Ouch! You bit your tongue! That unmistakable pain is both surprising and frustrating. It’s not fun when you bite your tongue. No one likes that jolting sensation sent throughout your mouth and your whole body. Everyone makes this mistake every so often, but if you bite your tongue frequently, there may be a cause for concern. To stop biting your tongue, you first need to learn more about why it happens.
But don’t be alarmed. First, it’s essential to understand that you can bite your tongue in different ways and for various reasons. Some bite it while they eat, while others find out they’ve bitten their tongue during sleep. What does this mean for you, and what can be done to stop biting your tongue?
Biting Your Tongue Frequently When You Eat
We don’t often think about how powerful our teeth are when we chomp down on our favorite foods. Our teeth are great at tenderizing meat and crushing up food into smaller sizes so it can smoothly go through our digestive system. But while you are chowing down on your next meal, you might accidentally bite on your tongue. When this happens once, it’s just a mistake, but if it happens more often than that, there may be another problem at play.
It’s All About the Brain
The biggest reason why you may bite your tongue while you eat is due to coordination. There’s a part of the brain known as the pons that is responsible for controlling habitual actions like biting, chewing, swallowing, and more. It’s an action we don’t really have to think about. We just do it.
Sometimes, the pons gets its signals crossed, and it misses a step in its otherwise perfect coordination. This could be due to an outside distraction – the urge to talk while eating, for example – that drowns out the signals the pons might be sending to help control your tongue.
Does This Mean Something Serious?
In most cases, there isn’t a more significant issue at play, and you have nothing to worry about. Wires get crossed when there is too much brain stimulus at once. Suck on an ice cube for a while or follow Healthline’s guide for tongue pain to get rid of that irritating sensation!
Biting Your Tongue in Your Sleep
What happens when you wake up with a sore and swollen tongue? It’s possible that you bit your tongue during your sleep. While this happens to everyone every so often, there may be more serious underlying issues that cause your tongue to fall victim to your chompers repeatedly.
Frequent tongue-biting may be an indication of:
Sleep apnea
Night seizures
Rhythmic movement disorder
Bruxism (teeth grinding)
If you suspect that one of the above ailments may be preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep (and hurting your tongue in the process), you ought to schedule a consultation with your dentist as well as a potential sleep doctor. Sleep-related disorders are dangerous and can affect not only your mouth but the health of your entire body.
Getting Help for Sleep-Related Dental Issues
Some of the more common sleep-related dental ailments, such as bruxism, can be solved with a visit to your trusted dentist. You can get fitted for a nightguard, a rubbery device that you can wear, which protects your teeth from biting down on anything in your mouth. This will surely save your tongue a lot of pain!
If you are suffering from a sleeping disease, such as sleep apnea or night seizures, you may need a referral to a sleep specialist so you can get your needs assessed as quickly as possible. Our friendly dental experts at Star Dental Group Riverside would be happy to schedule a consultation with you to determine your needs and find ways for you to stop biting your tongue.
Protect Your Tongue Today!
Having trouble with constantly biting down on your tongue? Stop the suffering now by scheduling a consultation with your local dentist. You can have a conversation with our dental experts about the health of your mouth, teeth, and tongue, and we can suggest the best possible solutions for you to stop biting your tongue.
Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the production of red blood cells, as well as in helping to form DNA, and the normal functioning of your nervous system. Given its importance, it is hardly surprising the impact low B12 levels can have on the body. Many of the warning signs can emerge in the mouth.
According to Holland and Barrett, if you have a B12 deficiency you can experience a range of mouth issues.
These include ulcers, a feeling of pins and needles in your tongue, or burning and itching sensations in the mouth.
It is also possible to experience glossitis, whereby your tongue is inflamed, notes Holland and Barrett.
“Glossitis can also change the way you eat and speak,” the health body adds.
Other possible symptoms include:
Changes in the way that you walk and move around
Disturbed vision
Irritability
Depression
Changes in the way you think, feel and behave
A decline in your mental abilities, such as memory, understanding and judgement (dementia).
How to respond
According to the NHS, you should see a GP if you’re experiencing symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
“These conditions can often be diagnosed based on your symptoms and the results of a blood test,” explains the health body.
It’s also important for vitamin B12 deficiency to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
“Although many of the symptoms improve with treatment, some problems caused by the condition can be irreversible if left untreated,” warns the NHS.
Am I at risk?
