Main Diseases : Symptoms
Bad Breath
Halitosis -- known as bad breath to most & is an embarrassing condition that can affect anyone at anytime, and is caused by several factors. The most common causes of bad breath are preventable and easily treated, however certain medical conditions may also cause bad breath. Chronic halitosis may indicate an underlying medical concern that should be addressed by your dentist or medical doctor.
Causes of Bad Breath:
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The Food We Eat and Digestion
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Infrequent Brushing and Flossing
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Oral Diseases and Infections
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Dry Mouth
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Cigarette Smoking
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Medical Conditions
Treating and Preventing Bad Breath
In order to treat your bad breath, the root cause of halitosis needs to be identified. Visit your dentist if you experience chronic bad breath (in other words bad breath that never goes away).
Over-the-counter breath fresheners such as gum, mints, breath strips, breath sprays, and certain mouth rinses will only provide a temporary relief from bad breath. These general guidelines will assist you in managing, and hopefully eliminating, your experience with bad breath.
How To Prevent Bad Breath
The following guidelines will help you eliminate or significantly reduce your halitosis. If you experience chronic bad breath, see your dentist or doctor as there may be a more serious cause for the embarrassing condition.
- Prevent bad breath by brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day, especially after meals that contain food and spices known to cause bad breath. Remember to brush your tongue, or try using a tongue scraper, to remove any trapped food and plaque caught in the tiny hair-like fibers on the tongue. Finish off your brushing by rinsing thoroughly with water or mouthwash.
- Prevent bad breath by visit your dentist on a regular basis (every six months or as indicated by your dentist) for a complete examination of your teeth and gums and thorough cleaning by the dental hygienist.
- Preventing bad breath is achievable when you have dental problems treated as they occur, such as tooth decay, gum abscesses, and abscessed teeth.
- Place a few drops of tee tree oil or peppermint oil on your tongue or use the oil on your toothbrush along with your toothpaste. Alternatively, select a toothpaste or mouth rinse that contains these natural oils known for their antibacterial properties to assist in the fight against halitosis causing bacteria.
- Preventing bad breath from smoking is easy when you take the necessary steps to quit smoking, as this is the only way to eliminate bad breath from the use of cigarettes, which is also responsible for periodontal disease.
- Avoid foods known to cause bad breath such as garlic, onions, cabbage, certain spices, and coffee.
- Chew sugar-free gum or dissolve a sugar-free candy slowly in your mouth to keep help produce more saliva.
- Occasionally use a mixture of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water, as a mouth rinse. Hydrogen peroxide will help kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.
- The use of commercially marketed breath freshening kits and bad breath remedies may help prevent bad breath, although there is generally insufficient research that had narrowed down a cure for bad breath. Ask your dentist or pharmacist before you invest in these products.
Cavities and Decay
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by decay. Decay occurs when plague, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches of the food we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is brushing twice a day, flossing daily and going to your regular dental check ups. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.
What is Tooth Decay?
Decay is the destruction of tooth structure. Decay occurs when plague, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches of the foods that we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
If decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.
What Causes Decay?
Decay occurs when plague, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches of the foods that we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky, and colorless deposit that is continually forming on our teeth and gums. Often undetected, plaque attacks the teeth and gums with the acid it produces from bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria uses the sugars from foods and beverages along with saliva, to thrive and multiply. This acid attack breaks down the tooth's enamel, causing tooth sensitivity and ending with varying degrees of tooth decay. Plaque is also responsible for gum disease and contributes to bad breath.
Plaque is controlled by brushing and flossing daily at home and during regular cleaning from your dentist or dental hygienist. Reduce plaque by limiting sugar and carbohydrates in your diet. Plaque accumulates in hard to reach areas of the mouth. If it is not removed daily, it begins to harden into a calcified substance called calculus, also known as tartar.
Also Known As: "Sugar Bugs" is often used to describe plaque to children
7 Ways to Prevent Cavities
Tooth decay is the second most prevalent disease in the United States (the common cold is first). Fortunately, cavities can be easily prevented.
