Author: Dr. Gurpreet Gill

This author has written 180 articles
Read more about the article Managing Burning Mouth Syndrome

Managing Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome, or BMS, is a chronic dental condition that is often described as a burning sensation felt on the tongue, cheeks, lips or entire mouth.

The most common symptom associated with burning mouth syndrome is severe burning. Generally, symptoms will begin in the morning and continue throughout the entire day, before reaching an elevated level of intensity in the evening.

Causes

BMS is often associated with an issue related to an individual’s sensory nerves or central nervous system. It could also be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a nutritional deficiency or endocrine disorder, such as diabetes. Additionally, adverse reactions to some oral medications, food allergies and depression can cause the burning syndrome.

Psychological dysfunction

Personality and mood changes (especially anxiety and depression) have been consistently demonstrated in patients with BMS and have been used to suggest that the disorder is a psychogenic problem.

Treatment

The dental professional will generally prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. However, for people with secondary burning mouth syndrome, the underlying condition is generally treated first. This is done in hopes of relieving any affects the BMS has on the individual.

In case of psychological problem, behavioural techniques in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome may be used to bring improvement in pain-coping strategies than to a “cure” of the disorder.

In addition to visiting a dental health provider for treatment, there are a few things you can do on your own to help relieve symptoms, including chewing sugarless gum, sucking on ice chips and avoiding alcohol and tobacco products. Additionally, keeping water handy to sip on throughout the day, as well as being mindful of your intake of irritating substances, such as spicy foods or products high in acid, can also help ease the discomfort associated with this condition.

The other treatment options may include:

  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Oral supplementation
  • High fluid intake
  • Local desensitization

Because BMS is a chronic problem, non-pharmacologic approaches like stress management/reduction, meditation, yoga, exercise, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, regular counselling etc. may help to reduce symptoms and keep drug dosages low. With any therapy for BMS, it may take several weeks or even months before maximum benefits are achieved.

Ref: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/Topics/Burning/BurningMouthSyndrome.htm

Our Score
Click to rate this post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read more about the article Habits That Can Wreck Your Teeth

Habits That Can Wreck Your Teeth

There are many common habits that wreck your teeth. Avoiding or limiting these unhealthy habits in the long run can save you on future dental and orthodontic care, and keep your smile healthy.

  • Chewing on ice – Chewing ice is a seemingly harmless, unconscious habit but can cause permanent damage to our teeth with small cracks. These cracks can grow larger over time and ultimately cause a tooth to fracture. Chewing ice can also chip teeth.
  • Playing sports with no mouth guard – Going out on the playing field without something to protect your teeth is dangerous. Your teeth are vulnerable to being knocked out or damaged from high impact sports such as basketball, football, hockey, and soccer. A sports mouth guard helps cushion hard blows to the teeth and jaw.
  • Bed time bottles for babies – Bottles of milk at bedtime increase the risk of early dental decay in your baby’s mouth. Prolonged exposure of the sugar in milk works with mouth bacteria to break down tooth enamel and results in decay.
  • Teeth grinding – It puts pressure on teeth, jaw muscles, and the jaw joint and can cause pain. Wearing a custom-made mouth guard at night may help prevent damage and reduce pressure on teeth and surrounding structures. Other methods such as biofeedback and relaxation techniques might help.
  • Opening stuff with teeth – Teeth are meant for eating, speaking properly, and smiling. Anything else can be unhealthy and this most certainly includes using them as tools. Despite the convenience, opening potato chip bags, bobby pins, or even bottle caps with teeth can cause teeth to chip or fracture.
  • Constant snacking – Constant snacking throughout the day means food debris and plaque sit on your teeth for a prolonged amount of time. Also, consider snacking on cleansing-type foods such as apples, carrots, and celery that minimize plaque build-up.
  • Chewing on pencils – These things put pressures on teeth can cause teeth to chip or fracture. Chewing sugarless gum can be one way to prevent damage and it also stimulates saliva production and helps to cleanse our teeth in the process.
  • Smoking – Tobacco use dries out the mouth and increases the amount of plaque build-up around our teeth. Smokers are more likely to lose teeth compared to non-smokers due to gum disease. Additionally, tobacco use is a big risk factor for oral cancer.
  • Nail biting – In addition to endangering your health by introducing germs and viruses, nail biting can cause your teeth to move out of place and can cause the splintering of tooth enamel.
  • Improper brushing – Some people brush too vigorously. This can lead to worn down enamel and gum irritation. It is better to brush deliberately and gently, with a soft-bristle brush.
  • Drinking red/white wine – The acids in wine eat away at tooth enamel, creating rough spots that make teeth more vulnerable to staining. Swishing with water after drinking can fight the staining effects of red and white wines.

