Oral pain may arise due to a number of reasons besides dental issues. However, seeing as how dental issues are the most prevalent in that area of the body, most people immediately assume a mouth problem is a dental problem.
Do all instances of mouth pain require a visit to the dentist, though? Not necessarily… but in almost all instances, having a dentist check out what’s going wrong in your mouth can prove useful.
Not quite sold? Consider this: nearly 90 percent of diseases may cause symptoms in your mouth. Ninety percent!
Even if you are not ultimately dealing with something that is strictly a “dental” problem, getting a dentist’s professional opinion on your mouth pain is generally worthwhile.
Some general symptoms to look out for when caring for your oral health are:
Tooth, jaw, or gum pain
Teeth that are exhibiting looseness
Bad breath that recurs on a daily basis
Lumps, irregular patches, sores, and bruises in your mouth
If any of these symptoms are noticeable, you should consult with your dentist right away. They’ll either treat the issue or consult you to another healthcare professional for further treatment.
Let’s look at some specific types of mouth pain.
Toothache
Toothaches are the most prevalent form of dental pain. They are caused by the decaying of one’s teeth, abscessed teeth, gum infection, repetitive motions such as grinding teeth, fractured or sensitive teeth, and damaged fillings.
Symptoms of toothache include drainage from the affected tooth, headaches with a low fever, swelling in the gums or around the tooth, and – of course – pain in the tooth. This pain may be dull, throbbing, sharp, constant, or irregular. In some instances, pain may only result if pressure is applied to the teeth.
Does a toothache require a dentist? If it is severe, persists for more than a couple of days, and causes pain in your head, ears, jaw, or cheeks when you open your mouth – you better believe it!
Sore or Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums often indicate an underlying problem, such as an oral injury, complications arising due to pregnancy, brushing one’s teeth too vigorously, or inflammation. Sore gums can also be an indication of gum disease or gingivitis. If left untreated, this may develop into periodontitis.
They can also be an indication of some underlying condition, such as diabetes.
A visit to the dentist will tell you if you have gum disease and whether you need some advanced dental treatment, such as scaling or root planting. The dentist may refer you to another healthcare professional if the issue is a symptom of something else, such as oral thrush, or a gynecological issue resulting from pregnancy or menopause.
Lumps, Patches, Mouth Sores
Generally, these are a sign that you are suffering from either canker sores or fungal infection. However, they can also be a symptom of oral cancer, some signs of which may include: bleeding sores that do not heal, lumps inside your mouth, discolored tissue, shifting of teeth, and rough spots within your mouth.
Mouth Inflammation
Mouth inflammation causes pain, heat, swelling, and redness inside your mouth. There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic.
Acute inflammation is caused by burning your mouth. For example, by consuming hot beverages. In most acute cases, the inflammation heals within a few hours. You do not need to get medical help except in the most serious cases of acute inflammation.
If you suffer from chronic inflammation, however, it’s better to get it checked by a dentist.
Why? Because chronic inflammation can be related to gum disease or something more serious, such as mouth cancer. Chronic inflammation can also be a symptom of heart disease or diabetes and may occur if you’re having a stroke.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning Mouth Syndrome refers to the sensation of burning on your tongue, the roof of your mouth, or the inside of your cheeks. It’s characterized by a scalding sensation. If the pain doesn’t go away or worsens, you should see your dentist about it as soon as possible.
In some cases, it is related to stress, anxiety, and depression. In other cases, it’s linked to allergic reactions to toothpaste, mouthwash, or the material that dentures are made of. It might indicate a problem with one’s immune system, a hormonal imbalance, or nerve damage.
Psoriasis can affect any area of the body, including the mouth and tongue. The condition can cause cracks on the tongue or smooth patches, a complication called geographic tongue.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes a person’s skin to grow faster than average, resulting in changes in skin color and, often, scaly patches.
These patches can form anywhere on the body. Less frequently, psoriasis affects the mouth. Oral psoriasis can cause discolored patches with yellow or white edges to form on the tongue.
Read on to learn more about the symptoms, risk factors, and treatments for psoriasis on the tongue.
Symptoms of psoriasis on the tongue
Psoriasis can cause noticeable changes in the tongue’s color, texture, and feeling.
For example, people with psoriasis are more likely to develop an inflammatory condition called geographic tongue.
