Do you notice bleeding when you brush your teeth, have frequent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth? Are your gums red, swollen and tender? According to the Indian Dental Association, if you suffer from gingivitis, some of the warning signs are swelling, bleeding gums, bright red or purple appearance to gums, gums that are tender when touched, mouth sores, swollen gums and shiny appearance to gums. Gingivitis begins when bacterial plaque accumulates around the gumline, causing inflammation in your gum tissue. But don't worry; it's treatable. If you want to know how to fight gingivitis, it's as easy as one-two-three: brushing, flossing and professional cleanings.
Proper Toothbrushing
Your toothbrushing habits may be beyond reproach, but there is always room for improvement. Your first step in fighting gingivitis starts here. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush, small enough to get into the hard-to-reach places. To brush properly, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gumline, and use short, gentle back-and-forth strokes on each tooth for at least two minutes of brushing. Brush your teeth in a pattern so that you don't miss any areas. Brush the outer surfaces of your upper teeth and then move to the outer surfaces of your lower teeth. Next, clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth and then the same in your lower teeth. Brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth last, and eliminate any remaining bacteria by brushing your tongue.
Throw away old and worn toothbrushes, which can harbour bacteria. Frayed bristles won't clean sufficiently, either. Ask your dentist which toothpaste is right for you as well; there are products to meet every dental need. While most toothpastes have their own whitening and cavity prevention formulas, but your dentist can recommend you a toothpaste that cares for teeth prone to the irritation associated with gum disease or tooth sensitivity.
Proper Flossing
The Indian Dental Association explains that proper flossing removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot reach- under the gum-line and between the teeth. Daily flossing is recommended because plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. It stimulates gums, polishes tooth surfaces, reduces gum bleeding and prevents gum disease. This is why flossing is a key factor in preventing gingivitis.
Floss once a day, ideally before bedtime when you've already had a full day of meals. Wrap a long enough piece of floss (about 18 inches) around the middle finger of each hand. Hold the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers and slide it between each tooth making a C-shape around each tooth using a push and pull and then an up-and-down motion. Bring the floss over the gum tissue in between the teeth and do the same routine on the other side. You'll need to curve the floss around each tooth to allow it to go beneath the gumline and then once you have flossed both sides of the teeth then move the floss down so a clean area can be used to floss the next two teeth.
Take care not to force the floss, and use clean sections as your progress through your mouth, so you don't move bacteria from tooth to tooth. Be thorough by removing the floss from between your teeth slowly, in a back-and-forth motion. Ask your dentist for recommendations if you have trouble; there are waxed and un-waxed varieties, as well as floss holders if you struggle to wind and grip the floss yourself.
Professional Dental Cleanings
When plaque is not thoroughly cleaned off your teeth by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. Tartar build-up occurs and plaque adheres to the tartar which leads to an increase in bacterial toxins and can cause gingivitis to progress into more serious forms of gum disease, like periodontitis.
Professional cleanings are the best ways to remove tartar from your teeth. And if your gingivitis has not progressed, a professional cleaning will help reverse it. This can involve scaling, which requires scraping away this hardened plaque (tartar); and root planing, used to smooth over the root to promote healing once the plaque and tartar are removed. For many people, a preventive cleaning twice a year is enough, but your dentist can help you decide the schedule that works best for you.
The sooner you get started, the better. Knowing how to fight gingivitis will give you a healthy mouth now, with no worries of gum disease in the future. Keep up the good fight!
Interproximal cavities, more popularly known as the cavities in between your teeth, are actually pretty common. They start to form when there is a breakdown of the outer, calcified enamel of the tooth that is caused by bacteria in your mouth.
Cavities are easily preventable, even if you seem to be finding them with every dentist visit. The more information you have on interproximal cavities the better!
Did you know?
35% of your teeth’s surface are in between other teeth. If you decide to skip flossing one day, then only two-thirds of your teeth are getting cleaned! Think of it this way–not flossing is like washing your hands but not scrubbing in between your fingers. Gross!
Dental cavities are one of the most prevalent diseases amongst the general population. But, the good news with this is that they are easily preventable.
Once a cavity is treated, the tooth will stop decaying. So don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable, because the earlier you treat the decaying tooth, the less damage will occur. And the less treatment you will have to receive!
Symptoms of Interproximal Cavities
Many of the symptoms occur when the cavity has penetrated into the dentin, known as the second hard layer of tissue beneath the enamel. Symptoms of these cavities include:
Sensitivity to cold
Sensitivity to sweets or sugar
Trouble chewing on the tooth with the cavity
How can I prevent cavities?
Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. While doing this alone is great, it is still important to make sure your technique is up to par. Use circular motions on the fronts and chewing surfaces of your teeth and small, up-and-down motions on the backs. Remember to pay some attention to the back molars too!
Floss every day. This is another really important technique you’re going to want to master for optimal results. Start by winding 18” of floss around the middle finger of each hand. Use your thumb and index fingers to pinch the string while leaving 1-2” length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss in between teeth while using a zig-zag motion. It is important to remember not to snap the floss in between your teeth. Contour floss around the side of each tooth.
