How much do you really know about your tongue? You might only think your tongue is good for eating ice cream or mocking your siblings, but it has plenty of other uses too. We’ve put together a rundown of six facts about your tongue you may not have known before.
How Long is Your Tongue?
Did you know that your tongue is four inches long? The tongue is split into two sections – one called the anterior tongue, and the other called the posterior tongue. The anterior tongue is the front part that you can see and accounts for two-thirds of the tongue’s total length. The posterior tongue is closer to your throat and makes up the remaining third of your tongue.
It Helps You Digest
The tongue also helps you digest. It moves food around while you chew, and helps the chewed-up food reach your throat for swallowing. A fold of muscle called the frenulum is what keeps the tongue attached to the bottom of your mouth. However, the tip of the tongue, also known as its apex, isn’t connected to your mouth’s floor. Since the apex is so free, it can help clean the mouth and help you talk as well.
Thousands of Taste Buds
Our taste buds are one of the most important parts of the tongue. The tongue has anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 taste buds. The tongue is instrumental in determining how something tastes, and your taste buds help you figure it out because they are situated on the top of the tongue. Different parts of the tongue can detect different tastes.
Helps You Distinguish Tastes
These five tastes are known as sweet, salty, sour, savory, and bitter. Your tongue’s best friend is the saliva in your mouth, because without the saliva, your tongue won’t be moist enough to identify any sort of taste.
A Launch Pad for Bad Breath
Unfortunately, as great as your tongue is, it’s also a launch pad for bad breath. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by bacteria that congregate on your tongue. When you’re brushing your teeth, don’t forget to clean your tongue, too!
The Mother Tongue of Motor Mouths
How fast can you talk? Your tongue is an amazing thing, because it can allow you to form and vocalize up to 90 words in a single minute. The tongue isn’t alone in this surprising feat, either – it needs the help of the lips and the teeth to convert sounds from your voice box into actual intelligible speech.
Our mouths are something we use every day, so taking care of it should always be a top priority. Taking care of your mouth means you should routinely brush, floss, use mouthwash, and even visually check the appearance of your mouth for anything out of the ordinary. Believe it or not, one can tell a lot about the overall health of an individual just by looking into their mouth.
When your dentist peers into your mouth they aren’t just looking at your teeth – instead they are looking outside the box as well for anything out of the ordinary that may signal a more serious underlying health condition – including things such as redness, swelling, bumps, bad breath, sores, and more. Just by looking inside the mouth, dentists can tell how well an individual is hydrated, and if they are showing signs of oral cancer, diabetes, anemia, autoimmune diseases, acid reflux disease, or kidney disease.
Amazing, right? Issues within the mouth can indicate a variety of underlying health conditions, and with your routine dental exam, you may be able to catch them early and intervene before the illness spirals out of control. Now that you know this, please don’t keep rescheduling your next routine office visit for cleaning because your oral health is essential. Keep in mind that oral issues can develop quickly and progress just the same, and the scary thing is you may not even notice them until maybe they cause you pain – which then may be too late.
Good oral health not only involves brushing your teeth daily, but optimal oral hygiene also includes using mouthwash, flossing, and even doing a visual check of your mouth and gums on a routine basis to make sure everything looks “normal” for you. The benefits of brushing the teeth are obvious, but why is flossing so important? I mean it is two more minutes of your time that could be spent elsewhere since you’re probably always in a hurry – plus what does flossing do anyways? Listen up, because there are some reasons why you should never skip out on flossing.
One. Flossing does about 40 percent of the work that is required to remove all that sticky, harsh bacteria from your mouth and teeth that can turn into plaque. plaque is that nasty substance that settles quickly onto your teeth causes cavities, irritates the gums and can lead to gum disease. Plaque starts to harden within hours of that last time you ate, and once 48 hours have passed, that nasty substance will be stuck to your teeth quite firmly, leaving a professional cleaning the best way to remove it. Each one of your teeth has a total of 5 surfaces, and if you skip out on flossing at least two whole surfaces do not get cleaned, and over time all that bacteria builds, and builds, and builds and – well you know – causes bad things to happen.
