Mouth bacteria consume the same things you eat, and create acidic excretions. (Yes, mouth bacteria poop acid, if you want to look at it that way.) Those acids, in turn, do what all types of acid do: corrode softer materials. In the case of your mouth, acids leach minerals from your tooth enamel and leave soft spots of demineralization on the teeth. If we can catch those soft spots early enough, we apply fluoride to strengthen and remineralize the tooth. If we don’t find your soft spots and treat them, they may eventually create a hole, or cavity, in the tooth.
Bacteria are not the only cause behind an acidic mouth environment, incidentally. Acidic foods and beverages can also play a role in enamel damage. If you drink lemonade all day long, you might find your teeth starting to erode, or wear down, at the edges. Pool water and stomach acids in the mouth also have a weakening effect on tooth enamel.
Prevent Tooth Decay: “Do Not Feed the Animals”
When it comes to the harmful bacteria in your mouth, the best way to prevent them from doing their dirty work is to starve them as much as possible. Do not give them the food sources that cause the acidic excretions that dissolve tooth enamel. Mouth bacteria thrive on starchy and sugary food residues. If you can keep those off the teeth, you’ll stay ahead of the game.
This does not mean you need to start brushing your teeth after every meal or snack. Over-brushing your teeth can be harmful to your gums and tooth enamel. Instead of brushing away food residues constantly, consider these alternate strategies to “starve” mouth bacteria:
Don’t let sugars and starches sit on the teeth for long periods of time.
Drink water and sugarless beverages frequently, to rinse food residues from the mouth.
Chew sugarless gum after starchy and sugary foods. This stimulates saliva and helps remove residues.
Eat foods that bacteria aren’t interested in: vegetables and fruits.
Eat foods that clean the teeth after less mouth-healthy foods. Eat a crunchy apple after your potato chips and it will help remove the starchy residue.
Plaque and Calculus
You probably know that plaque is the sticky biofilm that develops on the teeth after you consume food and beverages. If you don’t clean plaque from the teeth regularly, it may even feel fuzzy on your teeth, as though your enamel is growing moss. You can successfully remove plaque from the teeth with a toothbrush, but any spots of plaque that don’t get brushed away may harden into tartar (calculus). This calcified form of plaque can develop in as little as 48 hours. Once it hardens, it is no longer water-soluble and can only be removed at the dentist’s office during a dental cleaning. That’s why it’s important to brush the teeth thoroughly every single day. When tartar forms on the teeth, it offers another food source for bacteria, and a cavity may soon follow.
Key Take-Aways on Tooth Decay
Ultimately, most of us understand the importance of limiting sugary and starchy foods and beverages to prevent bacteria from feasting in our mouths. The longer you leave bacteria-friendly residues on the teeth, the more acidic your mouth environment will be and the greater your risk of tooth decay. As we approach candy season (Halloween), you can take advantage of this knowledge to change how you and your family consume your favorite sweet treats.
It’s best to eat only a few pieces of candy at a time. If the mouth environment stays acidic for hours on end, you increase the risk of tooth decay.
Give your mouth long periods of time without sugar to neutralize bacterial acids with saliva or neutral beverages (water, milk).
Drink plenty of water when consuming Halloween candy.
Work in some mouth-healthy (vegetables and fruits) foods between candies to remove excess sugary residues.
Don’t eat candy just before bed. It may be too difficult to brush away sugary residues before your saliva gets the chance to rinse them away.
If you have small, tender, red, yellow, or white bumps on the surface of your tongue, you may have a condition people call lie bumps (or transient lingual papillitis if you want to sound like you really know your stuff). These bumps may seem like they appear out of nowhere and can be worrisome if you don't know what they are. So how concerned should you be about this condition? We'll lay down some truth about lie bumps so you can do what's necessary to maintain a level of oral health that makes you smile.
What Are Lie Bumps?
Lie bumps are a common condition, and it's been said that you get them from telling lies. That's a fun myth, but ironically it's simply not true. The real name, transient lingual papillitis, is more informative of what the condition actually is. Transient tells you that they are temporary. Lingual – that they are on the tongue. And papillitis – the condition inflames the papillae (small bumps formed by mucous membrane cells that make up the tongue's surface, says an article on InformedHealth.org).
There are four different types of papillae, each with its own function:
Filiform
The most common form of papillae and the only type that doesn't contain taste buds.
Fungiform
Found at the tip of your tongue, these papillae are shaped like mushrooms and have taste buds and sensory cells.
Foliate
These papillae line the side of your tongue, are leaf-shaped, and also contain taste buds.
Circumvallate
These v-shaped papillae are the largest, contain taste buds, and are located to the back of your tongue.
What Are The Symptoms Of Lie Bumps?
Some people think lie bumps are like a pimple on their tongue. These bumps can be a bit painful and can make eating difficult, especially when you're munching on acidic or sour foods. You could get one or numerous lie bumps that cause a burning or tingling sensation. They can even cause dry mouth and alter your sense of taste, but they tend to go away without further issues in most cases despite all the potential discomfort.
