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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While root canal therapy is considered a safe and effective way to retain a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed, some people want to consider all their options before making a decision. You have a few possibilities when it comes to alternatives to root canal treatment!

Extraction

In the majority of cases, if you forgo a root canal, you will eventually need to have your tooth extracted. When root canal therapy is necessary, the tooth is damaged to the point that it is no longer alive. Without a root canal, the tooth will continue to deteriorate and will need to be pulled.

Once your tooth is pulled, you’ll need to consider replacement options so that the rest of your teeth won’t shift in its place to fill the gap. Your replacement options could include a dental implant, which is considered the most secure restoration, a dental bridge, or partial dentures.

Whichever you choose is all about your personal preference and your candidacy for these procedures [1].

Ozone Gas Therapy

When the inner tissue of your tooth is affected by trauma, decay, or infection, you may have the option of pursuing ozone gas therapy to clean the chamber of the tooth. Research shows that ozone gas therapy can reduce bacteria in an infected tooth that would otherwise need a root canal [2].

The gas will help clean the tubules—tiny channels that extend from underneath the tooth
enamel to the inner chamber—where bacteria can travel. The gas will penetrate further than your dentist can reach, and while this therapy is unlikely to save your tooth or restore it to its original state, it may delay the need for you to make an immediate decision about extracting your tooth.

Calcium Hydroxide

If you’re looking for alternatives to root canal therapy, you may have the option of cleaning out the tooth chamber with a calcium hydroxide solution. This solution has been shown to help remove dead tissue from inside the tooth and reduce bacteria growth [3]. The procedure will need to be done by an experienced dentist or endodontist—a specialist at saving teeth—for the best results.

Again, while this therapy may be available to you, it’s unlikely to permanently restore your
tooth, although it may help reduce bacteria growth and decrease your discomfort while you’re making a decision about your tooth.

The Choice Is Yours!

You have alternatives when it comes to root canal therapy, although your affected tooth will most likely require an extraction at some point. If you’re looking for other options to save your tooth, schedule an appointment with your dentist or endodontist today to find out more about your candidacy for these procedures!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4509120/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839455/
3. https://www.aae.org/specialty/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/07/rootcanalirrigantsdisinfectants.pdf?_ga=2.75478866.137

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How is bruxism treated? Here are the top tips to curb your teeth grinding habit before it’s too late!

Consider Quitting Alcohol and Tobacco

People who use tobacco and drink alcohol are twice as likely to grind their teeth as people who don’t [1]. If you grind your teeth, consider quitting tobacco and reducing or eliminating your alcohol consumption to better manage the habit. How exactly these substances influence your risk for teeth grinding isn’t known, but managing your behaviors when it comes to tobacco and alcohol use may help reduce bruxism.

There is even some evidence that suggests caffeine consumption can influence teeth grinding. If you clench or grind your teeth while asleep, eliminating caffeine in the hours before sleep may be helpful in stopping bruxism!

Evaluate Your Stress Levels

Stress is a major factor when it comes to teeth grinding, so better managing your stress may help improve the condition. People who suffer from chronic stress and anxiety are more likely to grind their teeth, so trying different relaxing techniques—whether it’s doing something you enjoy, taking on less at work, or finding additional support in your life—could help reduce or curb your bruxism habit [2].

Get Your Misaligned Teeth Fixed

For some patients, an abnormal bite or misaligned teeth can influence their risk of teeth grinding. When the jaw doesn’t close comfortably, it can place stress on the temporomandibular joints, which could affect bruxism.

While not everyone will need orthodontic treatment to fix these issues, others will. Your dentist can let you know during your consultation whether or not your bite could be affecting your bruxism, as well as what you can do about it.

Talk to Your Dentist About a Custom Mouthguard

While many cases of teeth grinding can be managed by identifying underlying factors that are influencing the condition, it’s important to protect your teeth while you’re getting your bruxism under control. Getting a custom mouthguard is one way to treat your bruxism and prevent damage to your teeth that may be irreversible in the long run [3]. Most dentist practices offer custom mouthguards for patients which are designed to be comfortable for nightly use to protect your smile!