Two. Your gums really will stop bleeding. Are you hesitant to floss because you see blood each time you do? The truth is if you routinely floss the bleeding will stop because if the bacteria around your gum line is kept to a minimum, the fewer blood cells your body will have to send to the area to fight off the bacteria. Therefore, the more you floss, the less blood you’ll see. Try it for yourself!
Three. The rest of your body will thank you. The more clean and healthy your mouth is, the better off you are at reducing your chances at predisposing yourself to more severe health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. Also, if you’ve already been unfortunate enough to have one of these illnesses, improvement of your oral health may help to improve and maintain your overall health, and possibly even slow the progression of the disease.
Four. “Cavity” is that word you hate to hear when you are the one laying in the dentist chair. Well, not only can cavities form on one tooth, but they can also develop in the crevices between your teeth. That is why flossing in between your teeth to clean out all that unwanted bacteria is so important, because a cavity between two teeth can lead to even more damage to your teeth and lead to more pain, dentist visits, and money spent for you.
Five. Pregnant or plan to become pregnant? You’ll be flossing for two; gum disease puts you at risk for prematurity and low birth weight in your vulnerable infant. Being a great mom doesn’t start when your child is born. Instead, it begins even before you conceive. You must take care of your body as well as you can to provide for a healthy environment for your offspring.
So now you can decide, is there anything satisfying or rewarding that comes from flossing your teeth? The final decision to floss your teeth is ultimately up to you, but the benefits of taking that extra couple minutes in front of the mirror could do wonders for your oral health and your overall health. Make flossing a part of your dental routine.
As hard and inactive your teeth may seem to you, these structures actually consist of four different tissues, including a vital central chamber of nerve-rich pulp and blood vessels. When these inner tissues sustain enough damage, they can die. A dead tooth can create some unpleasant problems if it goes untreated.
Fortunately, you can pursue the right course of action for a dead tooth once you know why this problem occurs, recognize the telltale signs of the condition, and understand your treatment options. Keep these four important points about dead teeth in mind.
1. Teeth Die for Two Main Reasons
Teeth die when they lose their blood supply. However, this loss of blood supply may occur for a couple of primary reasons. One largely preventable reason involves tooth decay. When acids eat their way through the enamel, the resulting infection puts pressure on the pulp, cutting off blood flow in the pulp chamber.
You can often avoid this problem simply by brushing and flossing properly. These simple self-care routines help keep acid-producing bacteria away from teeth, reducing your risk for cavities. Regular dental exams can catch any cavities that form in time for early treatment, while dental cleanings remove tough tartar that feeds bacteria.
An acute injury to the tooth can also cause a fatal loss of blood supply. A blow to the face, for instance, can sever or rupture the blood vessels leading from the jawbone to the tooth, allowing the soft tissues in the tooth to die.
2. A Dead Tooth May Look (and Smell) Abnormal
When the blood supply to a tooth gets cut off, the red blood cells left within the tooth will die. This change causes a discoloration effect similar to the bruising that sometimes occurs in the body's other soft tissues. The tooth may take on a gray, yellow, or possibly even black color.
The tissues around a dead tooth may change appearance as well. If an infection has destroyed the tooth's pulp, that infection can spread to the gum and jaw tissues around the base of the tooth. You may see swelling around the gum line, along with a bump that looks like a pimple (which means that an abscess has developed).
The same bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum infection can also cause halitosis, which is bad breath. If you suddenly experience foul breath in addition to any of the other symptoms noted above, you may need treatment for a seriously decayed or dead tooth.