There are primary causes of vitamin B12 deficiency – pernicious anaemia and diet.
Pernicious anaemia – the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK – is an autoimmune condition that affects your stomach.
If you have pernicious anaemia, your immune system, attacks the healthy cells in your body that produce the intrinsic factor, a protein that enables the body to absorb B12.
You can get recommended amounts of vitamin B12 by eating a variety of foods including the following:
Beef liver and clams, which are the best sources of vitamin B12.
Fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and other dairy products, which also contain vitamin B12.
Some breakfast cereals, nutritional yeasts and other food products that are fortified with vitamin B12.
How to treat B12 deficiency
The treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency depends on what’s causing the condition.
“Most people can be easily treated with injections or tablets to replace the missing vitamins,” explains the NHS.
Your tongue is the key factor in determining many conditions and the overall health of the body. A thorough tongue checkup can reveal if you are healthy or not.
A healthy and normal tongue is pinkish-red, moist, and with a rough surface. Any discomfort such as pain, burning, stinging sensation, burning, swelling or numbness may be a cause of concern. A tongue disease may possibly be a symptom of some severe and long-term illness and signals us that something is awry.
Some of the common problems related to tongue include:
Discoloration
Increase in size or swelling
Bumps and pain
Disability to taste food
Difficulty in movement
Changes in texture
These tongue problems can be harmless and may occur due to infections, stress, medications and even aging. But some other problems can be caused due to nerve damage, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and hormonal changes and need immediate doctor’s consultation.
You can perform a simple tongue test yourself, just stick out your tongue in front of the mirror and look out for any unusual changes. Below is a detailed explanation of what all your tongue indicates about your health.
If your tongue has white patches
If you see white patches on your tongue it could be an indication of:
Oral thrush: Also called candidiasis, oral thrush is a yeast infection that develops inside the mouth. The white patches are often the consistency of cottage cheese and can be scraped away. Oral thrush typically affects infants and the elderly especially those with the weak immune system. It also affects people with autoimmune diseases, people with uncontrolled diabetes and chemotherapy patients. Oral thrush can cause pain and taste disturbances.
Leukoplakia: If your tongue has hard, flat, white patches that cannot be scraped off, it could be leukoplakia. It can develop when the tongue has been irritated. The use of tobacco products is the most common factor that contributes to leukoplakia. Although leukoplakia is usually not harmful it can be a precursor to cancer. So, if you see any white patches, go to your doctor for evaluation.
Oral Lichen Planus: It is a chronic inflammatory condition caused by an autoimmune response. If you see a network of raised white lace-like patterns on your tongue, it could be an oral lichen planus. It usually resolves on its own, but if the condition persists consult your doctor.
If your tongue is Bright Red
Vitamin deficiency: If your tongue has a reddish appearance, it can be due to Folic acid and vitamin B-12 deficiencies.
Scarlet fever: If you have a high fever and your tongue has a strawberry-like(red and bumpy) appearance, you could be suffering from scarlet fever. You need to check with your doctor and complete a course of antibiotics to treat scarlet fever.
Kawasaki disease: A strawberry-red tongue could also be a sign of Kawasaki disease, a rare but serious condition that inflames blood vessels all over the body. It is accompanied by high fever and affects children under the age of 5 years. Kawasaki syndrome demands demand immediate medical evaluation.
Black and hairy tongue
A tongue that appears black and covered in dark hair is an indication of poor oral hygiene or bad tongue health. The papilla is small bumps on the surface of our tongue, which grows throughout the lifetime and are washed out by chewing or drinking. But, in some people, they grow excessively long making them more likely to nurture bacteria. This condition is usually uncommon and is not serious.
Swelling or increased size of the tongue
Referred to as macroglossia, swelling or enlargement of the tongue can be a result of allergies, medication, an injury or an underlying medical condition such as amyloidosis. An injury from hot food or liquid or simply biting the tongue can also cause the irritation and swelling of the tongue.
Bumpy or sore tongue
If you have painful bumps and sores on your tongue. They can be due to:
Trauma: We sometimes accidentally bite our tongue while chewing food or when we eat something hot, it can lead to a sore tongue. Damage takes its own time to heal. Grinding and clenching of teeth can also cause injuries and pain.
Smoking: Smoking causes irritation of the tongue and can make it sore and painful
Canker sores: These are the small bumps also called mouth ulcers that come and go on their own. They mostly occur under the tongue and normally heal within a week or two.
