Has your mouth ever started itching after you take a bite out of a raw apple or banana? If you experience hay fever or nasal allergies, this allergic reaction may be due to oral allergy syndrome (OAS.) Though often considered a mild allergy, OAS occurs when the immune system confuses proteins in some foods with allergy-triggering proteins from pollen. Explore causes of OAS and the simple steps you can take to curb symptoms—so you can keep eating your favorite foods.
What Is Oral Allergy Syndrome?
Oral allergy syndrome is an allergic reaction in the mouth or throat caused by certain raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts. The immune system will trigger an allergic response when it can't differentiate between similar proteins found in foods and pollens. OAS is more likely to develop in teens and young adults who experience hay fever related to birch, ragweed, and grass pollens which have similar proteins to certain foods, according to Mayo Clinic.
What Causes Oral Allergy Syndrome?
OAS can occur any time of year with an increased chance of symptoms when seasonal allergies are more active. Oral allergy syndrome is caused by the cross-reactivity of airborne allergens found in certain raw foods. Common trigger foods of OAS include:
Fruit
Apples
Bananas
Cherries
Chestnut
Kiwi
Melon
Peaches
Peanuts
Plums
Tomatoes
Vegetables
Carrots
Celery
Cucumber
Parsnips
Potatoes
Zucchini
Nuts
Almonds
Chestnuts
Hazelnuts
Peanuts
Walnuts
Oral Allergy Syndrome Symptoms
Symptoms of OAS are relatively mild and generally only occur in the mouth about an hour after exposure to a food. Though uncommon, severe signs of oral allergy syndrome may involve difficulty breathing or swallowing. Contact a doctor or allergist if you experience food allergy symptoms after eating. Typical signs of OAS include itchiness or swelling in the following areas:
Mouth
Throat
Lips
Tongue
Face
How to Treat Oral Allergy Syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome treatment varies depending on the trigger and severity of the allergic reaction. Suppose you aren't able to identify the allergy trigger. In that case, a medical professional or allergist can help determine what's causing the allergic response and what kind of treatment is needed. They may recommend eliminating exposure to the allergy trigger if it's a mild case. Allergen immune therapy (pollen shots as a treatment for hay fever) and over-the-counter histamine blockers may also help resolve OAS symptoms.
The allergy-inducing proteins are commonly found in the skin of the food, so removing the skin can sometimes eliminate the allergy trigger. Fortunately, the proteins that cause OAS can easily break down if the food isn't consumed raw. Some methods for breaking down allergy-triggering proteins in food are:
Cooking or heating food with a stove, oven, or microwave.
Eating frozen or processed foods like applesauce.
Peeling off the skin.
Purchasing canned fruits or vegetables.
Avoid allergy-inducing foods that are dried or in dehydrated form.
Though oral allergy syndrome will likely cause only minor symptoms, visiting a medical professional is the best way to determine the proper treatment for you. Remember that just because you haven't previously had an allergic reaction to a particular raw food doesn't mean OAS can't appear later in life. Talk with your doctor if you think you are experiencing OAS!
During these unprecedented times of COVID 19, people, on average, are experiencing a higher prevalence of stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety may be caused by social isolation, inability to see friends and family, loss of a loved one or job, or financial hardship. Stress and anxiety may present in many different ways, including headaches, problems sleeping, upset stomach, chest pain, elevated blood pressure and even teeth clenching and grinding.
Teeth clenching and grinding are both considered involuntary movement disorders. They can either happen while awake or asleep and are an unconscious habit. Clenching is when the upper and lower jaw bites together with force, and grinding is when there is also a movement of the upper and lower teeth against each other with force. Teeth grinding is very common in children and is usually grown out of with age. The medical term for teeth clenching is “bruxism.”
What are the Signs & Symptoms?
Typically, the signs and symptoms of teeth clenching and grinding include, but are not limited to, a sore jaw that can sometimes feel like an earache, sore muscles in the cheeks and neck, headaches, sleep disruption, tooth pain or sensitivity, clicking or popping in the jaw joint, lockjaw and flattered or worn surfaces of the teeth. Occasionally, there will be no signs or symptoms associated with teeth clenching or grinding, primarily if it only occurs infrequently.
What is the Treatment?
Although it is difficult, if not impossible, to prevent teeth clenching and grinding, there are treatment options to prevent the signs and symptoms associated with it. There is no treatment recommended in children who grind their teeth, as they will usually grow out of the habit.
For adults, there are several options for treatment, which most often involve the use of a nightguard. A night guard is a sturdy plastic tooth covering used to alleviate stress on the teeth and jaw. Nightguards can be fabricated in several different forms, such as with clasps or no clasps, with a bite pad or no bite pad. Other options to correct teeth clenching and grinding are correcting tooth alignment, such as the use of braces, Botox injections in the muscles around the jaw, stress and anxiety management and muscle relaxant medications.
If you think you may be clenching or grinding your teeth, know that this is a prevalent habit, and you are not alone. Especially during these unprecedented times, many people are dealing with more stress and anxiety. It is essential to seek treatment to prevent tooth wear.
Gum disease affects 47.2% of adults over the age of 30. Unfortunately, that number skyrockets up to 70.1% in adults over the age of 70. In other words, gum disease is extremely common, but thankfully, it’s something we treat here at The Dental Center of Hercules in Hercules, California.