3. A Dead Tooth Can Cause Pain
Nerve damage or pressure typically produces pain, as the nerves of the teeth can demonstrate all too vividly. An injury that exposes the pulp chamber, or an infection that causes pressure inside the pulp chamber to build up, can cause a severe toothache. Let this pain serve as a possible warning sign of a dying tooth.
Don't assume that a diseased or damaged tooth still lives simply because it gives you pain. In reality, a tooth can continue to hurt long after it has died. The pressure on the nerve tissue within the pulp chamber may continue to refer pain signals into the jaw, while related infection in the surrounding gum tissue can also cause pain.
4. Your Dentist Can Preserve or Replace a Dead Tooth
Fortunately, dentists can often preserve a tooth's functionality even after it has died. The most common strategy for preserving a dead tooth involves root canal therapy. Your dentist will open the tooth, remove the dead tissue within, and sterilize and refill the hollowed-out pulp chamber. You'll probably need a permanent crown as well.
If your dentist cannot keep the tooth functional, you will have the tooth extracted to protect your gums, jawbone, and other teeth from bacterial infiltration and decay. You can then have the extracted tooth replaced with a permanent implant or bridge.
If you suspect that one of your teeth has gone dead or threatens to do so, schedule an immediate appointment with your dentist.
While dental problems may seem like just an issue with your mouth, some dental problems can be far-reaching, especially when it comes to periodontal disease, also called gum disease. As infection- and decay-causing bacteria wreak havoc on your gums and teeth, they may also affect other areas of your body, including your heart and brain.
At Peninsula Dental Excellence in Mountain View, CA, our team of dental experts offers top-notch care for all stages of gum disease. The good news is that there’s plenty we can do to stop gum disease before it casts a wide net over your health. The earlier we act, the better your outcome.
To explore the impact of periodontal disease and the negative effects it can have on other areas of your body, read on.
Periodontal disease
As plaque builds up along your gums, this can lead to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. The plaque releases a toxin that irritates your gums, which is what causes the swelling and bleeding.
If your gingivitis goes untreated, it can soon turn into periodontitis, which means bacteria are making their way up under your gums. Soon, your gums can begin to pull away from your teeth and form pockets that harbor more bacteria. This bacteria will then set to work to destroy your bone and connective tissue.
As periodontitis progresses, the damage can lead to bone and tooth loss.
Far-reaching consequences of periodontal disease
Besides affecting your teeth, gums, and jawbones, untreated gum disease can have a wider impact on your health, starting with your heart. Studies have shown that gum disease can raise your risk of heart attack and stroke by up to 20%.
Gum disease has also been linked to an increased risk of adverse outcomes in pregnancy, such as preterm delivery and low birth weights.
A recent study has also unearthed a link between gum disease and dementia, namely, Alzheimer’s disease. In the study, researchers studied the brains of deceased Alzheimer’s patients and found the presence of porphyromonas gingivalis, a pathogen associated with gum disease. While there’s still much to learn about the link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease, the preliminary findings suggest that taking early action against gum disease is a good idea.
Taking action against periodontal disease
The good news is that periodontal disease is highly treatable, especially in its early stages. If you have gingivitis, a professional cleaning at one of our offices is usually enough to clear the condition and prevent periodontitis from setting in.
If periodontitis has taken hold, we may need to get more aggressive with a scaling and root planing procedure, which is highly effective at stopping and reversing gum disease.
The gums are soft, fleshy tissue that support and protect the teeth. Gum pain can be a sign of irritation, infection, or injury to the gums and teeth.
Gum pain can often be a temporary symptom, but other times a person may require dental treatment to prevent further health complications.
In this article, we discuss some of the possible causes of gum pain. We also cover treatment, home remedies, prevention of gum pain, and when to see a dentist.
Causes
Gum pain can range from a minor irritation to severe and debilitating. Some potential causes of gum pain include:
Canker sores: These are small, painful ulcers that can occur on the gums. Causes of canker sores can include emotional stress, mouth injuries, an impaired immune system, or other underlying health conditions.