What Causes Transient Lingual Papillitis?
It's unknown what causes lie bumps, but it's believed that injuries to the tongue and repeated irritation are often the cause.
Other risk factors may include:
Stress
Lack of sleep
Poor nutrition
Consumption of sour or acidic foods
And smoking
Various health conditions are also potential risk factors, like:
Eczema
Allergies
Geographic tongue
Gastrointestinal disorders
And asthma
Should I See a Dental Professional?
If you have bumps or sores on your tongue that don't heal after several days and you are concerned about your condition, you may want to visit your dental professional – especially if the bumps are painful and interfere with eating. It may signify a more severe condition.
How Do You Get Rid of Lie Bumps?
In most cases, no treatment is necessary. The condition usually improves on its own. If you are experiencing an excessive amount of pain, your dental professional may recommend something for relief. The best thing for you to do is if you have one or more lie bumps is to:
Avoid tongue irritation.
Eliminate spicy foods.
Don't eat sour foods.
Use oral moisturizing products if dry mouth is an issue.
How to Prevent Lie Bumps
Make sure to practice good oral hygiene to help prevent lie bumps. Be sure to brush at least twice a day, and don't forget to brush your tongue. Consider using other helpful products like an antimicrobial mouthrinse and tongue scrapers. And be sure to see your dental professional for regular appointments. Sharp-edged teeth and restorations could cause your lie bumps, which your dentist can easily correct.
Learn interesting facts about the tongue for well-rounded oral care.
Now that you know lie bumps tend to go away on their own, hopefully, you're more at ease about your condition. And although there may not be a definite cause for your lie bumps, you can be confident that by practicing good oral hygiene, you'll best be able to prevent a lot of undesirable conditions – and that's no lie.
If you’ve noticed that your teeth don’t feel as clean as they used to, then it may be time to revamp your at-home oral health care routine to boost its effectiveness in removing plaque and keeping tartar from forming. Here, we’ve compiled a helpful set of tips to get a cleaner, healthier mouth.
Have you ever been to the dentist for a checkup and they end up having to spend a little longer than usual on descaling your teeth? If so, then it’s likely that you may have a problem with plaque and tartar build-up. Plaque and tartar are issues that everyone has to deal with as part of their dental health care, but sometimes they can be more problematic and require extra attention in order to avoid more severe troubles from developing down the road.
Of course, the key to solving the problem lies in first understanding why it’s happening. Plaque and tartar can be effectively prevented and minimized, it just takes the right combination of at-home oral care habits and regular dentist visits to ensure that minor problems don’t get the opportunity to progress into major ones. First, let’s explain exactly what plaque and tartar are, and what the difference is between them.
What’s The Difference Between Plaque And Tartar?
Plaque and tartar are closely linked, but there are significant differences between them. Plaque is the soft, sticky accumulation that forms on the surfaces of our teeth, often collecting in larger deposits in between the teeth and around the gum line. Plaque is usually whitish or pale yellow in colour, and often has a foul odor to it that is associated with bad breath and halitosis.
Tartar is a hard, yellowish or brownish crust that sticks to the enamel of the teeth, often starting at or below the gum line and gradually extending upwards and outwards over the visible surfaces of the teeth. Tartar is porous with a rough, almost gritty-feeling, texture.
Where Does Plaque Come From?
Whenever our natural saliva combines with the foods we eat and drink, the resulting mixture creates an environment where bacteria can grow on our teeth, gums, and interior surfaces of the mouth. As this film builds up, it tends to collect in the crevices in between the teeth and in the gum pockets surrounding them. This accumulation of bacteria produces the sticky, soft substance we know as plaque.
What Causes Tartar To Form?
If this plaque is not removed from the teeth and gums, it can harden and calcify into a tough caked-on substance called dental calculus, or tartar. Generally, it takes about 24 to 72 hours for plaque to harden into tartar, but this process can be accelerated by certain factors. Dry mouth and tobacco use can cause tartar to harden faster, and other conditions such as crowded teeth or wearing braces can make it more difficult to remove plaque before it can harden.
What Happens If Plaque And Tartar Are Not Removed?
There are many reasons why it’s important to clean plaque off the teeth regularly and prevent tartar from building up, and some effects can develop into very serious health conditions if left untreated.
Tooth Discoloration & Staining
One of the first things to happen if plaque and tartar are not kept under control is the discoloration and yellowing of the teeth. In some instances, the discoloration may be gradual and affect the entire visible surface of the teeth, but in others the staining can occur much more rapidly or appear spotty and blotchy on the teeth. In any case, this is an easily preventable situation that proper cleaning and dental checkups can avoid.
Bad Breath & Halitosis
Another early sign of plaque and tartar build up is foul breath and consistent halitosis. If the plaque is cleaned off before it has a chance to harden into tartar, then the bad breath will often disappear or lessen significantly. However, if the plaque is allowed to harden into tartar, the odours created by the crusty bacteria residue will be far more persistent and difficult to deal with.
