Each time you visit your dentist for a standard six-month check-up, they perform an oral cancer screening. As they check your gums for disease and your teeth for cavities, they’re also keeping an eye out for the tell-tale signs of oral cancer. This check is performed at every dental appointment with the aim of catching them early. Successful treatment chances are improved by catching this cancer as early as possible. If you want to learn more about how your dentist can identify this health condition and help treat it, keep reading.
Medical professionals often disagree on whether or not oral cancer screenings are effective or necessary. There are those who stand by the idea that only those at risk of oral cancer need to have a screening performed. While it’s true that there is little evidence indicating that oral cancer screening actually prevents death from this condition, one thing remains true. Oral cancer treatment is significantly more effective when the lesions are identified earlier than later. Either way, there is no additional cost for this screening.
During your oral exam, the dentist is checking to see if they see any indicators of oral cancer. This is in addition to the other oral health concerns such as tooth decay and gingivitis. If oral cancer lesions are caught early, your medical specialist may be able to easily remove them.
While the exact causes of oral cancer are not well known, there are things that are associated with increased risk.
Recent statistics have identified a rising trend of oral cancer in the past decade. While the reason for this is still being investigated, the Human Papillomavirus is a primary suspect. If you’re wondering about your risk of developing oral cancer, be certain that you speak to your medical professional.
If your dentist identifies signs that indicate oral cancer may be present, they’ll direct you to your medical professional for testing. While the oral cavity may develop sores from time to time, cancer is rarely the reason for them. As your dentist can’t identify oral cancer on sight alone, they’ll arrange for other tests when it’s suspected.
These tests will be aimed at identifying the underlying cause of the sore or lesion. In almost every case cancer will be ruled out. If there is reason to believe that the sore is cancer, your medical professional may order a biopsy. This procedure takes a small sample of tissue to check for signs of cancer.
If you have a sore that appeared in your mouth and are concerned about what it may be, call your dentist today! They’ll perform a thorough exam and set your mind at ease.
One thing frequently encountered by dentists is patients with brown spots developing on their teeth. If you’ve looked in the mirror and seen your teeth beginning to develop brown spots, it’s time for a visit to your dental care provider. When you speak to them they’ll be able to help you find ways to slow the advance of brown spots and perhaps eliminate them altogether. These spots can come in a variety of colors, including black-brown and yellow-brown. Over time they can grow to different sizes and can represent a threat to our oral health. We’ll be going over a few facts about brown spot fluorosis, and what you can do to prevent, or reverse it.
It probably comes as no surprise that brown spot fluorosis most commonly starts from drinking or eating foods that are strong in tannic acid. Red wine, coffee, and strong teas all contain this staining agent and can contribute to the development of these spots. If poor oral hygiene practices are involved, it’s entirely possible for these stains to become permanent. Other ways that brown spot fluorosis can begin include:
The approach your dentist takes to treating your brown spot fluorosis will largely depend on the source of the condition. Regular discoloration can be reversed through a variety of cosmetic procedures. If thinning enamel is responsible, restoration techniques may be necessary. In many cases, the stain may not be able to be removed, and a veneer will have to be put in place to hide it. Speaking to your dentist is the best way to know what the right approach is for you.
Healthy smiles have teeth tightly close together, with minimal spacing in between for ease of flossing and brushing. For many orthodontists and dentists, healthy mouths are a top priority, and one of the most well-known problems people face with their teeth and gums is a visible condition characteristically known as black triangles. These triangles are empty spaces in between the teeth where the gums or teeth should be, and this condition can result from numerous underlying causes. We’re here to help you better understand your concerns and give you some options for treatment.
Black triangles are more common than you would think – according to some review studies, these studies have shown that black triangles can occur in over 60% of people over the age of 20, making it rather common and consistent. Black triangles can be visually unappealing to some, and health-wise can lead to poorer oral health. Most often, this condition occurs due to genetic factors affecting their oral anatomy and poor oral hygiene. However, this condition can also occur from reasons such as:
While black triangles appear to be a cosmetic problem, it isn’t. As a matter of fact, having black triangles in between your teeth can lead to higher plaque accumulation due to the ease of food particles and bacteria getting in between the teeth. That’s also why it’s important that with any cosmetic concern, you should visit your dentist!
Dental black triangles are a complex problem to treat, and because of this, it requires an interdisciplinary approach from cosmetic dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons alike. Managing this condition takes time, but through these treatment options, those black triangles can be removed, and you’ll have a healthier mouth:
To prevent the onset of black triangles, it’s important that you take care of your teeth, and if you notice signs of black triangles, visiting your dentist is the first and best solution towards better oral care all around!