X-Rays
When receiving your yearly x-rays from My Dentist, we’re looking for the earliest signs of tooth decay. We can tell when you’re about to develop a cavity by observing the dark areas developing around the outermost layer of your tooth, known as the enamel.
If there seems to be a suspicious amount of decay, a mouth rinse or dental paste with extra fluoride may be prescribed to you.
Holy Molar! You already have a cavity
We’ve all been there and there’s no point in beating yourself up for it. The best way to bounce back from having a cavity is to focus on taking better care of your oral hygiene, which will help prevent future cavities.
Suddenly discovering a scab on your lip can be distressing. Besides causing you discomfort or pain, it might make you feel uncomfortable because it's so visible. So what causes a scab on your lip, and what should you do if it just won’t heal? Find out more about lip scabs so you can go back to smiling painlessly in no time!
What Causes a Scab on the Lip?
Scabs can often result from cuts or wounds on your lips that are now starting to heal. They may also appear when lips are cracked because of dryness.
Cold sores may also lead to scabs around the lips. Cold sores – caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 – are tiny fluid-filled blisters that appear on and around your lips, often in groups or patches. After the blisters break, you’ll see scabs form. These scabs can last several days.
Occasionally, the scab on your lip is not a cold sore and can be a sign of something more serious. The Mayo Clinic notes that if you see a flat, raised, whitish patch on your lip, it could be a sign of lip cancer.
How to Help the Scab on Your Lip Heal
Although scabs can be uncomfortable, it’s important not to pick them off or pick at them at all. The scab forming is a sign that your body’s immune system has started to protect the wound from getting infected, so letting the scab heal on its own is essential.
That said, there are things to do to make the healing process quicker or give yourself some relief. If the scabs are the result of cold sores, antiviral medicines can help them heal faster. Your doctor may also recommend ointments that numb the blisters, dry them out, or soften the crusts of the sores. Sunblock lip balm can protect your lips from the sun, a trigger for cold sores. Cold sores usually go away on their own in a few weeks.
If the scabs are caused by any trauma, like dryness or because of biting your lips, you can try applying lip balm, beeswax, or petroleum jelly for some relief.
What to Do if Your Scab Won’t Heal
According to MedlinePlus, you will know if your scab is infected if you see redness, yellow or green pus, or excessive clear fluid around it. Increased pain could be another sign that the area is infected. In this case, you should consult with your dentist or doctor immediately to get the right treatment.
If your scab isn’t healing on its own, it’s essential to see your doctor to ensure it’s not a sign of lip cancer. Early detection means that the cancer may be curable.
In most cases, the scab on your lip will heal on its own, but if it’s been a few days and you’re wondering why the scab won’t heal, it’s definitely worth checking with your doctor or dentist. Seeking additional treatment can go a long way in making you feel comfortable and confident.
The purpose of a dental check-up goes further than merely getting your teeth cleaned. It is also an opportunity for a dentist to evaluate the patient's mouth and come up with a treatment plan for any issues that may not be known by the patient. Regular visits to the dentist's clinic are an integral part of preventative dental care.
Making check-ups easier
Here are seven simple things that can be done to make a patient's visit to the dentist a lot easier:
1. Make a list of concerns and questions before the dental check-up
Patients often have a hard time remembering all the questions they have during dental visits, so it is best to write them down before appointments. Patients should talk to their dentists about any issues they are experiencing like bleeding gums, tooth pain or sensitivity, sores inside the mouth, habits like teeth grinding, or difficulty brushing and flossing due to a damaged tooth.
2. Provide updates to medical history
Patients should also provide any updates to their medical history during dental check-ups. Many health issues can affect a person's oral health like diabetes, and dentists are better equipped to treat their patients when they are fully aware of the health conditions the person is dealing with. The more informed the dentist is, the more likely they will be to recommend the right treatments.
3. Provide lists of medications, supplements, and vitamins being taken
Certain medications have side effects like dry mouth, increased blood pressure, or depression which can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Other medications have a thinning effect on the patient's blood, and that can lead to increased bleeding after dental treatments are performed. When a dentist is aware of the medications a patient takes, proper steps can be made to ensure its side effects does not lead to complications during treatments.
4. Consider low-cost alternatives
This option is particularly important for those working with a budget. Finances being tight can lead to dental anxiety since the patient finds that they continuously are worried about being able to afford the necessary treatments. When working with a budget, it is best to communicate that directly with the dentist so that cheaper treatments can be explored.
5. Ask for oral hygiene tips
Dentistry is always changing, and some things that were once recommended by dentists are now considered unhealthy. Patients should talk to their dentist about the proper way to take care of their teeth and gums. Part of a dentist's job is to educate patients about their oral health so take advantage of this.
6. Arrive early
Showing up for dental appointments on time gives the patient an opportunity to relax and calm down before treatments. That leads to a more pleasant experience since the person does not feel rushed. Patients should make it a habit of arriving at least five minutes before dental appointments.
7. Consider sedation dentistry
Those who have a hard time staying relaxed at the dentist's clinic should consider sedation dentistry. This choice involves the use of sedatives to keep patients relaxed during appointments.
It's important to understand how saliva and your salivary structures work to maintain good oral habits and health. If you've ever been confused about words like “sublingual papilla” or “Wharton's duct,” you are not alone. Here's what you need to know about your sublingual papilla, salivary structures, and salivary stones.
