Periodontal disease may more than double your risk of pancreatic cancer. The participants in one study were followed for 16 years and the researchers found those with gum disease had a 64 percent increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Periodontal disease can affect nearly 50 percent of the U.S. population to some degree. More evidence is showing that this localized gum infection is linked to a host of systemic conditions. While many of the studies have shown strong connections, some links have not yet been established as “causal.”
Signs of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that develops when a bacterium causes inflammation, also called gingivitis. One trigger is when food or plaque is trapped between the gum and the bottom of the tooth.
Without proper daily dental care, periodontal disease can seriously damage the tooth and soft tissue. This may ultimately lead to the loss of your tooth. Some of the common symptoms that you may find with periodontal disease include:
Bad breath or bad taste that doesn’t go away
Blood when flossing or brushing teeth
Bleeding or tender gums
Change in the fit of partial dentures or in your bite
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
Loose teeth or tooth loss
New spaces between teeth
Pain while chewing
Puffy or swollen gums
Pus between the gums and teeth
Red, dusky red, or purple gums
Sensitive teeth
In addition to poor dental care, other factors increase your risk of developing periodontal disease. These include:
Crooked teeth
Defective fillings
Diabetes
Dry mouth
Female hormonal changes, such as with pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives
Heredity
Poor oral hygiene
Poor-fitting bridges or partial dentures
Smoking
Stress
Underlying immune-deficiencies—e.g., AIDS
If you recognize any of these symptoms of periodontal disease or have an increased risk from one of the listed factors, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. Your dentist can perform an examination to determine whether you have gum disease.
They will also make recommendations about your oral care and overall health to help reduce your risk of diseases that are commonly associated with periodontal disease.
What Is Pancreatic Cancer?
Cancer is usually named by the organ in which it starts. When cancer cells begin to grow out of control in the pancreas, it’s called pancreatic cancer. There are two main types of pancreatic cancer. The pancreas sits behind the stomach. It’s about six inches long, two inches wide, and is shaped a little bit like a fish.
The pancreas is made up mostly of exocrine cells. These form glands and ducts that produce pancreatic enzymes. The enzymes are released directly into the intestines where they help digest foods. Cancer that develops in the exocrine cells is called adenocarcinoma and is the most common type of pancreatic cancer.
The pancreas also has endocrine cells that are important in the production of hormones. The pancreas makes glucagon and insulin, both of which help control blood sugar levels. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are less common and start in the endocrine cells.
Unfortunately, the symptoms of pancreatic cancer do not show up early in the disease. By the time you experience symptoms, the disease is usually advanced. If you notice any unexplained symptoms, see your doctor who can check for conditions, including pancreatic cancer, that may explain your symptoms. People with advanced pancreatic cancer may notice:
Blood clots
Changes in stool
Dark-colored urine
Fatigue
Itchy skin
Pain, usually in the abdomen that radiates to the back
Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
Light-colored stools
Nausea
New or worsening diabetes
Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)
It is difficult to diagnose pancreatic cancer early as the organ is located deep in the abdomen. Doctors cannot feel a tumor during a physical examination and symptoms are not always obvious.
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to treat. Surgery offers the best option for controlling this cancer. However, when it is diagnosed at later stages, patients are not usually eligible for surgery. Pancreatic cancer can also become metastatic and spread to nearby lymph nodes. It can then spread to the liver, the lining of the abdominal cavity, and the lungs. If it is treated very early, there is a higher chance of survival.
How Is Gum Disease Linked to Pancreatic Cancer?
Data has shown a correlation between pancreatic cancer and gum disease. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a link between bacteria commonly found in the mouth and the development of pancreatic cancer.
Participants with significant levels of the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis in their mouth had a 59 percent higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer than those who did not have the bacteria. A second study published two years later found similar results. A higher risk of pancreatic cancer was also related to a second oral bacteria, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.
Currently, there is not much known about what triggers the development of pancreatic cancer. However, the lead researcher from the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association believes that inflammation triggered by the bacteria in the mouth may consequently cause inflammation in the pancreas. A secondary possibility is that the bacteria is a marker for cancer-causing inflammation and is not a causative agent.
How Dental Care Can Help
Good oral hygiene can help reduce the risk of periodontal disease. Your first line of defense is to maintain oral health by brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once daily. Flossing helps remove debris left behind after eating that your toothbrush cannot reach.
