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How Acidic Drinks Affect Your Teeth

Many people are aware of the damage sugary drinks can do to your teeth. Did you know that acidic drinks also pose a risk? We’re here to help you get informed on why acidic beverages are harmful to your teeth, what the biggest offenders are, and how to avoid potential damage.

Why Are Acidic Drinks Bad for My Teeth?

Acidic drinks are loved by many but can be tough on your teeth if consumed regularly. A drink's acidity level is determined by how much acid it contains from citrus or other additives. The pH scale measures this trait, but what pH is bad for your teeth? Any pH level below 7.0 is considered acidic, and the lower the number, the more harmful to your teeth.

Enamel is the strong outer layer that protects your teeth. Acidic drinks can wear enamel down, weakening it and causing long-term tooth erosion. It's essential to care for your teeth because tooth erosion is permanent. Enamel isn't a living cell and doesn't naturally repair itself as your skin does.

According to the American Dental Association, you can experience several side-effects from improper enamel care.

Consuming acidic drinks could lead to:

Tooth pain

Tooth sensitivity (to hot, cold, and air)

Discoloration of your teeth

Increased risk of cavities

Abscesses or loss of teeth (in extreme cases)

If you don't take care of your enamel, you may require more advanced dental care like a filling, crown, root canal, or tooth extraction.

Fun fact: Your enamel is the strongest material in the human body. It is even stronger than your bones.

Common Acidic Drinks to Avoid

It might surprise you how many drinks are acidic and pose a risk to your enamel's health. Even beverages that offer health benefits like fruit juice can be tough on your teeth. Any flavor or type of drink can be acidic, depending on the ingredients, additives, and formulation.

It's essential to remember that even sugar-free drinks can be acidic. Carbonation raises every drink's acidity, so any bubbly beverage is likely to be harmful to your dental health over time.

Is acidic coffee bad for your teeth? Is sugar-free soda okay? Let's take a look.

Here are some acidic drinks to avoid:

Coffee

Tea, both hot and cold

Carbonated drinks

Alcohol, especially wine

Juice, especially those high in citrus

Sports drinks

Soda and soft drinks (even sugar-free types)

How Do I Protect My Teeth From Acidic Drinks?

We recommend using moderation when consuming acidic drinks as the first step to protect your smile.

Even though your enamel will not regenerate, saliva does a great job maintaining your teeth' hard outer layer. Letting saliva do its job and consuming items that stimulate saliva production can give you the best chance to fight against acid and erosion.

Every type of acidic drink will cause tooth erosion over time. The more acidic the substance, the more damage it will cause. With this in mind, completely cutting acidic beverages from your diet is the only way to avoid adverse effects altogether. Not to worry, there are still ways to lower the amount of damage done when you consume acidic beverages.

Tips to protect your teeth from acidic drinks:

Use moderation: Many people will consume acidic drinks on occasion, so it's vital to limit the amount you drink.

Rinse with water: Tap or bottled water can wash away acids left in your mouth from other drinks. Consider rinsing with water after enjoying an acidic drink to limit the amount of damage it can do.

Reach for a straw: Straws can help acidic drinks go past your teeth and down your throat. Straws can be helpful but won't prevent all the dental erosion from acidic beverages.

Don't brush right after drinking: Reaching for your toothbrush too quickly after a drink can make things worse. Wait an hour after consuming an acidic drink before you brush to give your saliva a chance to harden the enamel naturally.

Build healthy habits: While it can be challenging to make changes to your routine, doing so will have lasting effects on your dental health. Buying a reusable water bottle can be a convenient way to establish a new habit to avoid acidic drinks and save money.

Consume dairy: Dairy products provide a protective film on enamel to prevent cavities.

Chew sugar-free gum: This easy option can promote saliva production. Saliva is healthy for your teeth because it removes some of the acids and even repairs enamel.

Practice good dental hygiene: We recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes twice daily to limit decay and cavities. Also, be sure to use floss, an interdental brush, or a water flosser to clean between teeth once a day.

Talk to your dentist: When in doubt, consulting with an expert is the safest option. Your dentist can advise dietary choices for your long-term dental health.

While we've provided some easy tips to limit the damage caused by acidic drinks, there's no way to prevent it entirely. Restricting your consumption of these drinks is the best bet for your dental health. Luckily, you've done a great job learning about tooth erosion caused by acidic drinks and are now prepared to make changes to your diet and build new habits.

(09/15/2023)
by Colgate

More Information: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-health/how-acidic-drinks-affect-teeth

Five Signs of a Healthy Mouth

Great oral health is incredibly important. Not only does it make for a gorgeous smile, but it’s also an important indicator of your overall health. Of course, there are obvious signs of poor dental health, such as cavities, loose teeth and never visiting the dentist. But there are other signs that your mouth is in healthy shape, such as these following five criteria.

1. White Healthy Teeth

A bright, white smile is about more than just aesthetics. They can also signify good oral health Several things can cause yellowish stains on your teeth, such as gingivitis, dental decay, tobacco usage, and more. One of the best ways to keep a bright white smile is to have a good dental hygiene routine. Therefore, if your teeth are naturally white, you’re doing something right!

2. Pink, Firm, Healthy Gums

Your gums should be pink and firm to the touch, rather than swollen, red, or tender. Red gums can be an indication of poor oral hygiene and gum disease. Gums that are too pale, on the other hand, might be a sign of anaemia. There should also be no flaps or pockets in the gums, and they should lie flush against your teeth. Lastly, it is important that they aren’t receding, so your teeth look longer. If you’ve avoided any of these issues, and your gums are pink and firm, you likely have healthy gums!

3. Your Gums Don’t Bleed

Bleeding gums while flossing or brushing are a sign that you may have gingivitis. This is an infection in the gums and the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis usually occurs due to poor oral hygiene, which allows bacteria to build up along your gum line and cause your gums to become inflamed. If you find your gums don’t bleed when brushing or flossing, that’s generally a great sign for your dental health!

