When you think of proper posture, you probably think of sitting up straight. Keeping your back and neck in the proper position is certainly important, but they're not the only parts of your body to be concerned about. You've probably never given any thought to the position of your tongue, but proper tongue posture is important, too. If your tongue isn't in the correct position, you could experience dental and orofacial problems.
An Overview of Proper Tongue Posture
When your tongue is at rest, the tip of your tongue should touch the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth, as a study published in Radiology and Oncology notes. The tip of your tongue shouldn't rest low on the floor of your mouth.
The proper position of the tongue varies during speech, as the textbook Clinical Management of Speech Sound Disorders explains. For example, to make sounds such as "a" and "æ," the tongue should be held lower than its neutral position. In contrast, to make sounds like "i," "u" and "g," the tongue should be held above its neutral position. The tongue retracts in the mouth to make sounds like "o" or "u."
The Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy notes that, when swallowing, the tongue should be held against the roof of the mouth. Some children push their tongues forward through their teeth when they swallow, which is an improper tongue positioning known as a tongue thrust, according to Rady Children's Hospital.
Issues Linked to Improper Tongue Posture
Abnormal tongue positioning has been linked to dental and orofacial issues, including problems with tooth alignment and issues with speech.
Speech Issues
The Radiology and Oncology study notes that speech dysfunctions, such as articulation disorders, are linked to poor posture of the tongue. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) reports that people with articulation disorders make speech errors. They may make distorted sounds when they speak, or they may substitute one sound for another.
Malocclusion
As the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains, malocclusion means that the teeth aren't aligned properly. In the Radiology and Oncology study, children with poor tongue posture were reported to have a higher incidence of anterior open bite, a type of malocclusion where the front teeth don't touch when the mouth is shut. This may be because the tongue puts pressure on the teeth, which can shift their position over time.
How Improper Tongue Posture Is Treated
Orofacial myofunctional therapy is a treatment that may help people learn the correct resting posture of the tongue, as the ASHA explains. This treatment, which is performed by speech-language pathologists, may involve exercises that target the tongue. Rady Children's Hospital notes that children should also be encouraged to consciously rest their tongues in the proper position and to be aware of their mouth posture. Correcting improper tongue positioning can help resolve speech dysfunction.
Other complications of improper tongue positioning, such as malocclusion, are addressed by dental professionals. Malocclusion may be treated with braces or other orthodontic appliances, and in rare cases, a dentist may recommend surgery to reshape the jaw, notes the NIH.
Proper posture is important. Just like slouching at your desk isn't good for your back, holding your tongue in an incorrect position isn't good for your dental health. If you're concerned about your tongue posture, talk to your dentist.
Your teeth do more than just make your smile look beautiful. Without your pearly whites, it would be impossible to enjoy your favorite foods or even speak clearly. Unfortunately, there are some common health problems that not only affect your teeth, but your entire mouth. The good news is that once you are aware of them, you can be even more proactive about your oral health. Here are the three most common oral health issues and what you can do to prevent them.
1. TOOTH DECAY
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 80% of people have had at least one cavity by age 34. Tooth decay occurs when the enamel that provides protection is gradually broken down. This is usually due to harmful oral bacteria that gradually builds up in your mouth. When these bacteria feed on carbohydrates (simple sugars and starches), they produce acids that create cavities.
What can you do to protect your teeth from decay? Here’s a few tips:
Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once each day to remove plaque, food debris, and bacteria from your mouth.
Watch Your Sugar Intake: Moderation is key when it comes to the sweet stuff. Limiting your consumption of sugar decreases your chances of tooth decay.
Use Fluoride: The most important ingredient to look for is fluoride when choosing a toothpaste. This helps to protect your enamel from decay.
Visit Your Dentist: Your biannual visits allow your dentist to clean the plaque and tartar that are hard to reach yourself.
2. PERIODONTAL (GUM) DISEASE
While gum disease is very preventable, approximately half of U.S. adults who are over the age of 30 are suffering from some stage of it. This condition is when the tissues that hold your teeth into place become infected, usually due to poor oral hygiene. Initial symptoms are usually mild, like swelling and occasional bleeding. Over time, though, gum disease can cause the soft tissues and bone holding the teeth in place to weaken. If the issue goes untreated, you risk possibly losing your pearly whites, as well as the infection spreading into the body.
