.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is due to not having enough saliva to keep the mouth wet. Sometimes, that can cause a dry or sticky feeling in the mouth, causing the saliva to become thick or stringy. Dry mouth can come from many different conditions, including medications, diseases, and tobacco and alcohol use.
Is Sticky or Thick Saliva a Problem?
Having sticky saliva can be uncomfortable. Your mouth may feel full of mucus, or you may find it difficult to swallow. Along with discomfort, thicker saliva can contribute to other problems in your mouth. When saliva is thin and free-flowing, it's able to do its job of washing bacteria from your teeth, which reduces your risk of gum disease or other infections. But a dry mouth full of thick saliva can put you at a higher risk of tooth decay and other oral diseases—so it's crucial to talk to your doctor about what remedies can address your symptoms.
Home Remedies for Sticky Saliva
If you're dealing with sticky or thick saliva, what remedies are there? First, it's a good idea to speak to your doctor or dental professional to determine the cause, especially if it's an ongoing problem and you're unsure why it's occurring.
In combination with speaking to a medical professional, there are a few things you can try at home to thin your saliva.
Taking small bites, chewing your food well, and sipping liquids with meals to moisten the foods and assist with swallowing.
Frequently drinking cold water.
Suck on ice chips and hard candies, and chew sugarless gum.
Use a cool-mist humidifier to moisten room air.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, hot, spicy, or acidic foods, chewy candies, tough meats, pretzels and chips, and hard raw fruits or vegetables.
Macmillan Cancer Support recommends leaning over a steaming bowl of hot water with a towel over your head to loosen thick saliva.
The University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority also recommends trying very sour or very sweet foods and beverages such as lemonade or cranberry juice to thin out thick saliva.
If your thick saliva persists despite these at-home remedies, your doctor or dental professional can recommend the next steps to help you feel more comfortable. If your saliva is feeling thicker than normal—don’t worry! There are treatments readily available so that you can get back to having a healthy, moisturized mouth and a confident smile.
Around 50 percent of adults suffer from sensitive teeth.
If your teeth hurt when you eat or drink something cold, you may be part of this statistic. Sensitive teeth can be an indicator of larger oral health problems.
Read below to discover if you have sensitive teeth and what to do about it.
Signs of Sensitive Teeth
The most common sign of sensitive teeth is a sharp pain when eating or drinking something cold. The pain can is also caused by hot or spicy food and drinks.
You may have sensitive teeth if you experience pain when eating sugary or sour foods. Pain can also occur when breathing cold air or brushing your teeth. Some people also experience sensitive teeth after whitening procedures.
It’s not likely you have sensitive teeth if any of these signs occur once. Look out for repeated pain and keep track of what causes the pain.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity occurs when your enamel wears down or your gums recede. This exposes the dentin, a layer of sensitive tissue. The cause of this can be due to a variety of reasons.
Tooth decay is the most common reason behind sensitive teeth. Tooth decay affects all age groups but is increasing in children under five years old.
Sugar is the main culprit behind tooth decay. A diet that consists of high sugar wears down enamel and leads to sensitive teeth. If not treated, tooth decay can cause your teeth to rot and fall out.
Gum disease can mean disaster for your mouth and lead to sensitive teeth. The build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth causes your gums to swell. If left untreated, this build-up causes gingivitis.
When your gums aren’t healthy, your teeth aren’t happy. Gum disease and gingivitis cause other issues, but sensitivity is bound to happen.
Grinding your teeth wreaks havoc on your teeth. Most people grind their teeth without knowing when they are asleep or stressed.
You may not even realize you have this bad habit until it leads to bigger issues. If you do grind your teeth while you sleep, you might also suffer from headaches and a sore jaw in the morning.
When you grind your teeth, you damage the enamel and expose the nerves. This causes your teeth to be more sensitive. Grinding your teeth is also called bruxism.
Improper Oral Hygiene
Neglecting proper oral hygiene is never good for your teeth. Your teeth may become sensitive if you don’t brush them enough. Proper brushing gets rid of the harmful plaque and tartar that leads to gum disease.
You also have to be careful not to brush too often or too hard. If you use a hard-bristle toothbrush this can work against you and break down the enamel. You have to brush a lot for this to occur but it can happen.
Here are a few other causes of sensitive teeth:
Bad eating habits
Cracks in a tooth or filling
Excessive teeth whitening
Exposed nerve roots
Receding gums
Remember that your sensitive teeth can due to a variety of these reasons. A visit to the dentist can help you pinpoint your leading cause and get you headed in the right direction.
