A broken tooth does not always count as a dental emergency unless it requires immediate dental care. A broken tooth can be the result of biting into something too hard, especially if the tooth has already been weakened by tooth decay. It can also be caused by trauma to the face or habits like teeth grinding.
A broken tooth ruins the aesthetic of your smile, and it can affect your ability to chew. A broken tooth is also more vulnerable to decay because food particles and other debris will build up when the tooth is broken. Fortunately, dentists have several tools at their disposal when it comes to treating broken teeth, like dental crowns.
How to determine if a broken tooth requires emergency care
Not sure if your broken tooth counts as a dental emergency? Here are a few things that you should be look for.
1. Excessive bleeding
Excess blood coming from a broken tooth is usually a sign that the tooth has serious internal damage. In many cases, the tooth’s pulp chamber has been compromised, leaving the nerves and blood vessels in there exposed to irritants in the mouth, like bacteria and acids.
Such injuries are often accompanied by excruciating toothaches, increasing the need for urgent treatment. Severe damage to a tooth is often addressed by performing root canal therapy. During the procedure, the dentist removes the soft tissues in the pulp chamber and disinfects the area. The tooth is sealed back up and covered with a crown to provide additional protection.
2. Loose tooth
A broken tooth that is loose because of an injury requires emergency care. If left untreated, the tooth can end up falling out. Dentists can easily address a loose tooth by securing it to other stable teeth with a splint. This keeps it firmly in place in the patient’s mouth, allowing its roots to form new bonds with bone tissues around them. The dentist can then perform appropriate treatments for the broken tooth, like composite bonding or a crown.
3. Excruciating toothaches
Dental issues that cause a person unbearable pain are usually classified as dental emergencies. Standard dental appointments involve waiting for one or more weeks to see a dentist. People who are dealing with intense pain require immediate access to a dentist.
Intense pain coming from a broken tooth is typically a sign that the tooth’s pulp chamber has been damaged. This leaves the nerves and blood vessels in there exposed to acids and bacteria. It is these irritants getting into the pulp chamber that leads to pain.
A dentist can resolve these by performing a root canal to remove the nerve and blood vessels. The tooth is then sealed up and covered with a dental crown.
Abright, even smile is truly a sight to behold. It not only lights up a face but also instills confidence and self-assurance. Orthodontics is a specialized discipline of dentistry that offers comprehensive treatments for diagnosing, treating, and repairing anomalies in teeth and jaw alignment. Orthodontic treatments are essential in correcting functional issues that can significantly impact oral health.
If you have teeth/jaw irregularities, you should consult with an experienced orthodontist in your vicinity before it evolves into a serious problem—particularly if you reside in the state of Connecticut, where over 164 million work hours are lost every year due to dental health issues. And if you’re located in a city like Glastonbury, finding a reputable orthodontist is as simple as a few taps on your smartphone screen.
In this blog, we’ll explore five signs indicating it’s time to see a good orthodontist. So, let’s get started!
Crowded or Crooked Teeth:
Overcrowded or crooked teeth are one of the most obvious signs that you should see an orthodontist. An overcrowded mouth usually results from insufficient room for a full set of teeth in the mouth, among other reasons.
Fortunately, you can get orthodontic treatment in Glastonbury, CT, to remedy this issue. An orthodontist can evaluate your specific case and develop the appropriate treatment plan. Braces or aligners are popular options that gradually shift teeth into their correct position, aligning your smile with the breathtaking splendor of Glastonbury itself.
Crowded teeth not only detract from a smile’s appearance but also endanger dental health. Misaligned teeth can be twisted, slanted, or overlapping, creating hiding places for plaque and germs that, if not corrected, can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Overbite Or Underbite:
An overbite or underbite is more than just a dental misalignment; it can substantially impact a person’s everyday life, affecting everything from how they eat and speak to how their jaw functions. An overbite or underbite throws off the balance of life, making orthodontic treatment necessary.
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth completely cover the lower front teeth, causing discomfort and impairing speech clarity. Conversely, an underbite occurs when the lower teeth protrude beyond the top teeth, causing biting difficulty and potential jaw strain.
Orthodontic treatment provides a light of hope for people who have overbites or underbites. Extensive evaluation of each individual’s unique dental condition by experienced orthodontists results in done and personalized treatment plans. It’s designed to remedy these bite irregularities. They straighten the teeth and jaw using treatments such as braces or aligners, relieving discomfort and preventing long-term issues such as jaw pain and excessive tooth wear.