In addition to the tips listed above, be sure to also avoid tobacco products.
3. ORAL CANCER
In the United States alone, there are about 54,000 new cases of oral cancer every year. While smoking and excessive alcohol use are common risk factors for oral cancer, almost anyone can suffer from the disease. Early detection is vital in protecting yourself! During your regular checkups, your dentist can perform an oral cancer screening and check for any abnormalities. Patients who are diagnosed with oral cancer before it has a chance to spread will have a much more favorable prognosis.
While oral health problems can occur, you can do your part to protect your smile! With proactive care and regular visits to your dentist, you will keep your teeth and gums in tip-top condition for years to come.
Brush your teeth twice a day to keep your immune system healthy by keeping away the germs from your mouth. But you must do it the right way. Read on to know the common bruising mistakes you should avoid.
Brushing your teeth regularly is not just about getting those perfect smiles, it can an offer more benefits than you can imagine. Keeping your teeth clean not only prevents cavities and bad breath, but it helps ward off many diseases. Interestingly, research also says that brushing your teeth more frequently can limit your calorie intake and help to keeping your weight in check. Brushing our teeth at least twice a day is also crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system.
The base of every tooth is protected by a protective gasket, which prevents bugs from entering the body and cause infection. This means a good oral hygiene is essential to have a better immune system. Oral hygiene involves multiple parts and brushing is the most important one. It helps removes the food particles and plaques attached to the gums and teeth. Plaque is a byproduct of bacteria and sugar, and it leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
Dentists recommend brushing teeth twice a day and flossing one-two times a day. People with diabetes or autoimmune disease must brush and floss more often. One must also visit a dentist at least twice a year.
How poor dental hygiene can compromise your immunity
Tooth decay and gum disease resulting from poor dental hygiene can affect your immune system. The bacteria from your mouth can enter into your bloodstream through diseased gums. In response to this bacterial infection, your immune system triggers the liver to release C-reactive protein or CRP. Usually this protein is released in the body when there is any kind of inflammation. While this process doesn't do any harm, CPR when released in high amount can lead to the development of other health conditions, such as heart disease. Thus, it is important to brush your teeth twice a day to keep your immune system healthy. You may have already developed the habit of brushing your teeth twice daily, but are you doing it the right way? If you are doing it the wrong way, it may harm your gums. Here are some common bruising mistakes you should avoid:
Using A Brush With Hard Bristles
A brush with hard bristles may cause damage to your gums. Some people think that the harder the bristles are, the more they'll clean. But this is not true. In fact, soft bristles can clean your teeth more effectively. Also, choose the brush size that's appropriate for your mouth.
Putting Too Much Force When Brushing
While brushing, be gentle with your teeth as too much force may damage your enamel. Do not keep your brush flat, instead hold the brush at 45-degree angle. Avoid making long strokes, as short, side to side strokes can do the job better.
Using the Same Toothbrush For Months
Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush after every 3-4 months. Once the bristles start wearing out, replace it. If you are sick, the germs can live on the brush. So, get a new brush when you recover.
Rushing To Finish
People usually rush to finish the process. But dentists say one should brush for at least 2 minutes and spend 30 seconds for each quadrant of your mouth.
Not Brushing Your Tongue
Bacteria can reside on your tongue too and that could lead to bad breath. Clean your tongue at least once a day using a brush or a tongue scraper.
Keeping Your Toothbrush Locked
Do not store your toothbrush on the sink counter as this will make bathroom particles to get on it. Always, keep your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet. Also, don't keep your toothbrush locked, let it air dry.
Many factors impact the health of your teeth. You can control some of these factors — like your oral care routine or diet — however, other factors like genetics reside outside of your control and may cause negative effects. Hypophosphatasia is a rare genetic disorder that can weaken bones and teeth. Learn more about the types of hypophosphatasia, its role in oral health, and how it's treated.
What Is Hypophosphatasia?
Hypophosphatasia (HPP) disrupts the process of mineralization of bones and teeth. This inherited disease is caused by a mutation in the tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) gene. The mutation interferes with the metabolism of alkaline phosphate, which affects the mineralization process and impairs the body's ability to deposit calcium and phosphorous into developing bones and teeth. These minerals help make your bones and teeth rigid, strong, and able to withstand daily use.