Every six months you should also see your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can remove plaque and tartar buildup in hard-to-reach places where bacteria can grow and trigger periodontal disease. If you have already been diagnosed with gum disease, or notice that you have the symptoms, you should discuss this with your dentist. Your dental professional can recommend an appropriate treatment plan to help reduce inflammation.
You probably know that gingivitis and periodontal disease are two conditions that affect the gums, but what’s the difference between the two? Are they simply two different words for the same condition? In short, gingivitis is the precursor to periodontitis, or gum disease. Consider gingivitis your warning sign that treatment is needed to protect your oral health and prevent periodontal disease from developing. Here’s what you need to know about both of these conditions.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Although no one wants to be diagnosed with gingivitis, the good news is that gingivitis can be reversed before any permanent damage occurs to your teeth and gums.
Gingivitis is caused by plaque and tartar that collects between the teeth. Plaque and tartar contain bacteria, which leads to infection. This infection creates inflammation in your gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily when you floss and brush. Many patients overlook gingivitis because the symptoms are relatively mild. This is why regular comprehensive oral evaluations are important—while you may not realize that your gums are redder than usual, your dentist will.
What Is Periodontitis?
If gingivitis isn’t treated promptly, it will eventually lead to periodontitis, or gum disease. Your gums start to pull away from the roots of the teeth and deep pockets form. Plaque and tartar start to build up in these pockets below the gumline, allowing bacteria to attack the bone and tissues that support your teeth.
Periodontitis and gingivitis share many of the same symptoms—namely, red, swollen gums and bleeding. With periodontitis, you are also likely to have bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth. You may notice discharge from the gums and spaces between your teeth that weren’t there before. This occurs because, as the supporting bone structure breaks down, your teeth start to shift. Eventually, your teeth may fall out or need to be extracted.
While periodontal disease can be treated, by the time it gets to its advanced stages, it has usually caused lasting damage to the teeth, gums, and jaw. This damage will need to be addressed with additional dental and periodontal treatments.
It’s also important to note that there is a growing body of research demonstrating a link between gum disease and other diseases elsewhere in the body, likely because it causes systemic inflammation. This is why getting prompt treatment is critical.
Preventing Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease
The best ways to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease are to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss at least once a day, and see your dentist every six months for comprehensive oral evaluations and dental cleanings. If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, a simple, non-invasive treatment called scaling and root planing can effectively treat the infection and restore health to your gums.
It’s time for the dreaded wisdom teeth to come out. It’s a little scary, but the surgery will be quick and relatively painless. Let’s talk about the recovery. It’s not always easy, but it’s completely doable.
A number of patients report a sore throat after their wisdom tooth extraction surgery, but it won’t be the end of the world.
This pain is caused by swollen muscles that are in close proximity to the extraction site. It’s usually caused by a slight infection, but isn’t serious unless the pain persists for weeks or more. It should only linger for about 3 days after the surgery.
But until the pain subsides there are things you can do! Your sore throat after your wisdom tooth surgery is completely normal and you can have it subside in no time with some simple remedies.
Salt water remedy
Gargling salt water is a remedy for most any mouth pain. It contains natural healing properties that soothes pain and reduces inflammation. It also tends to speed up the healing process and remove bacteria.
Dentists and doctors recommend rinsing the mouth with ½ teaspoon of salt mixed into a cup of warm water. Because salt water is all natural, this method can be applied as many times as needed.
However, when spitting out the water, be careful not to apply too much force. This can create dry sockets in the mouth and lead to further issues. Be gentle as you rinse and spit.
A cold compress or cold treats
A sore throat after oral surgery is typically due to swelling. In order to decrease swelling, a cold compress or ice pack can be applied to the throat…20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off until the swelling goes down is recommended. Popsicles, ice cream, or other cold treats can also ease the pain internally and add a little sweetness to the recovery process.
Hot tea and lots of liquids
Teas such as chamomile or peppermint can greatly soothe a sore throat. Being careful not to make the tea harmfully hot, this can be a quick and simple remedy. Water and other gentle, non-citrus fluids are helpful to keep the throat hydrated and flush out bacteria.
Lemon and honey
Both lemon and honey also have natural soothing properties that can ease a sore throat. While these are both very helpful to healing the side effects of a mouth surgery, overuse could cause problems on the surgery site. As always, it is important to monitor and use moderation when using these ingredients.
