Are you experiencing ear and throat pain on one side when swallowing? There are many possible causes of one-sided pain in the throat and ear, including viral infections, nerve problems, digestive issues and other infections. Some of these conditions may cause a sharp pain in the throat when swallowing on one side, while others also cause ear pain. Here are some of the possible conditions that can result in one-sided ear and throat pain when swallowing.
Tonsilitis
If the tonsils are inflamed from a bacterial or viral infection, it is called tonsilitis. This condition is more common in children, but anyone with tonsils can experience this infection at any age. Tonsilitis can cause pain in the throat and ear when swallowing due to swollen lymph nodes on one side of the neck and it may be accompanied by a fever.
Postnasal Drip, Allergies and Sinusitis
Postnasal drip is caused by excess mucus and salvia that can irritate the throat. Viral infections that impact the sinuses or allergies can contribute to postnasal drip and throat pain. The ears, throat and sinuses are all connected, which can result in ear and throat pain when swallowing, usually on one side. Most postnasal drip conditions can be controlled with over-the-counter medications, relieving allergies or nasal congestion.
Strep Throat or Mono
Mononucleosis (mono) or strep throat can cause sharp pain in the throat when swallowing and may also result in ear pain. These are both contagious diseases that result in an infection that can impact the throat and the ears.
Tooth Infection
An abscessed or infected tooth can cause pain in the ear and throat that may be worse when swallowing. The infection in the tooth can cause the lymph nodes to swell, putting pressure on the ear and throat. Most infected teeth will also result in a toothache along with the pain in the throat and ear.
Epiglottitis
The epiglottis is the flap at the back of the throat that prevents food or other substances from traveling down into the windpipe or airway into the lungs. Epiglottitis is an inflation of the epiglottis that can result in a sharp pain in the throat when swallowing on one side or in the back of the throat. This condition can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
There are multiple nerves in the throat that can be irritated and cause pain. The glossopharyngeal nerve is one of these nerves that can be damaged or aggravated, resulting in ear and throat pain on one side when swallowing. This type of neuralgia can be managed with medication or treatment of the source of nerve irritation.
Acid or Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
Reflux conditions involves the backup of stomach digestive juices into the esophagus and throat. Gastrointestinal acid reflux disease, or GERD, or laryngopharyngeal reflux can result in irritation of the throat and larynx that can cause pain when swallowing. In some cases, ear pain may also be caused by reflux conditions.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ/TMD)
Temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMJ/TMD, occur in the jaw joint, resulting in pain that is usually on one side of the jaw. This can result in throat and ear pain that radiates from the jaw joint and may be worse when swallowing. TMJ can be aggravated by dental problems, jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding). Medical treatment and lifestyle changes can manage pain and discomfort caused by TMD.
Oral and Throat Cancers
While more rare, sharp pain in the throat when swallowing on one side can be a symptom of oral or throat cancer. Oral cancer can be deadly if not detected and treated early, and often does not have any symptoms in the early stages. Pain when swallowing can indicate cancer and should be investigated by a doctor when there are no other obvious causes.
When to See a Doctor for Ear or Throat Pain When Swallowing
Ear and throat pain on one side when swallowing can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, some common and others that are very serious. Many times, it is a temporary symptom of a cold, flu or other type of viral infection. However, when you have continuing throat or ear pain, you may need to see a doctor. If your ear and throat pain are accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you may want to see your primary physician or an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT):
Gum sensitivity and soreness are not uncommon, but they shouldn't be ignored. Spotting and addressing these types of early precursors to more serious issues is a critical aspect of preventative oral care.
How can you tell the difference between occasional sensitivity and progressive problems like gum disease? It starts by understanding the difference between sensitive gums and the hallmarks of gum disease.
Sensitive Gums: What Do They Mean?
Gum soreness, characterized by minor inflammation and slight gum pain, can often be a symptom of gingivitis, but in other cases it’s not quite so concerning. When it is localized and infrequent, one of the more common non-gingivitis causes is improper traumatic brushing and interdental cleaning.
If you’re brushing too vigorously, flossing with tenacity, or improperly using interdental brushes or picks, you might be overly harsh on your gums. If you use a toothbrush with stiff bristles, switching to a soft or even extra-soft bristled toothbrush might be a quick way to address your sensitivity. Stiff bristles can cause unnecessary irritation to the gums, potentially leading to gum receding over time, and can also damage the teeth and even lead to enamel loss and tooth sensitivity. Soft-bristled brushes are equally effective, yet much gentler on gums and teeth.