4. Clean Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by a variety of factors, but having pleasant, clean breath and a decent taste in your mouth is usually a great sign of a healthy mouth. It means that your mouth is generally free of bacteria and food particles associated with bad breath. Bad breath can also be indicative of dry mouth, stomach issues, tonsillitis or other issues. Clean breath is a good sign that these health issues are not occurring.

5. No Sensitivity

Minor tooth sensitivity can occur from time to time. However, persistent sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink is a sign of deteriorating enamel. Your dental enamel is key to safeguarding the root of your tooth. When it wears away, it exposes the dentin layer of your tooth, which has tiny, microscopic tubules that provide access to the nerve. Without your enamel intact, the nerve of your tooth is exposed to outside stimuli. By keeping your teeth in good health with a proper oral hygiene routine, you can ensure you’ll be able to enjoy hot and cold beverages.

(09/18/2023)
by King Streets Dental Group

More Information: N

What to Do About Black Triangles Between Your Teeth

As electric-white movie star smiles become increasingly popular, more and more people seek to correct their dental imperfections.

Black triangles between your teeth, called open gingival embrasures, are one of the conditions people often want to fix.

Repairing these openings isn’t just cosmetic, though. There are important health reasons to mind the gaps.

What are open gingival embrasures or black triangles?

The simple answer is that they’re triangle-shaped gaps between your teeth. Roughly 67 percent of people over 20 years old have them.

It’s important to understand how they develop and what to do about them, because they can lead to further problems with your oral health.

What causes them?

If you notice gaps forming between your teeth, it’s important to discuss it with your dentist.

Black triangles can appear between your teeth for several reasons, and some causes are related to the health of your teeth and gums.

Gum recession

Plump, pink, healthy gum tissue hugs your teeth, filling the spaces between them.

Age, smoking, and periodontal (gum) disease can cause gums to recede or pull away from the teeth. This can expose the roots, leaving them vulnerable to bacteria, plaque, and cavities.

Bone loss

Gum disease, osteoporosis, and other conditions can cause a loss of bone near the base of a tooth. When bone is lost, the gum tissue in that area may also recede. This leads to the formation of black triangles.

Dental hygiene habits

Gum tissue is sensitive. If you brush your teeth too aggressively, you can damage your gums over time.

A 2011 studyTrusted Source found that other dental hygiene cleaners — tiny wand-like brushes used to scrub between teeth — can also lead to black triangles if too big for the space.

Orthodontic treatment

If you’ve had orthodontic care, small gaps may form between your teeth as they move into new positions.

Sometimes, orthodontic bands or other parts of the appliance can damage the gums, too.

A 2018 studyTrusted Source found that the likelihood of adults with braces developing black triangles between their upper and lower incisor teeth was 22 percent and 36 percent, respectively.

Triangular tooth shape

Some people have rectangular teeth, where the width of the tooth at the gum line isn’t much different than the width at the biting point.

Some people have teeth narrower at the gum line so that the tooth has a more triangular shape. Triangular teeth are more likely to develop these gaps.

Thin, fragile tissue

The thickness of gum tissue varies from person to person.

A 2013 reviewTrusted Source found that thin gum tissue is less resilient, so if you have a crown, a dental implant, or periodontal surgery, your gums may not restore themselves to their previous fullness afterward.

How can you get rid of the gaps?

Depending on the cause and severity of the gap, a number of treatment options exist.

Here are several to consider and discuss with your dentist or oral surgeon.

Gentle dental hygiene

Flossing your teeth and brushing twice daily is the advice from the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA emphasizes the need to floss with care to avoid hurting your gums.

Check out this article for easy steps to perfect flossing.

If the black triangles between your teeth are minimal and your gums are healthy, changing your dental hygiene habits may allow your gums to return to normal.

Hyaluronic acid treatment

In some cases, your dentist can regenerate gum tissue with injections of hyaluronic acid.

Some advocatesTrusted Source prefer this process to surgical corrections as it’s less painful and has a quick recovery period.

Because this treatment is relatively new, there’s little research on how long the effects last.

Composite resin

Some people elect to have their dentist fill the gaps with composite resin bonding.

Depending on your individual needs, your dentist might recommend using a pink resin, a tooth-colored resin, or both to flesh out the black triangles between your teeth.

This process doesn’t require surgery and takes some time to complete — a period of months, in some cases — because the resin is applied in thin layers so it looks natural, and your gums can adapt to the smaller space.

Your dentist can also add tooth-colored composite veneers to round out the appearance of the teeth.

Braces

If black triangles formed between your teeth because of a procedure or process that moved your teeth, you may be able to close the gaps by moving teeth together with braces.

Orthodontic treatment takes time, but the aesthetic results may be worth the time and cost.

Veneers

Your dentist can cement ceramic or porcelain veneers to the surface of the tooth to fill in gaps and create a more even smile.

Most of the time, applying veneers involves altering the surface of your natural tooth so the veneer and tooth form a strong bond. Experts say veneers last between 18 months and 20 yearsTrusted Source.

Surgical remedies

In advanced cases of gum recession, some periodontists recommend tissue grafting. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in gum disease and dental implants.

In this procedure, your periodontist removes a small amount of tissue from the roof of your mouth and grafts it over the receded areas around your teeth. Bone grafts may also be necessary to build up the bone at the base of your tooth.

Depending on how much of your gum tissue has pulled away from your teeth, your periodontist may also be able to use a pinhole technique to loosen the gum and reattach it using collagen strips.

This procedure is considered less invasive because it doesn’t require large incisions or sutures that can disrupt blood supply to the area.

In one small study of five participants, pinhole surgical repair was 96.7 percentTrusted Source effective in repairing black triangles between teeth.

