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Dentists Journal

What a Sore Throat and Tongue Can Mean

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.

(06/23/2023)
by Colgate

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What’s Living Inside your Mouth?

Growing up, children hear about the importance of dental hygiene from both parents and dentists. Even as an adult, you may receive a lecture from the dentist about proper oral health. Although the hype about brushing and flossing does not seem like a big deal, remaining diligent with your oral hygiene can protect your teeth against the threat of harmful bacteria.

Bacteria can build-up into sticky plaque that erodes your tooth enamel and could result in tooth decay and gum disease. Your family dentists in Greeneville at Tusculum Dental Care educate patients regarding the scary truth about what is living inside your mouth and the dangers dental plaque poses to your oral health.

What is plaque?

Plaque is a biofilm that sticks to the surfaces of your teeth and is full of microorganisms. Regarding dental plaque, the microorganisms are harmful bacteria that remain after eating and drinking when not removed through brushing your teeth or using mouthwash. The Greeneville dentists near you at Tusculum Dental Care explain that plaque begins with the combination of bacteria and saliva. Bacteria in your mouth bind to the layer of saliva know as dental pellicle and then multiply and spread to other areas of your mouth.

When avoided, the bacteria form microcolonies that secrete a coating called the slime layer, and then the colonies become more complex as they grow.

What happens if dental plaque remains on your teeth?

The best way of combating the development of plaque is through a regular oral health care regimen of brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. If you fail to maintain good oral health, the plaque will feed on tiny food particles that remain after you eat and drink.

The result is the erosion of your tooth enamel from the acids the bacteria secrete. When the plaque hardens from absorbing the minerals in your saliva, it hardens and becomes tartar, which is only removable by your dental hygienist at your leading dental office in Jonesborough, Tusculum Dental Care.

No matter how hard you try to keep tartar at bay through brushing and flossing, tartar build-up is inevitable, which is why the American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist twice per year for regular checkups and cleanings.

What other oral health concerns can develop with the presence of plaque?

In addition to causing damage to the enamel of your teeth resulting in cavities, the presence of dental plaque can develop below your gumline. The knowledgeable dentists in Erwin near you at Tusculum Dental Care explains that eventually, the plaque and tartar may result in a bacterial infection, which is the cause of gum disease. Gum disease affects over half of the adult American population and carries symptoms of gum redness, inflammation, tenderness, or bleeding easily. When left untreated, gum disease can develop into periodontitis and increases your risk for tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and heart disease because the harmful bacteria and plaque enter your bloodstream.

Why is good dental hygiene important for everyone?

The people who share information about the importance of brushing and flossing are right about the effects good oral hygiene can make in your oral health. Brushing your teeth a minimum of twice per day with a soft-bristled toothbrush should remove most of the harmful bacteria and plaque forming on your teeth. Also, flossing once a day helps in getting the bacteria and plaque in between your teeth and other hard to reach areas.

Your professional dentist in Greeneville at Tusculum Dental Care advises patients to schedule an appointment for professional dental cleaning services so that the dental hygienist can remove the tartar with a unique tool. In addition to the deep cleaning, we can provide instructions about the safest and most effective products for at-home use.

(06/26/2023)
by Tusculum Dental care

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Five Signs You Need To See A Dentist

While most people know that visiting a dentist twice a year is a good rule of thumb, there are some situations that may call for an extra visit. Seeing your dentist every six months will help them detect problems before they become serious and keep your teeth and gums in top shape. But if you are experiencing any of the following, it may be time to schedule an appointment.

1. Tooth pain

If you notice new and unusual pain in your gums or inside your mouth, this could be a sign of an infection. Generally speaking, the pain won’t go away on its own and needs professional medical attention before it will get better. Your dentist will be able to evaluate the swollen or painful area and decide what treatment option to pursue.

2. White spots in your mouth

White spots can appear on your teeth and gums and may signal a more serious problem. If they are on your teeth, this may be a sign that you are developing cavities. If you notice them on your gums, this is likely a sign of an infection that may be affecting the root of the tooth. Do not play with or poke these spots. Instead, see your dentist as soon as possible.

3. Dry mouth

Having a dry mouth that doesn’t get better even after drinking copious amounts of water is another reason to make a dentist appointment. Dry mouth could be caused by diabetes, snoring, or even a stroke. It can sometimes be attributed to certain medications. Treating dry mouth is also important for preventing other dental problems like bad breath and gum disease.

4. Bleeding after brushing your teeth

If you notice blood on your teeth or gums after brushing your teeth and flossing, this could be an early sign of gum disease. It is important to treat this before it becomes a serious problem because gum disease can cause tooth loss as well as bad breath.

5. Inflamed gums

Gum disease can affect anyone, even people with a healthy dental routine. When plaque builds up on your gums, they can become red and inflamed, which is an early sign of gum disease. Your dentist will be able to identify the problem and recommend an oral health routine to put you back on track.