Cavities & Tooth Decay
If left untreated, the bacteria that thrives inside of plaque deposits and tartar produces an acidic residue that harms the enamel of our teeth and can cause cavities and tooth decay. The longer that plaque and tartar are in contact with the surfaces of the teeth, the more likely it is that cavities will develop and tooth decay will continue to advance through the mouth.
Gingivitis & Periodontal Disease
In addition to the problems above, plaque and tartar that is allowed to remain on teeth can eventually progress to harmful gum conditions known as gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gingivitis is early-onset gum disease and usually manifests in the form of swollen, tender gum tissue, bleeding when brushing or flossing, and receding gums.
If left untreated, gingivitis eventually progresses into periodontal disease, which is an advanced stage of gum disease associated with many serious health risks. Periodontal disease is a form of infection in the gums that results in loose or lost teeth, degradation in bone density, and causes pain and discomfort throughout the mouth of the patient. Advanced periodontal disease can be life-threatening, and must be treated clinically, often with a combination of extensive dental cleaning treatments, antibiotics and medications, and specialized surgical procedures.
How Can Plaque And Tartar Be Removed?
Of course, the objective for everyone should be to effectively deal with plaque and tartar using preventive oral health care techniques so that these harmful effects never arise. As the old adage goes, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’.
Frequent Tooth Brushing Using Proper Technique
While we can’t stop all plaque from forming in our teeth throughout the day, we can make sure that it doesn’t get the chance to linger for too long and turn to tartar. Frequent tooth brushing, 2 to 3 times per day, using the proper technique for 2 minutes in duration, is the right approach. For even greater effectiveness, choose an electric or automatic toothbrush. The additional vibration and rotational motion offered by most electric toothbrushes does a better job of loosening plaque, thereby making it easier to brush away.
Flossing & Inter-Dental Cleaning
Along with frequent toothbrushing, you should always maintain a regular routine of flossing and cleaning the places in between teeth and down in the gums that toothbrush bristles just can’t reach. Flosses, interdental picks, and water flossers are all great ways to remove even more plaque from your teeth and keep tartar from forming.
Oral Rinses & Antibacterial Mouthwashes
The root cause of plaque and tartar is the accumulation of bacteria, so reducing the amount of bacteria present throughout the mouth will help to slow down and minimize the build-up of plaque. Oral rinses and antibacterial mouthwashes help to rinse away any leftover food particles or bacterial accumulation that was loosened by brushing and flossing, as well as kill lingering bacteria in other areas of the mouth. Regular use of anti-bacterial oral rinses has been shown to help maintain fresh breath, and works to keep plaque and tartar build-up at bay.
Regular Dental Clinic Checkups & Cleanings
Naturally, all of these at-home tricks to prevent plaque and tartar need to be accompanied by a regular schedule of dental health checkups and professional hygiene treatments by your dentist. While you can brush, floss, and rinse away plaque at home, there’s no getting rid of tartar once it forms on the teeth unless you get a professional descaling treatment. Descaling physically removes the hardened tartar from the teeth and below the gum line, leaving patients with clean, smooth, tartar-free teeth.
Sticking to the recommended interval of dentist visits will ensure that any plaque that does turn into tartar is thoroughly cleaned away. Plus, your dentist will be able to conduct a comprehensive exam of your entire mouth to check and see that everything stays healthy and strong, and identify any potential problems early so that they can be treated promptly.
Most people brush and floss on a regular basis because they want to have a nice smile and fresh breath. Some of them do it because they don’t want to go to the dentist so often. And only a few of them have their general health in mind.
All aforementioned reasons to take care of your oral hygiene are perfectly fine. There’s nothing bad about taking good care of your teeth and gums. However, being aware of the effect that oral health has on our bodies should be the strongest motivator. Proper dental health is much more than fresh breath and white teeth.
If you want to understand the link between dental hygiene and overall health, here are the four biggest reasons why oral health is essential to our overall health.
A strong link between gum disease and other illnesses
Even those who pay special attention to their oral health, every now and then notice blood when brushing their teeth. This is one of the most common signs of gingivitis – known as inflamed gums. Most of the early stage gum infections go away quickly, as soon as we boost the immune system and start using toothpaste specially designed for treating gingivitis. However, a chronic inflammation (periodontitis) needs to be taken very seriously as the research shows a link between gingivitis and several other diseases, none of them taken lightly.
Know that periodontal disease carries an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. It has been also linked to other serious diseases such as chronic kidney disease and cancer. If you notice that your gums are bleeding, red, swollen and sore, it’s time to see a periodontist. Gum infections are usually caused by plaque and poor oral hygiene. This is why you should floss and brush on a regular basis, and schedule a deep cleaning appointment.
