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The connection between Oral Health and Stroke

April 15, 2020

What is a Stroke? 

To understand the association between stroke and oral health, one should initially understand what a stroke is and who is at a higher danger of having one. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. Somebody who is encountering a stroke could show some of these physical indications:

• Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause
• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

Investigations have discovered that patients who have had a stroke mostly had poor oral hygiene practices. 

Understanding Gum Disease

Statistics show that nearly half of the adult population in America is affected by Gum Diseases! Gum disease is preventable and is created from the overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. Gum disease has multiple stages and can many times be slowed with proper treatment.

The best way to avoid gum disease is to keep up with good oral health care practices and following your dentist’s recommendations such as brushing twice a day, using floss and mouthwash daily, and seeing your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups.

Gum Disease and Stroke

There is a significant connection between gum disease and stroke. Gum illness is caused by microscopic organisms in the mouth. These organisms can get in the circulatory system, causing the blood to clot, leading to a stroke.

Gum disease has also been connected to medical conditions such as diabetes, malignant growths, and even Alzheimer’s.

Since numerous Americans are affected by both gum disease and stroke, it’s essential to understand the reasons for it and proactively find ways to control it. Patients who have suffered a stroke may need support in maintaining good oral health care, especially if they have cognitive or physical limitations which prevent them from remembering to complete or performing the tasks properly.

By taking preventive measures against gum disease with good oral care habits, you are also lowering your risk for stroke and several other diseases.

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits

March 31, 2020

It’s something that you’ve heard over and over but why are regular dental visits so important?

One should religiously visit a dentist at least once a year. Dental appointments shouldn’t just be made when you have a problem that needs to be addressed. Prevention is always better than needing a cure. There are many more reasons why it’s important to maintain regular visits to your local dentist. 

Check for mouth cancer

This is one of the most important things your dentist will do at every check-up. Dentists will do an examination for signs of mouth cancer, as well as head and neck cancer. To do this they will be checking for any lumps on your head or neck. They will also check for any red or white patches in the mouth. Usually, these checks will find nothing unusual, but they could potentially save your life.

Dental hygienists

Dental hygienists and therapists are often overlooked when it comes to our oral health, but they can be extremely valuable for both the services they can offer and the advice they can give. Dental hygienists are mainly concerned with ‘preventive’ dental health and treating gum disease – showing you home remedies and helping you to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This includes professionally cleaning your teeth (usually called a ‘scale and polish’) by removing plaque and tartar, both of which encourage tooth decay and gum disease.

Consultations about tooth whitening

Tooth whitening has grown in popularity over recent years but there are plenty of myths out there that can lead to confusion about what is safe, as well as issues of legality. Your dentist is in the best position to give you advice about your options when it comes to tooth whitening. They are in the best position because not only do they know a lot about teeth whitening but they are also the only place you can legally get your teeth professionally whitened.

Dentists catch things early or prevent them from happening

With just a mirror you can see how your teeth look. Underneath your gums, a lot can be going on without you even realizing it. Dentists not only solve these problems, but they can also prevent them. Potential problems they can spot include the onset of gum disease and dental decay. When it comes to your oral health it is important you are proactive and seeing your dentist regularly so that they can catch any issues early before they become a problem.

Dentists can provide help and advice specific to your needsParagraph

Often when people have a problem they turn to the internet, a place filled with lots of great information, but also misinformation. On the other hand, a dentist has had to train for years to be qualified in the profession and will provide the guidance you can trust. By visiting your dentist regularly you can build a good relationship that will allow them to tailor advice and support specific to your needs over a long period of time.

There isn’t anyone better placed to help you keep on top of your oral health than your dentist, so they should be your first port of call when it comes to concerns about your teeth and mouth.

Loat, Stephen. “The importance of regular dental visits.” Oral Health Foundation, 27 Feb 2019
https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/the-importance-of-regular-dental-visits

How to Assess Your Risk for Tooth Decay

March 16, 2020

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is damage to a tooth’s enamel. This can happen when harmful bacteria in your mouth create acids that attack the tooth’s surface. These bacteria soften the tooth’s enamel and dentin, causing a small holes in the tooth called a cavity. This can cause infection or tooth loss if left untreated.

Early tooth decay has little to no symptoms, but as it progresses, it can cause toothache and sensitivity to sweets, temperature of the food and liquid intake. If the tooth becomes infected an abscess, which is a pocket of puss, can form. This abscess causes discomfort, fever, and facial swelling.

