Tooth pain happens for various reasons, ranging from injury to tooth decay or an impacted tooth. There is also a less common source of dental pain: gum disease.
Oral health problems like gingivitis are sneaky because they lack noticeable symptoms. As gum disease progresses, it becomes pronounced. Sometimes the progression of gum disease comes with tooth pain.
Gingivitis and tooth pain
The earliest form of gum disease is mild, with few visible symptoms. This stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis; an inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis occurs when plaque buildup becomes a staging ground for bacterial attacks on the gums. Gingivitis has one or more of the following symptoms:
Red, swollen gums that may also be tender
Bleeding when brushing the teeth and sometimes afterward
Receding gums
Newly exposed tooth roots that result in tooth sensitivity
Gum pockets that fill with pus
Chronic bad breath
Acute pain is not a symptom of early-stage gum disease. The mild tooth sensitivity that comes with gingivitis is only noticeable when eating or drinking, making it easy to ignore. But ignoring gingivitis causes it to progress, and this means more symptoms.
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) and tooth pain
Periodontitis is what happens when gingivitis goes untreated for an extended period. As plaque buildup mineralizes to form tartar, the infection spreads to different structures that support the teeth. In addition to the gums, bacteria go on to attack tooth roots and connective tissue. In severe cases, the jawbone itself comes under attack. This is what advanced gum disease looks like:
Chronic bad breath
Changes in the patient’s bite
Loose teeth
Receding gums
Tooth pain
With advanced gum disease, tooth pain results from tooth sensitivity and/or infection in the structures that support the teeth.
Tooth decay and gum disease
The same bacteria that cause gum disease are also responsible for tooth decay. These bacteria build and use plaque to attack the teeth and the gums. As such, a patient can suffer from both tooth decay and gum disease. In such cases, tooth pain would be a result of tooth decay or an aggressive infection of the gums or both.
Treatment and management of tooth pain from gum disease
The best way to treat tooth pain from gum disease is to address the condition itself. A dentist will start by removing infection wherever they find it. In the case of mild gum disease, the dentist may then prescribe antibiotics. They will advise their patient to improve their oral hygiene routine.
For patients with advanced gum disease, the dentist may close gum pockets after they treat the infection. They may also place slow-release antibiotics inside the gums. The dentist will also guide their patient through a rigorous oral hygiene routine.
With time, gum disease should go away, along with any dental pain.
Take the first step toward a healthy mouth today
Tooth pain is a warning sign that you need to take seriously. That is why you should call us to set up an appointment with your dentist. They will be happy to diagnose and treat the pain in your tooth.
Every year, around 2 million people go to the emergency room because they have tooth pain, and countless more seek emergency care from their dentists. How do you know the difference between a bad toothache and an emergency?At all Supertooth dental locations, our highly trained providers keep some time open in their schedules to help people who need emergency dentistry. In this post, we offer some insight into what kinds of situations our dentists say call for emergency care and describe some of the key indicators.
Determining the cause of the pain
Understanding why you have a toothache is the first step. Here are a few of the most common underlying causes of pain that we see.
Inflammation
Gingivitis is a very common dental issue caused by bacteria buildup. The bacteria irritates your gums, which become inflamed. Over time, gingivitis can advance to more serious gum disease and infection.If it feels as though your tooth pain is radiating from your gums, and your gums look swollen and red, you may need care quickly. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Decay
Tooth decay due to poor nutrition, poor hygiene, or injury can lead to pain. A diet that contains too much sugar can promote bacterial growth, and if you don’t properly brush and floss daily, serious tooth pain could result.You may experience sensitivity to heat or cold or to sweet and sour when you have tooth decay. The pain may feel like a shock or a burning sensation.
Wisdom teeth problems
Unfortunately, getting your wisdom teeth usually confers pain rather than knowledge. Your wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that were important when humans need to eat harder foods than they do today. Most people who have wisdom teeth need to have them removed.When wisdom teeth start to grow, they can cause pain for a variety of reasons. You may notice a throbbing sensation in your jaw or near your ear, or you may have headaches because of them.
Recognizing serious situations
Although the underlying cause of tooth pain varies, some situations call for immediate care. Here’s when you should seek care right away:
If you have a fever or earache along with a toothache
It hurts worse when you open your mouth wide
You’ve been in pain for longer than 24-48 hours
You can’t do normal things because the pain is too severe
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, call the Supertooth office nearest you and schedule emergency care.