Eat soft foods
Try to eat at typical meal times, but choose soft foods that will go down easily and won’t get stuck in your throat or hurt the healing wound. Foods like yogurt, soup, and ice cream can benefit and even help soothe a sore throat.
While it is normal to have a sore throat for a few days after a tooth extraction, it could be cause for concern if the pain and soreness persists more than a week or if it hinders your ability to speak.
While long term issues are very rare, and sore throats after surgery can end up being completely unrelated anyway, this pain is not something that should be ignored just in case.
At this point, you should contact your doctor or dentist. They’re always happy to help!
Your throat should be ready for talking and your mouth should be ready for eating again a few days after your tooth extraction. In the meantime, enjoy as much ice cream and popsicles as possible and rest that mouth! You will be back and ready to take your life back in no time!
(10/04/2024) by Oral Surgery Specialists Of Atlanta
What would happen if you stopped brushing your teeth but ate more healthfully?
Experimentally, when study participants stop brushing their teeth, plaque starts to build up and, within a few days, their gums start to get inflamed. Though nothing may be visible just yet, if you take a biopsy at the gum line, you can see the inflammation beginning to spread. Within a few weeks, overt gingivitis becomes apparent with gums that can get red and swollen and bleed easily. If you don’t do anything about it, you can develop periodontal disease, where the inflammation creeps down into the supporting structures of the tooth—the bone and ligaments—setting you up for tooth loss.
How did we get along for millions of years without brushing our teeth? “Dental disease is almost universal” these days, but skulls from thousands of years before the invention of the toothbrush have perfect teeth. Admittedly, that was also thousands of years before the invention of candy bars. Does food play a role? You don’t know…until you put it to the test, as I discuss in my video Best Food for Periodontal Disease and Gingivitis.
How do you get people to stop brushing their teeth and also stop eating processed junk? Researchers designed a study where participants were forced to live under Stone Age conditions without “toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, toothpicks, or other oral hygiene products” for a month, and “security guards ensured that all subjects maintained the appropriate lifestyle for Stone Age humans.” They could use a twig or other natural material to try to clean their teeth, but were pretty much on their own. (The participants didn’t get any candy bars either.) The researchers were attempting to replicate the diet from about 4000 BCE, so the subjects got a lot of whole grains with supplemental “salt, herbs, honey, milk, and meat from domestic animals (goats and hens),” and were allowed to pick berries or see what they could catch. What happened?
With no oral hygiene, their plaque built up, as you can see in the graph below and at 1:53 in my video, but their gums got healthier, as measured by bleeding on probing. (Gums bleeding when poked with a dental tool is a measure of gingivitis.) In almost every case, the participants’ gum health improved. How is it possible that their gums were actually healthier despite buildup of plaque? Many of the more disease-causing bacteria seemed to have disappeared from their mouths. The researchers suggested this could be from the lack of refined sugars, but the participants were eating honey, so they weren’t on a sugar-free diet. They were, however, eating a lot of whole grains and berries rich in antioxidant phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory properties. So, maybe it was restricted sugar intake combined with the intake of really healthy foods. Thus, all of those experimental studies where people stop brushing their teeth and their gums inevitably get inflamed “may only be applicable if the subjects maintain a Western diet rich in sugar and low in anti-inflammatory foods,” such as whole plant foods.
What about the role of nutrition in periodontal health? Gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth, which, if left untreated, can lead to the progressive loss of the bone that holds our teeth in place. Part of the development of periodontal disease may involve oxidative stress, so not only do we need to reduce our intake of pro-inflammatory foods, such as refined carbohydrates and saturated fats, but it may also help if we seek out foods that are antioxidant-rich.
Is there an association between periodontitis and dietary vitamin C intake? Apparently so, as you can see in the graph below and at 3:34 in my video. Increased risk of periodontitis has been associated with lower levels of vitamin C intake. What effect might vitamin C depletion and supplementation have on periodontal health? Researchers provided controlled amounts of vitamin C to study participants for three months and found that measures of gum inflammation were directly related to the subjects’ vitamin C status. On about one orange’s worth of vitamin C a day, their gums improved; down around only 5 mg a day, though, their gums got worse. On ten oranges’ worth of vitamin C a day, they got better and then worse once again when the vitamin C level dropped down to five oranges’ worth, as you can see in the graph below and at 4:01 in my video. The study was pretty convincing, though 5 mg a day is down at scurvy level. We know our gums start bleeding and our teeth can fall out if we have scurvy, but that doesn’t mean taking extra vitamin C helps.
