The following are a few of the most common mouth sores people experience and their causes, as well as when you should seek professional treatment!

Canker Sores

Canker sores can have a variety of causes, from hormones to food sensitivities to stress. Presenting as small sores with a whitish center and red edges, canker sores can happen anywhere on the soft tissues of the oral cavity.

Most canker sores will go away within 10 days and are nothing to be concerned about. However, you should seek help if your canker sore isn’t gone within two weeks, is extremely painful, or you have a fever along with the sore [1].

Cold Sores

Occurring outside the mouth on the lips or around the lips, cold sores are caused by herpes simplex viruses (most commonly type 1). While painful and uncomfortable, the sores generally only last a week.

You should seek treatment for cold sores if you have several sores, sores spreading to other parts of your body (such as near your eyes or on your hands), or your sores don’t go away after two weeks [2]. People who have a weakened immune system or get cold sores frequently should also seek treatment.

Oral Cancer

Mouth sores caused by oral cancer can develop anywhere on the soft tissues in your mouth and may present as a red or white lesions that don’t go away [3]. The sore may also be a lump that could be small and painless, but if it’s oral cancer, it will continue to grow.

Your dentist can identify oral cancer during your regular checkup, which makes keeping your bi-annual exams all the more important. While people who use tobacco are at the highest risk for oral cancer, anyone can develop the disease. Any lesions that don’t go away within two weeks—whether or not they’re painful—should be evaluated by your dentist.

Oral Thrush

A small amount of a yeast called candida normally exists in your mouth. Oral bacteria and your immune system help keep this yeast from overgrowing and causing problems. However, for some people, candida will overgrow and cause a condition called oral thrush.

Oral thrush can cause white sores in the mouth and on the tongue that can be uncomfortable [4]. People who have compromised immune systems, diabetes, or are taking steroid medications are more at risk to develop oral thrush. You should seek treatment if you’re having symptoms, including pain when swallowing, bad breath, a white tongue, or abnormal taste.

Experiencing Mouth Sores?

If you frequently suffer from mouth sores or have persistent mouth sores that don’t go away, it’s time to follow up with your dentist. Your oral healthcare professional can identify your mouth sore and discuss potential causes and treatment options with you to help you feel your best!

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-
2. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/cold-sores-treatment
3. https://oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/oral-cancer-images/
4. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/thrush-children-and-

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This device consists of a machine with a tube and a mask that you attach to your face at night, and it circulates air in an effort to provide continuous pressure to keep your airway open, therefore preventing the airway collapse that comes with obstructive sleep apnea.

However, while CPAP therapy is effective when used properly, it’s also known for being too uncomfortable and noisy for many patients. For some, CPAP prevents the exact thing it’s designed to do—facilitate a good night’s rest and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

Could your dentist help get you off your CPAP? Here’s how your oral healthcare professional might just be able to provide another way for sleep apnea relief!

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) for Sleep Apnea

An oral appliance is a device that’s similar to a retainer and is worn inside the mouth. This device prevents the collapsed airway and snoring that sleep apnea patients experience.

Oral appliances are custom-made for your unique jaw structure and come in different designs depending on what you need. Some of these devices shift the lower jaw forward, allowing the airway to remain open, and others prevent the tongue from blocking the airway during sleep [1].

Patients who use oral appliances for sleep apnea love the discreetness of the device, making not only sleeping but traveling easier. The device is simple, comfortable, and gives patients a new way to keep their airway open during sleep and stop the severe consequences associated with sleep apnea.

What Does Research Say About the Effectiveness of OAT?

Some patients might be hesitant to switch to an oral appliance from a CPAP machine. However, research shows that an oral appliance can be just as effective as CPAP, just without the discomfort!

Research shows that oral appliances can work as an effective alternative to CPAP for the majority of patients who suffer from sleep apnea [2]. Other studies show that patients who have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea can benefit from oral appliances for their treatment [3].