Causes of Tooth Decay

The combination of bacteria and the food and drinks you consume causes tooth decay. A clear sticky substance called plaque is always forming on your teeth. Plaque contains bacteria that feed on the sugars in the food you eat and the beverages you drink.

The bacteria forms an acid that attacks the tooth’s enamel making it lose its minerals. Sipping on a fizzy drink, for example, can repeatedly expose your teeth to acid which causes the enamel to continue mineral loss.

Sugary foods and drinks are best consumed with other meals so that healthy foods can clean your teeth of the acids. Foods that stick to teeth, such as toffee can increase your risk for developing tooth decay.

Risk Factors in Tooth Decay

Anyone with teeth is at risk of tooth decay. Some factors you can control, while others you cannot.

Things you can control include practicing good oral hygiene, using fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary foods and alcohol and avoiding tobacco products.

Factors you can’t control are respiratory conditions that dry out your mouth like asthma, using medicines that contain sugar, and ofcourse age.

Infants and toddlers are at risk of baby bottle tooth decay which occurs when the child is put to bed with a bottle of milk, juice or formula. The sugar in these drinks feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Young children’s teeth are still growing, and the minerals in new teeth are not stable making it easier for acids to eat away at the enamel.

Older adults may have receding gums that allow decay-causing bacteria to cause root cavities.

Diagnosis & Prevention of Tooth Decay

Earlier detection of tooth decay may appear as a white spot on the tooth. More advanced tooth decay can emerge as a dark spot or a hole in the tooth.

X-rays are used to detect decay, but your dentist may also check if a sensitive tooth is soft or sticky for tooth decay.

Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash once a day improves oral health. Regular dental check-ups are vital to keeping your teeth healthy. Hygienists remove all the plaque from your teeth which inhibits tooth decay. They can also spot signs of decay so it can be treated before it can worsen.

Dental sealants are a thin coating that is painted onto the premolars and molars of children. The painless procedure is the best way to protect kid’s teeth from cavities, and they are easier to clean.

Raw vegetables can scrape plaque off teeth. Calcium in dairy products strengthens teeth and can help fight off harmful bacteria. Sugarless chewing gum can remove food particles and induce saliva production to help wash away food debris.

Tooth Decay Treatment

A small amount of erosion on your enamel may be treated using an approach that helps repair that spot. This treatment can include a medicated mouthwash or toothpaste that contains high levels of fluoride and calcium.

A smaller cavity is repaired using a filling, while a large cavity may require an Inlay or Onlay or even a crown to protect its structure and restore its functionality.

To save the tooth with an abscess, a root canal treatment needs to be done. Once the infection is removed, the chamber is sealed, and the tooth is typically restored with a crown.

If the tooth cannot be saved, you will need an extraction. Your dentist will only use this as a last resort and can help you choose a suitable tooth replacement option.

Prevent tooth decay by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleaning and a dental exam.

Louisa, Susan. “How to assess your risk of tooth decay.” Denthusiast,

http://www.denthusiast.com/2019/03/08/how-to-assess-your-risk-of-tooth-decay/

Five Preventive measures to stop Bleeding Gums

March 5, 2020

Bleeding gums are extremely common – to such an extent that most of us will experience them during our lifetime. 

One of the first signs of gum disease are bleeding gums. This should act as a red alert that something needs to change in our oral health routine.

Recent statistics show that far too many of us are willing to overlook bleeding gums. Almost one in five (19%) immediately stop brushing the bleeding area and nearly one in ten (8%) stop brushing altogether. A little more than one in five (21%) decide to book a dental appointment and more than one in four (28%) just discount the problem altogether.

Just because it might seem normal for our gums to bleed, it doesn’t mean we should ignore it. That’s why, as part of National Smile Month, the Oral Health Foundation and GSK have come together to list five ways we can help stop bleeding gums.

1. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste

This is first on the list for a reason. Brushing our teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste is vital for gum health and also helps protect against other oral diseases.

For best results, keep brushing the last thing at night and at one other time during the day, using an electric toothbrush.

Dr. Soha Dattani, Director Scientific & Professional Affairs at GSK Consumer Healthcare says: “Twice-daily brushing is important because it removes plaque. If the plaque isn’t removed, it continues to build up, potentially leading to tooth decay and gum disease.”

2. Use interdental brushes or floss

Using interdental brushes or floss is another key component of a good oral health routine. This is because a toothbrush cannot get in between our teeth as interdental brushes or floss can. It’s important to get into these areas which a toothbrush cannot reach, otherwise, pockets of plaque may build up, potentially causing problems for our gums and eventually lead to bleeding gums.