Cavities pose threat to your heart – not just your perfect smile
Streptococcus mutans sounds scary, but it’s a common bacteria found in our mouth. This bacteria is known to cause cavities, but it can also affect your heart. Scientists have discovered that Streptococcus mutans invades heart tissue, causing endocarditis in some cases. It’s not a 100 percent chance that it’ll cause it, but since this infection is lethal, it’s worth worrying about.
You might think that regular brushing and flossing remove bacteria from your mouth, but things are not that simple. These bacteria travel to the heart via the bloodstream, thanks to dental procedures and aggressive flossing of sensitive gums. The best possible prevention is regular brushing, gentle flossing, and the use of antibacterial mouthwash. Of course, leading a healthy lifestyle and boosting the immune system helps a lot.
Early diagnosis means higher chances of recovery
Oral cancer is a disease that includes the cancers of the tongue tissue, cheeks, palate, sinuses and throat. It’s a lethal condition if not diagnosed early and treated properly. Some of the ways to prevent it are ditching cigarettes and alcohol, and staying away from the harmful UV exposure. Also, visiting a dentist might be your best call as dentists are capable of diagnosing oral cancer at early stages, before the appearance of the symptoms.
During oral cancer screening, dentists always check your soft mouth tissue as well, looking for unusual changes. Screening is a part of regular dental checkups. This is why you need to have in mind that regular dental checkups are life savers, in the literal sense of a word. If you’re located in Gold Coast and Brisbane, call us at MGA Dental and book a full dental checkup appointment.
An important relationship between dental health care and healthy diet
A link between a healthy mouth and good diet goes both ways. All issues that come from poor dental care, such as gum infections, cavities and tooth loss affect your ability to feed yourself properly. When we experience dental pain, food is the last thing on our mind, let alone healthy and balanced diet, full of nutrients.
On the other hand, the things you eat affect the general health and oral health as well. Simple carbs, soft drinks and snacks poor in nutrients certainly won’t help your health, or the cavities you have. The solution is simple: eat “healthy” sugars and brush twice a day. A little trick: when you brush shortly after dinner, you’re telling your brain that you finished eating for the day, so it’ll be easier to resist all those midnight snacks.
Dental issue like cavities or tooth decay might feel as if they just appeared out of nowhere, but, in most cases, there were hints along the way. Rarely does someone just wake up with sore gums or a cracked tooth. The key to good oral health is to recognize the warning signs especially the early ones.
Who wouldn’t want to avoid having to undergo a root canal or having to wear a nightguard every time they sleep? If you know what symptoms to look for, there’s a good chance your dental problems can be treated successfully. This can result in a patient saving money and not having to experience unnecessary pain.
What are the early warning signs and what can happen if they go undetected? We’ll look at the symptoms of common dental problems so you know what to look for. This will help you avoid having to deal with serious issues in the future and make sure you live pain-free and with healthy teeth and gums.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when the gums separate from the teeth creating pockets that fill with bacteria. Bacteria then creates plaque that spreads throughout the gums and forces the immune system to try to fight the outbreak. If plaque persists, tissue can weaken causing teeth to loosen and eventually fall out.
Gum disease can cause:
Bone loss
Teeth to shift
Bleeding and pus
Gum recession
Gum and teeth sensitivity
Gum disease develops in four stages beginning with gingivitis and then progressing through slight, moderate and advanced stages.
The early warning signs include:
Swollen and red gums
Bad breath
Bleeding while flossing
If you are only experiencing these symptoms, the good news is that the issue is treatable and can be reversed with an improvement in your personal oral hygiene and with a professional cleaning.
If gingivitis has reached the slight or moderate stage, the warning signs include:
Increased redness in the gums
Excessive bleeding when brushing or flossing
Bad breath that has grown considerably worse
At this stage, you should visit your dentist to receive treatment, which can include scaling and root planning to remove the bacteria deposits.
If you ignore the early warning signs, gingivitis can reach an advanced stage, at which point, the warning signs are clearer because they are more severe:
Gums that are swollen, extremely red and oozing
Gums have receded
A sensitivity to anything cold
Consistent and horrible bad breath
Pain while chewing
Mouth sores
Pus between the teeth and gums
Spaces between teeth
It’s important to recognize the signs that something is wrong with your gums, so that issues like gingivitis don’t move beyond the easily treatable first stage. If left untreated, you could suffer tooth loss and be forced to undergo much more serious procedures to repair the damage.
Cavities
The early warning signs of a cavity are straightforward. If you are experiencing any type of toothache, general mouth soreness or spontaneous pain or sensitivity, then you may have a cavity. Even mild pain while eating something sweet, hot or cold should be considered a sign. Another red flag is staining on the surface of your teeth.
All toothaches should be examined by a dentist as it could also mean the patient has an abscess or impacted tooth. These ailments need to be treated immediately to prevent a tooth from dying and having to be removed.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problem in North America. If you notice that your teeth hurt while consuming a hot or cold drink, you may have sensitive teeth, which is an early red flag for tooth decay.