Further research concluded that it was easier for patients to comply with OAT therapy as
opposed to CPAP, making it a viable option for long-term treatment [4]. Some people neglect to wear their CPAP mask nightly, as it can make sleeping uncomfortable and prevent patients from committing to the treatment long-term. However, treatment is essential to curb your sleep apnea symptoms, some of which can be life-threatening.

Tired of Your CPAP Machine?

If your doctor has prescribed a CPAP machine to manage your sleep apnea, it might be time to follow up with your dentist to determine if oral appliance therapy could work for you. For many patients, these devices provide a way to successfully manage sleep apnea without the need for a machine!

Sources:
1. https://www.aastweb.org/blog/benefits-of-sleep-apnea-dental-appliances-pros-and-
cons
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738032/
3. https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/36/9/1289/2453867
4. https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/50/suppl_61/PA4725

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Jaw tightness can range from mild to severe and be most painful when moving the jaw, such as
when chewing or speaking. In fact, some people experience such severe jaw tightness that they
feel the discomfort radiate throughout their face and neck.

But what exactly causes jaw tightness? The following are the most common causes of this
painful condition that may require professional treatment.

Bruxism

Bruxism, the technical term for teeth grinding, can cause the muscles in your jaw and face to
experience tension. Sometimes, this tension can cause headaches if left untreated.
Teeth grinding can have numerous causes, with the most common being stress and an
improper bite. When the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together correctly, it can make teeth
grinding more likely to occur.

If you’re grinding your teeth, you may be doing it at night while you sleep or during times of
stress and not realize it. Symptoms of teeth grinding include a sore jaw, unexplained
headaches, and aching teeth. Fortunately, you can protect your teeth from grinding—you may
need a nightly mouthguard, orthodontic treatment, or stress management to help stop this
harmful habit.

TMJ Disorder

When your temporomandibular joint doesn’t work correctly, it can put undue stress on the
surrounding muscles. This stress can cause pain and tightness in the jaw, and you may even
have ear pain, neck pain, or headaches as well.

TMJ disorders will need a professional diagnosis to be treated. Depending on what’s causing
your TMJ pain, you may be able to engage in stress management to help the problem go away.
For others—such as those whose TMJ pain is caused by an external factor such as a misaligned
bite—further treatment may be necessary.

Symptoms of a TMJ disorder include not being able to fully open your mouth, clicking noises
when moving the jaw, or general jaw pain even when the jaw is at rest.

Improper Bite

If your teeth don’t properly align, your jaw won’t be able to function as well as it needs to. An
improper bite, such as an open bite, crossbite, underbite, or overbite, can cause uneven wear
on the teeth and strain on the jaw muscles.

Fortunately, most misaligned bites can be treated with simple orthodontic appliances. Your
dentist can normally tell if your bite is off and refer you to an orthodontist if necessary. Don’t
ignore an incorrect bite—a healthy bite can help reduce your jaw pain!

Are you experiencing uncomfortable jaw tightness and don’t know the cause? Your dentist can
help you determine what’s causing your pain and work with you to implement a successful
treatment plan to fix it. When jaw tightness is impacting your life, don’t wait to seek help!

The post What Causes Jaw Tightness? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, since the temporomandibular joint is so close to the trigeminal nerve—which is the
largest cranial nerve in the human body—problems with this joint can cause unusual symptoms
in rare cases. What are two unexpected symptoms of TMJ disorders?

Finger Tingling or Numbness

Since one of the jaw’s important jobs is helping to actually keep the neck upright, a jaw
misalignment can throw off the position of the neck. How is this associated with finger tingling
or numbness?

When the jaw isn’t aligned, the neck will tilt to compensate. This tilt can put pressure on the
nerves that are close to the neck vertebrae. Some of these nerves are responsible for giving
sensation to the fingers. Therefore, even mild pressure on these nerves can lead to finger
tingling and numbness.

It’s important to note that typically only one hand is affected and in most cases, the symptoms
are intermittent. If both sets of fingers are tingling and the numbness or tingling is constant, it’s
likely the TMJ is not at fault and you should seek additional medical advice.