What Is Your Sublingual Papilla?
Your sublingual papilla is a small protruding piece of tissue at the base of the tongue. The term "sublingual" refers to the area beneath the tongue, making its location a little easier to remember. This small piece of tissue also serves as a marker for the place where saliva empties into your mouth via your Wharton's duct (also called the submandibular duct).
Understanding Your Salivary Structures
Salivary glands create saliva that moistens your mouth to help you chew, speak, and digest. Saliva also helps clean bacteria off your teeth and protect them from decay. The salivary glands excrete saliva through tubes in your mouth called ducts, specifically your Wharton's duct.
The sublingual glands are responsible for depositing about 5 percent of your saliva. These glands are located on the floor of the mouth underneath the sublingual folds on either side of the sublingual papilla. Your other major salivary glands include the parotid and submandibular glands. Together, they release the majority of your saliva. However, there are hundreds of tiny salivary glands throughout the lining of your mouth and throat.
What Is Sialolithiasis (Salivary Stones)?
A common problem affecting the sublingual area on the floor of your mouth is sialolithiasis. This condition refers to salivary stones that form when substances in your saliva harden into a crystallized structure. This crystallization can cause swelling and pain, especially when the surge of saliva released when you eat becomes partially blocked.
The Merck Manual notes that 80 percent of salivary stones occur in Wharton's duct and the connecting submandibular glands. However, they can be found in other glands, too. Wharton's duct is particularly long and narrow, allowing for saliva buildup.
How Do You Treat Salivary Stones?
Your dental professional will sometimes detect and diagnose salivary stones during a routine dental examination, especially if you haven't experienced noticeable symptoms that have prompted you to see a dentist or physician sooner. A dentist will usually detect the presence of a stone by touch or visual inspection, especially if it is apparent near the sublingual papilla.
Treatment involves removing the salivary stone, but the exact procedure depends on the size, location, and number of stones. Sometimes, a dental professional can push the stone out by massaging the area with heat. A sialoendoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure using cameras and small instruments to diagnose and retrieve stones, may also be helpful. Shock wave treatments are also an option to break larger stones into small pieces. More complicated cases, such as if the stones become infected or recur, may require surgery. In some cases, a small incision in the papilla — also known as a papillotomy — may help your medical professional remove the stone.
Luckily, there are measures you can take at home to help dislodge a salivary stone. Try drinking lots of water and using sugar-free lozenges to help stimulate saliva flow and loosen the stone from the duct. As always, maintaining a good oral care routine with twice-daily brushing and once-daily interdental cleaning will help prevent the formation of salivary stones. It's also best to avoid smoking or using other tobacco products.
Understanding your mouth and the ways saliva circulates through it is essential to your overall oral health. Now that you know a bit more about your sublingual papilla and other salivary strictures, you are more prepared to take action a problem occurs. If you notice anything unusual on the floor of your mouth near your sublingual papilla, or you experience pain or swelling when eating, call your dental professional. You may have a simple salivary stone, which can be easily removed.
Taking care of your teeth is always important, but proper dental health is even more important now that dental cleanings may be cancelled due to the coronavirus. You likely (and hopefully) already have the tools needed for basic oral hygiene, like a toothbrush and floss, but maybe you don’t know why these tools are necessary or how to make the most out of them. We spoke to Dr. Ada Cooper, DMD, a dentist based in New York City and spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA), to get an expert’s tips for taking care of your teeth at home.
1. Get a quality toothbrush—and use it correctly
There are certain non-negotiables when it comes to at-home dental care. The first one is obvious: A toothbrush. “Whether it's manual or powered, your teeth really don't care. You just need to use it and use it correctly,” Cooper says. “When it comes to choosing a brush, be sure it’s 'soft.' 'Firm' or even ‘medium’ bristles can cause damage to your gums.”
Make sure you don’t scrub vigorously—you want to clean your teeth, but not at the expense of your gums and tooth enamel, which can weaken from too much pressure or friction from improper brushing. The ADA recommends you hold the brush at a 45-degree angle from your gums and gently sweep back and forth. This angle helps to get buildup out that’s trapped between your gums and your teeth. Make sure you get the tops and sides of each tooth, focusing on one quadrant of the mouth at a time until you’ve eventually covered the whole mouth. The recommended time you spend as a whole is two minutes, or 30 seconds per quadrant. You should do this at minimum twice a day—once in the morning either before or 30 minutes to an hour after breakfast (you may end up brushing enamel-weakening acid from the food around your mouth if you brush directly after eating) and at night, right before bed.
When you’re storing your toothbrush, don’t routinely put a cover on it, as this will trap moisture in and create a breeding ground for bacteria. Replace your toothbrush, or the head on an electric model, every three to four months to make sure your bristles are fresh and at the proper strength to do their job.
If you’re in the market for a new electric toothbrush, our favorite after testing is the Oral B Pro 3000, which features a two-minute timer that cues you every 30 seconds to change quadrants. It also has a visible pressure sensor that lights up red when you bear down too hard to keep you from damaging your teeth and gums.