Don’t Ignore Teeth Grinding!

Ignoring teeth grinding won’t make the problem go away. If you suspect you suffer from teeth grinding, or your dentist finds evidence of bruxism during your dental examination, don’t hesitate to begin treating the problem. Your dentist can help you uncover the cause and put a treatment plan in place for your bruxism!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/teeth-grinding
2. https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_49.ashx
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482466/

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While the frequency of your in-office teeth cleanings will vary based on your unique oral health, teeth cleanings are important for adults and children alike [1]. What can you expect during a professional teeth cleaning? Here’s everything you need to know when it comes to your next appointment!

An Exam of Your Oral Cavity

Before doing any cleaning, your dental hygienist will carefully examine your oral cavity for signs of any issues. The hygienist will be looking for any indicators that gum disease, tooth decay, or oral cancer are present. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, your dentist will likely recommend that you get x-rays to check for tooth decay and other issues that can’t be seen with an exam alone.

Cleaning and Polishing Your Teeth

Once the exam is complete, your hygienist will remove any plaque and tartar from your teeth before polishing them. Your hygienist will even floss your teeth to be sure they get all the plaque out from tight spaces you may have missed when cleaning your teeth at home [2].

If you have any tartar on your teeth—which is the hardened form of plaque—it will need to be scraped off with a special tool. While the sound can be alarming, this process is painless, so there’s no need to worry.

The cleaning process will include the use of a mildly abrasive paste and a small instrument which is a lot like a toothbrush to polish the teeth. This thorough cleaning and polishing method helps remove surface stains that may have accumulated from foods, drinks, and plaque to give you a truly clean smile!

A Potential Fluoride Application

Most patients, including children, will receive an application of fluoride at the end of their teeth cleaning. Dentists use a professional-grade fluoride solution that helps strengthen the teeth and prevent tooth decay [3]. Not every patient will need this, so you and your dentist can discuss if he or she recommends it before your cleaning begins. The fluoride application is painless, quick, and can give your teeth the boost they need to resist tooth decay until your next visit!

Is It Time for a Teeth Cleaning?

Teeth cleanings are simple processes that have numerous advantages—not only do they help keep your smile clean and strong to resist tooth decay and gum disease, but they also remove surface stains to help keep your teeth bright. Regular teeth cleanings also help spot oral health issues early, giving you the opportunity to correct them with minimal intervention before they get worse! Is it time to schedule a teeth cleaning? Make an appointment with your dentist today!

Sources:
1. https://www.ada.org/en/press-room/news-releases/2013-archive/june/american-
2. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001957.htm
3. http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Member%20Center/FIles/patient_72.ashx

The post What Can You Expect During a Teeth Cleaning? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

We know that diet influences our oral health, but what do we know about diet and our breath? Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering whether or not chronic bad breath could be due to your diet!

Diets High in Sugar Can Lead to More Plaque

Added sugar (sugar that’s not contained naturally in fruits and vegetables) is known for causing adverse oral health symptoms. It’s well documented that sugar is a major contributor to the formation of cavities, as it leads to more plaque in the mouth. Plaque is a combination of bacteria, saliva, and food particles that sticks to your teeth and needs to be removed regularly with brushing and flossing.

But did you know that added sugars can actually change the bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to changes in your breath [1]? Diets consistently high in refined sugar—present in everything from baked goods to stir-fry sauces to sweetened yogurts—could increase your risk for chronic bad breath and tooth decay!

High-Protein Diets Such as Keto Can Cause Bad Breath

Diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates such as the ketogenic diet are known for causing bad breath [2]. While these diets can be beneficial for people suffering from certain health conditions, they generally aren’t considered long-term ways of eating and can have consequences for your breath.

“Keto breath”, as it’s commonly called, is the result of your body switching from burning carbohydrates for energy to burning fat. The reason for this is because of increased ketones—chemicals made in the liver—in your body, which happens when your body doesn’t have enough glucose to turn into usable energy.

