Author: enquiries@dentalbusinessmasters.com

Dry parched lips. Dry mouth. Bad breath. Dry throat.

Does this sound familiar?

If yes, then you may have ‘Dry Mouth’ also called ‘Xerostomia’.

 

What is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth or Xerostomia is a condition in which the production of saliva is decreased due to various reasons. 

Saliva helps in digestion by breaking down the food. It also flushes out the food stuck in between teeth and helps prevent dental cavities and gum diseases.

 

Why would one experience dry mouth?

Dry mouth is caused due to various reasons like 

• Dehydration – dehydration is caused due to loss of too much fluid without any or reduced intake of water. This may happen by vomiting, blood loss, or upset stomach.
• Medications – some medications lead to reduced production of saliva
• Radiation therapy – radiation therapy is recommended after cancer surgery. During and after radiation therapy, saliva is reduced
• Stress – dry mouth is something everyone has experienced at least once due to stress
• Ageing – saliva reduces as age increases
• Smoking – smoking or tobacco use affects saliva production
• Medical conditions – people with medical conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders show dry mouth

 

Does one face any issues due to dry mouth?

Dry mouth is an issue indeed. It gives problems like 

• Dry and chapped lips
• Difficulty in  chewing food, swallowing food
• Bad breath
• Inflammation of gums
• Mouth sores
• Increased chances of dental cavities
• Issues in wearing dentures

 

What can one do when one has dry mouth?

Dry mouth is usually treatable by some simple at home tips and some treatments

• Drinking water by sipping water throughout the day
• Avoid tobacco chewing and smoking
• Chewing on sugarless chewing gum to increase saliva secretion
• Talk with your doctor if medication is causing it
• Over the counter saliva substitutes

 

Dry mouth can be an everyday issue but by taking simple steps one can make it easier.

Don’t regret losing your teeth. Win your smile back with Dental Implants.

Are you missing one or few teeth? 

If yes, read more to make the right decision for yourself.

 

Missing teeth is a part of our journey. But it is important to replace those missing teeth.

Failing to do so will result in following issues :

1. Movement of neighboring teeth into the missing tooth space

2. Chewing problems

3. Uneven chewing forces

4. Low self confidence if missing tooth is a front tooth

 

Missing tooth/ teeth can be replaced with removable prosthetic replacement or fixed prosthetic replacement.

 

Dental Bridge or Dental Implants? What is the difference?

 

Dental Bridge

Dental bridge is used to replace missing tooth or multiple teeth. Dental bridge is a fixed prosthetic option. Dental bridge takes support of adjacent teeth to replace the missing tooth/teeth. The durability of the dental bridge is dependent on the adjacent teeth.

One may need root canal treatment of the adjacent teeth as they need to be adjusted.

 

 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the fixed prosthetic replacement options to replace one or few missing teeth. As the dental implants take support from the underlying bone, they are independent of adjacent teeth. Dental implants osseointegrate in the underlying bone making them the most natural looking fixed dental prosthesis.

 

What should you go for? Dental Bridge or Dental Implant?

The decision between dental bridge or dental implant is dependent on the health of the underlying bone, oral hygiene and the patient’s choice.

 

 

Whether you choose dental bridge or dental implant, we at Elite Dental Clinic can replace your missing tooth or teeth to help you regain your smile.

 

Undergoing cancer treatment is a long process. Not having to worry about your dental health during this process will be very much helpful later on.

Your immune system is going to be impacted during cancer treatment. Having healthy dental health is vital in this condition.

Oral infections may hamper the cancer treatment. If the dental infection is severe, you may have to even postpone chemotherapy.

To avoid this, take the following care before beginning with cancer treatment.

 

Dental Visit :  

Your dentist will do an in depth dental check up and advise you dental treatments which will help you keep oral infections at bay. 

Some dental preventive treatments like dental sealants and dental fluoride application help in preventing dental caries.

If you already have any dental issue like decayed tooth, it is advisable to get it treated before starting chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Some dental treatments are not recommended during and even a few months after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. If these decayed teeth are not taken care of before then they may pose an impending worry of probable dental pain in near future.