What Are the Types of Hypophosphatasia?
HPP is classified by the degree of severity and timing of symptoms, and HPP affects males and females equally. The most severe form of HPP is life-threatening, while the least severe classification only causes dental abnormalities. Generally, the younger the person is when diagnosed, the more severe and problematic the condition. Here are the five types of hypophosphatasia and their symptoms:
Perinatal HPP. The physician will typically diagnose a child with perinatal HPP at birth or with an ultrasound before birth. It manifests as skeletal abnormalities that include deformed chest walls and long bones. On an X-ray, the bones will show signs of hypomineralization, also known as a decrease in mineral content. This type of HPP can be fatal, with a high incidence of stillbirth or death soon after birth.
Infantile HPP. The physician will diagnose a child with infantile HPP by the age of six months. Its main characteristics include rickets and fractures, which are detected by an X-ray. The lack of minerals combined with a defective metabolic process impacts the infant's ability to develop, and this type of HPP can be fatal.
Childhood HPP. The signs and symptoms of childhood HPP appear after six months of age. The physician usually diagnoses it when the child fails to develop and reach motor skill milestones. The most common symptom includes the early loss of baby teeth — including the root — before age five. This differs from normal tooth loss, where the teeth fall out gradually after the roots resorb from age five through the preteen years.
Adult HPP. The adult classification often presents early in life but remains undiagnosed until adulthood. Adult HPP can include unspecific musculoskeletal disorders, slow healing, and frequent fractures of the femur and the foot's metatarsal bones. It manifests as a softening of bones, and adults may lose teeth prematurely or suffer from chronic joint and muscle pain.
Odontohypophosphatasia. The final and least severe category of HPP only affects the teeth. Odontohypophosphatasia symptoms include abnormal tooth development and premature loss of permanent teeth.
How Do You Treat Hypophosphatasia?
Until recently, HPP treatment only included managing and alleviating symptoms caused by the disease. This varied from ventilator support for infants with respiratory insufficiency to low-calcium diets and pain relief techniques. Your physician might also recommend seeking genetic testing and counseling to establish the likelihood of passing the disorder to future generations.
In October 2015, the Food and Drug Administration approved asfotase alfa for use in the United States after clinical trials showed promising results in treating HPP presenting before the age of 18. Asfotase alfa (AA), also known by the brand name Strensiq, is administered through injections. Drug Design, Development and Therapy notes that AA treatment results in improved skeletal mineralization, leading to increased respiratory status and infant survival. It can also alleviate other complications related to bone abnormalities to improve physical function, mobility, and growth.
If you know the HPP gene runs in your family or notice early signs of this disease, seek the advice of a medical professional. Your physician or dental professional can help you determine the best way to alleviate symptoms and take care of your bones and teeth.
Oral health can no longer be separated from overall health. Unless you are free of dental disease, particularly gum disease – and the other oral health issues that harm overall health – you can never be truly healthy.
Gum Disease
Gum disease can increase the risk and severity of many more serious health problems, including heart disease. Thus, you must be clear about this; the effect of dental disease on overall health is far more serious than its relationship to teeth and gums. In fact, moderate to severe gum disease can;
Severely stress the immune system
Lower resistance to other infections
Increase the severity of diabetes
Contribute to respiratory disease
Contribute to low preterm birth weights
Interfere with proper digestion
Actually reduce life expectancy
If gum disease is not acknowledged as an obstacle to achieving overall health, any efforts to treat other existing diseases, improve health, and extend life will not be effective and will fall short of desired goals. Every person who cares about his or her health and every dentist who wants to successfully treat patients must understand this important relationship. The reality is that ‘you cannot be healthy without healthy gums and teeth!’
Other Oral Health Issues that can Harm Overall Health
Along with amalgam fillings and gum disease, there are other oral health issues that can negatively affect systemic health, including:
Infected root canals
Jawbone infections
Non-biocompatible dental materials
The impact of these oral health issues on overall health is determined by the seriousness and duration of each, and how many are present in an individual.
The fact is that is that a large percentage of the population is affected by some, or all of the above oral health problems. For example, an individual could have periodontal disease (the most serious form of gum disease), suffer from chronic mercury poisoning, have an infection from a failed root canal, a jawbone infection, and allergic reaction to dental materials – all present at the same time. Of course, many variables exist, as someone can have advanced gum disease and only have a few amalgam fillings. In that scenario, the effects of gum disease on overall health would be much greater than the effects of mercury. I’m sure you can imagine all of the possibilities that exist – none of them good.