Treating tooth pain
Because there are so many different reasons you might have a toothache, treatment depends on the cause of your pain. Our highly skilled dental professionals provide compassionate care to correct the problem and get your mouth healthy.
A general dentist can relieve a toothache after a proper assessment. This type of dental problem is often accompanied by swelling. It may even occur with a migraine, fever, or earache. Tooth pain needs immediate treatment. Here are the details on what a general dentist can do for a toothache.
A thorough dental exam
Each toothache is different. That is why the general dentist will treat each one based on its main cause. Some aches result from minor irritation. Others involve nerve issues.
The dentist will first do a physical dental exam to assess the tooth. Ordering dental X-rays will help determine if there are any hidden causes to consider. Asking the patient about any current medical condition or medication can help form a diagnosis. Only then will the general dentist begin the treatment.
Dental filling
The general dentist will drill away the decayed tooth if there is already some cavity formation. Placing dental fillings in the holes will follow. A curing light will harden the fillings and keep them in place. Shaping and polishing the fillings will follow. This will ensure a comfortable bite. It will also help the fillings blend well with the dental structure.
Fluoride treatment
Holes or cavities develop when tooth decay worsens. Trapped food particles in the holes cause pain. Fluoride treatment from a general dentist can reverse the damage that results from tooth decay in its early stages. This natural element can repair the enamel. It can even protect the teeth by making them more cavity-resistant.
Tooth extraction
Severe tooth decay or damage can reach the deepest parts of the tooth. The general dentist will assess the tooth if the damage or infection has gone beyond the gumline. Repairs may not be enough anymore. Removing the tooth will help stop the spread of infection and the pain. Discussing possible tooth replacement types can help the patient decide which one will suit the individual the most.
Root canal
The goal of this treatment is to keep the dental structure intact. Removing the infected or damaged pulp will follow after making an opening in the tooth. Cleaning, disinfecting, and drying the pulp chamber will come next. The general dentist will fill the chamber with gutta-percha, which will stabilize the tooth. Placing a custom dental crown over the treated tooth will protect and strengthen it.
Preventing a toothache
This condition can happen to anyone at any given time. Dental damage causes pain, which differs in severity. Stopping the pain is a priority. Dismissing it will allow the damage to worsen. The ideal way to prevent dental damage is to care for one’s teeth. Below are some tips on how to keep toothaches at bay:
Drink more water to buffer the bacterial acids in the mouth. Take in non-acidic foods as well.
Floss every day to get rid of the plaque and food particles between teeth.
Seeing the dentist every six months will enable the patient to get professional dental cleaning. The general dentist will floss, scale, and brush using more advanced tools.
Brushing for two minutes, two times a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, can remove food particles and plaque.
Limit one’s sugar intake. This will prevent bacteria from feasting and releasing acids that destroy the enamel.
Reduce one’s intake of acidic drinks and foods. Acidic foods can erode the enamel.
Providing pain relief
The general dentist can prescribe analgesics that can reduce pain. Many formulations can target different levels of tooth pain. Opioid analgesics need a prescription to treat moderate to severe pain. Non-opioid analgesics can treat moderate tooth pain even without a prescription. The difference is that non-opioid pain relievers are not addictive.
Causes of toothaches
Each tooth contains a dental pulp that holds blood vessels and nerves, as well as connective tissues. Pressure and pain can begin when there is irritation in the pulp. The general dentist will determine the main cause of the tooth pain. Below are the common culprits:
Sensitive teeth
Tooth decay
Jaw-clenching and teeth-grinding
Gum disease
Dental fracture
Tooth pulp inflammation
Impacted tooth
Abscess
Seeing a general dentist
A toothache causes intense discomfort. An individual can lose focus. The pain can even deprive the individual of proper rest. However, a toothache may be a symptom of a much more serious dental condition, such as an infection. This can manifest through gum inflammation, earache, and fever. This is the right time to see the general dentist.
Root canal therapy (RCT) is one of the most feared dental procedures, but it shouldn’t be! During Root Canal Awareness Week, we want to share information about RCT to help our patients who need endodontic therapy feel more at ease about their treatment.