It is advisable to restore the missing teeth as having all healthy teeth is important to be able to chew food properly, thus helping in maintaining overall health.

 

Brush twice daily :

Healthy mouth, healthy body. It is essential to maintain a healthy body to be able to undergo cancer treatment. Brushing twice daily using a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste will help you stay away from dental pain and issues.

 

Floss :

Flossing cleans in between teeth which get missed during brushing. In absence of flossing, these surfaces get neglected and become prone to dental caries.

 

Healthy diet :

Healthy nutritious food will be recommended to you by your oncologist too. This helps build the immune system. 

Have foods rich in vitamins and minerals like fruits and vegetables to help the body heal faster.

 

Do not use tobacco :

Tobacco products, be it chewing or smoking are harmful to the oral tissues and overall health. 

Tobacco hampers the healing of the body.

 

Rinse your mouth :

Keep those bacteria away by rinsing your mouth after every meal. 

Brushing twice daily, flossing and rinsing after every meal will support our goal of keeping dental decay away during the cancer treatment.

Always remember,

“Cancer is going to be only one chapter in your life,not the whole story.”

Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.

But Healthy food is the foundation of good dental health.

 

Healthy diet is important for good health but it also affects dental health.

Diet forms one of the major components that determine dental health.

 

Which food habits are good for dental health?

1.Fibre rich food –

Plaque is naturally deposited on teeth. This plaque, if not cleaned on time, leads to cavities in future. Fibre rich foods like salads, carrots, and cucumbers help in removal of plaque on teeth.

 

2. Drinking Water –

Food lodgement is one of the major reasons for cavities in between teeth. Water flushes out the food stuck in teeth, thus preventing cavities.

 

3. Eating fruits – 

Fruits provide roughage and help with removal of plaque. They keep their teeth clean. Fruits like apples provide roughage and nutrients. 

 

4. Limiting citrus fruits –

Many people have the habit of drinking citrus drinks everyday. Overuse of citrus fruits in diet erodes the enamel layer of teeth. Limiting citrus drinks prevents weakening of teeth.

 

5. Limiting sugary food products –

Sugar is the culprit of many dental problems. Sugary food and drinks in large quantities cause dental decay.

 

Not just the food but the frequency of having food affects your dental health.

 

Why does frequent snacking cause cavities?

 

Frequent snacking harms the teeth. 

When we eat, the pH levels of saliva decreases. The environment with acidic saliva is conducive to dental decay.

It becomes difficult to keep teeth clean after every snacking.

Having three meals a day maintains the pH levels of saliva, thus reducing the chances of dental decay.

 

Make the right choices while not only choosing the type of food but also when you eat it.

Losing milk teeth and eruption of permanent teeth is like the rite of passage of growing up for children.

But losing milk teeth earlier than intended is not ideal. The space created does not stay as it is on its own.

Space maintainers are the answer in this situation.

Space maintainers are the devices that maintain the space made available due to early loss of milk teeth. 

 

Why would someone lose milk teeth?

Early loss of milk teeth maybe due to various reasons like :

• Advanced dental caries
• Advanced infection
• Not taking dental treatment in time
• Financial reasons

 

Wondering what would happen if space maintainer isn’t applied?

In absence of space maintainers –

• Neighboring teeth shift into the space available
• There is no or little left for permanent teeth
• Crowding in future
• Loss of bite

 

It is important to apply a space maintainer as soon as the wound of the milk tooth has healed. This prevents future problems. The space maintainer is kept until the permanent tooth starts its eruption. It is then easily removed and the permanent tooth is let to erupt in proper place.

 

Space maintainers are of many types like :

1.Removable space maintainers –

Removable space maintainers are recommended when front teeth are lost early. It is removable, serves the purpose of maintaining the space and also gives good aesthetics. So the child doesn’t have to live with a gap in the smile.