In this article, Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro discusses why gum disease is so harmful to your oral health and what you can do to improve your dental health.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontitis, starts with a bacterial overgrowth in your mouth. During the earliest stage of gum disease (gingivitis), bacteria-laden plaque builds up and irritates your gums. This can lead to bleeding or swollen gums. The good news is that gingivitis is still reversible, and your bones and teeth haven’t been permanently damaged.
If gingivitis remains untreated, however, it can progress to advanced periodontitis. During this stage of gum disease, the inner layer of your gums starts to pull away from your teeth. This forms pockets called periodontal pockets. Bacteria and debris can get lodged in these pockets. The toxins produced by the bacteria and your body trying to fight the infection can start to break down the bones and connective tissues that keep your teeth in place. At this point, you may notice that some of your teeth are wiggly.
How does gum disease affect your oral health?
Despite the name, gum disease affects more than just your gums. Gum disease can wreak havoc on your oral health and impact nearly every part of your mouth.
Gum disease can cause:
Bad breath
Swollen gums
Red and bleeding gums
Loose teeth
Permanent tooth loss
Sensitive teeth
Receding gum line
Altered denture fit
Changes to your bite
When your bite changes and when you lose teeth, you’ll also notice that it’s harder to form clear sounds when you speak. Depending on which teeth you lose (or if your dentures fit differently), you may also find that eating is difficult.
Beyond your oral health
In addition to negatively impacting your oral health, gum disease affects your overall physical and mental health too. Studies show that there is a link between gum disease and other conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
How does gum disease increase your risk of strokes? Researchers found that gum disease was linked to an increased risk of strokes caused by severe artery blockages. They also found P. gingivalis (gum bacteria) in carotid arteries and Streptococcus sp (gum infection bacteria) inside blood vessels in the brain.
Gum disease can also negatively impact your mental health and self-confidence.
Treating gum disease can improve your oral health
Treating gum disease can help you avoid the unwanted complications of untreated gum disease. Your specific treatment depends on how severe your gum disease is. Potential treatments include:
Improved at-home oral hygiene
Scaling and root planing
Laser gum surgery
Gingivectomy
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and unfortunately, once your natural tooth is lost, it can’t be replaced. If you’re concerned about gum disease, call your dentist to explore your gum disease treatment options.
While lumps and bumps around your jawline may cause you to panic, the good news is they are often harmless. To learn the difference between a simple swelling and cause for concern, check out everything you need to know about swollen lymph nodes under the jaw.
Your body has many complex systems that work together to keep you healthy and your body working properly. One of these is your lymphatic system.
You may notice that when you visit your local doctor with cold or flu symptoms, they will often run their hands along your neck, throat, and jaw. This is because the doctor is checking for an important symptom of infection: swollen lymph nodes.
Lymph nodes are an important part of a larger system that keeps your body healthy. A swollen lymph node is often a sign of an infection, injury, or illness. A swollen lymph node can indicate something as mild as a cold or as serious as metastasized cancer.
Swollen lump under the jaw
One major reason for a lump under the jaw or chin can be due to lymph nodes swell and can be felt under your skin’s surface. In their normal state, nodes are not able to be felt. When lymph nodes detect a problem with the lymph fluid, they react and swell. These problems can include infection, illness, cancer, or as a response to injury.
When swollen, lymph nodes can swell from the size of a pea to the size of a cherry. Lymph nodes can also swell under the jaw. In most instances, nodes swell due to an infection, injury, or illness. Often, a swollen node indicates an infection in the area. A swollen node under the jaw can indicate an upper respiratory infection, cold, or flu.
Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw may feel tender to the touch and can even cause difficulty swallowing or moving your head in certain directions. Generally, lymph nodes over 1 cm in diameter are considered ‘abnormal.’
Swollen lymph nodes are not always a sign of a problem with your physical health. They are also known to swell due to stress.
Reasons for swollen lump under the jaw
Cold
Ear infection
Sinus infection
ear infection
Infected tooth
Skin infection
Strep throat
Tonsillitis
Flu
Mononucleosis
Lupus
Rheumatoid arthritis
HIV infection
Anti-seizure and antimalarial drugs
Medication or allergic reactions to medication
Cat scratch fever
Gingivitis
Mouth sores
measles
Toxoplasmosis
Tuberculosis
Sézary syndrome
Shingles
Cancer such as lymphoma (where the cancer begins in the lymphatic system) or the nodes will swell if cancer originating in other areas moves to the lymphatic system.
When more than one area of lymph nodes becomes swollen, it is called generalized lymphadenopathy.
Generalized lymphadenopathy can be caused by
Strep throat
Chicken Pox
Certain medications
Immune system diseases
Cancer such as leukemia and lymphoma
Infected lymph nodes
While lymph nodes often swell due to an infection in their general area, it is also possible for the lymph node to become infected. Infected lymph nodes will swell and also produce additional symptoms.
Read more: Swollen lymph nodes behind the ear
Symptoms of infected lymph nodes under the jaw
Lymph nodes are swollen
The infected area is tender
Nodes may be soft or matted together
Red skin in the infected area
Nodes may become filled with pus
Fluid may drain from the nodes onto the skin
Cancerous lump
While not as common, swollen lymph nodes can result from a cancerous tumor. This can happen when cancer develops in another area of the body and spreads to the lymph nodes or when cancer originates in the lymph nodes. When cancer first forms in the lymph nodes, it is called Lymphoma. It is more common for cancer to first develop in another area of the body and then spread to the lymph nodes.