Beyond aesthetics, treating overbites and underbites is essential for ensuring healthy dental function. A balanced bite boosts not only their confidence but also their capacity to enjoy meals and communicate successfully.
Early and Late Loss of Baby Teeth:
Early or late tooth loss can significantly impact a child’s dental development, laying the groundwork for potential oral health problems. Each child’s path to a brilliant smile is unique, and understanding the significance of tooth eruption can help parents and caretakers protect their children’s oral health.
Early tooth loss, frequently linked to dental decay or trauma, can interrupt the normal order of tooth eruption. When baby teeth are lost prematurely, neighboring teeth may wander into the empty gap, preventing permanent teeth from effectively aligning. This misalignment might cause biting difficulties, including tooth crowding or gaps, which may demand future orthodontic correction.
Late loss of baby teeth can be concerning. If baby teeth are present for an extended time, it may signal an underlying issue, such as impacted permanent teeth or developmental difficulties. Early detection and treatment of these abnormalities can help prevent potential difficulties and guide the child’s oral growth in the appropriate path.
Regular dental check-ups and consultations with orthodontic professionals ensure that any issues are treated immediately. Orthodontists can apply measures to assist appropriate tooth eruption and jaw growth, laying the groundwork for a healthy bite and a beautiful smile.
Difficulty In Chewing Or Biting:
The process of chewing and biting may appear monotonous, but it is essential in our daily life. When difficulties emerge during this seemingly effortless action, it may indicate underlying dental disorders that must be addressed. Both adults and children can have problems breaking down food, and recognizing these signals is critical for their well-being.
Misaligned teeth or jaw problems might make it difficult for our dental system to work properly. Their ramifications can be far-reaching. Chewing or biting difficulties can lead to inefficient food breakdown, compromising digestion and nutritional absorption. This might lead to malnutrition and other health difficulties, emphasizing the importance of addressing such issues as soon as possible.
An orthodontist is essential in identifying and addressing these issues. Their knowledge of tooth and jaw alignment allows them to precisely diagnose the root cause of the problem. After a comprehensive evaluation, they can provide appropriate treatment solutions to improve oral function. Orthodontic treatments, whether braces, aligners, or other products, can straighten teeth and jaws, allowing for more effective chewing and biting and averting future health problems.
The impact of these challenges extends beyond physical health to include mental well-being. The irritation of being unable to eat comfortably can harm a person’s self-esteem and confidence. Individuals can reclaim their dental function and sense of self-assurance and joy by obtaining orthodontic care.
Wear and Tear of Teeth:
The unrelenting grind of our daily life can occur in unexpected ways, including harming our teeth. Bruxism, or grinding or clenching one’s teeth, may appear inconsequential initially, but the effects can be severe. This persistent movement can cause excessive wear on tooth surfaces over time, resulting in worrying symptoms such as shorter or chipped teeth, increased sensitivity, and jaw pain.
The emotional impact of watching our smiles deteriorate cannot be overstated. Each chip on a once-perfect tooth may show our tension and anxiety. The story, however, does not end there. Armed with dental health skills, an orthodontist can act as a guardian, guiding us back to the right road.
Orthodontists can combat the consequences of bruxism with personalized treatment strategies. Tailored solutions seek to reduce tooth wear and tear while relieving sensitivity and jaw pain. Orthodontic care, addressing the underlying cause, not only restores the appearance of our teeth but also ensures long-term protection against additional damage.
(12/28/2024) by Today's Woman, Articles, Product Reviews and Giveaways
Curious about root canals? Read on to learn more about when this procedure is recommended. Regular dental checkups are essential components of maintaining oral health. Although some teeth that need root canals may not cause symptoms, in most cases, patients will experience signs that are hard to ignore. Generally, when experiencing dental pain that disrupts sleep, work, or leisure, it is time to consult a dentist.
3 reasons that root canals may be recommended
A root canal is a procedure aimed at cleaning out tooth roots and sealing the space with a biocompatible material. After a root canal, the dental professional places a permanent restoration such as a dental crown. Undertaking these steps helps save teeth that might otherwise require extraction.