It’s also important to brush twice a day for two minutes, floss once a day and visit your general dentist regularly.

Our Score
Click to rate this post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read more about the article Beyond Teeth: What’s Inside Your Mouth?

Beyond Teeth: What’s Inside Your Mouth?

The mouth, or oral cavity, is made up of numerous components that work together so that you can breathe, speak, eat and digest food. Following are the parts of your mouth:

  • Upper and lower lips and cheeks – Lips let air into your mouth for breathing and, together with cheeks, help you speak. They also keep food and saliva in your mouth while chewing.
  • Hard palate – Located at the front of the roof of the mouth
  • Soft palate – In the back of the roof of the mouth
  • Gums and Tongue
  • The uvula – The soft tissues that hangs from the soft palate
  • Tonsils – The balls of tissue on each side of the throat
  • Retromolar trigone – The connective tissues that join the upper and lower jaws
  • Underside of the tongue and the floor of the mouth
  • Oral mucosa – The mucus lining that coats and protects the inside of the mouth
  • Salivary glands – Organs that produce an enzyme that helps break down food and protects the mouth
  • Frenulum linguae – The flap that connects the tongue and the floor of the mouth
  • Teeth – The different kinds of teeth are incisors, canines, molars, premolars and wisdom teeth.

Keeping your mouth healthy

The moment you know your mouth well enough you will be in a better position to understand the way it works and take better care of it. The oral cavity needs special care and attention.

An oral hygiene routine that keeps all parts of the mouth healthy consists in brushing your teeth twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth with dental floss. To keep those taste buds sharp, brush your tongue regularly as well.

It’s important to schedule regular dental appointments and professional cleanings, which remove the tartar and plaque your toothbrush can’t reach.

Although having a pretty smile is important to a lot of people, a healthy mouth is much more important. Keeping all the parts of your mouth in good working order won’t just ensure good dental health, but a healthy body too.

Our Score
Click to rate this post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read more about the article Relationship between Oral Health and General Health

Relationship between Oral Health and General Health

Oral health is essential to general health and well-being at every stage of life. Oral conditions have an impact on overall health and disease. Bacteria from the mouth can cause infection in other parts of the body when the immune system has been compromised by disease or medical treatments.

Diabetes
Researchers have found a link a between type 2 diabetes and periodontitis, or gum disease. One reason could be that when infections in your mouth get bad enough, they can lead to low-grade inflammation throughout your body, which in turn lowers your sugar-processing abilities.

Ref: American Diabetes Association, Diabetic Forecast Mar 2016

Heart Disease
As with diabetes, the connection between poor oral health and cardiovascular conditions has been recognized – the two are often found together. Small amounts of bacteria enter your bloodstream while you’re chewing. “Bad” bacteria from an infected mouth may lodge itself inside blood vessels, ultimately causing dangerous blockages.

Ref: American Heart Association: “Dental Health and Heart Health”.

Pregnancy complications
For many pregnant women, gum infections stem from the fluctuating hormone levels that come with pregnancy. Scientists believe that gum disease or inflammation in the mouth possibly triggers an increase in a chemical compound called prostaglandin, which induces early labour. Research has also found a relationship between periodontal disease and low birth weight.

Ref: Saini R, Saini S, Saini S. Periodontitis: A Risk for delivery of premature labor and low birth weight infants; J Nat Sci Biol Med 2010 July-Dec;1(1):40-42.

