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Tonsil Stones Might Be Causing Your Bad Breath

If you suffer from bad breath but can’t pinpoint the cause, tonsil stones may be the culprit.

Most people probably don’t think much about their tonsils or even what purpose they serve. For some people, the tonsils are a continuing source of annoyance and pain. Tonsil stones are small calcium deposits that can build up regularly. They’re not a serious health risk, but they can harden and grow, and they sometimes need attention.

If you’ve never heard of tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths or tonsilliths, you’re probably not alone. Head and neck specialist Kyra Osborne, MD explains signs to look out for and tips for prevention and treatment.

What are tonsils?

Your tonsils help fight infection and the small, soft, fleshy bits of tissue sit at the back of the mouth on both sides. They can help detect and filter bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth. Tonsils do this by producing white blood cells and antibodies.

Your tonsils are covered with the same mucous membrane, or mucosa, that lines your mouth, nose and throat. It’s the crevices, or crypts, in your tonsils’ mucosa that may lead to problems.

Signs of tonsil stones

When food or debris get caught in the crevices of your tonsils, they sometimes harden or calcify, forming temporary calcium deposits. These deposits are often small, invisible to the naked eye and harmless.

“Some people may not have any symptoms,” says Dr. Osborne. “There’s no medical concern if the tonsil stones aren’t causing problems.”

For others, however, tonsil stones cause noticeable problems and some large stones are only discoverable during an X-ray for a different cause. The most common signs and symptoms are bad breath, throat irritation, swelling and a whitish node or bump on your tonsil.

Bad breath and throat irritation can also be signs of tonsillitis. However, tonsillitis is caused by viruses or bacteria and generally causes red, inflamed tonsils as well as fever, headache and other symptoms. While tonsillitis can affect people of all ages, it’s most common in children but rarely occurs in children under the age of 3.

“Some people can develop tonsil stones once or twice, while others can get them several times a week,” says Dr. Osborne.

People with lots of crevices, or crypts, in their tonsils are more susceptible to tonsil stones. Although they are more common in teens, anyone with tonsils can get them.

Tips for prevention and treatment

Tonsils stones develop from food and other substances that get stuck in the tonsils. The best way to prevent them is to keep your tonsils free of debris.

Dr. Osborne recommends brushing your teeth and tongue thoroughly and gargling with salt water after eating to help prevent any buildup. Water picks help to flush out the mouth as well, which may help dislodge tonsil stones near the surface. Many people self-treat tonsil stones at home, removing them with a toothbrush or cotton swab. If the deposits dislodge easily, removing them yourself generally won’t present a problem.

“It’s a quality-of-life issue,” says Dr. Osborne. “If the tonsil stones happen frequently and they’re bothersome to you, surgery may be the right treatment.”

(01/09/2021)
by Cleveland Clinic

More Information: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/troublesome-tonsil-stones-causing-bad-breath/

What is Oral Lichen Planus?

Lichen planus is a disease that can affect the skin and any lining mucosa. This could be the oral, esophageal, vaginal mucosa as well as the skin. Often, it is found only in the oral cavity. Overall, lichen planus affects approximately 2 percent of the population. Although the disorder may occur in all age groups, women over the age 50 years are most commonly affected.

Cause

The cause of lichen planus is not completely understood, but genetics and immunity may be involved. Findings suggest that the body is reacting to an antigen (i. e. an allergic type reaction) within the surface of the skin or mucosa. Some authorities think that lichen planus is an autoimmune disorder in which the skin cells lining the mouth are attacked by the white blood cells, but more research is needed. Others classify lichen planus as a cell-mediated immune response and believe that since a specific antigen has not been identified, it is premature to classify the disorder as autoimmune.

Appearance in the mouth

Lichen planus can appear in the mouth in several different patterns. The reticular pattern (see right) is commonly found on the cheeks as lacy web-like, white threads that are slightly raised. These lines are sometimes referred to as Wickham’s Striae. The name lichen comes from a plant that is often seen growing on rocks with its mossy, web-like appearance.