“Root Canal” Defined
First things first– let’s make sure we understand the basic terms. Technically speaking, the root canal is the pulp or inner part of the tooth, not a procedure. The tooth is made up of two main parts: the crown and the root. The root is the part of the tooth that is below the gingiva, or gum tissue. Inside the tooth is the pulp (also called the root canal) which contains blood vessels, nerve tissues, and other cells. When an infection invades the pulp because of a crack or decay, it must be removed to relieve pain and stop further damage.
Root canal therapy (RCT), or endodontic therapy, is the name of the procedure that removes an infection from the root canal.
Signs or Symptoms You Need RCT
Without visiting an experienced dentist it’s impossible to know if you actually need root canal therapy. However, the American Academy of Endodontics states that these symptoms might indicate that you need root canal therapy:
Acute pain while chewing and biting
Pimples on the gum tissue
A cracked or chipped tooth
Sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the substance has been removed
Swollen or tender gums
Deep decay or darkening of the gums
The Root Canal Therapy Procedure
Endodontic therapy is completed in three simple steps: cleaning the root canal, filling it, and adding a crown or filling. Treatment can take one, two, or up to three appointments.
1. Cleaning the root canal
Using very small instruments, the dentist makes a small access point in the tooth’s crown to remove the diseased and dead pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. Then, the dentist shapes the space for the filling.
2. Filling the root canal
Next, the dentist uses gutta-percha, a biocompatible material, to fill the root canals. To ensure the pulp chamber is completely sealed, a strong dental adhesive is used.
3. Adding a crown or filling
Finally, the dentist will place a temporary crown or filling over the tooth while the patient’s permanent restoration is being made. In the next week or so, the patient will return to the office to have the permanent crown placed.
Care and Expectations Post Treatment
Following treatment, dentists send their patients home with specific care instructions to manage pain and keep the tooth from damage. Some of these root canal therapy post-operative instructions include:
Wait until the numbness wears off before eating
Do not bite or chew with the treated tooth
Eat soft foods until you are comfortable with tougher foods
Brush and floss as normal, but be gentle with the root canaled tooth
Take over-the-counter pain medication when needed
It is normal to feel some pain and discomfort after endodontic treatment. Mild sensitivity and swelling or inflammation are also common in the first couple of days. These symptoms should respond well to over-the-counter pain medications.
However, the following symptoms should be reported to our team immediately:
Visible swelling inside or outside the mouth
Severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days
An uneven bite
An allergic reaction to medication
A loose or broken crown or filling
The return of symptoms experienced immediately following treatment
Endodontic Therapy vs Extraction
When possible, it’s best to preserve the natural tooth. Our teeth help us chew and speak properly, help us maintain our facial features and a strong jawbone, and keep other teeth from shifting. This is why many dentists will recommend root canal therapy over an extraction.
Unfortunately, not all teeth can be saved. A severely decayed tooth will likely need to be extracted. Our dental team will provide you with various methods of replacing the tooth, including dental implants.
When you think about what your tooth looks like, you probably picture the crown of the tooth. That’s the portion of the tooth above the surface of your gum line. This is an important part of your tooth — its strength and durability allow you to comfortably chew and eat food. It’s also the portion of your teeth that people see when you smile, so it’s important to keep the surfaces of your teeth clean. However, beneath your gum line are your tooth’s roots. This sensitive part of your tooth performs the vital task of holding your entire tooth in place. When it becomes infected, you need gentle care to restore it.
Infected Root Canals Are the Result of Serious Tooth Decay
When your tooth becomes infected by bacteria, this process usually starts on the surface. You or your dentist will notice a cavity. If that cavity is not treated, it becomes bigger, and it works its way deeper into your tooth. Soon, it’s not just your enamel that is experiencing damage, but the dentin and pulp of your tooth become infected. Protected by the hard enamel, these portions of your tooth are much more sensitive, and infections here cause serious pain. From the pulp, the bacteria can spread into your root canals, which is dangerous.
Infected Root Canals Create Additional Health Risks
The roots of your tooth hold the entire tooth in place. The root canals are passageways inside the roots of your tooth that connect to your other oral tissues. They carry nerves and blood vessels to and from your teeth. When your root canals become infected with bacteria, they can spread that too. An infected root canal can lead to infections in other oral tissues, and it can create health risks for other parts of your body, like your heart. Treating infected root canals quickly is important.