(09/15/2023)
by healthline

More Information: https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/black-triangles-teeth#bottom-line

What Causes Cheek Swelling?

Noticing that your cheeks are swollen can be upsetting. Not only can the swelling be uncomfortable, but it might be noticeable to others. If your cheeks are swollen, you may wonder what prompted it and what you can do about it.

Common Causes of Cheek Swelling

There are many possible causes of swollen cheeks. In some cases, the swelling may result from an injury or trauma, such as a fall or burn. It may also occur after surgery to the jaw or other nearby areas. Sometimes, the swelling is unilateral, which means it occurs on just one side of the face, while other times, it's bilateral, meaning both sides of the face are affected. Your doctor or dentist will assess your symptoms against the following possible causes to determine the source of the swelling.

Salivary Gland Infection: A large pair of salivary glands known as the parotid glands are located in the cheeks, reports the National Institutes of Health (NIH). If these glands become infected, they can swell, causing the appearance of swollen cheeks. Sometimes, the infection affects just one of the glands, but if both glands are involved, the infection is called parotitis or parotiditis.

Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess may lead to cheek swelling. This infection occurs when bacteria enters the pulp of a tooth, which may happen if you have a cracked tooth or a large cavity that hasn't been treated. In addition to cheek swelling, people with tooth abscesses may have pain, fever, tooth sensitivity or a bad taste in the mouth, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Angioedema: Angioedema, a skin reaction, may be associated with swollen cheeks, too. This reaction can be triggered by foods, medications and common allergens, such as pollen, explains the Mayo Clinic. People with angioedema may experience swelling around their eyes, lips or cheeks. The affected areas can also be red, painful or warm.

Sinus Infection: Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection, is a common condition that can make your cheeks swollen, explains the U.K.'s National Health Service. This infection may develop after a cold or flu and will usually go away on its own within a few weeks. In addition to swollen cheeks, people with sinusitis may have pain, headache, fever, a blocked nose or even a toothache.

Home Remedies for Swollen Cheeks

If you have swollen cheeks, you may wonder if there's anything you can do at home to make yourself more comfortable. The NIH explains that raising the head of your bed or elevating your head with extra pillows can help reduce facial swelling. If the swelling began after an injury, the NIH suggests applying a cold compress.

However, home remedies aren't always enough. If the swelling doesn't go away, or if it gets worse, the NIH recommends seeing a medical professional. Swelling that's sudden, painful or accompanied by a fever should always be evaluated by a doctor or dentist. If your facial swelling is making it hard for you to breathe, seek emergency treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment

There are many possible causes of swollen cheeks, and a doctor or dentist can evaluate your cheeks, face and oral cavity to determine the source of the swelling. This evaluation will include asking questions about your medical history, such as when the swelling began, as well as evaluating your other symptoms. They may also ask questions about your allergies and current medications.

After determining the cause of the swelling, your doctor or dentist can recommend an appropriate treatment, if necessary. Treatment will vary based on the cause of the swelling. For example, if it's determined that the swelling is a symptom of an abscessed tooth, treatments may include antibiotics or a root canal, explains the Mayo Clinic.

Swollen cheeks can be uncomfortable, and they can be caused by many different conditions. If you're concerned about swelling in your cheeks or elsewhere on your body, talk to your doctor or dentist.

(09/19/2023)
by Colgate

More Information: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/threats-to-dental-health/what-causes-cheek-swelling

Reasons Why Your Mouth Is Unhealthy

Oral hygiene isn’t something we consider too often. Aside from brushing our teeth and attending our biannual dentist checkups, we leave our teeth to look after themselves. However, that doesn’t mean that our mouth is in the best shape it can be. There are many reasons why you might have unhealthy oral hygiene. We’ll cover some common issues and warning signs.

Warning Signs

Waiting until symptoms become serious is a mistake. If you go to your dentists twice a year, they should pick up on most problems before they cause any pain. However, some things can happen quickly. If you notice any of the following symptoms, book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Ulcers, cold sores, or other tender areas in the mouth that don’t heal within a few weeks

Bleeding or swollen gums when brushing and flossing

Chronic bad breath

Sudden onset of sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages

Toothache or pain

Receding gums

Pain when eating, chewing, or biting

Jaw clicking

Cracked or broken teeth

Dry mouth

5 Causes of Dental and Oral Diseases

So, what are the five reasons your mouth is unhealthy?

1. Smoking

Nicotine is notoriously bad for the health of your teeth. Smoke causes discolouration and poor gum health. Gums recede and struggle to heal as less oxygen gets into the bloodstream.

2. Bad Habits

It’s not enough to just brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing technique and flossing all come into the equation. Two minutes of brushing thoroughly twice a day is the best way to ensure you keep your teeth in top condition.

Moreover, sugary drinks, coffee, tea, or red wine can harm your teeth. Try to drink through a straw and rinse your mouth out with water afterwards.

3. Family History

Genetics plays a part in oral hygiene. Family background can influence your mouth structure, how susceptible you are to certain diseases, and also certain habits. It isn’t much you can do about your genetics. To mitigate gum disease or tooth decay risks, speak to your dentist about the steps you can adopt and ensure you’re extra vigilant about brushing and flossing.

4. Medical Conditions

Diabetes and other medical conditions are often responsible for specific mouth issues. People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop oral problems and gum diseases than others. High blood sugar levels in the bloodstream lead to more sugar in the saliva, which is the perfect condition for bacteria to build up. Bacteria causes tooth decay and gum disease.

Furthermore, certain medicines can dry your mouth out and further the risk of oral disease. These include antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medications, and muscle relaxants.

5. Hormone Changes

Hormone changes might also impact the health of your mouth, particularly if you’re pregnant. Hormone changes can further the risk of gum disease and pregnancy tumours. Both are significant and need treatment straight away to avoid harming the baby. Pregnant women are also at risk of developing dry mouth (xerostomia), leading to plaque, gum inflammation, and tooth decay.