Although psoriasis on the tongue is rare, symptoms include:
discolored patches with yellow or white borders
swelling and discoloration on the tongue
smooth patches
fissures or cracks in the surface of the tongue
Psoriasis on the tongue can be tricky to diagnose because signs may be mild or even unnoticeable. However, for some people, these symptoms can lead to pain or swelling so severe that it makes eating or drinking difficult.
A thorough examination and testing can help a doctor determine if a person with a geographic tongue has oral psoriasis.
How does psoriasis affect the mouth, gums, and lips?
Psoriasis typically does not affect the mouth. When it does, people may experienceTrusted Source the following symptoms:
peeling skin on the gums
sores or pustules in or around the mouth
pain or a burning sensation when eating hot or spicy foods
a noticeable change in taste
In most cases, the patches or sores will appear inside the cheeks.
Risk factors for psoriasis on the tongue
To develop psoriasis, a person must have at least one relevant gene and experience exposure to triggers.
Several factors can triggerTrusted Source psoriasis, including:
stress
medications
infection
injury to the skin
Psoriasis may affect only one area of the body or several, and it may arise in new places. No matter where it occurs, psoriasis is not contagious, so a person cannot pass on the condition to others.
Treatment
Many treatments can helpTrusted Source people manage their psoriasis symptoms.
Oral psoriasis sometimes requires no treatment. However, consult a doctor if the symptoms interfere with daily activities.
For people with oral psoriasis, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories or topical anesthetics such as lidocaine. These medications can help reduce inflammation and pain, making it easier to eat and drink.
A person may notice improvements in oral psoriasis if they treat body-wide symptoms. Typically, when treating psoriasis, a doctor will prescribe medications such as:
non-biological medications, such as methotrexate
biological treatments, such as guselkumab
acitretin
cyclosporine
phototherapy
topical treatments such as steroid creams, emollients, or ointments.
Prevention
To prevent psoriasis symptoms from flaring up, it can help to avoid triggers. For psoriasis on the tongue, a person can:
avoid spicy or very hot foods
quit smoking
use mouth rinses
practice good oral hygiene
It can also help to reduce stress, which can worsen symptoms.
The answer to this question is simple – Yes, Diabetes can cause dry lips and dry mouth. It is more common in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes.
Dry lips and dry mouth are common occurrences in anyone’s life. It is experienced by diabetics too. But the difference is that when a diabetic person shares it, it is often not just something common or ignorable; it is rather a very serious symptom that needs to be catered to with attention.
It is easy to understand from the name that it is a condition where the mouth and lips feel dry and devoid of moisture. This can affect the individual. It is seen in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients.
This is a problem that can also lead to other serious dysfunctions. Therefore, it must not be ignored.
A high blood sugar level in the body due to uncontrolled diabetic levels is often the cause behind a dry mouth and dry lips. This condition is termed – Xerostomia.
This is a very uncomfortable feeling. This symptom is often accompanied by other signs such as:
Dry tongue
Chapped and cracked lips
A Rough feeling inside the mouth
Sores and infections in the mouth
Painful gums
Trouble in swallowing food
Bruises and cracks
Bad breath
Now, we just had a look at what Dry lips in diabetes are. But what is the reason behind this? Let us find out.
How does Diabetes cause Dry lips?
We confirmed that prevailing diabetic conditions could be the reason behind dry lips. But you might be wondering … how are drying of lips linked to diabetes?
Well, let us now get into answering this essential question.
The primary reason diabetic patients experience a dry mouth is the fluctuating and often high blood sugar levels. When the body’s blood sugar levels see a sudden and unusual sugar level, it can lead to several different symptoms. One of them is dry lips and mouth.
Unmanaged high blood sugar levels can lead to the drying up of the lips. This can be caused by two reasons.
One of the reasons is the intake of high sugar foods that give rise to a high blood sugar level. The other reason is that improper production and release of insulin in the body can also drastically increase blood sugar levels.
The occurrence of dry lips can be either persistent or come and go every once in a while. This depends on when and how much your blood sugar level rises. If it is always at high ends, then it may lead to prevailing dry lips all the time.
These are the two main reasons that can lead to dry lips in diabetics.
Other explanations or causes of dry lips can be due to:
High blood pressure
Kidney issues
Dehydration
Medicines for blood pressure control
Antidepressant medicines
These other causes may often be linked to diabetes as well. This is because diabetes is a condition that leads to the development or severing of several bodily issues and ailments.
This has a tendency to become a serious problem and lead to discomfort. Thus, it is necessary to understand this condition well and take appropriate measures to manage it.
Let us have a look at what the effects of dry lips can be. Only when we know what the consequences of it are can we properly resolve the problem.