Root Canal Therapy Provides Gentle Treatment for This Sensitive Portion of Your Tooth
Infected root canals should be treated promptly, but carefully. During root canal therapy, your dentist can create a small opening to access the inside of your tooth’s root. Your dentist can then gently extract all of the bacteria that is causing the infection. With the infected tissue gone, your dentist will then restore the tooth and fill the opening to prevent further infections. Your dentist will also probably want to give you a dental crown to provide extra protection for the vulnerable tooth.
Generally, a tooth infection comes with pain and tooth sensitivity. When it has spread to the rest of your body, you are likely to feel sick. Often, you will experience fever and general feelings of being unwell.
A tooth infection is a dental abscess, or a buildup of pus in the gums or teeth. It is generally the result of a bacterial infection.1
When you eat or drink, plaque sticks to the teeth and gums, and interacts with the bacteria in the mouth. If you do not brush or floss to remove this plaque and bacteria, an infection can occur. This can cause pus to build up in the tooth, gums, or bones.
A tooth infection, especially one that has spread, requires dental treatment as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
Untreated Tooth Infection
A dental abscess can happen after trauma to the tooth or a cavity. It will usually cause pain, swelling, and sensitivity to touch and temperature, both hot and cold. You may also lose your appetite and notice redness around the affected tooth.
Typically, you will notice pain at or near a tooth that is infected. However, tooth infections are not always painful. In these instances, you may not know a tooth is infected. You should usually be able to see some swelling or redness. If you do, you need to have it checked by a dentist, as this can be a sign of a dental abscess.
Left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to other parts of your body, including the soft tissue of the face, jawbone, neck, and, in rare cases, the heart or brain.2 A tooth infection that has spread to the rest of your body can become life-threatening without prompt dental treatment.
Potential serious complications of a tooth infection that has spread to the body can include:3
Blood poisoning (septicemia)
Brain abscess
Shock
Blood clot in the brain sinuses (cavernous sinus thrombosis)
Death
Signs a Tooth Infection Is Spreading
It is important to seek treatment as soon as you suspect a tooth infection, especially if you think it is spreading to the body. Here are signs to watch out for that can indicate that a dental abscess has spread:4
Swelling of the face and neck
Painful mouth and tongue
Fever
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Skin feeling itchy or a burning sensation
Double or blurry vision
Confusion
Drooping eyelids
Trouble breathing
In rare cases, when a tooth infection has spread, you may also experience lockjaw, trouble swallowing and talking, cellulitis, and dehydration.
Any time you have tooth pain or swelling that is accompanied by feeling sick, it can signal you have a tooth infection that is spreading to the body. It is important to be seen by a dentist right away.
A tooth infection that has spread can travel into your neck and block your airway.5 This can be a life-threatening complication. If you cannot be seen by an emergency dentist right away, seek medical care.
Treating a Tooth Infection
The earlier you treat a tooth infection, the better. It is best to catch it before it gets too serious and spreads to other parts of your body.
Treatment for a dental abscess needs to be given by dental professionals. It will often include draining the pus, antibiotic medications, pain control medication, and addressing the source of the infection.
A root canal is often needed to remove infection from deep inside a tooth. Root canals involve drilling deep inside a tooth to remove infected tissue and pus from the root area. The tooth is then filled with a composite material and often topped with a crown.
When the infection is even deeper, an apicoectomy, or root end resection, is needed to open up the gum tissue and remove the end of the root of the tooth where the infected tissue has reached.
Next Steps for a Spreading Tooth Infection
Treatment for a systemic infection, which is what occurs when the tooth infection has spread beyond the tooth, is dependent on the severity of the infection, what parts of the body it has spread to, and the source. A systemic infection can be a serious complication of an untreated tooth infection. Again, it requires immediate medical and dental attention.
More serious complications of a tooth infection that has spread to the body can include septic shock, which will require hospitalization and medical treatment along with dental care. As soon as you think you have an infected tooth, it is important to see your dentist right away. They can determine if the infection is localized (still within the tooth) or if it has spread, requiring more intensive treatment.
A spreading tooth infection needs to be managed quickly to keep it from becoming a life-threatening condition. You can prevent tooth infections by practicing good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth regularly, and keep up with routine dental checkups as recommended by your dentist.
