While dental implants are meant to last a lifetime, peri-implantitis can affect the health and longevity of your dental restorations. It’s essential to take the best possible care of your dental implants to avoid any complications so you can have a healthy and strong smile. Here’s what you need to know about peri-implantitis!

What Causes It?

While dental implants are excellent restoration options for your missing teeth, your gum tissue isn’t able to attach to your dental implant in quite the same way that it does to your natural tooth.

Peri-implantitis can happen at any point after your dental implant procedure is complete, whether because the gum tissue hasn’t properly adjusted or because of inadequate oral care. When the gum tissue doesn’t properly attach to your dental implant, it can leave a space where bacteria can enter to cause the gum and bone inflammation we see in peri-implantitis.

Symptoms of Peri-Implantitis

The symptoms of peri-implantitis aren’t dissimilar to those of gum disease. People with peri-implantitis may experience [1]:

• Redness or tenderness in the gum tissue around a dental implant
• Pain or discomfort around the implant
• Bleeding when brushing
• A loose dental implant
• Visible pus or a bad taste in the mouth

Whether or not your symptoms are the result of gum disease or peri-implantitis, getting your dental implant assessed by your professional dentist is essential to determining what the problem is and taking the proper steps for effective treatment!

Risk Factors for Developing the Condition

Certain patients are more at risk to develop peri-implantitis, including those who [2]:

• Smoke or use tobacco
• Have poorly controlled diabetes or osteoporosis
• Have a history or gum disease or bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Have poor oral hygiene

Your dentist will ensure that you are a good candidate for dental implants based on your oral health history and current dental health to increase your chances of proper healing and reduce the risk for any complications.

How Can You Prevent It?

Peri-implantitis can often be prevented; making sure you know how to properly clean your dental implant is important [3]. If you floss too aggressively around the dental crown that completes your implant, you risk damaging the gum tissue’s attachment to the crown.

Like most dental conditions, catching peri-implantitis early can make all the difference to the success of your treatment. With regular visits to your dentist following your dental implant procedure, you can ensure that peri-implantitis isn’t an issue and if it is, make the necessary steps to correct it.

You can also help prevent peri-implantitis by not smoking and keeping your teeth clean. Your dentist is a helpful resource when preventing peri-implantitis, so don’t miss your regular checkups to keep your smile healthy and strong!

Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/peri-implant-disease
2. https://jcda.ca/article/e24
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25626479

The post What Is Peri-Implantitis? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Bacteria in Your Oral Cavity Have Been Linked to Heart Problems

The oral cavity is full of different types of bacteria. Some of these bacteria are helpful while others are harmful. Bacteria in your mouth that have negative effects have been linked to problems such as:

• Heart disease
• Endocarditis
• Damage to blood vessels
• Blood clots

Oral bacteria could also lead to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke [1]. While more research is needed to fully understand the link between oral health and heart health, having good oral hygiene is still important!

Gum Inflammation Can Affect Bodily Inflammation

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, causes inflammation in the oral cavity that can influence inflammation throughout the rest of the body. The bacteria involved in gum disease create an inflammatory response in your mouth that may influence your risk for vascular damage that affects the heart and the brain [2].

Again, while a direct connection hasn’t been established, there is substantial research to support the link between poor oral health and systemic conditions such as heart disease and chronic inflammatory conditions.

The Link Between Oral Health and Mental Health

Did you know your dental health can affect your state of mind as well? Some psychiatric disorders have been associated with tooth decay and gum disease [3]. While the link isn’t clear, experts suggest reviewing the oral health of patients experiencing severe mental illness, as poor oral health can significantly impact the quality of life of patients and could potentially play a role in the outcome of treatment.

Tooth Infections Can Be Life-Threatening

If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to a painful infection that has the potential to be life threatening [4]. Although rare, tooth abscesses can cause harmful oral bacteria to get into the bloodstream, which can then affect the brain and the heart. Early tooth decay is often asymptomatic, which makes getting regular exams with your dentist all the more important!

Take Care of Your Smile!

Taking care of your smile affects more than your appearance. Your oral health can affect your entire body and may even play a role in your mental health. As more research comes to light, medical professionals become ever more aware of the effect that the health of your teeth and gums has on your body!