Here we go.
What are the effects of drying lips due to diabetes?
We now know what dry lips are, how they are connected to diabetes, and their causes. Now, let us go on to have a look at what the effects of dry lips and dry mouth can be.
The drying up of moisture in the mouth can be very uncomfortable. It has the following effects:
Drying mouth and lips is a cause for less saliva production, leading to discomfort in swallowing food or water.
Saliva in the mouth plays an important role in directing the food in its right path and keeping away bacteria and other microbes that may lead to harmful effects in the mouth.
Dryness in the lips results in cracked and chapped lips that can often be painful. If too severe, they can even bleed. It is also very uneasy and hampers with sensation.
Dry mouth and lips can also lead to gum sores, diseases, and infections. It can hamper daily eating too. Hence, it is very essential to keep a check on it all.
The risk of fungal infection in the mouth can also increase. There can be an infestation of oral yeast leading to inflammation and infection.
These problems and increasing symptoms can also give rise to tooth decay. This makes the diabetic condition even worse and adds several other issues to the health.
Hence, the negative effect of blood sugar problems can also have a drastic influence on the drying up of lips and mouth. The persistently high levels of carbohydrates in the body can contribute to other complications of health.
To keep away from these health-related discomforts, one must make sure to have a good meal and diet plan that suits their diabetic needs. Restrictions and medicines must be followed very efficiently to ensure protection and prevent the severing of these symptoms.
There are many other ways to keep away dry lips that are caused by diabetes. We have a list of tips and tricks that can help you overcome this dry lips and mouth issue.
Let us move on to look at these effective ways to deal with dry lips and mouth.
9 Easy Solutions to prevent of Dry Lips in Diabetes
Now you are aware of how and why this drying of the lips due to diabetes. And now, it is time to look at some preventive and curing measures to help your prevailing condition of dry lips and mouth.
It can create several uncomfortable issues and lead to bad maintenance of the teeth and gums, leading to many other problems. Therefore, it is very crucial to take into consideration the ways that can solve these problems.
We have some tips to include in your everyday schedules to ensure safety and keep your diabetic symptoms under check.
Here are 9 easy tips to get rid of them:
First of all, it is important to take your insulin doses properly. Insulin doses help to keep the blood sugar levels out of high risks of spiking. Thus, it can help to maintain the blood sugar levels and hence keep away other symptoms too. Also, make sure to attend your doctor’s and dentist’s appointments regularly.
This tip might seem too simple, but it is one that works the best. It is important to drink enough water all day. This is anyway a required criterion for diabetic patients besides;, it also helps with retaining moisture in the mouth. It is advisable to drink around 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.
If you are a frequent user of cigarettes, tobacco, and a regular alcohol drinker, it is necessary to pay attention to these things. They can also lead to dry lisp and mouth. The frequency of smoking and drinking must either be reduced or completely cut off.
If you live in a dry and dehydrating place, you can use a humidifier in your rooms to maintain a moist environment.
It is also aided well if you brush your teeth at least twice a day. This keeps the gums, tongue, and mouth safe and prevents any excess damage due to dry lips or mouth.
Flossing is a good way to let the mouth be clean and keep away any germs that may lead to infection. Possibly use an alcohol-free mouthwash for best results.
Sucking on mints, chewing gums, etc., can also keep the mouth protected from moisture loss. It also keeps the mouth cool and comfortable.
You can also use moisturizing lip care ointments that can prevent chapped lips and keep away the pain. There are many medicinal balms available too.
Include foods that have high fiber in them. They help keep the sugar levels low and controlled, leading to the prevention of other symptoms.
In fact, about four out of every 10 Americans experience recurring headaches, though they feel healthy otherwise. One in eight Americans have chronic headaches so severe as to be debilitating.
No other pain problem is more widespread among Americans than headaches.
This is something that can interrupt your work, studies, or home schedule, and you’ve likely attempted numerous remedies to alleviate the situation.
However, there’s probably one that you never even thought about: have you considered that your teeth may be at fault for your headaches?
What Dental Problems Have to Do with Headaches
About 80 percent of chronic headaches are caused by tense muscles. Muscles that are held tight for prolonged periods begin to feel achy, and tight muscles in your jaw can result in headaches.
These types of tension headaches may occur on either side of your head or feel like they are wrapped around it. They typically feel like a low-level, dull pain that does not throb, and over-the-counter pain killers are usually sufficient to relieve the pain.
