Dental cavities are one of the most common dental issues facing Americans today. Roughly 91% of Americans between the ages of 20-64 suffer from cavities, and chances are—if you regularly visit the dentist—you’ve had a filling to repair damage caused by tooth decay.
Modern dental procedures for cavities involve removing the damaged part of the tooth and replacing it with a dental filling.
Tideglusib Dental Treatment
However, a new drug called Tideglusib has the potential to change the face of dentistry forever.
Researchers are enthusiastic about the drugs potential to regrow bony tooth tissue (dentin) to fill a cavity.
The hope is that the dentin produced by Tideglusib fuses completely to the tooth, filling the cavity and eliminating the possibility the cavity will fall out in the future—one of the main shortcomings of currently used fillings.
What’s more, Tideglusib is both cheap and safe, which are huge benefits to dental practices and consumers alike.
Laser Dental Regeneration
In addition to drug-related research, a team of dentists are testing the ability of low-power laser light to encourage tooth growth.
Preliminary tests have indicated that shining laser light onto healthy dental pulp can produce dentin, providing the patient with a much stronger filling than the ones employed today.
You have seen smiles that you know have dental crowns in the front. You look at them and say to yourself that something is not natural. Many times, it is the dark rim of gum tissue that gives it away. The dark rim of gum tissue does not occur around natural teeth, only around teeth that have been covered with dental crowns.
The dark line is associated with an old porcelain dental crown. This style of dental crown is referred to as a porcelain fused-to-metal dental crown because it uses tooth-colored porcelain on the outside and it uses metal under the porcelain for strength. The dark line originates from the edge of the dental crowns where the porcelain and the metal meet at a knife-edge at the gum line. At the knife-edge, a very thin amount of the metal always shows. One of the illusionary techniques cosmetic dentists have used was to hide the thin dark line under the gum line. Over time, the gum tissue would recede and expose the dark line. In some patients the dark line would show through the gum and make it appear dark as well.
How Do You Get Rid of It?
The only way to eliminate the esthetic problem is to replace the dental crowns. When replacing just one single dental crown in the front, you should expect that it might take more than one try-in of the new dental crown before it is permanently cemented into place. Because your central incisors are the most prominent teeth in the mouth, matching them is the most difficult esthetic challenge. Only the best dental technicians are able to mimic one central incisor tooth next to another.
What Are Some of the Replacement Dental Crowns Like?
Some of the clever ways dentists and dental technicians have been able to mimic natural teeth is through the new advancements in dental materials. New all-tooth-colored ceramic dental crowns are the latest technological advancement cosmetic dentists have to recreate natural teeth. In comparison to porcelain fused-to-metal dental crowns, all-ceramic dental crowns do not contain any metal, thus no dark line can appear.
Some advantages and disadvantages of all-ceramic dental crowns are as follows:
Advantages of All-Ceramic Dental Crowns
High esthetics
Excellent fit
If gum recession occurs, there is no dark line
Disadvantages of All-Ceramic Dental Crowns
Not as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns
Full lips might be popular among Hollywood stars, but for the rest of us, swollen lips may be a sign of a problem. Lips usually swell due to trauma or allergies, though some swollen lip causes are more serious. How quickly a swollen lip heals can indicate what's causing the swelling.
What Happens When Your Lip Swells?
When lips swell, it's due to the blood vessels that supply them filling with blood. The structure of the lips includes the thin, delicate skin that covers the outside and the muscle that lies underneath, which is filled with blood vessels. The final, inner layer of the lips is called the oral mucosa, and it's part of the mucous membrane that lines the mouth. When blood rushes to the lips in response to trauma, allergic reaction or infection, the additional blood makes the lips swell.
Swollen Lips and Injuries
Even minor trauma that doesn't break the skin can cause the lips to swell, like sports injuries. It's also easy to hurt your lips bumping into things or through other minor accidents. The swelling usually goes down without treatment, but sometimes swelling hides other injuries, like cuts and abrasions that can become infected or make chewing and speaking difficult.