Pneumonia
A study of elderly participants found that the number who developed pneumonia was higher in patients with periodontal infection than in those free from it. Even in a healthy mouth there are lots of bacteria, but bacteria in a not-healthy mouth can get aspirated into the lungs, causing pneumonia or aggravating COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. An improvement in oral health can lead to a reduction in respiratory infection.

Ref: J Can Den Assoc 2002; 68(6):340-5

Osteoporosis
Researchers have suggested that a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw. Studies suggest that osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone that supports the teeth may be decreased, which means the teeth no longer have a solid foundation. Ref: Dentistryiq.com
Therefore, oral health can no longer be ignored in designing overall national health strategies. It is essential to protect natural teeth from decay and periodontal disease, and focus on early detection and prevention of these conditions.

Our Score
Click to rate this post!
[Total: 2 Average: 4.5]
Read more about the article Energy and Sports Drinks Damage Teeth
Teenagers (14-16) resting with drinks after football game

Energy and Sports Drinks Damage Teeth

There is an alarming increase in the consumption of sports and energy drinks, especially among adolescents. It is causing irreversible damage to teeth – specifically, the high acidity levels in the drinks erode tooth enamel, the glossy outer layer of the tooth. Young athletes consume these drinks assuming that they will improve their sports performance and energy levels. Most of them are shocked to learn that these drinks are essentially bathing their teeth with acid.

Damage caused to tooth enamel is irreversible, and without the protection of enamel, teeth become overly sensitive, prone to cavities, and more likely to decay.

Sports drinks were made to keep your body hydrated and energized during intense exercise. While they may be beneficial during a good workout, these drinks should never take the place of water and should not be consumed casually or on a daily basis.

Tips to protect your teeth if you drink energy/sports drink:

  • Don’t make it a daily habit. Drink sports drinks only during high intensity workouts, not on a regular basis, and minimize the amount of energy drinks you consume.
  • Drink it all at once instead of sipping throughout the day.
  • Chew sugar-free gum or rinse the mouth with water following consumption of the drinks. Both tactics increase saliva flow, which naturally helps to return the acidity levels in the mouth to normal.
  • Wait at least an hour to brush your teeth after consuming sports and energy drinks. Otherwise, you will be increasing the erosive action.

If you have more questions about sports or energy drinks, call us or visit us. We’re happy to hear from our patients.

Our Score
Click to rate this post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read more about the article Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
Baby drinking from a babybottle

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, or Early Childhood Caries. It happens when the child’s teeth come into contact with sugary foods and drinks often and for long periods of time. Among these liquids are milk, formula, fruit juice, sodas and other sweetened drinks. The sugars in these liquids pool around the infant’s teeth and gums, feeding the bacteria in plaque. Every time a child consumes a sugary liquid, acid produced by these bacteria attack the teeth and gums. After numerous attacks, tooth decay can begin.

The condition also is associated with breast-fed infants who have prolonged feeding habits or with children whose pacifiers are frequently dipped in honey, sugar or syrup. The sweet fluids left in the mouth while the infant is sleeping increase the chances of cavities.

Giving an infant a sugary drink at nap or night time is harmful because during sleep, the flow of saliva decreases, allowing the sugary liquids to linger on the child’s teeth for an extended period of time. If left untreated, decay can result, which can cause pain and infection. Severely decayed teeth may need to be extracted. If teeth are infected or lost too early due to baby bottle tooth decay, your child may develop poor eating habits, speech problems, crooked teeth and damaged adult teeth. Healthy baby teeth will usually result in healthy permanent teeth.

If your infant or toddler does not receive an adequate amount of fluoride, they may also have an increased risk for tooth decay. The good news is that decay is preventable.

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Infants should finish their bedtime or naptime bottle before going to bed. A bottle should not be used as a pacifier. Frequent sips of sugary liquids can cause tooth decay. Clean and massage the baby’s gums to help establish healthy teeth and to aid in teething. Wrap a moistened gauze square or washcloth around the finger and gently massage the gums and gingival tissues. This should be done after every feeding.