 

2.Fixed space maintainers –

• Unilateral – these space maintainers are recommended when one or more milk teeth are lost only on one side. 
• Bilateral –  these space maintainers are recommended when one or more milk teeth are lost on both sides.  

 

It is essential to take care of milk teeth till it is time for them to fall off.

But don’t let early loss of milk teeth become early loss of smile.

Space maintainers are the smile saviors.

Accidents will happen at times, no matter how careful one may be.

What is important is what you do in such situations. 

Being mindful and avoiding accidents is the best case scenario but being able to handle the situation is essential. 

This makes or breaks the situation. 

Dental emergency is one such condition where accidents happen but emergency care may be the difference between saving the tooth or losing the tooth. 

 

The first thing to do in a dental emergency is contact your dentist and ask for an emergency appointment.

Till the time you reach the dental office, follow the following tips as a first aid.

• Knocked out tooth –

Your phone rings. It is the school calling to inform you that your child has knocked out his tooth while playing. Sounds familiar?

We know many people you have had a similar experience but unsure what to do in such a situation?

First and foremost, check if it is a permanent tooth or a milk tooth. In case of a milk tooth, visit the dentist with the knocked out tooth.

In case of a permanent tooth, keep the knocked out tooth in a glass of milk and visit the dentist immediately. The dentist may be able to place the same tooth in the socket and be able to save the tooth.

 

• Cracked tooth – 

Don’t worry if you ever experience a cracked tooth. It is a dental emergency as immense pain follows immediately.

Call your dentist and visit for immediate treatment.

You can apply ice to reduce swelling due to trauma.

 

• Toothache –

Throbbing dental pain is one of the most painful experiences one may ever face in life. A tooth can not repair itself and hence needs some treatment to relieve the pain.

In case of dental pain, you may take a pain killer tablet to get temporary relief. But do visit a dentist for further intervention.

 

• Objects stuck in between teeth –

Objects getting stuck in between teeth can be very irritating. But the best thing to do is brush your teeth and use a floss to remove the stuck food particle. 

Do not use sharp toothpicks or pins to remove it. It will cause more harm than good.

 

Accidents do happen but it is always better to be careful.

You can take following care to prevent dental emergency :

• Use of mouthguard – Use a mouthguard while playing sports is essential. 
• Use of helmets – Helmets protect one’s head and face during accidents
• Regular dental check ups – 6 monthly dental check ups decreases the possibility of toothache.
• Brush 2 times a day and rinse with water after every meal.

 

Taking measures to protect your teeth is the most ideal situation. But knowing what to do in a dental emergency can save your teeth.

The wonder of life begins in the womb of a woman.

We have often heard about pregnancy glow. But along with the joy of becoming a parent, it’s important to pay attention to your oral health.

Pregnancy creates a havoc of hormones in the mother’s body. These hormones affect oral health.

Condition of oral health affects the health of the baby. This makes it vital to take care of your dental health.

 

Pregnancy And Periodontal Health

Periodontal health gets affected during pregnancy. It is seen that many pregnant women have gingivitis during pregnancy. That means their gums get swollen and inflamed. This is exacerbated by the hormones. 

If not treated on time, gingivitis will lead to periodontitis causing deterioration of oral health. Poor periodontal health is related to preterm labour and low birth weight of the baby.

 

Pregnancy And Dental Cavities

Along with hormonal imbalance due to pregnancy, eating habits change during pregnancy. Frequent snacking becomes the norm during pregnancy. It is important to eat healthy for the baby but at the same time it is important to keep cavities away. Dental cavities during pregnancy can cause pain which you may not be able to get treated right away. Dental treatment can be done during the second trimester. It’s better to take care and avoid dental pain rather than bearing the dental pain for months.

 

Dental Care During Pregnancy

It is better to take care during and before pregnancy to avoid dental issues during pregnancy :

• Have a dental visit for routine check up once you plan pregnancy.
• It is advisable to get all treatment done before getting pregnant.
• Brush twice daily every day without fail
• Floss daily.
• Rinse and gargle with water after you eat anything.
• Have your regular dental check up in the second trimester.