Other symptoms include:
Grey, black or brown spots on your teeth
A consistent unpleasant taste in your mouth
Tooth decay can be successfully treated during its early stages. It’s advised to book an appointment with your dentist once you first notice a sign.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
Cracked or broken teeth can occur when a person bites down on a piece of hard food or if they are prone to excessive grinding. It can also be the result of an injury to the mouth.
These issues can worsen and result in a patient needing to have a tooth removed. If the pain is severe enough it can make chewing and biting more challenging and can complicate one’s ability to swallow. Ultimately, if left untreated, it will have a negative impact on your daily life.
People often have a cracked or broken tooth without realizing it as the symptoms are inconsistent. This also makes it tough for a dentist to locate the crack. Because of this, it’s important to be extra diligent with respect to looking for the early warning signs.
You should be cognizant of the following:
Pain ranging from mild to moderate while chewing, biting or swallowing.
Swollen gums. This will most likely be located around the cracked tooth.
Teeth that are suddenly sensitive to anything sweet, hot or cold.
Inconsistent pain. If a pain in your mouth has gone away, do not think that you’re in the clear.
General discomfort around the teeth and gums.
There are several treatment options to fix cracked or broken teeth if detected early enough. If left untreated, you might be looking at having to replace the affected teeth, which can be painful and costly.
Oral Cancer
Like any form of cancer, oral cancer is serious enough that you should always be on the lookout for the early warning signs.
If you experience any of the following, we’d recommend immediately visiting your dentist for examination:
Pain, numbness or tenderness anywhere in your mouth including your lips.
Painful sores or a growth in your mouth or throat that will not heal.
Red sores or spots that are white or a mixed colour.
Trouble biting, chewing, swallowing or speaking.
Difficulty with moving your tongue or jaw.
If your teeth line up awkwardly when your mouth is closed or if you feel like your teeth are lining up differently than before.
If you struggle to comfortably open your mouth.
Excessive saliva
At Georgian Dental, oral cancer screenings are a vital part of every checkup. It’s important to recognize the signs and, if any are present, to begin treatment right away.
Teeth Grinding
A person can grind their teeth while awake or asleep. It can be a by-product of stress and anxiety and can result in a host of serious dental issues. Luckily, this is a problem that can be easily spotted without the help of a professional.
The warning signs include:
Aches in your jaw or general mouth area
Stiffness around the jaw or mouth
Ear pain
Headaches
The long-term consequences of not treating teeth grinding or excessive jaw clenching include tooth sensitivity, cracked roots or tooth loss.
Did you know that serious problems with your oral health could impact your entire wellbeing? Improper care of your teeth and gums can lead to a variety of severe issues. That’s why having regular check-ups and cleanings at least twice per year at the dentist is so important. Otherwise, it can be easy enough for problems to develop silently within your mouth. Tooth decay and gum disease are the most common oral issues that can occur, but infections in your mouth can even impact the health of your heart.
Being able to recognize signs of oral problems is vital so that your dentist can provide treatment immediately. To learn how to detect anything of concern with your oral health, here are a few common signs of more serious dental problems to be aware of.
Bleeding, Swollen Gums
While you’re caring for your teeth each day, always have a look out for any irregular signs of problems that may be developing, such as bleeding or swollen gums. This can be normal after flossing, but if your gums continue to bleed unprovoked, this could be a sign of gum disease.
Jaw and Mouth Pain
Any pain that you experience around the mouth and jaw area may also indicate a more serious dental problem. Although this can merely be the result of a toothache or even sinus congestion, it could be linked to gum disease or TMD. If this persists, have your dentist examine it.
Loose Teeth
Teeth that start to feel loose over time, or teeth that are missing entirely, should be a cause for concern. In this case, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. When your teeth get to this point, it can often indicate the onset of osteoporosis or advanced gum disease.
Lumps In the Mouth
Oral cancer is a common form of cancer that can be difficult to detect without regular examinations by a dentist. But knowing what to watch out for can save your life. If you ever notice any unusual sores or lumps in or around the mouth, cheeks, neck or head, contact your dentist immediately for an examination.
Persistent Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath (also referred to as Halitosis) can be an embarrassing problem to talk about. This can develop as a result of poor diet and lifestyle. However, gingivitis and gum disease can also be linked to this dental problem. If you're experiencing bad breath on a regular basis, make sure to mention it to your dentist.
We can’t emphasize enough just how vital it is to take good care of your oral health and to monitor your mouth for any of these commons signs of more serious dental problems. Your mouth says a lot about your overall health, and being able to recognize when abnormalities arise can help save your life.
A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection found in the inner part of the tooth where pus has collected and can cause moderate to severe pain in people who suffer from the condition. Tooth abscesses can occur when a cavity has gone untreated for too long or when a crack or chip in the tooth allows bacteria to find its way into the dental pulp (the inner, soft part of the tooth) area of the tooth and gets infected.