How can you tell if your headache truly has its origin in your mouth? You might notice the following symptoms:
Jaw joints that click or pop
Jaw muscles feel sore in the morning upon waking
Evidence of grinding teeth
Painful scalp or head when touched
Pain behind eyes
Pain in cheeks
Pain in teeth or an individual tooth
Your bite can be the source of your headaches and pain. When you close your jaw to swallow, your upper teeth must meet your lower teeth firmly to keep the jaw properly aligned. Since we swallow more than 2000 times per day, it’s essential to have a well-formed bite or pain can result.
If you have a missing tooth or teeth that are out of alignment, your jaw muscles must use more effort to bring the upper and lower teeth together. The extra strain on your jaw muscles cause pain, which turns into a headache.
Jaw Pain Can Continue to Radiate Out Past Your Head As Well
That’s right. Jaw pain can radiate out to other areas of your body, like your neck and spine.
Your jaw muscles are connected to your neck muscles. If your jaw muscles are working extra hard due to the situation previously described, your neck muscles may have to overcompensate. This radiates pain to your neck, which may also cause tense muscles in your back.
Before long, you may be complaining of neck and back pain in addition to your frequent headaches!
Your body could be stuck in a painful loop, when pain triggered by your bite is picked up by the trigeminal nerve, the largest nerve in your head. This nerve will transmit the mouth pain along the muscles in your face, then send it to your neck, and issue it to the muscles in your scalp. Head pain can trigger more jaw pain, which starts the cycle all over. This can lead to chronic headaches.
Teeth Can Be the Culprits, Too
Another reason you may experience headaches from a mouth problem is if you have a damaged tooth. A throbbing or sharp pain in your mouth can transform into a headache.
You may, for example, have a tooth with an exposed nerve, and cold foods can irritate it. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to seek dental care immediately so the tooth can be repaired and bacteria prevented from entering your bloodstream and causing serious problems.
How a Dentist Can Help
A skilled dentist will be trained to know if your bite or a missing tooth is causing your headaches. They will perform an exam of your jaw, neck muscles, and teeth to evaluate whether the pain source is in your mouth. If that proves true, your dentist will recommend courses of treatment to correct your bite.
If the source of the problem is determined to be bruxism, your dentist will fit you with a custom dental appliance. This rubbery insert prevents you from grinding your teeth at night, and will soon relieve the morning pain you’re experiencing. Also, it will protect your teeth from further enamel erosion, which can lead to periodontitis and other serious dental problems.
Your dentist may also recommend other physical therapy or chiropractic treatments to alleviate neck and back pain and realign your spine.
If you experience a headache with any of these symptoms, waste no time in seeking emergency care to rule out a life-threatening illness like a stroke or brain aneurism:
Dentists and doctors have more in common than supplemental schooling and white coats. Between oral and overall health, your body works as a system. Oftentimes 1 health issue can cross over to these 2 professions. Though dentists are trained in teeth, oral health issues can signal serious systemic illnesses. How dentists can help doctors detect a diagnosis:
Diabetes and Gum Disease
14% of New Mexico’s population has diabetes. Those with the disease are at high risk for developing gum disease. And it’s a 2-way street. Gum disease makes it hard to control blood sugar levels, which can compromise overall health. And because symptoms are sometimes subtle, diabetes can go unnoticed for years. The mouth offers clear-cut signals of the disease, and your dentist is trained to spot these warning signs.
If you’re diabetic or pre-diabetic, take control of your oral health. Diabetics with gum disease who receive appropriate dental care are healthier and often experience a reduction in blood glucose levels.
HPV and Oral Cancer
Genital HPV, human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S. and world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s estimated that 90% of adults have been exposed to some form of the disease. Every sexually active person is at risk for contracting HPV. And HPV can cause oral cancer.
Your dentist is often your first line of defense when it comes to spotting oral cancer. He or she will check for signs during a routine exam. In addition to practicing safe sex, it’s important to stay on top of your preventive care visits with your doctor AND dentist.
Heart Disease and Gum Disease
In fact, researchers recently discovered a link between oral bacteria and heart disease. Rather than judging gum disease severity through inflammation and bleeding, dentists can now identify specific types of bacteria present in the mouth. This gives them the ability to detect a patient’s probability for heart complications.
Reduce your risk for heart disease! Keep your teeth healthy, exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet.
Dentists and doctors may be different, but they can both make a positive impact on your overall health.