(06/27/2023)
by Babylon Dentl Care

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Fun Facts About Teeth and Dental Care You Might Not Know

You already know your teeth are designed to help you chew and eat, and they are probably one of the first things you notice about a person when you meet. But there’s more to your teeth than you might think. Here are a few fun facts about those pearly whites.

Most of Your Tooth Surface is Hidden

You can only see about one-third of your tooth above the line of your gums. The rest is hidden below your gums and stretches into your jawbone, where it anchors the tooth. That keeps your teeth strong so you can use them to chew everything from fruits and veggies like apples or carrots to tough meats and proteins that are all part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Teeth are Extremely Strong

Enamel, the outer covering around your tooth that looks white, is actually the hardest substance in your body. Dental enamel is made up of phosphate and calcium—the same as your bones—but it also includes proteins that harden it even more. It makes sense that it’s extremely strong, since your second set of teeth (the ones that grow in after your “baby teeth” fall out) are the only teeth you get, and they have to last the rest of your life. There’s also a second hard layer under the enamel called dentin. It’s filled with small tunnels that bring nutrients and send nerve signals to every part of the tooth. Even with all this protection, teeth can still chip or decay over time without proper care.

We Have Four Types of Teeth

Humans eat a diet of both meat and vegetables (omnivores), and because of that, our mouths have evolved to include four different types of teeth:

Incisors

Premolars

Molars

Canine teeth

Some teeth are helpful for chewing or grinding food, others for cutting or mashing up foods, and still others for tearing apart foods that are tough (like meat).

Teeth are Unique like a Fingerprint

The shape and size of your teeth, as well as your “bite” (the way your teeth come together) are unique to you. Those unique features in someone’s mouth can help identify them if other methods of identification—like a fingerprint or a visual identification—can’t be done.

Your Mouth is Filled with Saliva, and Bacteria

Over the course of your life you will produce more than 10,000 gallons of saliva. It’s helps wash away small food particles and neutralize acids, both of which prevent tooth decay and infections. Your mouth also has a lot of bacteria—as many as 300 different types—that feed on sugars. It’s important to brush your teeth and see a dentist regularly to remove these bacteria before they harden into a sticky substance called plaque and lead to tooth decay.

(06/25/2023)
by Young Family Dental

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How to Make Brushing More Fun

BRUSHING YOUR TEETH twice a day for two minutes is an important practice that helps keep your smile bright and healthy. But, does it have to be boring? We certainly don’t think so!

Brush For A Full Two Minutes

Using proper brushing technique for at least two minutes is necessary to ensure that all tooth surfaces are properly cleaned.

Sometimes we may be tempted to speed through our morning routine and brush a bit more vigorously to make up the difference. Brushing too aggressively, however, can lead to gum recession, tooth decay, or more serious oral health concerns. So, how do we make brushing for the full two minutes more fun?

Fun Tips To Make The Time Fly By

Brush to the beat! Brushing your teeth to your favorite song can help those two minutes fly by.

Use an app. The Oral-B™ brushing app, for example, times your brushing for you while letting you scroll through the news.

Exercise. (Yes, exercise!) Some people choose to stretch, do calf raises or even squats while they brush.

Read, watch television or stream videos. Taking your mind off of watching the clock helps brushing go by more quickly.

What About The Kids?

Making brushing fun for you is one thing, for kids it can be even harder. So, what can we do as parents to help our kids enjoy those two minutes of brushing in their morning and nightly routine?

Participation. Having your kids push the button on the timer or put the toothpaste on the toothbrush are small gestures that make it more fun for them.

Make it a game! Help your kids use their imagination while brushing.

Offer a reward. For example, give your child points every time they brush. When they reach a certain amount of points, they can earn a special prize!

Brush with them! Kids love following the example of their parents and if they see you doing it, they will likely want to do it themselves.

We Love Helping You Care For Your Smile

In the end, it’s all about doing something you enjoy while brushing. Whether it’s reading the news, watching your favorite TV show, or listening to music, brushing those teeth can be quick, beneficial and fun!

If you have any questions about ways to make your oral health routine more enjoyable, feel free to ask! We are committed to providing you with all the tools you need to enjoy a lifetime of happy and healthy smiles.

(06/28/2023)
by Britt Dental

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Four Causes Of Sticky Saliva And Home Remedies

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.

Avoid store-bought mouthwashes containing alcohol.

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.

(06/30/2023)
by Colgate

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Erythroplakia: What This Red Spot May Mean

While most of us don't regularly inspect the inside of our mouth besides casually peering in when we're brushing our teeth, we know that a healthy mouth ranges from pink to brown in color. So if you notice an unfamiliar red patch in your mouth, it's time to visit your dental professional. It's essential to get a diagnosis for this abnormally discolored patch, as it could be a condition called erythroplakia.

