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Top 5 Embarrassing Oral Health Problems
Your smile is one of the first noticeable attributes in your daily interactions with people. Regular dental appointments, a rigorous home dental hygiene routine and a well balanced diet all contribute to a vibrant and healthy smile. Sometimes following these daily oral hygiene processes may not be enough. Common oral health issues such as bad breath can leave people feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable. Many times, these embarrassing oral health problems can be solved with the right treatments.
Here are our top 5 embarrassing oral health problems and how to fix them:
- Mouth Sores – Cold sores and canker sores are common problems around the mouth and can be painful and unsightly. These sores typically heal on their own within a week or two. There are over the counter topical anesthetic creams and antimicrobial mouth rinses that provide pain relief and reduce the risk of infection.
- Tooth Decay – Tooth decay is often cause by the buildup of bacterial plaque. Keep tooth decay and erosion at bay by following a strict oral hygiene routine at home, regular dental visits and a healthy diet. Avoiding acidic drinks and foods such as juices, soft drinks, pickles and tomatoes and keep snacking to a minimum.
- Bad Breath – In the most cases, bad breath (Halitosis) is the result of improper home dental hygiene care. However, chronic bad breath needs to be evaluated to determine if there is an underlying medical cause. Treatment will vary depending on the cause. If your dentist gives you a clean bill of oral health, you will need to look further. Certain medical disorders like gastrointestinal conditions, diabetes, bronchitis, and respiratory infections can all cause bad breath.
- Receding Gums – Receding gums can lead to serious issues such as periodontal disease and tooth loss. Teeth can actually become loose and eventually fall out from the damage caused by advanced periodontitis. Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. Sometimes, using a mouthguard at night will help avoid damaging your teeth while you sleep. Aggressive tooth brushing with a medium or hard brush can also cause receding gums. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid harsh brushing.
- Discolored Teeth – Yellow teeth can make you more self conscious and keep you from smiling each day. You can improve the color of your teeth by proper brushing and flossing, professional dental cleanings, whitening treatments and veneers. Some preventative measures to keep your teeth from becoming discolored include not smoking, limiting consumption of foods and drinks that stain your teeth, following a proper daily dental care routine at home and maintaining regular dental checkups and cleanings. Don’t smoke, and limit your consumption of foods and drinks that cause yellowing.
If you are suffering from any of these issues or are due for a checkup and cleaning, contact us at (727) 835-7076. Trinity Premier Dental is ready to help with any of your dental concerns. We work together with you to keep your smile radiant for years to come!
Happy Presidents Day from all of us At Trinity Premier Dental!
All About Toothaches
Believe it or not, there’s a national day to honor toothaches of all things. It’s true. February 9th has been labelled National Toothache Day. It is not clear the origin of this day and remains a mystery, but is it coincidental that the Hershey’s Candy corporation was founded in February of 1894 and may be the cause of so many toothaches? Whatever its history, National Toothache Day is a reminder for all to focus on good oral health, and keep troublesome toothaches at bay.
So what causes toothaches? Many factors can contribute to toothaches such as decay, swelling, cracked or broken teeth, damaged dental work, gum disease or infection. The symptoms of toothache include sharp pain or dull pain in or around the tooth. The most common cause of a toothache is a dental cavity as a result of tooth decay, but proper diagnosis is needed by your dentist to determine the cause and determine the treatment.
What can you do to ease toothaches until you can get to your dentist? Here are a few home remedies to try:
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm, salt water.
- Place a warm, wet tea bag placed over the area
- Floss your teeth gently to dislodge any food particles that may be between them.
- Use a toothpaste that is for sensitive teeth.
- Avoid extreme hot or cold foods.
- Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
Get to your dentist quickly to determine the cause and treatment. There are various procedures that your dentist may use to stop a toothache depending on the cause of the pain such as dental fillings, root canals, or tooth extraction. Follow a proper oral hygiene routine, focus on good oral hygiene and don’t forget about your regular dental checkups. Contact Trinity Premier Dental at (727) 835-7076 if you are experiencing any pain or to schedule your next checkup.
Let’s work toward making every day a Toothache Free Day!
Further Reading: Home Remedies for Toothaches.
Proper Oral Appliance Cleaning Methods
Countertop ultrasonic cleaners are the best way to get your appliance cleaned. These units work by emitting high frequency sound vibrations. The vibrations loosen up plaque and tiny food particles from the crevices in the appliance. These units also pose less of a scratching risk to the appliance than manual cleaning.
Some people prefer to use a brush, but there are a few dos and don’ts to follow. There are brushes designed for certain dental appliances that you may use or a soft-bristle toothbrush (one that you do not use for your natural teeth). There are cleaners specially designed for oral appliances, but mild dish detergent or antibacterial hand soap will work just as well. You should never use toothpaste. Most toothpastes contain an abrasive ingredient for removing plaque from enamel, which could leave scratches on your appliance.
Boiling may kill bacteria, but the high heat may soften and warp the plastic material. This could alter the way the appliance fits and make them loose and uncomfortable. Always avoid using bleach. Bleach can whiten the area designed to mimic the red color of real gum tissue. Dental appliances should never be worn around the clock unless you’ve been advised to do so. This increases the potential growth and spread of bacteria.
Keeping your appliance clean will help it will last longer. Follow a proper home hygiene routine and regular dental visits to keep your teeth and appliance in top shape. Give us a call at (727) 835-7076 to schedule your next dental visit.
