Mouth sores can not only be painful, but sometimes embarrassing as well. They can also signify deeper issues, and should not be taken lightly. Your dentist can help treat these problems but it’s ultimately up to you to maintain proper oral hygiene and regular visits. Knowing what these types of oral health issues are, they’re symptoms, and causes, can help.

Canker Sores
These are small ulcers inside the mouth, with a white-ish base (center) and a red border. Canker sores are not contagious, and there may be only one or several. These types of sores often return, as they are believed to be caused in part by immune system malfunctions, bacteria, or viruses.

Aside from health issues like intestinal problems, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease, other issues can increase the likelihood of a canker sore. Stress, allergies, or extended fatigue, as well as a cut or reactions from certain foods can also contribute to canker sore development. (more…)

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Chronic teeth grinding, or bruxism, can lead to serious problems, including severe erosion and fracturing of the teeth, jaw pain, facial pain, headaches, and even loss of hearing.

The causes of teeth grinding are not fully understood. It is thought that anxiety, frustration, stress, misaligned teeth (malocclusion), sleeping disorders, and excessive A-type personality traits are major contributors. Since teeth grinding often occurs at night, suffers may not become aware of their condition until symptoms are somewhat advanced. (more…)

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Dentists warn us to fight plaque. Innumerable brands of toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash wage war against plaque. But what exactly is this enemy we are up against?

Plaque is mainly bacteria that forms in the mouth, but contains other materials as well. Biology Online defines dental plaque as follows -

A soft, thin film of food debris, mucin and dead epithelial cells deposited on the teeth, providing the medium for the growth of various bacteria.

The main inorganic components are calcium and phosphorus with small amounts of magnesium, potassium and sodium, the organic matrix consists of polysaccharides, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and other components … (Biology Online, “Dental plaque”)

If that definition is too technical, Johns Hopkins defines plaque simply as a sticky substance made of mucus, food particles, and bacteria.

Whatever definition you choose, dental plaque is exceedingly complex, containing as many as 400 types of bacteria. Calcium, a component of plaque that comes mainly from the salivary glands, causes plaque to harden and become difficult to remove from the teeth. Sugar and starches we consume accelerate the growth of bacteria and the development of plaque. (This is an overlooked reason to avoid carbs and sugar in your diet.)

Plaque cannot be eliminated completely, but regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, and flossing, are the best defense against plaque buildup.

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Some people don’t even know they have it.

Some people aren’t aware they can treat it.

Bad breath is a major killer of good communication, relationships (who wants to kiss THAT?!), and in extreme cases can result in a loss of respect for the offending mouth’s person.

So what causes bad breath?

There are several possible causes, but the most common actually relates to the food you eat. Garlic, onions, hot peppers… when the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it travels to the lungs, and is expelled with normal breathing. Brushing and flossing after that garlic parmesan pasta lunch will only temporarily mask the odor because once the food does that bloodstream circulation, it comes right back out again.

People who diet tend to have issues with halitosis as well, because they’re either not eating enough, or the foods they do eat create gases in the stomach that “erupt” and come back out. Fibrous vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and green beans are big causes of this type of bad breath.

Of course, tobacco products are an obvious cause of stench, both inside and outside the mouth, but really bad breath can be sign of an infection inside the mouth or in the respiratory system somewhere. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath. Some medical conditions such as diabetes, liver or kidney problems, chronic bronchitis or sinusitis can cause problems, as can some medications.

What can I do about it?

First things first, know that mouthwashes, mints, gum, and sprays are only temporary fixes, and depending on the severity and cause of your problem may not even fix for more than a few minutes. If you know that you’re brushing twice a day with a fluoride paste (tongue and cheeks too), flossing at least once a day, and using an antibacterial mouthwash and you still are having issues with bad breath, you need to see your dentist right away. There may be an oral infection that needs immediate attention before it causes bigger problems. If the dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your regular doctor to determine if there’s some kind of medical condition causing the problem instead.

Whatever the reason for your offensive oral odors, scheduling regular visits to your dentist AND doctor, watching what you eat, maintaining good oral health practices at home, and not smoking are the only ways to make sure you take care of it.

Gum disease (also referred to as periodontal disease) is the most likely cause for adult tooth loss, and can actually be treated if diagnosed early. Of course prevention is the best way to avoid any kind of oral disease or infection, but it’s extremely important to talk to your dentist is you notice any of the following warning signs:

1. You have really bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
2. Your gums are very red, tender or swollen and they bleed when brushing.
3. Pressing on your gums creates a pus or discharge between your teeth.
4. Your gums appear to be pulling away from your teeth, or you notice a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite or close your mouth.
5. Your teeth are loose or easily “wiggled” with a finger or tongue.

Plaque along the gumline is what causes gum disease over time. The bacteria in the plaque produce acids that destroy bone and gum tissue which is what causes the decay. (more…)