 

Take care of yourself to take care of your angel.

Ever experienced that you have woken up as you were snoring loudly?

If yes, then you might be experiencing sleep apnea without even knowing.

Snoring is quite common. It can happen even when someone is too tired.

What’s important is to know if one is suffering from sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea is a potentially grave issue when you wake up because you have stopped breathing momentarily. 

Sleep Apnea is of 2 types:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea : It is when one’s breathing stops due to some obstruction like the falling of soft palate at the back of the throat.
2. Central Sleep Apnea : It is when there is a problem with the brain signalling the breathing muscles. There is no obstruction in the airway. This condition is usually associated with systemic conditions like heart failure, stroke, and brain tumours.

 

Sleep apnea usually affects men but can affect anyone. It is more prevalent in 

1. Age over 40
2. Someone who has deviated septum or other airway obstruction
3. Someone who is overweight
4. Anyone with large tonsils

 

Signs of sleep apnea are :

1. Waking up startled in the middle of the night
2. Restless sleep
3. Feeling difficulty in breathing
4. Feeling tired upon waking up.
5. Loud snoring.

 

Sleep apnea can potentially cause many problems if left untreated like :

1. High blood pressure
2. Stroke
3. Depression
4. Heart failure

 

Sleep apnea can be treated and it is advisable to do so. It can be treated by :

1. Change in sleeping position : Falling of soft palate can be prevented by simple sleeping on one’s side instead of back. Thus, preventing obstruction in the airway.
2. Oral appliances : If the jaw is supported and brought ahead, it prevents sleep apnea. This can be achieved with some oral appliances. They are advised in mild to moderate cases.
3. Surgery : In severe cases, it is advisable to go for surgery to avoid future complications. Surgery is recommended when other treatments have proved to be unsuccessful. The surgery is usually to relieve the upper airway of the obstruction present. A surgery as simple as correction of deviated septum can relieve one from sleep apnea.

If you are experiencing any signs of sleep apnea, don’t feel shy to consult your dentist or physician. The earlier the diagnosis, the easier the treatment.

Self expression is the dominant necessity of human nature.

Oral piercings have become a form of self expression and fashion.

Oral piercings come in various forms and shapes like studs, rings, diamonds and so on. One chooses the type based on their liking.

If you are thinking of getting an oral piercing, do read this article before doing so!

Even Though oral piercings are latest fashion they pose following risks:

1. Infection – Our mouth is full of good and bad bacteria. Placing a foreign body in such an environment increases the chances of infections. Many have the habit of constantly touching the oral piercings increasing oral infections.
2. Pain and Swelling – Each and everyone reacts differently to a foreign body. One may experience swelling and pain after having oral piercing. In some extreme cases, it may prove to be life threatening. 
3. Prolonged bleeding – An unfortunate mistake might lead to uncontrolled bleeding during placing the oral piercing.
4. Chipped or cracked teeth – The oral piercing can strike teeth causing them to chip or crack. They may also interfere with dental fillings, dental crown or bridge.
5. Injury to the gums – Oral piercings can cause injury to gums and soft tissue. This may lead to gum recession leading to unsightly appearance, risk of decay.
6. Interference with normal oral functions – A foreign body like oral piercing increases the saliva flow. This may cause difficulty in pronunciation of some words.
7. Interference with dental treatment – Oral piercing can come in between dental x-rays, dental treatment.
8. Risk of swallowing of oral piercings – Loose oral jewellery poses a risk of swallowing.

 

If you already have an oral piercing it is important for you to take care of your oral health.

Tips to take care of your dental health :

1. Brush twice daily and rinse with water after every meal. Keep the mouth healthy to reduce the risk of infection.
2. Avoid touching the oral piercing constantly. Constant touching to the jewellery increases chances of infection.
3. Check the oral piercing to check if they are tight enough to avoid it being swallowed.
4. Wear a mouth guard during playing sports.
5. Visit your dentist every 6 months for a regular dental check up.

 

With proper care you will be able to flaunt that oral piercing without damage to your dental health.