Vision Problems

It’s surprising, but problems with your vision can be related to the TMJ. The trigeminal nerve
has three branches, one of which—the ophthalmic branch—carries nerve signals from the eyes
to the brain. Since the TMJ can cause tension in the muscles and surrounding tissues,
sometimes, this tension can affect the trigeminal nerve.

If the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve is affected, patients with TMJ disorder may
experience blurred vision, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, or may feel a pressure behind the
eyes. If these symptoms are being experienced without any other TMJ related symptoms, an
ophthalmologist should be consulted.

However, if these symptoms are being experienced in conjunction with TMJ symptoms such as
jaw muscle tension, clicking and popping of the jaw when opening or closing, or even
headaches, it might be time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to see if your jaw is
to blame!

What Should You Do?

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it might be wise to first schedule a consultation with
your doctor. If no immediate cause is found, follow up with your dentist, especially if you’re
having other symptoms related to TMJ disorders. Your dentist can examine your bite to
determine if an incorrect bite or undue pressure on your temporomandibular joint is causing
your finger numbness or visual disturbances!

The post Two Unexpected Symptoms of TMJ appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, you can be too aggressive with your flossing to the point that you actually damage
your teeth and gums. When done incorrectly, harsh flossing can cause a host of problems.
Here’s how you can know if you’re hurting your smile by flossing too aggressively!

You Allow Floss to Damage Your Gumline

Many people forget that it’s your teeth you’re supposed to be flossing, not your gums. Some
people pull too hard on the floss to try and get it in between their teeth and end up pulling the
floss down hard on their gums.

Allowing floss to get underneath your gumline, especially if it’s in a harsh manner, actually
injures your gums. It can cause your gums to bleed in the short term and even worse, can cause
them to recede and accelerate gum disease in the long term.

Allowing floss to hurt your gumline doesn’t help remove plaque. Instead, it can open up spaces
for bacteria to enter your gums and tooth roots, leading to painful infections and even tooth
decay and gum disease.

You Floss Numerous Times a Day

Flossing numerous times a day increases the chances that you’re hurting your teeth and gums.
Flossing your teeth too much can hurt the gumline, which can expose your tooth’s root.

You only need to floss once per day for effective results, especially if you floss gently and
correctly to remove plaque from in between your teeth. If you need to floss again due to
something being stuck in your teeth, this is fine, just try not to make a regular practice out of
flossing numerous times every day!

You’re Too Enthusiastic When Flossing

Some people use floss too enthusiastically, which can hurt both the teeth and the gums.
Forcing floss against the gums or the teeth and using too much pressure can hurt the gums and
even wear away tooth enamel over time.

Digging underneath your gumline with floss isn’t necessary. Flossing should be done with some
pressure, but not excessive pressure. Just like brushing, it’s important to do this task gently for
best results.

If you’re confused about how to floss correctly, ask your dentist to demonstrate during your
next checkup. Many people experience receding gums, gum disease, and root cavities without
realizing that the main problem may actually be their harmful flossing habits!

Don’t skip flossing just because you aren’t sure how to do it correctly or you’re afraid that
you’re harming your teeth. Remember, gums usually bleed because you haven’t flossed in a
while. However, if they bleed regularly while flossing, you may need to floss more gently.
Schedule a checkup with your dentist to review your flossing techniques to protect and
enhance your smile instead of harming it!

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People who experience problems with their TMJ typically feel pain, hear popping or clicking
sounds when moving their jaw, or have a variety of other symptoms that can severely impact
their quality of life.

Since the TMJ is responsible for everything from eating to talking, the pain of having a TMJ
disorder is difficult to avoid. What are the consequences of leaving your TMJ disorder
untreated?

Head, Neck, and Shoulder Pain

One of the symptoms TMJ disorders cause is tension in the jaw muscles. When the joint isn’t
able to work properly, the surrounding muscles can become stiff and sore. If the muscles that
are responsible for your jaw are tense, this tension can radiate outwards to cause pain in the
surrounding area.