Swollen Lips and Allergic Reactions
Pollen, medications, dyes and certain trigger foods and drinks cause allergic reactions that include swollen lips. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) explains that when the body experiences an allergic reaction, it produces histamine. This chemical causes the blood vessels in the lips to swell. Other symptoms of an allergic reaction are red, itchy welts known as hives, a swollen or tight throat, breathing difficulties, muscle pain, fever, and rashes or discolored patches on the feet, genitals, hands or face.
Rare Swollen Lip Causes
When swollen lips have no obvious cause, they might be a symptom of a rare condition or disease. The UMMC lists hereditary angioedema, leukemia and Hodgkin's disease as a few unusual causes of swollen lips. The swelling may also be due to MRSA lip cellulitis, as described in a publication of the University of Dentistry and Medicine of New Jersey, or granulomatous cheilitis, as mentioned in Clinical Advisor.
When to See a Doctor for Swollen Lips
Swollen lips often return to normal without treatment, but if you also experience more serious symptoms, like breathing difficulties or heavy bleeding, get immediate medical attention. Other reasons to see a doctor include if the swelling continues for longer than a few days or if it's accompanied by pain or fever, which may mean your lips are infected. Also see a doctor if the swelling has no clear cause or if it comes and goes for no apparent reason.
In less serious cases, you can use home treatments to help the swelling go down. A mild allergic reaction that causes lip swelling is usually over within four days, especially if you use over-the-counter antihistamines. For minor cuts and abrasions inside the mouth, rinse with Colgate Peroxyl Mouth Sore Rinse, which facilitates healing, alleviates discomfort and provides a whole mouth clean.
Swollen lips are usually more inconvenient than serious, but if you have other, more severe symptoms, see a doctor right away. An allergic reaction can turn life-threatening quickly, and serious swelling can also be a sign of another harmful medical condition. In most cases though, icing an injury and keeping the area clean may heal your lips in no time.
Gum pain can often be a temporary symptom, but other times a person may require dental treatment to prevent further health complications.
In this article, we discuss some of the possible causes of gum pain. We also cover treatment, home remedies, prevention of gum pain, and when to see a dentist.
Gum pain can range from a minor irritation to severe and debilitating. Some potential causes of gum pain include:
Canker sores: These are small, painful ulcers that can occur on the gums. Causes of canker sores can include emotional stress, mouth injuries, an impaired immune system, or other underlying health conditions.
Cuts or injuries: Food and objects that enter the mouth can sometimes cause minor cuts or injuries to the gums and teeth. A person may also accidentally bite down on the gums, which can sometimes cause pain and bleeding.
Gum disease: Also known as gingivitis, this condition occurs when bacteria build up under the gums and cause inflammation and bleeding. Without treatment, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis and lead to loose teeth. People who smoke are at a higher risk for gum disease than nonsmokers.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, can cause a person to experience swelling, pain, and bleeding in the gums.
Improper flossing or brushing techniques: Brushing or flossing too vigorously or frequently can sometimes cause the gums to bleed and be painful.
Sinusitis: A bacterial or viral infection in the sinuses can cause swelling of the sinus cavity. Some people with sinusitis also experience gum pain and toothache.
Tooth abscess: A bacterial infection in the root of a tooth can cause an abscess or pus-filled sac. Tooth abscesses can lead to gum swelling and pain. They can also be serious and spread to other parts of the body, so it is essential to see a dentist quickly.
Treatment
Treatment for gum pain depends upon the underlying cause.
For people with gum disease, for example, a dentist may recommend professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the gums. They may also prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash, such as one containing alcohol or chlorhexidine, to kill excess bacteria and prevent the future build up of plaque.
If a person has severe gum disease, a dentist may recommend surgery to repair bone or gum loss that the condition has caused. Sometimes, this can include bone and tissue grafting to encourage the growth of new, healthy tissue.
People with tooth abscesses may require root canal treatment. During this procedure, a dentist will remove the infected pulp, or soft tissue inside the tooth, and the abscess from the root and then repair and seal the damaged tooth.