Get the Oral B Pro 3000 on Amazon for $67.24
2. Use a toothpaste with fluoride
The ADA recommends using a toothpaste that includes fluoride, a mineral in your bones and teeth, as an ingredient. “Not all toothpastes contain fluoride, but you should always use one that does contain it,” Cooper says. “Fluoride is a natural cavity fighter that helps to strengthen the tooth enamel and fight tooth decay.” (Though there’s some controversy over the safety of excess fluoride use, the current science supports that it does more good than harm in dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash, as long as the products are used as directed and not ingested.)
Depending on certain needs or wants, you may also look for other active ingredients. For example, you may want a toothpaste that whitens your teeth and removes stains, for which common ingredients include baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. The best way to learn about subcategories of toothpaste that may work for you is to speak to your dentist about your concerns. When you’re shopping for a toothpaste, Cooper says you should look for the ADA seal of acceptance, which serves as a sign that the toothpaste contains the appropriate ingredients to do what it claims.
3. Don’t skimp on flossing
If you’ve ever been called out by your dentist for not flossing enough, you’re not alone. But skipping this step on the regular is detrimental to your dental health. “Brushing and flossing accomplish two different things and that’s why they’re both essential,” Cooper says, though she points out the order in which you do them isn’t important. “Flossing before brushing, brushing before flossing, it doesn’t matter to your teeth as long as you do both.”
Brushing removes the plaque and food buildup on your teeth, but flossing—or using another interdental cleaning tool like a water flosser—removes the buildup between your teeth, where your brush can’t go.
If you don’t mind string floss, stock up on some with the Oral B Glide Dental Floss, which claims to be “shred-resistant,” and more than 2,000 reviewers agree that it’s great.
Some people prefer to floss with picks, which have pre-strung floss that’s less fussy and messy to use. A pack of DenTek Triple Clean Floss Picks contains 150 fluoride-coated picks that claim to be break-resistant “even when used on the tightest of teeth.”
For those who really dislike flossing, consider a water flosser like this one from Waterpik, which uses a thin jet of water in place of floss string to clean between teeth. Our reviewer was impressed with its sleek design and how easy it was to use even on the first try.
Get the Oral B Glide Dental Floss (6 pack) on Amazon for $10.50
Get the DenTek Triple Clean Floss Picks on Amazon for $3.64
Get the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser on Amazon for $69.99
4. Keep your diet in mind
You know that gorging on candy is bad for your teeth, but what and how you eat, and the effect it has on your oral hygiene, is more nuanced than that. “For good dental health, you should carefully choose your meals and your snacks,” Cooper says. “Eat a variety of foods from each of the major five food groups.” Eating a balanced diet affects your teeth because your body is better equipped to resist infections that could lead to gum disease. And, more directly, if you eat too many sugary or carb-loaded foods, you risk breaking down your tooth enamel.
Cooper also recommends that if you’re going to eat snacks throughout the day, you don’t graze over them. “Continuously snacking throughout the day can actually increase the likelihood that you’ll develop cavities,” Cooper says. This is because the bacteria in your mouth breaks down carbohydrates found in snacks like candy or starches into acid that then causes cavities. The longer the carbs sit in your mouth, the more acid will be created. Brushing your teeth or using mouthwash after every snack or meal is unnecessary, but washing your food down with water as you eat and especially after you’re done is enough to aid in unwanted cavities. You may also chew sugar-free gum after eating (more on that below).
5. Understand the benefits and limitations of mouthwash
Cooper cautions that mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing or flossing, but it can prevent tooth decay, reduce plaque, and prevent the early stages of gum disease. Bonus: It’s a great way to freshen your breath.
As for who should use mouthwash, Cooper says that if you have a healthy mouth, it can be a great adjunct product. If you're 65 or older and/or struggle with teeth health, though, mouthwash may camouflage important symptoms without actually treating them. For example, an infection in the mouth like periodontitis may cause your breath to smell stronger than normal, but you may not notice this if you frequently use mouthwash that masks the symptom. The best thing you can do is talk to your dentist if you’re interested in incorporating mouthwash into your routine.
If you get the green light to use a mouthwash, you can again look for the ADA seal of acceptance when shopping for one. “There are two different types of mouthwashes, therapeutic and cosmetic,” Cooper says. “Therapeutic mouthwashes kill bacteria and contain active ingredients that your doctor may feel are appropriate for you. Cosmetic washes mostly temporarily reduce bad breath and can leave your mouth with a pleasant taste, but they don’t really decrease your risk of cavities.” Some therapeutic mouthwashes must be prescribed by a doctor, which highlights again the importance of speaking to your dentist if you're trying to tackle a particular problem with mouthwash.
6. Use a tongue scraper if you want
Another common dental product is a tongue scraper, which adds a step to your oral health routine—these devices are O-shaped plastic or U-shaped metal tools that remove debris from the surface of your tongue. However, “there’s no clinical evidence that brushing or scraping your tongue will prevent bad breath or improve chronic bad breath and, in fact, bacteria can grow back just as fast as you remove it,” Cooper says. “But having said that, if you like the way your mouth feels after you clean your tongue, keep it up, by all means.”
7. Chew sugarless gum—if your dentist is on board
Lastly, Cooper says some patients ask about the benefits and risks of chewing sugarless gum. “Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum between and following meals can help prevent tooth decay,” she says. It helps increase saliva, which washes away food and other debris. “Saliva neutralizes acid that’s produced by bacteria in the mouth and it can increase the production of calcium and phosphate, which can help strengthen the tooth enamel,” Cooper says.