Once the bacteria has made its way inside, it will spread down to the root and cause both inflammation and swelling. Once inflammation occurs, it will force the pus into a tight space (known as the abscess) at the tip of the root where the swelling exists.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
Persistent, throbbing or severe toothache
Extreme temperature sensitivity
Pain when performing normal chewing or biting
Fever
Swelling in the face or the cheeks
Lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck become tender or swollen
A rush of foul-tasting fluid in the mouth followed by cessation of pain, which means the abscess has ruptured
Other Risk Factors
The following factors may increase your risk of a tooth abscess:
Poor Dental Habits — If you don’t brush or floss every day (preferably twice or more a day), this can significantly increase your risk of further dental and oral complications like gum disease, tooth abscesses and tooth decay.
A High-Sugar Diet — Too much sugar is bad for your body and is especially hard on your teeth. Sodas, sweets and other foods high in sugar content can cause cavities, which can very quickly turn into infections or tooth abscesses.
Other Health Issues — Do you have diabetes or any other kind of autoimmune disease? If so, these can certainly increase your likelihood of getting a tooth abscess, so proper dental care and regular checkups are essential.
When Should You Consult Your Dentist?
If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above, you should see your dentist immediately, especially if you begin to experience swelling in your face or begin to feel feverish. If your dentist cannot see you immediately, you should go to an emergency room as it’s possible these symptoms indicate the infection is possibly spreading into your jaw and the surrounding tissue.
The only way to rid yourself of both the pain and the condition is to get proper dental treatment. You may feel a lessening of pain if the abscess ruptures, but you’ll still need to get a professional’s help. The infection could spread to other parts of your jaw and beyond to parts of your head and neck and, in a worst-case scenario, lead to sepsis, which is an infection throughout the entire body that can put your life at risk.
Testing and Diagnosing
Beyond regular dental checkups, your dentist may perform a couple of specialized tests to confirm you have an abscessed tooth:
Tooth Tapping — An abscessed tooth is often very sensitive to touch or pressure, so your dentist may apply both to the tooth in question to determine your pain levels.
X-rays — An X-ray, or other imaging test (such as a CT scan), can help identify an abscess, so your dentist may require taking some to be sure.
Lab Tests — If the first line of antibiotics doesn’t help combat the infection, your dentist may take a sample of the infection to find out what kind of bacteria is causing it. This will help pinpoint a more effective treatment plan moving forward.
Tooth Abscess Treatments
Treating a tooth abscess involves draining the abscess and ridding the area of the infection. The tooth itself may be saved with a root canal treatment, but in some instances, it may need to be removed completely. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening, complications. Your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend the following:
Root Canal Procedure — If possible, your dentist will try to save your tooth by performing a root canal. The tooth is cleaned and disinfected on the outside, drilled into and cleaned out from the inside and then filled with a safe adhesive cement to restore structural integrity (and protect the tooth from future infection). If taken care of, this restored tooth will last your entire lifetime.
Extract or Pull the Affected Tooth — Extracting the tooth is a last resort, but if the tooth cannot be saved, your dentist will elect to choose this option to preserve the health of the rest of your mouth. Once extracted, the abscess will be fully drained and cleaned to prevent further infection.
Antibiotics — If the infection is localized around the abscessed area, you may not need antibiotics. However, if the infection has spread beyond it, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to help slow or diminish the infection, especially if you have a weakened immune system.
While the area is healing, your dentist may recommend that you regularly rinse your mouth with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed to help ease any discomfort you may encounter.
Preventing Tooth Abscesses
You can prevent a tooth abscess from ever occurring by taking proper care of your teeth, eating a healthy diet and getting regular dental checkups. Here are some general guidelines to ensure you have a happy and healthy mouth.
Drink fluoridated water.
Use a fluoride toothpaste when brushing twice a day (or after every meal).
If your brush bristles become frayed, replace your toothbrush. Or, simply replace it every three to four months as a general rule.
Floss daily with dental floss or an interdental cleaner.
Use an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to help rid your mouth of any leftover food particles after meals.
Eat a more balanced and sugar-free diet.
Get regular dental checkups and cleanings from your dentist.
If you have questions about your oral care routine or feel like you may be experiencing the early stages of a tooth abscess, contact your dentist for an examination. Your dentist will answer your questions and determine if you need treatment for a tooth abscess.
Have you spotted a possible cavity in one of your teeth? Are your gums sore? Sometimes the temptation is to wait until it starts to bother you more before scheduling an appointment with your Mount Washington Valley, NH dentist. Delaying dental care can end with some serious consequences. Here are a few of the reasons it’s best to not delay your dental care.
Dental Issues Won’t Get Better on Their Own
There are a few health issues that can get better on their own, but dental issues do not just go away. They do usually get worse as more time goes by. Unfortunately, gum disease, infections, and cavities become more severe. Avoiding dental care just gives the problem more time to become more aggressive. Without removing bacteria, administering medication, or adding a filling, the condition is only going to get worse.