But what is important to consider here is that if you are dealing with any, some, or all of the oral health issues that can damage overall health you should let your Vancouver dentist know about them as he or she may be looking for other causes of your health problems than those related to these oral health issues. That can be frustrating for both you and your dentist. Although there is no way of knowing exactly how much these oral health issues are contributing to your medical problems but that isn’t the point – as there is no doubt they are contributing to them to some degree. If you want to do all you can to improve your oral and overall health it means that you will have to take the necessary steps to work with your East Vancouver dentist to eliminate these oral health problems and repair the damage done by them.
Kissing the ones we love is among the most natural expressions of affection. Kisses can be romantic but shared with our children and friends and even used as a greeting. An amorous kiss—which the French call a lover’s kiss and is more crudely referred to as swapping spit—is actually the intertwining of two oral microbiomes. In fact, one study—Shaping the Oral Microbiota Through Intimate Kissing—found that a 10-second kiss can transfer as many as 80 million bacteria and that couples who kiss each other at least nine times a day tend to have a similar microbiome! Kissing also releases endorphins, burns calories, exercises your facial muscles, releases tension, and boosts your immune system.
Kisses: A Biological Exchange
The aforementioned study was conducted by Dutch scientists and published in the journal Microbiome. The researchers discussed how the human mouth can be more home to more than 700 varieties of bacteria and that the people closest to us tend to shape those communities. Your oral bacteria exist not just on your tongue and in your spit but on your teeth, lips, and cheeks. Therefore, even non-amorous kissing can lead to an exchange of biological data, and such bacteria can be both good and bad.
Kisses: The Oral Health Benefits
Some people may get a bit squeamish thinking about how a kiss is an exchange of saliva and bacteria, but there is real health value within such exchanges. Kissing promotes saliva flow, and saliva is essential to keeping the mouth moist and washing away food particles, bacteria, and acid. Your saliva also contains agents that can inhibit bacterial growth as well as the formation of plaque. There are organisms in saliva that help prevent fungal infections, such as oral thrush, and stop the growth of streptococcus mutans, which is a bacterium that is among the leading causes of tooth decay.
Your mouth is an integral aspect of your immune system and is often referred to as the window to systemic health. Kissing exposes you to new bacteria and thus makes your oral microbiome more robust. This makes you more resistant to infections, viruses, diseases, and so forth.
Kisses: The Oral Health Risks
Not all oral bacteria are good for you, and an exchange of bad bacteria can make your mouth less healthy. If your partner has periodontal disease, for instance, the bacteria associated with that disease will be transferred to your mouth and can make you more prone to oral health issues. A person with poor oral health is likely to transfer bacteria that introduce acids, which can result in bad breath and eventually lead to tooth decay. So, while kissing can diversify and strengthen your oral microbiome, kissing many different strangers would likely undermine your oral health overall.
Your oral health risk, however, extends beyond bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay. Kissing is among the fastest and most effective ways to transfer infectious microbes. These microbes include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses and can spread through your saliva. The Academy of General Dentistry warns that you can share more than 500 disease-causing microbes with just a single kiss! Some of the illnesses that are commonly transferred between kissing partners include:
The Common Cold—Upper respiratory tract infections are caused by a wide range of viruses. You can easily spread your cold to another or vice versa through simple contact with a cold virus.
Mono—Infectious mononucleosis, which is also known as glandular fever and the kissing disease, is an infection caused by the Epstein–Barr virus. It can cause fever, a sore throat, and swollen glands.
Herpes infection—Epstein-Barr is just one virus in the herpes family. There are many others, such as herpes simplex, which causes cold sores, and varicella-zoster, which causes chickenpox.
Hepatitis B—HB is an infectious disease that affects the liver. It is most commonly transmitted through blood, but saliva does carry the HB virus and can infect another.
Meningococcal disease—This disease is a potentially fatal condition that involves acute inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Studies have shown that this disease can usually only be transmitted through deep kissing.
Warts—Warts are transferable through kissing, especially when the trauma is recent.
