Your dentist will typically diagnose gingivitis by:
Reviewing your medical and dental history – This also includes investigating any current or past conditions or infections that may be contributing to your current symptoms.
Examining your gums, teeth, tongue and mouth – This will be done to detect any signs of inflammation and plaque.
Measuring your pocket depth – This is the groove between the teeth and gums. To examine this your dentist will insert a probe into your gum line (between your teeth and your gums) at a few different sites in your mouth. If you have a healthy mouth then the pocket depth will range from one to three millimetres (0.03 to 0.11 inches). If your pockets are deeper than four millimetres (0.16 inches), then this may indicate the presence of gum disease.
Conducting dental X-rays – These will be conducted to examine your dental structure and detect if there is any bone loss in the areas your dentist has detected any deeper pockets.
Performing any other tests that may be needed – If your dentist is unable to find a clear cause of gingivitis, then he or she may suggest that you have a medical evaluation done to detect any underlying health problems. If the gingivitis has advanced, then you may be referred to a periodontist (a doctor who specialises in gum disease), for a more thorough evaluation and treatment.
How is gingivitis treated?
In order for gingivitis to be treated effectively and for the outlook to be a positive one, it is best that you are treated promptly so as to prevent the condition’s progression and in turn the development of a more severe form of gum disease, tooth decay and potential tooth loss.
It is also best to stop the use of tobacco products and adopt a healthy regimen of good dental care to ensure that you have a higher chance of a full recovery.
The professional care for gingivitis includes the following:
Dental cleaning – This will need to be done by your dentist or specialist who will remove all the plaque and tartar, as well as other bacterial products. This procedure is referred to as root planing or scaling. Scaling will remove the bacteria and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, as well as any traces found under your gums. Root planing is a meticulous cleaning of the surfaces of your roots and will remove any bacterial products that are produced as a result of the inflammation. Root planing will also smooth the surfaces of the root, which will discourage any further build-up of bacteria or tartar as a smooth surface does not allow for the bacteria to latch onto the surface as easily. This will allow for the proper healing of the condition. Dental cleaning can be performed with dental instruments, an ultrasonic device or a laser.
Restoring any dental fittings (if needed) – If there are any misaligned teeth, crowns that have been poorly fitted, as well as bridges or any other teeth restorations that may be irritating your gums or making it difficult for the plaque to be removed during dental care, then these need to be corrected and your dentist might suggest that he or she fix these issues to help rid your mouth of gum disease and prevent further infection.
Ongoing care – A gum infection or inflammation will typically clear up once you have had a thorough cleaning by your dentist, coupled with practising dental and oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. Your dentist may be able to assist you in putting together an effective routine and program to help you stick to keeping good care of your teeth. This plan will also include regular visits and check-ups with your dentist. When you are consistent with your oral hygiene, then you will be able to see your gum tissue return to a healthy state, being light pink in colour, in a number of weeks and in some cases, days.
What types of medication are used to treat gingivitis?
Your dentist will typically prescribe antibiotics to aid in eliminating the bacterial infection. Antibiotic therapy is often combined in a number of ways in assist in the treatment of gum disease. Types of gum disease and infections that make use of antibiotics for the treatment are:
Gingivitis
Periodontitis
Trench mouth (ANUG - Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis) - This form of gum disease results in infected, bleeding and painful ulcerations and gums.
An antibiotic mouthwash known as Peridex (Chlorhexidine) is often prescribed. This assists in reducing the number of bacteria present in your mouth that contribute to the development of infection. In some cases, your dentist may give you small gels or pellets (PerioChip), that contain doxycycline or chlorhexidine. These are placed deep inside in the gum pockets once your dentist has conducted root planing or scaling, in order to eliminate the bacteria and also reduce the depth and size of the gum pockets caused by the infection.
The above-mentioned ways of administering antibiotics are extremely effective as the medications are slowly released over a period of seven days or more. You may also need additional pain medications such as NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or xylocaine. These are commonly used in cases where the infection has progressed to ANUG (Trench Mouth) or chronic gingivitis.
What types of specialists treat gingivitis?
A periodontist is a dentist who has undergone additional training once they have completed dental school and specialised in diagnosing and treating disease of the bones, gums and teeth. If you have a more severe and advanced gingivitis infection, then you may be referred to a periodontist by your general dentist. Your dentist may first try to get rid of the tartar and plaque, after which you will see a specialist.