Here are three common signs that one may need a root canal:
1. Tooth pain
While tooth pain does not always indicate a need for a root canal, it does signal an issue. A thorough examination by a dentist can help determine the cause. Dental pain can range from mild to excruciating and may be constant or intermittent. Patients might feel pain only when chewing, or it could persist for hours or days. Pain often changes in intensity over time.
Root canal pain typically starts with mild discomfort, progressing to extreme pain or sensitivity, and may eventually lead to an abscess or infection if left untreated.
2. Swelling
Swelling can vary from mild to severe. Patients may notice a tender, slightly raised spot on the gum near the tooth, or experience swelling in their neck or face. This area may or may not drain fluid and is likely to feel sore or tender. Long-standing dental issues can cause swelling that recurs over weeks, months, or years. Regardless, swelling is a clear sign of a problem requiring immediate attention, so consult a dentist immediately.
3. Temperature sensitivity
Dentin hypersensitivity, or sensitive teeth, can have various causes. However, a new sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures can sometimes be the only outward indication that a tooth needs a root canal. Patients might feel mild discomfort, and consuming hot or cold items like cold water or hot pizza could be unbearable. The dentist will determine the source of the pain and whether a root canal is necessary.
The symptoms above often manifest when a tooth grapples with a severe infection. Unfortunately, by the time patients experience pain, heightened sensitivity, or detect an abscess, the bacteria have already infiltrated the inner pulp of the tooth. The dentist can identify potential problem areas through X-rays during routine dental cleanings and exams. Even a minuscule crack or chip in the tooth can be an open invitation for bacteria to enter its inner canal.
Brushing and flossing are the foundations of a good oral hygiene routine‚ but mouthwash can also be a useful addition, thanks to the many oral health benefits it has to offer. If you've recently started using mouthwash, you may be wondering how you should incorporate it into your routine. Is it better to use mouthwash before or after brushing? And what else can you do to boost your oral health?
Benefits of Mouthwash
Mouthwash is probably best known for freshening your breath, but adding it to your daily oral care routine can provide many other benefits, too.
The South African Dental Association (SADA) recommends that you protect your mouth while on the go and after meals and snacks by rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash; this will freshen your breath and help guard against cavities. As the American Academy of Periodontology notes, untreated gum disease can lead to complications such as gum recession and tooth loss, but using mouthwash can help boost your prevention efforts.
Mouthwash achieves these oral health benefits by helping to control plaque, which is a thin film of germs that builds up on your teeth. When plaque isn't removed, it eventually hardens into tartar. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that mouthwash can actually slow down the formation of tartar, too.
When to Use Mouthwash
When you first add mouthwash to your oral care routine, you may wonder: Should you use mouthwash before or after brushing? This is a good question, and it doesn't have a simple answer. The scientific research is limited, and reputable organisations offer different recommendations.
The US-based Mayo Clinic recommends using mouthwash after brushing and flossing your teeth. However, the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom recommends avoiding mouthwash right after brushing, since this may wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste. Instead, the NHS recommends using mouthwash at a different time of day.
The ADA states that you can use mouthwash either before or after brushing, depending on your personal preference. That said, mouthwash manufacturers may recommend an order based on their product's ingredients, so check the label on your product to ensure that you maximise its effects.
Other Ways to Boost Your Oral Care Routine
Mouthwash may enhance your oral care routine, but remember: it's not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth, and floss once a day to clean between your teeth and along your gumline.
If you want to make further improvements to your daily oral care routine, consider these tips from the South African Dental Association (SADA):
Eat a well-balanced, tooth-healthy diet
Limit high-sugar foods and drinks, such as sweets and fizzy drinks
Avoid frequent snacking
Apply toothpaste to the full length of your toothbrush head
See your dentist regularly for check-ups.
While it's not a replacement for brushing and flossing, mouthwash can play an important role in your oral hygiene routine. It can help to freshen your breath, remove plaque and reduce your risk of cavities and gum problems. For help deciding whether to use mouthwash before or after brushing, talk to your dentist.
Any type of surgery is scary, and it is natural for people wanting to postpone the surgery as long as possible. Similar is the case with a dental procedure, it can be daunting too. You might be postponing due to various reasons – as you will have to encounter wisdom teeth removal cost, you might have to avail a day’s leave for the procedure, and above all you are frightened!