Whether caused by tooth decay, gum disease, trauma, tooth grinding, an abnormal bite, or simply sensitive teeth, a toothache is one of the most common dental problems there is. And there’s no denying that dental pain can be an incredibly frustrating and unwelcome part of life, especially if it hits in the middle of the night or on the weekend. But take heart—you don’t have to suffer through it alone anymore because we have 12 home remedies for toothaches that will help see you through the pain while you wait to see your dentist.
Best Home Remedies for Toothaches
There are many folk remedies out there that make use of common—and not so common—household items. And, believe it or not, many of these natural remedies have even been proven by science to be effective at providing pain relief and fighting off infection. So read on to discover, in no particular order, our top 12 picks for toothache relief.
1. Ice or Cold Compress
Probably the quickest way to treat a toothache is to head to the freezer for some ice to make a cold compress or ice pack. The application of cold not only constricts blood vessels, which slows blood flow to the affected area, but also helps numb pain and reduce swelling. To reduce toothache pain, simply apply an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) or cloth dipped in ice water and then apply it to the jaw in the area of pain. Do this for several minutes at a time and repeat throughout the day as necessary.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Hydrogen peroxide is a first aid remedy a lot of people keep stocked in their medicine cabinets for treating cuts, but did you know its antibacterial and pain-relieving properties are also helpful for easing a toothache? To use this method, simply rinse your mouth thoroughly with 3% hydrogen peroxide and spit, and then rinse your mouth several times with water. This process can be repeated throughout the day as needed.
3. Salt Water Rinse
The use of salt as medicine goes back thousands of years. In fact, the ancient Egyptians and Greeks used it as a natural disinfectant and anti-inflammatory. The use of salt water for oral health is also well respected and is known to promote healing and increase mouth pH, creating an alkaline environment that makes it difficult for bacteria to survive. To use this solution for an aching tooth, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish the mixture around in your mouth for a minimum of 30 seconds, and then spit it out. This can be done several times a day as needed.
4. Black Seed Oil
Like salt, black seed, or Nigella sativa, was also revered by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks for its medicinal properties. And modern science has begun to verify what the ancients knew. In fact, the oil has been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihistaminic, antimicrobial, analgesic, and immune-modulating effects. A recent study also demonstrated that black seed is effective for a wide range of dental problems. To use the oil for a toothache, apply a small amount directly to the affected tooth and gum or mix a teaspoon of the oil in a glass of warm water for use as a mouth rinse twice a day.
5. Essential Oils
The use of essential oils—which are not really oils at all, but rather hydrophobic mixtures of various volatile aromatic compounds—for the purposes of healing goes back at least 2,500 years. Science has confirmed that many essential oils do indeed have antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. And a number of these, including oregano, peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, myrrh, cinnamon, and clove, are also known for their benefits to oral health.
All of these oils can be used alone or mixed and matched and applied directly to the tooth or used as a dental rinse to kill bacteria and provide relief of pain. Just remember that essential oils are extremely potent and shouldn’t be used without first diluting them in oil or water. Adding one or two drops to a carrier like neem oil—which also has antibacterial properties—and applying directly to the affected tooth or diluting several drops in a glass of water for use as a mouth rinse a couple of times a day can even stop a tooth abscess in its tracks.
6. Ginger Root
You may never have thought of ginger root as something that could cure a toothache, but this spicy culinary wonder has also been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and broad antibacterial properties—including against strains of bacteria linked to gum disease. Biting down on a fresh piece of ginger root or applying a paste of the powdered root mixed with water directly to the tooth can provide instant relief. Ginger root can also be reapplied as often as needed.
7. Turmeric
While turmeric has become well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, many people may not be aware that its active ingredient, curcumin, also makes this spice great for a toothache. In fact, turmeric has many antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. One study even found that it was as effective as chlorhexidine in killing oral bacteria. To help a toothache, make a paste using a teaspoon of turmeric powder and a small amount of water and apply directly to the affected tooth as often as needed.
8. Tea Compress
Black tea contains astringent tannins, which can help reduce the inflammation and pain associated with a toothache. To use this method, soak a tea bag in warm water for 15 to 30 seconds, squeeze out the excess fluid, and place the tea bag against the affected tooth. Keep the tea bag pressed against your tooth until it cools, and then discard. This technique can be used once or twice a day as needed.