Gum pain due to sinusitis usually lessens once the infection clears up. For bacterial infections, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Prevention
Good oral hygiene can help prevent gum pain and other dental issues. This includes:
brushing teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste for at least 2 minutes
flossing once daily
using a dental mouthwash daily
having regular checkups with a dentist, such as every 6 months
If a person stops smoking, this can also improve gum health. Smoking can reduce blood flow to the gums, which may impair healing and lead to discomfort.
Regular dental visits are part of taking care of your teeth, gums, and overall health. If you want to have optimal oral health then preventative dental appointments should be a non-negotiable part of your routine. Regular dental visits are more than a formality. They can help you avoid many of the dental issues that necessitate extensive dental work. Four dental issues that can be avoided with regular dental visits include cavities, gum disease, tartar buildup, and tooth loss.
Cavities
There are three elements that impact whether are not you will develop cavities: genetics, your daily oral care routine, and your preventative dental visits. You cannot do anything about your genetics so it is important to focus on your daily oral care routine and your preventative dental visits. Brushing and flossing your teeth on the recommended schedule each day will help remove much of the food particles and bacteria that can cause cavities. However, your teeth also need an occasional deep cleaning to get to areas that you miss. The cleaning that you get during your regular dental visit will get to all of the hard-to-reach places in your mouth. This will help prevent cavities. In addition, if you have the beginnings of a cavity your dentist can address it to prevent it from worsening.
Gum disease
Gum disease is a common problem for adults throughout the US. Brushing, flossing, and going to your regular dental visits all work together to prevent gum disease. Gingivitis often develops if your oral hygiene routine is falling short in some way. The deep cleaning you get at your regular dental visits will help combat gum disease. In addition, if your dentist notices the early signs of gum disease you can take steps to improve your oral care routine accordingly.
Tartar buildup
Tartar is plaque that has hardened on your teeth over time. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone. Instead, you have to have it scraped off of your teeth with a metal tool. Tartar can cause issues with your gums and make your teeth look dull. During routine dental visits the hygienist who cleans your teeth will remove tartar. This helps prevent a buildup and the problems that can come with it.
Tooth loss
Tooth loss is a serious consequence of neglecting the care of your teeth. If you avoid routine dental visits small problems like decay and gum disease can turn into issues that lead to tooth loss. Your dentist will be able to spot problems with your teeth or gums during routine visits that have the potential to lead to tooth loss. It typically takes an extended period of time for dental issues to progress to the level of tooth loss. If you are concerned that one or more of your teeth are at risk, there may still be time to save them with professional intervention.
The vast majority of serious dental problems start out as small treatable issues. Keeping up with routine dental visits will save you time, money, and prevent pain by helping you avoid many common dental problems.
Tooth injuries tend to be dramatic events. One or several knocked-out teeth will compromise your oral health and the look of your smile. What matters most is how you respond to this unfortunate incident. Some tooth injuries are fairly minor and do not require intensive treatments.
Other tooth injuries are more serious and require the attention of a skilled oral health professional. It is imperative you have the proper first aid materials available in your home to tend to these injuries in a timely manner.
Even if the injury is severe, treating it with an at-home first aid kit prior to visiting the dentist has the potential to save the tooth.
HERE IS A LOOK AT WHAT YOUR FIRST AID KIT SHOULD CONTAIN TO MITIGATE ORAL PAIN AND DAMAGE.
ORAL FIRST AID KIT CONTENTS
Every first aid kit should contain the supplies necessary to tend to minor mouth irritations and injuries. This means your first aid kit should contain a dental mirror, sterile gauze, cotton swabs, cotton balls, a sealable plastic bag for the disposal of bloody swabs/gauze, tweezers, a toothbrush, aspirin and a washcloth.
It also makes sense to add dental wax, paraffin, an instant ice pack, a washcloth, an oxygenating oral cleanser, medical exam gloves and dental floss to your kit. If you are wondering why dental floss is in the list above, you are not alone. Most people question why floss is necessary for such a kit. Floss removes objects stuck between teeth and gums better than most other tools.