Sources:
1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/heart-disease-oral-health
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/gum-disease-and-the-connection-to-heart-disease
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4841282/
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/hidden-dental-dangers-that-may-threaten-your-whole-body

The post How Does Your Dental Health Affect You? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a toothache, you may have pain accompanied by a
persistent bad taste in your mouth, swelling in your face or gum tissue, and even a fever. These
are all signs and symptoms that you need to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Here are a few potential causes of your painful toothache that your dentist can evaluate your
smile for!

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay that has progressed to the point of a tooth infection is one of the primary reasons
people have toothaches. According to the American Dental Association, tooth decay can also
cause teeth to be sensitive and react to hot and cold foods and beverages and even cold air [1].

Unfortunately many people don’t realize they have a cavity until it has progressed to the point
of pain. Getting your tooth pain addressed as quickly as possible can eliminate the need for an
extraction and save your tooth!

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding—also referred to as bruxism—can put immense pressure on teeth that can lead
to aching. Most people who suffer from bruxism grind their teeth while asleep and are unaware
they have this habit.

If you’re consistently grinding your teeth, you could be experiencing painful aching as the result
of the additional stress on your teeth, which can cause tooth fractures, inflamed gum tissue,
and rapid tooth wear [2]. There is treatment for bruxism to curb the damage and alleviate your
pain!

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can cause teeth to ache. If gum disease progresses to the
point that it causes an active infection in the mouth, your gum tissue may contain pockets of
infection around your tooth roots that can lead to painful teeth and sore gums.

Gum disease is common in American adults; however, the earlier you catch the disease, the
easier it is to treat, so don’t wait to seek help.

Impacted Wisdom Tooth

Wisdom teeth don’t erupt until the teenage years (and sometimes in early adulthood). Wisdom
teeth that are impacted come in at harsh angles, leading them to press against the surrounding
teeth which can cause toothaches that can worsen as the wisdom teeth attempt to emerge.

Only x-rays with your dentist can tell if your wisdom teeth are impacted and need to be
extracted. Wisdom tooth extractions are common and a relatively simple procedure that can
alleviate your toothache and get your smile feeling good again in no time!

Oral Cancer

Pain in the mouth is also associated with oral cancer and may masquerade as a toothache.
Some of the symptoms of a tooth infection and oral cancer can overlap, such as having a lump
in the mouth, swelling, or trouble swallowing [3]. Your dentist can conduct an oral cancer
screening during your exam to determine if you should be evaluated further for oral cancer.

See Your Dentist!

Whether your toothache is being caused by a simple cavity or a complex case of gum disease,
it’s never wise to ignore pain. Your dentist can tell what’s going on and work with you to
effectively treat the root cause of your toothache so that you can feel better as soon as
possible!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4761372/
3. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html

The post What Could Be Causing That Painful Toothache? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

For others, bruxism happens during times of stress while awake, and for others still, they may
grind their teeth while both awake and asleep.

Bruxism is hugely damaging to both your teeth and your gums, especially over a long period of
time. These are the potential long term impacts of bruxism.

Damaged Teeth

Dentists can tell whether or not you grind your teeth during your checkup. For patients who
have suffered from bruxism for years, the teeth will actually flatten and have an even, square
appearance. The teeth actually wear themselves down and so all the teeth become shorter. The
effect will become increasingly noticeable if bruxism goes treated.

Grinding your teeth can also damage dental restorations such as crowns or fillings, causing
them to prematurely fail and require replacement [1].

Bruxism can also cause chips and fractures due to the immense pressure placed on teeth. You
may notice your teeth have visible cracks in them or even that they’ve sustained chips that you
don’t remember happening.

TMJ Pain

The jaw is able to move thanks to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which attaches your
lower jaw to your skull.

Bruxism can place stress on the TMJ, leading to jaw dysfunction that can cause chronic pain.
Symptoms of a problem with your TMJ include unexplained headaches, muscle tension in your
face or neck, pain when chewing or speaking, or an inability to open your mouth all the way.

Since TMJ dysfunction can be caused by bruxism and also make bruxism more likely, working
with your professional dentist can help you understand the root cause of your TMJ pain.

Tooth Sensitivity

Bruxism wears down teeth prematurely, which means the shiny protective layer over your
teeth—we know it as tooth enamel—can get worn away over time.