In this oral surgery, the dentist takes tissue from the roof of your mouth and attaches it to your gum line. The objective here is to cover the exposed roots of your teeth to guard them from harm. For extraordinarily damaged gums, gum graft surgery can help restore some misplaced tissue. The best approach to treat gum recession is to forestall it happening within the first place.
How Can You Reverse Gum Loss?
It is enough to mix solely a pinch of salt and heat water and rinse it within the oral cavity. In addition, it is desirable to rub with a little clove oil for inflamed gums. In addition, as an alternative of oil, the uncooked nail can be used by chewing to release its liquid that impacts the infected gums. This home remedy has been shown to scale back swelling, swelling, pain and bleeding of the gums. Pinhole surgical technique is an innovative surgical procedure for receding gums. During PST, your dentist makes a tiny hole in your gum tissue above the exposed tooth root.
And while receding gums can’t grow back, there are ways to catch gum recession early and forestall it from getting worse. A traditional gum grafting procedure entails excising tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth and using it to cover the exposed root. Dr. Lamas can cover one or two teeth during this sort of procedure.
Reverse Gum Loss
Healthy gums fit snugly round your teeth and cover the sensitive roots. But hundreds of thousands of Americans have receding gums, a situation that makes gum tissue loosen and pull back from teeth, exposing them to break and decay. In superior stages of periodontitis, the gums aren’t able to keep teeth in place, causing them to become loose, fall out, or require elimination by a dentist. Want to know more about How Do You Reverse Receding Gum Line?
This treatment is best for gentle circumstances, as it is mainly to stop additional gum recession. Regardless of the precise explanation for your receding gums, treatment is necessary for stopping further dental issues and complications. At home, you must adopt cautious dental hygiene habits.
This is becoming a very popular treatment choice because each the procedure and the outcomes occur very quickly. Dental professionals who know all about reversing periodontitis. Use a great every day vitamin supplement and make certain you might be obtaining the day by day minerals required. People can even ask their dentist for tips about modifying this method to handle their receded gums. When cleaning the inside surfaces of the entrance teeth, maintain the toothbrush vertically.
How To Reverse Receding Gum Line?
Many people don’t even realize that they have receding gums until it’s already occurring. However, should you discover any signs of gum recession, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately. The course of may be treated to each prevent additional injury and to repair any lack of gums. GGS helps prevent bone loss and the gums from receding further. It also can protect the previously exposed tooth roots from decay. Most importantly, receding gums can be a symptom of underlying dental problems, together with gum disease, and may increase the danger of tooth decay and tooth loss.
According to a examine, fluoride decreased the rate of tooth decay by a median rate of round 29%. Another examine came upon that living in a spot which does not have fluoridated water can enhance the prospect of tooth decay by as much as 32%. The subject of gum recession is a tricky one, especially as a end result of we are going to all face it sooner or later. If your dentist sees that at-home strategies haven’t cured your gingivitis, s/he could prescribe a round of antibiotics to battle the infection. Avoid typical mouthwash dangers by utilizing alternatives like natural mouthwash. Not only should you use a good, soft-bristled brush, you should discover the best way to keep in mind to alter it out typically.
Reverse Receding Gums Naturally
We also present tips on the way to slow and stop its development. Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide and water resolution. The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric gel may help prevent plaque formation and gingivitis that lead to receding gums.
There are several natural remedies for treating receding gums. However, you should all the time seek the guidance of along with your dentist to choose the most suitable resolution for you. A periodontist can determine the most effective course of treatment to keep away from wasting gum tissues and your teeth.
Reverse Receding Gums Naturally
Hormonal changes also can wreak havoc in your oral health. If you wear dentures, your dentist should ensure that they match correctly, as this can also result in problems. Have you ever puzzled what your dentist is doing when they’re poking around your teeth and calling out numbers to your dental hygienist? Also generally identified as receding gums, gum recession is an oral condition where the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth.
Most people wake up in the morning with less than kissable breath. But when bad breath, also known as halitosis, interferes with your confidence and social life, it's time to figure out what's causing it. Do cavities cause bad breath? And is your oral care routine strong enough to keep bad breath away? Here's what may be causing your bad breath and how you can remedy it.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath results from an accumulation of germs in the mouth. According to a review in the Journal of Pharmacy and BioAllied Sciences (JPBS, the official publication of the Organization of Pharmaceutical Unity with BioAllied Sciences registered in India), when certain germs in the mouth interact with proteins in the saliva, this creates volatile sulfur compounds. The sulfur compounds are what we smell when we realise it's time to grab a mint. According to the JPBS review, bad breath can be caused by:
Poor oral hygiene that allows food debris to get trapped in the mouth
Gum problems and periodontitis
Germs on the tongue
Ear, nose and throat problems, including tonsillitis and sinusitis
Dry mouth
Personal habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
Do Cavities Cause Bad Breath?