Once you remove the object in question, rinse with water so leftover particles are washed away. It is always better to use floss to remove wedged objects as opposed to attempting to use a pointed or sharp instrument. If floss does not remove the item in question, meet with your dentist as soon as possible for a safe and efficient removal.
PAIN MEDICATIONS
Aspirin should be in every at-home first aid kit. If you hold a bias against aspirin, put Tylenol in your kit. Even an oral anesthetic will help to minimize pain before you can visit the dentist.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A COLD COMPRESS
A cold compress will prove quite helpful for mouth injuries, toothaches and swelling. Apply a cold and wet washcloth to the side of the face where you feel pain. You can also apply an ice pack to alleviate pain and swelling. Apply the cold compress or ice for 20 minutes.
Let your mouth and cheek rest for another 20 minutes. If the pain or swelling is still present, reapply the cold compress or ice pack for another 20 minutes. Do not apply any form of heat. Choose something cold and you will find your mouth feels that much better.
DO NOT FORGET TO ADD SEVERAL SMALL CONTAINERS
Add a couple containers to your at-home first aid kit for tooth injuries so you can preserve knocked-out teeth until you can meet with the dentist. These diminutive containers will protect your tooth from the elements, contact with potentially damaging substances and ensure you do not lose track of its location prior to your visit to the dentist.
Dental implants are composed of a material called Titanium and tissue rejection is not possible in this material. The success rate in dental implants varies between 95% and 100%.
During my treatment, the movement does not match. (False)
If there is no acute infection in the teeth All the teeth match when the right anesthesia technique is applied.
During Orthodontic Treatment, teeth become rotten. (False)
Bonded Braces on Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment Provide More Adherence of Food to the Teeth. This is why you need to complete more and more careful toothbrushing, orthodontic interface brushes, and the third step of oral care with an effective mouth gargle on the bacterial plaque. If Hemorrhage Be Absolutely Applied To The Medicine And This Triple Should Start Before The Treatment Process Has Just Begin
When Brushing Teeth Toothbrush must first be wet under the tap. ( False)
Teeth should definitely be brushed dry without getting wet under the tap.
Tooth Tooth Damages Tooth Gums. ( False)
It is possible to clean the area between the teeth and to protect these areas from tooth decay. Toothbrush for a Full Teeth Cleaning Brushing is not enough; It is absolutely necessary to use toothpaste. It is also very useful in terms of gums health.
Dental treatment can not be done during pregnancy. ( False)
Emergency Tooth Treatments can be done at every stage of pregnancy in the case of the approval of the obstetrician. During pregnancy period, especially 3-6 months period, tooth care treatments can be done and these are the safest months for dental treatment.
In children, Milk Teeth Pain does not have to be done any way as it will change the way; It should be withdrawn. ( False)
Each of the Milk Teeth Changes at Certain Ages. This decline in the withdrawal of the old age has a great negative effect on the general health of the children both on their oral and dental health. For this reason, all dairy teeth must be treated and maintained in the mouth until the time of the change.
Everyone’s smell will not and will not pass. ( False)
Major Causes of Bad Kokun; The digestive system is disturbed and mouth-to-tooth disturbances. PhD for digestive system disorders. Due to the fact that mouth and tooth disorders are the cause of tooth decay and tooth infection, it must be seen to the dentist. In the meantime, an effective care with toothbrush, toothpaste and gargle should also be provided.
Tooth Stone Cleanse, Damages Teeth. ( False)
Dental Cleansing is Not Harmful. When applied correctly, you can not hit Miney. Because during the process the dental tissue, not the tooth surface (Plate, Stone) is removed. Healthy Individuals Even Six Months Check-Up is Recommended.