For more information on finding the right tools to suit your oral care needs, read our guide on how to choose the right toothbrush.
While it is one possible cause, in many cases people are too quick to assume that sore gums are a product of harsh brushing. As a result, these individuals are hesitant to brush along the gum line altogether. To their surprise, the redness and irritation persists. This is because the bacteria are the primary cause of gum troubles - not brushing. Allowing bacteria to accumulate along the gum line only exacerbates the problem, which can progress into a more severe outcome such as gum disease.
If you experience sensitive gums and irritation, you should adopt a strict oral hygiene routine to combat it: brushing twice a day, cleaning between teeth, eating a healthy diet and drinking water. A toothbrush designed for sensitive gums can make oral care more comfortable if sensitivity persists.
Gingivitis: When Gum Disease Starts to Show
Gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease, is not always painful, and therefore not easy to identify. Most common symptoms are persistent redness and swollen gums. Bleeding of the gums after brushing or flossing is also quite common. Know that under no circumstances is gum bleeding normal - if it doesn’t cease after a week or so of attentive oral care, consider visiting your dentist. (Ideally you’ll be rooting out any problems before bleeding occurs through your twice-annual preventative visits).
When you do visit, your dentist will likely explain that the bleeding is due to improper gum care. There are other causes (e.g. drugs or pregnancy) but improper care is most typical. As noted, many people brush around the gums less when they experience gum irritation or bleeding, when they should be brushing more and better to remove plaque buildup along the gumline.
The good news is that gingivitis is a reversible condition that is easily managed with proper at-home treatments. This problem will not go away on its own; rather, it will take a strict dental care regimen to remove plaque and mitigate gum disease. You should:
Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush to soothe sensitive gums
Clean at least once per day between all teeth, paying attention to hard-to-reach areas
Use specialized anti-gingivitis products like mouthwash or toothpaste
Visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and exam.
Your dentist or hygienist will likely show you areas of concern in a mirror, while providing tips and instructions for how to properly brush, clean between your teeth, and mouthrinse. With diligent daily oral care, you can reverse and eliminate your gingivitis before it reaches the next level.
Periodontitis: When Gum Issues Become Serious
Unchecked gingivitis can evolve into the later stages of gum infection: periodontitis. In addition to severe gum irritation, bleeding, pain or sensitivity, you may experience loose teeth, exposure of the tooth root, unpleasant breath and/or identifiable pockets (spaces that fill with plaque) between the gums and teeth. This is a condition best avoided!
Unfortunately, when gum disease reaches this phase, loss of the supporting structures around your teeth has already occurred, which is irreversible. As a result, more invasive procedures and extensive routine at-home care are necessary to manage the problem. As such, understanding the severity of the disease and the importance of treatment is crucial to minimizing bone loss and ultimately tooth loss.
In-office dental treatments are necessary to treat periodontitis - including tooth scaling and root planing to remove plaque from pockets and make the disease more manageable. Your dentist may also recommend antibiotics. For people with more advanced bone and gum degeneration, surgical treatments targeting gum pockets and bone loss may be necessary. Routine dental visits are also essential, to monitor disease progression and implement new treatments when needed.
Preventative Dental Care Is the Hallmark of Disease Mitigation
Recognize the path from gingivitis to periodontitis. It’s not a coincidence that one leads to the other. Gum disease is progressive! And its prevention goes beyond just brushing. While poor oral hygiene is certainly the most common cause of gingivitis and a catalyst for gum degeneration, other factors may increase your risk, such as:
Smoking
Diet
Systemic diseases, such as diabetes
Family history
Pregnancy
Even healthy people with good brushing habits can develop gum disease as they age or through other life factors (e.g. stress). For these reasons, look out for the warning signs of periodontitis and implement preventative measures as early as possible. With proactive action, you can prevent it from evolving further.
Have you ever felt like you had a lump in your throat? This condition is known as globus sensation, or globus pharyngeus, and it's more common than you might think. In fact, according to an article in the British Journal of General Practice (BJGP), it has been reported to occur in as much as 45% of the general population. Here's what to know about this condition, including if it requires medical treatment.