This happens when cancer cells break down from a tumor and then travel through the lymphatic vessels via the lymphatic fluid. If they are not broken down in the nodes, they may begin to form a new tumor.
When cancer travels through the lymphatic system, it affects the lymph nodes. In most cases, when cancer cells break away from the tumor, they can be broken down by the body. When cancer spreads to a new part of the body, it is called metastasis.
Diagnosis of the swollen lump under the jaw
In most cases, your doctor will diagnose what is causing your swollen lymph nodes based on the other symptoms you are experiencing. For example, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw, difficulty swallowing, and inflammation in the throat may point to strep throat.
It is when the lymph nodes are swollen without any other symptoms that the diagnosis is much more difficult.
Your doctor will likely ask you about your medical history in addition to a physical exam in order to make a diagnosis. You may also need to disclose any recent travel or animal encounters that could have led to your condition.
In some cases, your doctor may order a blood test to look for abnormalities. They may also do an imaging test such as an MRI, CT scan, x-ray, or ultrasound.
Although rare, a biopsy for your lump may be required. This test only requires a small number of cells to be removed from the lymph node with a needle. This test can look for cancer.
Treatment of Swollen Lymph Nodes Under the Jaw
In order to treat a swollen lymph node, you need to treat the cause. Most swollen lymph nodes will resolve themselves once the initial reason for the swelling is treated.
In the case of a viral infection, the nodes will swell once the body has naturally fought the infection off. Your doctor may advise that you take over-the-counter pain medication to combat the inflammation.
For a bacterial or fungal infection, the body will need antibiotics for the infection to resolve.
In some cases, an injury causes the lymph node to swell. Scar tissue or other injuries can cause the node to drain improperly and swell. This may require further surgery to repair.
Swollen lymph nodes caused by cancer will not shrink until the cancer has been completely treated. In some cases, your doctor may advise the lymph node to be removed. Your doctor will determine the best treatment options for you.
Trauma to the face often results in damage to the teeth, the soft tissue of the gums, and the hard tissues supporting the teeth and gums (bone of the jaws). Tooth damage may involve fracture of the visible part of the tooth known as the crown, or fracture of the root of the tooth beneath the gum margin. The treatment of tooth injuries is dependent on several factors:
whether the fracture involves only the enamel,
both the enamel and dentine,
all the tooth structures including enamel, dentine and the pulp of the tooth,
if a root fracture is present below the gum line.
A dentist must check any damage to a tooth both clinically and using X-rays as soon as possible after the injury has been sustained to ensure no unseen root fracture is left undiagnosed and untreated. Later treatment is liable to lead to tooth loss.
Sometimes teeth are not damaged themselves but due to the heavy impact of the injury the tooth is moved within the bone.
Sometimes a tooth may simply be loosened in the bony socket known as a subluxation injury,
alternatively, the tooth may be pushed deeper into the socket or partially removed from the socket. We refer to these as intrusion or extrusion injuries.
A tooth may be completely lost from the socket known as an avulsion of the tooth.
If the tooth remains attached to the bone supporting it and there has been a heavy impact on the tooth, it may move with the bone fragment as a result of a fracture of the bone. These horizontal movement injuries of the tooth attached to supporting bone are referred to as Lateral Avulsion injuries.
All these different degrees of injury have specific treatment indicated for them and it is extremely important to go directly to see a dentist for immediate assessment of the injury to give the tooth the best chance of healing and being retained. This is especially true for young children.
Treatment: SUBLUXATION – tooth loosened in the socket:
Occlusal vertical and lateral loading must be relieved. A watch and wait policy should be adopted. The tooth may firm up and suffer no long term effects but sometimes such teeth discolour. This is a sign the pulp tissue within the root canal system has died and the darkening is due to the absorption of blood pigment into the dentine. Such teeth must be carefully assessed and are likely to require root canal therapy.
Treatment: INTRUSIVE LUXATION – tooth intruded into the socket causing a crush injury at the root tip:
Immediate repositioning is recommended and a rigid splinting should be provided for 6 weeks as such injuries are usually accompanied by an alveolar fracture hence bone healing must be allowed to take plan without any movement of the tooth or the bone fracture. Antibiotics are prescribed but tetanus is not usually an issue.
Mature permanent teeth need to be treated by root canal therapy in all cases. Immature teeth with open root tip can be observed and followed up and if the tooth discolours or if signs of infection are noted, appropriate root canal treatment should be started.
If the tooth cannot be pulled out of the socket back into normal position immediately, orthodontic repositioning must follow later. However over 50% of such teeth suffer root resorption following healing (where the root is eaten away).
Death of the pulp tissue occurs in nearly all mature teeth with closed root tips.
Treatment: EXTRUSIVE LUXATION – tooth is partly extruded from the socket remaining in the correct longitudinal axis:
Immediate tooth repositioning is indicated pushing the tooth back into the socket to its fullest extent. Flexible splinting is indicated for 2-3 weeks. Antibiotics may be required but usually tetanus is not an issue. Follow up is indicated clinically and radiographically for 5 years.
The pulp tissue within the root canal dies in 65-100% of cases and root resorption occurs in just under 10% of cases.
Treatment: AVULSION – Tooth completely dislodged from its socket:
Gently wash the tooth in normal saline or milk removing contaminants alone while avoiding rubbing the root surface as vital periodontal ligament cells will remain. Hold the tooth by the crown and never handle the roots. Replace the tooth back in the socket the right way round before the blood clots as any delay will mean that complete seating back into the socket will not be achieved.