Cuts or injuries: Food and objects that enter the mouth can sometimes cause minor cuts or injuries to the gums and teeth. A person may also accidentally bite down on the gums, which can sometimes cause pain and bleeding.
Gum disease: Also known as gingivitis, this condition occurs when bacteria build up under the gums and cause inflammation and bleeding. Without treatment, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis and lead to loose teeth. People who smoke are at a higher risk for gum disease than nonsmokers.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, can cause a person to experience swelling, pain, and bleeding in the gums.
Improper flossing or brushing techniques: Brushing or flossing too vigorously or frequently can sometimes cause the gums to bleed and be painful.
Sinusitis: A bacterial or viral infection in the sinuses can cause swelling of the sinus cavity. Some people with sinusitis also experience gum pain and toothache.
Tooth abscess: A bacterial infection in the root of a tooth can cause an abscess or pus-filled sac. Tooth abscesses can lead to gum swelling and pain. They can also be serious and spread to other parts of the body, so it is essential to see a dentist quickly.
Treatment
Treatment for gum pain depends upon the underlying cause.
For people with gum disease, for example, a dentist may recommend professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the gums. They may also prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash, such as one containing alcohol or chlorhexidine, to kill excess bacteria and prevent the future build up of plaque.
If a person has severe gum disease, a dentist may recommend surgery to repair bone or gum loss that the condition has caused. Sometimes, this can include bone and tissue grafting to encourage the growth of new, healthy tissue.
People with tooth abscesses may require root canal treatment. During this procedure, a dentist will remove the infected pulp, or soft tissue inside the tooth, and the abscess from the root and then repair and seal the damaged tooth.
Gum pain due to sinusitis usually lessens once the infection clears up. For bacterial infections, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
Prevention
Good oral hygiene can help prevent gum pain and other dental issues. This includes:
brushing teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste for at least 2 minutes
flossing once daily
using a dental mouthwash daily
having regular checkups with a dentist, such as every 6 months
If a person stops smoking, this can also improve gum health. Smoking can reduce blood flow to the gums, which may impair healing and lead to discomfort.
When to see a dentist:
It is advisable for people with severe, persistent, or recurring gum pain to see a dentist for a checkup.
A dentist can examine the gums, teeth, and mouth for signs of infection, tooth decay, and other dental issues.
A person may also want to consider seeing a dentist if the pain occurs alongside any of the following symptoms:
bad breath that does not improve with tooth brushing
bleeding gums
gums that are receding
loose teeth
pain when chewing
red gums
sensitive teeth
There are many possible causes of gum pain, including gum disease, infections, abscesses, and ulcers.
People with gum pain they cannot explain may wish to consider seeing a dentist for a checkup. Without treatment, some causes of gum pain can lead to tooth decay or tooth loss.
Home remedies for gum pain include applying clove oil to gums, rinsing the mouth with salt water, and avoiding irritating foods.
Maybe you've noticed cracking and redness at the corners of your mouth that won't go away or white patches inside your mouth. These are signs and symptoms of fungal infection—also known as oral thrush—on your lips or mouth. Fungal infection is caused by an overgrowth of yeast—Candida—in the mouth. But it isn't as scary as it sounds! Sometimes all you need is to identify what is causing it and get a prescription for anti-fungal medication. Learn more about lip fungus, how to recognize it, and how to talk to your primary care physician and dentist.
Symptoms of Lip Fungus
Any part of the mouth can develop an infection. The most common infection spots are the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, and the mouth's roof. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), when you have an overgrowth of Candida on the corners of the mouth, it can lead to infection in several areas. Lip fungus can look like:
Itchiness or burning and cracking in the corners of the mouth
White patches on the inside of the lips or throughout the mouth
The cracking and redness are medically known as cheilosis or cheilitis. You may feel burning or itching because of the infection or white patches around the insides of your lips.