A periodontist may suggest a number of surgical or nonsurgical treatment options that are able to eliminate the infection and stabilise the condition of your gums. Periodontists are extremely skilled when it comes to conducting treatments of a number of oral conditions of the bone and gums. Some of these procedures include:
Bone grafts – Surgery to fix issues associated with the bones in your mouth
Functional and aesthetic gingivectomy – Surgical removal of the gum tissue
Gingivoplasty – Surgical reshaping of the gums surrounding the teeth
Crown lengthening
Implants
Bear in mind, the milder cases of gingivitis can be cured through practising oral hygiene at home at undergoing a professional dental cleaning. The aforementioned surgeries are typically conducted when gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis or trench mouth.
Antimicrobial therapy is a form of oral treatment used to eliminate or reduce the development of bacterial infections in the mouth. The therapy aims to prevent periodontal disease resulting from infections, which can cause painful, bleeding gums and loosening of your teeth.
Preparation and Treatment
If your dentist decides you will benefit from antimicrobial treatment, they will likely start with scaling and root planing. This process removes plaque and calculus (tartar) from the sulcus area around the teeth using either a scaler or instruments as well as an ultrasonic scaling device. In severe cases where there are periodontal pockets greater than 5-6 mm deep, the dentist may recommend that the patient be seen by a periodontist to evaluate the area with deeper pocketing and determine if gum surgery may be necessary. The scaling and root planing and gum surgery treatments require local anaesthesia to reduce the patient's discomfort. The dental hygienist performs the scaling and root planing procedure.
During gum surgery, the periodontist makes an incision into the gum tissue, flaps the tissue back and cleans and scales the surface of the affected teeth and bone to remove the diseased tissue and infection. The gum tissue is then put back in place and sutured and the gum tissue will heal, and the periodontist will check the area a week or so after surgery. The use of an antiseptic mouthwash or antibiotic medication may be recommended for the next seven to 10 days.
Antiseptic Mouthwashes
Mouthwashes containing antiseptic ingredients help control the reproduction of the bacteria, which grow on the gum tissue in the mouth, and help to clean out the pockets around the individual teeth. The ingredients in antiseptic mouthwashes may include chlorhexidine, essential oils, and metal salts Sn11 and Zn11 to help control dental plaque and halitosis.
Antibiotic Medications
Antibiotics may be recommended in cases where a periodontal infection has arisen and there may be other oral conditions, such as treatment of necrotising ulcerative gingivitis, according to the Merck Manual. Other medications that may be prescribed for gum infections contain:
Amoxicillin in cases where patients are allergic to penicillin.
Clindamycin may be recommended in cases where a patient is allergic to amoxicillin.
Chlorhexidine, which is used to control plaque and gingivitis as well as bleeding gum tissue in patients with moderate to severe gingivitis.
The dentist can also offer local antimicrobial therapy, which involves inserting an antibiotic treatment containing doxycycline or minocycline powder directly into the sulcus area around the gum tissue of the teeth in order to kill the bacteria causing the gum infection.
After Treatment
Maintaining a strict oral health routine is critical after antimicrobial therapy to make sure you get the benefit of the treatment. First, brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time, and floss at least once daily. Next, swish with a mouthwash which offers advanced gum protection for 45 percent stronger, healthier gums.
If your dentist prescribed any form of antibiotics, it's imperative you take the full course of medicine exactly as instructed to reduce the risk of infection.
Schedule an examination with your periodontist within two to three months after therapy to determine whether your infection has been eliminated and your mouth is healthy. Provided all is well, you can resume your regular routine of annual periodontal examinations, routine cleaning and polishing, and a full set of X-rays every four to five years.
Keep your mouth and teeth clean through the use of antimicrobial therapy and regular visits to see your dentist, dental hygienist and periodontist for overall health and mouth wellness.
We all remember the joy and excitement of losing our first baby teeth. But there’s no tooth fairy when permanent teeth become loose, and in many cases a loose adult tooth is cause for alarm-whether you’re a young person injured during a sports event or an adult with periodontal disease. Don’t panic, having a loose tooth doesn’t necessarily mean losing a tooth. But you do need to see your dentist as soon as possible. Don’t put off a visit until your next regularly scheduled checkup. The longer you wait, the worse things are likely to get, and if you act quickly, your dentist will have more options for saving the tooth.
What Makes a Tooth Become Loose?