Moreover, pregnancy can cause behavioural attitudes that might hurt your oral hygiene. For example, food cravings may lead to more consumption of sugary foods. Morning sickness can make it hard to brush your teeth. Plus, the acid from frequent vomiting may be harmful.

Similarly, hormone changes during menopause might increase the risk of gum disease and burning mouth syndrome (BMS).

Types of Dental and Oral Diseases

There are different types of dental diseases. You’ll likely experience one of them within your lifetime, even if you’re extra vigilant about your oral hygiene. Types of oral diseases include:

Cavities

Gum disease (gingivitis)

Periodontitis

Cracked or broken teeth

Sensitive teeth

Oral cancer

Diagnosing Oral Diseases

If you approach your dentist with symptoms you’re concerned about, they will conduct an oral exam. They will inspect your teeth, mouth, throat, tongue, cheeks, jaw, and neck. They may also take an x-ray of your mouth or gum probe.

Treating Oral Problems

Even if you’re on top of your oral care, you’ll still need to attend regular checkups with your dentist. They will be able to point out any warning signs you haven’t noticed, offer treatments, and give advice about the general care of your mouth.

(09/20/2023)
by Toorak Dental Studio

More Information: https://toorakdentalstudio.com.au/5-reasons-why-your-mouth-is-unhealthy/

Top Tips On How To Whiten Yellow Teeth

When brushing twice a day and flossing doesn’t help improve your yellow teeth, it’s time to consider other options. Teeth become yellow due to stains – both deep and surface-level – as well as other causes that sometimes aren’t under our control. Whether the discoloration is due to staining or other factors, several over-the-counter (OTC) products can improve tooth color, and your dentist can also offer preventative advice on how to whiten yellow teeth.

What Causes Yellow Teeth?

Although coffee and cigarettes leave stains on your teeth over time, thin tooth enamel also makes teeth look yellow. Tooth enamel is the hard, white surface of your teeth, and underneath it is a pale brown substance called dentin. Thick enamel looks white, but thin enamel allows dentin tones to show through, making teeth look yellow from the outside. Enamel naturally wears thin as people age, but acids from foods and drinks such as sour candies, oranges and soda also thin the enamel by eroding its surface. Carole Palmer, head of the Division of Nutrition and Oral Health Promotion at Tufts University, tells Tufts Now that even chewable vitamin C tablets are acidic.

Saliva neutralizes acid and washes it away, but people suffering from dry mouth miss out on this protective effect. For example, children who breathe through their mouths due to blocked nasal passages can prevent saliva from remoisturizing the mouth when it’s closed – putting them at risk of developing thin tooth enamel.

Other Causes

Other causes of yellow teeth include antibiotic use or excessive fluoride intake in young children, which can cause yellow-stained adult teeth later. However, according to dentistry professor Mauli Simrativir, antibiotics and high fluoride levels cause blotching, rather than an overall yellow tone to the teeth. Sometimes yellow teeth just run in the family.

Preventing Yellow Teeth

Avoiding smoking, coffee and soda helps prevent yellow teeth, or you can get into the habit of drinking those darker beverages through a straw. Drink milk or plain water after eating or drinking something acidic to help reduce the acid’s eroding effect. Brushing and flossing also help, and avoiding snacks between meals allows your saliva to dilute the acids in your mouth too.

If you’re concerned that you or your child suffers from dry mouth, consult your doctor, and always use fluoride products per your dentist’s advice.

Whitening Yellow Teeth

OTC products such as Colgate Optic White Toothbrush and Whitening Pen is a convenient and affordable way to get five shades whiter teeth, can lift yellow tones in your teeth by removing stains and providing a mild bleaching effect when used as directed. Other products include whitening trays and even mouthrinses.

Discolorations are generally responsive to bleaching procedures, and dentists can advise on how to whiten yellow teeth depending on your case. Your dentist can provide bleaching kits to take home and use over a period of time, as well as in-office bleaching procedures. However, he or she might recommend waiting until all your child’s permanent front teeth have appeared before using a bleaching treatment, so that newer teeth aren’t a different color than bleached baby teeth.

With so many ways to treat yellow teeth, there’s no reason to hide a beautiful smile.

(09/18/2023)
by Kempton Smile

More Information: https://kemptonsmile.co.za/top-tips-on-how-to-whiten-yellow-teeth/

When is Tonsillitis an Emergency?

Tonsillitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the tonsils, which are the two small glands located at the back of the throat. In most cases, tonsillitis is not a medical emergency and can be treated with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

However, there are certain cases when tonsillitis may require emergency medical attention. Some signs and symptoms that may indicate a medical emergency include:

Difficulty breathing: If you have severe swelling in your tonsils, it can cause difficulty breathing. If you experience shortness of breath or feel like you can't catch your breath, seek emergency medical attention right away.

Severe pain: Tonsillitis can be painful, but if the pain is severe and not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication, it may require emergency medical attention.

High fever: A high fever (over 103 degrees Fahrenheit) can be a sign of a bacterial infection, which can lead to complications such as sepsis. If you have a high fever, seek medical attention.

Difficulty swallowing: If you are having trouble swallowing due to severe tonsillitis symptoms, it can lead to dehydration. If you are unable to drink fluids, seek medical attention.

Pus or abscess formation: If you notice white or yellow spots on your tonsils or experience difficulty opening your mouth, it may indicate the formation of an abscess. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek an emergency room near you for medical attention as soon as possible.

What is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, the lymph nodes at the back of the mouth and top of the throat. Your tonsils and immune system prevent infection in the body by filtering out bacteria, but they can be impacted by a viral infection. This infection is most common in young children but can affect people of all ages.

