Need a root canal and wondering whether you can drive after the procedure?
Even though you may be in some pain or notice sensitivity, you can usually drive, return to work, and generally go about your normal routine.
Most of the time, a dentist or endodontist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth rather than a general anesthetic, which would make driving unsafe afterward.
There may be circumstances when your doctor will recommend against driving, so be sure to talk about post-procedure activities prior to the day of your root canal.
Is it safe to drive after a root canal?
A root canal procedure is done to remove the pulp from the center of a tooth. The procedure is relatively simple:
The tooth is numbed with an injection of a local anesthetic.
Once numbing takes effect, your dentist will create a small opening on the top or crown of the tooth and remove the pulp inside.
The area inside is cleaned and a filling is put in place to seal the opening.
Your mouth should remain numb for a while, allowing you to get home before any discomfort sets in.
What to consider before driving after the procedure
If you start to experience pain that would distract you from concentrating on the road, having someone drive you may be a safer choice.
If you’ve had a filling or root canal procedure before, use that experience to gauge your ability to drive. That said, every root canal appointment can be a little different. Consider getting a ride if:
you have a low tolerance for pain and pain affects your ability to concentrate while driving
the root canal is accompanied by other oral procedures, as spending a long time in the dentist’s chair can be tiring or cause headaches that can interfere with your ability to drive
When to have someone else drive after the procedure
There are three other specific circumstances in which a driver would be necessary:
Allergic reaction to lidocaine or bupivacaine. These are both common numbing agents used in root canal procedures. The Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain MedicineTrusted Source reports that such allergies are rare, but reactions can occur within seconds of injection. You may not know you have this allergy until after the fact. If you have a negative reaction to the anesthetic, see if someone can drive you home.
Use of sedation or general anesthesia. If you are given sedative medication or put to sleep for any medical procedure, guidelines from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists suggest that you not drive immediately after the procedure or at any time in the next 12 to 24 hours.
Use of narcotics for pain relief. If you are given a narcotic medication at the dentist’s office, you will need a ride home. These medications can cause drowsiness, making driving unsafe.
Why general anesthesia may be used
severe anxiety about the procedure
a severe gag reflex that could interfere with the procedure
cognitive impairments that might affect the ability to follow instructions
having multiple procedures during the same visit
When it might be safe to drive yourself home
If you’ve received a local anesthetic, there’s usually no set time to wait before getting behind the wheel.
Your doctor may wait several minutes after the procedure ends to make sure there’s no bleeding or other complication. If everything looks good and you’re experiencing no excessive pain, you should be able to drive shortly after the procedure ends.
If, however, you’re feeling nauseated or otherwise uncomfortable, you should wait until the feeling passes before driving.
When can I go back to work?
Your mouth may feel numb for a few hours after a root canal. You may have some slight sensitivity and mild pain when the numbing goes away.
Everyone’s reaction to a root canal is unique, as is everyone’s pain tolerance and reaction to treatment. In general, you should be able to work and carry out your normal activities the same day as a root canal.
If your job involves strenuous labor, you may need to take the rest of the day off to avoid the risk of excessive bleeding.
When can I do other activities after a root canal?
Aside from work, keep the following tips in mind regarding other regular activities:
Avoid exercise for a day or two to prevent bleeding complications. Give yourself a couple of days to let your mouth start to heal.
Don’t eat until the numbness is gone. The American Association of Endodontists recommends not eating until the numbness is gone so you don’t accidentally bite your tongue or the inside of your cheek.
Stay away from hot food and beverages for the next day or two, especially while your tooth is especially sensitive.
Eat soft foods like yogurt, eggs, and liquids.
Avoid hard, crunchy food like nuts and seeds.
Avoid alcohol if you’re taking prescription pain relievers.
Brush and floss as you normally would, taking care to be gentle around the affected tooth.
How can I prepare for a root canal?
A root canal procedure can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours and may require two visits.