If the white patches extend to the throat, you may experience difficulty swallowing. If your child has thrush, be aware that your infant may become fussy, irritable, or have trouble feeding.
Causes of Lip Fungus Infections
Yeast is not a bad thing. Candida can be found on the skin or in the digestive system in about 45 percent of healthy people. It doesn't typically cause any problems. This normally harmless fungus likes to grow in moist, wet areas, including the mouth. Some people may be more susceptible to developing a fungal infection in the mouth. Common risks for developing an oral fungal infection include:
Poorly fitting or unclean dentures
Excessive licking or rubbing the corners of the mouth
Smoking
Using a corticosteroid inhaler to treat asthma
A high-sugar diet
Chronic dry mouth
Other health conditions impacting the immune system such as diabetes
Fungal infections most often appear in individuals with weakened immune systems. Such as:
Infants
People who are currently using or who have recently taken antibiotics
People with poor nutrition
People with compromised immune systems such as leukemia, diabetes, or HIV
Treatment for Lip Fungus
Lip fungal infections are highly treatable. Your primary care physician or dentist can tell you more about the specific treatment you need. Medicated ointments can help clear up the redness. The cracking on the lips, mouthwashes, or lozenges can clear up any fungus inside the mouth. For people with severe lip infections, physicians or dentists may also prescribe oral anti-yeast medications.
Lip fungus treatment typically lasts one to two weeks for mild to moderate cases and twice as long for severe infections.
For people who have weakened immune systems due to other conditions, physicians can prescribe anti-fungal medications to prevent the fungus from overgrowing in the first place.
When you have lip fungus, still maintain your daily brushing and flossing routine. Replace your toothbrush immediately before and after treatment for your fungal infection.
Preventing Lip Fungus and Infection
Even if you don't have a current infection, there are a few ways you can avoid the lip fungus from multiplying and causing an infection:
Ensuring dentures and other mouth appliances are clean and fit well
Breaking the habit of licking or rubbing the corners of your mouth
Maintaining good oral health by brushing and flossing
Quitting smoking
If you're worried about lip fungus in the corners of your mouth or on your lips, see your dentist. Early treatment can prevent severe infection.
If a medicine is causing fungal growth, your doctor may work with you to change your prescription.
If dry mouth is contributing, your dentist may recommend sugar-free chewing gum, sugar-free lozenges, or a moisturizing rinse to keep the mouth hydrated.
Now that you know the common symptoms, causes, and ways to prevent lip fungus, you don't have to be worried. Speak with your dentist at your next scheduled visit to learn more.
Every minute in the morning feels precious, so it's tempting to brush your teeth in the shower or while scrolling through your Twitter feed. "To each his own," says Dr. Newgard, "but I prefer patients to be in front of a mirror, over the sink; you can be sure to hit all the surfaces of your teeth, and you'll do a more thorough job when you're not distracted." Better to leave the bathroom a few minutes later having given proper attention to each step of your prep.
Overcleaning your toothbrush
Thinking about running your brush through the dishwasher or zapping it in the microwave to disinfect it? Think again: While we've all seen those stories about toothbrushes harboring gross bacteria, the CDC says there's no evidence that anyone has ever gotten sick from their own toothbrush. Just give your brush a good rinse with regular old tap water, let it air-dry, and store it upright where it's not touching anyone else's brush. More drastic cleaning measures may damage your brush, the CDC notes, which defeats its purpose.
Using social media as your dentist
The web is full of weird and (seemingly) wonderful DIY dental tips that can hurt much more than they'll help. Read our lips: Don't even go there. "I've heard of patients who go on Pinterest and find ways to whiten their teeth there--by swishing with straight peroxide, for example--which are not good for their teeth," Dr. Newgard says. "Use ADA-approved products that have been tested." (Another online tip to skip: trying to close up a gap in your teeth with DIY rubber band braces.)