How to Kiss in Good Health
Kissing can have both a positive and negative impact on your oral health. There are, however, some practices that you can embrace in order to mitigate the downsides.
Be particular. Ideally, you should know something about a person’s oral health and overall health before you kiss them. Be aware that having multiple sexual partners increases your risk.
Bad breath happens to us all on occasion. But be wary when meeting someone new, or the halitosis seems frequent. It can indicate gum disease or tooth decay, which are both transmittable.
Never kiss anyone when you or they are sick or have sores on the mouth.
Be diligent with your oral care. Brush and floss twice a day without fail. Be sure to visit your dentist twice a year to have your oral health examined and your teeth professionally cleaned.
Drink plenty of water. Not only is it great for your overall health, but it helps to avoid bad breath and washes away the food particles, bacteria, and acid that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Need a breath freshener? Sugar-free xylitol gum is an excellent option. It helps avoid dry mouth, lowers acid levels in the mouth, and makes it more difficult for bacteria to adhere to your teeth.
Avoid kissing babies on the lips. The bacteria linked to tooth decay is not naturally occurring in newborns. It must be introduced, and you can inadvertently do that with a kiss on the lips.
Kiss With Confidence
Kiss your loved ones with confidence by ensuring the healthiest mouth possible. Great oral health starts at home with diligent oral hygiene.
Apical abscesses are one of the most common dental abscesses and can develop into serious dental issues. If you experience symptoms, it's essential to visit a dental professional promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Arriving at your appointment armed with a basic knowledge of what the abscess is can also help.
What Is an Apical Abscess?
A dental abscess is your body's inflammatory reaction to an infection in the tooth's nerve. The abscess itself is a collection of pus arising from a source of infection at the tooth's root, which can break through the tissues and discharge into the mouth.
Symptoms
Apical abscess symptoms depend on if the infection is considered to be a chronic or acute apical abscess.
A chronic apical abscess occurs gradually with little or no discomfort and occasional discharge of pus. On an X-ray, a chronic abscess will display bone destruction as dark regions in the bone, also known as radiolucencies.
An acute apical abscess occurs quickly and involves pain without stimulation. Though X-rays may appear normal, symptoms of acute apical abscesses include:
Tooth pain that wakes you up at night
Pain when not chewing
Extreme tenderness to pressure on the tooth
Pus and swelling of surrounding tissues
Malaise, fever, or swollen lymph nodes
Severe dental abscesses can even lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening infection in the bloodstream. These severe manifestations can require hospitalization.
Diagnosis
Your dentist will tap your teeth to assess sensitivity, take X-rays and possibly recommend a CT scan for further evaluation. Your history of symptoms will also aid the diagnosis.
Sometimes, it can be unclear which tooth is causing the abscess. If this is the case, your dentist may insert a gutta-percha point—a flexible material—into the draining opening of the abscess. An X-ray will then trace the opening of the abscess straight to the primary source of infection.
Treatment
Acute apical abscess treatment starts at the source of infection. Your dental professional may need to drain the infection and deliver antibiotics if the infection has spread for large swellings. For dental abscesses contained in the mouth, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy or extraction of the infected tooth.
If you have any signs of an abscess, it's important to visit a dental professional. An infection can cause severe problems and spread to other regions of the body, making it a higher risk to your health. Arming yourself with this information can help you keep an eye on your dental health and make appointments with your dentist as necessary if an urgent concern arises.
When you are sick, it’s easy to forget about your oral health. Your body is fighting off illness and germs, and taking care of your teeth seems like it would be a waste of time. But this is when you need to take the most care with your teeth. When you can’t eat or drink generally because of the sickness, brushing your teeth at least once daily will help keep bacteria from attacking your mouth and throat by removing plaque that might form on the teeth. Ideally, it would help if you brushed your teeth after every meal and after swallowing your last drink. Brushing becomes even more critical when you’re sick as bacteria causes plaque to form on the teeth. Sore throats can also make it hard to brush.