In some ways, it’s not that different than having a traditional cavity filling procedure. For example, a local anesthetic is almost always used, meaning you won’t lose consciousness during the procedure.
But because it is somewhat time consuming, you will need to plan around your workday and the availability of a driver if you believe this is necessary.
Plan ahead with your dentist
If you’re planning on getting a ride, talk with your dentist or endodontist to get an idea of how long your specific procedure should take.
This will give your designated driver an idea of when you’ll be ready for pickup. You may also want to ask the office staff to call your driver when you’re done or the doctor is almost finished.
When should I see my doctor?
While some pain and tooth sensitivity are normal after a root canal, you should contact your doctor’s office if you experience any of the following symptoms:
pain that hasn’t lessened or is increasing after a few days
bleeding
swelling
fever
itching
rash
temporary filling become loose or comes out completely
If the pain or bleeding is severe, then get a ride to and from the doctor.
If fever or a rash or other symptom is interfering with your ability to concentrate, get a ride rather than try to make it through traffic on your own.
The takeaway
Root canals seem to have a reputation of being painful. But according to an article in the International Journal of Health SciencesTrusted Source, they’re generally well-tolerated with low rates of complications.
Because most root canal procedures are done with a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and usually don’t cause much pain or discomfort, you should be able to drive home or to work safely after the procedure.
If you receive sedation medication or general anesthesia, you’ll want to get a ride home. Talk with your dentist or endodontist about what to expect.
Be honest with yourself. If you’re anxious about the root canal or you have had complications from previous oral procedures, make plans to get a ride. Otherwise, drive home safely and relax for a while.
Could your dental hygiene routine use a boost? Perhaps you should consider adding a mouth rinse to your daily ritual. If done correctly in accordance with the instructions on the label, mouthwash can greatly benefit your oral health! Here are just a few reasons you might consider to buy some on your next shopping trip.
1. Mouthwash helps to prevent gum disease.
Using mouthwash daily can greatly improve your health in a number of ways, including preventing gum disease. When the bacteria in plaque linger on your teeth, they release acids that can irritate the gums. This leads to an infection known as gingivitis—the first stage of gum disease. Every time you rinse with mouthwash, however, you can kill the bacteria that otherwise wreak havoc on the gums. With daily usage, you can protect your gums and keep them free from the damage of gum disease.
2. It helps you to reduce bad breath.
While mouthwash does not necessarily kill bad breath for good, it can certainly reduce it temporarily. Mouthwash kills odor-causing bacteria that prevail even after thorough brushing and flossing. That said, if your halitosis is symptomatic of a greater issue, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, a daily mouth rinse will only mask the problem and you should instead consider discussing the issue with a doctor.
3. You can ward off tooth decay with mouthwash.
Using fluoride rinse is a great way to prevent cavities. Not only does it strengthen your enamel, but it also remineralizes your teeth—effectively halting the decaying process. Mouthwash also helps to prevent plaque buildup, which means you also have less harmful bacteria to release acids onto your dental enamel. Therefore, combining mouthwash with a regular brushing and flossing routine is a great way to keep your teeth safe from cavities.
4. Your mouthwash can serve different purposes depending on your oral health needs.
There’s a mouthwash to help with any number of oral health issues. If you need a little extra help controlling plaque buildup, for example, there’s antibacterial mouthwash available to assist. For those who don’t have enough fluoride intake to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, there’s fluoride rinse! And if you’re suffering from gingivitis, you may need a prescription mouthwash to ward off the infection. Mouth rinse is a powerful addition to any oral healthcare regimen.
5. If you’re pregnant, mouthwash is particularly beneficial.
Mouthwash is highly recommended for pregnant women as an extra measure to combat “pregnancy gingivitis.” Unfortunately, this oral health issue can increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications and premature labor. Therefore, mouthwash is an important step in ensuring a happy and healthy pregnancy.