But, this delay can be really dangerous and can have serious consequences on your health. Here are a few reasons as to why delaying the wisdom teeth removal can be a bad idea:
Wisdom teeth promotes Gum Disease
It is a challenging task to clean the area in which the third molars have erupted. Therefore they are at a greater risk of acquiring the periodontal problems. The gum diseases are usually caused by bacteria, and when a tooth can’t be precisely cleaned on a regular basis, the dental plaque gets accumulated around the tooth, which may lead to further complications.
Formation of Cysts or Tumours
If the wisdom teeth problems are not dealt in an appropriate manner, the tooth will develop a sac within the jawbone. This sac has the ability to fill with fluid, which gradually develops into the formation of cyst, damaging the teeth, jawbone, and nerves. There are chances that this cyst could progressively develop into a tumour if untreated which could ultimately result in the removal of tissue and jaw bones.
Mutilates the Neighbouring Teeth
Since there is not enough room for the tooth to grow, it will case the teeth to grow in an abnormal manner. This results in impaction of the teeth, giving rise to many other oral problems. When the wisdom tooth emerges against the second set of molar, it might damage them, increasing the risk of acute infection. It will also have an effect on other teeth, which will intensify the need for an orthodontic treatment to align the other teeth.
Tooth Decay
The fully impacted or the partially impacted wisdom teeth are at greater risk of tooth decay, than other teeth. This usually happens, because of the location of the wisdom tooth, especially towards the back of the mouth, which is hard to clean. Moreover, since it lies at the back of the mouth, there are chances of food getting easily trapped between the gums and the tooth, promoting the growth of bacteria.
You can’t prevent the occurrence of an impacted wisdom tooth, but with a regular dental check-up, your dentist will help you monitor the emergence of the wisdom tooth, with the help of dental X-rays and advanced methodologies, which might indicate the need of wisdom teeth removal.
Have you noticed discomfort or pain after brushing your teeth? Picking up on warning signs of oral health issues and quickly acting on them is a great way to keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition. Read on for the top three causes of tooth pain and what to do about them.
Tooth Sensitivity
Cleaning your teeth is essential for keeping your smile healthy. If your teeth hurt after brushing or eating hot or cold foods, you may have tooth sensitivity. According to the American Dental Association, tooth decay and gum disease can cause tooth sensitivity, and you will need professional treatment. Your dental professionals can check for signs of oral health problems and recommend a treatment for tooth sensitivity, such as a special toothpaste, a crown, or an in-office application of fluoride gel.
Tooth sensitivity may be temporary. Some people report tooth pain shortly after a visit to their dental hygienist, if the dental hygienist has done any scaling or tartar removal. Your teeth could also be sensitive if you have gum recession, as the exposed root surface may cause discomfort. In this case, tooth sensitivity is likely only temporary, so you can simply brush your teeth with sensitive toothpaste. Usually, your teeth will return to normal within a few weeks. If they do not, call your dentist and ask them to check your teeth.
If a recent dental treatment is not to blame, food sensitivity can often be a side effect of damaged enamel, which you can't get back once worn away. Damaged enamel occurs when the hard mineral that protects your teeth's surface erodes over time, as explained by the United States National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Enamel erosion is usually the result of exposure to acid or excess sugar. Enamel that wears away can result in cavities and pain after brushing or flossing. If you suspect this is the reason for your teeth hurting after flossing or brushing, talk to your dentist.
If the enamel wears away to the point of exposing the sensitive nerves in your teeth, you have a cavity. These cavities often manifest as sharp pain when you bite down on something hard, and it doesn't have to be hot or cold to set you off. Cavities are small fissures in your teeth, but they can lead to more complicated problems if left unfilled. You should see your dentist as soon as you suspect you have one; he or she can fill it to prevent the condition from worsening.
Gum Problems and Cavities
Gum problems precede gum disease. Plaque build-up irritates gum tissue, making gums swollen and tender. Maintain proper oral hygiene and see your dentist if you notice these symptoms. As gum problems progress, they can become more challenging to treat.
The Wrong Toothbrush
If you notice pain and discomfort after brushing with a hard-bristled brush, it may be time to get a new toothbrush. Most dentists recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep teeth clean. Good brushing technique with a soft brush can help remove plaque and help fight tooth cavities and gum problems without irritating your gums and teeth. Brush for two minutes using short, gentle strokes. Clean all the surfaces of your teeth, including the outside, inside, and chewing surface of those hard-to-reach back teeth.