If the tooth cannot be replaced for whatever reason, store the tooth in the patient’s mouth in their saliva but avoiding biting the tooth as this will damage the periodontal ligament cells. If the patient is unwilling to place the tooth in their mouth or if the patient is a child who may swallow or inhale the tooth, place it in milk. Do not delay seeing a dentist for professional treatment.
Once the tooth is returned to the socket, check the tooth is correctly placed by gently closing the teeth together to make sure the tooth is not preventing correct closure.
Avulsed teeth must be rigidly splinted in place for 10 days ONLY then the splint must be removed.
When a tooth falls out, it may become infected by bacteria and this may lead to infection when the tooth is replaced. For this reason antibiotics should be provided. There is also the risk of tetanus infection and for this reason the dentist or doctors must consider the patient’s tetanus immunisation status and determine if a booster is indicated.
If the dislodged tooth is a mature permanent tooth, it is necessary to start root canal therapy before day 10 while the tooth remains splinted in place. The root canal is dressed with calcium hydroxide or a root canal dressing material called Ledermix three times for periods of 3 months. Each time the tooth must then be cleaned out, dried internally and redressed. Finally the tooth is again cleaned out, dried and a permanent root filling may be placed into the root canal of the tooth.
Follow up X-rays should be taken of the tooth every year for the next 5 years and then every 2-5 years to check for any changes that may indicate the root is failing.
The chance of the tooth tissue in the root dying if not treated in this way is almost 100%.
Even after correct treatment, the root of the tooth may be eaten away, a process we refer to as root resorption. This is common after such an injury and affects between 74-96% of avulsed teeth (many factors influence this outcome including the time out of mouth, storage medium used, root handling)
Treatment: LATERAL AVULSION – tooth moves in a horizontal direction – often the crown moves back while the root tip move forward damaging the bone over the front of the root):
In this case the tooth may appear to have moved in the jaw. Usually a fall results in impact on the crown of the tooth that appears to move backwards but the roots of the tooth move forward as the tooth rotates about the centre of the root. This forward movement of the root breaks the bone over the front of the root and can result in several small sharp bony fragments existing over a forward placed root and the gum can either remain in tact or it may be lacerated and torn.
One can very gently feel with a finger over the root of the tooth and an abnormal shape will be felt. There may even be a feeling of small sharp fragments of bone present under the gum covering. If lacerations are seen in the gum, then these must be closed.
Usually these small bony fragments remain attached to the periosteum surrounding the bone. This is a thin tissue with a rich blood supply that nourishes the bone and keeps it alive. As a result the bone tends to survive such injuries and repairs like a normal bone fracture.
The aim of initial dental emergency treatment must be to gently replace the bone fragments into their former positions and at the same time the forward placed root should be guided back into its correct position but this always required an anaesthetic (either local or general). Some force is usually necessary by holding the crown of the tooth and manipulating the tooth by rotating it back into position. After repositioning, it is important to prevent any movement of the bone fragments or the tooth during healing. Immediate attendance at a dentist to receive local anaesthetic is therefore essential to allow this repositioning procedure.
A splint is then required, and in this case the bone takes 4-6 weeks to heal and for reparative bone to form around the fractures.
Antibiotics are best given to prevent any post-trauma infection. Unless the fracture is associated with lacerations and contamination of the wounds, it is unlikely that tetanus will be an issue.
Root canal therapy is not indicated unless the tooth discolours or signs or symptoms of infection arise.
Regular radiographic and clinical review is indicated for 5 years.
The risk of the pulp tissue within the root canal dying is around 60% while root resorption has been reported in under 10% of such teeth.
Stinky breath, unsightly mouth sores, and tooth decay: We’ve got a solution for all of your dental-health dilemmas.
The best way to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums looking and feeling great? Your daily brushing and flossing routine, combined with a balanced diet and regular dental visits.
But following these oral hygiene commandments isn’t always enough. Many common oral-health problems, such as bad breath, tooth decay, erosion, receding gums, and mouth sores, can leave people feeling both physically uncomfortable and reluctant to smile. Fortunately, with the right treatments these embarrassing oral-health problems can be solved! Check out these remedies from the American Dental Association (ADA):
1.- Bad Breath
Treatment for bad breath, or halitosis, varies depending on the cause. Brushing and flossing is crucial since it helps keep food particles from collecting bacteria and rotting in your mouth. If your dentist gives you a clean bill of health, though, you’ll need to investigate further.
Your bad breath could be the result of a medical disorder, such as a respiratory infection; chronic sinusitis or bronchitis; diabetes; a gastrointestinal disturbance, such as GERD; or a liver or kidney ailment. The use of particular medications can cause dry mouth, which can contribute to bad breath. And sometimes, the solution may be as simple as changing your diet: If you’re a garlic or onion lover, cutting down on these foods will help. So will cutting out tobacco if you’re a smoker.
2.-Tooth Decay and Erosion
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and visiting your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings will help fight tooth decay and erosion. Your dentist may also recommend protective plastic sealants to reduce your risk of decay. Eating a balanced diet and keeping your snacking to a minimum will also help head off plaque and erosion. If you’re particularly concerned about erosion, avoid acidic food and drinks, such as citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, pickles, soda, and sports drinks, since studies suggest that they can strip enamel from the teeth. Gastric acid can also contribute to erosion, so if you have a medical condition like acid-reflux disease or bulimia, getting treatment is imperative.