Oral cancer: If you have a lump or sore on your tongue that does not resolve itself within two weeks, it could be an indication of oral cancer. Get it checked immediately. Most oral cancers do not cancer do not cause any pain in the early stage, so do not ignore it.
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth and tongue on a daily basis. Check for any discoloration, bumps, sores or pain and consult your doctor for a diagnosis. He would be able to determine the exact cause of your tongue problem.
Your lips are made of skin that is soft and delicate. As a result, they can easily crack and split under certain conditions.
Although it can be painful and bleed, splitting doesn’t usually indicate a serious problem. Nonetheless, this condition can be bothersome, so it’s important to understand the cause of a split lip and ways to promote healing.
Causes of a split lip
Since a split lip can develop gradually, it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. Understanding possible reasons can help you determine the best way to treat and prevent future splitting. Common causes include:
1. Chapped lips
Chapped lips is a form of lip inflammation trigged by skin irritation. Lips can become extremely dry and cracked any time of the year due to environmental factors such as cold weather, dry air, and wind exposure. Angular cheilitis specifically affects the corners of the mouth and can be due to environmental factors and a host of other causes.
Lips are particularly prone to flaking, peeling, splitting, and dryness since they don’t have the same protection from the elements as other skin. They’re also unable to produce their own moisture.
2. Sun damage
We use sunscreen to protect our bodies from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It’s important to protect your lips as well. Exposing unprotected lips to the sun can lead to inflammation.
Long-term exposure causes the lips to become stiff and dry, resulting in cracking or splitting.
3. Lip injury
A split lip can also occur after an injury. This includes a blow to the mouth, falling and hitting your mouth, biting your lip, or getting a paper cut.
In addition to a split lip, you may also experience bleeding and swelling.
4. Dehydration
Sometimes, a split lip is due to an underlying medical problem like dehydration. This is when your body doesn’t have a sufficient amount of fluid. You can become dehydrated from vomiting, diarrhea, intense sweating, and illness. There’s also the risk of dehydration if you don’t take in enough fluids. Dehydration makes it harder for your body to function properly. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening.
5. Vitamin and mineral deficiency
Vitamin B includes thiamine, niacin, biotin, folic acid, and riboflavin. These are water-soluble vitamins that play a role in metabolism, provide energy, and help your body fight diseases.
Since vitamin B also contributes to healthy skin, a deficiency can cause a variety of skin problems such as acne, split lips, dryness, and rashes. Low levels of zinc and iron can also lead to split lips, especially at the corners of the mouth.
6. Allergy
An allergic reaction to lipstick, toothpaste, moisturizers, and any item applied to or around your lips could cause a split lip. Other symptoms could include severe dryness, irritation and itching, or an acute eczema-like rash on the lips.
If you develop lip problems after using a new lip product, discontinue use and see if your condition improves. This condition can become ongoing if the problem causing the allergy is not identified and corrected.
How to treat a split lip
Treatment for a split lip includes:
Protect your lips
Exposure to cold air, dry air, wind, and the sun can dry out lips and cause cracking and splitting. Apply lip balm or petroleum jelly to your lips before heading outdoors. This provides a protective barrier to keep your lips moisturized. Look for medicated lip balm and lip balm with SPF to prevent burns.
Don’t lick your lips
Constantly licking your lips can cause drying and further cracking and splitting.
Increase your fluid intake to keep your body and lips hydrated
Staying well-hydrated with caffeine-free fluids is important. Limiting alcohol is key since it can act as a diuretic and promote excessive urination. Excessive alcohol use can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can worsen dehydration.
Apply a cold compress to bleeding lips
This can stop bleeding and reduce swelling, especially when due to injury.
If you notice crusting or opens sores around your lips, see your doctor. This can be a sign of a bacterial or viral infection. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat the underlying problem. Blood or urine tests may be required if the cause of the problem is not clear.
If you’re dehydrated, you may need to receive fluids intravenously depending on the severity of your condition. In the case of a nutritional deficiency, your doctor may recommend dietary changes, supplements, or other treatments.
What is the outlook for a split lip?
In most cases, you should be able to treat your lip and avoid future cracking with home remedies. However, don’t ignore a split lip that’s accompanied by other symptoms, or a lip that doesn’t heal. See your doctor as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause.
Many cases of split lips are treatable with home remedies. This is particularly true of cases caused by chapping or dryness, often as a result of extremes in heat, cold, or wind. But since a split lip could also indicate an underlying medical problem, see a doctor if your lip worsens or if other symptoms develop.