That said, if you have bridges, crowns, or braces, chewing gum likely isn’t a great option for you as it can get stuck in or break down the restorations, so you should speak to your dentist before you pick up a pack of Trident.
Dental crowns and bridges are quite common operations that are performed in the dental clinic. Their major goal is to restore a tooth or teeth to full chewing function. Crowns and bridges are both fixed prosthetic devices, but they also differ in many aspects. Unlike detachable devices such as dentures, which have to be removed and cleaned regularly, crowns and bridges are fixed onto existing teeth or implants and can only be removed by a dentist.
What is a Dental Crown?
A crown, often known as a cap, is a type of dental treatment that replaces the tooth's outer layer of enamel with a new material. A tooth crown is curved and sized similarly to a natural tooth, and it makes normal contact with the opposing tooth, allowing food to be properly eaten. When it comes to function, a crown should feel like a regular tooth. It can also look like a perfectly natural tooth, depending on the material used for the crown. Consult with the best dentist in Kolkata to get help regarding dental care.
How do crowns work?
A crown is used to completely cover or "cap" a broken or damaged tooth. A tooth crown can be used to improve a tooth's look, shape, or alignment in addition to reinforcing it. It is also used to offer a tooth-like shape and structure to a dental implant crown. Crowns can be made up of different materials like porcelain or ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, metal and gold. Nowadays, gold is rarely used for crowns because they are very expensive and secondly they don’t look natural.
While porcelain or ceramic crowns are more preferred as they are both sturdy and aesthetic i.e., the colo
r can be matched to the natural tooth.
A crown may be recommended by a dentist to:
Replace a huge filling if there is not enough tooth left.
Prevent a weak tooth from breaking.
Restore a shattered tooth.
Offer a tooth-like shape and structure to an implant.
Cover a stained or poorly formed tooth.
Cover a root canal treatment.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A bridge is a fixed dental prosthesis because it is bonded to the teeth, replaces one or more missing teeth but not all of them, and employs a false tooth or teeth instead. When there are healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth, a bridge is utilised to replace one or more missing teeth.
The bridge completely encases the neighbouring teeth, known as retainers, much like a crown completely encases a single tooth.
For a single missing tooth, a bridge would consist of three units: one for a missing tooth, and one for each adjacent tooth. The same materials that were mentioned above for crowns can also be used to make bridges.
How do bridges work?
If someone has one or more missing teeth, a bridge may be suggested, otherwise with time, the remaining adjacent teeth progressively rotate or shift into the empty areas left by the missing teeth, resulting in a poor bite. Gum disease loosening of teeth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may result from the imbalance caused by missing teeth.
Bridges are typically used to replace a lost tooth or teeth. They fill the gap left by missing teeth. Bridges are attached to the natural teeth or implants that surround the gap. These teeth, known as abutments, function as bridge anchors. A pontic, or substitute tooth, is affixed to the crowns that cover the abutments. Bridges, like crowns, come in different materials. Based on the location of the lost tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations, and cost, the dentist can help select which to use. Bridges made of porcelain or ceramic can be customised to match the color of the natural teeth.
How are crowns and bridges made?
Before the fabrication of a crown or bridge, the dentist first reduces the size of the tooth or teeth to ensure a proper fit. An impression is then taken to create an accurate mould for the restoration. If porcelain is chosen, the dentist determines the appropriate shade to match the existing teeth. Using this impression, a dental lab creates the crown or bridge with the specified material. While the permanent restoration is being made, a temporary crown or bridge is placed to cover the prepared tooth. Finally, the temporary restoration is removed, and the permanent crown or bridge is cemented onto the prepared tooth or teeth. Get the best dental care services at the best dental hospital in Kolkata with our specialised crowns and bridge treatments.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
Even though crowns and bridges are designed to last a lifetime, they occasionally get loose or fall out. To protect the longevity of your crown or bridge, maintaining good oral hygiene is the most crucial measure you can take. If the bones or teeth supporting a bridge in place are harmed by dental disease, the bridge may become unsupportable. Brush twice daily and floss once every day to maintain healthy gums and teeth. Regular checks and cleanings with your dentist and hygienist are also recommended.
Dental crowns and bridges are fixed prostheses used to restore teeth to full chewing function. Crowns are caps that replace the outer layer of enamel and can improve the appearance, shape, or alignment of a tooth. They can also be used to attach a bridge or cover a dental implant. Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining crowns to a false tooth. Both crowns and bridges come in different materials and are made by taking an impression and creating a permanent restoration. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential for the longevity of crowns and bridges.
Here are a handful of activities you can do at home to ensure a clean, healthy, long-lasting smile.
Taking care of your teeth isn’t a “once in a while” event. Proper oral care and hygiene require daily maintenance. While we do recommend coming in for annual checkups and cleanings, there are a handful of important practices you should keep in mind for optimal oral health at home.
It’s vital to establish a good homecare routine in order to fight off plaque buildup and keep your gums healthy. Here are a handful of activities you can do at home to ensure a clean, healthy, long-lasting smile.