When a tooth becomes loose, the periodontal ligaments (tiny bands around the root of the tooth) can be stretched, which can make a tooth feel loose. The good news is that your gums can heal up to a certain point. But it’s unlikely that they’ll heal on their own, and the amount of help they need to do this depends on the situation. Some of the main causes of loose permanent teeth are periodontal disease, tooth decay or abscess and impact or trauma (this could involve a sports injury, an accident or even biting something hard). Habitually grinding or clenching your teeth, during the day or at night, can also cause teeth to become loose.
A Loose Tooth as a Result of Periodontal Disease
In the case of periodontal disease, bacteria can accumulate, leading to an infection that can damage the roots of tooth. Getting treatment for periodontal disease can help make the tooth feel less loose. A thorough cleaning or root debridement (removal of plaque using ultrasonic or hand tools) can remove plaque beneath the gum line and help create a more solid base for your tooth. (In some cases a series of cleanings will be required). If you think your tooth may be loose because of periodontal disease, see your dentist as soon as possible for x-rays and other tests. Tooth decay or an abscess can also be a cause of loose teeth, when bacteria damage your tooth’s inner structure. In the case of an infection related to periodontal disease or an abscess, a course of oral antibiotics may be required.
Splint Stabilization
In some cases of periodontal disease, as well as in cases of injury, the dentist can put a temporary or permanent splint in place to keep the tooth stable. The splint (usually a type of resin) bonds the loose tooth to healthy teeth to make it more stable. In some cases, a temporary splint can give the ligaments time to heal and tighten up, while in others a permanent splint may be required. A night guard can also help nighttime grinding or clenching is the problem.
See Your Dentist As Soon As Possible
Whether a tooth becomes loose because of periodontal disease or injury, be sure to make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. While waiting to see the dentist, make sure to use a soft bristled toothbrush and gargle with a gentle, antiseptic mouth rinse. Eat foods high in calcium and avoid soft drinks—even sugar free sodas are high in acid that can damage teeth.
We all want our adult teeth to be truly permanent. In some cases, the damage may be beyond repair and the loose tooth will need to be extracted. In this case, you will be given a dental implant or bridge to replace the missing tooth, which will help keep neighboring teeth healthy. But in many cases a loose permanent tooth is not cause for alarm. Your dentist has more options than ever for saving loose teeth and reversing or halting damage caused by gum disease. The important thing is to get into the dentist’s chair as quickly as possible so that all options for saving the tooth can be explored.
Most people are not fully aware of the serious health risks of having poor oral health. Accordingly, people often only know that without proper oral hygiene, the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis will increase without understanding that if left untreated, the complications of oral health can progress to serious conditions that affect brain health.
1. The link between oral health and brain health
Each person's teeth and brain are more interconnected than we ourselves think. Indeed, studies have found a link between poor oral health and poorer brain health.In fact, there are many nerves in the oral cavity that are attached to the brain. For example, the trigeminal nerve is a cranial nerve that connects to the teeth, gums, jaw, and nearby organs. As a result, an oral infection that, if left untreated, can quickly turn into a brain infection. This happens when a tooth infection spreads through the bloodstream, carrying bacteria straight to the brain and even sepsis, which is life-threatening.At the same time, in rare cases, bacteria can also sometimes attack nerve cells in the brain, putting a person at risk for memory loss and life-changing brain health complications. live differently. In severe cases, brain abscesses can form. This is a rare condition in which pus enters the brain and sometimes requires surgical intervention.Accordingly, the symptoms of a brain infection are of oral origin:Fever Coma Headache Nausea and vomiting Difficulty remembering Confusion Difficulty decreased mobility Changed vision On the other hand, if you think that you If you may be suffering from a brain infection due to poor oral health, see your dentist immediately to find and fix the source of the infection.
2. Dementia due to poor oral health
Besides the brain infections caused by widespread dental infections, dementia is a very common condition that causes memory loss and it is also one of the most common brain health effects caused by poor oral hygiene.Accordingly, although dementia often occurs in old age, it can occur much earlier, even in young people if there are complications related to oral health.In fact, studies have found a link between gum disease and cognitive decline as well as a direct link between periodontal disease and dementia. Some studies have even suggested that gum disease may be a catalyst for Alzheimer's disease.Thus, if a person has an early stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, the dentist needs to intervene early so that the disease can be controlled before a tooth infection can lead to memory loss during the infection. spread to the brain. The mechanism of this consequence is that when tooth decay, infection, if it has reached the root of the tooth, the infection will threaten the nerves and blood vessels, directly connected to the brain. Acute brain injury is a brain infection with an inflammatory response, but long-term brain health consequences can be dementia.Therefore, actively preventing the spread of infection by maintaining proper oral hygiene and regularly visiting the dentist is also one of the important measures to help maintain clear brain health. after.