Strong, healthy teeth and gums will give you a great smile and avoid a host of problems associated with diseases such as tooth decay and gum infection. The state of your oral health can also impact your overall well being. For instance, if your gums become infected, the germs can spread to other areas of your body, including vital organs.
Although oral diseases are widespread, the good news is that they’re preventable if you take a few simple steps.
If your New Year resolve to lead a better life has been less than successful, we offer five top tips in key oral health areas on the importance of:
A healthy diet.
Giving up smoking.
Drinking plenty of water.
Regular dental check-ups.
How cosmetic dentistry can improve your oral health.
Eating Correctly For Oral Health Improvement
Many people make New Year resolutions to eat healthier, with the goal of losing weight, lowering cholesterol levels, or simply getting more nutrients. Whatever inspired your aim of a better diet, eating healthier will benefit your whole body, including your oral health.
Fruit and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which play a major role in neutralising the free radicals in your body that attack protein, fats and DNA in cells, causing a range of ailments and speeding up the aging process. Go for fruits and vegetables of different colours when you plan your meals. This will give your diet the widest variety of beneficial antioxidants.
The best sources of antioxidants include:
Cabbage.
Broccoli.
Spinach.
Apples.
Raspberries.
Blueberries.
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will also help to lessen the risk of gum infections and tooth decay.
Need Help to Quit Smoking?
Smoking is a dangerous habit, and the nicotine in tobacco is highly addictive, which makes it extremely difficult to quit.
Kicking the smoking habit will reduce the risk of cancer, heart problems and lung disorders. It will also help to safeguard you against tooth loss, gum disease and oral cancer.
The Reader’s Digest magazine has compiled a list of 20-plus ways to help smokers to quit, including healthy alternatives to overcome the craving. Your dentist or doctor can also offer advice on the best ways to stop smoking.
Make Sure You Stay Hydrated
Drinking the recommended eight glasses (eight ounces) of water each day will go a long way towards keeping your body hydrated and functioning effectively.
Every organ, cell and tissue in your body needs water to work properly. Water also rinses away bacteria and neutralises acids in the mouth, which helps to protect tooth enamel. When you’re thirsty, opt for water rather than sodas or other sugar-rich drinks.
See Your Kitchener Dentist Regularly To Improve Your Oral Health
Visiting your dentist every six months for check-ups is crucial in maintaining your oral health and overall wellbeing. Your oral health can provide clues to problems with your general health, and dental issues can impact other areas of your body if undetected.
Check-ups by your Kitchener dentist Lancaster Dental can detect multiple problems before they become a serious issue, including signs of:
Tooth decay and the cavities it can cause.
Gum disease.
Regular check-ups also give your dentist or dental hygienist the opportunity to carry out a professional cleaning to get rid of bacteria, plaque and tartar, which can build up even if you brush and floss regularly.
Health benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just about looking good. Problems such as crooked or missing teeth not only spoil your appearance but also affect your oral health and function. Numerous cosmetic treatments are available at Lancaster Dental to give both your smile and your health a makeover. These include:
• Crowns.
• Inlays.
• Onlays
• Veneers.
A healthy diet, regular dental check-ups, staying hydrated and quitting smoking will put you firmly on the path to a healthy mouth and help to keep your whole body in good condition.
To boost your new regime of oral healthcare at home, preventive treatments are available including fluoride applications and dental sealants.
If you’ve been experiencing chronic tooth pain you may be wondering “can adults get wisdom teeth issues?” The answer is yes. Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to appear in the mouth. Many people commonly get their wisdom teeth removed between 17 and 25 years of age. Yet, some people opt to wait. Whether it’s because of financial reasons or fear of the procedure, some don’t get their wisdom teeth removed until later in life.
Can Adults Get Wisdom Teeth Issues?
There’s more than one reason adults get their wisdom teeth removed. Keep reading to discover several of them.
1. Impacted Teeth
These teeth often don’t have enough room to erupt into the mouth as they should. They can erupt partially or not at all. Impacted teeth can grow at an angle toward the back of your mouth or toward the next tooth. They can even grow straight up and down, but stay trapped within the jawbone. Impacted teeth can also cause damage to a nearby tooth or bone and trap food behind the wisdom tooth.