3.- Receding Gums
Gum recession and periodontal disease can have serious repercussions. Early stage gingivitis causes the gums to become red and swollen, and to bleed easily, while the more advanced periodontitis damages the gums and bones that support the teeth, causing them to loosen and fall out. The ADA recommends brushing, flossing, and keeping up with regular dental checkups and periodontal exams. Everyday Health’s dental expert, Dr. James E. Jacobs, adds that since gum recession can also result from aggressive tooth brushing with medium or hard bristles, malpositioned teeth, or bad habits such as clenching, grinding, or scratching your gums with foreign objects, you can also help protect your gums by using an ultrasoft toothbrush and wearing a nightguard to reduce stress on your teeth if you tend to clench or grind at night. Additionally, Dr. Jacobs recommends seeking professional dental, orthodontic, or periodontic help to get your bite comfortable, your teeth properly aligned, and if necessary, your gums grafted.
4.- Mouth Sores
Canker sores and cold sores are two of the most common sores that show up around the mouth. They can be painful, annoying, and unsightly. Cankers develop inside the mouth, while cold sores appear externally, usually on the edge of the lips. Fortunately, both of these types of sores tend to heal on their own within a week or so, and canker sores can be treated with over-the-counter topical anesthetics or antimicrobial mouth rinses to reduce discomfort. Topical anesthetics may also provide temporary relief for cold sores. If you’re embarrassed by frequent cold-sore outbreaks, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for antiviral drugs that could help reduce infections from the herpes virus.
What are dental restorations? it’s type, benefits, and more.
Dental restorations are treatments used to repair damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. They are designed to restore the health, function, and aesthetics of a patient’s smile. Dental restorations can be used to treat a range of problems, including cavities, infection, fractures, and missing teeth. They are a common treatment for patients of all ages, and can often be completed in one visit. In this blog post, we will explore the types of dental restorations, the benefits they provide, and more. We will look at the different materials used to create these restorations, how they are placed, and the expected lifespan of these treatments. Additionally, dentist peoria az helps you to know how to care for your dental restorations and the importance of regular dental check-ups. Dental restorations are an important part of maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. They can be an effective solution for a range of dental problems, and are an essential part of ongoing oral
1. Types of Dental Restorations
One of the most common types of dental restorations is fillings. Fillings are used to repair minor damage to the teeth such as cavities and fractures. Fillings are made of a variety of materials such as gold, porcelain, composite resin, and amalgam. Your dentist will determine which material is best for you depending on the type of damage and location of the tooth. Fillings are placed within the existing tooth structure, which helps protect the tooth from further decay. Fillings can also help improve the overall appearance of the tooth and can last for up to 10 years with proper care and regular dental visits.
2. Benefits of Dental Restorations
Dental restorations are a type of treatment used to restore the function, strength, and aesthetics of teeth that have been damaged or infected. There are many benefits to dental restorations, as they can help to improve the appearance of your teeth, while also restoring function, strength, and comfort. One of the most notable benefits of dental restorations is that it can help to reduce pain and sensitivity in the affected teeth. Additionally, restorations can help to prevent further damage to the teeth, as well as prevent infection and decay. Dental restorations can also help to improve oral hygiene, restoring the appearance and health of the smile.
3. The Process of Dental Restorations
The process of dental restorations involves the use of various dental materials to repair damaged teeth. The materials used in dental restorations include porcelain, metal, and composite resin. Depending on the type of restoration needed, the dentist will use either an adhesive material or a filling material to repair the tooth. In some cases, a crown may be necessary in order to fully restore the tooth. During the process, the dentist will use dental tools and instruments to prepare the tooth for the restoration. They may also use specialized dental devices such as lasers and drills to help them achieve the desired result. The restoration process usually takes several visits to the dentist, but once complete, the result can dramatically improve the appearance and function of the tooth.
4. Common Materials Used for Dental Restorations
Dental restorations are treatments used to repair and replace damaged or missing teeth due to decay, trauma, or other causes. There are a variety of dental restorations available, and the type of restoration used depends on the extent of the damage. Some of the most common materials used for dental restorations include composite resin, porcelain, and gold. Composite resin is a strong plastic material used to fill in cavities or to repair chips or cracks. Porcelain is a hard, durable material used to make crowns, inlays, and onlays. Gold is a strong metal alloy that can be used to make crowns and bridges. Each type of restoration material has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to discuss these options with your dentist to determine the best option for your needs.
5. Cost of Dental Restorations
The cost of dental restorations can vary depending on the type of restoration and procedure needed. Dental restorations can range from $50 for a filling to over $3000 for a dental crown. Depending on the complexity of the restoration, it can be more or less expensive. Additionally, if the patient has dental insurance, this can significantly reduce the cost of the restoration. It is important to speak to a dentist to determine the cost of the procedure before proceeding.
Conclusion
Dental restorations are a great way to improve your dental health. Restorations not only restore the function of your teeth, but they also give your teeth a more natural and attractive appearance. Depending on the type of restoration you choose, you can enjoy a variety of benefits, such as improved chewing capability, enhanced smile aesthetics, and improved oral health.
If you’re one of my El Dorado Hills braces patients, then I know you’re well aware of how important it is to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy throughout your treatment. While plaque removal is always crucial, it’s even more key when you have braces. Maintaining outstanding oral hygiene is worth the extra effort and will help you get the results you want. In this post, I’ll be covering everything you need to know about cavities with braces.
DO BRACES CAUSE TOOTH DECAY?