Our oral hygiene is an important and predictable part of our morning and evening rituals for most of us. We pick up our favorite products, squeeze the toothpaste out on the toothbrush, and away we go. In all the years we’ve been using these products, it’s likely we’ve never spared the ingredient list a single glance. Even those who lean towards products that use more natural substances may never get beyond the ‘all-natural labeling to find out what they’re using. So long as the ADA has approved the product, you can generally assume they’re safe. However, you may be interested in knowing more about how these natural options work to protect your smile.
Natural oral hygiene products usually contain an ingredient list that’s easy to read and understand. The lack of manufactured chemicals tends to guarantee it, though you may not know what all of them are for. These ingredients are often included and provide a range of benefits.
One common ingredient in mainstream dental products is triclosan. Triclosan was shown to be effective at eliminating bacterial contamination. However, ongoing studies revealed that it could also have unfortunate consequences. These include boosting antibiotic resistance in bacteria and causing complications for our endocrine system. These properties led to its use being banned in body wash and soap. This ban did not go so far as to prevent its use in toothpaste, however.
This has led natural toothpaste producers to find an alternative to this unfortunate substance. The most popular replacement is tea tree oil. This oil is known to prevent the development of fungus and bacteria in the body and to have wonderful antiseptic properties. Reductions in gum inflammation and strengthening of the enamel have also been associated with tea tree oil.
Many of us, even those with good oral hygiene, struggle with halitosis. This condition, also more commonly known as bad breath, can be unpleasant for the sufferer and those they’re around alike. Magnolia bark has been demonstrated to reduce the presence of the bacteria responsible for halitosis and tooth decay. This property made it an easy shoo-in for natural toothpaste and chewing gum.
Chewing gum plays an unexpectedly important role in the preservation of your teeth. Its gummy texture helps to scrub out the spaces between your teeth. Xylitol is often used as a sweetener instead of sugar. This is great news since Xylitol has been shown to battle bacteria responsible for tooth decay. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also capable of reducing how effectively bacteria can stick to our teeth. It’s a double-point attack on tooth decay.
These are just three of the substances you may find in your natural toothpaste ingredient list.
Your dentist will take steps to provide you with a greater insight into natural and safe dental options. They’ll inform you which have been shown to be effective and which are best left on the pharmacy shelves. Speak with them during your next bi-annual dental visit.
Living with diabetes can add significant difficulties to managing your overall health. High blood sugar, in particular, can have a broad range of impacts. One of the areas it can affect is the health of your teeth and gums. Thankfully a little vigilance can help counter these concerns, along with a little preventative care. This guide is going to help you understand the struggles you face with dental health while living with diabetes.
Both diabetes types 1 and 2 involve managing your blood sugar level. Left unmanaged, this rise in blood sugar can result in multiple issues. Among these issues is the following list of oral health concerns:
These five concerns are frequently experienced by those with diabetes. They are more common in those who don’t maintain good oral hygiene practices, including dental visits.
Conditions like diabetes have a broad range of potential health concerns. As a result, it’s essential that you involve your dentist in your oral care. Their efforts, combined with that of your medical practitioners, can help keep the potential health consequences at bay. Throughout it all, it’s essential that you maintain a healthy oral hygiene practice. These steps are your only defense between your bi-annual visits with your dentist. When you arrive at these visits, your dentist will be able to identify any trouble areas or developing concerns. They’ll also provide a deep clean that will serve to complement the hard oral hygiene work you’ve done between visits.
If you’ve lost a tooth, you may be finding yourself considering an implant. Whether through extraction or trauma, losing a tooth can have other consequences. Those who have lost a tooth often discover that their jawbone begins to degrade. The jawbone has degraded too far to hold an implant in more than half of all implant procedures. When needed, a dental bone graft may be considered. This procedure can reinforce the existing jawbone. The result is restored bone health that permits the insertion of an implant.
The ability of the body to restore bone is impressive but may not be enough. Bone grafts are the best approach for most patients who lack the bone density to support dental implants. Bone grafts can supplement the body’s natural processes to produce better results. Bone grafts are accomplished by the placement of special material at the weakened area. The natural healing process of the bone will incorporate this material to produce stronger bone.
There are four common forms of bone graft:
When possible, dentists prefer to use autografts in this procedure. This material produces the highest rates of success and least complications. These are the benefits of using material from the patient’s own body.