Watch What You Eat
As with most aspects of oral health, food plays a major role in dental hygiene. If food didn’t get stuck in between our teeth, we wouldn’t have to worry as much about plaque buildup. Unfortunately, we all have to eat, right? Consider cutting back on starchy foods like crackers, bread, chips and pasta, as these carbohydrates easily stick to teeth and provide a meal for cavity-causing bacteria.
Eating crunchy vegetables and crisp fruits help clean and strengthen your teeth. Vegetables like broccoli and carrots and crisp fruits like apples and pears not only contain natural sugars, but also have great natural fiber that, when chewed, helps naturally cleanse the teeth.
More Water, Less Sugar and Acidic Liquids
Similar to harmful foods, drinking heavily acidic and sugary liquids can wear down the enamel of your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and disease. Limit the amount of acidic juice, diet drinks, carbonated water, tea, and coffee that you consume. In addition, limit the number of sodas you drink, as these are the main culprit of cavities due to their high sugar levels (many popular soda cans have at least 10-15 teaspoons of sugar!).
Drinking more water, particularly water containing fluoride, dilutes acid and washes away sugar residue. Water also helps prevent dry mouth(lack of saliva), which can lead to tooth decay as well.
Brush & Floss Daily
Needless to say, brushing twice a day for two minutes and daily flossing are absolutely critical to maintaining oral health. Use a soft bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush (we recommend Sonicare). Be sure to replace the brush or brush head every three months for maximum effectiveness. . In addition to frequency, it’s important to also remember technique. You should brush your teeth in slow, gentle circular strokes along the gumline making sure not to fall into the incorrect back-and-forth zig-zag or sawing motion.
Don’t let hard-to-reach areas hold you back from flossing! Even pre-made dental flossing sticks can have a huge impact on your oral health. Get in between each tooth (and behind back teeth) to stimulate your gums, remove plaque and decrease any existing potential inflammation areas.
Avoid Smoking & Limit Alcohol
Tobacco is extremely harmful for many reasons, especially when it comes to your oral health. Smoking cigarettes, vaping, or chewing tobacco is detrimental to your immune system, which lowers your body’s ability to fight disease and heal any affected tissue. These practices highly increase your risk of oral cancer. Smoking also causes staining of your teeth and tongue and bad breath. We highly recommend quitting cigarettes, vaping and chewing tobacco to improve your oral and overall health.
Alcohol is harmful to your oral health for a couple of reasons. In addition to its sugar content, which allows bacteria to thrive in unhealthy conditions, drinking alcohol also dehydrates you. When your mouth is dry, your saliva flow is stifled, which opens the door for bacteria to stick to enamel, leading to tooth decay. If you’re going to partake, be sure to drink water as much as possible in between beverages to neutralize the mouth and wash away any lingering bacteria.
Use Fluoride & Rinse with Mouthwash
Fluoride is a mineral that’s known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel and fight against bacteria and acid that lead to cavities and tooth decay. Drinking fluoride-rich water and using toothpaste containing fluoride are great ways to replenish the levels of calcium and phosphorus that contribute to the strength of your teeth.
Similarly, using mouthwash (especially those that contain fluoride) helps prevent periodontal (gum) disease and ward off potential cavities by displacing lingering bacteria that lead to plaque buildup.
As you can see, there are quite a few critical components of improving and maintaining your oral health at home. While we’ve reviewed activities that you can do yourself throughout the year, there’s still the major important element: see your dentist regularly (at least twice per year) for a cleaning and checkup. When you come in for an appointment, our doctors and hygienist perform a thorough analysis to determine the presence of gum disease or tooth decay. It’s important to catch these early and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. We highly recommend adhering to a regular cadence of appointments to maintain optimal oral health.
If you’re ready to improve your smile or have questions about anything, please feel free to contact us or schedule some time to speak with one of our dental team members. Our team is standing by to answer your questions and to make sure you receive the best care in the most comfortable environment possible.
Everyone loves a bright white smile, but what does it mean when the gums are white in Jacksonville, FL.? While people typically visit the dentist for their teeth, the health of the gums is just as important for good oral hygiene. If a person’s gums are looking white or puffy, it often means something is amiss with their oral health and it’s essential to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
What Causes White Gums?
Healthy gums are pink in color. From simple canker sores to anemia and serious inflammatory illnesses, there are several conditions that can cause a person’s gums to turn white in Jacksonville, FL.
Smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking, and basically anything that could cause irritating friction in the mouth, such as rough teeth, dentures, or uneven fillings and crowns, can lead to what is known as leukoplakia.
What Is Leukoplakia?
If white patches appear on the gums, tongue, the base of the mouth, and/or inside the cheeks, the medical term for those spots is leukoplakia. Leukoplakia cannot remove them with a toothbrush and though they are not usually painful, they may be sensitive to the touch or to certain foods, especially those that are hot or spicy.
Leukoplakia on the gums tends to be thicker than the gum tissue around them. They can also harden over time.
Tooth extraction or teeth whitening process can also cause a person’s gums to appear white. Other conditions that can cause white gums to include:
Anemia:
Anemia is usually caused by vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies. It can also be a sign of celiac or Crohn’s disease. A change in diet and vitamin supplements are typically used to manage these conditions.