How to Prevent Sensitive Teeth
The easiest way to prevent sensitive teeth is to practice proper oral hygiene. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day. Use a fluoride mouthwash and floss to help get rid of any remaining bacteria.
Here are a few other ways to prevent sensitive teeth:
Drink large amounts of water to wash away bacteria.
Use a soft toothbrush.
Avoid hot or cold foods that you’ve identified as triggers.
Don’t consume food or drinks with high acidity.
Visit your dentist for preventative check-ups.
Your toothpaste can also help prevent sensitive teeth. Different brands create special toothpaste to help fight sensitive teeth. Read the label or talk to your dentist to help find the right toothpaste for you.
At-Home Pain Remedies For Sensitive Teeth
When the pain strikes and your teeth hurt, finding immediate relief is important. If you have a dentist appointment scheduled but need relief now, try at-home remedies.
Try using coconut oil to relieve the pain. Take a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for around 15 minutes. The oil contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties which will help relieve your pain. You can do this once a day.
Essential oils are popular right now to help control a variety of pain. Mix clove oil with coconut oil and apply it on your gums to relieve pain. Leave the mixture on for five minutes and then rinse away the pain. Tea tree oil can work with the exact same method and offer similar results.
Daily salt water rinses can also help with sensitive teeth. Mix a half teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Mix the solution well and use it to rinse your mouth. The salt will reduce inflammation, which helps with pain. Do this twice a day to see the best results.
It’s important to remember that if you don’t solve the underlying problem, the pain will come back. At-home remedies can be helpful to relieve the pain but they are a temporary solution.
Need More Help Battling Sensitive Teeth?
If you’ve tried all the at-home remedies and you still have sensitive teeth, you need expert help. Your dentist will provide long-term pain relief and correct the original problem.
Your solution to sensitive teeth could include in-office treatments. These treatments apply desensitizing agents or protective coating to your sensitive teeth. Your dentist may also provide you with take-home products to help the issue. In severe cases, a root canal treatment may be necessary.
DeeKay Dental provides modern, hygienic practices in the Sheffield area. The team will work hard to identify the underlying cause of your sensitive teeth and treat it. With a wide range of treatments, we will be able to meet all your oral hygiene needs.
Good oral hygiene isn’t only necessary for good dental health. It can also affect your overall wellbeing. From a young age, we’re taught the value of brushing our teeth regularly to keep them and our gums healthy. When toothbrushes with nylon bristles were first invented in the 1930s, you didn’t have too many options. Now, the options can be overwhelming.
It’s generally accepted that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes, and many dental professionals recommend the former to help maximize their patients’ brushing effectiveness. If you’re contemplating buying an electric toothbrush, there are many different types available, with a variety of features and a wide range of prices.
How to Choose an Electric Toothbrush
Not all electric toothbrushes are created equal, and the one you choose really comes down to your personal preferences and comfort levels. When choosing between different models, understanding the different kinds of replacement brush heads and their technology may help inform your decision.
Rotating brush heads spin all the way around, while oscillating brush heads move from side to side. Some types of brushes may also pulsate to make the head move in and out against the teeth while they’re spinning to further help dislodge plaque. Oral-B combines all three technologies into their rotating-oscillating-pulsating technology, which helps remove up to 100% more plaque vs. a regular manual toothbrush.
A Variety of Useful Features Of Electric Toothbrushes
Besides all the various types of electric toothbrushes, you’ll also find many handy features in different models. One common feature is a brushing timer to help you know how long you should brush each area of your mouth
Another convenient feature, especially if you have sensitive gums, is a pressure sensor. Placing too much pressure on your teeth doesn’t help to remove any more plaque, and can actually be more harmful to your teeth and irritate your gums. These sensors let you know if you’re using too much force and will use a light, buzzer or beeper for indication. Oral-B’s best models will automatically slow down the rotating speed if you are brushing too hard to help protect your gums.
How to choose an electric toothbrush really comes down to one factor: likability. The best toothbrush for you is the one you’re most likely to use. If you like your toothbrush, you’re more likely to brush for the full, recommended time of two minutes and clean all the tooth surfaces as dental professionals recommend. Although price is always a consideration, your oral health depends on it. Factor in your overall oral health, lifestyle and budget and if you’re still not sure, consult your dental professional for recommendations.