- Brush Your Teeth
In the fight against cavities, it is essential that you brush your teeth properly at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. - Floss Daily
Food debris gets caught in between our teeth when we eat. If the debris is not removed, it can lead to cavities. Flossing everyday is the best way to remove food debris from in between the teeth. - Eat Healthy
Proper nutrition plays an important role in good dental health. Eating nutritional snacks and limiting the amount of sugary drinks will help to prevent plaque from forming on the teeth. - Visit Your Dentist
Many cavities can only be detected by a dentist or a dental X-ray. Visiting your dentist for regular check ups and cleanings are a key factor in preventing cavities and staying on top of good oral hygiene. - Have Sealants Placed
Dental sealants are a protective coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant protects the tooth from getting a cavity by shielding against bacteria and plaque. Sealants are more common in children because of the new growth of permanent teeth, however, sealants can benefit adults to. - Use a Mouthrinse
There are several antimicrobial mouth rinses on the market that have been clinically proven to reduce plaque, such as Listerine or Crest Pro Health. Rinsing with one of these mouth rinses after brushing or eating can aid in cavity prevention. - Chew (Sugarless) Gum!
Believe it or not, chewing certain sugarless gums can actually help to prevent cavities by increasing the flow of saliva in your mouth. In 2007, the American Dental Association awarded their Seal of Acceptance to Wrigley's Orbit, Eclipse and Extra chewing gums for helping to prevent cavities.
Tooth Erosion
What is Tooth Erosion?
Tooth erosion is the wearing away of tooth enamel by acid. The enamel is the hard calcified tissue that covers and protects the outside of the tooth. It is the hardest substance in our bodies.
The saliva in our mouth contains calcium which helps to strengthen and remineralize the teeth, however, remineralization can not occur when a great deal of acid is present.
The high amount of acids in the food and drink that you consume can cause tooth erosion. Soft drinks and pure fruit juices contain a high amount of acid.
Tooth erosion can also be caused by medical factors such as a decrease in saliva, acid reflux disease, certain gastrointestinal conditions and the eating disorder bulimia.
Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Erosion
Symptoms of tooth erosion can range from sensitivity to more severe problems such as cracking. Be sure to let your dentist know if you experience any symptoms of tooth erosion.
Early Symptoms of Tooth Erosion
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Discoloration - Since the dentin of the tooth is exposed during tooth erosion, discoloration or yellowing of the teeth can occur. The more dentin that is exposed, the more yellow the teeth will become.
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Tooth Sensitivity - Sensitive teeth are very common symptoms of tooth erosion because the enamel that protects the teeth wears away, leaving exposed dentin.
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Rounded Teeth - During the early stages of tooth erosion, it is common for teeth to have a rounded look.
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Transparent or Sand Blasted Appearance - It is not uncommon in the early stages of tooth erosion for the teeth to have a sand blasted look or for the tips of the front teeth to look transparent.
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Advanced and Severe Symptoms of Tooth Erosion
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Cracking - If tooth erosion continues into the advanced stage, the edges of the teeth can start to crack and have a rough feeling
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Dents - Little dents, also called cupping, can start to appear on the biting areas of the teeth.
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Extreme Sensitivity - Since the enamel wears away during tooth erosion, the teeth can become extremely sensitive during the advanced stages of tooth erosion.
How to Prevent Tooth Erosion
Tooth erosion can do severe damage to your teeth, but it can also be prevented. The Academy of General Dentistry offers these tips to prevent tooth erosion:
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After eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages, rinse your mouth with water so that the acid will be neutralized.
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Wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth after consuming acidic foods or beverages to allow the teeth to remineralize after the acid exposure.
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Cut back on carbonated drinks and try replacing them with water, milk or un-sweetened coffee and tea.
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Use a straw when drinking carbonated beverages or other sweet drinks, such as natural fruit juices, which are very acidic. A straw enables the liquid to go quickly to the back of your mouth instead of washing over the teeth.
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Swallow acidic liquids quickly instead of swishing them around or holding them in your mouth.
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Chewing sugar-free gum can help reduce dry mouth and increase the saliva flow, allowing for your teeth to remineralize.