Dr. Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation says: “When we first start using interdental brushes or floss it is common for our gums to bleed. If this happens, it is important to persist and keep going. After a week or two, the bleeding should stop.”

In recent years, studies have linked gum health to a reduced risk of heart disease, so the benefits go beyond our gum health.

3. Use a fluoride mouthwash

Fluoride mouthwash is beneficial for oral health as it helps to clear our mouth of debris. It also helps prevent plaque build-up on our gums, in-between our teeth, and the surface of our teeth in between brushing.

On top of all that, it can also help to freshen our breath by killing the bacteria associated with bad breath also known as halitosis. It is important that when considering a mouthwash we choose one containing fluoride to help give our teeth that extra protection throughout the day.

“Gums are the foundation for healthy teeth and caring for them is important. Mouthwashes such as Corsodyl can help treat and prevent gum problems and give our mouth the fresh and healthy feeling it deserves.”

4. Visiting the dentist

If we have something wrong with our car, it is likely we would call a mechanic, right?  The same principle applies to problems in our mouth and a dental care professional.  Dental practice is the best port of call for any oral health issues we are having, including bleeding gums.

If our gums continue to bleed over a prolonged period, it is important that we don’t wait for our routine appointment to come around – pick up the telephone and book a visit.

Dr. Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation adds: “Once we have removed the plaque, the health of our mouth should improve, and our gums should stop bleeding.” 

5. Healthy diet and lifestyle

This is important not just for bleeding gums but for good health in general. A healthy diet plays an important role for our mouth to function properly. Remember that when we are reading the labels ‘no added sugar’ does not necessarily mean that the product is sugar-free. It simply means that no extra sugar has been added, but does not include the presence of naturally-occurring sugars. Lifestyle factors can also affect our mouth health such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Those who smoke are more likely to have gum disease. This is because smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the infected gums don’t get the chance to heal.

Dr. Dattani says: “A diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fresh fruit and vegetables can help us to prevent gum disease. Healthy gums help us guard against tooth loss, bad breath, diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. These benefits extend far beyond the mouth and really can help improve our quality of life.”

“It might be easy to overlook bleeding gums and think they are quite harmless,” adds Dr. Carter.

However, the harsh reality is that if we ignore them then we could end up losing teeth. It could also lead to several other diseases and harm our overall well being.

Healthy gums are needed to support healthy teeth. Please don’t ignore bleeding when brushing. By following the steps outlined in this blog we can help give our oral health a boost it needs and halt bleeding gums in their tracks.

Arnold, David “Five ways to stop bleeding gums and the benefits of doing so.” Oral Health Foundation, 31 May 2019,

https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/five-ways-to-stop-bleeding-gums

Dry Mouth – Facts and Tips

February 20, 2020

Many people experience dry mouth once in a while. This is most likely caused by dehydration, drinking one too many beers, or simply sleeping with an open mouth.

Unfortunately for others, a dry mouth is a chronic problem that can have a stressful impact on their day-to-day life. In addition to these physical side effects, it can also leave people feeling a lack of confidence in social situations, to a point where eating and speaking in public becomes disappointing.

Current research estimates that around one in four adults suffer from a dry mouth condition and this number rises to 40% in people with age over-55s which makes “dry mouth” one of the most common oral health problems.

Here are some facts that might help you understand the dry mouth condition and some advices for managing it.

Top ten facts about dry mouth:

• Dry mouth, also known as ‘xerostomia’ is a condition that affects the flow of saliva, which causes your mouth to feel dry.

• Saliva is the most important component in the mouth. Your mouth needs saliva to be able to work properly. It keeps your mouth moist, helps to break down a part of your food and helps you to swallow. It also acts as a cleanser, neutralizing plaque acids. Saliva keeps your teeth clean, constantly works around in your mouth and fights teeth decay.

• The taste of the food is compromised when there is less saliva in the mouth and makes it harder to eat dry foods. Sometimes it can affect your speech and it makes people more likely to have a bad breath.

• Dry mouth is usually worse at night than in the day since the mouth produces less saliva in the night than in the daytime. This causes dehydration and broken sleep. 

• Dry mouth can cause the mouth to become sore and there is a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

• It can be caused as a result of old age, or, quite often it is a side effect of medication – especially heart, blood pressure, gastritis and depression tablets. Your doctor, pharmacist or dentist should be able to tell you whether your medication can cause problems.