Brushing
Brushing is not just for seeing if any food particles are stuck between your teeth or for the look of your smile. It’s asking you to take care of yourself by removing those bacteria from the surface of your teeth and gums that can cause bad breath and tooth decay. After brushing, you should use fluoride toothpaste because it helps strengthen healthy tooth enamel. Even though you are sick, it’s essential to do your best to keep your teeth as clean and healthy as possible. It can help prevent tooth decay and cavities from forming on the surface of your teeth, making you more likely to have healthier teeth in the future. You can help keep your teeth healthy by brushing with fluoride toothpaste after every meal and after drinking fluids. If a refill is needed, talk with your parents about refilling your prescription at the pharmacy. When you don’t have any problems but brush twice a day, it’s even better for you because plaque is permanently removed. Keep your toothbrush in a hard case and clean it regularly. Avoid sharing toothbrushes with anyone else.
Before brushing, take a warm washcloth and wet it under running water. If you have braces or retainers, wrap them around your finger and gently massage your teeth with side-to-side motions until all of the plaque is removed.
Use fluoride toothpaste designed especially for kids or adults with sensitive teeth. Brush vigorously to remove bacteria from the surface of spaced teeth, followed by small back and forth motions to clean between teeth. Floss daily to help remove plaque that remains on hard-to-reach areas.
Use a soft toothbrush and small bristles, so you are not pressing too hard on your gums. Keep your toothbrush at least six feet from the sink, and do not place it on the counter.
Avoid Sugary Foods
Sugar is not suitable for most people, and you should avoid sugary foods if you are sick. It includes candy, pastries, sweets, soda pop, and fruit juices. Remember to brush your teeth after eating these foods and before going to bed so that when you wake up the following day, they don’t have time to stick to your teeth overnight. Avoid sugary drinks because they can cause tooth decay, just like a piece of candy would.
Stick with Water
When taking care of teeth when sick, stick with fluids such as water, juice, soup, and broth. Drink six to eight glasses of fluids a day. If you cannot drink fluids, try using mouthwash to help keep oral bacteria from attaching.
Look for Alternatives to Soda Pop
Another important factor when you are sick is avoiding sugary sodas. Plain soda pop usually has too much sugar, which makes your body have a craving for more. It can lead to tooth decay and cavities. In addition, traditional soda contains phosphoric acid, which is not suitable for your teeth. Try to drink plenty of water, juice, and soup.
Know When You Need Help
If your mouth is sore or bleeding, you might have a condition such as a dry socket or abrasion. See a dentist immediately to ensure you are not at risk for an infection. If you experience any fever, heavy pain when opening your mouth, swollen gums, or an unusual odor coming from your mouth, seek medical attention without delay. While being sick isn’t the best situation for your teeth, it’s essential to do what you can to keep them healthy and robust so that they continue to protect the health of your entire body throughout life.
Know The Best Medicines to Use When Experiencing Pain In Teeth
The best medicines to use when experiencing pain in the teeth are prescription only. These medications will help minimize the pain and swelling caused by infection. Once the infection has been treated, you can brush your teeth and perform regular mouth care to get them as clean as possible.
How to Brush Your Teeth Without Causing Pain and Swelling
Two parts of your dental routine are a clean toothbrush and toothpaste. The top and bottom of the toothbrush are designed with small bristles on each end that can gently clean between teeth without causing pain or bleeding.
Toothbrushes:
Both regular and electric toothbrushes should be replaced every three months due to bacteria growth and the development of cavities. These bacteria can cause gum disease and other oral illnesses.
Toothpaste:
Toothpaste comes in various flavors to provide you with variety and pleasure. These flavors are designed to help you improve the way you feel about brushing your teeth. The taste is not as intense as with sugary food or drinks. This toothpaste also provides you with fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from decay and cavities.
Tips for Regular Dental Care and a Healthy Mouth
To care for yourself when having a cold or flu, there are several ways that you can do so to ensure that the process is quick and painless. The first way to do so is to drink plenty of water. It will help flush your system of any bacteria and will also help moisturize your mouth, ensuring that you have a healthy mouth and are less susceptible to infection. If you are experiencing a sore throat, you should gargle with salt water to soothe and reduce swelling and pain.
If possible, avoid sugary drinking when you are ill, as this can cause tooth decay. Lastly, it is essential to avoid smoking due to the damage it causes to your teeth and gums when combined with an illness. You should also make sure that you brush twice a day if possible, once in the morning and once at night before going to bed. It will ensure that your mouth and teeth are as clean as possible.