Canker Sores:
Canker sores are painful lesions that develop on the gums or inside of the mouth. Common treatment includes saltwater rinses, oral ointments, or steroids.
Gingivitis:
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can cause irritated and swollen gums as well as recession. Regular dental hygiene care is the best way to deal with periodontal issues.
Oral Thrush:
Oral thrush typically affects babies, older adults, and diabetics. As it is caused by a yeast infection, an antifungal medication may be prescribed for treatment.
The Dangers Of Oral Cancer
The growing threat of cancer in people’s lives can threaten how they go through their lives. Whilst white gums do not mean a patient necessarily has cancer, this could be one indicator to keep an eye out for oral cancer. In the case it is cancer, it would appear as white patches throughout the mouth.
Because people have many different structures in the mouth, knowing what symptoms to look for can be difficult. Generally speaking, there are some symptoms that are present through the variations of oral cancer. Those symptoms are:
A lip or mouth sore that does not heal
Loose teeth
A growth or lump inside your mouth
Mouth pain
Ear pain
Tooth pain
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Tooth and/or jaw sensitivity
As mentioned earlier, oral cancer is one of many possibilities for white gums, they are not a guarantee. That being said, it is important to keep this in mind to protect the mouth against the issues related to oral cancer.
Preventing White Gums
To avoid the stress and worry of having white gums in Jacksonville, FL, finding effective ways to prevent them is key to healthy gums. Generally, keeping with good oral hygiene and avoiding certain foods will help.
Getting more specific though, brushing teeth is one key factor in avoiding white gums. Brushing regularly and properly is important, keeping the brush at a 45-degree angle and not pushing too hard is also very necessary for healthy gums and teeth.
Flossing teeth properly is also important. Getting well within the grooves of the teeth can help prevent infection and white gums. Keeping up with flossing a few times a day, two or three, is also important to maintaining good gum and tooth health.
Of course, avoiding tobacco products is also important. Tobacco products are one of the biggest causes of white gums, mouth infections, and oral cancer. Breaking habits can be challenging but is critical for maintaining good health.
Lowering the intake of sugary and acidic foods will also help people’s gums. Living in the United States, there are so many foods that add sugars and acids which are horrible on the teeth and gums. That’s because these foods can destroy the gums and teeth which can cause all sorts of issues including white gums.
Is it possible to die from a tooth infection? Hypothetically speaking, is there a timeframe for how long until a tooth infection kills you or puts you in the hospital? The answer might not be as simple as you think, but severe tooth infections can definitely be life-threatening.
Depending on how technical or knit-picky you want to get about the science behind it, yes, you can die from a tooth infection. Although by the time an infection reaches that severe of a level, it’s not just isolated inside of your tooth. It starts in your tooth but by the point it becomes fatal, there’s a lot more going on. All that being said, don’t ignore that cavity or a tooth abscess your dentist points out on your X-ray.
Can A Tooth Infection Kill You?
How is it that a tooth infection can actually kill you? Well, when you consider that bacteria from severe periodontal disease can spread straight into your bloodstream, lungs, or brain, the concept isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds.
An infected tooth can kill you by allowing bacteria to spread elsewhere in your body. Especially your brain and bloodstream.
Let’s say for a moment that you have an abscessed tooth. These teeth have cysts around the root that are filled with bad bacteria. Slowly but surely, this cyst or tooth abscess will start to invade the bone structures and soft tissues next to the tooth. It could easily spread into your bloodstream, nasal sinuses, nerves, face, and yes, your brain.
Gum infections aren’t all that different. Even though there’s no tooth abscess there, you do have severe inflammation, bleeding, and colonies of bacteria living below the surface of your gum tissues.
Here are several life-threatening situations that can tie back to a toothache and why you shouldn’t skip out on that recommended dental work:
1. Sepsis:
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where your body is overwhelmed with some type of bacterial infection. It can cause both tissue damage and organ failure, destroying otherwise healthy tissues inside your body. If your tooth abscess drains into an area like your sinus cavity or bloodstream, it can lead to sepsis, and sepsis can often be fatal.
2. Ludwig’s Angina:
Ludwig’s angina is a type of infection that occurs in the floor of your mouth, involving areas like your neck and jaw. It’s a type of “cellulitis.” This dangerous infection is most often caused by oral infections (like infected teeth) or a traumatic injury to the jaw. It’s frequently seen in children. Typically it needs to be treated by draining the abscess and a round of antibiotics, but it can occasionally be fatal.
3. Necrotizing Fasciitis:
This rare infection is fast-spreading and is caused by bacteria. It results in the decay of the fascia inside of soft tissues. And yes, it’s fatal. Symptoms include pain, swelling, fever, ulcers and blisters, and fatigue, among others.
4. Endocarditis:
Endocarditis is where the heart becomes inflamed because of a bacterial infection or some type of fungi. And yes, it’s deadly. Can you get endocarditis from a tooth infection? Yes. In fact, health experts recommend that people who are at risk for infective endocarditis be especially good about their oral hygiene habits to prevent tooth abscesses or gum infections from spreading into their bloodstream.
5. Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis:
When you get a blood clot inside of the “cavernous sinuses” (like the hollow nasal sinuses above your teeth but below your brain and eye socket) it can be deadly. Since your tooth roots lie just alongside of some of your sinus cavities, you have to be especially careful about not allowing abscessed teeth to spread infection into those areas.
6. Osteomyelitis:
Osteomyelitis is a type of bone infection. It spreads into the bone from the bloodstream or from an infection right next to the bony structure, like an abscessed tooth. It causes painful swelling inside your bone marrow. People with diabetes, young children, and the elderly are most at risk.
7. Brain Abscess:
Can you get a brain abscess from a tooth infection? Yes. When you do, it’s called an odontogenic brain abscess. This deadly condition may be due to undiagnosed cavities or other dental infections. Death or a permanent handicap are common side effects of brain abscesses.
How Long Until A Tooth Infection Kills You?
A severe dental infection should never be treated lightly. Trying to figure out how long until a tooth infection kills you doesn’t mean you can buy time by putting off dental treatment. There are cases where symptoms may come on suddenly, or a patient may go months with a dental infection before developing life-threatening ailments. Like other deadly infections and diseases, problems may come on quicker than you expect. And by the point they become severe or life-threatening, your treatment options are more limited.
In reality, a person can die within days or weeks of a tooth infection spreading into their bloodstream. And since the severity of a dental infection isn’t easy to measure on your own without diagnostic X-rays, it’s extremely important to listen to your dentist’s recommendations when it comes to active dental disease. If you don’t trust your dentist or it seems like they’re recommending a treatment you don’t need, always, always, always get a second opinion. It just isn’t worth the risk of overlooking a potentially fatal tooth infection.
All of that being said, you’re most likely not going to die within a week of a small cavity being diagnosed. Why? Because tooth decay goes through various stages. Such as:
1. Enamel Decay
This is where the cavity is isolated in the outer layer of the tooth structure. A dental filling is usually all that’s needed.
2. Dentin Decay
Once the tooth decay has ruptured through the enamel, it enters into the softer dentin layer underneath. It can grow much more quickly at this point. Larger dental fillings are required. Or sometimes inlays, onlays, or crowns.
3. Pulp Decay
The tooth decay has reached the nerve tissue inside the tooth. At this point, root canal therapy is a must.
4. Dental Abscess Formation
A fluid-filled cyst develops around the tip of the tooth root. There may be a visible blister or pocket of pus on the gums. The cyst is visible inside the bone when an X-ray is taken. A root canal or extraction are imminent.
5. Serious Complications
Untreated abscessed teeth where the cyst spreads into the surrounding bone, sinuses, and blood vessels.
Symptoms of a Tooth Infection Spreading to the Body
In most cases, severe tooth infections are either related to an abscessed tooth or advanced periodontal disease. In both scenarios, redness and swelling of the mouth are extremely common. However, if the tooth infection has spread elsewhere in the face, you may notice a swollen cheek, jaw, eyes, throbbing pain or difficulty breathing due to an obstructed airway. Fatigue and fever are also common. In some cases, symptoms also include neck pain, nausea, and vomiting.
When a dental infection spreads elsewhere, it’s easy to mistake the issue for something more generalized as opposed to your tooth. Because of the close proximity of dental infections with the airway and brain, doctors may order a CT scan to determine the location of where the infected source originates.
Should You Go To The Hospital?
Most tooth infections need to be treated promptly by a dentist. But if it’s severe, you need to understand that there’s a risk of knowing how long until a tooth infection kills you. You should go straight to the hospital emergency room if you are experiencing facial swelling, difficulty breathing, a high fever, or such significant physical symptoms that it’s obvious there is a medical emergency going on. If you know that you or your child already has an abscessed tooth and they are suddenly lethargic or vomiting uncontrollably, emergency medical treatment is a must.
Who Is An Increased Risk For a Tooth Abscess?
Even though anyone can theoretically die from a tooth infection, there are certain individuals who are at a higher risk of fatal side-effects. Such as:
Young children
Individuals with diabetes
Elderly
People who are immunocompromised
If you have an immune disease or are more susceptible to illnesses, a severe dental infection can potentially be life-threatening if allowed to go untreated.
How To Treat Infected Teeth?
Most infected teeth can be treated through procedures such as:
Dental fillings
Crowns
Pulpotomies or pulp capping
Root canal therapy/endodontics
Surgical extractions
Antibiotics as part of your restorative/therapeutic procedure
Deep Cleanings (Periodontal therapy)
Dental infections cannot be treated with antibiotics alone. However, if your infected tooth is severe, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics in conjunction with other procedures to reduce the overall bacterial load inside your body leading up to the treatment. Antibiotics will also help with making your planned procedure more comfortable, as severe infection and swelling can interfere with how effective dental numbing medications (local anesthetic) are during your procedure.
How To Prevent Tooth Infections
The best way to prevent fatal tooth infections is to see your dentist routinely for checkups and cleanings and to treat infected teeth as soon as conditions are diagnosed. Do not wait for a tooth to start hurting before you have it treated. It is not uncommon for cavities to evolve into abscessed teeth without any painful symptoms being present. If a dental abscess is left untreated, it can spread into the head and neck causing serious complications. If you have second thoughts about your dentist’s recommendations for treatment, seek out a second opinion rather than “tough it out” before you see the infection for yourself.