Cavities are small holes in the teeth where germs collect and eat away at the enamel. While cavities do not directly cause bad breath, they can contribute to it. Germs can get stuck and accumulate in the decay pockets, making it more difficult to keep your mouth clean and your breath fresh, explains the American Dental Association (ADA).
Bad breath does not necessarily signal a cavity, but it could indicate that you have one. That's why it's important to maintain regular dental appointments and see your dentist right away if you suspect that you have a cavity or if you are experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain.
Manage Bad Breath and Cavities Like a Pro
One of the easiest ways to manage and prevent both bad breath and cavities is to practise good oral hygiene. Start with brushing twice a day. Brushing your teeth physically removes decay-causing germs and food particles. You should also floss daily to remove lingering germs and food particles hiding in between your teeth.
Keeping your mouth moist is important for fresh breath, too. A healthy saliva flow is one of the best defenses against bad breath, as it washes out the mouth, notes the ADA. Be sure to drink plenty of water and talk to your doctor about any possible contributing factors for dry mouth, such as taking certain medications.
Smoking is another contributor to bad breath, and it can also increase your risk for gum problems, explains the ADA. Ask your doctor for strategies to help you quit.
If you wear dentures or another oral appliance, the US-based Mayo Clinic suggests cleaning them daily to prevent bad breath. Follow your dentist's specific directions for cleaning your appliance.
Finally, seeing your dentist regularly ensures that your mouth stays healthy. A professional teeth cleaning can remove germs and food that your toothbrush at home may miss. Your dental professional will also check for cavities that could harbour bad germs. If they do detect any cavities, they can fill them to stop the condition from worsening.
Bad breath can be a real bummer. While cavities do not directly cause bad breath, you can prevent both bad breath and cavities by practising good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly.
Even after trying your best to prevent tooth decay, sometimes the dentist finds a little cavity or two. It may be tempting to put off tooth decay treatment when you're not feeling any pain, but procrastination comes with a price: Tooth decay doesn't repair itself, and what starts out as a minor problem can quickly become serious, changing your treatment options dramatically.
The Start of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay refers to the damage of the teeth enamel. The enamel is the tough, external part of your teeth. This can be problematic to adults, teens and children. A sticky layer of film known as plaque continuously forms on the teeth. When you drink or eat foods containing sugars, these germs in the plaque manufacture acids which attack the tooth enamel. The sticky plaque helps keep the acids in contact with the teeth and after a period of time, the enamel breaks down.
Signs and Severity of Tooth Decay
You won't notice pain and sensitivity until decay goes through the enamel into the dentin layer. Dentin is made up of tiny nerve endings that become irritated and cause sensitivity when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, sticky and sour foods. You may also feel discomfort when biting down and find that food frequently gets trapped between your teeth.
Decay spreads rapidly through dentin because it is much softer than enamel. Root decay also spreads quickly, since the cementum covering on the root is not as hard and thick as enamel. Be warned that as tooth decay continues, your pain may be more frequent and intense.
It is important to remember that infection develops when decay and germs reach the pulp portion of your tooth, which contains the nerves and blood vessels. Pain from an abscessed tooth is persistent, serious and will likely keep you up at night. Other symptoms include fever, facial swelling and a bad taste in your mouth. You may notice pus draining from a red swelling on your gum near the root tip. Consequences can be serious if the infection spreads into your jawbone or throughout your body.
Tooth Decay Treatment
If your dentist detects a small area of erosion on your enamel before it reaches the dentin, he may suggest an approach that would help repair the spot. This process might include at home use remedies. Alternatively he may suggest using mouthwashes, toothpastes or filling materials that contain fluoride, calcium and phosphates.
When decay reaches the dentin, there is no turning back. A small cavity can be repaired with either an amalgam filling (composed of silver and other metals) or a tooth-colored resin material. If the tooth has lost a lot of its structure, however, your dentist may need to do a crown. Crowns strengthen and restore shape and function to your teeth, but they cost quite a bit more than a simple filling.
An abscessed tooth is the worst-case scenario, and your treatment options are slim: You can either opt for a root canal treatment or an extraction, though dentists will typically only do extractions when there are no other means of saving the tooth. Should you require a root canal, your dentist or an endodontist will remove the unhealthy pulp and clean and seal the pulp chamber. After root canal treatment, teeth can become more brittle and break easily. If you lost a lot of tooth structure due to decay, your dentist may also recommend a crown for your tooth.