Headaches are common in those who have a TMJ disorder, but so is neck pain, upper back pain,
and even shoulder pain. Without treatment, your tense jaw muscles can continue to affect your
body and result in chronic tension or pain.

Earaches

Because the TMJ is so close to the ears, problems with this joint can result in earaches, tinnitus,
or recurring ear infections. Some sufferers of TMJ also experience problems hearing, vertigo, or
general ear pain.

Problems with the inner ear can result in a variety of symptoms, so don’t overlook your TMJ as
the cause if you’re consistently experiencing problems with your ears with no definite cause!

Jaw Pain

TMJ can lead to problems with the jaw that are painful and can cause permanent damage. For
instance, if arthritis is causing your TMJ pain, the cartilage in your TMJ is at risk to be damaged.
Tense muscles can cause a locked jaw, dislocation of the jaw, or general chronic jaw pain.

Since the jaw is involved in many activities—from yawning to eating to speaking—this jaw pain
is often chronic and unavoidable, making it an aggravating, persistent symptom for people who
live with TMJ problems.

Impacted Quality of Life

As a result of the constant pain of your TMJ disorder, you may find yourself reaching more
often for pain medication. Whether over-the-counter or prescription, these medications can
have a range of effects on the body if overused.

In addition, you may not be able to concentrate, have trouble sleeping, or feel depressed
because of your constant pain and discomfort. People who live with TMJ disorders can
experience an impacted quality of life as a result of their symptoms.

These consequences of untreated TMJ disorders are entirely treatable! Many of the causes of
TMJ pain can be treated without invasive means such as surgery. There’s no reason to let your
TMJ pain prevent you from enjoying life and being your best self. Schedule an appointment
with your dentist today to learn what treatments are available for your TMJ pain!

The post What Are the Consequences of Untreated TMJ? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Carbonated drinks are made with carbon dioxide, which is added to the water under pressure
to make the bubbles you love. Sparkling water is an attractive option for people who love the
fizz of soda but want to protect their teeth from the acidity and harmful sugar content of these
drinks.

All carbonated drinks pose some risk to teeth—here’s why.

It Turns into Carbonic Acid

Carbon dioxide turns to carbonic acid in your mouth after you consume sparkling water. This
makes this beverage more acidic than regular water. If you’re drinking sparkling water with fruit
added to it such as lemons or limes, this will make it even more acidic.

Although carbonic acid isn’t nearly as damaging to tooth enamel as soda, it still is more acidic
than plain water. This makes it more likely to affect your tooth enamel and even wear away
your tooth enamel under certain circumstances.

It’s Not as Good as Plain Water

Sparkling water is still safe to drink and is much healthier for your smile than a traditional soda.
Water has a neutral pH of around 7, while some sodas can be as low as 2, which is extremely
acidic. Sparkling water has a pH of 3-4. Remember that anything below 4 is considered to be
harmful to your tooth enamel.

People who already have trouble with sensitive teeth and enamel erosion may consider
consuming less sparkling water than those who have healthy smiles. If you already have oral
health problems, plain water may be your safest beverage.

So is sparkling water better for your smile than soda? Absolutely. Is sparkling water better than
regular water? The answer is no.

How to Drink Sparkling Water Safely

You can still enjoy sparkling water and minimize any potential acidic effects on your smile by
doing a few things. First, choose mineral sparkling water. This type of water contains beneficial minerals such as
calcium phosphate, which can help protect the smile from the lower pH of carbonated water.

Secondly, drink your carbonated beverages with a meal. While eating, saliva is produced to
buffer your teeth against any harmful foods. This can also help guard your teeth against any
potential harm from sparkling water.

Third, remember that if you have any oral health issues such as dry mouth or sensitive teeth,
it’s a good idea to minimize your consumption of sparkling water. Although there’s no specific
amount that you should or shouldn’t drink, remember that regular water is always your best
choice.

Do you enjoy carbonated beverages? Consider that while carbonated water is better than soda,
it’s still a bit more acidic than traditional water. Regular water should always be your main
beverage, but it’s healthy to enjoy sparkling water on occasion as long as your smile is healthy
and you take advantage of the above tips to minimize damage!