• In some cases, dry mouth can be a direct result of a medical condition for example diabetes, lupus, Jorgen’s syndrome and blocked salivary glands. 

• Women are more likely to suffer from chronic dry mouth than men which is 27% compared to men 21%. 

• Studies have shown that those that suffer from chronic dry mouth also have a higher risk of mental health illnesses and social anxiety.

• Currently, there is no way of actually preventing the problem, although there are products to ease the symptoms.

Top five tips:

• Make sure you regularly visit your dentist. Dry mouth causes a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. These can get worse quicker than usual. So it is important to visit your dentist regularly. They will tell you how often you should visit.

• It is important to use a fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1350 to 1500ppm (parts per million) of fluoride. Be aware that some products contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), and some people with dry mouth find this can irritate the mouth which can worsen the condition.

• There are several products designed to help your mouth stay moist and comfortable. These are usually gels or sprays. Some have extra ingredients that may help prevent tooth and gum problems. There are also special products to help with your day-to-day oral hygiene (for example toothpaste and mouth rinses).

• Chewing sugar-free gum can help ease dry mouth as it encourages your mouth to make saliva. Your dentist might recommend products such as rinses, gels, pastes, and lozenges which also keeps your mouth moist.

• Some people find that sipping water or sucking sugar-free sweets helps for a short period. It is very important to use sugar-free products; as dry mouth can make you more likely to have tooth decay.

Loat, Stephen. “Facts and Tips: Dry mouth.”  Oral Heath Foundation, 13 Sep 2019

https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/facts-and-tips-dry-mouth

5 Things to Know About Getting a Brighter Smile

February 3, 2020

Brushing and flossing are everyday ways to keep your teeth bright, white and healthy. Still, if you might feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or is more yellow than it used to be, you’re not alone. When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they’d most like to improve about their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists also found that nearly 90% of patients requested tooth whitening.

Thinking about teeth whitening? Get the facts first. Here are five of the most commonly asked questions about the process.

Why Did My Teeth Change Color?

Over time, your teeth can go from white to not-so-bright for several reasons:

Food and Drink:

Coffee, tea and red wine are some major staining culprits. What do they have in common? Intense color pigments called chromogens that attach to the white, outer part of your tooth (enamel).

Tobacco Use:

Two chemicals found in tobacco create stubborn stains: Tar and nicotine. Tar is naturally dark. Nicotine is colorless until it’s mixed with oxygen. Then, it turns into a yellowish, surface-staining substance.

Age:

Below the hard, white outer shell of your teeth (enamel) is a softer area called dentin. Over time, the outer enamel layer gets thinner with brushing and more of the yellowish dentin shows through.

Trauma:

If you’ve been hit in the mouth, your teeth may change color because it reacts to an injury by laying down more dentin, which is a darker layer under the enamel.

Medications:

Tooth darkening can be a side effect of certain antihistamines, antipsychotics and high blood pressure medications. Young children who are exposed to antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline when their teeth are forming (either in the womb or as a baby) may have discoloration of their adult teeth later in life. Chemotherapy radiation for the head and neck can also darken teeth.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening is a simple process. Whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). These bleaches break stains into smaller pieces, which makes the color less concentrated and your teeth brighter.

Does Whitening Work on All Teeth?

No, which is why it’s important to talk to your dentist before deciding to whiten your teeth, as whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow teeth will probably bleach well, brown teeth may not respond as well and teeth with gray tones may not bleach at all. Whitening will not work on caps, veneers, crowns or fillings. It also won’t be effective if your tooth discoloration is caused by medications or a tooth injury.

What Are My Whitening Options?

Talk to your dentist before starting. If you are a candidate, there are four ways to put the shine back in your smile:

Stain Removal Toothpastes:

All kinds of toothpastes help remove surface stains through the action of mild abrasives that scrub the teeth. Look for a whitening toothpaste that has earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance for stain removal (it will tell you on the package). These kinds of toothpaste have additional polishing agents that are safe for your teeth and provide stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these types of ADA-Accepted products do not change the color of teeth because they can only remove stains on the surface.

In-Office Bleaching:

This procedure is called chairside bleaching and usually requires only one office visit. The dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect your gums. Bleach is then applied to the teeth.