Indeed, 1,500 mg of vitamin C a day did not seem to help prevent gingivitis and even 2,000 mg a day failed to help periodontitis sufferers. Is it possible that vitamin C is just too weak an antioxidant? What about lycopene, the powerful antioxidant pigment that makes tomatoes red? Lycopene worked! But that was from injecting it directly into the gum pocket with a syringe. Does it still work if you simply eat it?
A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial investigated the efficacy of lycopene in the treatment of gingivitis. After two weeks of standard dental treatment with either a single daily tomato’s worth of lycopene or placebo, the placebo group had a 10 to 20 percent reduction in gingivitis, but the lycopene group had a nearly 30 percent improvement within just one week. How much lycopene? The amount found in just one and a half teaspoons of tomato paste a day. So, tomatoes may help with gingivitis, but what about periodontitis?
Another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial again treated subjects with a typical dental cleaning plus either one daily tomato’s worth of lycopene or a placebo for two months. Researchers found significant improvements in the lycopene group in plaque, gingivitis, and bleeding, though not probe pocket depth and clinical attachment. You can see the difference in how much better their gums looked as you can see below and at 5:59 in my video. The researchers concluded that “supplementation with lycopene seems to have augmented the healing sequence of inflamed gingival tissues,” but that was with a whole tomato’s worth a day. How about half a tomato’s worth or just three quarters of a teaspoon of tomato paste’s worth of lycopene a day? Neither worked. There was no difference. It looks like you have to go the whole tomato.
It should come as no surprise that healthy foods can benefit all parts of the body, but I still love to see the data!
I talk more about the red pigment in tomatoes in Lycopene Supplements vs. Prostate Cancer and Tomato Sauce vs. Prostate Cancer.
Key Takeaways
Although dental disease is nearly universal today, skulls from thousands of years before the toothbrush was invented have perfect teeth
Researchers had study participants live under Stone Age conditions for a month without any oral hygiene products, though they could use twigs or other natural materials to clean their teeth. Dietarily, they were given whole grains with “salt, herbs, honey, milk, and meat from domestic animals (goats and hens),” and could pick berries or see what they could catch, in an attempt to replicate the diet from about 4000 BCE.
Without oral hygiene, the subjects’ plaque built up, but their gums got healthier. Much of the disease-causing bacteria seemed to have disappeared from their mouths, thought perhaps because they were not consuming refined sugars and were consuming a lot of antioxidant- and anti-inflammatory-rich whole grain and berries.
Development of periodontal disease may involve oxidative stress, so we should reduce consumption of pro-inflammatory foods like refined carbs and saturated fats, while also increasing intake of antioxidant-rich foods.
Increased risk of periodontitis has been linked to lower levels of vitamin C intake, but 1,500 daily mg of vitamin C did not seem to help prevent gingivitis and 2,000 daily mg didn’t help periodontitis sufferers. Lycopene, the antioxidant pigment that makes tomatoes red, did work, however.
Researchers found that one daily tomato’s worth of lycopene may help with gingivitis, plaque, and bleeding, but not probe pocket depth and clinical attachment.
Diabetics are three times more likely to develop dental problems than those who have healthy blood sugar levels. Early warning signs of type 2 diabetes can be so slight, they're easily missed, and then complications can occur.
Type 2 diabetes can lead to tooth decay - something you may not have thought was associated with high blood sugar levels. Too much sugar in the blood can result in more sugar in the saliva, which is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The charity Diabetes UK explained the bacteria in the mouth then produces acid that attacks the tooth enamel and damages the gums. Blood vessels in the gums can also be targeted by the bacteria, causing infections.
The double-whammy is that gum disease and infections can then trigger even higher blood sugar levels, putting you more at risk of wider complications, such as heart disease.
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and infection of the soft tissue and bones that supports the teeth (periodontitis).
There may be issues with oral thrush, a dry mouth, tooth loss or abscesses.
Early signifiers of dental issues include redness, soreness, and bad breath.
Do pay attention if you have any of the early warning signs of type 2 diabetes.
This includes going to the toilet frequently, especially during the night, and feeling extremely thirsty.
Feelings of fatigue are common, while cuts and wounds may take longer to heal.
Losing weight without trying to is also a cause for concern, which requires medical attention.