Symptoms of tonsillitis may include:

Swollen tonsils

Sore throat

Fever

Painful swallowing

Chronic tonsillitis occurs when you have several episodes of tonsillitis over a long period of time or if tonsillitis symptoms persist after treatment. In some cases, surgery to remove the tonsils, a tonsillectomy, would be the recommended step to treat chronic symptoms.

What causes Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral and bacterial infections. Some of the most common causes of tonsillitis include:

Viral infections: Many cases of tonsillitis are caused by viruses, such as the common cold virus, influenza virus, or the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mononucleosis). These types of infections typically resolve on their own within a week or two.

Bacterial infections: Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) is a common bacterial cause of tonsillitis, which is also known as strep throat. Other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Haemophilus influenzae, may also cause tonsillitis.

Fungal infections: In rare cases, tonsillitis may be caused by a fungal infection, such as candidiasis.

Environmental factors: Exposure to irritants in the environment, such as pollution or cigarette smoke, can also cause inflammation of the tonsils.

Immunological factors: Certain immunological disorders or deficiencies can also increase the risk of tonsillitis.

Genetics: In some cases, tonsillitis may be hereditary, and a family history of recurrent tonsillitis may increase the risk of developing the condition.

It is important to identify the underlying cause of tonsillitis in order to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Treating Tonsillitis

Treatment for tonsillitis depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Here are some common treatments for tonsillitis:

Rest and fluids: Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated.

Over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and reduce fever.

Antibiotics: If the tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear the infection.

Corticosteroids: In some cases, corticosteroids may be prescribed to help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms.

Tonsillectomy: If tonsillitis is severe, recurrent, or causing complications such as difficulty breathing, a tonsillectomy (surgery to remove the tonsils) may be recommended.

Home remedies: Gargling with saltwater, using throat lozenges or sprays, and avoiding irritants such as smoking or pollution may help relieve symptoms.

It is important to see a doctor if symptoms of tonsillitis are severe or persist for more than a few days, or if there are signs of complications such as difficulty breathing or swallowing. In some cases, untreated tonsillitis can lead to more serious complications such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.

Chronic Tonsillitis

Chronic tonsillitis is a condition in which the tonsils become inflamed and infected repeatedly over a long period of time, often for several months or years. It is usually caused by bacterial or viral infections that are not completely treated or resolved, which can lead to recurrent episodes of tonsillitis.

Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis can include persistent sore throat, bad breath, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and frequent or recurrent episodes of tonsillitis. In some cases, chronic tonsillitis can lead to complications such as abscess formation, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing.

Complications of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis, if left untreated or poorly managed, can lead to a range of complications, including:

Abscess formation: Tonsillitis can lead to the formation of a pocket of pus (abscess) in the tonsils or throat, which can be painful and may require drainage or surgical removal.

Difficulty breathing or swallowing: In some cases, tonsillitis can cause swelling of the tonsils and throat, which can make it difficult to breathe or swallow.

Rheumatic fever: Untreated strep throat (a bacterial infection that can cause tonsillitis) can lead to rheumatic fever, which can cause inflammation of the heart, joints, and other organs.

Kidney inflammation: Strep throat can also cause a condition called post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which is inflammation of the kidneys that can lead to kidney damage.

Spread of infection: Tonsillitis can be contagious, and if left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the ears or sinuses.

Sleep apnea: In some cases, chronic tonsillitis can lead to sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops and starts during sleep.

Developmental delays: In young children, recurrent tonsillitis may lead to developmental delays or other health problems.

It is important to seek medical attention if you or your child experience symptoms of tonsillitis or any complications that may arise from the condition. Proper treatment and management can help prevent these complications from occurring.

(09/19/2023)
by ER Of Texas

More Information: N

What Is Veillonella?

The word "veillonella" has a lovely ring to it. Although it may evoke images of a sweet-smelling flower or beautiful rose bush, this term isn't a flower you grow in your garden. But it is part of your normal bodily flora and naturally occurs in your mouth. Oral flora is responsible for the periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay that affects many people.

What Is Veillonella?

This common germ is a small cocci bacterium that is anaerobic – meaning it doesn't need oxygen to survive. In fact, it needs carbon dioxide to grow. If you were to look at it under a microscope, you'd see it is round in shape, appears in pairs, masses, or short chains, and doesn't move around very often.

Although there are around 200 types of bacteria that grow in your oral cavity, a study published in the Journal of Bacteriology found that Veillonella and Streptococcus bacteria work together in the early formation of plaque on your teeth. As these two bacteria colonize and grow, they lay a matrix that supports the growth of other varieties of bacteria that live in plaque.

How Does Veillonella Form?

Bacterial communities are not formed randomly. Believe it or not, they're quite selective. The way they develop supports the growth of many species of bacteria at once. Veillonella, for example, doesn't ferment dietary sugars like Streptococci. However, it does use the lactic acid produced by Streptococci's sugar fermentation to create its own. Essentially, Veillonella bacterium could not survive if it didn't coexist with Streptococci. In turn, other species of bacteria need the environment created by Veillonella and Streptococci to survive.

The problem for you? When your tooth enamel is exposed to these bacterial acids over a prolonged period, dental decay begins. Additionally, the acidic conditions caused by this bacterium underneath the gumline eventually destroy the teeth' supporting structures, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

What Can You Do to Prevent Veillonella?

It can be discouraging to think that as soon as you're done with your oral hygiene routine, Veillonella and other disease-causing bacteria begin to rebuild their homes in your mouth. For this reason, your oral hygiene routine cannot be hit or miss. Regularly removing plaque from your teeth needs to be a priority to disrupt bacterial colonies before they can cause any harm. And while you can't eliminate them from your mouth (some bacteria are actually helpful), there are things you can do to keep your oral flora from getting out of hand:

Brush at least two times a day, and clean between your teeth at least once a day with floss, water flossers, or other interdental cleaners.

Replace your toothbrush regularly, at least every three months. Old worn brushes don't clean well and eventually harbor bacteria, which defeats the toothbrush's purpose.