3. Oral Health and Alzheimer's Disease
As scientists do more research, the link between oral health and disease, especially problems related to brain health, becomes clearer. One of the latest links to be discovered is that of Alzheimer's disease and oral health conditions.Specifically, researchers found that bacteria linked to gum disease can be transferred into the bloodstream through everyday habits like brushing your teeth. When the brain is repeatedly exposed to these germs, responses are activated that can kill brain cells, a favorable factor in the progression of Alzheimer's disease.That's why the bottom line here is to do everything you can to prevent gum disease, often starting with a daily routine of proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to keep your teeth healthy. Dentists detect abnormalities early and promptly control.
What’s that sharp pain you feel in your teeth when you indulge in your favourite candy or dessert? You may be experiencing tooth sensitivity, a common dental issue that affects many people. Tooth sensitivity can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and can make eating or drinking certain foods and beverages difficult.
Your teeth may be sensitive to sugar because of cavities, erosion of your enamel, or receding gums. You can manage tooth sensitivity with positive dental hygiene habits and dental visits for a cleaning every 6 months.
You can indulge in your favourite sweets without permanently damaging your teeth by staying on top of your dental health, but when you do notice sensitivity or other signs of issues like cavities, it’s important to pay attention to them and visit your dentist to address them with treatment.
Sugar & Tooth Decay
One of the main reasons why your teeth may hurt when you eat sugar is due to tooth decay. The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, producing acids that attack your enamel, the protective layer of your teeth. Over time, this can lead to cavities, which can cause pain and sensitivity in your teeth.
Practicing good oral hygiene is essential for preventing tooth decay, including brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
Enamel Erosion
Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth that protects the sensitive dentin and pulp underneath. As enamel erodes, the sensitive layers of your teeth can be exposed, leading to tenderness when you eat sweets.
Acidic foods and drinks, such as soda, citrus fruits, and vinegar, can erode your enamel, exposing the underlying dentin and causing tooth sensitivity. Limiting your intake of acidic foods and drinks is vital for preventing enamel erosion. You should also rinse your mouth with water after consuming them and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to allow your enamel to reharden.
Receding Gums (Gum Disease)
Gum recession often occurs as a result of gum disease. When gingivitis and other issues affecting your gum line go untreated, your gums can pull back from your teeth, exposing the roots, which are more sensitive because they lack enamel.
Sugar can aggravate teeth affected by receding gums, causing pain and sensitivity when it comes into contact with the exposed root. To prevent receding gums, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing gently and avoiding tobacco products.
How To Manage Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitive teeth can affect anyone and can be caused by various factors, such as aggressive brushing, gum disease, and a high-sugar diet. Fortunately, there are methods that can help manage and reduce tooth sensitivity.
Identify the Cause
The first step in managing tooth sensitivity is to identify the root cause. A visit to your dentist can help you determine the underlying issue causing your tooth sensitivity. If sugar is the primary reason for tooth discomfort, your dentist can provide advice on maintaining good oral health and may recommend you limit your intake of sugary foods.
Use Desensitizing Toothpaste
Sensitive teeth can benefit from desensitizing toothpaste, which can help relieve pain and discomfort by blocking the tiny channels in your teeth that lead to the nerves beneath the enamel.
While desensitizing toothpaste can't undo existing damage, it may help prevent future oral health issues.
Desensitizing toothpaste shouldn’t be considered a substitute for oral care. It’s important to discuss toothpaste options and other treatments for sensitive teeth with your dentist to get personalized recommendations based on your unique needs.
Be Mindful of Your Diet
Eating a healthy and balanced diet can be good for your overall wellness and oral health. If you have sensitive teeth, you should avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes and oranges and limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks, which can erode your tooth enamel.
Be sure to drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated and flush out any excess food particles stuck to your teeth. This is especially important if you won't be able to brush for several hours. Rinsing your mouth can flush away the sugary acids bacteria need to thrive.
Consider Dental Treatments
If you are dealing with severe tooth sensitivity, your dentist may recommend various treatments like fluoride varnish, bonding, or a dental crown. Fluoride treatments can help strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity.