Those who have lost bone due to health conditions or trauma may need a bone graft to receive implants. Periodontal disease, aging, missing teeth, and other concerns are common factors. Genetics and developmental defects may also be involved. After examining the health of your jawbone, your dentist may suggest a bone graft before getting implants. As mentioned earlier, almost half of all implant procedures need a bone graft.
These days bone grafts are a generally routine procedure. The first step to receiving one involves meeting a periodontist or oral surgeon. These specialists will determine what material will best suit your health needs. They’ll also take the time to create a treatment plan with you that will improve the procedure’s success. No two bone grafts are the same, but the following steps are involved:
Reach out to your dental specialist to receive more information about bone grafts. They’ll help determine if you’ll need a bone graft before receiving implants.
Do you maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine? Have you ever experienced sore teeth or gums while having a nasty cold? It’s possible that the symptoms you’re experiencing are actually the result of congested sinuses. This is why that pain will sometimes fade after your congestion passes. We’re going to explain how sinus pressure can cause oral health concerns, and how to tell the difference. Allergy sufferers are often familiar with this experience. However, they aren’t the only ones who can be affected. Sinus infections, severe colds, or the flu can all be involved.
The reason that sinus pressure can cause dental pain stems from their placement. Your sinuses occupy a large space just above your oral cavity. They also extend behind your upper jaw a short way. There is very little space between your rear teeth and the sinus cavity. Pressure in this cavity can therefore put pressure on the roots of these teeth. This pressure is the source of dental pain from sinus pressure.
There are a few indicators that your dental pain may be from sinus pressure
While the pain may be from sinus pressure, tooth infections are possible. When you’re sick your immune system is busy fighting that disease. As a result, it may not be able to protect your teeth as well. The bacteria can have an easier time getting a foothold, resulting in decay or the development of periodontitis. Between dental pain from sinus pressure and this increased risk of infection, cold and allergy season is known as ‘toothache season’.
The best way to determine the source of your dental pain is by reaching out to your dental provider. They have the knowledge and equipment to accurately determine the source of your discomfort. A final diagnosis may require the use of dental imaging to ensure no hidden decay is taking place. It’s also worthwhile to speak to your primary care provider to get their insight on your symptoms. Between these two providers, you’ll be able to get a definite conclusion and steps to take to resolve it.
Sinus dental pain is a well-known concern for allergy sufferers. The yearly appearance of their symptoms makes their struggle with sinus pain a constant. Many allergy sufferers also have suppressed immune systems. This means they’re more likely to experience sinus infections that can create sinus pressure and pain. Whether you suffer from allergies or not, sinus pressure can be a real pain in the mouth. Before cold and allergy season comes around, make sure you speak with your dental health provider. They’ll provide you with ways of identifying this form of dental pain, and what to do when you do. Reach out to your provider for an appointment today!
Cavities are a concern that we’re all aware of. They’re the result of acid and bacteria carving holes in our enamel and dentin. What you may not be aware of is that a classification method exists that your dentist uses to describe them. These terms permit your dentist to describe your cavities directly and straightforwardly accurately. They also guide your dentists in choosing appropriate treatment methods. It will also tell them how urgent those treatments are. We will take steps to unlock the dental notation code and help you understand how dentists classify cavities.
The system used by your dentist is referred to as the GV Black classification system. This system is given the name of the man who originally developed it. He was born in 1836 and practiced dentistry for much of his life. He finally passed away in 1915, having provided significant contributions to the science of dentistry. Perhaps the most significant is the dental cavity classification system that bears his name.
This system is built on the back of various classes that are used in describing your cavities. Let’s explore some of the dental terms used in this system:
Understanding these terms will help in learning about the following classes:
Along with describing where they can be found, a set of terms describes their severity.
Combining the above terms creates a description that accurately indicates the location and severity of your cavity.
Those who’d like to become better informed about the development of cavities can speak to their dentist. Why not arrange your next bi-annual visit and show up with a list of questions?
Finding a little blood on your toothbrush every so often isn’t unusual. When it starts to happen, every time you brush, you may have something to cause worry. While bleeding can be the result of overly aggressive brushing or flossing, it should be infrequent. Once the frequency starts to pick up, it’s time to speak to your dentist. Bleeding gums are a frequently encountered symptom of gingivitis and periodontitis. While you may need to change your toothbrush, it pays to check with a professional.