Even relying on homeopathic remedies or DIY therapies, will just allow more time for the infection or cavity to get worse. Ideally, your Mount Washington Valley dental team likes to use minimally invasive treatments when possible. We also focus on preventative therapies. As dental professionals, we would like for a condition to be halted or reversed instead of having to resort to more invasive or aggressive treatments. The best option is to schedule an appointment at the first sign of symptoms. However, sometimes there are not any symptoms, not even pain.
No Pain Doesn’t Mean No Problem
Pain is the way your body gets your attention. It often signals trouble like a cavity, gum disease, or an abscess. Toothaches are not on anyone’s “favorite” list. But just because you are not experiencing pain, it doesn’t mean a problem does not exist. In severe cases of tooth decay or a dental abscess, the affected nerves may become deadened which will lead to the lack of pain. If you notice something like a cavity or swelling don’t delay dental care just because no pain is present. There are times when there are no symptoms present to alert you to a problem. This is why routine exams at Eastern Slope Dental are important. Many times, a dental professional can detect a problem before you have any signs. Delaying dental care puts you at a higher risk of needing more invasive types of treatment.
Delayed Dental Treatment Can Cost You More Money
As dental problems progress, treatment options change. For example, a small cavity discovered at your checkup can be repaired with a filling, so it doesn’t spread. If you choose to delay treatment or wait until it causes you pain or problems, you may find out it cannot be fixed with just a filling. It may spread to the nerve, create an abscess, and affect adjacent teeth that were cavity-free at your last exam. A filling will no longer be enough. You may need a root canal, a crown and perhaps a filling on the other teeth that have become to succumb to decay. With more intensive treatments usually comes higher costs, even if you have insurance. Your co-pays could easily be double what they would have been when looking at having a single tooth filled. Timely dental treatment helps save your teeth, your time, and your money.
Overlapping teeth are a type of malocclusion, also known as a misalignment of your teeth that can lead to oral health issues.
Some people may only have one overlapping tooth, like a crooked tooth. Others may have several overlapping teeth.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the causes of overlapping teeth, the impact on your health, and the most effective treatment options.
What causes overlapping teeth?
Overlapping teeth can have several causes. Some of the most common include:
hereditary causes
thumb-sucking
prolonged use of a bottle as a child
use of a pacifier beyond age 3
That said, several other culprits can contribute to overlapping teeth. Let’s look at some of the possible causes in more detail.
Genetic traits
Overlapping teeth can be hereditary or passed down from your parents or grandparents. This is the most common cause of misaligned teeth, according to the University of Florida Health.
Hereditary traits may influence the size of the jaw or teeth. If your jaw is too small, or if your teeth are too large, there may not be enough space for your teeth to grow without overlapping each other.
Childhood habits
Many babies and toddlers self-soothe by sucking their thumb, which typically isn’t a problem when a child is young.
However, according to the American Dental Association (AAD), if the habit continues after a child’s permanent teeth come in, thumb-sucking may cause problems with the alignment of their teeth. It may also cause issues with the proper growth of the mouth or jaw, and cause changes to the roof of the mouth.
While not as serious as thumb-sucking, prolonged use of a pacifier may also cause changes to a child’s teeth or jaw. To prevent tooth alignment issues, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends weaning a child from their pacifier by age 3.
Other possible causes
In addition to childhood habits and hereditary factors, overlapping teeth may also be caused by:
dental crowding or insufficient space within the jawbone
injuries that cause misalignment of the jaw
cleft lip and palate issues
teeth that have been blocked from breaking through the gums
abnormally shaped teeth
extra teeth
crowns and fillings that don’t fit properly
tumors in the jaw or mouth
Can overlapping teeth cause any dental or health issues?
Teeth that overlap may make it more difficult to bite or chew your food properly. In more severe cases, teeth that overlap badly may result in an:
overbite
underbite
open bite
crossbite
Misaligned teeth may also increase the risk of tooth decay, especially if the teeth that overlap make it difficult to brush or floss thoroughly.
Because of the inability to brush and floss properly, overlapping teeth may also raise your risk of gum disease, known as gingivitis. If left untreated, this can progress to a more serious infection known as periodontitis.
Teeth that are seriously overlapped or misaligned may also cause physical pain, headaches, and jaw pain, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).
If the overlapping is severe, it could also affect your emotional health. You may feel self-conscious or embarrassed about your teeth. This could negatively affect your confidence and self-esteem.
Should you fix overlapping teeth?
The decision to fix overlapping teeth often comes down to the following factors:
cost
severity of the overlapping teeth
the need to minimize or fix other problems associated with the misaligned teeth
If the overlapping is minimal, your dentist or orthodontist may not recommend treatment. Instead, they may provide advice on how to effectively brush or floss the affected teeth to avoid any oral health issues.
They may also consider your age, as treatment is often more affordable and easier to correct with younger patients.
