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Common Problems: Aching Jaw If your jaw aches, it's usually because of increased tension in the surrounding muscles. This is often related to stress, tiredness or anxiety, and is quite common among students taking exams. Painkillers and sedatives may relieve the symptoms in the short term, but you may also consider trying relaxation techniques. If you grind your teeth at night while you sleep, you could wear a 'biteguard' to limit any damage. Dental abscesses Dental abscesses can be painful but they can be treated relatively easily. A dental abscess is formed when the dental pulp in the middle of the tooth dies and the pulp chamber becomes infected. The build-up of pus can raise the tooth up within the socket, making it feel tender when you bite down. Tooth abscesses can make your jaw ache and feel tender when you chew. If the abscess bursts, the pain may go, but you should still seek treatment. It's important that you see your dentist to make sure the problem doesn't come back. Your dentist will discuss with you the possibilities of placing a root filling in the tooth to prevent this from happening. Abcesses occur when tooth decay is left untreated and reaches the dental pulp (the inside of the tooth which holds the blood supply and the nerves), which then becomes infected and dies. The bacteria then spread into the root of the tooth to form an abscess. Avoiding treatment or putting it off may be one of the reasons for an abscess starting. Dental abscesses are fairly easy to diagnose - for example, you may find that pain is worse if you are pressing or chewing on the affected tooth. If the pain is less easy to define, your dentist will tap the teeth to determine which one is tender. The dentist may use an x-ray as part of the diagnosis, although the early stages of an abscess may not show. To be able to treat a tooth with an abscess your dentist will first need to deal with the infection. The dentist is likely to drain the abcess, then perform a procedure known as root canal. This involves putting in a rott filling to block off the pulp and the nerve canal and will stop the infection from the abscess is severe, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics. Because the dentist will have had to drill into the tooth for the root canal treatment, they will then need to restore it with a normal filling or crown. Dry mouth We all suffer from a dry mouth from time to time, but for some people the condition is more long-lasting. Xerostomia is a condition where the mouth becomes very dry and can make people more susceptible to dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath or cause problems for denture wearers. There are lots of different reasons why people get dry mouth, and there are things that you can do both to ease the condition and help prevent problems with your teeth. Some prescription drugs and medicines can cause dry mouth as a side effect, especially treatments for depression and high blood pressure. Also, certain medical conditions affect the salivary glands, so they don't produce as much saliva and the mouth tends to be more dry. Xerostomia can lead to dryness, a burning or sore feeling in the mouth or a bad taste. You may also have difficulty swallowing and speaking. If you wear dentures, you may find they become loose and cause sore areas. Making sure you don't get dehydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can help. Also, doctors and dentists can prescribe artificial saliva which comes as a spray to help moisten the mouth. Talk to your doctor about the medicines you take to see if there are suitable alternatives less likely to cause dry mouth. Some people find sucking sweets, or chewing gum helps produce more saliva, but take special care that these don't contain sugar as this could cause more tooth decay. Erosion Just as sugary food and drinks can cause tooth decay, acidic food and drinks can cause erosion, the wearing away of the top layer - the enamel - of the tooth. Erosion is very serious as, once the enamel has gone, it's gone forever. The biggest culprits for erosion are fizzy drinks, fruit juices and squashes as they contain high levels of acid. Dentists recommend that you avoid these and opt for water or milk whenever possible. If you do drink acidic fruit juices or squashes, you can do the following to minimise the damage.