Causes of a Lump in the Throat
The exact cause of globus sensation is unknown. However, as the BJGP article outlines, there are many suspected causes, including:
Stress or anxiety (during times of emotional stress, affected patients may report a 96% increase in symptoms)
Post-nasal drip
Gastro-oesophageal reflux
Muscle spasm in the throat
Sinusitis
Women under the age of 50 experience globus sensation three times more frequently than men in the same age group, as a case report in Frontline Gastroenterology explains. However, for people above age 50, there is equal distribution among men and women.
Other Symptoms
Common symptoms of globus sensation as stated in the Frontline Gastroenterology report include:
The feeling of a ball-like sensation in the throat
Itching
Swelling
A scratchy sensation like that of a hair in the back of the throat
For up to 75% of patients, symptoms can persist for years and may be accompanied by constant clearing of the throat and coughing. The sensation may go away with eating.
It's important for those experiencing these symptoms to seek evaluation from a physician to rule out more serious problems, such as abnormal growths or cancers. Some of the more concerning symptoms to watch out for include difficulty in swallowing, pain upon swallowing, pain in the throat, weight loss and hoarseness.
Traditionally, patients over the age of 40 who have a history of smoking and alcohol consumption are at a greater risk of developing abnormal growths, as the Frontline Gastroenterology report explains. Make sure that you see a qualified professional for evaluation if you experience any of these symptoms.
Treatment
The treatment of globus sensation must be tailored to the individual based on the suspected cause and related symptoms. A medical professional will have you complete a physical exam and describe your symptom history. Treatments may be provided by general practitioners, speech and language therapists or other appropriate medical personnel. As the BJGP article outlines, a few common treatment options are:
Vocal hygiene. This would include such measures as drinking more water, limiting your daily intake of coffee and avoiding inhaling smoke.
Medications. If associated with gastric reflux, symptoms can often be minimized with appropriate antacids.
Voice therapy. A speech and language therapist may help patients improve their symptoms.
Exercises. The Frontline Gastroenterology report explains that speech therapy exercises may help relieve tension in the throat.
Globus sensation may be annoying, but rest assured, it is not life threatening and can be managed quite successfully with appropriate medical guidance.
“It feels like swallowing razor blades.” This is a common reaction that can be understood by anyone who has picked up strep throat. A common ailment that mostly affects children, strep throat is responsible for up 40% of sore throats amongst children during a given year in the United States. Overall, around 11 million people get strep throat infections annually; although it is generally not a very dangerous disease, it nevertheless leads to approximately 1800 deaths each year. For some people, it transcends a one-time malady and becomes a recurring problem.
What is Strep Throat?
“Strep throat” is actually an informal term for streptococcal pharyngitis, a bacterial infection that affects the back of the throat. The bacteria in question is Streptococcus pyogenes, but it is also referred to as “group A Streptococcus” (GAS). In a given year, most cases of strep throat occur in young children, though adults can also become infected. Schools and daycare centers are traditionally the most likely settings for the disease to be passed on, and that’s why adults who do become infected are typically teachers or parents.
The strep bacteria is passed from one person to another through close, direct or indirect contact. Once in the body, the bacteria infects the throat and tonsils situated at the back of the throat and causes the area to become inflamed. When a person coughs or sneezes, minuscule respiratory droplets get expelled and bring the bacteria along for the ride. For this reason, strep throat is fairly contagious, and it can even be passed by someone who doesn’t have any of the symptoms associated with the disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Strep Throat?
The most common and obvious symptom of strep throat is throat pain; the inflammation of the tissues at the back of the throat can be so severe that even basic swallowing becomes an excruciating task. Beyond throat pain, though, there are a number of other symptoms that can accompany strep throat:
Sore throat
Pain swallowing
Tonsillitis (tonsils red and swollen)
Small red spots inside the mouth (palatal petechiae)
Swollen or tender lymph nodes
Headache
Fever
General body aches
Scarlet fever (rash on other parts of the body)
Vomiting or nausea
There are times when the symptoms of strep throat can even mimic elements of a viral infection, such as the common cold or influenza. In fact, a virus can be generally ruled out if a person has a cough, runny nose, pink eye, or even a raspy voice. These symptoms aren’t associated with strep and probably indicate another condition.