As you can see, tooth pain after brushing may be a temporary inconvenience after a professional dental treatment, or it may be a sign of a more serious oral health condition. Maintain good oral hygiene habits with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to see your dentist if you notice pain, discomfort, or sensitive gums.
When building a foundation for a healthy body, people traditionally focus on exercise, nutritious foods and the occasional doctor visit. Although mouth health tends to get overlooked in the process, it can make a profound difference on how you feel in other aspects of life. More commonly known as teeth grinding, bruxism is one mouth malady that shouldn't go untreated.
Is it common for you to wake up in the morning with a sore jaw or a headache? Do you at times clench your teeth? Until you have a dental examination or experience pain, you may not know that you are a victim of a condition known as bruxism. Bruxism is the clenching, gritting or grinding of teeth. Many individuals do not know that they clench their teeth as they mainly do it when asleep. Bruxism usually takes place during the early hours of the night and can result to irregular sleep patterns. In some people grinding and clenching can be fairly audible, while other people tend not to make any sound hence they do not know that they suffer from teeth grinding until they are told by a dentist. Apart from causing discomfort, bruxism can destroy dental restorations.
Signs and Symptoms
Bruxism has many symptoms that are similar to those of other conditions. Consult your dentist if you're concerned about:
Diminished tooth enamel and increased tooth sensitivity.
Jaw soreness or tight jaw muscles.
Grinding of the teeth loud enough to wake up your partner.
Flat, loose or chipped teeth.
A headache that begins at your temples.
Sleep Issues
It isn't known for certain what gives way to bruxism, but both physical and psychological causes are often linked to teeth-grinding. Sleep issues are some of the most common. Snoring, sleep talking and even a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea can play a role in developing sleep bruxism. Sleep apnea is a unique condition that affects the breathing process; be sure to see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
Negative Emotions
Anger, anxiety, frustration and stress are four major reasons a person may grind their teeth as a coping method. The latter is the big one. Although professional counseling can make it easier for you to deal with stress, there are personal ways to manage it as well. Exercise releases endorphins that provide tremendous stress relief, whereas certain relaxation methods – such as listening to music, taking walks and even a warm bath – are similarly helpful. Work-related issues are frequently to blame, so be mindful of your workplace atmosphere and how you approach the tough aspects of your career.
Malocclusions
Bite and alignment issues with the upper or lower jaw are another common cause of grinding. Something as simple as braces or as extreme as jaw reconstruction are potential fixes, but always discuss this treatment with your dentist to ensure you take the right course of action to correct any malocclusions.
Lifestyle
Substance-based habits such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption and even too much caffeine can increase your risk of bruxism. Your medical professional can even recommend a friendly form of addiction treatment if need be. Keep in mind that age is also a factor, as bruxism is more common in children before they're teenagers.
Medications and Disorders
Bruxism causes have also been linked to side-effects from psychiatric medications and antidepressants, along with neurological conditions like Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. Consult your doctor in these cases.
Prevention and Treatment
If you suspect you suffer from bruxism, start listing any symptoms and call attention to them at your next dental appointment. Your dental professional may want to perform a full examination to confirm any symptoms or signs for sure, and then determine the reasons they have occurred. In the interim, he or she may prescribe a mouth guard to relieve any damage already done from grinding, or perform a dental procedure to correct any problems related to tooth alignment. Discussing stress reduction methods is another option if you haven't undertaken them.
Nothing is more refreshing than a tall, ice-cold glass of water. It’s rare for anyone to dispute that a simple glass of water can provide more satisfaction than a coffee, soda, or even a can of coke. However, it’s common for people to ignore the former and go for the later, unwittingly causing damage to their bodies.According to a survey, about 75 percent of Americans are dehydrated, which is commonly ignored as people continue to deprive themselves of water and expose their system to serious health complications.
The body provides indicators to warn you when your body fluid level is at a level that can cause problems for you. When you detect any of these signs, drink a glass of water immediately.
Besides being thirsty, what are the signs that you’re not drinking enough water? Do you know that you’re getting enough water into your system?
Well, we will learn about the 9 signs of what could possibly happen if you aren’t drinking enough water. If that happens, it’s important to do everything to get your hydration level back on track.
Impaired Memory and Concentration
One of the reasons you find yourself unable to concentrate can be because you’re not drinking enough water; you are mildly dehydrated.