Once your tooth enamel is gone, there’s no way to replace it. Instead, the softer tissue
underneath your enamel—called dentin—is exposed. Dentin is not only more yellow in color,
but it also allows harmful bacteria into your tooth to cause cavities.

When enamel is no longer there to protect your teeth, hot and cold temperatures can travel to
the root of your tooth, making eating ice cream or drinking hot tea uncomfortable at best and
painful at worst.

Gum Damage

Grinding your teeth also places stress on your gums and the connective tissue which help to
hold your teeth in place, therefore leading to periodontal damage [2].

When connective tissue that helps anchor teeth is damaged, it can lead to loose teeth. If you
grind your teeth, your gum tissue may become inflamed and look red or irritated, especially
over a long period of time.

If you wake up with headaches and an aching jaw, you could be grinding your teeth while
asleep and not realize it. A simple dental exam can reveal whether or not you’re prematurely
aging your teeth through bruxism. There is treatment for this damaging dental condition, so
don’t wait to seek help—your teeth could be at stake!

Sources:
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5026093/

The post What Is The Potential Long Term Impact of Bruxism? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Dysfunction of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a noted cause of headaches such as
migraines [1]. Your TMJ connects your lower jaw to the skull and allows you to chew and speak
with ease. However, when a problem exists with the TMJ, pain and discomfort are often the result. Let’s take a closer look at the link between TMJ disorders and migraines.

Muscle Tension Can Cause Migraines

When the TMJ is stressed, out of alignment, or inflamed, it can affect the surrounding muscles
which exist underneath your jaw and on the sides of your head.

In turn, the muscles that support the TMJ can become tense and this tension can radiate out
into the head, neck, and even your shoulders or back.

The TMJ is a powerful joint that allows us to chew tough foods. When something is amiss with
this important joint, it’s not surprising that it has the power to cause painful migraines as a
result of inflammation and stress.

You May Have a Misaligned Bite

Why would the TMJ become stressed or inflamed?

TMJ disorders are often caused by malocclusion, which is the incorrect position of the teeth
when the jaw is closed. Having a malocclusion means your bite is misaligned and can put strain
on your jaw.

With an improper bite, your jaw is constantly trying to compensate for the misalignment, so
tension and stress result, especially on the surrounding muscles. A misaligned bite or issues with the TMJ can also make teeth grinding more likely, which can also lead to headaches or migraines!

Treatment That Actually Works

While not all headaches will be attributable to TMJ disorders, ruling out TMJ as the cause could
be an essential part of treating your migraines [2].

If your doctor has ruled out a medical cause for your migraines, it’s time to visit your dentist.

Your dentist can conduct a thorough exam and be able to tell if a problem with your TMJ could
be causing your headaches.

Unfortunately, many people who experience migraines never suspect that their jaw may be the
culprit, leading their pain to go either undiagnosed and improperly treated.

If your TMJ is found to be the underlying issue, your dentist can put measures in place to treat
your TMJ pain. If a misaligned bite is the issue, orthodontics or other oral appliances may be
able to help. For some patients, stress is found to be the cause of their TMJ inflammation and
so stress management is essential.

Physical therapy may also be able to help. It’s also important that you don’t exert your TMJ by
chewing gum or other foods that are particularly hard to eat.

When understanding the link between migraines and TMJ, it’s important to know that problems
with the TMJ can actually cause severe headaches. By simply visiting your dentist, you could
rule out a potential problem or even uncover the root cause of your pain and receive treatment
that actually works!

Sources:
1. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-
Research/Headache-Hope-Through-Research
2. https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_bt01oaam

The post Understanding the Link Between TMJ and Migraines appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Teething can be a challenging time for babies and their parents, causing symptoms that range from drooling to irritability to trouble sleeping. Your child may also be trying to chew on objects, rub their face, or be difficult to soothe.

You can help your baby through the teething process with the following tips to help reduce their teething discomfort.

Massage Your Child’s Gums

Applying light pressure to your child’s gums via a gum massage can help temporarily alleviate their teething pain until an episode passes. Be sure to always wash your hands before putting your finger in your baby’s mouth.

You can gently massage your child’s gums to help soothe them while their teeth are coming in. Be sure not to apply too much pressure and if your baby shows signs of additional distress, discontinue this practice.

Keep Stress to a Minimum

Inflammation during the teething process causes your child’s mouth to hurt. Any additional stress on your baby can exacerbate their symptoms, so keeping your baby as comfortable as possible during this time is important.