The erosive (atrophic) pattern can affect any mucosal surface, including the cheeks, tongue, and gums (see left). This form often appears bright red due to the loss of the top layer of the mucosa in the affected area. In most instances, individuals with erosive lichen planus are uncomfortable when eating and drinking, particularly with extremes of temperature, acidic, coarse, or spicy foods.

Lichenoid reactions are instances of mucosal disease that resemble lichen planus both clinically and microscopically, but are due to an allergic response (see Right). The list of potential offending agents is extensive and includes medications, oral hygiene products and occasionally, metallic filling materials placed by your dentist. Identifying the underlying cause of a lichenoid reaction is often challenging, but when successful leads to lesion resolution.

The severity and subsequent disability caused by lichen planus varies from inconsequential to severe. Skin lesions are typically present as a purple to brown in color, raised rash that can be very itchy (see Left). In addition to the oral mucosa, other mucosal surfaces such as the eyes, esophagus, and genitalia may be affected.

(01/13/2021)
by AAOM

More Information: https://www.aaom.com/oral-lichen-planus

Limited Mouth Opening Problems

When you can’t open your mouth that is not normal. These problems can be treated without surgery.

Limited or restricted mouth opening can often be a difficult yet challenging problem to face. Decisions have to be made. Understanding of the condition also has to be deciphered as well as history as to how the problem occurred (e.g., was it from an recent accident, fall, yawning a certain way…) or was it a sudden onset and one wakes up with “locked” restricted mouth opening in pain?

When condlyes are compressed up and back and the disc are displaced typically anterior and medially there will be a lot of pain behind the eyes, headaches, facial pain, temporal pain and it is miserable…pain is no fun! The mandible is being forced back because of the clamping muscles, yet at the same time the disc is being squished and traumatized because the vertical dimension of the bite specifically in the posterior region of the jaw due to insufficient vertical biting support to allow muscles to relax and condyles to decompress to improve normalized joint space of the disc to reposition over the condyles as they are intended to be positioned. The bite will naturally feel off because of these structural mal alignments of the lower jaw and joint bones.

Cases with limited range of mandibular movement are often due to either:

Myocitis

Disc displacement disorders

Chronic mandibular hypo-mobility problems from either contracture of elevator muscles

Capsular fibrosis from trauma issues, ankylosis and or

Coronoid hyperplasia issues.

To unlock this problem various methods have been used to reduce (unlock, recapture, normalize) the disc over the condyles.

Direct manipulation mechanically in an attempt to unlock jaw restrictions.

Some have used to gagging techniques to create an automatic mouth opening response to unlock the joints.

Pivot appliances over the back molars unilaterally or bilaterally have been used as an attempt to decompress the joints.

Injection therapy into the joint compartment to reduce inflammation.

Anti inflammatory medications can also be prescribed.

Surgical intervention under sedation to manipulate the jaw open (for patients who are anxious and want something done immediately).

Combination approach – muscle relaxation therapy (low frequency TENS combined with decompression techniques to increase condylar space to reduce the disc (the later is done non surgically), but takes cooperation, understanding and patience on the part of both patient and dentist to slowly unravel the hyperactive muscles that doing a tug and war on the cranio-mandibular joint and occlusal system.

Depending on the philosophy of the dentist or surgeons some may even recommend surgery of the joints in severely damaged disc problems to “repair disc damage” and reposition it. (Remember there are always risks to any surgical procedure).

(01/10/2021)
by Occlusion Connections TM

More Information: https://occlusionconnections.com/tmj/limited-mouth-opening-problems/

Mouth Breathing, Why is it a problem?

Breathing issues can cause all kinds of problems and illness.

Studies have shown that mouth breathing can change facial and oral development.

When nasal breathing is blocked, untreated mouth breathing leads to development of long, narrow faces with crooked teeth, receded jaw and can also cause TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) and headache issues.

When the jaw and airway don't fully develop, the airway can become easily obstructed during sleep. During the complete muscle relaxation of deep stage sleep, the muscles around the airway also relax and collapse. The airway is a tight space, often made tighter by large tonsils and adenoids in both children and infants.