Recurring Strep Throat
For many people, getting strep throat is a one-off incident that is unpleasant for a while but then doesn’t come back once it has been cured. But for some unlucky people, the infection keeps coming back. This condition, known as recurrent strep throat, is defined by the number of times you get the infection in a year; this typically means getting strep more than seven times in a given year. The obvious question here is: why does it keep coming back? There unfortunately isn’t one universal answer to this question, but there are several different factors that may be the culprit, either individually or in combination:
Antibiotic Resistance: As a bacterial infection, antibiotics are the medication of choice for strep throat. However, some types of the Streptococcus bacteria are actually resistant to some types of antibiotics.
Not Finishing the Course: When antibiotics are prescribed, it is crucially important to finish the entire course of medication. Some people stop taking the drugs as soon as they get better, and this can lead to a resurgence of the infection.
Compromised Immune System: In people who have an underlying condition that weakens the immune system, even a relatively simple bacterial infection like strep throat can be prone to recurring again and again.
Unknown Carrier: Some people are carriers of the bacteria and they don’t even know it since it’s possible to have it without ever developing symptoms. If this person is encountered regularly in day-to-day life, it is possible to keep getting infected by the same person.
Lingering Bacteria: This is mostly a concern with toothbrushes or toothbrush holders. If you have a strep infection and continue brushing your teeth as normal, the bacteria can actually stay on the brush. Then, even as you think you’re getting better, a new infection is already potentially getting underway.
How Do I Treat and Prevent Recurrent Strep Throat?
As noted above, strep throat is a bacterial infection that is treated in the same way as most other bacterial infections: with antibiotics. Since only a doctor can prescribe antibiotics (like amoxicillin), this means you’ll need to see a doctor if you think you might have strep. And even though the symptoms might be clear and there is clear evidence of inflammation in the back of your throat, strep can’t be diagnosed without a throat swab and subsequent lab work. Once diagnosed by the doctor, prescribed antibiotics can work remarkably fast. Indeed, a lot of people start to feel noticeably better within 24 hours; even if you feel better quickly, though, it is imperative to complete the entire course of antibiotics.
The good news is that the tests for strep throat have improved significantly, and now doctors like those at TrustCare can give you a rapid strep test and throat culture that can actually produce test results within a few minutes. Practically speaking, this means that the severe throat pain that you go to the doctor with can be diagnosed quickly, and you can usually get your prescription shortly afterwards.
Preventing recurrent strep throat can be doable or tricky depending on the reason for the recurrence. If the antibiotics you have initially been prescribed don’t seem to be doing the trick, your doctor may have to change the dosage or select a different medication. For most people though, preventing strep throat is not unlike trying to avoid a cold or the flu: wash your hands frequently, avoid sharing dishes or utensils with other people, and be wary of people you interact with at school or work who seem to be sick.
Difficulty swallowing, bad breath, a mouth sore — usually these are temporary issues that tend to pass fast. However, when such problems persist, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out more serious conditions, including oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers. These cancers, which fall within the broader category of head and neck cancers, affect the areas in and around the mouth.
“The oral cavity contains the structures we can easily see, including the mobile tongue, floor of mouth, gums and cheeks, to name a few,” said Abhinand Peddada, MD, a radiation oncologist at Renown Health, whose areas of interest include head and neck cancer, gynecologic cancer, and brachytherapy. “The oropharyngeal structures are a little more difficult to visualize and include tonsils, base of tongue — the part of the tongue that does not move — and epiglottis, to name a few.”
According to Peddada, common signs and symptoms of cancers affecting these areas include a palpable neck mass, sore throat, persistent mouth sore, difficulty swallowing or choking when swallowing, pain radiating to one or both ears, changes in voice, persistent bad breath and spitting up blood.
“Many of the above symptoms occur with other nonmalignant conditions and should not be a cause of alarm,” Peddada said. “However, any symptom that is persistent despite conservative measures needs to brought to the attention of a medical professional for further evaluation.”
A good place to start is with your primary care physician. From there, if oral cancer is suspected, a referral may be made to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor or another specialist for potential diagnosis and staging.
“Often, special instruments, found in most ENT and radiation oncology offices, such as fiber-optic scopes, are required to visualize these cancers, especially oropharyngeal,” Peddada said.
As far as what causes these cancers to develop, two of the most well-known risk factors are heavy tobacco and alcohol use, but a sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (HPV) can increase your risk for oral cancer as well.