Mouth lesions are very common. They can be caused by viruses, fungi, bacterial infections, dentures that don't fit correctly, sharp tooth edges, or a loose orthodontic wire. Read on to learn about the common conditions that can cause mouth lesions along with their symptoms and treatment options.
1.- Canker Sores
Canker sores can emerge in multiple areas of the mouth, including the tongue, inside the cheeks, gumline, and lips. While medical professionals aren't exactly sure what causes them, the consensus is that the immune system is related. Acidic foods, a mouth injury, hormonal changes, and emotional stress are believed to trigger canker sores.
Signs and Symptoms: Canker sores look shallow and round. They last approximately seven to 10 days and then go away on their own.
Treatment: There's no way to prevent or make canker sores disappear. You can reduce the pain, though, by rinsing with warm water, avoiding spicy or acidic foods, and relieving pain with over-the-counter pain relievers.
2.- Cold Sores
Also known as a fever blister, the herpes simplex virus causes these sores. The virus is transmitted via saliva or skin contact. The sores appear as bunches of tiny blisters on the lips. The virus typically remains dormant when a person is initially infected. Sores can emerge due to various reasons, such as a cold or fever, emotional stress, overexposure to the sun, or even dental treatment.
Signs and Symptoms: The initial clinical symptoms of herpes simplex virus include nausea, vomiting, headaches, a sore throat, fever, and blisters—vesicular lesions—on the gum tissue and oral cavity. These symptoms typically occur about a week after exposure, and then it will be inactive until stress or a change in the immune system causes sores to reappear.
Treatment: Unfortunately, there is no cure for the virus that causes cold sores. Treatment options to speed up healing include the medicines Valtrex, Zovirax, and Famvir.
3.- Oral Thrush
Thrush occurs when the Candida albicans fungus collects in the mouth. The painful lesions might bleed on contact. Some medications may cause thrush as a side-effect, but it also occurs in babies, people with compromised immune systems, people who wear dentures or use inhalers with corticosteroids.
Signs and Symptoms: The signs of thrush are red and inflamed lesions or white lesions on the tongue, cheeks, gums, or tonsils. They can be painful and bleed on contact. Other symptoms include loss of taste and dry mouth.
Treatment: Treatments can range from antifungal medication, diet changes, improved oral hygiene, and saltwater rinses.
4.- Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease is caused by a virus, like cold sores. This virus is common in young children under five and typically not very serious. However, it is very contagious. The CDC advises parents to sanitize surfaces and wash the child's hands and yours often.
Signs and Symptoms: Symptoms include painful red lesions on the inner cheeks and tongue, a red rash on the hands and feet, fever, sore throat, and general malaise. Symptoms emerge three to six days after contraction.
Treatment: The virus usually runs its course in seven to 10 days. A topical oral anesthetic can help with mouth sore pain, while pain medications like acetaminophen can relieve some symptoms like pain and fever.
Prevent the Spread
To avoid spreading the viruses that cause mouth sores, don't kiss anyone or share utensils or drinking glasses when the lesions or blisters are present. Maintaining good oral health is a good start when it comes to preventing oral infections from forming. Brush and clean between your teeth with floss, flossers, or interdental toothbrushes at least twice each day to prevent plaque, gingivitis, tartar build-up, cavities, and bad breath. And remember to schedule regular checkups with your dental professionals.
Dental implants represent the pinnacle of prosthodontics as the closest we have come to recreating natural teeth. Implants are permanent, as strong or stronger than natural teeth, and visually indistinguishable once they are installed. While the vast majority of people are eligible for dental
implants, there are rare cases where the procedure is not viable. Here are four factors that affect your eligibility for dental implants.
1. Gum and Jawbone Health
The gums and jawbone both play a very important role in the success of dental implants. The titanium root of a dental implant fuses with the jawbone to stay in place. This process is called osseointegration, and it will fail if the jawbone isn't dense enough to secure the implant. In some cases, oral surgeons are able to overcome this limitation by grafting bone tissue from other parts of the body.