If the airway becomes obstructed, the brain must bounce out of deep sleep and into a lighter stage of sleep in order to grind and clench to push the jaw forward to allow for breathing again. Grinding and clenching are the body's way of reopening a collapsed airway during sleep to start breathing again. This is why grinding and clenching are the new red flag for catching sleep apnoea early.

Mouth breathing can also impact on behaviour and personality. Deprived sleep due to mouth breathing in children can cause hyperactivity as a result of adrenaline used to compensate for sleepiness. They are poor achievers in their academic pursuits because their brains and bodies aren't at their best in this damaged, deep sleep-deprived state. These children are often diagnosed with ADHD and other behavioural issues. They have lowered immune systems, poor health and can also be overweight.

Although the natural order of things is to breathe through the nose, many children - especially those with asthma or nasal congestion - habitually breathe through the mouth. Children who regularly breathe through their mouth tend to develop negative alterations to their face, jaws and the alignment of their teeth. Mouth breathing affects the shape of the face in two ways. Firstly, there is a tendency for the face to grow long and narrow. Secondly, the jaws do not fully develop and are set back from their ideal position, thus reducing airway size. If the jaws are not positioned forward enough on the face, they will encroach on the airways. See for yourself: close your mouth, jut out your chin and take a breath in and out through your nose, noting the way air travels down behind the jaws. Now do the same but pull your chin inward as far as you can. You will probably feel as if your throat is closed up as you try to breathe. This is exactly the effect poorly developed facial structure has on your airway size. It is no wonder that those with restricted airways tend to favour mouth breathing.

Strategies for Parents:

Make sure your child can breathe through her/his nose with ease.

Make sure your child has seen a dentist by age one. Make sure that this dentist is concerned with recognizing mouth breathing and its implications.

Make sure your child is treated for allergies. Allergies can force children into mouth breathing.

Make sure that your child's diet and environment aren't contributing to allergies.

Ask your dentist if your child needs a referral to an orthodontist if he's mouth breathing.

(01/08/2021)
by Dental Care Xtra

More Information: https://www.dentalcarextra.com.au/blog/mouth-breathing/

Baby Mouth Problems

Your baby is very delicate and fragile. That’s why you make sure everything is well taken care of, including his things, toys and feeding schedule. However, there are times he may get cranky or irritable. There are many reasons why they become irritable, and one of the most common problems faced by babies and children are related to the oral cavity or the mouth.

What Could Be Causing My Baby’s Mouth Problems?

From a few days of life to toddlerhood, your child is sure to develop a mouth problem at some point. Here are the most common ones and how to curb them.

Chapped Lips

Chapped lips can be uncomfortable. Can you imagine how your newborn feels when their lips are chapped? Though this is a common problem among newborns, you should try to treat it immediately because it could negatively impact sleeping and feeding.

Though having chapped lips is common among babies, it is important to prevent it from making sure the baby is hydrated. Moreover, during hot summer months or dry winter, the risk of having chapped lips is higher. Make sure you protect their lips through covering the lips and preventing them from breathing through their mouth.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush or yeast infection in the mouth is also a common mouth condition among infants. The most common cause of this oral problem is the use of antibiotics for either the mother or infant, previous vaginal fungal infection in the mother and low birth weight.

Candida albicans, the pathogen associated with oral thrush is a common living organism found in the mouth and other parts of the body. However, if the immune system becomes altered or compromised, it causes the fungi to proliferate, leading to oral thrush.

If your baby has oral thrush, the pediatrician can prescribe an anti-fungal oral gel or oral suspension for you to use. It is important to finish the treatment and sterilize all the bottles, nipples and pacifiers used. It will prevent reinfection and the passing of the infection from the baby’s mouth to your nipples if you’re breastfeeding.

Ulcers And Cold Sores

Ulcers and cold sores are more serious mouth conditions in babies. Cold sores, specifically, could be a sign of a viral infection that may affect the child’s health. Mouth ulcers in children between the age of 1 and five years old are most commonly caused by the herpes simplex virus.