Scheduling a dental cleaning every 6 months is also essential for keeping plaque and tartar from eating away at your enamel and causing cavities or tooth sensitivity. A visit to the dentist can help you address specific concerns about sensitive teeth and determine whether dental procedures are necessary to reduce sensitivity and support your oral health.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, is a critical way to prevent tooth sensitivity. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid brushing too aggressively. Be sure to replace your toothbrush every 3 months or earlier if the bristles become frayed, and use a fluoride mouthwash to protect against cavities and reduce tooth sensitivity.
Protect Your Teeth From Sugar Damage
You don't have to give up sugar entirely if you have a sweet tooth. Eating sugar in moderation, practicing good oral hygiene, and protecting your enamel can help reduce sensitivity from your favourite sweets.
For many people, it’s a habit to brush after every meal — or even after they eat anything at all, including snacks. You might find it surprising to learn that brushing immediately after eating isn’t actually the best thing to do for your teeth. Here’s what you should know about brushing after you eat.
YOUR ENAMEL: STRONG AND HEALTHY OR WEAK AND VULNERABLE?
You can think of enamel as the shield that protects your tooth. While it’s made of very hard minerals — stronger even than your bones — it happens to be highly vulnerable to one thing: acids. Your mouth maintains a healthy pH balance naturally, but when you eat and drink that balance changes.
The foods and liquids that contain 0 acids can greatly soften your tooth enamel. The acids then change the pH balance of your mouth from alkaline into acidic. When this happens, acids start to eat their way into the already softened tooth enamel, burrowing pores and holes into the enamel and allowing bacteria to enter.
Some of the foods that contain the highest levels of acids include oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, lemons, limes, and other citrus fruit. Another common acid offender is carbonated soda, whether diet or full-calorie. Additionally, any type of food or drink that has high levels of processed sugar will bring harmful acids into your mouth.
WHY IS BRUSHING AFTER YOU EAT WRONG?
As mentioned above, your tooth enamel grows weaker when it’s exposed to food and drinks containing acids. When it’s in this vulnerable softened condition, brushing your teeth will cause damage to the enamel. Your toothbrush will actually brush away some of the enamel that your teeth need for protection. Even a soft bristle brush is much too abrasive to apply to your tooth enamel when it’s in a weakened state because of exposure to acids. The best course of action after you eat is to avoid any brushing at all — at least right away.
HOW SOON AFTER EATING SHOULD YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH?
It’s best if you don’t brush for an hour or more after eating, especially if you’ve had some high acid foods like citrus, soda, or sugary foods. Just because you shouldn’t brush your teeth right away doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything, though. It’s just fine — and in fact, highly recommended — to rinse your mouth out with water. Even just drinking a cup or bottle of water after you’ve had a high acid meal can be very helpful in keeping the acid and its problems away from your tooth enamel.
When you’re on the go for meals quite often, you might want to consider purchasing a pack of sugar-free gum to have on hand for chewing after meals. Sugar-free gums that contain xylitol are particularly helpful in bringing your mouth back to a healthy pH balance after you have consumed food or drink with a high acid level. Another thing that neutralizes acid is milk or other dairy products.
Once it’s been around an hour or so, it’s fine to brush your teeth using your normal routine. Many people find that it’s a bit of an adjustment at first — after all, it’s second nature for many people to brush their teeth as soon as they’ve finished eating — but you’ll grow used to this new routine very soon. Your teeth will thank you for it!
The information above applies to both children and adults. In fact, it’s especially vital for kids because their tooth enamel isn’t as strong as adult tooth enamel, which means baby teeth can suffer acid damage all too easily.
Since our mouths contain bacteria and the bathroom does as well, it's common to wonder if your toothbrush stays clean enough with just a rinse after brushing, especially since some products now claim to sanitise. Toothbrush sanitising, however, is not the same as sterilising. Sanitation means 99.9 percent of bacteria are reduced. With sterilisation, all living organisms are destroyed. But is a sanitising of your toothbrush a necessity or a preference?
What the American Dental Association Recommends
According to the American Dental Association, no commercial products can sterilise a toothbrush and it's not necessary. The ADA notes, "There is insufficient clinical evidence to support that bacterial growth on toothbrushes will lead to specific adverse oral or systemic health effects."
Bacteria tends to grow in dark, warm and moist places. Keeping your toothbrush covered or stored in a closed container might lead to problems. Let your toothbrush air dry in a holder that allows it to stand up without touching the bristles or other toothbrushes. Replacing your toothbrush every three-to-four months is also important. Avoid sharing toothbrushes as well.