Periodontal disease is a catch-all term for the two types of gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are caused by one of the hundreds of species of bacteria that live in our mouths. Many of these bacteria are helpful; some are merely harmless. One, in particular, poses a severe threat to our oral health. That one is streptococcus mutans, and it is responsible for tooth decay and periodontal disease. A significant factor in these conditions is the acid it secretes after eating sugar.
The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. With this condition, our gums are irritated and sensitive, both the result of bacteria. Mutans haven’t gotten into the gums at this point. Instead, it lives on the outside of the gums, causing inflammation. Once the bacteria manages to establish itself in the gums themselves, trouble begins. At this stage, the condition changes to periodontitis, and your oral health is in danger. Without the help of your dentist, there’s no practical way to reverse periodontitis.
Common symptoms of periodontitis include:
Any of these symptoms are a cause for worry. When they start to appear in multiples, swift action is needed. Reach out to your dentist to get the help that you need.
Speaking to your dentist is the first important step to getting help with periodontal disease. They’ll discuss your circumstances and present you with appropriate options. One of two solutions is likely to be presented:
The most important tool you have in preventing gum disease is maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. This process includes brushing at least twice daily, flossing, and giving a rinse with mouthwash. You may also want to include fluoride supplements to help strengthen your teeth.
Finding a little blood on your toothbrush every so often isn’t unusual. When it starts to happen, every time you brush, you may have something to cause worry. While bleeding can be the result of overly aggressive brushing or flossing, it should be infrequent. Once the frequency starts to pick up, it’s time to speak to your dentist. Bleeding gums are a frequently encountered symptom of gingivitis and periodontitis. While you may need to change your toothbrush, it pays to check with a professional.
Periodontal disease is a catch-all term for the two types of gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are caused by one of the hundreds of species of bacteria that live in our mouths. Many of these bacteria are helpful; some are merely harmless. One, in particular, poses a severe threat to our oral health. That one is streptococcus mutans, and it is responsible for tooth decay and periodontal disease. A significant factor in these conditions is the acid it secretes after eating sugar.
The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. With this condition, our gums are irritated and sensitive, both the result of bacteria. Mutans haven’t gotten into the gums at this point. Instead, it lives on the outside of the gums, causing inflammation. Once the bacteria manages to establish itself in the gums themselves, trouble begins. At this stage, the condition changes to periodontitis, and your oral health is in danger. Without the help of your dentist, there’s no practical way to reverse periodontitis.
Common symptoms of periodontitis include:
Any of these symptoms are a cause for worry. When they start to appear in multiples, swift action is needed. Reach out to your dentist to get the help that you need.
Speaking to your dentist is the first important step to getting help with periodontal disease. They’ll discuss your circumstances and present you with appropriate options. One of two solutions is likely to be presented:
The most important tool you have in preventing gum disease is maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. This process includes brushing at least twice daily, flossing, and giving a rinse with mouthwash. You may also want to include fluoride supplements to help strengthen your teeth.
Flossing is among the dental hygiene habits that people struggle with the most. Whether it’s the time involved or just a lack of agility, many avoid it. There are numerous methods to make the whole thing more manageable, and they’re reasonably available. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who find flossing a tricky part of your routine, we can help. Below we’re going to approach some of the alternatives you can use to ensure you floss properly. Without flossing, our teeth are in danger of lasting damage and decay.
After you’ve finished packing away the dishes, you might consider the meal complete. You’re done eating and have brushed, so all is in order. But is it? If you haven’t flossed, you likely have particles of food debris lodged into your teeth. You may not be able to get at it with a brush, but the bacteria in your mouth can. They’re more than capable of slipping into those hidden spaces and breaking them down. As the bacteria break down your food, they produce acid and a substance known as a biofilm. Most of us just call it plaque or tartar when it hardens.
While it won’t be visible to the naked eye, tooth decay will continue. The bacteria nestled between your teeth will soften the enamel, and erosion can begin. This erosion can mean you’ll develop cavities in places you can’t even see. Brushing for at least two minutes is an effective strategy to keep it at bay, but not alone. Mouthwash and floss are needed to ensure you’ve got it covered.
The consequences of not flossing include:
If the most common method of flossing remains troublesome for you, we have options.
One good thing about flossing is it doesn’t matter when you do it. You just have to make sure you keep up with it at least once a day. For most people, this means sticking to the same time each day. Other factors can further complicate flossing. If you’re traveling or have braces, you may find the process harder. These alternatives approved by the ADA (American Dental Association) can help:
Have more questions about making flossing a regular part of your oral hygiene? Reach out to your dental provider for guidance. They’ll have lots of tips to ensure you can keep tooth decay at bay.