Avoiding x-rays
There have been several recent scares about dental x-rays, including a 2012 study published in the journal Cancer reporting a possible link between dental x-rays and benign brain tumors. However, the American Cancer Society notes that the study does not establish that x-rays actually cause the tumors, and that some people in the study had x-rays years ago, when radiation exposure from dental x-rays was much higher. "X-rays are important because not all conditions can be identified with a visual exam," says Dr. Lee. "For example, there might be cavities between the teeth, or there might be a cyst or other pathology in the jaw." If you're concerned about radiation, talk to your dentist about ways to minimize the number of x-rays you get.
Storing your wet toothbrush in a travel case
It's important to stow your brush somewhere sanitary before you tuck it into your luggage for a trip--and equally important to set it free once you unpack. "Bacteria thrives in moist environments," says Dr. Lee. "While you should use a cover or case during transport, make sure you take your toothbrush out and allow it to air dry when you reach your destination." No stand-up holder in your hotel room? If you've got a cup for drinking water, that'll do just fine.
Hanging on to that tongue or lip piercing
Self-expression is well and good, but when it takes the form of a tongue barbell or lip ring, it can come at a high price. "I've treated patients who fractured or chipped their teeth from biting on their piercings," Dr. Lee says. "I've also had patients with gum recession and other soft-tissue injuries from their piercing rubbing against tender areas of the mouth." Had your piercing for ages with no trouble, you say? Just wait: Studies have shown that your risk of dental problems from tongue and lip piercings gets worse the longer you have them.Drinking apple cider vinegarAccording to assorted Hollywood celebrities and natural health experts, drinking unfiltered apple-cider vinegar can have near-miraculous effects on your insides. Research doesn't support those claims, but dentists are sure of one thing: The acetic acid in the vinegar is terrible for your tooth enamel. When it comes downing ACV (as proponents call it), Dr. Newgard says, even a good rinse with water afterward might not mitigate the quaff's potential damage: "I just think you shouldn't use it at all." (Our suggestion: Instead of drinking apple cider vinegar straight, try it in a vinaigrette, or use it to soothe sunburn or get chlorine out of your hair.)
Ditching your retainer
If you once had braces, whether as a teen or as an adult, it's smart to keep wearing your retainer for as long as your orthodontist recommends--which may mean several nights a week, forever. "A patient will have perfect teeth from braces," Dr. Newgard says, "and then they won't wear a retainer at night and their teeth will shift and they'll be unhappy all over again." Honor thy adolescent self, and keep those teeth in line for good. (Got a fixed retainer? Be sure to keep the device clean: "They can be plaque traps," Dr. Newgard says.)
Smoking
You already know smoking is bad for your lungs and heart. In case you need another reason to quit smoking: Besides the bad breath and stained teeth, smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease (and the gum recession, bone loss, and tooth loss that come with it), according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Worse yet, smoking can also lower your chances for successful treatment if you've already got gum disease, since nicotine compromises your body's ability to fight infection.
Reaching for a toothpick
While those old-school sticks can certainly come in handy when food gets stuck between your teeth at a restaurant on date night (or when a fictional tough guy needs to look cool), the truth is that wooden toothpicks are poor substitutes for dental floss: They can splinter and break, and using them too aggressively can cause damage to sensitive gum tissue. Take a pick if you're in dire need (or if you're in an action movie), but know that they're far better suited to an hors d'oeuvres tray than they are to your mouth.
Skipping dentist appointments
Hate sitting in the dentist's chair? The very best trick for short-circuiting anxiety about going to the dentist is--surprise--going to the dentist. "Most patients who don't like to come in feel that way because when they do, they need a lot of work," Dr. Newgard says. "If you're in every six months for your checkups, you're less likely to run into problems." Moreover, dentists are beginning to employ everything from serene, spa-like settings to animal-assisted therapy (that is, a gentle dog who sits beside you at your appointment) to alleviate patient discomfort; you can find a dental practice in your comfort zone.