Keeping it Clean
Most of us simply rinse the toothbrush head once we're done brushing. But a more thorough rinse in warm water ensures that food debris and leftover toothpaste won't remain in the bristles.
The Maryland Children's Oral Health Institute suggests that you may disinfect your toothbrush by allowing it to soak in an antibacterial mouthwash. If you want to sanitise, toothbrush heads should be immersed for about 15 minutes in mouthwash. Any longer could damage the bristles. And don't share or reuse that mouthwash, it defeats the purpose.
According to the ADA a study indicates that soaking a toothbrush in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide or Listerine mouthwash greatly reduces (i.e., 85 percent) bacterial load, while microwaving or putting toothbrushes in the dishwasher is not recommended as such high heat may damage the brush.
Some Exceptions
If someone in your family is sick or is at a higher risk of infection, taking some preventive steps may help guard against a problem. Replacing toothbrushes more often, buying disposable toothbrushes and using antibacterial mouthwash to rinse and soak could offer some benefit. If you choose to try a UV toothbrush sanitiser, the product should be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Keep in mind that a UV sanitiser will not remove all germs. Because the ultraviolet light may deteriorate the bristles, you should inspect and replace your toothbrush more often.
A long time ago, wisdom teeth served a purpose. Today, they can lead to problems if there isn’t enough space to grow or if they come through in the wrong position.
A standard dental procedure is getting wisdom teeth pulled. But what are wisdom teeth, and why do we have them?
Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars set far back in the mouth. They develop when you’re between the ages of 17 and 25. When the wisdom teeth cause pain and/or are impacted, it’s recommended to get them removed. Let’s look at how these teeth came into being in the first place and what will happen if you need them removed.
The history of wisdom teeth
Unfortunately, wisdom didn’t develop to make us wiser. The earliest humans needed wisdom teeth to chew uncooked, tough food. Their jaws widened to accommodate those four large molars.
Over time, humans learned to cook food, making it softer and easier to chew. The human jaw shrank in size, with wisdom teeth no longer serving any purpose. But wisdom teeth still develop as we do! Most people nowadays grow at least one wisdom tooth.
When you need a wisdom tooth removed
For some people, wisdom teeth cause no problems. Their jaws can make room for the extra molars. Others may experience these symptoms that indicate the wisdom tooth must go:
Pain and tenderness around the molar or molars.
Bleeding gums around the tooth.
Infected gums around the wisdom tooth.
Jaw pain and stiffness make it difficult to open the mouth.
A bad taste in the mouth and/or bad breath.
A cyst develops around the wisdom tooth.
Decay in the wisdom tooth.
Even if the wisdom tooth causes no symptoms, your dentist may recommend removal to prevent further damage or decay. The wisdom tooth will need to be extracted if it is impacted. An impacted wisdom tooth means the tooth is growing in at an odd angle that could affect nearby teeth or that the tooth sits along or within the jawbone.
If you need a wisdom tooth or teeth pulled, you’ll need to see an oral surgeon. They will guide you in preparing for the procedure.
You’ll receive local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. You won’t feel pain but only a slight pressure as the tooth is removed. You can also choose to receive a sedation anesthetic that will put you to sleep during the procedure. In very rare cases, you’ll be under general anesthesia.
Then, the oral surgeon makes an incision along the gum to reach the tooth and bone. Any bone material blocking the tooth root will be removed. The tooth is extracted, and the site is cleared of bone debris. Stitches may or may not be necessary.
A gauze pad will be placed over the surgical site to remove any bleeding and help form a blood clot. The blood clot is important in the healing process. If the clot is dislodged, you could develop a dry socket, which exposes the bone and is quite painful.
Recovery from a wisdom tooth extraction
Post-operative complications are rare. In addition to dry socket, damage to the nerves, jawbone, and sinuses could occur. Look out for any signs of infections, as well.
It typically takes anywhere from a day to a week for complete recovery. To support healing, follow these tips:
Take over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate discomfort. Your doctor may give you a prescription for pain relief.
Eat soft foods for at least 24 hours.
Change the gauze pad following your doctor’s instructions. Do not spit out the blood, as that could dislodge the blood clot from the socket.
Sip plenty of water, but don’t drink alcoholic, caffeinated, or carbonated beverages for a day. Don’t use a straw, as the sucking action could move the blood clot out of the socket.