If you're concerned you might have diabetes, but would like a definite answer, the best thing to do is to arrange a blood test via your doctor.
Do discuss your concerns, and any symptoms you might be experiencing, and the doctor can arrange for your blood sugar levels to be checked.
Your results may come back as "pre-diabetes", meaning your blood sugar leaves are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered diabetes.
This does mean, however, that you're at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Going to the dentist is one of those activities that is seldom on anyone’s list of favorite things. Yet, doing so regularly is essential to preserve oral health. And, while some people put off scheduling routine teeth cleanings, there are instances when certain conditions require prioritizing such a visit. This is the case with wisdom teeth. For some individuals, these teeth cause chronic pain and infections, among other recurring ailments. But what, exactly, is the role of wisdom teeth? Why do they cause so many issues? And what can you do to reduce swelling after their removal?
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars, located in the back of your mouth. They get their peculiar name because — as opposed to the rest of your teeth — they appear in the late teens or young adulthood. In some individuals, wisdom teeth grow without any issues. When this happens, they help a person chew better. However, for many other people, there isn’t enough space on the back of their gums for a new set of teeth to surface comfortably.
Why are wisdom teeth removed?
In addition to discomfort, when wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow, they either come in partially, come out in the wrong position, or they are impacted — which means they are stuck right under the gum line. Either one of these scenarios can become extremely painful. They can also cause additional issues, such as:
Food becomes trapped, increasing the risk of cavities
They give bacteria a better place to enter the bloodstream
They could damage the roots of nearby molars
They could damage the bones that support your teeth
They make it difficult to floss around your molars
If you’ve had braces, they can affect the alignment of your teeth
As a result of these issues, you may end up with cysts, gum disease, recurring infections, tumors, damage to neighboring teeth, and/or tooth decay. For these reasons, your dentist would recommend getting your wisdom teeth removed.
How to Reduce Swelling After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Removing your wisdom teeth requires oral surgery. As such, it’s common to experience swelling afterward — often peaking within three days after the procedure. Fortunately, there are several things you can do at home to reduce swelling and obtain relief:
1. Follow Instructions on Oral Care
Your dentist will give you instructions on how to best take care of your oral health post-procedure. Follow them, regardless of whether you’re too tired or they seem burdensome. If they cause any discomfort, talk with your dentist to see if they recommend any modifications. Keep in mind that these discomforts may also signal that something else needs to be addressed, so don’t keep them to yourself.
2. Rinse With Salt Water
Rinsing with salt water will help keep the gumline clean. This is because salt is antibacterial — and in addition to preventing infections, it could get rid of those in its initial stages. To do so, mix a teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm water. Rinse for one minute, three or four times a day. Swish the water around your mouth gently, then spit it out into your sink.
3. Use a Cold Compress
An ice pack or cold compress will help reduce swelling and decrease pain. If you use ice, wrap it in a towel. The reason why you should wrap ice is because direct contact with your skin could damage skin tissue and affect blood flow. Hold the cold pack over where the tooth extraction took place for about 15 minutes. Alternate holding it for that timeframe over both sides of your face for the first 24 hours after your wisdom teeth were removed.
4. Use a Heating Pad
Switching to a heating pad after the first 24 hours post-tooth extraction will help promote blood flow. Apply the pad on your face, directly above the affected area, and leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes at a time — alternating with the other side of your face if you had wisdom teeth removed from both sides. Do this for several days after the procedure, until you start to notice the swelling going down.
5. Keep Your Head Elevated
Take some time to allow your body to heal. Spend time sitting or lying down with your head elevated. Use several pillows when you go to sleep at night for up to five days after the wisdom teeth extraction. Doing so will prevent blood from pooling around the gumline where the wisdom teeth were removed. It will also promote better blood flow, which will reduce swelling.
When present-day life gets a little bit too occupied, many people delay significant matters that can come back to haunt them sooner or later. If you haven’t had any oral exam or dental cleaning in years, then it’s probably an opportune moment to recommit yourself to keeping up with your dental and overall health. With that in mind, you can then prevent tooth loss and other serious oral diseases and issues that may arise.
What Should I Expect if I Haven’t Been to the Dentist in Years?
Dental X-Rays
As a consequence of not getting enough professional dental help for years, your oral health will run a risk of potential changes or adjustments. That being said, your dentist will need to take some new X-rays to make sure that there aren’t any issues and problems just beneath the surface. This will also give your dentist plenty of time to screen for signs of oral cancer, tumors, and other serious oral issues.