2. Pain
As an adult you may suddenly begin experiencing pain in your mouth. This can happen because there is pressure on the wisdom teeth nerves as they continue to develop. Another common problem is cavities forming in the teeth near your wisdom teeth which cause pain and discomfort.
3. Tooth Decay
It’s not easy to clean wisdom teeth. Even if they erupt as they should, they are often crowded by the teeth next to them. This makes brushing and flossing hard to do. Cavities are an issue because of this.
4. Infection
Pain is never enjoyable, but infection is a big problem. When wisdom teeth can’t erupt as they should infection can happen in the gums. This causes oral problems because it damages nearby healthy teeth.
5. Misalignment Problems
When wisdom teeth erupt, they can force other teeth to move. This causes issues because it can require dental work so those teeth forced to move can return to their proper alignment.
A sore on the side of the tongue can develop for a wide variety of reasons. Often, mouth sores are not a sign of a serious condition. They may be canker sores, cold sores, or the result of a minor injury.
In some cases, severe, recurring, or persistent mouth sores can be a symptom of an underlying condition.
This article discusses possible symptoms of sores on the side of the tongue. It also looks at the common causes, treatments, and remedies for tongue sores, as well as when to speak to a doctor.
Signs and symptoms
Sores on the side of the tongue can look and feel different depending on what is causing them. They may be:
small and red
larger, with a white or gray center and red edges
open and bleeding
Sores on the side of the tongue can also occur alongside other symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Minor conditions are responsible for most mouth sores, but sores on the side of the tongue can be a sign of an underlying condition that may require medical attention.
Canker sores, or mouth ulcers, are small harmless sores that can appear on the tongue. The symptoms of canker sores include:
small sores that begin as a red bump and then develop a white or gray center with flat red edges
pain and soreness
symptoms that worsen when a person eats salty, spicy, or acidic foods
Canker sores tend to heal on their own in 7–10 days. They are not contagious.
Doctors do not know exactly what causes canker sores, but the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) note that the following factors can trigger them:
minor injuries, such as biting the tongue, rubbing from braces or dentures, and food burns while eating
food intolerances or allergies
stress or tiredness
an iron or vitamin B12 deficiency
certain medications, such as beta-blockers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
stopping smoking
Hormonal changes, such as those that take place during pregnancy, and genetics can also make canker sores more likely for some people. Those with chronic conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and celiac disease, may also experience them.
Treatment
There is no permanent cure for canker sores. Often, they heal on their own without medical treatment. However, there are ways to relieve the symptoms.
People can obtain over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), from a pharmacist. There are also topical products for canker sores that people apply inside the mouth to numb the pain.
Frequent canker sores may indicate an underlying condition, such as a vitamin deficiency, which may require medical attention.
Cold sores
Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that occur due to an infection with the herpes simplex virus (HSV). They typically appear around the mouth but sometimes develop on the tongue.
The symptoms of cold sores include:
a tingling or burning sensation before the cold sore develops
painful, fluid-filled blisters that rupture, leak fluid, and then scab over
sores that heal and then reappear, sometimes in response to stress or an illness
Some people also experience fever during cold sore flare-ups.
Cold sores take about 1 week to heal fully. During that time, they are contagious because the fluid inside them contains HSV. For this reason, it is important to avoid picking the sores and take steps to prevent HSV from transmitting others.
Treatment
There is no cure for cold sores, but for most people, neither the sores nor the virus causes serious problems. During cold sore flare-ups, people can use OTC pain medications to ease pain and swelling.
People with severe cold sores or a compromised immune system can obtain antiviral medication from a doctor. These medications shorten the duration of cold sores, but they do not entirely prevent them.
Summary
Many tongue sores are canker sores or cold sores. These are relatively harmless conditions that can cause pain and discomfort but will typically heal on their own. People can take OTC medications or try topical remedies for symptom relief.
Recurring sores on the side of the tongue may indicate an underlying condition. In these cases, a doctor or dentist can help determine the cause and put a treatment plan in place.
There's nothing more aggravating or borderline debilitating than tooth irritation. And along with the pesky pain comes the daunting reality that you could have a dentist appointment in your near future involving novocaine, a root canal, and a three-day recovery.
But before you call out of work, line up your Netflix cue, and beg a friend to come over for support, it’s important to consider the many reasons why your teeth hurt that might not be cavity-related at all. “Toothache or tooth pain can be the result of a myriad of causes other than a simple cavity,” says Gerry Curatola, DDS, dentist and founder of Rejuvenation Dentistry and RealSelf advisor. “That’s why it’s important to be discerning and attentive to what type of pain it is, where it’s coming from, and when it’s happening.”