“Cessation of tobacco and alcohol will significantly reduce the risk of developing head and neck cancers,” Peddada said. “More importantly with the rising incidence of HPV associated cancers, vaccination for HPV is strongly recommended.”
When it comes to treating people already diagnosed with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers, the protocol typically depends on the stage and location of the cancer and may involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of approaches.
“It is critical that the treatment of head and neck cancer is done with a multidisciplinary approach,” Peddada said. “In addition to an ENT specialist, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist, effective therapy mitigating long-term aftereffects will require concurrent nutritionist, dental care, swallow therapy, lymphedema therapy, and social and psychological support. It is important for patients to seek care in a comprehensive medical center for the best outcome.”
TMJ disorder, otherwise known as TMD, can stem from a variety of causes such as arthritis, loss of cartilage, clenching or grinding, physical impact or injury, and overuse of the temporomandibular joint.
When left untreated, TMJ disorder can become a quite painful and disruptive. Commonly characterized by a clicking or popping of the jaw when speaking or eating, the symptoms of this condition vary widely and may include:
Headaches
Worn teeth (from grinding and improper bite)
Facial pain
Jaw or neck pain
Difficulty chewing and/or swallowing
Ear ache
Dizziness
Tinnitus (ringing ears)
Shoulder pain
Neck pain
Tingling or numbness in the arms and fingers
Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
TMJ disorder can significantly detract from your overall quality of life, and many of our patients at True Dentistry have achieved relief from their symptoms through customized treatment plans designed by our dentists.
They can perform a comprehensive oral exam and test the function of your jaw to reveal the specific causes of your symptoms. With the right course of therapy they may be able to restore full function and comfort to your jaw joint and facial musculature.
To discover if your symptoms are related to TMJ disorder, please schedule a consultation with one dentist today.
Even if you brush your teeth daily, you may still have dangerous bacteria growing inside your mouth. Not only could that lead to periodontitis (an advanced form of gum disease that comes with symptoms such as bleeding when you brush and gum pain), but studies also find a link between poor oral hygiene and major health issues.
Here are some ways that missing the mark on oral care could harm your heath. Plus, expert tips on how to keep your mouth healthy.
#1 It may hurt your heartPeople with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease compared to those don’t have periodontitis. Researchers aren’t exactly sure of why this might be, but one theory is that harmful bacteria from your mouth enters your blood stream and attaches to fatty plaques in your heart’s blood vessels, leading to inflammation and upping your risk of clots that can trigger heart attacks.
#2 Your memory could sufferSome research suggests there may be a tie between poor oral health and an increased risk of dementia. One study that followed 118 nuns between the ages of 75 and 98 found that those with the fewest teeth were most likely to suffer dementia. Experts think oral bacteria may spread to the brain through cranial nerves that connect to the jaw or through the bloodstream, and may contribute to the type of plaque that’s been linked to Alzheimer’s.
#3 It can hurt blood sugarPeople with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than those without diabetes. While this may be because diabetics are more susceptible to infections, there’s also been research that finds gum disease could make it harder to control your blood sugar, and that treating it helps improve diabetes symptoms.
#4 It may affect breathingGum disease may increase your risk of getting respiratory infections, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia, according to the Journal of Periodontology. The infections might be caused when bacteria from the mouth are inhaled into your lungs, possibly causing your airways to become inflamed.
#5 It could hurt your fertilityWomen of childbearing age with gum disease took an average of just over seven months to become pregnant—two months longer than the average of five months that it took women without gum disease to conceive, discovered researchers in Western Australia. Other research finds that pregnant women with gum disease might have higher odds of miscarriage.
Expert teeth-cleaning tipsHow can you tell if you’re hitting the mark when it comes to good oral care? “Generally, your teeth and gums should not bleed, be painful, or feel rough or sharp to your tongue,” says Pam Atherton, RDH, a dental hygienist for Dr. John Carlile, DDS in Skaneateles, NY. “Your breath should be fresh for at least a couple of hours after brushing in the morning and after having eaten breakfast.” One of the easiest ways to prevent gum disease is to clean your teeth properly, so try these tricks for a healthier mouth.