9. Asafetida
Asafetida, or Ferula asafoetida, is a spice widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, though it hasn’t quite taken hold in the West. But that might change soon, as this is a remarkable plant with a remarkable range of functions. However, its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties make it especially effective against dental infections. Placing a cotton ball soaked in a pinch of asafetida combined with a tablespoon of lemon juice can alleviate pain almost instantly. This remedy can also be used several times throughout the day.
10. Garlic
Garlic is another plant that’s been used for thousands of years as both food and medicine. And modern science has shown that the ancients again knew what they were talking about. That’s because garlic contains allicin, a substance with both antibacterial and antiviral properties that has even shown activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). To put this powerful bulb to work for a toothache, simply crush a garlic clove and place it against the affected tooth. You can also make a paste of crushed garlic and sea salt and apply it to the tooth once or twice a day.
11. Onions
Preparing this toothache treatment may make your eyes water, but onions possess both antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can put a stop to toothache pain. For a quick home toothache remedy, either slice or crush some raw onion and place it directly against the affected area for up to 5 minutes. Like garlic, this treatment can be repeated once or twice a day.
Tooth filling is one of the most common dental treatments. Very likely most of the people had at least one cavity in their life, but still most of them are terrified even at the next appointment, too. How does the dentist fill your tooth? Drills your teeth and puts a filling into the hole – usually people remember only these two steps. Certainly, it is because of people trying not to pay attention during the treatment, they do not want to know anything, what is happening in their mouth.
While the treatment not only consists of two steps. What else is going on in our mouth during the treatment? – read more to know it!
Tooth filling step by step
First step: removal of the decaying part with a drill, if this part is bigger than a needlepoint.Second step: if the tooth is clean and smooth from the decaying parts, the dentist takes Adhesive to the surface, which prepares the surface for the filling material. This is needed because of the chemical bonding.Third step: photopolymerisation of the adhesive layer, takes about 10 sec.Fourth step: setting a special composite to the hole. Due to this material, the filling is put onto a stable layer, the dentin is closed and insulated. Fifth step: building up the interproximal wall of the hole. For this step, the dentist uses an enamel filling material, which has body colour. Sixth step: the dentist puts one layer of filling into the hole, which has the same colour as your teeth.Seventh step: the actual tooth filling. The dentists makes the filling out of layers, each layer is needed to be set by 10 sec photopolymerisation.Eighth step: polishing. At this step the dentist works on the final surface of the filling. It is very important, that the dentist must polish the filling until it reaches the suitable biting height. At this step, the patient helps the doctor, because the patient feels the right height (is it disturbing, is it scratching or something like that). The dentist polishes the surface until it is fine for the patient.
When a tooth filling is needed?
Tooth filling is necessary, if the enamel of our teeth get injured, which is usually caused by tooth decay. When your tooth is chipped down or frayed, the dentist also solves this problem with tooth filling.
Prevention
Right dental hygiene, healthy foods, half year dental check-ups – these are the most important things for preventing tooth decay. But tooth decay can happen to anyone, any time. When the tooth enamel injures, there is a higher chance of the damage of internal tooth parts, and it can be more serious problem, than we think. If we go to the dentist in time, a tooth filling prevents the spread of the infection, so the internal parts stay healthy. That is why it is highly recommended to meet the dentist as the signs appear.
Oral health is more important than you may think. Your mouth mirrors the condition of your body and can provide you with signs of potential disease and illness. That’s why keeping your teeth, gums, and tongue healthy is essential. If you’re not sure how to determine if your mouth is healthy, read on as we provide you with some signs you should be looking for.
Firm and Pink Gums
When it comes to having a healthy mouth, you should check that your gums are both firm and a pale pink colour. Healthy gums also won’t normally bleed when you brush or floss your teeth – they should be able to withstand normal oral care. So if you’re experiencing white or red puffy or bleeding gums, you should talk to your dentist right away.
Fresh Breath
If you’ve noticed a bad taste or some unpleasant odours coming from your mouth you may have reasons to be concerned. Bad breath is a tell-tale sign of bacteria and gingivitis. Even though you can cover it up with gum and mints as a temporary solution, make sure to see your doctor if it persists for longer than a few days. Avoiding the symptoms could lead to gum disease, enhanced odour, or other complications for the body.