The post Are All Carbonated Drinks Harmful to Your Teeth? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

You ideally want a dentist who can treat all ages when you have a family. Finding the best dentist for every member in your household can make keeping up with dental appointments easy. How can you find the right one? Here’s how you can find one great dentist to fit all your needs in one place!

Find a Dentist Who’s Experienced

Finding an experienced dentist is a must regardless of what age you are. However, when you have a family, you want a dentist who’s equally experienced with children and teenagers. Children often require more skills to treat than adults, and you want the dentist to be kid-friendly. You should also take into account any special needs your family has. Does one of you experience dental anxiety, or do you have a child with special needs? Talk to the dentist you’re considering about their experience in working with different patients. The right dentist will be able to accommodate all your needs!

Your Family Dentist Should Take a Holistic Approach

When searching for a dentist, you want a professional who cares. If you have a cavity or gum disease, your family dentist shouldn’t just fix the problem, but talk to you about preventative measures in addition to treatment.

Your ideal family dentist will take a holistic approach and talk with you about your oral health habits. He or she should also be able to offer tips on what you can do better. From avoiding sugar to becoming a better brusher, your dentist should be invested in your oral health just as much as you are. Look for a dentist who offers more than just treatment during appointments—find a dentist that wants you and your family’s oral health to be the best it can be.

Visit the Office and the Dentist

Visiting the dentist you’re considering can make all the difference. Evaluate the location and cleanliness of the office. Check for play areas and look for staff members who are friendly with kids. You want an office that offers emergency services when needed and has the experience to handle everything your family needs.

If you have dental anxiety, talk with the dentist about their accommodations. They may offer sedative dentistry or even laser dentistry to help you feel more at ease. You want a staff and a dentist that’s great with kids and gets to know you and your family.

Finding the perfect dentist in one location with appointment flexibility and expertise is well worth the effort. Ask your friends and family for recommendations. Visit local dentists in your area and talk to the staff. Your family dentist should be conveniently located, friendly, and knowledgeable. Get all your oral care needs in one place with the right dentist for the entire family!

The post Finding the Right Dentist for the Entire Family appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Linked to Other Health Ailments

The inflammation is what ties gum disease to other health ailments. The inflammation in your mouth when periodontal disease is present is linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, and premature birth in women who are pregnant. These are all serious health conditions that affect your quality of life and your lifespan—and let’s not forget that heart disease is the primary cause of death in men and women in the United States. Gum disease is linked to all of these health problems by the common factor of inflammation. By treating the gum disease in your mouth, you’re making it easier for your body to maintain health and eliminate the inflammatory response that comes with infection. By alleviating inflammation in your body, you can help reduce and prevent your risk of heart disease, stroke, and arthritis. Not to mention you can help save your teeth! Be aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease—this includes bleeding gums when brushing, chronic bad breath, red gums, loose teeth, and buildup of plaque that looks brown along the gum line.

How to Treat Gum Disease?

Gum disease happens when plaque builds up on your teeth over time and eventually turns into tartar—a very hard substance that can only be scraped off and removed by a dentist. This tartar will affect the space where your gums meet your teeth, causing the gums to pull back from the teeth, infection to breed in this space, and inflammation. Inflammation of the gums is simply gingivitis, but gingivitis is a serious condition that can easily lead to periodontal disease. You can treat gingivitis or periodontal disease by visiting your dentist—he or she will properly clean your teeth and gum line to get rid of the tartar and help reduce the infection. Prevention is the best measure to take when it comes to gum disease or gingivitis. Brushing regularly (and properly), flossing to get at the hard-to-reach areas in between your teeth, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups are all important practices for your oral health—and your body!

Being aware that inflammation in your mouth in the form of gum disease is linked a variety of other serious health ailments is important. Taking care of your oral health is just as important as taking care of your body. One affects the other and by taking care of your oral health, you help to decrease inflammation in body. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, visit your dentist today!

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