Gum tissue provides further support and protection for implant roots and a platform for the crown to rest on. Gum degradation presents another obstacle for implant installation because it is usually a symptom of periodontal disease. Patients with periodontal disease will often continue to lose gum tissue unless they make significant changes to their dental hygiene habits, and the risk of infection after implantation is greater.
2. Age and Facial Development
Because dental implants require a firm foundation, any future changes in the shape or size of the jaw could prove disastrous for implant success. For this reason, most dentists will frequently decline to perform implant installation on patients under the age of 18. However, dentists may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis after analyzing the level of development of the jaw.
Many adults will be glad to know that there is not an upper limit on the age of eligibility for dental implants. As long as the patient doesn't have significant risk factors and the jaw is healthy, implants can provide permanent tooth restoration even for adults age 80 or older.
3. Current Medications
It is wise to understand the risks and potential side-effects of all medications you are taking before you consider any surgical procedure, and dental implant surgery is no exception. In particular, you should be aware of medications that may interfere with anesthesia used during dental implant surgery.
Avoid aspirin and NSAID (Advil) pain relievers for the week before your procedure to prevent excessive bleeding. Also remember to disclose any prescription medications you are taking to your dentist so they can give you more detailed information on what is safe. If you are in need of pain relievers leading up to your surgery, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is recommended.
4. Other Risk Factors
There are a few other health conditions and habits that could act as risk factors for people considering dental implant surgery. Tobacco and alcohol use can both inhibit healing in gum and bone tissue, and tobacco smoke promotes dry mouth and increases the risk of infection. Abstaining from these and other recreational drugs will reduce the chance of implant rejection.
Patients suffering from systemic diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and certain autoimmune diseases are at greater risk of infection or implant complications. Osteoporosis, medications used for osteoporosis and other bone deterioration diseases, contribute greatly to implant complications as well. Finally, dentists may decline patients with psychological problems or other conditions that make it difficult or impossible to care for the implant post-surgery.
Dental implant installation is one of the safest types of oral surgery, and most people will be eligible currently or with small changes to their lifestyle. If you are considering dental implants, visit your dentist to answer your questions and help you achieve the smile you've always wanted!
The research found that patients who used proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) -- a class of drugs commonly prescribed to treat heartburn, acid reflux and ulcers -- were more likely to have smaller probing depths in the gums (the gap between teeth and gums). When gums are healthy, they fit snuggly against the teeth. However, in the presence of harmful bacteria, the gap deepens, leading to inflammation, bone loss and periodontitis, also known as gum disease.
The findings, published last month in Clinical and Experimental Dental Research, may be linked to the side effects of PPIs, which include changes in bone metabolism and in the gut microbiome, says lead investigator Lisa M. Yerke, DDS, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics and Endodontics at the UB School of Dental Medicine.
"PPIs could potentially be used in combination with other periodontal treatments; however, additional studies are first needed to understand the underlying mechanisms behind the role PPIs play in reducing the severity of periodontitis," says Yerke.
Additional investigators include first author and UB alumnus Bhavneet Chawla, and Robert E. Cohen, DDS, PhD, professor of periodontics and endodontics in the UB School of Dental Medicine.
The study sought to determine whether a relationship exists between PPI use and gum disease. The researchers analyzed clinical data from more than 1,000 periodontitis patients either using or not using PPIs. Probing depths were used as an indicator of periodontitis severity.
Only 14% of teeth from patients who used PPIs had probing depths of 6 millimeters or more, compared to 24% of teeth from patients who did not use the medication. And 27% of teeth from patients using PPIs had probing depths of 5 millimeters or more, compared to 40% of teeth from non-PPI users, according to the study.
The researchers theorized that PPIs' ability to alter bone metabolism or the gut microbiome, as well as potentially impact periodontal microorganisms, may help lessen the severity of gum disease.
Additional studies are under development to determine if this relationship can be found in other populations of patients with gum disease, and to learn to what extent the relationship can be directly attributed to PPIs, says Yerke.