You Eat Foods That Aggravate Your Acid Reflux

About 20 percent of American adults have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), otherwise known as acid reflux disease [3]. Some people don’t know they suffer from acid reflux, which can be dangerous as the condition causes unpleasant side effects and can have detrimental effects on your oral cavity.

Acid reflux disease can lead to bad breath, as it causes traces of corrosive stomach acids to end up in your mouth. If you’re eating foods that aggravate your acid reflux, including tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, and high-fat foods, this could be a cause of chronic bad breath that you’re not aware of!

The Best Diet for Oral Health

The best diet for oral health is a well-balanced diet that includes all the nutrients you need, plenty of water, and of course, regular dental care! When it comes to persistent bad breath, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to see what the problem could be. It could very well be your diet, but it could also be gum disease!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3893787/pdf/ISRN.DENTISTRY2013-
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/ketogenic-diet-is-the-ultimate-low-carb-diet-
3. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-

The post Can Chronic Bad Breath Be Due to Your Diet? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Whether you have a lot going on or are having a more relaxed celebration this year, following these quick tips can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy this holiday season!

Incorporate Water Into Your Routine

Water plays an essential role in keeping your smile healthy. It not only helps prevent dry mouth, but it also minimizes the effect of acidic foods and drinks on your teeth, including sugar and alcohol.

Drinking water to stay hydrated as well as to rinse your mouth can help wash away leftover food, bacteria, and acids that can affect your smile [1]. Always incorporate water into your daily routine to protect your teeth and gums and reduce plaque buildup!

Watch Out for Snacking

While snacks are, of course, fine, continually eating doesn’t give your teeth a break from the acids and bacteria that they are exposed to from food. It’s good to reserve snacking to certain intervals during the day and allow your oral bacteria to rebalance after consuming food or drinks that aren’t water.

Avoid constantly eating or sipping sugary drinks during the holidays to give your smile a break—and remember to wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth!

Carry Sugar-Free Gum With You

Did you know that research shows sugarless chewing gum can help prevent dry mouth, cavities, and even combat the effects of acid reflux on your smile [2]? Chewing sugar-free gum can help increase saliva production, which can essentially “rinse” your mouth to prevent acids from harming your tooth enamel.

Keeping sugar-free gum with you can help you avoid the effects of acid and bacteria on your teeth and protect your smile in-between brushing, or when you don’t readily have water or a toothbrush available!

Make Time for Yourself

Although it can feel easy to get caught up in the holiday rush, it’s important to stick to your oral care routine and brush and floss your teeth daily. Make time for yourself this holiday season, and don’t be so busy that you can’t neglect your oral health. Stress can be just as bad for your oral health as it is for your body [3]!

Also, don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a checkup. Whether you want brighter teeth for the New Year or just need a professional cleaning, your dentist is your partner in ensuring your teeth and gums stay healthy during the holidays and the entire year!

By making some healthy choices to take care of yourself this holiday, you can protect your teeth and gums even during this hectic time of year. Follow the above tips to ensure tooth decay and gum disease don’t have an opportunity to sabotage your smile this season!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/food-tips/water-best-beverage
2. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/chewing-gum
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5010733/

The post Quick Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums This Holiday Season appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The goal of oral cancer screenings is to identify any cancerous growths early to prevent the spread of the disease. An oral cancer screening is a simple process that typically happens during your regular checkup with your professional dentist.

Here’s what you can expect during an oral cancer screening!

A Physical Exam of Your Oral Cavity

Your dentist will conduct a physical exam of your oral cavity to look for areas in the mouth that may be red or white, such as sores or lesions [2]. Your dentist will also feel for lumps in your face, neck, and jaw that could be indicative of cancer.

The exam is comprehensive and includes your lips, the lining of your cheeks, gums, tongue, and the floor and roof of your mouth. This process is usually simple and painless—even for patients that experience dental anxiety, there’s no instruments used, just a simple visual exam.

A Few Brief Questions

During your oral cancer screening, your dentist will ask you about any changes in your health or if you’re having any symptoms related to oral cancer [3]. These symptoms could include unexplained pain, numbness, or bleeding in your oral cavity.