Rinse your mouth. If you use mouthwash twice a day, you’ll slash your risk of gum disease by 60%, says Marjorie Jeffcoat, DMD, Professor of Periodontology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia. Ideally you should aim to rinse for about 30 seconds with a mouthwash that has microbial protection to fight plaque and gingivitis, such as Listerine.
Floss first. You should floss before you brush your teeth, rather than after, says Jeffcoat. “That way you’ll be able to brush away any food that was stuck between your teeth to prevent bacteria from growing.” If you find dental floss hard to hold onto, Atherton suggests trying floss picks, such as Plackers dental flossers, instead.
Get the right toothbrush. Soft or extra soft bristles are best. “Gum tissue can’t make a callous; therefore, when a person uses a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush, it literally scratches the tissue away over time, exposes the root surface underneath and leads to possible bone loss,” says Atherton.
Brush smart. To really clean your teeth, aim to brush them for a full two minutes. “Make sure you brush both your tongue and cheeks as well as the chewing surfaces to improve the removal of harmful bacteria in the crevices,” says Atherton. To get your kids to brush the full two minutes, sing Happy Birthday To You or the Alphabet Song twice through at a normal speed for each half of your mouth. And be sure to replace your toothbrush about every three months.
Mouth infections are the worst. They often lead to unbearable toothaches that leave you unable to get any sleep at night and unfocused during the day. It does not stop there, though. A mouth infection can spread to other areas of your body if it enters your bloodstream, including vital organs like the brain and liver.
Understanding mouth infections
Mouth infections are usually the result of tooth decay making its way into the pulp chamber of a tooth. Once this occurs, the pulp and the nerves inside become exposed to bacteria, food particles and other debris in the mouth. This usually ends up causing an infection.
Let us take a look at seven common types of mouth infections:
1. Dental cavities
Also known as caries, cavities are typically the result of tooth decay. According to research conducted at A.T. Still University, it is the leading cause of tooth loss for children under the age of 12. Dental caries are caused by bacteria called Streptococcus mutans.
2. Gingivitis
Gingivitis can be caused by different species of bacteria and is the earliest stage of gum disease. When bacteria gets into the crevices of a person's gums, toxins that irritate the surrounding gum tissue are created. This leads to inflammation. Once the gums become inflamed, it often leads to bleeding when brushing teeth. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, about 50 to 90 percent of adults in the U.S. have gingivitis. The infection can still be reversed at this point, but it will lead to periodontal disease if left unchecked.
3. Periodontal disease
With periodontal disease, pockets of pus begin to form underneath the gum line, leading to more inflammation and bone tissue loss. This eventually leads to teeth becoming loose and eventually falling out. It is actually the most common reason for tooth loss in adults.
4. Hand, foot and mouth disease
Children under the age of 12 are most likely to develop this disease. It is caused by the virus known as Coxsackie A16. It usually starts with a sore throat and fever, and then moderately painful blisters begin to develop on the tongue and cheeks. This infection typically lasts no more than a few days.
5. Herpangina
This disease is related to hand, foot, and mouth disease. It affects mostly children under the age of 10 during the summer and fall months. Sore throat, difficulty swallowing and feeling feverish are common symptoms of this infection. It is often accompanied by blisters that develop in the back of the child's mouth. Herpangina normally lasts for about three to five days.
6. Thrush
An overgrowth of Candida Albicans fungus leads to this infection. It is most common in people diagnosed with HIV.
7. Canker sores
These are lesions in the mouth and gum tissue. It is more common in teenagers and children and can take a few weeks for the sores to heal.
From eating great food to communicating to smiling – your teeth are essential for some of the most important things in your life. And you only get one set of adult teeth, so they're definitely worth holding onto.
But sometimes life happens and you may lose a tooth for any number of reasons. In fact, it happens often enough that there's a whole field of dentistry devoted to restoring and replacing them. It's called prosthodontics. If you have missing or damaged teeth and you've been referred to a prosthodontist, we'll let you know exactly what they do so you can feel confident they're the right specialists to help you restore your winning smile.
What Is a Prosthodontist?
Prosthodontists are dentists who have received 3 years of additional specialized training to perform more complex procedures to restore and replace teeth. They stay up-to-date with the latest tooth restoration and replacement technologies and are aware of all the factors that can cause missing and damaged teeth.