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Always use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride can help to reduce tooth sensitivity.
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Since tooth erosion can occur from several different factors, it’s important to talk with your dentist if you suspect that you might have tooth erosion. Your dentist can also keep you informed of dental products that are designed specifically to help sensitivity caused by tooth erosion.
Dry Mouth
What is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is the reduced flow of saliva. Sufficient saliva is needed in the mouth to wash away food debris and reduce plaque by neutralizing the acids that plaque produces.
Gingivitis, gum disease and severe tooth decay often occur if dry mouth is left untreated. Other common problems linked to dry mouth are:
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Difficulty speaking
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Hoarseness
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Persistent sore throat
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Problems with speaking
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Problems with swallowing
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Burning sensation in the mouth
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Dry nasal passages
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If you suffer from dry mouth, be sure to discuss treatment methods, such as saliva substitutes, with your dentist. Sugar-free gum and candy also can increase saliva flow.
Dry Mouth - What Causes Dry Mouth?
While anyone get dry mouth, also called xerostomia, it is a common problem among older adults. In fact, the Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that 20% of elderly people suffer from dry mouth and this condition is also a hidden cause of tooth loss and gum disease in 30 percent of adults.
Dry mouth, which is the reduced flow of saliva, could be a symptom of a particular medical condition or a side effect of certain medications. Sufficient saliva is needed in the mouth to wash away food debris and reduce plaque by neutralizing the acids that plaque produces.
Common medications taken that may cause dry mouth are:
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Antihistamines
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Blood pressure medications
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Pain pills
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Decongestants
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Incontinence medications
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Antidepressants
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Diuretics
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Muscle relaxers
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Parkinson’s disease medications
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If you suffer from dry mouth, be sure to discuss treatment methods, such as saliva substitutes, with your dentist. Sugar-free gum and candy also can increase saliva flow.
Tooth Sensitivity
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Numerous elements can help tooth finish misfortune:
Drinking an excessive amount of sodas or apples and oranges drinks, as well as poor dental hygiene. Microscopic organisms flourish on sugar and produce high harsh corrosive levels that can consume lacquer.
Consuming bunches of sharp nourishments or confections. Acidic sustenances can disintegrate tooth veneer.
Dry mouth or low salivation volume. Salivation helps forestall rot by killing acids and washing endlessly extra nourishment in the mouth.
Indigestion infection (GERD), or acid reflux. Heartburn carries stomach acids up to the mouth, where the acids can disintegrate veneer.
Bulimia, liquor addiction, or strategic alcoholism, in which regular retching opens teeth to stomach acids.
Certain medications or supplements with high harsh corrosive substance, for example ibuprofen or vitamin C, can additionally dissolve finish.
Erosion and wear and tear from brushing teeth too enthusiastically or grinding teeth can disintegrate veneer.
What Are the Symptoms of Tooth Enamel Erosion?
The point when tooth lacquer disintegrates, teeth are more helpless to depressions and rot, and they might expedite these manifestations:
Touchy teeth or tooth torment when consuming hot, chilly, or sweet nourishments or drinks
Harsh or spasmodic edges on the teeth, which can get broke or chipped when veneer is lost Smooth, sparkly surfaces on the teeth lacquer disintegration causes mineral misfortune on these regions Yellowed teeth from diminished lacquer Measuring, or gouges, that appear on the gnawing or biting surfaces of the teeth In what capacity Can You Protect Tooth Enamel From Erosion? Great dental forethought at home and at the dental practitioner's office can help forestall tooth finish disintegration. Here are 12 tips that can offer assistance:
Eliminate acidic beverages and nourishments, for example carbonated beverages and citrus foods grown from the ground. Assuming that you do drink them, do so at mealtimes to minimize their impacts on the finish.
Switch to altered items, for example low-harsh corrosive squeezed orange.
Wash your mouth with water directly in the wake of having acidic nourishments or drinks.
Drink soft drinks and products of the soil squeezes with a straw, which helps acids to detour the teeth. Don't rinse acidic beverages around in your mouth.
Complete a dish with a glass of milk or bit of cheddar to kill acids.