If you’re new at your dentist office, they may also ask about your history of cancer, smoking, or tobacco use to better understand your risk for oral cancer. Based on this information, your dentist will recommend screening options. Typically, oral cancer screenings happen annually for adults.

What Happens If Your Dentist Suspects Oral Cancer

If your dentist finds something that requires further investigation, don’t panic. Some lesions or bumps are benign—non-cancerous—and nothing to worry about. Your dentist may want to conduct a few additional tests to get a better idea of what their findings are.

These tests could include staining options such as blue or florescence stains, which can help healthcare professionals identify potentially cancerous growths [4]. Your dentist may also want to take a biopsy, in which cells are scraped and looked at to determine if further diagnosis is required.

Based on their findings, your dentist can refer you to a specialist for further testing and
diagnosis.

When Was Your Last Checkup?

Your regular dentist visits aren’t just for teeth cleanings—with an annual oral cancer screening, you can help catch oral cancer early to increase your chances of treatment success. Ask your dentist about their process for oral cancer screenings during your next checkup!

Sources:
1. https://report.nih.gov/nihfactsheets/ViewFactSheet.aspx?csid=106&key=O
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/oral-cancer-screening/about/pac-
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oral-cancer
4. https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/patient/oral-screening-pdq

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But what happens when the healthy things we do for our bodies aren’t exactly healthy for our smiles? These four health trends have been touted as beneficial, but they could actually be hurting your teeth!

Lemon Water

Drinking lemon water, particularly in the morning, has become a popular practice. The idea is that you add the juice of about half a lemon to a glass of water and drink first thing in the morning to rev up digestion, detox the body, and even help with weight loss.

Despite the fact that these claims have little scientific evidence to back them up, there’s another problem with lemon water: it has an extremely low pH of just 2.25, meaning it’s very acidic [1].

In fact, this pH is even more acidic than most types of soda, which means that lemon water could be eroding your tooth enamel, leading to sensitive teeth and an increased risk for tooth decay.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is another practice that’s gained popularity. An ancient method of pulling toxins out of the oral cavity, this regimen requires that you swish sesame or coconut oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes upon waking every morning.

Not only does the American Dental Association not recommend oil pulling due to lack of evidence, but oil pulling requires that your brush your teeth after spitting the oil out [2]. As we know, tooth enamel is porous and brushing immediately after your teeth come into contact with food isn’t recommended.

Kombucha and Other Fermented Foods

Foods such as kimchi and kombucha are fermented and packed with probiotics, which are beneficial organisms that exist in food. Research is showing that probiotics play a much bigger role in our oral and bodily health than previously thought [3].

However, as a result of their fermented nature, these foods are also acidic, which can weaken tooth enamel and leave it vulnerable to damage. For example, kimchi, which is fermented vegetables, has a pH of around 4, which is lower than the neutral number of 7 on the pH scale [4]. You can still reap the probiotic benefits of these foods by drinking water after consuming them, and, of course, avoiding brushing your teeth until about one hour after consumption.

Charcoal Toothpaste

You may have seen black toothpaste at the store or advertised. For some people, the charcoal toothpaste trend has been in full swing for a few years now. Charcoal toothpaste is said to remove toxins from the mouth, naturally whiten teeth, and even help sensitive teeth.

Unfortunately, charcoal toothpaste is also known for being extremely abrasive. When used daily, charcoal can actually remove tooth enamel and lead to even more sensitive and discolored teeth [5]. Until more research is done, the efficacy of these products is still in question.

Have you heard of any of these health trends? Use caution when adopting practices without knowing how they can affect your body or your smile. Talking to your professional dentist can help you know what’s safe, and to take the best care of your teeth!

Sources:
1. https://www.ada.org/en/~/media/ADA/Public%20Programs/Files/JADA_The%20pH%20
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oil-pulling
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22632388
4. http://farmtotable.colostate.edu/prepare-ferment/kimchi.pdf
5. https://now.tufts.edu/articles/charcoal-and-white-teeth

The post These Health Trends Could Be Hurting Your Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, Invisalign isn’t just for crooked teeth. Invisalign can fix the majority of tooth and jaw alignment issues where traditional braces would normally be the only option. What other cases can Invisalign help?