Make sure to clean your tongue too. It is also the home of Veillonella and other related bacteria.

Don't "feed" the flora. Limit your intake of sugars and carbohydrates to cut down the number of times a day you expose your teeth to the acids that allow flora to build up and irritate the gums.

Schedule regular professional dental hygiene appointments (at least twice a year) to have plaque and tartar buildup removed, so bacterium doesn't become trapped underneath your gumline.

Most flora in your mouth is harmless to you unless they have the opportunity to organize and grow. Don't let these culprits make you a victim of bad breath, tooth decay, or gum disease. Keep a diligent oral care routine and remember: The only flora that needs feeding is in the garden outside.

(09/20/2023)
by Colgate

More Information: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/plaque-and-tartar/what-is-veillonella

Eight Causes of Throbbing Tooth Pain, and What to Do

Throbbing tooth pain is a sign that you might have tooth damage. Tooth decay or a cavity can give you a toothache. Throbbing tooth pain can also happen if there is an infection in the tooth or in the gums surrounding it.

Toothaches are typically caused by an infection or inflammation in the tooth. This is called pulpitis.

The soft pink pulp inside your tooth helps to keep it healthy and alive. Tooth pulp contains tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.

A cavity or crack in the tooth lets air and germs inside the tooth. This can irritate and infect the sensitive pulp nerves, leading to tooth pain.

Other symptoms

Along with throbbing pain, other symptoms of a toothache can include:

constant dull ache

sharp pain when you bite

pain when you eat something sweet

sensitive or tingly teeth

pain or tenderness in the mouth

pain or aching in the jaw

mouth or gum swelling

redness

bad taste in the mouth

a bad smell in the mouth

pus or white fluid

fever

Both adults and children can get a toothache. See a dentist immediately if you have any signs or symptoms. You will likely need a dental exam and an X-ray to find out what’s causing the tooth pain.

Here are eight possible causes of throbbing tooth pain.

1. Tooth decay

Tooth decay or a cavity is the most common reason for tooth pain. It can happen when bacteria “eat” through the hard enamel outer layer of a tooth.

Bacteria are part of normal mouth and body health. However, too much sugar and other foods on your teeth can cause too many bad bacteria.

Bacteria make a plaque that sticks to your teeth. Some kinds of bacteria give off acid that can lead to holes or cavities. Tooth decay might look like small white, brown, or black spots on your teeth.

Treatment

Your dentist can repair a hole or fix a weakened area in the tooth to help stop the throbbing pain. You may need:

teeth cleaning to get rid of plaque

a filling to patch up the cavity

antibiotics to clear up infection

2. Tooth abscess

An abscessed tooth is when part or all of the pulp inside the tooth dies. The dead tissue makes a “pocket” of bacteria and pus called an abscess. Tooth infection or inflammation can cause an abscess.

A damaged tooth can lead to a tooth abscess if it is not treated quickly. This happens when a hole or crack lets in bacteria into the tooth.

Treatment

Treatment for a tooth abscess includes:

antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection

draining and cleaning out the abscess

cleaning and treating the gums, if the abscess is caused by gum disease

root canal, if the abscess is caused by decay or a cracked tooth

implant, which involves replacing the tooth with a synthetic one

3. Tooth fracture

A tooth fracture is a crack or split in the tooth. This can happen by biting on something hard like ice. You may also get a tooth fracture in a fall or if you get hit in the jaw or face with something hard. In some cases, a tooth fracture can develop slowly over time.

A tooth fracture can lead to throbbing pain. The fracture allows things to get into the tooth and irritate or infect the pulp and nerves, triggering pain.

This may include:

bacteria

food particles

water

air

Treatment

Your dentist can repair a fractured tooth with dental glue, a veneer, or a filling. You may need a cap or crown on the tooth, or your dentist may recommend a root canal.

4. Damaged filling

You can damage a filling with normal biting and chewing, by biting something hard, or by grinding or clenching your teeth. A filling may:

chip

crumble

crack

wear away

pop out

Treatment

Your dentist can repair or replace a damaged filling. You may need a crown on the tooth if it has become too damaged for a new filling.

5. Infected gums

A gum infection is also called gingivitis. Infected gums can lead to gum disease or periodontitis. Gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults.

A gum infection can be caused by:

not cleaning your teeth and mouth properly

a poor daily diet

smoking

hormonal changes

some kinds of medications

health conditions like diabetes

cancer and cancer treatments

genetics

Bacteria from infected gums can build up around the tooth roots. This can cause an infection in the gum tissue that results in a toothache.

Gum disease may shrink gums away from the tooth. It may also break down the bone that holds teeth in place. This can loosen teeth and cause cavities.

Treatment

A gum infection is normally treated with antibiotics. You may need regular cleanings by your dentist to remove plaque. A medicated mouth wash can help soothe gum and tooth pain.

If you have gum disease, you may need several treatments to help save your teeth. Treatment includes a “deep cleaning” called scaling and root planing to keep your teeth and gums healthy. In severe cases, dental surgery may be needed.

6. Grinding or clenching

Grinding your teeth is also called bruxism. It usually happens during sleep. Clenching your teeth means biting down hard. Grinding and clenching can happen because of stress, genetics, and over-developed jaw muscles.

Grinding and clenching can cause tooth, gum, and jaw pain. They can lead to tooth erosion by wearing away the tooth. This increases the risk of cavities, tooth pain, and fractured teeth.

Signs of tooth erosion include:

small cracks or roughness on teeth edges

teeth thinning (biting edges look slightly transparent)

sensitive teeth (especially to hot, cold, and sweet drinks and foods)

rounded teeth

chipped or dented teeth and fillings

teeth yellowing

Treatment

Treating the cause of grinding and clenching teeth helps stop tooth pain. Wearing a mouth guard during sleep can help stop adults and children from grinding their teeth. It may also be helpful to practice stress relief techniques or seek counseling from mental health professional.