While it’s not exactly clear what causes these symptoms, researchers at the University of Connecticut Human Performance Laboratory attribute it to changes in the blood electrolyte balance due to dehydration. As a result of this, the brain’s part responsible for cognitive function and reasoning becomes impaired. Irregular blood electrolyte levels can also affect brain serotonin levels, leading to moodiness and anxiety.
The average human body is 60 percent water, which is lost continuously to perform bodily functions such as regulating body temperature and flushing out waste. Not drinking enough water to replenish your body’s water supply will severely impair your concentration.
Skin Dehydration
Dry skin is one of the obvious ways to tell if you’re experiencing dehydration. Some of the first warning signs of this condition include persistent dry skin, chapped lips, dry eyes, and dandruff.
As the largest body organ, the skin needs to be adequately hydrated at all times to perform its function and retain its appearance and texture. Otherwise, it becomes dry, which eventually leads to full-blown dehydration, a more severe condition. When the skin lacks water, it cannot produce sweat to wash off accumulated dirt and oil, causing various skill complications. To manage breakouts, drinking enough water should be your course of action.
Hunger after Eating
Dehydration can confuse your body into thinking it needs food when it just needs to rehydrate. Hunger due to dehydration can happen either during the day or at night when you wake up craving that midnight snack. Rather than satisfying your appetite, eating makes your body heavier, whereas drinking water cleanses your system and provide you with the necessary electrolyte to perform other functions.
This confusion of feeling hungry instead of thirsty happens in the hypothalamus, the part of our brain responsible for controlling thirst and appetite. If you find yourself feeling hungry just after eating, it may be your hypothalamus going haywire. Instead of going for extra helpings, drink water and see if you’re still hungry.
Fatigue and Lethargic
Many factors attribute to Fatigue and lethargic, including insufficient sleep and insomnia. But if you experience tiredness and sluggishness even though you’re getting enough sleep, then it may be a sign that you’re dehydrated.
When you are dehydrated, your blood pressure drops, leading to a reduction in hydrated blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body. Since oxygen can’t circulate your body, you become tired, dizzy, or lightheaded.
Muscle Cramps and Joint Pains
Muscle cramps are a common symptom of electrolyte imbalances, which is due to body dehydration. When you fail to replenish the water lost to sweating, especially during an exercise routine, you end up with cramps. Quickly drink water and rest if you’re feeling dehydrated while working out.
The cartilage between your joints and spinal discs to function correctly needs to be continuously lubricated with water. When it lacks the necessary fluid, it loses its elasticity, responsible for aching, cracking joints.
Drinking enough water helps the joints to be a better shock absorber.
Bad Breath (Chronic Halitosis)
Dehydration can be the cause of that bad breath you have. When you’re dehydrated, your body won’t produce enough saliva, which gives the bacteria in your mouth the opportunity to grow, leading to bad breath. Water moistens and lubricates the mucus membranes in your mouth and throat, promoting saliva production.
While dehydration can easily be solved by drinking a glass of water, leaving it untreated can lead to a more serious problem. Thus, it is essential you drink enough water every day, and as soon you notice any of the listed symptoms.
Lips are one of the sexiest parts of the human body. It is one of the first things we notice when looking at a face.
Do you suffer from dark areas around the edges of the vermillion of your lips? Are you looking for a way to lighten these areas for aesthetic reasons? Read on, and I will tell you what is causing those dark areas and five easy ways to lighten those areas.
Both men and women can get these dark spots. There is a myriad of reasons why your lips may be dark. Let’s explore the most common ones.
Why Are My Lips Dark Around The Edges And How To Lighten Them?
Sun Exposure
Yes, going outside and getting some sun is great for our health and happiness, but we need to go out with the right protection for our skin, including our lips! These spots may be a result of a buildup of melanin (skin pigment) in these areas.
The condition is called hyperpigmentation (if you have dark spots on other parts of your face; this is the same reason why). People with higher melanin in their skin are more likely to have these spots. It’s ok to have fun in the sun, just bring the sunblock!
Birth Control
Even though birth control is amazing for plenty of other reasons, it could be the cause behind those dark areas around your lips. Birth control is linked to melasma, when melanocytes (aka, melanin cells) overproduce melanin, resulting in those pesky dark spots.