These ulcers appear as flat, tiny and yellowish spots anywhere in the mouth and tongue. These could affect the child’s feeding and could take up to two weeks to disappear. Though this is common among children, newborns seldom develop this infection. However, if it does, it could lead to potentially fatal effects since their immune system is still immature and unable to ward off such infections.

It is important to keep your baby well hydrated. Be mindful of hygiene by washing your hands regularly and keeping your child’s belongings separate from others because this is an extremely contagious illness.

Conclusion

There are many conditions that can affect your infant or child’s oral cavity including the lips, tongue, and gums. The bad thing about these conditions is that some of them affect the child’s feeding or drinking. They sometimes become dehydrated, and that is a serious problem if it’s not attended to immediately. The bottom line is, no matter what oral condition your baby or child has, it is vital to make sure he or she drinks water regularly to prevent dehydration.

(01/10/2021)
by Its Charming Time

More Information: https://itscharmingtime.com/baby-mouth-problems-common-types-oral-problems-infants/

What are Amalgam Tattoos?

An Amalgam Tattoo (also called a focal argyrosis) is the most common pigmentation of the oral cavity. It is anarea of permanent bluish-gray pigmentation resulting from amalgam (silver) filling particles falling into small, openwounds created during dental treatment or by trauma shortly after a dental treatment, when small, fresh amalgamparticles still cling to the mucosa.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of an Amalgam Tattoo?

The amalgam tattoo presents as a soft, painless, non-ulcerated, blue / gray / black macule (a small, flat, distinct,coloured area of skin that is ≤ 10 mm in diameter and does not include a change in skin texture or thickness) with nosurrounding reddening.

They are more common in the lower jaw than the upper, typically in the bicuspid-molar region. The tattoo is foundmore frequently in women than in men, perhaps because women more frequently seek dental care. It is also seenmore frequently with advancing patient age, presumably because of increased exposure to dental procedures overtime.

There are no symptoms of an amalgam tattoo. In most cases, you won't even know you have one.

How are they treated?

Reassurance. No treatment is necessary but a biopsy can be performed to rule out melanoma or anotherpigmented lesions.

Tattoos visible on the X-ray are usually not biopsied and those occurring on the visible part of the lips can beremoved for cosmetic reasons.

There is no malignant potential for this lesion.

Do they come back?An amalgam tattoo is permanent unless it is removed surgically. As amalgam tattoos do not cause harm, theprognosis is excellent.

(01/13/2021)
by Exodontia.Info

More Information: http://www.exodontia.info/Amalgam_Tattoo.html

Black hairy tongue

Black hairy tongue is a temporary, harmless oral condition that gives the tongue a dark, furry appearance. The distinct look usually results from a buildup of dead skin cells on the many tiny projections (papillae) on the surface of the tongue that contain taste buds.

These papillae, which are longer than normal, can easily trap and be stained by bacteria, yeast, tobacco, food or other substances.

Although black hairy tongue may look alarming, typically it doesn't cause any health problems, and it's usually painless. Black hairy tongue usually resolves by eliminating possible causes or contributing factors and practicing good oral hygiene.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of black hairy tongue include:

Black discoloration of the tongue, although the color may be brown, tan, green, yellow or white

A hairy or furry appearance of the tongue

Altered taste or metallic taste in your mouth

Bad breath (halitosis)

Gagging or tickling sensation, if the overgrowth of the papillae is excessive

When to see a doctor:

Though unattractive, black hairy tongue is usually a temporary, harmless condition.

See your doctor if:

You're concerned about the appearance of your tongue

Black hairy tongue persists despite brushing your teeth and tongue twice daily.

Black hairy tongue typically results when projections on the tongue called papillae grow longer because they don't shed dead skin cells like normal. This makes the tongue look hairy. Debris, bacteria or other organisms can collect on the papillae and result in discoloration.

Although the cause of black hairy tongue can't always be determined, possible causes or contributing factors include:

Changes in the normal bacteria or yeast content of the mouth after antibiotic use

Poor oral hygiene

Dry mouth (xerostomia)

Regular use of mouthwashes containing irritating oxidizing agents, such as peroxide

Tobacco use

Drinking excessive amounts of coffee or black tea

Excessive alcohol use

Eating a soft diet that doesn't help to rub dead skin cells from your tongue.