Gapped Teeth

Gapped teeth are a concern for many patients. For some people, the gaps in their smile will lessen as they age, but for others, the gaps are there to stay. When you want to close the gaps between your teeth, Invisalign is an effective form of treatment that can discreetly move your teeth closer together to create a uniform smile you can enjoy for life!

Overbites

Overbites are one of the most common issues that are fixed with traditional orthodontics. However, Invisalign is also adept at treating overbites, including deep overbites [2]. If your orthodontist has told you that you have an overbite, ask him or her about Invisalign to correct your bite and deliver a beautiful, functional smile.

Underbites

Underbites tend to be more obvious than overbites, but not in all cases. Underbites can cause chronic jaw pain and difficulty speaking and chewing, and these problems typically become worse over time rather than improving. Fortunately, when you need to correct your underbite, you have the option of going with Invisalign to correct your bite!

For a Straighter Smile

Invisalign provides an overall straighter smile. For people who don’t necessarily have crooked teeth but want to improve the general appearance of their smile, Invisalign provides a way to gradually straighten your teeth with invisible treatment [3]. One of the best benefits of Invisalign is that it’s removable, allowing you to care for your teeth and gums just as you would without orthodontic treatment for brighter, more even teeth.

Is Invisalign Right for You?

While Invisalign can treat the majority of orthodontic cases, there are some people who will need more extensive treatment where an option such as traditional braces would be more effective. Is it time to ask your orthodontist about Invisalign? Adults and kids alike love the discreet treatment of Invisalign for a beautiful, straight smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.invisalign.com/frequently-asked-questions
2. http://www.jdentaled.org/content/72/8/948
3. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/braces-have-changed-metal-tooth-
colored-clear

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If left untreated, the gum disease will get worse. Caused by bacteria in the mouth, gum disease—sometimes called periodontal disease—has symptoms such as chronic bad breath, tender or bleeding gums, and sensitive teeth [1].

What stages are seen in patients with gum disease as it gets worse? The following phases can help you better understand how this devastating condition works in the mouth to cause severe consequences.

Gingivitis: Early Gum Disease

Gingivitis, a word that means inflammation of the gums, is the beginning stage of gum disease. Fortunately, in this early phase, gum disease is relatively simple to reverse with a professional cleaning from your dentist and regular home care habits.

When gingivitis is present, you may see swollen gums that appear puffy, see blood when brushing, or bad breath that returns even after brushing or using mouthwash [2]. By getting regular cleanings with your dentist and taking care of your teeth at home, you can prevent gingivitis!

Periodontitis: Moderate to Severe Gum Disease

Periodontitis characterizes a more moderate to severe gum disease in which the gums actually begin to pull away from the teeth. This creates pockets of infection that can cause sensitive teeth, pain, and begin to cause damage to the connective tissue that help hold your teeth in place.

At this stage, your gum disease won’t be able to be reversed with a simple cleaning. Your dentist may suggest a professional treatment that actually goes beneath the gumline to remove bacteria and infection, also known as a root planing and scaling in an attempt to control the condition [3].

Advanced Periodontitis: Severe Gum Disease

Once your gum disease has advanced, your teeth may begin to feel loose as the supporting bone and ligaments will have been damaged by the bacteria and infection present beneath the gumline.

At this stage, gum disease will be more difficult to treat. If your teeth are shifting or loose, an extraction may be the only option to treat your smile [4]. Once your natural teeth are gone, you’ll need to consider replacements once your gum disease is under control.

Are You Seeing Signs of Gum Disease?

If you’re seeing the signs or experiencing the symptoms of gum disease, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Remember, the earlier you treat gum disease, the easier and less invasive your treatment will be. While gum disease is common in adults, it can ruin your natural smile, so don’t delay in seeking professional treatment!

Sources:
1. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gingivitis
3.https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/for_the_dental_patient_jan_2011.pdf
4. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-09/periodontal-disease_0.pdf

The post What Are the Stages of Gum Disease? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.