No, braces do not cause tooth decay. Instead, it’s the acids in plaque that cause tooth decay. Here’s how it works:
Everyone has bacteria in their mouth and the bacteria mix with food and saliva to form a sticky film called plaque that clings to the teeth. The bacteria in plaque feed on the sugars and starches you eat and drink, and when they do, they produce acids. The acids attack your tooth enamel and leach minerals from it.
When plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which can’t be eliminated at home with regular brushing and flossing. The tartar sits on the teeth until you have a professional cleaning at your dentist’s office, further increasing those acid attacks.
Thankfully, our bodies have natural defenses against the acid. The minerals in your saliva, as well as fluoride from water, toothpaste, and other sources replace the lost minerals. This is called remineralization.
There is a constant battle going on in your mouth between demineralization (losing minerals) and remineralization. As long as remineralization happens more often than demineralization, you’ll be fine. However, if you don’t regularly remove plaque, you eat a lot of sugary and starchy foods, or you snack constantly, demineralization will start to win, causing more minerals to be lost, resulting in tooth decay.
Sometimes, a white spot will show up where minerals were lost. These white spots on the teeth, technically called decalcification, are the earliest signs of tooth decay. At this point, you may be able to stop the decay from getting worse or even reverse it with excellent oral hygiene, limiting sugars and starches, and treatment from your dentist.
If the tooth decay process keeps going and minerals continue to be lost, eventually, the enamel will be destroyed and a hole will form in the tooth. These holes are called cavities and they’re permanent damage that a dentist has to repair.
So, as you can see, the tooth decay process is pretty involved and braces don’t directly cause tooth decay or cavities. However, they can be a risk factor for developing cavities if you don’t practice excellent oral hygiene. This is because the brackets give plaque more places to hide and it takes more effort to remove it.
Other risk factors for tooth decay include eating a lot of sugary and starchy foods, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, age, frequent snacking or sipping, lack of fluoride, and misaligned teeth.
CAN YOU GET BRACES WITH CAVITIES?
You can get braces if you have cavities as long as the cavities are treated before you start orthodontic treatment. We’ll also want to make sure your teeth, gums, and supporting bone are healthy overall, so that we can safely and effectively move your teeth. If you do have issues like cavities or gingivitis, I can team up with your dentist to help you get to a place where your smile is healthy enough to begin braces or Invisalign® treatment.
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO AVOID CAVITIES WITH BRACES?
No one wants cavities at any time, but avoiding cavities with braces is crucial. This is because:
Teeth move most efficiently in a healthy mouth. When your teeth and gums are in top-notch shape, your braces treatment will finish on time, and we’ll be able to achieve the tooth movements we planned from the start.
Getting cavities with braces will mean more visits to your general dentist and our office. I’ll have to work out a plan with your dentist to treat the cavities and keep a closer eye on your oral health. As awesome as our office is, and I’m sure your dentist’s office is, you probably don’t want to spend all of your free time with us.
Your braces treatment could take longer due to the need to have your cavities treated. In extreme cases, you could have to have your braces removed so the cavity can be repaired. This will add to the time and expense of your orthodontic treatment.
When you get braces, you’re investing in your smile. Obviously, you’ll want it to look its absolute best when you finish treatment, and that won’t happen if you have cavities, stains, or white spots after braces. We can get to your best, most beautiful, confident and natural smile with excellent oral hygiene.
HOW TO TELL IF YOU HAVE A CAVITY WITH BRACES
If you’re wondering how to know if you have a cavity with braces, the answer is, visit your general dentist! Throughout your orthodontic treatment, you’ll want to continue to see your general dentist at least once every six months (or more often if they recommend it) for an exam and cleaning.
Your dentist will check for tooth decay and other issues. They may even take dental x-rays, which can detect cavities under braces, between your teeth, and in areas that aren’t visible.
While early tooth decay frequently has no symptoms, if you experience any of the common signs of a cavity in between your routine dental visits, call your dentist and make an appointment as soon as possible. The earlier the issue is treated, the easier and more affordable treatment will be and the less likely it will disrupt your braces treatment.
Oftentimes, people think that because they don’t feel pain immediately that a cavity can be addressed later. By the time you feel significant signs or symptoms of a cavity, it could mean that much more extensive dental work will be necessary.
Signs of a cavity include:
Sensitive teeth
Sharp pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet
Tooth pain when biting down
White, gray, brown, or black spots on the teeth that don’t disappear when you brush
A toothache that occurs without an apparent cause
Holes or pits in the teeth
HOW ARE CAVITIES TREATED WHEN YOU’RE WEARING BRACES?
How a cavity is treated when you’re wearing braces depends on where the cavity is located and how large it is. If you have areas of decalcification – those white spots we talked about that are early signs of decay – your dentist may give you specific hygiene instructions to follow and do a treatment, such as a fluoride varnish, to remineralize the area and prevent the decay from getting worse.
For a small cavity that the dentist is able to easily access, they can usually treat it without removing your wires or brackets. They’ll numb your tooth, use a drill to remove the decay, and then fill the space left behind with a tooth-colored filling.
For a cavity under your braces, multiple cavities, or decay in a hard-to-reach place, the dentist might need our help to remove your braces wire and, sometimes, your bracket too. If that’s the case, they’ll treat your cavity (or cavities). Then, you’ll come to the Jeffrey Kwong Orthodontics’ office and I’ll bond the bracket back on the tooth and refit your braces wire to get your treatment back on track.