Plaque removal activities should begin upon eruption of the first baby tooth. When brushing a child’s teeth, use a soft toothbrush and water. If you are considering using toothpaste before your child’s second birthday, ask your general dentist first. Parents should first bring their child to the dentist when the child is between 6 and 12 months old.

Remember that healthy baby teeth will lead to healthy permanent teeth.

Our Score
Click to rate this post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read more about the article Coffee and Doughnuts: Worst Breakfast for Your Teeth

Coffee and Doughnuts: Worst Breakfast for Your Teeth

A cup of cappuccino or latte and a doughnut unfortunately has become a quick breakfast for people on the go. However, they don’t think about the serious adverse effects of sugar and caffeine on teeth.

Effects of doughnuts on teeth:

Doughnuts are packed with loads of sugar – five times as much as a plain oatmeal cookie!  In fact, they are worse than many other snacks in the market. Sugar plays a harmful role in tooth decay. The bacteria that form together to become plaque use sugar as a form of energy. They multiply faster and the plaque grows in size and thickness. Some of the bacteria turn the sugar into a kind of glue that they use to stick themselves to the tooth surface. This makes it harder for the bacteria to get washed away with your saliva. Bacteria also create acids that destroy the tooth enamel.  Cavities are a bacterial infection created by acids that cause your teeth to experience a hole in them. Without treatment, cavities can progress past the enamel and into the deeper layers of the tooth, causing pain and possible tooth loss.

Effects of sugar on teeth:

Coffee is the only thing that can get some people going in the morning. Here are the side effects of drinking coffee:

Like other acidic drinks, coffee can be very rough on the teeth depending on the amount you drink. The tannic acid in coffee settles into the grooves of your tooth enamel and can deeply stain teeth. Many people who have been drinking coffee for years develop a yellowish stain on teeth that can be hard to get rid of without whitening treatment.

To prevent staining, take a few sips of water after drinking coffee, and swish them around your mouth to wash off the tannic acid. Wait for approximately 20-30 minutes to brush.

See your general dentist regularly to have tips and advice about how to protect your teeth from sugar and caffeine.

Our Score
Click to rate this post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read more about the article Is Your Toothbrush Making You Sick?

Is Your Toothbrush Making You Sick?

It is possible to become sick by using a germy toothbrush. According to researchers at the University of Birmingham School of Dentistry, there can be as many as 1.2 million bacteria on a single toothbrush. They have found the flu virus, staph bacteria, E. coli, yeast fungus and strep virus hanging out on used toothbrushes. Toothbrushes have the ability to be infected by a wide range of microorganisms, including viruses which can cause the common cold to even herpes. Pneumonia-causing bacteria also are found on a toothbrush. The germ problem lies in how and where we store our toothbrushes. Bathrooms are the perfect place for bacteria to grow — they are moist and steamy. In addition, most toothbrushes sit next to the toilet.

However, with the help of our immune system and everyday good hygiene habits, it is unlikely that your toothbrush will make you sick. But, there is still a chance for these bacteria to break through our defences.

To avoid a germy toothbrush, put these helpful tips into practice:

  • Wash your hands before and after brushing.
  • Change your toothbrush every three months or whenever you have the flu or a cold. You should also change when the bristles become worn.
  • Alternate between two brushes to make sure you use a completely dry brush.
  • Store your brush away from the toilet, and close the lid before flushing.
  • Do not share brushes and avoid storing toothbrushes together. Even storing your toothbrush too close to someone else’s is unwise because bacteria can jump from one brush to another.
  • Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after every brush with hot water.  Small amounts of food can remain in the bristles, and if they’re not removed, they can spoil and cause gastrointestinal problems. For a more effective rinse, submerge your brush in hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based mouthwash.
  • Let your brush air-dry before putting a cap on the head or storing it away.
  • Use a different tube of toothpaste if you or someone else in your family is sick.
  • If you have severe oral or systemic diseases and those undergoing cancer chemotherapy, cardiac surgery, or organ transplantation should change toothbrushes more frequently.
Our Score
Click to rate this post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read more about the article Brushing and Flossing to Fight Plaque

Brushing and Flossing to Fight Plaque

As you eat, your teeth, braces and appliances collect food. If food is left on teeth overnight, a thick plaque forms around the teeth and gums. Plaque causes bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. Bleeding and swollen gums are a sure sign that plaque is not being properly removed. If your gums are swollen and inflamed, you will experience more discomfort during your treatment.