There is a multitude of treatments they are qualified to perform, but the three main types of procedures include:
The restoration of damaged teeth with crowns, veneers, or bonding
The replacement of missing teeth with bridges or dentures
And the insertion and restoration of dental implants
Interesting Fact: The American Academy of Implant Dentistry says that 3 million Americans have dental implants, and that number is growing by about 500,000 every year.
Some of their other areas of expertise include:
Geriatric dental care
Oral restoration for conditions such as cleft palates
Oral reconstruction for issues related to cancer
Maxillofacial (face and jaw) procedures
And even oral procedures to treat snoring and sleep disorders
A prosthodontist can work in tandem with every type of dentist, from your general dentist or pediatric dentist to oral surgeons and even ear, nose, and throat specialists when needed.
When Should You See A Prosthodontist?
Most general dentists can fit crowns, replace teeth, and insert implants, too, but prosthodontists are considered to have a higher level of expertise because of their additional training. So when should you see a specialist?
Your general dentist or orthodontist will likely refer you to a prosthodontist if you are experiencing complicated problems that involve surgery on bone and tissue, in addition to the more common dental work you need to have done.
You don't always need a referral to make an appointment, but beware that insurance companies typically require one to cover any of the cost of your visit. If you make an appointment for a prosthodontic procedure without a referral, you could end up paying out of pocket.
In any case, be sure to ask your provider about care coverage before your appointment.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment will likely be a consultation so your prosthodontist can determine the best course of treatment. Before your visit, ask if they want you to bring X-rays from your general dentist if they have them. Whether you bring X-rays or not, they may need to take more while you're there. They will do a thorough examination, discuss your current dental issues, and give you an overview of the next steps based on your individual needs.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 47.2 percent of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. Luckily this condition is preventable by practicing good oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day. Floss or clean between your teeth with interdental brushes or water flossers at least once a day; use an antimicrobial mouthrinse and a tongue scraper. Be sure to see your dental professional for regular cleanings and check your teeth and gums' health. If you notice any changes or sensitivity in your gums, don't wait until your next checkup – make an appointment with a dental professional right away.
If you've already experienced tooth loss or have any other conditions that you may need to see a prosthodontist for, these specialists thankfully have a skillset and a wide range of expertise to treat complex dental issues effectively. And while those issues that can lead to a prosthodontist referral may initially seem daunting, it can be comforting to know that you're in the hands of an expert specially trained to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
Many people are surprised to find out that poor nutrition can be a leading cause of bad oral health. Typically, when we think about maintaining our oral health we primarily consider our daily hygiene practices like brushing and flossing as well as regular visits to the dentist.
While these factors are very important, so are our nutrition choices. If you are looking to improve your oral health through your diet, here are a few key points to consider so you can avoid an unpleasant trip to an oral surgeon in Richmond Hill.
Sugar
Sugar is a major culprit when it comes to bad oral health. Many foods including those that are considered healthy like fruits and vegetables contain sugars. However, it is typically processed foods that contain the highest amount of sugar. Richmond Hill oral surgery clinics suggest reading the packaging on the food you are consuming so you can get a sense of which products are the highest in sugar.
Of course, we often think of sweet treats when considering which foods are high in sugar. However, many drinks like sodas and fruit juices are also very high in sugar.
Snacks
One little known fact that many oral surgeons in Vaughan share with their patients is that foods consumed as part of a meal are usually less damaging to our teeth than those consumed on their own as a snack. Why is this? Because when we are eating a meal our bodies’ salivary glands are stimulated and they release liquids and enzymes that help wash away food from our mouths. This means less food is left behind and makes it harder for bacteria to thrive. So, if you want to indulge in foods that are more sugary or acidic, consider doing so during a meal rather than as a snack.
Nutrient-Rich Diet
If you are looking to improve your oral health through diet changes, it is not just about cutting out the bad stuff. It is also about incorporating nutrients. A diet that is well-balanced and contains all of the required nutrients gives your body a better chance to fight periodontal disease. Without proper nutrients, your body is less able to fight foreign invaders and keep bad bacteria at bay.
While flossing, brushing and regular visits to your dentist are an important part of maintaining good oral health, it is also crucial to examine your diet. If you find that many of the foods you are consuming are acidic or high in sugar, you may be negatively contributing to the health of your smile. This can lead to a whole host of problems and potentially a very unpleasant trip to an oral surgeon in Vaughan.