Going overboard with bleach
This one should be a no-brainer: "Overbleaching teeth can lead to weakened enamel and teeth sensitivity," says Dr. Lee. Ironically, enamel loss exposes the layer of dentin beneath it, making your teeth look dingy rather than pearly. Little is known about the long-term effects of whitening, but the bottom line is that you should consult your dentist--that is, the professional who knows your teeth and is best equipped to suggest an in-office treatment or over-the-counter product that's right for you--and use the whitener they recommend in moderation.
Using a brush that's too hard
Like wooden toothpicks, hard-bristled brushes are tough-looking instruments that tend to cause more problems than they solve. Effective as they might seem, "harder bristles can erode your enamel," Dr. Lee says. "I only recommend soft or extra-soft toothbrushes." Research indicates that your gums will suffer from tough brushes as well: A 2011 study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that while hard-bristled toothbrushes removed plaque, they were also more likely than softer brushes to cause gingivitis and tissue damage. Ouch!
Drinking soda (yes, even the diet stuff)
Isn't it enough to kick sugar to the curb and indulge in sodas without it? We won't go so far as to say it's as bad for your teeth as meth addiction, as a report (on one subject who drank two liters of soda per day and already had poor dental hygiene) did in 2013. But you should know that all acidic drinks--regular sodas, diet sodas, even sports drinks, according to a 2008 study--can cause tooth erosion. Does that mean giving them up once and for all? Indulging ourselves doesn't always mean doing what's best for your teeth, of course, but knowing how habits affect your body is the first step in being happy and healthy. We'll raise a glass of (fluoridated) tap water to that.
In addition to good dental hygiene and regular checkups, knowing how to spot a dental problem early can be extremely helpful when in preventing toothaches or the need for a root canal. Trouble is, catching the signs of a cavity can be a little tricky, especially since they usually don’t cause any symptoms that you can feel and there are a variety of types and appearances. There are three major kinds of cavities:
1.- Pit and Fissure Cavities
These cavities appear on the chewing surfaces of teeth and are more common on back teeth (i.e. molars). Bits of food and the resulting plaque can easily get stuck in the peaks and valleys on your teeth. If you don’t have good oral hygiene habits this debris stays there and acts as fuel for bacteria, which eventually eat through your tooth’s enamel. These cavities can be any color but often look like holes accompanied by a chalky with material or a black spot.
2.- Smooth Surface Cavities
These cavities appear on the smooth outside surfaces of teeth, usually on the sides of the mouth (rather than the back or the front). Cavities on the smooth surfaces of your teeth are rarer than pit and fissure cavities because, unlike the chewing surfaces of teeth, the sides are easier to clean and harder for the bacteria that causes tooth decay to hide in. These cavities often appear as small holes or tiny brown spots.
3.- Root Cavities
The root of a tooth is the part that is below your gum line. In people with receding gums, this part of the tooth becomes exposed, which is problematic because the root doesn’t have the outer hard enamel surface that offers more resistance to tooth decay. These cavities usually appear as dark brown or yellow areas just above the gum line.
What to Do
Of course, if you ever notice something new or unusual happening to any of your teeth, whether it’s a visual sign or a physical symptom, please call to your dentist!.
Most dental problems do not get better if you just “wait and see”!
Good oral health goes beyond brushing and flossing. Your mouth plays many more roles than you think. But what is actually in your mouth? Well, In addition to your teeth, your mouth is made up with gums, oral mucosa, upper and lower jaw, the tongue, salivary glands, the uvula, and the frenulum.
Oral Mucosa
If you are looking in a mirror and open your mouth, everything you see that isn’t a tooth, is covered by a protective lining called oral mucosa. It’s a mucous membrane similar to the mucous membranes that line the inside of your ears and nostrils. The oral mucosa plays a huge role in maintaining oral health, and as well overall health. It defends and protects the body from germs that enter the mouth, as well contains keratin – also found in your hair and fingernails, helps make the mucosa resistant to injury.