However, if the overlapping is moderate to severe, your dentist or orthodontist will likely suggest treatment options to correct the misalignment.
According to a 2016 studyTrusted Source, data from 100 participants ages 17 to 21 found that, in general, oral health-related quality of life improved after orthodontic treatment of moderate to severe malocclusion.
What are the treatment options?
If you decide to move forward with fixing teeth that overlap, the next step is to determine the type of treatment. Your dentist or orthodontist will guide you in this process and help you choose the best treatment for your situation.
Here are some of the most popular treatment options for overlapping teeth.
Braces
Traditional braces, which use metal brackets, wires, and elastic bands to correct your teeth, are often the first line of defense for overlapping teeth.
Braces work by putting constant pressure on your teeth for an extended period of time, typically 1 to 3 years.
This pressure can gradually reshape your jaw, which allows your teeth to move into their correct position. Treatment for adults typically takes longer than it does for children or teenagers.
The success rates of braces can vary depending on several factors, such as:
your age
when treatment begins
what your treatment goals are
how well you follow your orthodontist’s instructions
According to the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, braces also address jaw problems that may cause the teeth not to come together correctly.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, have grown in popularity as an option for realigning overlapping or crooked teeth, and are designed to make orthodontic treatment less conspicuous. However, clear aligners are typically not recommended for more severe overlapping issues.
While not completely invisible, these clear, flexible, custom-fit trays fit snugly over your teeth, and are a lot less noticeable than traditional braces.
For Invisalign and other clear aligners to work, you need to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day. You’re only meant to remove them when you’re eating, brushing your teeth, or cleaning the aligners.
Veneers
Dental veneers attach to the front of the tooth to improve its appearance. While not recommended for moderate to severe cases, some dentists may recommend veneers for mild cases of misalignment.
It’s important to note that veneers don’t change the position of your teeth or jaw. They can only improve the appearance of your teeth.
Tooth extraction or surgery
If your overlapping is more severe, your dentist or orthodontist may talk to you about removing one or more teeth. Or, they may suggest surgical procedures to reshape your jaw.
Surgical treatment is typically only recommended in cases where braces, aligners, or other less invasive options wouldn’t be effective at correcting your overlapping teeth.
The bottom line
Overlapping teeth are a common dental issue. If the overlapping is minor, a dentist or orthodontist may not suggest treatment.
But if the condition is affecting your dental or physical health, or your emotional health and self-esteem, your dentist will likely suggest options for correcting your teeth.
Treatment options usually include braces, clear aligners, or veneers. In more severe cases, tooth extraction or surgery may be recommended. If you have concerns about overlapping teeth, make an appointment to talk with your dentist or orthodontist.
The vastness in choice of toothbrushes out there can be overwhelming. Do you choose a soft, medium or hard bristled brush? Should it be longer or shorted in length? Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual one? What colour and brand should you go for? And, of course, does any of it really matter?
Aesthetics aside, there are a few tips that professionals like us, at TLC Dental, recommend you use when selecting the best toothbrush for you. If you follow these tips, you should be able to select the most comfortable and most effective toothbrush option for you.
Size does matter
When it comes to a toothbrush, size does in fact matter. The size of the toothbrush head you select will depend on the size of your mouth, and therefore will need to be selected carefully. The size of the toothbrush head you choose should allow for it to easily cover over your teeth surface, and not be too long or too wide. If the head is too long or too wide, you may find it difficult to manoeuvre around your teeth, and won’t be able to get into those hard to reach places easily. The most common size that professionals suggest is a head of 1cm wide and 2.5cms long – but again this will all depend on your mouth and teeth size.
Choosing a comfortable handle-size is also important. The right handle should fit into your hand comfortably and be long enough to allow the head to reach your back molars.
The best bristle
The range of bristle textures available from most pharmacies and stores are a soft, medium or hard bristled option. Most dental specialists recommend using a soft-bristled brush as the harder varieties can actually damage your gums and even wear down your teeth’s protective enamel.
Electric vs Manual
There are no statistics to suggest that an electric toothbrush is better than a manual or disposable one, or vice versa. The same apply when choosing between an electric or manual toothbrush in terms of size of the head, handle comfort and bristle texture. Electric toothbrushes are more expensive than manual ones, so your budget and affordability might determine which option you choose. Some people with health concerns, like severe arthritis, prefer an electric toothbrush over a manual one as they do not have to use the dexterity or strength of their hand as much. The real decision on this one will come from your own personal preference.
Make sure its approved
No matter what colour or brand you decide to go for, make sure that it is adequately approved. The Australian Dental Association offers their Seal of Approval to products “that meet the relevant Australian standard, which are quality and safety criteria set by the government.” Products with this seal have been tried and tested by specialists and you will be able to rest assured of a great product when purchasing one with this seal.
Being informed before buying the right toothbrush will help you in making the best choice for you and your teeth, ensuring your best oral health. Click here to learn more about the best tooth brushing techniques for your teeth.