Prolonged Teeth Cleaning
If you haven’t visited the dentist for a certain amount of time, you will likely have a substantial amount of plaque on the surfaces of your teeth. As a result, it could take a little while for the dental hygienist to professionally cleanse each of your teeth. Of course, you can shorten your time in the dentist’s chair by a great dental routine like brushing twice daily and flossing at least once every day.
Bleeding Gums
When your dentist will start to floss your teeth, your gums will probably bleed. But you don’t have to fear this. Gums bleed when they are not accustomed to the tension of floss, as it moves back and forth between the teeth. However, you can lessen the chances of bleeding gums by flossing your teeth at home at least once a day. In some cases, bleeding gums can be an indication of periodontal disease, which is why it is really important to see your dentist now and then to avoid potential long-term and serious problems.
A root canal specialist, also known as an endodontist, is the type of dentist that should be seen when a root canal procedure is needed. Endodontists are dentists who specifically work in diagnosing, treating and preventing injuries and diseases of the dental pulp of the teeth.
What is a root canal procedure like?
A root canal is a type of dental treatment that is used to restore and salvage a tooth that has become extremely decayed and inflamed or infected deep inside the pulp. In this procedure, an endodontist will remove the inflamed pulp, and the inside of the tooth is then carefully and thoroughly cleaned. It is then filled with gutta-percha, a material that is similar to rubber and seals the tooth. The tooth will then have a crown put on it to protect and restore it back to its normal function, as well as maintain a natural look. After the procedure is done, patients will be able to continue with their normal eating habits. Proper dental care ensures that the results from the root canal will last indefinitely.
What is a root canal specialist?
A root canal specialist is a highly skilled dentist with a higher level of training and experience compared to typical dentists. These specialists, known as endodontists, go to graduate school to further train for an extra two to three years after graduating from dental school. This education focuses on performing endodontic types of procedures. Endodontists focus on the dental pulp of teeth to help prevent diseases and injuries, as well as perform surgeries and dental implant procedures. They also have much more advanced equipment and a higher rate of success with their treatments, as well as the ability to manage pain issues in patients with more ease.
Is an endodontist needed?
While a regular dentist is able to successfully do a root canal procedure, there are advantages to picking an endodontist. In addition to the supplemental education and exceptional equipment, they have much more in-depth experience with the anatomy of the teeth and are better equipped to handle more complicated issues that can arise with root canals and other procedures. Due to their level of knowledge and training, going to an endodontist also means there will usually be fewer appointments.
When should an appointment with an endodontist be scheduled?
The signs of a dental issue that should be seen immediately by a root canal specialist include tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, swelling, redness, bleeding around the gums and an injury to the teeth.
Conclusion
A root canal specialist is a dentist with more training and education who is able to provide a higher level of care when it comes to procedures that focus on the dental pulp of the teeth, such as a root canal. If a person is experiencing symptoms such as tooth pain and sensitivity and a root canal is needed, then a visit to an endodontist is necessary.
Dentists use different types of dental fillings nowadays to restore a patient’s dental function. The filling material that they use includes gold, porcelain, plastic materials, resin fillings, and silver amalgam. Later we are going to determine the safest dental fillings and the pros and cons of each of them. All of these are considered to be safe and effective but a dentist that focuses on your dental concerns will know which one suits you best. Dr. Jack and the BID Castle Hill’s team can help provide the best treatment possible for your condition. Check out their site today.
Process of Filling A Tooth
After your dentist figures out the kind of tooth filling that’s perfect for you, you will undergo a step-by-step dental procedure.
Initially, you will receive an anesthetic to numb the treatment area.
Once the anesthesia kicks in, they will use various dental tools and drill the decayed area and remove it. The dentist will double-check if the decayed parts are thoroughly removed, after which, the open space where the fillings will be placed will be prepared by removing the cavity filled with bacteria and debris.
Depending on your preference and recommendation of your dentist, the dental filling will be placed into the tooth. It will also be polished before the procedure ends.
Comparing Dental Fillings
It’s a good thing that we can now choose from a variety of dental fillings. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Most of the time, dentists will recommend the best kind of fillings depending on the condition of the patient’s tooth. Other factors may also be considered in choosing the filling material for your teeth such as insurance coverage, cost, the severity of the decay, and its location.