While you wait to see your dental professional, you've probably got some questions, like what is erythroplakia and how could it affect my oral health? To feel more confident in your understanding of this condition, let's go over what it is, its potential risk factors, and treatment options.

Spotting an Oral Lesion

Erythroplakia is a lesion — an area of tissue that has suffered injury or disease — in the mouth. It is smooth and red in color. This lesion may be asymptomatic, meaning it might not cause pain, and you may only notice it upon peering into your mouth.

Typically, you'll find erythroplakia inside the cheek, on or under the tongue, or on the soft palate. The lesion will appear different than the healthy tissue that surrounds it. The Oral Cancer Foundation reports that leukoplakia, a white lesion of the mouth, is much more common than erythroplakia. The term "erythroleukoplakia" describes a leukoplakia with a red component.

Potential Risk Factors

Unfortunately, we don't know why this type of lesion originates in the mouth. But, several risk factors may increase your chances of developing erythroplakia, including a diagnosis of HPV and lifestyle habits like smoking and chewing tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. In general, older men are more likely to develop this lesion, according to the WHO.

Is It Oral Cancer?

It's crucial to keep in mind that erythroplakia is not cancer. However, it is precancerous, meaning the red lesion cells have a risk of becoming cancer cells. The Canadian Cancer Society notes that approximately 50 percent of these red lesions turn into oral cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

The only way to definitively diagnose a lesion in your mouth is to visit your dental or medical professional. It could be a different type of lesion, such as candidiasis, or stomatitis, for example. Your dental professional may take a biopsy to help guide diagnosis and treatment. They may also apply a dye called toluidine blue to help identify abnormal cells and guide the biopsy location.

Treatment Options

Armed with a diagnosis, you and your dental professional can decide on the appropriate treatment. Many lesions can be surgically removed and monitored to ensure they don't come back. If your dentist determines that surgery is necessary, they may recommend one of three routes, explains the Canadian Cancer Society: traditional surgery, laser surgery, or cryosurgery.

While traditional surgery is often performed with a scalpel, a medical professional can perform laser surgery with a heated laser that makes bloodless cuts. The other alternative, cryosurgery, applies intense cold to freeze and remove the affected area. Your dentist will help you decide which type of surgery is best for you.

No matter how you approach treatment, it's essential to eliminate high-risk behaviors like smoking, which may increase your chances of developing oral cancer. Erythroplakia can be a puzzling diagnosis. If you find a red spot, we recommend making an appointment with your dentist out of an abundance of caution. Most importantly, stay on top of your routine dental visits so your dentist and dental hygienist can perform consistent oral cancer screenings, which will contribute to not only your oral health but your overall health too!

(06/24/2023)
by Colgate

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The Five Steps to a Perfect Smile

Your smile is one of the first things people notice when they meet you, so it is important to keep your teeth and gums in good shape if you want to ensure you make positive first impressions.

It is not only the aesthetic side that makes looking after your teeth important, but oral health is also essential for hygiene and health reasons too.

Even if you’ve been told that you have nice teeth, it’s crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems from occurring in the future. This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits, and what the foods you are putting into your mouth.

Some steps to consider to improve your oral hygiene are:

Brush and floss regularly

Though it is common knowledge that it is necessary to brush your teeth twice daily, it is important to ensure you are doing so properly. To prevent damage to enamel or gum irritation, don’t scrub too hard, and use a soft brush if possible.

You may want to invest in an electric toothbrush to combat cleaning hard to reach places and avoid unnecessary irritation, and a good quality fluoride-free toothpaste.

Don’t neglect your tongue

The tongue is the perfect place for plaque to build up and many of us often forget about it when brushing our teeth. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odour, but it can also lead to other oral health problems including gum disease. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth or purchase a tongue scraper to make the job easier.

Consider your diet

We all know sugary food is bad for our teeth, and acidic fruits, teas, and coffee wear down tooth enamel. While you don’t necessarily have to avoid these foods altogether, it is important to be mindful, and consider brushing your teeth immediately after eating when possible.

Additionally, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables that contain healthy fibre, is a good choice for your teeth since this can reduce plaque and naturally prevent bad breath. Antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, and other nutrients from fruits and vegetables help protect gums and other tissues from cell damage and bacterial infection.

Take advantage of our professional cleaning services.

Poor dental hygiene can cause gum disease, decay and bad breath. We offer a professional cleaning services to all clients here at Smile More dental care, to ensure our patients’ teeth are as healthy as possible. We strive to provide our patients with the beautiful, healthy smiles they desire – and oral hygiene is at the core of this service.

Whitening

Teeth whitening is an easy and simple treatment that can enhance a smile without being overly intrusive or invasive on tooth tissue. It is a great conservative method that falls into the category of cosmetic dentistry and provides the perfect solution for discolored teeth.

(06/29/2023)
by Dr Paul Abrahams

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