The best way to prevent plaque and tartar build up is to practice good daily oral home care, which includes brushing and flossing.

Brushing

  • Brush for at least 2 minutes, twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to your back teeth, which may have more plaque on them.
  • Brush with gentle strokes so you don’t wear away your gums or teeth.
  • The high speed vibration of electric toothbrush can help break down the plaque and remove it.
  • Brush the teeth for two minutes. Remember, brush the outside, inside and tops of your teeth. Dentists recommend brushing at least twice a day.
  • For fresher breath, brush or scrape the tongue daily.
  • Examine your teeth for food and plaque and thoroughly clean all surfaces of the gums, teeth and braces. Re-examine your teeth to make sure all visible food and plaque have been removed. Extra care must be taken in the area between your gums and the braces.
  • Concentrate on brushing your gums and the gum line as well as your teeth. Two minute brushing, two times per day, is recommended.

Flossing

Some people think flossing is not as important as brushing – but it is! Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gum line, cavity-prone areas your brush can’t reach. If this plaque is allowed to build up under the gum line, gums can become irritated and eventually lead to gum disease. Dentists recommend flossing once a day, in the evening. Failing to floss leaves 35 to 40 per cent of your tooth’s surface uncleaned!

Using a mouthwash can also help fight plaque. If you’re not sure what kind to use, ask your general dentist.

Regular dental check-ups

Although you brush and floss every day, it is very important to continue to see your family dentist at least once every six months for a thorough examination and cleaning of your teeth. If you experience difficulty with good oral hygiene, you might need to see your general dentist more frequently.

Our Score
Click to rate this post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read more about the article About Mouth Guards

About Mouth Guards

blog3 Mouth guards cover your gums and teeth to help keep your mouth and teeth from harm. Mouth guards should be used to keep you safe when you play contact or highly physical sports. They also help to reduce the effects of teeth clenching or grinding. In all cases, the goal of mouth guard use is to help you keep your teeth from being chipped or broken, prevent nerve damage, and avoid tooth loss. Also, mouth guards are used for some tooth whitening procedures. A sports mouth guard can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, cerebral haemorrhages, incidents of unconsciousness, jaw fractures, and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouth guards are effective in moving soft issue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances. Types of Mouth Guards
  • Stock mouth guards – Low cost stock mouth guards can be found at most department stores and sporting goods stores. This type is ready to use, but they do have a few down sides. Most dentists do not advise their use. The drawbacks include trouble related to proper fit as well as the ability to speak and breathe comfortably. This type offers the least defence for your mouth and teeth.
  • Boil and Bite Mouth Guards: This type is made from a kind of plastic that can be reshaped when heated. Boil and bite mouth guards can often be found at sporting goods stores, and they may fit better than stock mouth guards.
  • Custom-fitted Mouth Guards: This type is made in a dental office or lab for the person who will wear it. It offers the comfort and protection. Custom-fitted guards are also the most costly type due to the use of special materials and the time and work needed.
Mouth Guards for Braces Wearers Injury to the mouth can damage invisalign or other fixed appliances. Because of this, it is especially important for those who wear braces to use protective mouth guards during sports. Your dentist or orthodontist can provide you with a custom-fitted mouth guard that will meet your needs. Care for your mouth guard Clean the mouth guard by washing it with soap and warm (not hot) water. Before storing, soak the mouth guard in mouthwash. Keep it in a well-ventilated plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes so the mouth-guard will dry. Heat is bad for mouth guards, so do not leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile. Don’t bend the mouth guard when storing. One should not handle or wear someone else’s mouth guard. Contact us if there are any problems with the mouth guard. Feel free to contact our office to learn more about mouth guards and to schedule an appointment with our general dentist.
Our Score
Click to rate this post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]