Dry Mouth is actually a serious problem that occurs in about 20% of senior citizens. It is not a problem associated with being thirsty but, rather, a condition that results from a lack of saliva flow in the mouth. Dry Mouth is caused by another condition that can be diagnosed and treated by your dentist. Dry Mouth is often caused by medications such as antidepressants, pain medications and muscle relaxers.
Most canker sores will dissipate after a week or two and are not cause for alarm. They are frequently in many adults and cannot be transmitted through contact with another person. However, if a canker sore is still present after two weeks, is larger than a centimeter, is accompanied by a high fever, is especially painful or makes normal eating and drinking difficult, you should visit your dentist immediately.
Your child will be ready for their first dentist appointment when their first tooth is readily visible. However, if they reach their first birthday and a tooth has not yet come in, you should take them to a dentist. This is no cause for alarm but they will be ready for their first check up at this time.
Cavities are small holes in teeth that appear as a result of tooth decay. You can prevent cavities by brushing your teeth at least two times daily, flossing every day and avoiding foods or drinks that are high in sugar. In addition, regular trips to your dentist can help prevent tooth decay which will, in turn, prevent the onset of cavities.
Bad breath affects a large number of adults. Sometimes, it is simply a result of the foods that you choose to eat but not because they are still present in your mouth. Halitosis can be brought on after eating foods like garlic and cabbage. When the food enters your blood, it will eventually transfer to your lungs. The smell of the food will still be present when you exhale. However, bad breath can result from a variety of other causes such as oral disease or infection, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene and tobacco use. Visit your dentist if you experience chronic bad breath but avoid foods known to cause Halitosis.
Bruxism is a fairly common dental disorder that causes sufferers to grind or clench their teeth, especially at night. This disorder can cause jaw pain and lead to other conditions as it slowly breaks down teeth – up to and including temporomandibular joint (TMJ). However, your dentist can provide you with a clear teeth guard to help alleviate the effects of Bruxism. Prolonged Bruxism can disturb sleep patterns and make eating difficult.
Particularly in contact sports like Football and Hockey, mouth guards are necessary to prevent tooth damage or loss. Some beginner sport players claim that it is difficult to wear them. However, many professional sports players say that, by starting to wear them early, they become just like another piece of gear and they hardly notice them. Your dentist can suggest a specific mouth guard for your sport or oral make up..
When a tooth breaks or decays, bacteria can invade the inner tooth and result in an infection – an abscessed tooth. This problem can not only result in pus or swelling and pain. In fact, the infection can quickly spread through the rest of the body and become a medical emergency. If you have a broken tooth (often occurring with wisdom teeth), visit your dentist immediately. Often, the only treatment for an abscessed tooth is a root canal. However, waiting because of fear or lack of money can end up costing you much more in emergency room costs.