Do you see a pattern here? The longer you put off dental treatment, the more involved and expensive it becomes — and the more pain you may have to endure. The moral of this story is to go to the dentist at the first sign of trouble. Better yet, help prevent decay from occurring by brushing and flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for a more thorough cleaning and checkup.
Having cavity-free teeth doesn’t mean you have healthy gums. Since it’s usually painless, you may not know if something is wrong with your gums. A few strategies can help you keep your whole mouth healthy.
When it comes to your mouth’s health, it’s not all about how straight your teeth are or how bright your smile is. You can’t forget about your gums!
What is gum disease?
Gum disease starts when plaque builds up under and along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film-like substance that’s filled with bacteria. It can cause infections that hurt the gum and bone, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque also can cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis causes your gums to become:
inflamed
tender
red
swollen
prone to bleeding
Fortunately, since the bone and tissue holding the teeth in place aren’t impacted, this damage is reversibleTrusted Source.
You can also develop periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. Periodontitis impacts the bones that hold your teeth in place. Left untreated, it can ruin the gums, bones, and tissues connected to your teeth.
The final stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis. This is when the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed. It can impact your bite, and teeth may need to be removed.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), signs that you might have gum disease include:
consistently bad taste or breath
separating or loose permanent teeth
gums that easily bleed
gums that are swollen, red, or tender
gums that have pulled away from your teeth
Gum disease is preventable. Here are a few ways you can help keep your gums healthy.
1. Floss
Floss at least once a day. This helps remove the plaque and food that’s beyond your toothbrush’s reach, according to the ADA. It doesn’t matter when you floss. Do it at night, do it in the morning, or do it after lunch… just do it!
2. Get regular dental cleanings
Your dentist can detect early gum disease symptoms if you see them on a regular basis. That way symptoms can be treated before they become more serious. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar. It can also get rid of any plaque you missed when brushing or flossing. If you have gingivitis, brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings can help reverse it.
3. Quit smoking
Yet another reason for smokers to quit: Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease. Since smoking weakens your immune system, it also makes it harder to fight off a gum infection, say the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source. Plus, smoking makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they’ve been damaged.
4. Brush twice a day
Brush your teeth after every meal. This helps remove the food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Scrub your tongue too, since it can harbor bacteria. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles and fit in your mouth comfortably, says the Mayo Clinic.
Consider a battery-powered or electric toothbrush. These can help reduce gingivitis and plaque more than manual brushing. Swap toothbrushes or toothbrush heads every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles start to fray.
Try an electric toothbrush today.
5. Use fluoride toothpaste
As for toothpaste, store shelves are lined with brands that claim to reduce gingivitis, freshen breath, and whiten teeth. How do you know which one is best for healthy gums? Make sure to choose toothpaste that contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of acceptance. After that, the flavor and color is up to you!
You can purchase toothpaste that contains fluoride online.
6. Use a therapeutic mouthwash
Usually available over the counter, therapeutic mouthwashes can help reduce plaque, prevent or reduce gingivitis, reduce the speed that tarter develops, or a combination of these benefits, according to the ADA. Plus: A rinse helps remove food particles and debris from your mouth, though it’s not a substitute for flossing or brushing. Look for the ADA seal, which means it’s been deemed effective and safe.
It doesn’t matter whether your brush, floss, or rinse first. Just do a good job and use the right products.
It’s normal for your mouth to contain bacteria. However, when the bacteria build up, gum disease can develop. Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that coats the teeth.
The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It involves gum inflammation, but it doesn’t always cause symptoms. It’s possible to have gingivitis without realizing it.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. This is the more advanced stage of gum disease. It can damage the gums and lead to tooth loss over time.
To learn more about gingivitis and periodontitis, read on. We’ll explain the different symptoms and treatment, as well as how to prevent gum disease.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is mild gum disease. It typically causes minor issues, which might come and go. When treated early, the condition is reversible.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of gingivitis include:
red, swollen gums
gums that bleed when you floss or brush your teeth
gums that randomly bleed
Often, gingivitis causes no pain or other symptoms.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to minimize inflammation. Treatment includes:
Oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing and flossing — and using the right techniques when doing so. A dentist can show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.
Professional dental cleaning. A dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gumline.