(01/12/2021)
by Mayo Clinic

More Information: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/black-hairy-tongue/symptoms-causes/syc-20356077

What Is Oral Psoriasis?

If you are familiar with psoriasis, you know that it's an autoimmune disease and skin condition that typically takes the form of thick, silvery scales or dry, red, sometimes itchy patches on the skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, psoriasis occurs when the life cycle of skin cells is sped up, creating a buildup of rough, dead skin cells.

While psoriasis isn't contagious and incredibly common, it is a genetic immune disorder. The triggers vary from person to person—which means the onset of symptoms can come from stress, weather (especially dry weather), smoking, drinking alcohol, or existing infections.

Luckily, psoriasis is a common disease, and treatments are widely available.

How Oral Psoriasis Is Related to Regular Psoriasis

While psoriasis typically appears on the skin, psoriasis in the mouth can occur in rare cases—especially if you already have psoriasis on your skin. That being said, unlike psoriasis in the skin, psoriasis on the lips, tongue, or corner of the mouth does not have a regular pattern caused by known triggers, so outbreaks can come about without any reasons you might associate with outbreaks on your skin.

Psoriasis in the mouth is uncommon—but if you do think you're experiencing symptoms, talk to your dentist or dermatologist to make sure it's psoriasis (and not another common mouth sore like a cold sore or canker sore).

How to Tell if You Have Oral Psoriasis

Think you might be experiencing oral psoriasis? Here are some common signs, according to a 2019 article published in Cureus,

Small, whitish bumps that may bleed when scraped

Red and white plaques

How to Treat Your Symptoms

If you think you're experiencing symptoms, talk to your dentist or dermatologist to discuss the best way to treat and manage your symptoms. In most cases, your doctor will probably order a biopsy to ensure you're receiving the proper diagnosis. If it's confirmed oral psoriasis, then they'll prescribe you a treatment specific to your needs.

According to Medical News Today, common treatments for psoriasis in your mouth can be:

Topical steroid creams

Anti-inflammatory oral medications

These medications can help reduce inflammation and pain, making it easier to eat and drink. Also, you may find that your oral psoriasis improves if you're already treating skin symptoms.

Prevention

While there's no cure for oral psoriasis, you can avoid flare-ups by taking some simple precautions, such as:

Avoiding spicy foods

Quitting smoking

Using a mouth rinse

Practicing good oral hygiene

Above all, be sure to talk to your doctor, dentist, or dermatologist before using any medication to treat your psoriasis. Psoriasis of the mouth can be uncomfortable—but with the right diagnosis and care, you should be able to manage and treat your symptoms.

(01/11/2021)
by Colgate

More Information: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/immune-disorders/how-to-treat-your-psoriasis-mouth-symptoms

Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)

Difficulty swallowing is also called dysphagia. It is usually a sign of a problem with your throat or esophagus —the muscular tube that moves food and liquids from the back of your mouth to your stomach. Although dysphagia can happen to anyone, it is most common in older adults, babies, and people who have problems of the brain or nervous system.

There are many different problems that can prevent the throat or esophagus from working properly. Some of these are minor, and others are more serious. If you have a hard time swallowing once or twice, you probably do not have a medical problem. But if you have trouble swallowing on a regular basis, you may have a more serious problem that needs treatment.

Causes of dysphagia

Dysphagia is usually caused by another health condition, such as:

a condition that affects the nervous system, such as a stroke, head injury, multiple sclerosis or dementia

cancer – such as mouth cancer or oesophageal cancer

gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) – where stomach acid leaks back up into the oesophagus

Children can also have dysphagia as a result of a developmental or learning disability, such as cerebral palsy.

Dysphagia can sometimes lead to further problems.

One of the most common problems is coughing or choking, when food goes down the "wrong way" and blocks your airway. This can lead to chest infections, such as aspiration pneumonia, which require urgent medical treatment.