Tooth decay is a significant issue that can affect anyone at any time. Many people brush their teeth the wrong way and drink sucrose-laden beverages, which can lead to tooth decay. Having cavities on the surface of your teeth can be painful, especially when you are sick. A dental cleaning is the only way to remove them from the back of your mouth.
Everyone knows how important oral hygiene is, so we are going to go over common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth, by telling you what not to do!
What NOT to Do:
1. Don’t Brush Your Teeth just ONCE a day. Millions of bacteria and a significant amount of plaque can grow in your mouth within 24 hours. While most dentists recommend brushing your teeth after each meal, you should at least brush after breakfast at before bed.
2. Don’t Brush Too Often. This rule may seem to contradict the one above, but what we mean by brushing too often is four or five times a day. Brushing three times a day is ideal, as too much brushing wears away tooth enamel and can irritate your gums. Brushing too often can lead to infection and inflammation.
3. Don’t Brush at a 90-Degree Angle. Instead, brush at a 45-degree angle. This allows the brush to get close to your gum line, where most dental problems start.
4. Don’t Brush in a Straight Line. Circular motions are best for brushing, as brushing in a back and forth motion can make your teeth rough and dull from ridges in the enamel.
5. Don’tBrush Too Roughly. Brushing your teeth should not be like using sandpaper on rough wood. Be gentle on your teeth; being too rough can damage enamel and irritate your gums.
6. Don’t Use a Stiff–Bristled Brush. If you haven’t noticed by now, rougher isn’t better. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which will decrease the trauma to your teeth and gums. It will remove the same amount of “stuff” and it won’t wear down your teeth or gums.
7. Don’t Floss After Brushing. Floss BEFORE brushing. Flossing removes particles a brush will miss. By flossing before you brush, it exposes surfaces that will benefit from fluoride in toothpaste, which is great for overall oral health.
Your tooth feels sore but you decide to ignore it since the pain comes and goes anyway. Do you often see yourself in this situation? Should you ignore the discomfort?
Don’t wait until your tooth keeps you up at night. If you’re seeing dental pus on your tooth, it’s most likely due to bacterial infection. An abscess or infection can occur due to various reasons. It can be caused by a severe cavity, previous dental work, or injury.
Your dentist will drain the pus and treat the infection. Depending on the severity of the issue, your tooth may still be saved. Otherwise, you may require an extraction.
How would you know if you have an infected tooth?
If you feel pain on your teeth that keeps coming back or worsens over time, that may be a sign of an infected tooth. Here are other symptoms to look out for:
Increased sensitivity
Bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing
Fever
Swelling in the area
Breathing difficulties
Unpleasant taste in the mouth
If you’re having trouble breathing or swallowing, be sure to contact your dentist right away or go to the emergency room. These symptoms may be life-threatening.
It’s best to get the affected tooth examined as early as possible. This way, you can keep the infection from worsening and prevent the need for comprehensive treatments.
Why you shouldn’t ignore a tooth infection
An abscessed tooth won’t heal on its own. Even if the pus drains naturally, you’ll still need to see your dentist. A severe tooth infection can be potentially life-threatening.
Here are possible complications when you leave an infected tooth untreated.
Tooth loss. An infected tooth may still be saved with root canal therapy or crown. If the problem persists and you don’t receive proper treatment, the affected tooth will continue to weaken. You may need dental implants to restore tooth function but this option warrants sufficient jawbone.
Bone infection. The infection can spread to the facial bones, which can then lead to surgical bone removal. Removing the infected bone can help contain the infection. If surgery isn’t necessary, the bone structures may still weaken. This can eventually lead to tooth loss as the jaw struggles to support the teeth.
Sinus infection. Since the sinuses are connected to the roots of several upper teeth, an infection involving any of these teeth can also affect your sinuses. As the infection spreads, you may experience headaches, eye immobility, or drooping eyelids, among many others.
Bloodstream infection. If the infection spreads to the entire bloodstream, it can lead to septicemia. The body fights infection by increasing antibodies and supplying more blood to the area. If the infection from the dental abscess spills and reaches the bloodstream, it can circulate throughout the body. This condition is life-threatening and often requires long-term hospitalization.
Death is the worst possible effect of a tooth infection, but this can be prevented. Even if you’re unsure if your toothache is considered a dental emergency, still get in touch with your dentist. Don’t ignore an infected tooth. Early diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving.