Gums
The pinkish tissue surrounding and supporting your teeth, it is covered in oral mucosa. Healthy gums are firm, cover the entire root of the tooth, and don’t bleed when flossed, poked, prodded, and brushed.
Upper and Lower Jaw
Your jaws give your face its shape and your mouth the structure it needs for chewing and speech. The human jaws are made up of several bones: The upper jaw contains two bones that are fused to each other and to the rest of your skull, while the lower jawbone is separate from the rest of the skull, enabling it to move up and down when you speak and chew.
Tongue
A powerful muscle in the body, it is covered in specialized mucosal tissue, which includes your musical tissue. The tongue plays an integral role in the body’s digestive system, it moves food to your teeth, and when ready to be swallowed, it moves it to the back of your throat to then proceed into the esophagus. The tongue also plays an integral role in speech, and the sounds coming from your mouth.
Salivary Glands
You have three sets of glands in your mouth and neck: the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. All three glands produce saliva, which contains special enzymes that help break down food, making it easier for you to swallow. It protects your teeth and gums by rinsing away food particles and bacteria and by helping to counteract acidic foods that can wear down the protective enamel on your teeth.
Uvula
The uvula is the small bit of tissue which hangs down at the back of your throat. The uvula is composed of muscle fibres as well as connective and glandular tissues. The uvula is covered by oral mucosa, like other soft tissue structures in the mouth. All of its functions are not yet fully understood, however it seems to play some role in speech and in keeping the mouth and throat moist.
The Frenulum Linguae
The frenulum is a flap of oral mucosa that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This tissue allows the tongue to move about as it does its job. A short frenulum can also affect speech.
It’s an interesting thought, but a true one. The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body. Obviously food, water, and air enter the body through the oral passage way, but there are other reasons why it’s important to protect your mouth and teeth as it can affect your overall health. We’ll take a look at a few of them.
Oral trauma can affect your appetite and health
It’s no secret that a tooth ache can hinder your appetite. Whether it’s trying to eat on one side of your mouth or avoiding hot and spicy foods, oral pain can limit your appetite and lower your energy level. Sensitive teeth can also limit your food choices, and result in a poor appetite.
This can be a problem because it’s important to maintain a healthy appetite to keep your body nourished and energetic. This helps the body fight off any sickness or inflammation that may arise. Plus it helps you feel better too.
Oral pain can impact your mental state and overall well being
Pain and inflammation can affect your entire body, regardless of it’s origin. But oral pain can especially impact your overall health. Oral pain can affect your energy, your mental state, and your emotional health.
Oral pain that’s allowed to linger can do more than put you in a bad mood. It’s proven that low energy and a poor emotional state can contribute to other illnesses or depression. It’s better to deal with oral issues, so your body can better handle other conditions from a stronger state of mind.
Oral bleeding can impact your cardiovascular health
It’s often overlooked, but oral bleeding can be a dangerous condition. Since the body is connected by the cardiovascular system, oral bleeding can allow any particles, microbes, or bacteria in the mouth to invade the blood stream and move to other parts of the body including your heart.
It’s been shown that patients with continual oral bleeding are more likely to develop heart disease due to the spreading of plaque through the arteries. People with poor oral health are also susceptible to other infections spreading to the body from the mouth if bleeding is left unchecked. If you’ve had consistent bleeding in the mouth, it’s best to get treatment to stop the bleeding in order to prevent additional health risks.
Get immediate treatment for oral issues
With these negative effects and risks of oral issues in mind, it’s always best to take care of oral conditions with proper dental care. Dental professionals are able to identify the source causes of any negative symptoms and begin a treatment plan to get you on the path to oral health.
With proper dental care, you can maintain a healthy mouth that will help promote a healthy body and positive state of mind. Because when it comes to the way you feel, a trip to the dentist can be well worth your while.