Aspiration pneumonia can develop after accidentally inhaling something, such as a small piece of food.

Warning signs of aspiration pneumonia include:

a wet, gurgly voice while eating or drinking

coughing while eating or drinking

difficulty breathing – breathing may be rapid and shallow

If you, or someone you care for, have been diagnosed with dysphagia and you develop these symptoms, contact your treatment team immediately, or call NHS 111.

Dysphagia may mean that you avoid eating and drinking due to a fear of choking, which can lead to malnutrition and dehydration.

Dysphagia can also affect your quality of life because it may prevent you from enjoying meals and social occasions.

Dysphagia in children

If children with long-term dysphagia aren't eating enough, they may not get the essential nutrients they need for physical and mental development.

Children who have difficulty eating may also find meal times stressful, which may lead to behavioural problems.

How is it treated?

Your treatment will depend on what is causing your dysphagia. Treatment for dysphagia includes:

Exercises for your swallowing muscles. If you have a problem with your brain, nerves, or muscles, you may need to do exercises to train your muscles to work together to help you swallow. You may also need to learn how to position your body or how to put food in your mouth to be able to swallow better.

Changing the foods you eat. Your doctor may tell you to eat certain foods and liquids to make swallowing easier.

Dilation. In this treatment, a device is placed down your esophagus to carefully expand any narrow areas of your esophagus. You may need to have the treatment more than once.

Endoscopy. In some cases, a long, thin scope can be used to remove an object that is stuck in your esophagus.

Surgery. If you have something blocking your esophagus (such as a tumor or diverticula), you may need surgery to remove it. Surgery is also sometimes used in people who have a problem that affects the lower esophageal muscle (achalasia).

Medicines. If you have dysphagia related to GERD, heartburn, or esophagitis, prescription medicines may help prevent stomach acid from entering your esophagus. Infections in your esophagus are often treated with antibiotic medicines.

(01/11/2021)
by UMHS

More Information: https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tp23477spec#:~:text=Difficulty%20swallowing%20is%20also%20called,your%20mouth%20to%20your%20stomach.

Common Oral Problems That Go Away with Time

Time to time, you will be suffering from an oral problem. The matter is the same with every person either with bad or good oral health. Yes, people who maintain proper dental care also suffer from minor dental problems. Minor dental problems are inevitable as our teeth also have nerves and tissues and our mouth is working most of the time. Our teeth and gums are affected every time we consume food or drinks.

Maintaining your dental health can lessen the effect of dental problems. But sometimes, there are some common oral problems that are temporary and go away with time, like the ones stated below.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are one of the common oral problems that get healed over time. Cankers sores can appear on any soft tissue in the mouth like lips, inner cheeks, mouth roof, etc. Canker sores make one uncomfortable while eating and talking. There are several causes of canker sores that you may not even know of. Canker sores can appear three to four times a year, and they can last up to a week or less.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity can be caused to anyone and any at age.

Sensitivity is the condition where you feel mild pain or discomfort when eating or drinking something hot or cold. The pain or discomfort in the teeth is a response to a stimulus that is hot or cold temperatures. Sensitivity can happen to a single tooth or several teeth at a time.

Most of the sensitivity can be treated by maintaining good oral health. One of the major causes of sensitivity is thinner tooth enamel. Thin enamel can be caused by reasons like brushing too hard or grinding teeth at night. You can visit your dentist to get a quick remedy for teeth sensitivity.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is a dental problem that occurs mostly in adults. The bad odour can come from your mouth or teeth. In addition to that, you may also notice a bad taste in your mouth. The reason for bad breath can be keeping poor oral hygiene or consuming foods and beverages containing oil or any other strong smell. Smoking can also cause bad breath as it dries your mouth and affects salivation. Bad breath is mostly temporary and can be healed or prevented by maintaining good oral health. You can also use mouthwash to keep the bad breath away.

You don’t have to worry much about such problems but make sure you follow good dental care routine. Healthy dental care will save you from any such common oral problems.

(01/14/2021)
by Downtown Dental

More Information: https://downtown-dental.net/common-oral-problems-that-go-away-with-time/