To help you pinpoint the issue and avoid experiencing unnecessary anxiety, we got the lowdown on the other reasons you might be experiencing dental discomfort.
1. You have super sensitive teeth.
If you feel like your tooth pain always comes on while you're enjoying cold food or drinks, like when you drink ice water or bite into an ice cream bar, you might be dealing with tooth sensitivity, says Helen Martinez-Barron, DDS, a dentist at Pearland Family Dentistry in the Houston area. “This is most commonly caused by enamel that is worn very thin or completely worn through, which is due to wear from teeth grinding and acid erosion caused by acidic foods or GI issues such as acid reflux or frequent vomiting,” explains Dr. Martinez-Barron.
Sensitivity to heat, meanwhile, is generally due to issues with the tooth's pulp, or nerve, as it is one of the last symptoms felt before the nerve dies, she says. Deep decay, cracks or extensive dental work can cause eventual nerve death, usually indicating that you need a root canal.
How to treat it: Treatment for cold sensitivity can depend on the degree of pain, says Dr. Martinez-Barron. Dull or slight sensitivity is usually alleviated by using a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, such as Sensodyne.
“If the sensitivity is a bit more pronounced, we have products that can be applied in-office, such as a higher concentration of fluoride applied in trays, or a desensitizing treatment called Gluma, which is similar to Sensodyne, or even steroids,” says Dr. Martinez-Barron. “Severe sensitivity will often require complete coverage of the remaining tooth structure with a crown, which is common for patients with acid erosion.”
Commonly referred to as TMJ, which actually refers to the affected temporomandibular joint, TMD can be pretty mysterious as the cause isn't always apparent, says Dr. Martinez-Barron. “TMD can be caused by injury to the jaw, such as a blow,” she explains. “Other causes can be clenching or grinding of the teeth (which puts a lot of pressure on the joint), dislocation of the disc between the skull and the mandible, or arthritis.”
How to treat it: Treatment for TMD depends on the cause, says Dr. Martinez-Barron. If you clench your teeth and experience joint pain, headaches, limited mouth opening and facial pain, Botox injections in your mastication muscles can help to lessen the force with which they contract. Other, more cost-effective remedies include custom-made or over-the-counter mouth guards, physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, muscle relaxers, or even a heating pad.
3. You recently had your teeth whitened.
Teeth whitening can cause sensitivity, as the bleach can cause the teeth to become temporarily porous, says Dr. Martinez-Barron. This almost always resolves itself within a few days, or by using a toothpaste like Sensodyne.
How to treat it: “You can help to minimize sensitivity by brushing your teeth with Sensodyne a week or two before a bleaching treatment,” she says.
4. You brush too hard, and it's led to gum recession.
Of course you want to get those puppies as clean as a whistle, but applying too much pressure or brushing too aggressively can actually lead to more problems—and pain.
“Doing this wears away at the actual tooth structure, as well as the recession of the gums that normally covers the root of the tooth,” says Ira Handschuh, DDS, dentist at the Dental Design Center in White Plains, New York. You may notice extreme sensitivity to eating and drinking cold items, which is due to your root structure being more exposed.
How to treat it: While you can’t “undo” the damage caused by over-brushing, you can make an appointment with your dentist, who can place tooth-colored fillings on the areas where the tooth has worn away, says Dr. Handschuh. “Sometimes even placing a gum graft to build the gums back to the height they were originally is also possible,” he says. Your best bet to avoid this fate altogether: Invest in a high quality electronic toothbrush or a manual extra-soft bristled brush, and dial back the pressure.
5. You have a gum infection.
If you’ve been told that you have periodontal (gum) disease, you’re far from alone. In fact, nearly half of the U.S. adult population 30 and older has mild, moderate, or severe periodontitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
But even if you’re lucky enough to not have it, you can still contract a gum infection. “This occurs when germs or bacteria enter the teeth or gum area and multiply to a point where the body cannot fight off the bad bacteria,” says Melissa Thompson, DDS, a Massachusetts-based dentist and owner of three Aspen Dental practices. “The infection may cause pain or swelling, a small pimple above the tooth or area, the release of pus, or even a bad taste in the mouth.”