Bite without sugar gum with xylitol, which decreases acids from sustenances and drinks. Mulling over gum additionally expands salivation stream, which helps forestall lacquer disintegration since spit reinforces teeth with key minerals.
Drink more water throughout the day provided that you have dry mouth or low spit issues.
Utilize a delicate toothbrush and abstain from brushing too combatively.
Hold up for no less than one hour to brush teeth after you've had acidic sustenances or drinks. Harsh corrosive leaves the finish mollified and more inclined to disintegration throughout brushing.
Use fluoride toothpaste or a fluoride mouth wash to fortify your teeth.
Ask your dental practitioner to propose a toothpaste to diminish tooth affectability or to secure against harsh corrosive disintegration.
Get medicine for clutters that can carry harsh corrosive into the mouth, for example bulimia, liquor addiction.
Gum Diseases, Periodontitis and Gingivitis
Often taken for granted, the monotonous task of brushing and flossing our teeth daily has never been more important in order to avoid gum disease and the risks gum disease place on our overall health. It has been estimated that 75% of Americans have some form of gum disease, which has been linked to serious health complications and causes various dental problems that are often avoidable.
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is mainly caused by bacteria from plaque and tartar build up. Other factors that have the potential to cause gum disease may include:
- Tobacco use
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Certain medications
- Genetics
Types of Gum Disease Include:
Gingivitis - The beginning stage of gum disease and is often undetected. This stage of the disease is reversible.
Periodontitis - Untreated gingivitis may lead to this next stage of gum disease. With many levels of periodontitis, the common outcome is chronic inflammatory response, a condition when the body breaks down the bone and tissue in the infected area of the mouth, ultimately resulting in tooth and bone loss.
Signs of Gum Disease Include:
- Red, bleeding, and/or swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Mobility of the teeth
- Tooth sensitivity caused by receding gums
- Abscessed teeth
- Tooth loss
Treatments for Gum Disease
Depending on the type of gum disease, some of the available treatment options are:
- Removal of plaque and calculus by way of scaling done by your dental hygienist or dentist.
- Medications such as chlorhexidine gluconate, a mouth rinse prescribed by your dentist or hygienist to help kill the bacteria in your mouth, along with frequent cleanings.
- Surgery may be necessary in certain cases to stop, halt, or minimize the progression of periodontal disease. Surgery is also used to replace bone that was lost in advanced stages of the disease.
8 Warning Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. Gum disease can be easily treated if it is diagnosed in the early stages. It is important to notify your dentist if you have any of these following warning signs of gum disease:
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- Your gums bleed easily.
- Your gums are very red, tender and / or swollen.
- You can see pus in between your teeth and gums when they are pressed.
- Your gums seem to be pulling away from your teeth.
- You have chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
- You notice a change in your bite or in the way your teeth fit together.
- Your teeth are loose or they are separating.
- The fit of your partials or dentures have changed.
Canker Sores
Canker sores, also known as Aphthous Ulcers, are small lesions that occur inside the mouth, and are not contagious.
One to two days before appearing, a burning or tingling sensation may be present in the area of the mouth where the lesion is developing. Rarely, a fever might present itself when developing a canker sore.
Canker sores appear inside the mouth as round or oval sores typically with a red border and yellow or white center. Canker sores typically develop:
- On the top surface of the tongue and the tip of the tongue
- Underneath the tongue, on the floor of the mouth
- The inside of the cheek and lip
- On the gum tissue
Canker sores do not develop on the external surfaces of the lips and are not to be confused with cold sores.
Canker sores may be classified as:
- Minor - Although painful, minor canker sores are often fully healed within two weeks after onset. The size of a minor canker sore varies, but typically stays under 1/3 inch to 1/2 inch.
- Major - Canker sores that appear larger that 1/3 inch to 1/2 inch, last longer than two weeks, and appear to have irregular margins -- oddly shaped -- may be classified as major. Rarely, this type of canker sore may leave behind a scar. Common in immuno-suppressed patients.
- Herpetiform Canker Sores - A cluster of several tiny lesions that appear to form one larger sore. This type of canker sore may last from one week to one month.