Tongues often get overlooked when people are on a quest to have a beautiful smile. When you think about it, tongues play an important role in helping you to taste food and speak properly.
Your tongue can also reveal things about your health. A healthy tongue should be pink, pain-free, and covered in tiny projections called papillae. Changes in its color, texture, or sensations could indicate issues with your oral health along with other conditions within your body.
Why Isn’t My Tongue Pink?
Some people’s tongues naturally have lighter or darker patches. This is normal provided that yours still fits within the range of pink shades.
Geographic tongue is a condition that affects around 1 to 3% of the population. It causes red patches on the tongue. These may have red and gray borders. The condition is considered harmless, but some people note that they experience burning sensations.
Tongues that appear white may have a coating of debris and bacteria that are causing inflammation within the papillae. This can sometimes be remedied by increasing your oral hygiene. Dental cleanings also help to keep bacteria levels down in your mouth.
White patches on your tongue and in other areas of your mouth could indicate oral thrush. Younger children and senior adults are more likely to develop this condition. The infection is easily cleared up with medication, but it could indicate underlying diseases such as diabetes.
A bright red tongue can mean multiple things about your health. Vitamin B deficiencies present with this as a symptom. Certain illnesses, such as scarlet fever, may temporarily cause your tongue to turn red.
Is a Hairy Tongue Bad?
Healthy Papillae on your tongue create a velvety appearance. They should all be fairly uniform in height and barely noticeable when you look in the mirror.
Occasionally, these papillae enlarge in response to changes in your body. The hairy papillae may also appear to be black, brown, or yellowish shade.
Hairy tongues may be due to an overgrowth of bacteria. Certain medications, such as an extended round of antibiotics, can cause the papilla to change their length. People with diabetes or who are undergoing radiation treatment may develop a hairy tongue.
Although it may be unsightly, a hairy tongue may not always be preventable if you need to take certain medications.
In other instances, correcting your health issues can cause your tongue to return to normal.
People who are missing several teeth may not be able to chew foods that help the papilla to shed properly. Tooth replacement can return normal functioning to the mouth that affects the growth process in the papillae.
What Does a Sore on Your Tongue Mean?
Almost everyone has experienced the discomfort of a sore tongue. Sores from burns and other common accidents are usually not anything to worry about. These should heal within one to two weeks unless there is a problem.
Sores that do not heal could be indicative of oral cancer. Recurring sores along the side of your tongue can also clue us in to an issue with nighttime tooth grinding.
During dental exams, we take a look at your tongue. If we notice unusual symptoms, then we let you know what to do next. Take a moment to look at your tongue every now and then during your oral hygiene routine. Many changes in its texture or color are easily corrected with early care.
Eating sugary or sweet foods can cause a temporary sweet aftertaste in the mouth. However, a persistent sweet taste in the mouth can be a sign of a more serious condition.
A sweet taste in the mouth can be a signal of the body having trouble regulating blood sugar, which may be due to diabetes. There is also a range of other possible causes, each requiring specific care.
Causes
Unlike an aftertaste caused by eating foods containing sugar or artificial sweeteners, a persistent sweet taste in the mouth is typically caused by an underlying medical condition.
These conditions can be serious and will often require medical attention, so it is vital to receive a proper diagnosis.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a common cause of a sweet taste in the mouth. Diabetes affects how well the body can use insulin, which has a direct effect on the body’s ability to control blood sugar.
Uncontrolled diabetes can result in high levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes can sometimes cause a sweet taste in the mouth and is often accompanied by other symptoms.
Additional symptoms include:
reduced ability to taste the sweetness in foods
blurred vision
excessive thirst
excessive urination
extreme fatigue
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetes may also cause a serious complication called diabetic ketoacidosis. This happens when the body cannot use sugar for fuel and begins using fat instead. This causes an acid called ketones to build up in the body.