7. Loose crown

A crown or cap is a tooth-shaped cover. It usually covers the whole tooth down to the gumline. You might need a crown if a tooth is cracked or broken, or if a cavity is too big for a filling.

A crown holds the tooth together. It can be made of metals, ceramic, or porcelain. Dental cement holds a crown in place.

A crown can become loose through normal wear and tear. It can also chip or crack like a real tooth. The cement glue holding a crown in place may wash out. You may damage a crown by clenching or grinding your teeth or biting something hard.

A loose crown can trigger throbbing tooth pain. This happens because bacteria can get under the crown. The tooth may become infected or damaged, triggering nerve pain.

Treatment

Your dentist may remove the crown and treat the tooth if there is a cavity or tooth damage. A new crown is put on the repaired tooth. A loose or damaged crown can be repaired or replaced with a new one.

8. Eruption of a tooth

New growing (erupting) teeth can cause pain in the gums, jaw, and surrounding teeth. This includes teething babies, children getting new teeth, and adults growing wisdom teeth.

A tooth can become impacted if it’s blocked from growing through the gums. Or it may grow in the wrong direction, such as sideways instead of up. This can be caused by:

crowding (too many teeth)

a baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out

a cyst in the mouth

genetics

An impacted tooth may damage a neighboring tooth’s roots. A newly erupted tooth and an impacted tooth may also cause other teeth to move or loosen. This sets off pain in the gums and teeth.

Treatment

You can soothe pain or tenderness from an erupting tooth with an oral numbing gel or general pain medication. Treatment for an impacted tooth includes minor dental surgery to make room for the tooth. This may involve removing extra teeth or opening up blockages.

Other causes

Other causes of throbbing tooth pain include:

food or debris stuck between your teeth

abnormal bite

sinus infection (pain in the back teeth)

heart disease, such as angina (pain around the teeth and jaw)

When to see a dentist

A tooth infection can spread to the jaw bone and other areas of the face, throat, and head. Call your dentist immediately if you have other symptoms along with a toothache. These can include:

pain that lasts longer than a day

pain when biting or chewing

fever

swelling

red gums

bad taste or smell

difficulty swallowing

If your tooth has broken or come out, go to the dentist or emergency room immediately.

Self-care tips

Try these tips to soothe throbbing tooth pain if you cannot see your dentist immediately:

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

Gently floss to remove food or plaque between teeth.

Apply a cold compress to your jaw or cheek.

Take over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen.

Try home remedies for toothaches like clove oil to numb the gums.

The bottom line

See your dentist or doctor if you have throbbing tooth pain. It may be due to an infection. Early treatment can help keep your teeth and body healthy.

Regular dentist visits help to prevent serious teeth problems before they cause pain. Check with your health insurance to find out if you’re covered for regular check-ups and teeth cleaning.

If you cannot afford a dentist, call some local dental schools. They often offer free or cheaper teeth cleaning and minor dental procedures, like fillings.

(09/21/2023)
by Healthline

More Information: N

Do You Have a Normal Teeth Bite? Here’s How to Tell

A bad bite. No, we’re not talking about a day-old sandwich or a mosquito sting. We’re talking about teeth! Specifically, how your upper jaw and lower jaw come together to form your smile. In a normal bite, teeth fit together with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom and the back teeth fitting together like a puzzle. But with a bad bite, your teeth are misaligned.

Chances are, you’ve heard of overbites and underbites. But did you know, there’s actually several kinds of bad bites? Four to be exact: overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite. On top of that, you might also see other signs of a bad bite, like crooked teeth, crowded or gap teeth or other alignment issues that cause concern.

At Davis Orthodontics, we’re experts in turning bad bites into healthy, straight smiles that last a lifetime. So let’s talk about how you can tell if you have a bad bite versus a normal teeth bite and why it’s important to fix your bite alignment.

FOUR DIFFERENT KINDS OF BITES

A bad bite, also called malocclusion, can look different from person to person. As we mentioned earlier, there are four kinds of bad bites: overbites, underbites, crossbites and openbites. So what do each of these look like?

Overbite:

With a normal bite, teeth have a slight overbite with the front top teeth sitting over the lower front teeth. But if your molars don’t fit together like a puzzle with your overbite, you might have an overbite that’s considered misaligned. Do your top teeth bite down on your lower gums? Do your top teeth protrude over your bottom teeth?

If so, these are signs of a problematic overbite. An overbite can cause tension in your jaw and face muscles, resulting in headaches. It can cause difficulties or discomfort with chewing your food or cause uneven wear on your tooth enamel.

Underbite:

This is when your lower jaw extends past your upper jaw, causing your lower teeth to protrude and sit past your upper teeth. Like the other three bad bites we talk about here, genetics and habits from childhood like prolonged thumbsucking and tongue thrusting can play a role in causing an underbite.

An underbite is less common than an overbite but can lead to the same jaw stress and chewing challenges. You might even experience sleep apnea with an underbite or difficulty with enunciating certain words or sounds.

Crossbite:

Unlike an overbite or underbite which describes an entire row of teeth, a crossbite happens to single teeth or a group of them. A crossbite is when upper teeth bite inside your lower teeth and it can happen with back or front teeth. You might have developed a crossbite if your baby teeth didn’t fall out during childhood or if your adult teeth had a delay in erupting. In these cases, your jaw and other teeth respond by developing a crossbite.

Open bite:

There are two kinds of open bites but both look like upper and lower teeth that don’t touch. One kind is when your front top teeth don’t touch or slightly overlap your front bottom teeth like in a normal bite. The second kind of open bite is when your back top and bottom teeth don’t touch each other when your mouth is in a resting position. Some signs of an open bite include:

A lisp

Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Your tongue sits in a different position

Your teeth are showing irregular wear

In addition to genetics or childhood habits, an open bite can be the result of your jaw growing apart instead of parallel to one another.