HOW TO PREVENT CAVITIES WITH BRACES
Preventing cavities is always better than treating them! 90% of the work can be handled at home with regular oral hygiene routines. And, while braces require a little extra TLC to keep plaque away, the vast majority of my patients don’t have any tooth decay during their braces treatment.
Here are some tips to keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free while you have braces:
Brush your teeth in the morning, after meals and snacks, and before bed using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. If you or your child has trouble brushing effectively, we’re a PLAQUE HD® provider. The awesome plaque-identifying toothpaste turns plaque green, so you can see exactly what you missed and keep brushing until it’s gone. Ask a team member about it at your next appointment!
Floss your teeth at least once daily, making sure to floss all the way up to and under the gumline. Flossing with braces will be way easier if you use a floss threader, special orthodontic flosser, or a product like SuperFloss.
Enjoy starchy and sugary foods and drinks in moderation. When you do have something with sugar or starches in it, eat it or drink it in one sitting as part of a larger meal. Snacking frequently throughout the day or slowly sipping on a beverage will prolong the acid attacks on your enamel.
Use an interdental brush, also called an interproximal brush, to carefully clean around your brackets. These tiny brushes are super effective at getting in tight spaces that are hard to reach with your toothbrush.
Add a Waterpik, or water flosser, to the mix. While a Waterpik won’t take the place of regular flossing and will be an extra step, it’s an excellent tool for dislodging stuck food and washing away stubborn plaque.
After having a drink of anything aside from plain water, or after a meal if you forget your toothbrush, rinse your mouth out really well with water.
Use a fluoride mouthwash, especially if you’re prone to cavities. The extra fluoride will help remineralize your teeth and the swishing action can help clear out any food, bacteria, or plaque that wasn’t brushed or flossed away.
Visit your dentist at least once every six months, or according to the schedule they recommend, for a dental exam and professional cleaning. Regular exams are the key to catching tooth decay before it progresses. During cleanings, the hygienist will be able to remove tartar that you can’t remove on your own, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease. If you don’t already have sealants on your teeth, talk to your dentist at your next visit. Sealants can help to fill in the grooves, nooks and crannies that can harbor cavity bugs.
If you have recently asked why can I see my teeth through my gums, you should book yourself an appointment with a dentist. Changes or abnormalities in your gums can be a sign of periodontal disease, which needs to be treated as soon as possible. Ignoring it could be an incredibly risky option.
In this article, you will find information on what can cause gum health to deteriorate and reveal your tooth root together with symptoms of gum disease. Ensure you see your dentist if you have gum issues or it may lead to tooth loss, affect the bone in your jaw, or cause other health complications.
The Appearance of Healthy Gums Versus Unhealthy Gums
When your teeth and gums are healthy, there will be about three mm between your gums and teeth. In people who have gum disease, the gums have often pulled away from the teeth and exposed the roots of the teeth.
When the gum has receded, you will notice a wider gap between the gum and the tooth. As well as the periodontal pocket between the tooth and gum, you are also likely to see more of the tooth than before, making your teeth look bigger.
Symptoms of Exposed Roots
Gum recession is usually very gradual and by the time you notice it, the gum disease may already have caused significant damage. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms that may indicate you have an exposed tooth root.
Bleeding Gums
Often the first and most noticeable sign of trouble is bleeding during brushing or flossing. If you discover blood when you spit out the toothpaste or after flossing, it may be a sign of a serious inflammation of the gingival tissues.
Swelling
If you have exposed roots, you may notice that your gum tissue is swollen in a particular area of the mouth. This can be caused by the inflammation of the tissue in the gums. They may also look red rather than pink. Swollen gums are also likely to cause irritation or pain, especially during brushing and flossing or when you bite into food.
Tooth Sensitivity
Another early sign of issues with your gums is sensitive teeth. Your teeth may be sensitive when you brush them or you might notice it when you are eating or drinking hot and cold food and beverages.
Bad-Smelling Breath
If you have a bacterial infection or inflamed tissue in your gums, you may notice a bad smell when you are cleaning your teeth. The bacteria can also travel from the gums to elsewhere in your body and cause bad-smelling breath.
Periodontal Disease
If receding gums expose the roots, it may lead to chronic periodontitis, which is the most common form of periodontitis where the periodontal membrane of the teeth is inflamed. It can also affect the periodontal ligaments, which are a group of tissue fibers helping to attach the teeth to the bone.
Severe cases may cause lesions on the face caused by the necrosis of gingival tissues, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligaments. It may also cause a periapical cyst to form, which is a pathological cavity that often contains soft matter or fluid and has epithelium in the lining.
Why Do Gums Pull Away From Your Teeth?
Not taking proper care of their teeth can lead to exposed roots. Without regular brushing and flossing, plaque will build up on the teeth. Over time, it will harden and become tartar and push gums away from the teeth.
Gingivitis
Gum Recession caused by gingivitis is the most common reason for root exposure. Gingivitis is caused by tartar buildup. If the condition is not addressed, it may develop into periodontal disease, more commonly called gum disease.
Do not delay contacting your dentist when you have gum recession. Your dentist will ensure you get proper treatment for the infection before you lose any teeth. They will also be able to advise how to look after your gums properly to avoid further gum recession.
Oral Injury
The recession can also be caused by an outside force. If you have hurt your mouth, for example, as a result of a fall, this type of dental trauma can lead to exposed roots. Your dentist will know how to treat the result of that injury and prevent further damage.