Excess ketones in the body can cause a sweet, fruity smell and taste in the mouth. Diabetic ketoacidosis may cause other symptoms, including:
extreme thirst
confusion
fatigue
nausea and vomiting
abdominal cramping
Low carb dieting
People who are on low carbohydrate diets may find that they develop a similar fruity, sweet taste in the mouth. Carbohydrates are a common source of fuel in the body and going without them makes the body burn fat instead.
This process is called ketosis and causes ketones to build up in the bloodstream, producing a sweet taste in the mouth.
Anyone embarking on a low-carb or ketogenic diet should get guidance from a nutritionist or healthcare professional. Getting advice might help prevent harmful levels of ketones building up in a person’s body.
Infections
Certain bacterial infections can trigger a sweet taste in the mouth. Infections that affect the airways can interfere with how the brain responds to the taste senses.
Even simple infections, such as a cold, flu, or sinus infection, may cause the saliva to have more glucose in it. Glucose is a type of sugar, so may cause a sweet taste in the mouth.
If this is the case, the sweet taste will usually clear up when the infection is treated.
Neurological conditions
Nerve damage can also cause a persistent sweet taste in the mouth. People who experience seizures or who have had a stroke may experience sensory dysfunction. This can affect their senses, including taste and smell.
The outcome of this damage is complex and may be different in each case. In some cases, people may experience a sweet taste in their mouth that does not go away or that comes and goes.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Some people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also complain of having a sweet or metallic taste in their mouth.
This is due to digestive acids that back up into the food pipe (esophagus) and eventually the mouth. This taste may seem to originate at the back of the mouth. Managing GERD with dietary and lifestyle changes will reduce symptoms.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is another possible cause of a sweet taste in the mouth. Pregnancy causes changes in a woman’s hormones levels and digestive system, both of which can affect taste and smell.
Pregnant women may experience unexplainable sweet or metallic tastes in the mouth. The underlying cause could still be another condition, such as GERD or gestational diabetes, so any woman experiencing persistent changes in taste should talk with a doctor.
Medications
Some medications may also be to blame for a sweet taste in the mouth. Chemotherapy drugs often alter a person’s sense of taste.
This is a minor side effect of drugs that are used for serious illnesses, but doctors will still want to check and be sure that it is the medications causing the symptom.
If the sweet taste is affecting a person’s diet or quality of life, doctors may be able to prescribe an alternative.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is an uncommon cause of a sweet taste in the mouth, but it should not be overlooked. Rarely, tumors in the lung or respiratory tract can raise a person’s hormones levels and affect their sense of taste.
Some causes of a sweet taste affect the respiratory and olfactory systems directly, while others affect the hormones or neurological system.
A doctor will usually perform a physical exam in addition to diagnostic tests. They will also ask a person about their medical history or any medications they are taking.
Possible tests include:
blood tests to check for bacterial or viral infections, hormone levels, and blood sugar levels
CT scans or MRIs to check for signs of growths and cancers
brain scans to check for nerve damage and to test neurological response
an endoscopy to check for signs of digestive disorders
Once the cause of the unusual taste is determined, doctors will help the person find a working treatment plan to keep their symptoms in check.
Treatment will vary greatly depending on the cause. For instance, someone with diabetes may find relief with insulin therapy, exercise, and a healthful diet, but someone with a respiratory infection may require antibiotics. It is best to discuss the individual case with a doctor.
Takeaway
Experiencing an unexplained sweet taste in the mouth just once is not usually cause for concern. However, if the sweet taste happens frequently or for long periods of time, it is a good idea to see a doctor.
A proper diagnosis is the best way to treat an underlying condition early and avoid serious complications.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is necessary for good oral health. However, the frequency of toothbrushing is not the only thing you should care about. The timing of this oral hygiene practice also matters. Below are a few tips to help you brush your teeth at the right time.