Don’t smoke.
Rest for a day and then resume normal activities. Don’t do any strenuous exercise for a week.
Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and bruising along the cheeks.
Don’t brush your teeth the day after. Afterward, you can brush gently around the site. You can also rinse your mouth with warm salt water every two hours or after meals for a week.
Your doctor will remove any stitches in a follow-up appointment. Contact the dentist if you’re experiencing excessive bleeding, swelling, fever, or oozing from the surgical site. Severe pain, numbness, or difficulty breathing should also be reported to your doctor. If you notice any bloody discharge from your nose, contact your doctor. Although wisdom teeth removal can be scary, you’ll be completely healed in a very short time.
1.- Brushing twice a day for two minutes each session
Brushing your teeth is the best way to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth that could otherwise cause cavities or gum disease. But if you aren’t brushing your teeth often enough or for long enough at each session, then you leave yourself at risk of oral diseases and even tooth loss, eventually. Therefore, be sure that you brush your teeth twice a day and for at least two minutes each time. Two minutes is longer than you think. Most people probably only brush for about 30 seconds. To be sure you’re brushing long enough, set a timer to ensure you brush your teeth for a full two minutes. And always brush your teeth before bed to remove food, bacteria, and sugar so that these substances don’t linger and become destructive while you sleep.
2.- Flossing your teeth daily
It’s true that many adults and children do not floss their teeth ever or hardly at all. Unfortunately, if you skip flossing, you could be at risk of developing oral diseases that lead to pain or tooth loss. It is recommended that you floss your teeth every day before bed. Flossing cleans between your teeth where your toothbrush simply cannot reach. Not only will you experience improved breath, but flossing also lowers your risk of gum disease, the number one cause of tooth loss among adults in the U.S.
3.- Rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash
Mouthwash does not take the place of regular brushing and flossing but adding it to your nightly oral hygiene routine has its benefits. It’s a common misconception that mouthwash should burn and sting. And that the worse the burn, the better the job the solution is doing at protecting your oral health. Thankfully, that is a false claim. In fact, you can opt for alcohol-free mouth rinses that produce the same results as mouthwash that contain alcohol, except without the burn. Some studies found that alcohol-based mouthwashes disturb the oral microbiome, which could increase the risk of oral diseases, and certain types of oral cancer. Therefore, opt for an alcohol-free mouthwash to be on the safe side and still reap the oral health benefits of fresher breath and healthier teeth.
4.- See your dentist twice a year
Twice-yearly dental cleanings and checkups are necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums. During your dental cleanings, the hygienist removes stuck-on tartar buildup that could lead to gum infections and cavities if ignored. These cleanings also remove stains from your teeth. The dentist conducts a thorough examination of your oral health, noting any changes that need to be addressed as soon as they appear before costly repairs are needed.
It has been ingrained in all of us that when we experience pain we should see our doctor. However, did you know that your dentist is considered a doctor? In face, she or he may actually be the first person you should visit if you experience frequent headaches, dizziness, or ear pain. Most physicians are trained to treat the symptoms that their patients experience and complain of.
For example, patients with recurring headaches typically receive a prescription for a pain reliever and possibly a muscle relaxer. However, while pain meds may work for a while, if the underlying cause of your symptoms is not found then your pain will continue – and usually get worse. If you are experiencing constant headaches, ear pain or ringing, or unexplained dizziness then it is time to call Muccioli Dental. Drs. Lydia and Randy Muccioli are experienced doctors of dentistry who offer effective relief of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), which is the most common cause of these symptoms.
The most common factors in TMD are clenching the jaw, grinding the teeth, and malocclusion (a bad bite). All three of these factors put an enormous amount of stress on the temporomandibular joint, which sends referred pain to other locations throughout the skull. In many cases, a physician is actually unwittingly steered away from a proper diagnosis because patients may complain of pain at the base of the skull – having nothing seemingly to do with the TM joint.
However, at Muccioli Dental we are extremely familiar with TMD and how its pain can radiate anywhere in the head, neck, and even shoulders. If you are suffering from any sort of headache pain, ear pain, or dizziness please contact Muccioli Dental for a precise diagnosis.
Muccioli Dental is a comprehensive dental practice that offers safe and effective treatment for TMD. You do not need to continue suffering or increasing your pain medication simply because you have not found relief. Let our well renowned dentists expertly diagnose and treat your issues.