At-Home Bleaching from Your Dentist:

Your dentist can provide you with a custom-made tray for at-home whitening. In this case, the dentist will give you instructions on how to place the bleaching solution in the tray and for what length of time. This may be a preferred option if you feel more comfortable whitening in your own home at a slower pace, but still with the guidance of a dentist. Out-of-office bleaching can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products:

You may see different options online or in your local grocery store, such as a paste or strips that whiten by bleaching your teeth. The concentration of the bleaching agent in these products is lower than what your dentist would use in the office. If you are thinking about using an over-the-counter bleaching kit, discuss options with your dentist and look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. That means it has been tested to be safe and effective for teeth whitening. Get a list of all ADA-Accepted at-home bleaching products.

Are There Any Side Effects from Teeth Whitening?

Some people who use teeth whiteners may experience tooth sensitivity. This happens when the peroxide in the whitener gets through the enamel to the soft layer of dentin and irritates the nerve of your tooth. In most cases the sensitivity is temporary. You can delay treatment, then try again.

Overuse of whiteners can also damage the tooth enamel or gums, so be sure to follow directions and talk to your dentist.

5 Ways to Care for Your Mouth When You’re Sick

January 16, 2020

When you have a cold or the flu, taking care of your body is your top priority and that includes your mouth. 

Here are some simple ways to care for your dental health when you’re not feeling well: 

Practice Good Hygiene

When you’re sick, you know to cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Don’t forget to keep up your dental and toothbrush hygiene as well.

According to the Center for Chronic Disease, the flu virus can live on moist surfaces for 72 hours. The number one rule is not to share your toothbrush anytime, especially when you are sick.

You also probably don’t need to replace your toothbrush after you’ve been sick. Unless your immune system is severely compromised, the chances of reinfecting yourself are very low. But if you’re still in doubt, throw it out. Especially if you’ve had your toothbrush for 3-4 months then it’s time to replace it anyway.

Choose Sugar-Free Cough Drops

Read the label before you pick up a bag at the drugstore intending to avoid ingredients like fructose or corn syrup. Many cough drops contain sugar, and it is like sucking on candy. Sugar is a culprit when it comes to cavities. The longer you keep a sugary cough drop in your mouth, the more time cavity-causing bacteria has to feast on that sugar, which produces the acid that can weaken tooth enamel and cause cavities and decay.

Swish and Spit After Vomiting

One unfortunate side effect of the stomach flu, among other illnesses, is vomiting. You might be tempted to brush your teeth right away, but it’s better to wait. When you vomit, stomach acids are coming in contact with your teeth and coating them. If you brush too soon, you’re just rubbing that acid all over the hard outer shell of your teeth.

Instead, swish with water, a diluted mouth rinse or a mixture of water and 1 tsp. baking soda to help wash the acid away. Spit, and brush about 30 minutes later.

Stay Hydrated to Avoid Dry Mouth

When you’re sick, you need plenty of fluids for many reasons. One is to prevent dry mouth. Not only is it uncomfortable, but dry mouth can also put you at greater risk for cavities. The medications you might be taking for a cold or flu, such as antihistamines, decongestants or pain relievers can also dry out your mouth, so drink plenty of water and suck on sugarless cough drops, throat lozenges or candies to keep that saliva flowing.

Choose the Right Fluids

The safest thing to drink is water. Sports drinks might be recommended to replenish electrolytes when you’re sick, but drink them in moderation and don’t make them a habit after you’ve recovered because unless they are a sugar-free version, they contain a lot of sugar. You might also want something to warm you up. When you have a cold or the flu, you may want something comforting to get through it, like tea. Try not to add sugar or lemon. Sugar can help to fuel cavity-causing bacteria, and lemon is acidic. It’s something to keep in mind once you’re feeling a 100% again, as well.

Dental Tips During Pregnancy

January 1, 2020

Did you know that a baby’s teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth months of pregnancy? That’s why making smart food choices early in pregnancy can help set your child up for healthy teeth throughout their lives. During your pregnancy, a sufficient quantity of nutrients especially vitamins A, C, and D, protein, calcium and phosphorus are needed.

To assist you in making healthy eating choices, the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Policy Center have compiled this list of tips to follow during pregnancy:

• Eat a variety of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products such as cereals, bread and dairy products like milk, cheese, cottage cheese or unsweetened yogurt.
• Eat fewer foods high in sugar, including candy, cookies, cake, and dried fruit and drink fewer beverages high in sugar including juice, fruit-flavored drinks, soft drinks.
• For snacks, choose foods low in sugar such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, and unsweetened yogurt.
• Read food labels so you can choose foods lower in sugar.
• If you have trouble with nausea, try eating small amounts of healthy foods throughout the day.
• Drink water or milk instead of juice, fruit-flavored drinks or soft drinks.
• Drink water throughout the day, especially between meals and snacks. Drink fluoridated water (via a community fluoridated water source) or if you prefer bottled water, drink water that contains fluoride.
• To reduce the risk of birth defects, get 600 micrograms of folic acid each day throughout your pregnancy. Take a dietary supplement of folic acid and eat foods high in folate and foods fortified with folic acid, including:
  • Asparagus, broccoli and leafy green vegetables such as lettuce and spinach
  • Legumes (beans, peas, lentils)
  • Papaya, tomato juice, oranges or orange juice, strawberries, cantaloupe and bananas
  • Grain products fortified with folic acid (bread, cereals, cornmeal, flour, pasta, white rice.)

6 Tips for Cavity-Free Holidays

December 18, 2019

Timing matters

Saliva production increases during meals and helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and also helps rinse away food particles. If you like sweets and other sugary foods, eat them with meals or shortly after mealtime.

Be picky if it’s sticky

When it comes to picking healthy snacks, many people put dried fruit at the top of the list. But many dried fruits are sticky and sticky foods tend to stay on the teeth longer than other types of food. If you find yourself eating a lot of dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins, make sure to rinse your mouth with water and brush carefully.

Limit your alcohol intake

Try to drink a lot of water alongside your alcoholic drinks. And remember: Too much alcohol can dry out your mouth.

Take it easy on the hard candies

Some candies are more problematic than others. Hard candies can put your teeth at risk because, in addition to being full of sugar, they are also known to cause broken or chipped teeth. (Be careful not to break or chip your teeth when eating nuts as well!)

Watch out for starchy foods

These are sneaky because they often get trapped in your teeth. If you choose to indulge in chips and cakes, take extra care when you floss that day to remove all the food particles that can lead to plaque build-up.

You can still have fun

So, what can you eat? Lots of stuff! Prioritize lean protein, such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish. Make sure to vary your diet. Eat whole grains and choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods. The holidays are a great time of year to start thinking about healthy habits. If you do snack, make it a nutritious choice such as cheese, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables for your overall health and the health of your teeth.

Dental Symptoms

November 29, 2019

Toothache

If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could from a toothache. Toothaches sometimes indicate a cavity but they can also signal gum disease. In some cases, an ache may be a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. Do not wait for a toothache to get better on its own, it should be evaluated by a dentist quickly to find out the cause of the problem and prevent the problem from getting worse.

Sensitive Teeth

If your teeth hurt after you drink hot or cold beverages, you may have sensitive teeth. This can be the result of tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root due to gum recession. Treatment will depend on the cause of sensitivity. If you’re concerned regarding the sensitivity of your teeth, see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment options.

Bleeding or Sore Gums

Bleeding or sore gums may be a symptom of gingivitis, an early and reversible stage of gum disease or just the results of brushing too hard or beginning a new flossing routine. If your gums bleed regularly or enough to worry you, make an appointment with your dentist or physician, it could be a sign that something else is wrong.

Mouth Sores

Types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia, and moniliasis. Each of these types of sores vary in their severity, and can indicate different types of dental issues. Mouth sores can be a symptom of a disease or disorder, infections from bacteria, viruses or fungus, irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edges of a broken tooth or filling. Your dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer.

Bad Breath

Bad breath can be caused by what you eat, not cleaning your mouth, dry mouth, smoking or other medical conditions. Persistent bad breath may be a warning sign of gum disease. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are essential to reducing bad breath and preventing gum disease. Brushing your tongue will help too. If you’re concerned regarding the cause of your bad breath, see your dentist. They can determine the cause and treatment plan.

Dry Mouth

If you have dry mouth it may be a symptom of a medical disorder or a side effect of certain medications. Saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay. It washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth. Your dentist can recommend ways to restore moisture.

Oral Piercing Infection

Oral piercings can produce a wide range of issues for your health, oral and otherwise. Your mouth is home to very large amounts of bacteria, creating an ideal place for an infection to start. If you’ve got any signs of infection, swelling, pain, fever, chills, shaking or a red-streaked appearance around the site of the piercing, contact your dentist or physician immediately.

Cracked or Broken Teeth
A cracked or broken tooth can happen for a variety of reasons—brittle teeth, teeth grinding, or acute tooth injury like a sports accident. The crack could be invisible to the naked eye and even X-ray, but they will be incredibly painful and can cause bigger problems if left untreated. If you experience pain when chewing, see your dentist. They can diagnose the cause and develop a plan for treatment.