In the Morning
Bacteria can build up in your mouth within a matter of hours. Everyone has some oral bacteria that feed on food remains and produce acids. The acids can erode and damage your teeth if you leave food remains and bacteria on your teeth for a long time. Brushing your teeth in the morning helps get rid of the bacteria before they cause serious damage to your teeth.
In addition, your saliva production also increases when you sleep. The saliva helps to wash bacteria from your teeth, but some of them remain in your mouth. Lastly, brushing in the morning will also help you get rid of the morning breath, which stems from bacteria's action in your mouth as you sleep.
After Breakfast
Many people argue on whether to brush before or after breakfast. Either of them will help you keep your mouth clean. However, brushing after breakfast has a slight edge over brushing before breakfast. By brushing after breakfast, you get rid of both the overnight and breakfast debris. That way, the bacteria don't have much to feed on during the rest of the day.
In the Evening
Brushing in the evening or at night is beneficial for multiple reasons. Specifically, evening brushing:
Helps you to get rid of bacteria and acids that accumulate on your teeth during the day
Ensures that you don't go to sleep with bits of food on your teeth
The second benefit only applies if you brush after your supper. Also, resist the temptation for late-night snacks after brushing. Snacks, which tend to be sugary, might undo the benefit of nighttime brushing.
After a Sugary Snack
You don't have to brush your teeth after every single meal. For most people, brushing in the morning and evening is enough to maintain a clean and healthy mouth. However, you should consider brushing your teeth after a sugary snack.
Bacteria love sugar. The germs will feed on the sugar and turn it into acid, which can soften your teeth and damage the enamel. Make a habit of carrying an oral hygiene kit that includes a toothbrush and tube of toothpaste. That way, you can brush anywhere.
Ideally, you should have a definite snack time so that you don't snack every hour of the day. You might struggle to brush your teeth after every sugary snack if you spread the snacks all through the day. An alternative is to snack immediately after meals before brushing your teeth so that you can brush away the sugary remains.
Some Minutes After Eating
Brushing after eating is good, but you shouldn't do it immediately after your meal. For one, acidic and hot foods soften your enamel and make them susceptible to damage. Waiting for some time allows for the temperature and acidic effect to subside. Brush before breakfast if you can't wait afterward.
Don't forget that you need to brush for at least two minutes to ensure you cover every surface of every teeth. Otherwise, you might not reap the full benefits of clean teeth.
Hopefully, your oral hygiene practice will help you prevent oral or dental problems. However, oral hygiene is not the only thing that affects your dental health. Thus, you might develop dental problems despite your best efforts. Contact your dentist.
Anxiety can cause a lot of unusual symptoms. But one of the strangest is the way that anxiety affects taste. Anxiety may genuinely cause a bad taste in your mouth, as though you've eaten something gross. It's one of the weirder symptoms of anxiety and while it's not dangerous, it is potentially distressing or irritating.
The good news is that a bad taste from anxiety is easy to understand, and generally fairly easy to reduce. In this article, we'll look at the most likely causes of bad taste, and the simple things you can do to reduce it.
Bad Taste = Anxiety?
Most people find it hard to believe that anxiety can affect your taste buds, but anxiety really does make a big difference for how your mouth adjusts to flavors. Bad taste is almost never the only anxiety symptom, however. So take this free 7 minute anxiety test to see what else is a symptom of your anxiety and what you can do to treat it.
Causes of Bad Taste From Anxiety
Bad taste in one's mouth seems like such an unusual anxiety symptom. That's because it's difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. It definitely affects many people with anxiety, but the reason for the bad taste may be linked to any or all of the following (or something else that’s not on the list):
Taste Changes The most likely reason is that stress causes your taste buds to change. How they change differs from person to person, but there is evidence that under periods of intense stress, a person's sense of taste is altered with it [1].
Mouth Breathing Anxiety also leads to rapid breathing - usually through the mouth. This type of rapid breathing may cause your tongue to dry up and ultimately taste a bit drier and less pleasant, which could be the cause of the unusual taste.