Canker sores may become painful, especially when eating, drinking, and talking.
The cause of canker sore development varies from person to person, with an exact cause unknown.
Treatments for canker sores also vary depending on the suspected cause.
It is recommended that you seek treatment from your dentist if you have recurrent canker sores and/or canker sores that do not heal after 14 days.
Also Known As: Aphthous Ulcers ,Cankers
Canker sores are very painful sores found inside the mouth that often appear out of nowhere, leaving suffers asking: What causes canker sores?
We know what canker sores are, but the exact cause is still unknown. Women statistically suffer from canker sores more often than men. Canker sores are typically seen in people between the ages of 10 and 40, although they have been known to show up at any age.
There is reason to believe that certain types of bacteria and/or viruses are responsible for the painful mouth sores. Canker sores are not contagious and are not related to the herpes simplex virus, also known as cold sores.
- Injuries to the mouth, Temperature hot food or drink may cause a canker sore in the area of the mouth that was essentially burnt by the offending substance
- Spicy and/or acidic foods often produce a canker sore as a response to the irritation these spices and acids create in the mouth
- The use of chewing (smokeless) tobacco will often cause a canker sore to develop in the area of the mouth where the tobacco is held, due to the irritating chemicals found in the addictive product
- Poor-fitting, complete or partial dentures may cause canker sores in the area of the mouth where the denture may rubbing on the tissue. The development of a canker sore is often one of the first signs that indicate the need for a denture reline or adjustment by your dentist or denturist
- Orthodontic brackets, bands, and various other orthodontic attachments will often cause canker sores to develop in area of the mouth where there is constant friction on the oral tissues. This is common when orthodontic treatment first begins and may occur after each subsequent adjustments, throughout each stage of treatment
- Allergies to metals such as nickel may become evident in the mouth of a person wearing orthodontic devices necessary to move the teeth. Canker sores may begin to appear adjacent to the metal attachments. This is often referred to as contact dermatitis.
- Broken teeth are often sharp and may rub on the oral tissues to produce painful canker sores. Broken restorations may also cause a similar effect on the oral tissues
- Emotional stress has been identified as a possible trigger that may cause the development of canker sores
- Bacteria responsible for peptic ulcers known as Helicobacter pylori, has been linked to canker sore occurrence
- Vitamin deficiencies, specifically vitamin B12, foliate (folic acid), and iron, may trigger canker sore development
- Hormonal changes, notably during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, have been linked to canker sores
- Canker sores often run in families. Genetics my be a factor for many canker sore sufferers
- Allergic reactions and sensitivities to certain foods may cause a canker sore to develop. Allergic reaction to certain types of bacteria found in the mouth may also result in this type of mouth ulcer
- Celiac disease sufferers may experience canker sores. Gluten may be associated with the development of canker sores in those with celiac disease
- Information associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often will list canker sores as a complication associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- Mouth sores are a common occurrence observed in immuno-suppressed patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS
- Behcet's Disease, a rare autoimmune disease that damages the body's blood vessels notes mouth sores, more specifically canker sores, as a one of the four most common symptoms of the disease
- Sodium lauryl sulfate is a common ingredient in toothpaste and had been associated with the development of canker sores
Treatment is generally not necessary for most canker sores as they tend to heal quickly on their own. If canker sores persist for longer than 2 weeks, see the dentist.
Canker Sore Treatments and Remedies
Canker sore treatments and remedies vary depending on their type and severity. It is helpful to learn about the triggers that are possibly associated with your canker sore outbreaks to possibly help reduce the frequency of your canker sore occurrences. (Presently, there is no known cure for canker sores.)
There are canker sore treatments and remedies that help ease pain, discomfort and possibly speed the healing process.