This is thanks to the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone; “the pill” is changing these hormone levels, resulting in those unfortunate dark spots. Keep in mind other medications may cause this too—so be sure to ask your doctor about side effects!
Post-Inflammatory Hyper-Pigmentation
This is a temporary condition that causes dark spots after an injury (burn) or inflammation (such as infection, dermatitis, etc.). It may become darker when exposed to UV light. Be aware that waxing and shaving can also cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation!
Hormone Disorder
Certain hormones (besides sex hormones) can cause hyperpigmentation. If you suffer from an endocrine disease, it could be contributing to this condition. Ask your doctor to test your hormones and if your condition may exacerbate hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin Deficiency
Did you know that what you eat can affect the color in your skin? Numerous studies have liked B12 deficiency with skin pigmentation issues. You may need to rethink your diet or start supplementing. Consult your doctor or registered dietician if you think you may have a vitamin deficiency.
Too Much Iron
Speaking of vitamins, too much of iron is NOT a good thing. Having too much iron is called hemochromatosis. This can cause iron to build up in the sweat glands of the body, causing a heavy bronze stain. While this condition is quite often underdiagnosed, it is also very rare.
Genetic Pre-Disposition
You could be genetically predispositioned to hyperpigmentation. That means if mom or dad had skin pigmentation issues, they most likely passed it on to you. But hey, there are worse things to pass on in genes, am I right?
Prevention
Prevention is key when it comes to preventing or worsening dark areas. Some things you can do include:
Stop taking birth control
Use more sun protection or stay out of the sun during peak hours.
Consult a physician to get your blood tested for hormones and vitamin deficiencies.
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed reading this article about how to get rid of dark areas around your lips.
Cavities are pretty common. As the National Institutes of Health points out, the only condition more common than a cavity is the common cold. If you've never experienced tooth decay, you might wonder, "What does a cavity feel like?" The answer depends on the stage of the cavity and what foods you eat. Some foods, such as sweets, might trigger the pain of a cavity more than others.
How Cavities Form
Your mouth is naturally full of germs. Some of those germs are perfectly healthy, but others can be harmful. When you eat something sugary, such as candy or even potato chips, or drink a sugary beverage, the germs feed on the sugars in the substance. This produces acid, which is strong enough to wear away tooth enamel if not cleaned off quickly enough. In the end, a dental cavity begins to form.
In the early stages, a cavity can be reversed, as the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research notes. Brushing your teeth with a toothpaste that contains fluoride can help restore the enamel and reverse the effects of cavities.
Signs of a Cavity
What does a cavity feel like? In the earliest stages, the answer might be nothing. There are no nerves in your tooth enamel, so when the decay is in that layer, you likely won't feel a thing. Once the decay has progressed enough to reach the softer tissues inside the tooth, where the dentin and nerves are, you might notice signs of a cavity. Your teeth might feel sensitive and you could feel some pain, especially after eating sweets, hot foods or cold foods. The pain can be fairly mild or sharp and intense. Some people with cavities also feel pain when biting down.
Depending on the size of the cavity, you may be able to see evidence of it in your mouth. Cavities sometimes create visible holes in the teeth. They can also create stains that are black, brown or white on the surface of the tooth.
Cavities and Sweets
Why are you more likely to feel pain from a cavity when you eat sweets? Some foods, including sweets, are more likely to cause pain when there is enamel erosion. Sweet foods tend to be sticky, so they often cling to your teeth. The germs that feed on them can then produce more acid, which can make its way into the cavity, irritating the nerves. Even if you don't have a cavity, sugary foods will cause more sensation in sensitive teeth.
Seeing Your Dentist
What should you do if you think you have a cavity? The first step is to see your dentist. Although cavities can be reversed in the early stages, by the time you are feeling discomfort or pain, only a dentist can treat them. An x-ray will be taken to determine how the cavity has progressed into the tooth. Depending on how severe the cavity is, you might need a filling to fix it. If the decay is very severe, the dentist might replace the tooth with a crown or perform a root canal.
Even if you're not sure if you have a cavity, regular professional cleaning and dental visits are important. A dental hygienist can apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen the teeth and reverse the very early stages of decay. He or she can also give you tips on the best ways to brush your teeth and advise you about what foods to avoid or consume less frequently to reduce your risk for cavities. As with many conditions, when it comes to cavities, taking preventative steps is a lot easier than treating the problem down the road.