Toothache When Tooth Pain Aspirin, Tobacco, Cologne, Raki and Salt Cream Pain Cutters. ( False)
Application of Alcohol and Alcohol Containing Materials to the Teeth and Gingival Zone, Alcohol-Aspirin Bite in the Tooth Causes Called Complications. Tobacco applied on teeth has no pain relievers like Salt. Pain, however, is relieved when the current problem is solved.
If you’re preparing to have dentures fitted, or already have them and are struggling to chew certain foods, you may feel frustrated about your choices at mealtimes. Perhaps you’ve recently had (or are about to have) a tooth extraction or root canal surgery. Even a bout of toothache can cause pain when chewing.
Alongside the discomfort, you may also feel self-conscious about eating with others at mealtimes if you have chewing difficulties.
If you are experiencing pain when chewing because of dental issues, you might not feel like eating at all. But the good news is that you can make adjustments to your diet to ensure you’re still able to fuel your body and ease the pain.
What to eat when you have dentures
Having missing teeth can cause problems with eating and speech, so many people turn to false teeth – dentures – as a way of avoiding these problems. Dentures can be partial, to replace one or a few missing teeth, or can be a complete set of upper or lower dentures.
Having dentures fitted can help in a number of ways, from improving your confidence in your smile, through to improving your speech and eating ability.
However, when you first have dentures fitted, you may have some initial discomfort as the dentures feel a little strange. While you’re getting used to dentures, the NHS recommends that you eat soft foods, and cut large pieces down into smaller chunks. You’ll need to chew on both sides of your mouth to avoid the denture moving. You should avoid hard and sticky foods, as well as chewing gum.
As you get more used to the dentures, you should be able to gradually work your way back to your previous diet.
What to eat after dental surgery or a tooth extraction, or if you have toothache
If your chewing problems or discomfort are caused by toothache or a medical procedure such as root canal surgery or tooth extraction, you may need to eat softer foods to ease the amount of pressure on your teeth.
The following foods are soft and easier to chew and swallow in such situations:
Soups
Porridge
Yoghurt
Scrambled eggs
Mashed potatoes
Pureed vegetables
Fruit smoothies
To avoid aggravating the teeth or sensitive gums, avoid hard foods like nuts or boiled sweets, and stay away from sticky foods like toffee and chewing gum.
A convenient solution for long- and short-term chewing issues
Of course, being limited to softer foods can quickly become boring at best, and at worst can mean you’re missing out on key nutrients and a balanced diet.
Fortunately, our Soft Meals range – developed with Birds Eye – provide a nutritious, balanced meal which is easy to prepare and tastes delicious. We have a range of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes available, and they can be delivered on a day to suit you within as little as two working days.
You can also try Ensure nutritional drinks as a convenient way of fuelling yourself at home or on-the-go.
Seek help if you develop sudden chewing pain or problems
When you undergo dental work or surgery, you can likely expect to feel some discomfort afterwards. However, if you develop sudden pain or issues, you should consult a medical professional.
Toothache can come and go, but if it lasts for two or more days, you should seek medical help. If you develop swelling in your mouth or neck that makes it difficult for you to breathe, swallow or speak, you should seek urgent medical attention.
Do you have white or puffy gums? What does this mean for your dental health? Is it something that can be fixed with a trip to the dentist? Are there things you can do yourself to solve the problem?. The health of your gums isn’t always talked about as much as the health of your teeth, but it’s just as important for good oral hygiene!
What is it?
Leukoplakia is the technical term for thick white patches that may appear on your gums and it can’t be wiped away with your toothbrush. These may also show up on the insides of your cheeks, your tongue,and the base of your mouth. The patches usually don’t hurt by themselves, but they can be sensitive to the touch, and to foods or drinks that are spicy or hot. On the gums, these patches tend to be thicker than the gum tissue around them, and may also have a tougher texture, which can harden over time.
What are the causes of white gums?
Dental professionals aren’t 100% certain on all of the possible causes of white puffy gums. However, in many cases, it is due to irritation of some kind that has been happening over a long period of time. Chronic smoking or drinking, for instance, is a likely factor, as is chewing tobacco or tobacco alternatives. Anything that may be causing irritating friction in the mouth, such as uneven fillings, crowns, rough teeth, or dentures that do not fit well can also lead to leukoplakia.