What happens to your teeth when you don’t take practice good oral care? About half of Americans don’t floss daily, and one in five don’t brush twice daily, so you’re not alone if you fall into this category. According to the American Dental Association, taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about preventing cavities or bad breath. You may change your daily habits after reading this article.
What Risks Are Lurking When You Neglect Your Oral Care?
Besides cavities, poor dental hygiene and neglecting daily oral care can have a profound impact on your health and longevity. There is mounting evidence that shows an association between poor dental hygiene and a wide variety of illnesses.
Tooth Loss
An oft-quoted saying dentists use is, “You don’t have to brush all of your teeth, just the ones you want to keep”. If you’ve never worried about losing your teeth, you should start. Adults 20 to 64 have lost an average of seven (permanent) teeth, and 10 percent of Americans between 50 and 64 have absolutely no teeth left. Both cavities and gum disease can cause tooth loss.
Gum Disease
Your gums are not supposed to bleed when you brush and floss your teeth, so if yours do, you likely have gum disease. More than half of Americans have gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease, which makes gums red, swollen, and quick-to-bleed.
If plaque spreads, the immune response heightens and can destroy tissues and bones in the mouth, creating pockets between the teeth that can become infected. At this stage, gum disease is called periodontitis, a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or fall out, and although it is common, it is largely preventable and is usually the result of poor oral hygiene.
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
If you think onions, garlic, and spicy foods are the only things that cause bad breath, think again. Poor oral hygiene is a major cause of halitosis because bacteria thrive in warm, dark, and moist places, such as your mouth. If you don’t remove the bacteria by daily brushing and flossing your teeth, it will flourish, causing cavities and bad breath.
Up to 65% of the population has halitosis due to food particles that linger on your teeth after a meal. The less you brush and floss, the greater the chances of potentially smelly bacteria building up in your mouth. While you’re brushing your teeth, don’t forget to brush your tongue. Smelly bacteria like to hang out there too.
Diabetes
Dentists have long known that diabetes is a risk factor for periodontitis, but now research is beginning to indicate that the relationship may be a two-way street. Poor dental health may be a risk factor for insulin resistance diabetes, largely because it increases inflammation. Some studies have even indicated that in patients with both conditions, controlling periodontitis may improve diabetes control.
Kidney Disease
According to a study cited in the American Journal of Kidney Disease, people with periodontal disease were 4.5 times more likely to have chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study confirmed that periodontitis may be a significant risk for kidney disease.
Heart Disease
Multiple studies have suggested that there is a connection between gum disease and heart disease. People with gum disease are twice as likely to have coronary artery disease. Doctors think it results from bacteria in your mouth entering your bloodstream. These bacteria attach to plaque in your arteries, which causes inflammation and increases your chances for developing clots and blockages that lead to heart attacks. Daily oral care is crucial and according to one study, improved oral health possibly reduces coronary heart disease.
Low Birth Weight in Infants
Expectant mothers with poor dental health are associated with low birth weight babies and preterm birth. Researchers suspect that one of two mechanisms may be at play: Either overall inflammation is heightened, or oral bacteria that enter the bloodstream eventually colonize the placenta, causing an inflammatory response.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Researchers have discovered that people who don’t take care of their teeth regularly were up to 65 percent more likely to have dementia. Bacteria associated with poor dental hygiene may cause this problem by spreading to the brain through the cranial nerve that connects to the jaw through the bloodstream.
Practicing Good Oral Care for Teeth and Gums
What’s the bottom line? It’s all about the bacteria. Your mouth provides the right environment for more than 700 different strains of bacteria to grow. Most of them are harmless, but a few can create a variety of health problems if not eliminated through daily oral care. Brushing your teeth cleans the tops and sides of your teeth, but brushing can’t do anything about the spaces between teeth where food gets stuck. Flossing is the only way to remove bacteria and food from these tight spaces because bacteria grows in the areas that you can’t reach with a toothbrush.
Taking care of your teeth should be an important part of your daily routine and a lifelong habit from early childhood on. Your best weapons against disease and cavities are your toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss twice a day, along with regular check-ups with Dr. Shane S. Porter at Premier Dentistry of Eagle. Routine check-ups with Dr. Porter help to provide a little extra motivation to brush and floss on a regular basis.
Even the healthiest patients need regular dental checkups. There are likely areas in your mouth that have underlying problems that you can’t see on your own. A visit to Dr. Porter can help you keep your mouth healthy and avoid problems.