OTHER KINDS OF MISALIGNED TEETH

So we’ve covered what you need to know about bad bites, but it’s also helpful to know about other misalignment issues that can affect your oral health and smile. Crooked teeth, gap teeth and crowding teeth are common issues that we see and treat at our Simpsonville, Spartanburg, Clemson, Anderson, Walhalla, Greenville and Greer offices.

When these misalignment issues are corrected, our patients not only feel more confident in their new smiles, but can also enjoy the benefits of healthier teeth and gums.

Crooked teeth:

Sometimes teeth grow in a less-than-ideal direction and when your teeth don’t sit vertically or are twisted, they can affect proper bite alignment. Crooked teeth can impact how effectively you brush and floss and even how well you can chew.

So what causes crooked teeth? Well, genetics can play a big role. So does poor oral hygiene: periodontitis, or severe gum disease, can cause teeth to shift, loosen or fall out. Trauma to your teeth from sports or accidents — a baseball, a fall — can also cause gaps and shifting. An interesting fact?

Our teeth naturally move to fill gaps left by teeth that have prematurely fallen out. And when teeth move to fill spaces, they might not shift into a straight position. Crooked teeth can also be caused by poor nutrition, either in childhood or adulthood.

Speaking of childhood, crooked teeth can begin when you’re young. Infant habits like thumbsucking, mouth breathing, or tongue thrusting that extend from babyhood into early childhood can impact the direction of teeth. Prolonged thumbsucking and tongue thrusting can push out your top front teeth, while mouth breathing can cause your jaw to develop lower and further back.

Crowded Teeth:

When you have a mismatch between the smaller size of your jaw and the size of your teeth, your teeth might not have enough room and end up sitting too closely together. Crowded teeth can cause issues with your oral hygiene — it might be hard to floss or brush effectively into the nooks and crannies when teeth are too tight together. Insufficient brushing and flossing can then lead to tooth decay or gum disease.

Of course, it also goes without saying that many people want to fix their crowded teeth to feel more confident about their smile, either with braces or clear aligners like Invisalign®. These are both options we offer at Davis Orthodontics.

Gap Teeth:

Let’s be honest, sometimes having gap teeth is endearing, like when kids have a gap in their front teeth during the transition from baby to adult teeth. For teens and adults though, gap teeth aren’t always preferable. While it’s not typically necessary to treat gap teeth for oral health reasons, some prefer treatment for aesthetics. Also called “diastema”, gap teeth refers to teeth that have space between them wider than half a millimeter.

Gap teeth sometimes happen when your jaw is larger than the size your teeth need, or conversely, when your teeth are smaller or some are missing. If you’re missing your lateral incisors — the teeth on either side of your two top front teeth — this can cause gapping between teeth and it’s something that Dr. Buddy can treat easily at his Simpsonville and Greer offices. Missing lateral incisors is genetic and happens to about 2% of people.

WHAT ARE OTHER SYMPTOMS OF A BAD BITE?

Now that we’ve covered what a bad bite looks like, what are signs you might feel or experience when you have dental malocclusion?

TMJ discomfort:

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) hinges your lower jaw to your skull. It gives your jaw the ability to move for things like speaking, yawning and chewing. If you have a bad bite, your TMJ might not properly align, resulting in some pain when you open and close your jaw. You might also experience some stiffness, soreness, or hear a clicking noise.

Teeth grinding and clenching your jaw:

Do you grind your teeth at night? Or during the daytime? Grinding your teeth — or clenching your jaw — is a sign that your teeth might be misaligned, which puts stress on your jaw. In turn, the stress can lead to headaches and jaw pain. Over time, teeth grinding can also wear down the enamel on your teeth and you might experience more tooth sensitivity or be more prone to tooth decay.

Headaches:

Most of us get headaches at one point or another. But if it seems like you get headaches a lot and you’ve ruled out other causes — like stress, computer use or diet — your headaches could be the result of a bad bite. A misaligned jaw can cause tension on facial joints like your TMJ as well as put strain on the tissue and ligaments around your jaw.

Trouble with speaking:

Another way you can tell if you have a bad bite versus a normal bite is if you have difficulty pronouncing sounds or enunciating clearly. Misaligned teeth can show up in a lisp. Or sometimes a smaller jaw doesn’t allow room for your tongue to move freely and it takes extra effort to form words correctly.

Facial Asymmetry:

When you look in the mirror, does your face seem asymmetrical? If so, it might be because of a bad bite. Proper bite alignment and straight teeth help define the length and shape of your face, the symmetry of the left and right sides and the structure of your jawbone.

HOW TO FIX BITE ALIGNMENT

Ultimately, only a specialized certified orthodontist like Dr. Buddy, Dr. Adam, or Dr. Sarah can correctly diagnose if you have a bad bite or if your teeth form a normal bite. An orthodontist has the expertise in not only aligning your teeth into a straight smile, but also in assessing the alignment of your face and jaw overall and considering your long-term oral health.

At Davis Orthodontics, we treat each patient with their specific needs and goals in mind. If your bad bite needs braces, we use cutting edge technology to help you step-by-step through the process. If crooked teeth can benefit from Invisalign, we can plan a convenient and discreet treatment that fits into your lifestyle.

A NEW SMILE AND A NEW YOU WITH PROPER BITE ALIGNMENT

Remember those symptoms we mentioned earlier? The TMJ pain, the headaches and teeth grinding? These life-interfering symptoms are greatly alleviated once you have a normal bite and teeth position. Your quality of life can improve dramatically, whether it’s becoming pain-free or having a straight smile… or both. Yep, when it comes to your teeth, you can pretty much have it all!

(09/21/2023)
by Dr Buddy

More Information: https://www.drbuddy.com/do-you-have-a-normal-teeth-bite/