Healthy Tongue
Your tongue is often used by healthcare professionals to indicate other health problems throughout the rest of your body. And if your tongue is discoloured it could be a sign of auto immune disease, diabetes, cancer or nutritional deficiency, among others. Your tongue should be pink, smooth and covered in papillae which are tiny nodules. Anything different should be reported to your doctor and dentist.
No Signs of Pain
Aside from canker sores or accidental burns from eating hot food, pain or sensitivity in your mouth may be early signs of mouth disease. You can first try over the counter treatments to help reduce the symptoms you are experiencing but if it persists for longer than a week, call your dentist immediately for a check-up.
Proper Alignment
Having straight teeth won’t just improve the appearance of your smile, it can also ensure proper oral health. Having unaligned and crowded teeth can impact your oral hygiene and make it difficult to get a proper cleaning. Plus, if you don’t fix the alignment issues you could end up with jaw problems as well, like grinding teeth at night, and soreness in the head, neck, and ear area. So ensure to get a regular check up and talk with your dentist about your options for alignment.
The health of your mouth is a reflection of your entire body’s well-being. If you notice any of the above issues mentioned, or just feel like something is not right, contact your dentist. They have the knowledge and expertise to help you achieve optimal health.
When a full arch of missing teeth is negatively affecting the look and function of a patients smile, then full arch dental implants in Oakdale, PA could be the perfect tooth replacement option for them. By restoring their missing teeth with full mouth dental implants, patients are able to resume a normal diet, talk in comfort, and smile with confidence. Continue reading to learn more about how full mouth dental implants can restore a patient’s smile.
How Are Full Mouth Dental Implants Placed To Restore Your Smile?
During a procedure for full mouth dental implants in Oakdale, PA, four or more dental implant posts are surgically placed in the patient’s jawbone. Once the dental implant posts are strategically and accurately placed, and they have fused with the patients existing jawbone, they are then a permanent part of the patient’s mouth. The prosthesis or implant supported dentures can then be placed and cemented on top of the abutment, the part that connects the dental implant posts to the prosthesis or denture.
How Do Full Mouth Dental Implants In Oakdale, PA Benefit My Smile?
Full mouth dental implants are able to restore the look and function of a patients smile for a variety of reasons. The dental implants in this smile enhancing procedure, for example, are made to act like natural tooth roots. The dental implant posts stimulate the patient’s jawbone, like natural tooth roots do, giving them a healthy and dense jawbone.
With a dense and healthy jawbone, full mouth dental implants can give patients a new smile that allows them to have a normal diet, speak with ease, and smile with confidence. Patients will be able to speak, chew, and smile naturally with full mouth dental implants because their new smile can be custom made. In using precision focused techniques and technologies, patients will be able to get a new smile that looks and feels natural in their mouth.
By getting treated with full mouth dental implants, patients will be able to live a normal life for years to come.When a full arch of missing teeth is negatively affecting the look and function of a patients smile, then full arch dental implants in Oakdale, PA could be the perfect tooth replacement option for them. By restoring their missing teeth with full mouth dental implants, patients are able to resume a normal diet, talk in comfort, and smile with confidence. Continue reading to learn more about how full mouth dental implants can restore a patient’s smile.
How Are Full Mouth Dental Implants Placed To Restore Your Smile?
During a procedure for full mouth dental implants in Oakdale, PA, four or more dental implant posts are surgically placed in the patient’s jawbone. Once the dental implant posts are strategically and accurately placed, and they have fused with the patients existing jawbone, they are then a permanent part of the patient’s mouth. The prosthesis or implant supported dentures can then be placed and cemented on top of the abutment, the part that connects the dental implant posts to the prosthesis or denture.
How Do Full Mouth Dental Implants In Oakdale, PA Benefit My Smile?
Full mouth dental implants are able to restore the look and function of a patients smile for a variety of reasons. The dental implants in this smile enhancing procedure, for example, are made to act like natural tooth roots. The dental implant posts stimulate the patient’s jawbone, like natural tooth roots do, giving them a healthy and dense jawbone.
With a dense and healthy jawbone, full mouth dental implants can give patients a new smile that allows them to have a normal diet, speak with ease, and smile with confidence. Patients will be able to speak, chew, and smile naturally with full mouth dental implants because their new smile can be custom made. In using precision focused techniques and technologies, patients will be able to get a new smile that looks and feels natural in their mouth.
By getting treated with full mouth dental implants, patients will be able to live a normal life for years to come.