Antiseptic mouthwash. This prescription mouthwash contains chlorhexidine, which reduces bacteria in your mouth.
What is periodontitis?
Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, or severe gum disease. Periodontitis is inflammation of the periodontium, which is the gum tissue and bone that keep your teeth in place. As the condition progresses, it can cause teeth to loosen.
Symptoms
Periodontitis happens in stages. The later the stage, the more severe the symptoms.
Symptoms of periodontitis include:
red, swollen gums
bleeding gums
sensitive teeth
sore gums
bad breath
loose teeth
teeth that change positions
pain during chewing
gums that recede (pull away) from the teeth
When the gums pull away from a tooth, they form spaces called gum pockets. These spaces can become infected.
Treatment
Because periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease, it requires additional treatment. Again, the goal is to reduce inflammation.
Treatment includes:
Oral hygiene. Maintaining oral hygiene can slow down periodontitis and prevent additional tooth loss.
Professional dental cleaning. A dentist will perform a deep cleaning. They’ll remove tartar and plaque from teeth and below the gumline, which can help the gums reattach to the teeth.
Antibiotics. In severe cases, your dentist might prescribe oral antibiotics or apply a topical antibiotic.
Open surgery. During this procedure, your dentist cuts open the inflamed gums and cleans the root of the tooth. Next, they stitch the gum tissue together so it can reattach to the teeth.
How does gingivitis progress to periodontitis?
If gingivitis is left untreated, the plaque can accumulate and spread to the gumline. Bacteria in the plaque release toxins, which irritate and inflame the gums.
This triggers a chronic inflammatory response in the body, which damages the gum tissue and bone that keep the teeth in place. The result is periodontitis.
As the gums break down, they pull away from the teeth, creating gum pockets. These gaps can become infected by bacteria in the mouth, causing even more tissue damage.
The tissue damage can also make the gum pockets deeper. If the gaps become too big, the teeth may loosen due to bone loss. Deeper pockets may also mean it’s harder to reach the bacteria when you brush and floss.
What are the risks for gingivitis and periodontitis?
The following factors can increase your risk for gingivitis and periodontitis:
not maintaining oral hygiene
smoking or chewing tobacco
substance use
genetics
misaligned teeth that are difficult to clean
stress
lack of nutrients
puberty
pregnancy
hormone changes
certain medical conditions, like diabetes or HIV
some medications, like steroids or cancer therapy drugs
What are the causes of gingivitis and periodontitis?
The most common cause of gingivitis and periodontitis is a buildup of plaque.
The bacteria in the plaque “eat” sugars in your mouth, then release waste byproducts. These byproducts can irritate your gums and cause inflammation.
Other factors affecting gum disease include:
Hormone changes. During pregnancy, changes in hormones may increase the inflammatory response of gum tissue. Similarly, hormone fluctuations during puberty might make gum tissue more susceptible to plaque-related inflammation.
Medications. Some prescription drugs might enlarge the gums, making teeth more difficult to clean. Other medications might reduce saliva, which normally helps clean the teeth and control bacteria.
Nutrition. A low intake of vitamin C or high intake of refined carbohydrates can increase inflammation in gum disease.
How to prevent gingivitis and periodontitis
You can prevent gingivitis and periodontitis by maintaining oral hygiene. When done consistently, an oral hygiene routine can prevent plaque from building up and causing gum disease.
Oral hygiene basics
A good oral hygiene routine includes:
brushing your teeth twice per day
flossing between your teeth every day
eating a balanced, nutritious diet
scheduling routine dental cleanings
not smoking
When to see a dentist
In addition to your regular visits, you should see a dentist if you have:
red or swollen gums
bleeding while flossing, brushing, or eating
painful gums
separating gums
loose teeth
persistent bad breath
pain while chewing
teeth that look longer than usual (due to receding gums)
If you already have gum disease, be sure to attend your follow-up appointments. This is especially important if you have received treatment for periodontitis, which requires follow-up care.
Outlook
The outlook for gum disease depends on the stage.
Gingivitis is reversible. It can go away with proper oral hygiene and professional dental cleaning. If gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, you’ll need additional treatment. The exact outlook also depends on the severity of periodontitis.
Generally, early periodontitis is easier to treat and control. Early treatment reduces the risk of damage and tooth loss. If you have periodontitis, it may mean more frequent trips to the dentist so they can monitor your condition.
In both cases, you’ll have to maintain oral hygiene habits at home. Visit your dentist regularly for the best outlook. During each visit, your dentist can identify early signs of gingivitis before it progresses.