To avoid dental health problems, fillings are placed into the teeth to prevent tooth decay and retain its functions.
According to www.dentalex.com.au here is a list of the different filling materials and the conditions that can be best used for.
Gold fillings. This filling material has plenty of advantages. It’s mostly recommended by dentists because it lasts for 10 to 15 years and it does not corrode. Another thing that makes it stand out is that it can withstand the force made by chewing. In comparison to silver amalgam, gold fillings are more aesthetic.On the contrary, gold fillings are way more expensive than other dental fillings, it typically cost ten times higher than silver and requires multiple office visits afterward. If you have existing silver fillings, adding a gold amalgam may not be recommended as the two metals can cause a galvanic shock when placed next to each other. Some patients do not prefer gold because of its color that stands out too much.
Silver fillings. Just like gold, silver fillings are durable and can last for more than 15 years. It is also strong enough to withstand chewing forces. Additionally, it’s cheaper and does not require high maintenance procedures.Disadvantages of silver amalgam include unpleasant appearance due to its color, discoloration of nearby teeth, and destruction of a large part of the teeth to give way to the metal. Lastly, it has the tendency to cause allergic reactions because of the mercury that’s present in silver. Unfortunately, some people claim that mercury can cause health problems as being exposed to it can ultimately affect the brain and lungs.
Composites. One of the best things about composites is that it can be matched to the exact color of the patient’s teeth making look natural. This is often used on visible parts of the teeth as the front area. It can also provide support to the teeth as it is micro-mechanically bonded to the tooth. Apart from its use as a dental filling, composites are also used to fix broken, chipped, and worn teeth.
Compared with gold and silver fillings, composite does not require the destruction of parts of the teeth.Sadly, just like all dental fillings, composites have their drawbacks as well. First of all, it is not as durable and as strong as amalgams, in fact, it is known to last for 5 years only. The procedure time is longer because of the delicate process of placing it into the tooth. Depending on the dental problem, it might also require several dental visits. The location of the fillings also adds up to the fact that it can cause tooth chipping.
Other Types of Fillings
Technically, all dental fillings are safe to use. It’s only a matter of choosing the right material to make sure that no dental health problems will arise following the placement of the fillings. Other dental fillings are:
Ceramic. This is one of the fillings that can provide a natural look without compromising its quality. Ceramic fillings are as expensive as gold amalgams and can also last for 15 years.
Glass ionomer. This dental filling is commonly used in children and young patients. Typically, it’s placed below the gums to help protect the tooth from decay. Very few people prefer this material as it’s not as durable as others and it has the tendency to be fractured.
The safety of your dental structure depends on how you take care of your fillings and the expertise of your dentist. Be sure to always consider the recommendations of your doctor as they know which filling material is most suitable for you.
Are you do a dental checkup, which involves taking a dental X-ray? Dental X-rays are an important tool for dentists as they allow them to assess your oral health beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Dental X-rays are considered safe for most people.
However, are dental X-rays safe during pregnancy? If you are pregnant and due for a dental X-ray is safe to go ahead with it or should you postpone until you have given birth?
Continue reading the article as we answer these and other questions about dental care during pregnancy.
Why Do Dentists Use X-Rays?
Dental X-rays, which are also known as radiographs, are a non-invasive procedure. They allow dentists to diagnose various oral health issues that cannot be detected with the naked eye.
By analyzing X-rays, dentists can identify dental problems early before they become serious issues and start causing patients discomfort or pain. They can help prevent infections and other serious oral health problems and address them before they require more expensive and extensive treatment.
Types of Dental X-Rays
There is a range of X-rays dentists can use depending on the situation. For example, they can use them to identify cavities below the surface of a tooth, evaluate orthodontic issues, monitor how previous work such as root canals is progressing, and monitor a child’s dental development.
X-rays commonly used in dentistry include:
bitewings for detecting tooth decay and periodontal, which are gum health problems
full mouth series help establish a baseline of your overall dental health and include approximately twenty X-rays usually taken on your first visit to a new dentist
panoramic X-rays are used to evaluate not just your tooth and gum health but the health of the whole mouth and the surrounding area
periapical X-rays focus on a single area of your mouth. For example, if you have pain in a certain area or the dentist is doing a root canal.
All the above radiographs use electromagnetic radiation in short bursts to capture an image. In the X-ray images, issues such as cavities and infections look darker than healthy teeth and gums. The amount of radiation emitted during the image capturing is small and safe.