For some babies, soothing activities such as breastfeeding (if you choose to breastfeed your child) or a warm bath can help distract a baby from their discomfort and calm them down.

Give Them a Cold Object

There are many objects on the market today that can be chilled or frozen for your baby to chew on to help numb their mouth and stop their teething pain. These include:

 Teething toys. These may include teething rings, wooden toys which can help apply pressure, or even teething necklaces that go in the freezer and can be given to baby for them to chew on for cool relief.

 Frozen fruit. Never give your baby whole frozen fruit as they may choke; instead, you can try putting the fruit in mesh bags that are tied off or sealed and allowing your baby to chew and refilling as needed.

 Other frozen objects. You may also choose to try a cold spoon, a frozen washcloth, or other objects to help alleviate your baby’s pain, just be sure your child cannot choke on the object and always supervise your baby!

Teething Gel

Your dentist may recommend a teething gel to provide your baby with quick relief in the event that they are inconsolable with these other tips during the teething process. Your dentist can let you know what gel they recommend and where you can find it as well as how to apply it. Typically, any type of pain medication is used as a last resort for babies who are teething.

Is your child going through the teething process? Emerging teeth can be uncomfortable for babies and anxiety inducing for parents who have to comfort their baby during this time. You can help alleviate your baby’s discomfort and stress with the above tips for teething pain!

The post Tips for Treating Teething Pain in Infants appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Root canal therapy can help restore a weakened or damaged tooth. During your procedure,
your tooth will be numbed and your dentist will clean out the affected tissue and seal your
tooth, therefore helping to prevent any further problems. But what can you expect after the
procedure? Here’s how to care for a tooth after a root canal.

Use Caution When Eating

It’s important not to attempt to eat until the numbness has worn off from your mouth after
your root canal procedure. When you do eat, do your best to resist chewing on the side of your
mouth that contains the tooth that just had the root canal. Until you receive your permanent
restoration—a porcelain dental crown—you’ll want to put as little stress as possible on your
tooth.

You’ll also want to stick to softer foods during this time. It’s likely your mouth will be tender in
the hours and days after your root canal procedure, so be sure to have softer foods on hand.
It’s essential to avoid crunchy, hard, or sticky foods that could quickly damage your newly
restored tooth.

Keep Up with Your Oral Hygiene

While your tooth is healing, you’ll still need to brush and floss your teeth as normal. In fact,
keeping up with your oral hygiene will help to prevent an infection in your tooth, which is a
complication you’ll want to avoid following your root canal.

Although cleanliness is important, you should also be gentle when brushing your teeth. If your
dentist hasn’t yet advised you to, take this opportunity to get a soft-bristled toothbrush. You
can still brush gently while being thorough during this time of healing for your tooth.

Be Prepared for Some Discomfort

You can and should expect some soreness in the mouth following your root canal. For many
people, over-the-counter pain medication can help manage this discomfort. Your dentist will
prescribe something stronger if necessary.

Eating soft foods and keeping your mouth clean can also help to manage your pain or soreness,
but always follow up with your dentist if you’re concerned about your level of pain.

Always Ask Your Dentist

Keeping in touch with your dentist following your root canal if you have any questions or
concerns can help you have a speedy recovery. Calling your dentist is especially important if you
have increasing pain, swelling, or bleeding following the procedure, all of which should be
addressed by your dentist.

Getting root canal therapy can help save your tooth and alleviate pain from an infected or
damaged tooth. Taking proper care of your tooth following a root canal procedure can help you
recover quickly to enjoy a pain-free smile for life!

The post How to Care for a Tooth After a Root Canal appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

If your child is grinding his or her teeth, what can you do? When you suspect your child may
have bruxism, it’s time to seek help from your dentist to prevent and treat this disorder. The
following are our top tips to stop bruxism for good in your child!

Manage Stress

Stress is one of the top causes of teeth grinding. If your child is experiencing stress at home or
at school, he or she may be grinding their teeth as a result.

Helping to manage your child’s stress can help you prevent bruxism. If your child is
overscheduled or is facing stress due to tension at school or home, it’s important to address
this issue in addition to seeking help for your child’s teeth grinding.