What can I do to prevent or reverse white gums?
Since oral irritation is a major factor in causing white (puffy) gums, as well as leukoplakia in other areas of the mouth, avoiding the sources of this irritation is the best way to guard against it. This means avoiding smoking, chewing tobacco, and the use of tobacco alternatives, and it also means drinking alcohol only in moderation. Eating a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, may also play a preventative role, due to antioxidants in the produce which prevent tissue damage. Some research has suggested that vegetables and fruits containing beta-carotene may be especially helpful in guarding against leukoplakia. This includes vegetables such as carrots, peppers, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and leafy greens like spinach and kale, as well as fruits such as apricots and cantaloupe.
If you already have leukoplakia, making lifestyle changes like those discussed above (especially avoiding smoking and reducing alcohol intake) may potentially be enough to address the problem. However, if the white patches on your gums still remain, then it is extremely important to make an appointment with your dentist for an examination of the problem.
What will my dentist do, if the problem persists?
Your dentist will examine the patches and assess possible causes. If they find that another source of irritation may be causing the white patches on your gums or in other parts of your mouth, then they will address this. Doing so might involve repairing poorly fitting dentures, or filing down rough teeth, fillings, or crowns.
Your dentist may also carry out what’s called a brush biopsy, by removing a small piece of tissue and sending it for analysis at a lab, in order to verify that the white patches are due to leukoplakia, and to rule out other possible problems, such as oral cancer. During the biopsy, local anesthesia applied to your gums can ensure that no pain is felt during the procedure, with only minor soreness afterwards.
The use of medications or other treatments is also a possibility, although these are generally not regarded as being very effective.
When should I see my dentist about white gums?
If the white patches on your gums do not fade by making the lifestyle changes discussed earlier, it isessential to report the problem to your dentist. Although uncommon, in a small number of cases these puffy patches do have the potential to become cancerous. As with most forms of cancer, if the problem is detected early, treatment can be entirely successful. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Are there other causes of white gums?
In addition to the leukoplakia discussed in this article, there are a few other possible explanations forwhite patches or white lesions on the gums, including anemia, canker sores, oral thrush, and gingivitis.
In all cases, it is always best to talk to your dentist about any unexplained or ongoing changes in yourgums. White gums are typically no cause for alarm, but always important to address.
The US Food and Drug Administration warned that silver dental fillings, known as dental amalgam, may cause health problems for some high-risk groups.
The updated FDA guidance said the filling material could lead to health issues for those with a hypersensitivity to mercury.
Dental amalgam fillings are a mixture of silver, tin, copper and mercury. The FDA and American Dental Association have said for years the material is safe, but advocates have called for a filling material that doesn't contain mercury since the 1970s.
The FDA's updated recommendations said dental amalgam is safe for most, but there are some who should avoid the material, including pregnant women and their developing fetuses; women who plan to become pregnant; women who are nursing; children, especially those that are under the age of six; people with kidney problems; and people with pre-existing neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
Dental amalgam is widely used because it is strong, durable and less expensive than other filling materials, but over time it can release small amounts of mercury vapor. The amount of vapor released depends on how much people grind their teeth and how old the particular filling is.
"Although the majority of evidence suggests exposure to mercury from dental amalgam does not lead to negative health effects in the general population, little to no information is known about the effect this exposure may have on members of the specific groups...who may be at greater risk to potential negative health effects of mercury exposure," the FDA said on its website
For people in those vulnerable categories, the FDA suggests dentists use alternatives, like resin and glass cement fillings.
The FDA doesn't recommend people remove or replace fillings that are in good condition because the removal can increase exposure to mercury vapor and hurt the healthy tooth structure.
After the FDA guidance was updated, the American Dental Association said it "reaffirms its position that dental amalgam is a durable, safe and effective cavity-filling option."
"There was no new scientific evidence cited as part of the FDA recommendation," the ADA said.