It is natural to be concerned about the health of your baby and worry about radiation exposure if you have to have dental X-rays. However, having dental X-rays while you are expecting is perfectly safe.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that dental X-rays are safe for all, including pregnant women and children. When you have a dental X-ray, the exposure is focused on your mouth, away from the fetus and it will not harm it at all.
X-Ray Safety Standards
Both dentists and dental hygienists and their assistants have trained to deliver dental X-rays safely. They are required to follow strict safety standards published by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
All X-ray equipment must be licensed and inspected every year. The X-ray technologies are regulated by the local authorities as well as the state who also ensure the safety guidelines are followed by all dental practices.
Your and Your Baby’s Safety During a Dental X-Ray
Your dentist will ensure the safety of you and your unborn child by adhering to the safety guidelines, which include:
only using equipment that has been licensed and inspected by the authorities
placing a protective leaded apron on your abdomen, which will block radiation from the X-ray
short exposure time
lower level of radiation exposure than is used in most other imaging technologies used in the medical field
Dental diagnostic X-ray imaging does not use high levels of radiation that could harm a developing fetus. In addition, the focus is on the mouth, so it is not near the baby, who also has additional protection from the apron.
In addition, the potential to diagnose problems that could compromise the mother’s health is considered to outweigh the risks, which are minimal.
New Technologies Have Improved Safety of Dental X-Rays
Modern technologies have greatly improved the safety of X-ray imaging. Instead of photographic film that was used in conventional X-rays, today dentists can use digital images. This has greatly reduced the amount of exposure since digital images need approximately 80% less radiation exposure than film.
An additional advance has been technology known as Cone Beam Computerized Tomography, CBCT for short. It is used to create a 3D panoramic image of the whole dental anatomy of a patient. The images created using CBCT minimize radiation exposure and are more accurate than 2D X-rays.
Should You Delay Having a Dental X-Ray if You Are Pregnant?
Dental X-rays are part of a comprehensive dental examination and an important diagnostic tool for dentists. The ADA recommends that all adults have a dental X-ray once every one or two years, depending on the overall oral health of the patient.
If you choose to delay your X-rays, it could mean that dental diseases, tooth decay, gum disease, or other dental issues go undiagnosed. If not noticed and addressed in time, the problems could get worse and cause pain and lead to more serious dental health complications.
Because the risks are minimal, it is best not to delay your dental X-rays. However, some patients choose to delay them slightly, just until they are through the first trimester. They do this because the first trimester is the most active time in the development of the fetus.
If you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant, make sure to disclose this to your dentist. You can also discuss any concerns you have about dental X-rays or other dental procedures with your dentist. They will be able to advise you further on these issues.
Oral Health Problems During Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, you may experience increased acidity in your mouth because of sugary cravings and morning sickness, For some pregnant women, hormonal changes can cause gingivitis. This is a gum disease where the gums bleed easily, become inflamed, and develop an exaggerated response to plaque.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can become periodontitis, which is a more serious condition. Periodontitis causes the gums to recede and the teeth can become loose and fall out.
In the worst cases, dental issues such as periodontitis could lead to complications in pregnancy. For example, inflammation and periodontitis could result in pre-term delivery, low birth weight, and pre-eclampsia.
Is It Safe to Have Dental Surgery When Pregnant?
If you need dental surgery while you are pregnant, there are no reasons not to go ahead with it. Once your dentist knows you are pregnant, they will pick an anesthetic that is safe to use when you are expecting.
It is best not to delay your dental surgery because of your pregnancy. If the issue is not treated, it will have time to grow and you may end up needing more complicated and expensive surgery as a result. Dental issues could also lead to loss of teeth and even issues with your pregnancy.
Plan Ahead
If you are planning to get pregnant, it is a good idea to include your oral health in your plans. Get an appointment booked with your dentist to get your teeth and gums checked in advance and then you will not have to worry about dental appointments, X-rays, or other procedures during the pregnancy.
During your appointment, you can also talk to your dentist about looking after your teeth when you are pregnant. They can advise you about potential changes that pregnancy can cause in your mouth and how to address them.
Looking After Your Teeth While Pregnant
It is just as important to look after your teeth while you are pregnant as it is at other times. It is the best way to prevent dental issues before, during, and after pregnancy. Keep up your dental hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day and do not skip scheduled dental checkups.