- Saltwater Solution and Sodium Bicarbonate - Mix 1 teaspoon salt with one cup warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit the solution out. In addition to salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) may be added to the saline solution. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with small drops of water until a thick consistency results. Use this paste to cover the canker sores, which will help relieve pain. These methods may be repeated as often as needed. Saline and sodium bicarbonate both help the mouth heal quickly by gently reducing the alkalinity and bacteria in the mouth.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Solution - Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water. Use a cotton swab to dab the solution directly onto the canker sores. Do not swallow the solution. Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that will help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
- Milk of Magnesia - Used frequently as an aide to relieve constipation and as an antacid, milk of magnesia is a liquid suspension of magnesium hydroxide. Dab milk of magnesia directly onto the canker sores with a cotton swab, three to four times a day. This method is recommended after using the hydrogen peroxide solution. Milk of magnesia will help reduce the pain and help speed the healing process.
- Liquid Antihistamine - Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may be used as an oral rinse by mixing one part milk of magnesia and one part diphenhydramine together. Rinse with the solution for one minute, then fully spit out the solution. Take care to avoid swallowing this mixture.
- Over-The-Counter Oral Care Products and Mouth Rinse - Available in most dental care sections, antiseptic mouth rinses contain ingredients intended to help heal mouth sores by reducing the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Oral care products that are manufactured to numb painful areas in the mouth are also useful when treating canker sores. Products such as gels, paste, and rinses that are specifically marketed for mouth sores may provide pain relief and help speed the healing process. It is important that you follow the manufacturers' instructions closely when using over-the-counter products.
Canker sores that are classified as major, or are considered herpetiform canker sores, may require treatment from your dentist. Common methods used to treat more serious canker sores include:
- Oral Medications - Prescription medication may be necessary for treating serious canker sores that have developed into secondary infections. Tetracycline suspension (liquid) may be prescribed with instruction to hold the medicine in the mouth for two to five minutes before swallowing. Tetracycline is typically not prescribed for children as it has been shown to cause permanent discoloration in developing teeth. Zovirax (Acyclovir) is an antiviral drug that may be prescribed for cases where there are multiple, very painful canker sores.
- Corticoid Steroids - Although rare, corticoid steroids such as prednisone and dexamethasone may be prescribed as a treatment for canker sores.
Dexamethasone suspension (liquid) may be prescribed for use as an oral rinse with instruction to fully spit out after a determined time.
Keep in mind that even though they are painful, canker sores tend to heal well on their own. Consult your dentist when canker sores do not heal after 14 days, are accompanied by a fever, or appear to be infected.
Oral cancer
Oral cancer kills one person, every hour, in the United States alone. Learn about oral cancer screening, symptoms of oral cancer, and how to prevent this devastating disease.
According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer every hour of every day in the United States alone. Over 300,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed every year, worldwide. This serious dental disease which pertains to the mouth, lips or throat is often highly curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages.
Tobacco use is the number one risk factor in oral cancer. Studies have shown that at least 75% of those diagnosed were either current or former tobacco users. Heavy use of alcohol among tobacco users has been proven to have a 15% greater risk of developing oral cancer than tobacco users that aren't heavy alcohol users. Age and prolonged exposure to radiation or sunlight are contributing factors as well.
Unfortunately, in its early stages, oral cancer can go unnoticed. Oral Cancer could look like a common ulcer, cold sore or a discoloration of tissue. Fortunately, your dentist can see or feel if a lesion looks cancerous. If you have any type of lesion in your mouth, or on your lips, that doesn’t heal within two weeks, or a difficulty in swallowing for a prolonged period of time, it is very important to see your dentist right away.
If your dentist does find a suspicious lesion in your mouth, he / she might remove it, but will most likely send you to a specialist for a removal and biopsy, which is a painless procedure.
If oral cancer is detected early enough, it could possibly be treated with surgery alone. Radiation combined with surgery would likely be used if the cancer is in its advanced stages.
The best preventions of oral cancer are not to use tobacco of any kind and only drink alcohol in moderation. Avoid prolonged exposure to sun or use a sunscreen on your lips. Visit your dentist every 6 months for regular check ups. When your dentist examines your mouth at your routine check up appointments, he/ she is also screening you for oral cancer. This process only takes about 90 seconds and consists of a visual examination for any presence of cancer.
Although the number of deaths each year from oral cancer is astounding, it is highly curable if diagnosed early. Prevention is a key factor in oral cancer and a 90 second dental examination could save your life.