Sometimes your gum might recede on one side of your mouth only. This can be the result of abnormal wear patterns or if the gum has a severe abrasion like a scratch from your nail. For the majority of people, the latter is likely to heal on its own but when it does not, visit your dentist.
Misalignment
If your teeth are not in the correct alignment, it may expose the roots and place additional strain on your teeth. Misalignment can be a result of, for example, an adult tooth growing in before a baby tooth has fallen out or teeth shifting into a potential area of space if you have lost a tooth.
A Medical Condition
Some medical conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, diabetes, and lupus will increase the risk of gum disease and gum recession. These conditions can weaken the immune system, meaning you can get diseases more easily. Oral cancer can also cause your gums to recede and requires immediate care.
Medications
There are some medications, such as antibiotic treatment or chemotherapy that can make you more susceptible to gum problems and tooth decay. If the problems are not treated, they may progress to periodontal disease or gingivitis.
Oral Surgery
If you have had surgery on your mouth, it can increase the likelihood of gum disease. Looking after your oral health following periodontal surgery can aid recovery and prevent gum disease. Your dental surgeon will be able to advise you on how to best look after your teeth and gums.
Aging
While patients of all ages can get receding gums, aging can also cause gum recession. With age, the muscle structure in your gums changes, which can lead to receding gums and teeth becoming looser. If not addressed, it is likely to lead to tooth loss.
Dental Cleaning
If the gum recession is caught early, a deep cleaning procedure may be enough to treat it. Dental cleaning involves the removal of dental plaque from areas you may not be able to reach home. Your dentist may also apply fluoride to your teeth to protect them. A professional cleaning will also give you a fresh clean feel.
Root Canal Treatment
If the condition has progressed too far to be treated by dental cleaning, your dentist may suggest root canal therapy. This non-surgical therapy is used to relieve pain caused by dental infections. During the process, the dentist will remove the inflamed pulp from your tooth and clean and disinfect the surfaces of the tooth.
Gum Graft
Sometimes gum recession can be treated by gum graft, which is a surgery where gum tissue that has been lost is replaced. This will add more volume to the gum line and improve your oral health.
Gum graft restorations have an excellent success rate and can help save your natural teeth. It can also be a protective measure for people who are more at risk of gum disease. Sometimes, laser procedures can be used as an alternative to gum grafts to stimulate gum growth.
Tooth Extraction
The treatment of extreme levels of periodontal disease may require tooth extraction. You will have dental surgery to remove the tooth. Following tooth extraction, you may choose to get a dental implant, which goes into the jawbone and holds a false tooth firmly in place.
Your best chance of preventing exposed roots is to establish an oral hygiene routine as part of a healthy lifestyle that includes brushing your teeth twice a day. You should also floss your teeth once a day.
For brushing, use a medium or soft toothbrush rather than a hard toothbrush because too hard brushing can also cause gum recession over time. Using an electronic toothbrush can help you apply the correct pressure when brushing.
Visit your dentist regularly. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that everyone should see a dentist at least once a year. For some people, it may be twice a year, depending on the health of your teeth.
Do not skip appointments as they help catch issues early. Early diagnosis means less invasive methods are required to address the issue.
Toothaches can be a minor tinge letting you know that something is wrong or they can cause crippling pain… that’s why we wanted to share some common toothache causes and their symptoms.
What is a toothache? Pain or inflammation in or around the tooth, often caused by tooth decay or infection.
What are common causes of a toothache?
A toothache can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease. Examples may include flossing, biting into something hard, getting something stuck in between the teeth, or braces. In children, it’s a regular part of the developmental process.
Common Causes of a Toothache:
Tooth decay
Tooth fracture
Broken tooth
Abscessed tooth
Infected gums
Damaged filling
Repetitive motions, such as chewing gum or grinding teeth
Common Symptoms of a Toothache:
Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant.
In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth.
Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth
Swelling around the tooth
Fever or headache
When Should I See a Dentist About a Toothache?
We recommend seeing your dentist as soon as possible about your toothache if:
Your toothache is severe
You have a toothache that lasts longer than 1 or 2 days
You have a fever, earache
You experience pain upon opening your mouth wide
What Happens When I Go to the Dentist for a Toothache?
First, your dentist will conduct a dental exam. He or she will ask you questions about the pain, such as:
when the pain started
how severe it is
where the pain is located
what makes the pain worse and what makes it better
does the pain wake you up in the middle of the night
Your dentist will examine:
your mouth
teeth and gums
jaws
tongue
throat
sinuses, ears, nose, and neck
X-rays may be taken as well as other tests, depending on what your dentist suspects is causing your toothache.
What Treatments Are Available for a Toothache?
Treatment for a toothache depends on the cause. If a cavity is causing the toothache, your dentist will fill the cavity or possibly extract the tooth, but only if there is no other way to save the tooth.
A root canal might be needed if the cause of the toothache is determined to be an infection of the tooth’s nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner areas of the tooth cause that type of infection. An antibiotic may be prescribed if there is fever or swelling in the jaw.
Related Article: Revealing the Facts and Busting the Myths about Root Canals
How Can Toothaches Be Prevented?
Since most toothaches are the result of tooth decay, following good oral hygiene practices can prevent most toothaches.
Good oral hygiene practices consist of:
brushing regularly with a fluoride-containing toothpaste
flossing daily
rinsing once or twice a day with an antiseptic mouthwash
seeing your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning and exam
In addition to these practices, ask your dentist about sealants and fluoride applications and make low-sugar or healthy choices on snacks, meals and beverages.