How to treat it: As soon as you notice any of these signs, it’s best to get to your dentist’s office, stat. “Gum infection may lead to an abscess, which can cause even worse pain,” says Dr. Handschuh. “Your dentist will have to clean out the gum region around the infected tooth and prescribe antibiotics and oral rinses immediately.”
6. You've experienced tooth trauma.
Surprisingly, you might not be aware that you've had tooth trauma. It can be the result of an incident that happened many years ago. “This can entail anything from falling and hitting the teeth, being in a car accident where there’s a force to the mouth or jaw, or even chewing on some type of food that traumatizes the tooth,” says Dr. Handschuh.
Along with tooth trauma or a tooth fracture comes increased pain and sensitivity when chewing, which causes the tooth to flex and irritates the nerve endings within the tooth. “If a patient were to fall and hit or damage a tooth, their dentist would need to keep watch on that tooth with regular follow-ups and X-rays to make sure there’s no infection and also that the nerve inside the tooth is not dying,” says Dr. Thompson.
If the tooth has died as a result of trauma, signs would include discoloration on the outside of the tooth and temperature sensitivity.
How to treat it: “A root canal and crown is typically the treatment recommended for a dead tooth, and, if the tooth needed to be removed, implanting a bridge or removable appliance such as a partial denture would be the next step,” she says.
7. You have a nasty sinus infection.
Especially during allergy and flu season, a sinus infection may creep up in a way that doesn’t even feel like a normal one. “Since the roots of certain teeth actually sit right by the sinuses, the pressure from a sinus infection actually mirrors tooth pain,” says Dr. Handschuh.
How to treat it: You may have to wait out the sinus to get rid of the tooth achiness. “Instead of dental treatment, one would need medication like a decongestant and possible antibiotic prescribed by their family physician,” says Dr. Handschuh.
8. You grind or clench your teeth while you sleep.
Maybe a significant other has already clued you into the fact that you have this habit, but it can cause more than just annoyance to your bed partner. “In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in a fractured or loose tooth,” says Dr. Handschuh. “So it’s very important to have your teeth evaluated by your dentist so he or she can examine the way your teeth fit together, and consider whether or not any of them are hitting too hard or too early.”
An imbalance in where your teeth meet when they grind together is what can cause problems like tooth and muscle pain.
How to treat it: “There are many ways to treat this type of pain, one of which might be the use of a night guard, which assists in removing forces off of some teeth and placing the forces evenly throughout the oral cavity,” he says.
The bottom line: Tooth pain might have a simple, easy-to-treat cause or it may be more complicated, so it’s best to always play it safe and head to your dentist’s office for an evaluation.
Sometimes it can be hard to tell how much dental care a child needs. Parents usually have lots of different questions, such as when their child should first visit the dentist, at what age their child should start flossing, and how often to schedule regular dental checkups.
Wondering How Often Your Child Should See a Dentist?
Caring for your child’s teeth should begin before they ever have their first dentist visit; in fact, it should start before your child even has any visible teeth. A baby is born with 20 primary teeth under their gums, these begin to emerge at around six months of age. Before these baby teeth erupt, it’s advisable to clean their gums with a damp washcloth to wipe away any harmful bacteria. Once their teeth begin to emerge, that’s when you should gently brush them with a soft baby toothbrush and plain water.
The ADA Says Your Child Should See a Dentist Before They Are 1
According to the American Dental Association, a child’s first visit to the dentist should happen by his or her first birthday. During their first visit to the dentist, the focus will be on introducing your child to the dentist, getting them comfortable in the dentist’s chair and teaching parents how to provide oral care for their baby. In most cases you won’t have to return for another year, when your child reaches two years old. Subsequently, your child should begin regular visits to the dentist every six months, just like adults do. Pediatric Dentists often take a child’s first dental x-rays between the ages of 4 and 6 years old.
Most Pediatric Dentists Recommend Dental Sealants To Prevent Cavities From Forming
Between ages 6 and 12, when baby teeth are still present, a child’s dental care begins to shift to prevention treatments. Between ages 7-9, your child’s Pediatric Dentist will most probably recommend applying a dental sealant, which is a plastic resin that bonds to chewing surfaces and protects teeth from cavities. Sealants are most commonly applied to molars, which contain grooves and valleys for bacteria to adhere to and cause cavities.
How Many Times a Year Should My Child See a Dentist?