Prevent Anxiety and Hyperactivity

Hyperactive children are more likely to grind their teeth. If your child is hyperactive or has been
diagnosed with attention deficient disorder or attention deficient hyperactive disorder, teeth
grinding may be more likely.

Children who suffer from anxiety may also be more prone to teeth grinding. Helping to prevent
and manage anxiety and hyperactivity may help stop your child’s teeth grinding!

An Improper Bite

Children who have a misaligned bite may be more prone to grinding their teeth. For some
children, a misaligned bite can be painful, and teeth grinding can happen in response to pain.

Getting your child evaluated for braces by an orthodontist no later than the age of seven can
help you know if your child is suffering from an improper bite and what can be done about it.

Treat the Underlying Problem

Treating the underlying cause of your child’s bruxism is essential. Without knowing what’s
causing the problem, it can be difficult to implement a long-term solution. Your child’s dentist
or pediatrician can help you uncover the root cause of your child’s teeth grinding.

Whether it’s stress, anxiety, hyperactivity, or an improper bite, you can figure out what’s going
on with your child. You may need to address the issue from a holistic standpoint with your
child’s pediatrician and his or her dentist if not a psychiatrist.

Consider a Nightly Mouthguard

After working to determine what’s causing your child’s bruxism, you may need to consider a
nightly mouthguard while working to address the root cause.

Bruxism can quickly work to damage teeth and irritate gums, so protecting the teeth is crucial,
even if your child is receiving treatment for the cause of their bruxism.
Your dentist can create a custom mouthguard for your child so that his or her teeth will be
protected while you’re seeking treatment.

Are you worried that your child is grinding his or her teeth? Don’t ignore bruxism—it’s
incredibly harmful and may permanently damage your child’s smile. There is help and hope for
bruxism, so schedule an appointment with your dentist today to discuss treatment options!

The post How to Prevent and Treat Your Child’s Teeth Grinding appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Dry socket happens when the blood clot that normally forms over the areas of extraction is
somehow dislodged or never properly forms in the first place. When the blood clot is no longer
there, it leaves nerve tissue and even bone exposed after your procedure.

Dry socket will need to be treated by your dentist as soon as possible, but how can you know if
you have dry socket, and what can be done about it?

How Dry Socket Happens

Dry socket can happen for a variety of reasons. Food debris or bacteria may somehow cause
the clot to dislodge or improperly form. Any type of trauma to the area, whether it’s
accidentally hitting it with your toothbrush or chewing foods that are too hard, can also cause
this issue.

People who smoke or neglect to follow their dentist’s instructions for care after wisdom tooth
removal are more at risk to experience dry socket, as are those who are on oral contraception,
as higher levels of estrogen may interfere with clot formation.

Signs and Symptoms

Dry socket will cause some discomfort and is generally painful. Patients usually experience pain
on the corresponding side of their jaw where the affected extraction site is. This pain or
throbbing may spread throughout the face.

Patients may also experience a bad taste in their mouth or have bad breath that doesn’t go
away after brushing, which can be indicative of an infection. In addition, bone may be visible at
the extraction site.

Treatment for Dry Socket

If you have a dry socket, treatment at your dentist’s office will be required. Your dentist will
clean the area in order to help prevent an infection—or treat an existing infection if
necessary—and will provide a numbing cream or gel for the pain.

Your dentist will send you home with instructions for aftercare which may include rinsing with
saltwater. A follow-up appointment is necessary to ensure the extraction site is healing
properly after your initial visit.

How to Prevent Complications After Extraction

You can have a healthy healing process after your tooth extraction by following your dentist’s
instructions. The following tips can help prevent dry socket:

Don’t smoke or use tobacco. If you haven’t quit yet, talk to your dentist or doctor about
getting help. Chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes should be avoided as well!

Eat softer foods. Sticking to soft foods after the procedure can help prevent trauma to
the extraction site and accelerate the healing process.

Keep your mouth clean. It’s important to brush gently yet thoroughly and avoid the
extraction site.

Rest. Take it easy for one to two days after your procedure to give your body time to
heal.

Fortunately, dry socket won’t happen to the majority of patients that need a tooth extraction.
However, if you’re worried about getting a dry socket, talk to your dentist. He or she can
provide additional tips to help you avoid this complication after your procedure. By following
your dentist’s instructions, you’ll be back to normal in no time!

The post What is a Dry Socket? 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!

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