Fear of going to the dentist Dentists will do all they can to help put your mind at rest if you're nervous or anxious about treatment. First of all, talk to your dentist about your concerns. They will be able to explain the treatments and what each of the instruments does. They might also have 'diversions' - a fish tank, background music, even videos - to take your mind off your treatment. As well as listening to your concerns, dentists can offer more practical solutions too. Some dentists offer something called conscious sedation, where you stay awake but special drugs mean that your anxiety levels are lowered. Other practices offer hypnosis or acupuncture either to get you over your fears or to distract you from them. If your anxiety is severe, you may want to consider specialist counselling or anxiety management courses. If you're worried that your treatment might be painful, talk to your dentist about pain relief, either conscious sedation or local anaesthetic. Gum disease Gum disease is caused by plaque, just like tooth decay. If the plaque isn't removed with brushing, flossing or a mouthrinse, it can get under the gum line and attack the gums, making them red and puffy. You may also notice some bleeding when you brush your teeth. If left, the gum disease can cause serious problems. The gum may start to come away from the tooth, creating 'pockets' around it where even more plaque can gather. Over time, the plaque will begin eating away at the bone which supports the tooth, which may mean you have to have that tooth removed. Gum disease is very common in the India as well as the rest of the world, with most adults suffering some form of it, but it is very simple to prevent. Here are some top tips:
Knocked-out teeth Accidents happen, especially if you're playing sports. If your teeth get knocked out, there is a chance that they can be put back in by a dentist. Simply follow these steps:
If you can't put the tooth back in, try this:
Mouth ulcers Mouth ulcers can be uncomfortable. They look similar small blisters and can be caused by a tooth rubbing, a lack of vitamin B12, anaemia or even stress. Treatment of ulcers is quite simple and they will usually heal within 7 days. If they last for more than two weeks, you should go and see your dentist as they may be an early indication of something more serious. If you have a mouth ulcer, you can help clear them up by using a special antiseptic mouthwash or with special pastilles. These are available from most chemists and pharmacies - just ask the pharmacist for advice. Having a healthy diet can help prevent mouth ulcers and ensure you keep in good health generally. Remember to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Mouth or Oral Cancer Oral or Mouth cancer kills more people each year than cervical or (another cancer) cancer. Your dentist is in the best position to spot mouth cancer, which is one of the reasons why it's so important to have regular check-ups. Early signs of mouth cancer can be something as simple as a mouth ulcer that won't go away. If you are over 40 and a heavy smoker or drinker, you are more likely to be at risk, so you need to be especially watchful of changes in your mouth. If you have a mouth ulcer which lasts for more than two weeks, or a red or white patch in your mouth, or you notice a swelling or growth which doesn't go down after a couple of weeks, go and see your dentist. It may be nothing, but that simple check-up could just save your life. You won't be wasting your dentist's time if you're worried about an ulcer or a sore patch in your mouth. Remember, half of those diagnosed with mouth cancer die from the disease because it wasn't caught early enough. Your dentist will look at your face and neck and feel under your jaw and down your neck. They will also have a good look around your mouth, including under your tongue, to check for any of the warning signs. You can reduce your risk of mouth cancer quite simply. If you stop smoking, cut down on your alcohol intake and make sure you eat a healthy diet with at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day, you can dramatically reduce the risks. Snoring We all snore from time to time, usually if we're nursing a cold or a blocked nose. For some people, though, snoring is a long term condition which can be distressing for them and their partners. In these cases, dentists may be able to help. Snoring happens when the soft palate and soft tissues in the throat vibrate together. Throat muscles relax during sleep, like all muscles, and this reduces the size of the airway. A dentist may be able to fit a special appliance which can be worn in the mouth to pull the lower jaw and tongue forward, keeping the airway open and reducing the chance of snoring. How to prevent snoring? Snoring happens when the soft palate and soft tissues in the throat vibrate together. Throat muscles relax during sleep, like all muscles, and this reduces the size of the airway. If you're a sufferer - or if your partner is - try these possible solutions:
Tooth decay Tooth decay (caries) is a common problem affecting teeth, and affects people of all ages. There are bacteria which live in plaque, and make it very sticky. These bacteria feed on sugars which come from food and drink (such as sucrose, glucose and fructose), and produce acids. The acids they produce can damage the tooth's surface by softening it (dissolving away the minerals in the tooth's outer surface which is called enamel). Once all the sugar has been used up, the acid gradually disappears and the tooth's surface starts to repair itself. Each time something sweet is eaten or drunk, plaque bacteria produce more acids, which attack the tooth's enamel again and softens it. So the acidity of plaque (its pH) goes up and down periodically. The pH of plaque drops (becomes more acid) each time sugar is eaten and plaque bacteria produce acid. The pH then gradually returns back to normal (with the help of saliva) until the next time plaque bacteria feed on sugars. TREATMENTS COSMETIC DENTISTRY Everyday life takes its toll on our teeth. Drinking too much tea or coffee, smoking or even eating strongly coloured foods can stain and discolour them. There are toothpastes available which will help remove these stains, but they can't change the actual colour of the tooth underneath. The colour of your teeth is determined by your DNA, just like the colour of your hair or your eyes. As we get older, the dentine - the soft, pulpy substance below the enamel that protects the nerves and the blood supply to the tooth - changes colour, becoming more yellow. This is something which a stain-removing toothpaste alone cannot help. Dentists can, though. By applying a bleaching agent to the teeth, they can whiten the teeth, giving you a sparkly white smile. This procedure is simple, harmless and practically painless. It is important, though, to do it under your dentist's supervision. Don't be tempted to buy kits over the counter or on the Internet. Not only are they not made to fit your mouth exactly, it may be that bleaching isn't suitable for you, especially if you have gum disease or crowns. How would my dentist whiten my teeth? The most common way a dentist will whiten or bleach your teeth is using a special sleeve and some gel. First of all, the dentist will give your mouth a thorough check-up to make sure there are no other problems and that your gums are nice and healthy. Then he or she will take an impression of your teeth, upper and lower, using a special tray with dental putty. Using that impression, a plastic sleeve will be made which can fit snugly and exactly around your teeth. The dentist will then show you how to put a small amount of the bleaching gel into the sleeve and then how to slide it over your teeth. Then you take the sleeve and the gel home and use it overnight, maybe every other or every third night, until your teeth are the desired colour. You may find that your teeth are more sensitive for about 24 hours after each application, but this is only temporary. There are other ways a dentist may whiten your teeth, for example with the use of lasers, which may be quicker. The advantage of the 'sleeve' method, though, is that you have greater control over the colour. Veneers Not all of us are happy with the way our teeth look. Maybe one of them is discoloured or chipped or perhaps it's slightly crooked. Although the tooth may well be healthy, the way it looks can make us really self-conscious. Your dentist can help by applying something called a veneer. A dental veneer is a thin layer of tooth-coloured material - usually porcelain - which the dentist attaches to the damaged or discoloured tooth. Once it's been attached, it will look just as natural as your other teeth. Applying the veneer is a relatively simple procedure and can be done in a couple of visits to the dentist. The dentist will remove a tiny amount of the tooth's surface so that when the veneer is applied it doesn't feel bulky and umould - of your mouth so that a technician can make a veneer comfortable. They will then take an impression - that will match the size and shape of the rest of your teeth. On your second visit, the newly-made veneer will be stuck on with special glue. Veneers can also be made out of the same material that makes white fillings. Your dentist will simply apply a small amount of acid to your tooth to make it a rougher surface and then gradually add layers of filling material to get the right look for you. Orthodontics Having crooked teeth or large gaps between your teeth can cause problems. Food and bacteria could get stuck between the teeth which could cause decay. Similarly, if your teeth stick out, this could cause problems, either with mouth ulcers and decay, or with speech problems. Your dentist might suggest that you have your teeth straightened through orthodontics - by wearing a brace. The majority of orthodontics are carried out on teenagers, but increasing numbers of adults are opting for orthodontics too. Your dentist will probably refer you to a specialist - an orthodontist - who will take examine and probably x-ray your teeth to see how best to straighten them. ORAL HYGEINE Brushing: How to brush your teeth properly? Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste not only helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, it can also prevent bad breath. It isn't just about moving some toothpaste around your mouth, though. You need to concentrate on the nooks and crannies to make sure you remove as much plaque and leftover bits of food as possible. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to show you how best to brush your teeth, but here are some tips:
Finding the right toothbrush for you: Mouthwash: To rinse or not to rinse? Your dentist may recommend that you use a mouthwash or rinse after you've brushed your teeth. Using a mouthwash can help get rid of the last bits of bacteria or leftover food that you might have missed with your toothbrush, especially in the hard-to-reach areas. There are plenty of mouthwashes on the market, but you may need to read the labels as some mouthwashes contain alcohol which may be of concern to some individuals. Bad breath: We all get bad breath from time to time, either from smoking, what we eat or drink or because of an infection in the mouth. You can often tell that you've got bad breath by an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Brushing your teeth or chewing sugar-free gum will help, but if it continues, visit your dentist as you might have an infection that needs treating. Flossing Dentists and dental hygienists will often recommend that you floss your teeth as part of your oral care routine. Flossing your teeth helps remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth and from under your gumline, helping you in the battle against tooth decay and gum disease. It can be tricky to get used to at first, but we've come up with a step-by-step guide to help you. Take about 45cm (18 inches) of floss and it around the middle fingers of each hand. Pinch the floss between the thumb and index finger, leaving around 2.5-5cm (1-2 inch) of floss in between. Pulling the floss tight, slide it up and down against the tooth surface and under the gumline. Try not to use a sawing action as this could cut into the gum. Instead, try a circular movement with your fingers - this will help you get underneath the gumline without causing any damage. When you move on to the next tooth, rewind the floss you're holding to expose a fresh piece. Do this for your whole mouth. If you are finding holding the floss difficult, you can buy 'flossers' from good chemists and pharmacies. These hold the floss for you, so you can guide the floss around your mouth more easily. When you first start flossing, your gums may bleed. Don't worry too much about this - as you get better at flossing and as your gums become healthier, this will reduce. In some cases your dentist or hygienist may recommend the use of interdental brushes which can be an effective alternative to flossing. FAQs What are wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to appear, right at the back of the mouth, usually when you're in your late teens. Most people have four wisdom teeth - two at the top, two at the bottom - but some people have fewer than this, or even none at all. Because they're the last teeth to come through, there may not be room in your mouth for them. As a result, they can push the existing teeth forward, causing overcrowding in the mouth and possibly some discomfort. Amalgam and general health? There are often stories in the newspapers about the safety of amalgam or silver fillings, linking them to health problems such as migraines and multiple sclerosis. There is very little evidence to support these stories and the Department of Health and its experts advise dentists and the public that amalgam fillings are perfectly safe. A very small number of people may find that they are sensitive to the various component parts of the amalgam. For this reason, amalgam fillings will not be given to them and existing fillings may be removed. This is very rare, but if you are concerned, ask your doctor to carry out a mercury sensitivity test. If you find ulcerated patches on the skin or mouth, you may be allergic or sensitive to the mercury in your amalgam fillings. In this case, visit your doctor who will test you for mercury allergy. If you test positive, your dentist may suggest that you have your fillings removed and replaced with a non-amalgam variety. This allergy is very rare, however. Pregnancy and dental care? Because some objects - like bacteria, for example - can cross the placenta, the Department of Health advises dentists that they should avoid putting in - or removing - amalgam fillings during pregnancy. This is purely as a precautionary measure - there is no evidence that a pregnant mother's fillings can affect her baby. Are dental x-rays harmful to my unborn baby? There is a very slight risk to your unborn child, which is why it's vital that you tell your dentist even if you only think you might be pregnant. Why do treatment plans sometimes vary from one dentist to another? As in many other areas, dentists may have different ways of getting to the same end point. This could mean that one dentist suggests one way of treating a problem, while a different dentist has another. When examining your teeth, a dentist goes through three steps. First they check whether there is anything wrong with the tooth. If there is, they decide whether it needs treatment, and finally, if it does, what treatment is necessary. After they've been through this process, they will talk you through your options. |
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