When To Tell If Your Child Needs Braces
At around 7 years of age is the optimum time for a child to have an orthodontic evaluation. If braces are required, the Orthodontist will probably not recommend fitting your child for braces until their early teens; however, identifying any causes for crooked teeth when they are in pre-adolesence may help determine what they will need for a healthy mouth through adulthood.
What Kids Should Expect During Their Dental Visit
On your child’s first visit to our office, the dentist will ask for a full health history and perform a brief examination of the teeth and jaw structure. On subsequent up visits, if your child’s health status has changed, make sure to inform the Dentist during your visit. Here’s what your child can expect during most visits to the dentist.
They Will Have Their Teeth Cleaned
One of our dental hygienists or the dentist themselves will scrape elow the gum line to remove any built-up plaque and tartar, both can cause gum disease, bad breath, tooth decay and other problems. We will then polish and floss your child’s teeth.
We Will Perform A Complete Dental Examination
Your child’s Pediatric Dentist will perform a complete and thorough dental exam of their teeth, gums and mouth, looking for any signs of disease or other conditions.
Occassionally Perform X-Rays
X-rays can often diagnose problems which go otherwise unnoticed until pain makes them noticeable, such as damage to jawbones, impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts or tumors, and decay between the teeth.
Help Your Child Establish Good Dental Habits
Start taking your child to the dentist at a young age and stick to a regular schedule of dental checkups. You can avoid most major dental problems, or catch them early on and avoid unnecessary pain and expense by establishing good routines. Gold Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics are pediatric dentists that specialize in children’s dental health. Our Pediatric Dentists are skilled at putting frightened children at ease and also knowledgeable about when to refer you to another specialist such as an orthodontist or oral surgeon. If you’ve been looking for a good family dentist in Burke, Dale City, Woodbridge or Dale City – give our practice a call today. We provide Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, general dentistry for adults and emergency dental care.
Consistency Is The Key To Good Oral Health
The number one way to ensure your child’s oral health is consistent is to: brush twice a day, floss at bedtime, and get regular dental exams. A Pediatric Dentist can instruct your child on proper brushing techniques and how to floss. The doctor will let your child know if they are leaving plaque behind while brushing and how to correct their brushing habits. This type of instruction is taken more seriously when it comes from the dentist than when it comes from a parent usually. Just adhere to a recommended dentist exam schedule and you’ll provide you child with excellent oral care and a healthy smile that should last them a lifetime.
(11/30/2021) by Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
When it's cold outside, exposed skin isn't the only part of your body that can be affected by a drier climate; colder temperatures can also affect your oral health. While snuggling up this season, remember to take special care of your teeth. This will help prevent common oral issues, like tooth sensitivity and dry mouth that often worsen during the cold, dry weather. Try these dental care tips for a healthier mouth this winter.
Moisturize Your Lips
Cold winter temperatures can affect the delicate skin on your lips, drying them out and causing chapped lips. Using a daily lip balm that contains SPF can protect them from the dry weather. Drinking water is a great way to keep your skin hydrated, with the added benefit of alleviating dry mouth symptoms. Because there is less humidity in the air during this chilly period, installing a humidifier in your home can add extra moisture.
Drink Water
Xerostomia (dry mouth) is an oral condition marked by insufficient saliva in the mouth. This can be caused by certain types of medication and medical treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. Dry winter air may worsen this, so be sure to say hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
Use Fluoride Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Do you experience a short, sharp pain in your teeth when trying to enjoy your favorite winter hot beverage? Broken down tooth enamel leaves dentin, the tissue beneath it, exposed. When this part of the tooth comes in contact with hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks, it can cause discomfort. Cold temperatures, air, and wind can leave your teeth feeling uncomfortable too. Include toothpaste for sensitive teeth in your oral hygiene routine; they contain ingredients that protect exposed dentinal tubules.
Keep Warm
Cozying up with a blanket or putting on a jacket when stepping out into the winter cold are things you're probably doing already. But for people with TMJ disorder, staying warm can help minimize jaw pain. It is normal for joints and muscles to tense up when experiencing colder weather. Ensure you are keeping toasty with a scarf or sweater to reduce clenching or tightening the jaw area.
While enjoying being with your family, watching winter sports, or keeping warm by the fire this winter, remember to take good care of your oral health too. Keep moisturized and hydrated, as this will prevent chapped lips and alleviate dry mouth. Use desensitizing toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth. Knowing how to maintain your oral health during colder weather will reduce the likelihood of experiencing common mouth issues, leaving you with the chance to cozy up and have a good time.