Over-thinking Similarly, when you have severe anxiety - especially panic attacks - it's not uncommon to be more sensitive to issues that are already pleasant. For example, you may have already had a bad taste in your mouth, but it wasn’t really bothering you or you weren’t even aware of it. During a panic attack, you may be more sensitive to things like taste, making you become more conscious and concerned about the bad taste that was already there.
It's also possible there are other issues at play here as well. We mentioned GERD, earlier, and acid reflux can create a bad taste that may be altered by anxiety. It's also possible that you're creating more mucus, which can have an unpleasant flavor. Salivary changes may create a bad taste as well, and it's possible for stress to allow bad smelling bacteria to flourish. It's difficult to know the exact cause, and it's possible that it could be any or all of those issues.
What is Your Anxiety Score?
When anxiety starts to become overwhelming it may be a sign that you have moderate to severe anxiety. With this free 7 minute anxiety test, you can receive:
Take the anxiety test today to gain better insight into your anxiety and its symptoms.
How to Address the Bad Taste
The good news is that improving the taste in your mouth is easy. If you often find that you have a bad taste in your mouth during times of anxiety, then finding something that tastes better is the solution. See if there is a breath mint you like, or a tic tac (although avoid peppermint if you think you may have GERD). There may be some gum available or water you can drink. These will all reduce the bad taste.
Ultimately, however, the long term and preventative solution is to make sure you're addressing your underlying anxiety - which is really the root of the problem.
Periodontal disease is the most common oral disease among American adults. In fact, it’s so common that there’s a 50% chance you already have it if you’re over 30.
Also called gum disease, it starts with mild gum inflammation called gingivitis. If not treated, the condition worsens, loosening your teeth. Eventually, your teeth could fall out.
The good news is that periodontal disease is treatable. Learn to recognize the signs of this condition so you can protect your smile. At Arcadia Perio, our team of dental professionals, led by J. Paul Fuentes, DDS, and Andrew Peterson, DMD, are here to help.
Telltale signs of periodontal disease
Your gums protect your jaw and the roots of your teeth. Healthy gums help hold your teeth in place and seal out harmful bacteria. Strong oral hygiene keeps your teeth and your gums clean, but if you don’t brush and floss regularly, periodontal disease can develop.
Here are some of the most common signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Bleeding gums
Healthy gums don’t bleed, but periodontal disease can make them more sensitive. If you notice bleeding gums when you brush or floss or at your regular dental cleanings, it may be a sign of periodontal disease.
Puffy gums
Puffy gums are another visual cue that could indicate periodontal disease. When bacteria builds up on your teeth, it can infect and inflame surrounding gum tissue. Healthy gums are pink, but periodontal disease may make them red, puffy, and tender.
Receding gumline
If you have periodontal disease, gum tissue may begin pulling away from your teeth. Your gums should fit snugly around the base of your teeth, but inflammation can make them recede and reveal too much of your tooth roots.
Bad breath
Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, could be a sign of periodontal disease. Excessive bacteria buildup on teeth and under gums can cause bad breath or a permanent bad taste in your mouth.
Tooth sensitivity
Receding gums and other symptoms of periodontal disease can make your teeth feel sensitive. Pain when consuming food or beverages that are hot, cold, or sweet is one of the most noticeable signs of tooth sensitivity. You might also notice pain when biting or chewing, no matter the food’s temperature.
Loose teeth
When periodontal disease progresses, it can cause teeth to loosen in their sockets. You might notice a tooth that’s obviously loose, or the signs may be more subtle. Slowly loosening teeth can shift in your mouth, changing the way your teeth fit together when you bite down.
Stop the damage of periodontal disease
Good oral hygiene is your best defense against periodontal disease. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Use a fluoride mouthwash for extra protection.
Along with at-home care, visit your dentist for routine dental cleanings. Everyone should get a professional cleaning once or twice a year. And if you notice symptoms of gum disease between appointments, don’t wait to seek treatment.
