Category: Oral Health

Mouth ulcers are small, often painful sores that can develop inside your mouth in various places such as your cheeks, tongue, gums, or lips. While having one can certainly be an inconvenience and cause a few days of discomfort, they’re usually no cause for concern. In fact, most ulcers heal and disappear on their own without treatment from your dentist in Holland. However, there are occasions when an ulcer may be a sign of something more serious. 

Symptoms of a Mouth Ulcer

The most common symptoms of mouth ulcers are small, painful lesions. These lesions typically have red outside with white, yellow, or gray centers. Ulcers are not contagious, but new ones can show up close to the time when older ones heal. Additionally, it’s common to have a few ulcers at one time. Sometimes, ulcers will also go hand-in-hand with a fever. 

Causes of Ulcers

Several different things can cause an ulcer to develop, and these causes can vary from person to person and even from ulcer to ulcer. What we do know is that ulcers can be hereditary, and those with a family history of mouth ulcers are more likely to develop them as well. Other factors that can cause ulcers include: 

• Injuries to the mouth such as biting your cheek or tongue
• Spicy, salty, or acidic foods
• Devices such as braces, dentures, or a mouthguard that rub 
• Stress and anxiety
• Hormonal changes

People with certain medical conditions are also more likely to develop ulcers. 

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease such as Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis
• Celiac disease
• Diabetes
• Viruses 
• Lupus

Ulcer Treatment

Treating an ulcer can often be done at home through remedies such as rinsing with warm salt water a few times a day, using an over-the-counter anesthetic, and avoiding trigger foods. Occasionally, your dentist in Holland will recommend corticosteroids or antiseptic treatments. 

It’s important to note that most ulcers will go away on their own within 10-14 days. If it doesn’t, it’s time to see your dentist. 

The Link Between Ulcers & Oral Cancer

Sometimes an ulcer could indicate a bigger problem such as oral cancer. Ulcers that do not heal on their own, such as those that don’t go away within 10-14 days, may be a sign of oral cancer. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Holland immediately if you notice: 

• An area that looks like it could be an ulcer but doesn’t have any pain
• Rough or hard patches in the mouth
• Oral cancer is most likely to have ulcer-like sores under or on the tongue

Ulcers can absolutely be a pain, both literally and figuratively. But they should go away on their own within two weeks. If you do have an ulcer or suspect oral cancer, get to your dentist quickly. Oral cancer is often treatable and treatment is more successful in the early stages.

Cold and flu season usually spikes between December and February, which means we are just entering peak season for these illnesses. Along with the typical symptoms of fever, cough, and body aches, there can occasionally be signs that affect oral health, too. Thankfully, your dentist in Holland is here to ease your concerns about why your teeth may hurt when you’re sick. 

Tooth Pain May Not Equate to an Oral Health Problem 

Your dentist in Holland will usually say that any tooth pain is typically a sign of an oral health problem and that you should schedule a visit sooner rather than later. While that may be true most of the time, there are some exceptions, especially when you’re sick. You see, when you have the flu or a cold and have pain in multiple teeth, the discomfort may actually be a side effect of the illness itself rather than a problem with the teeth. How does this happen? Well, it comes back to anatomy and how close our teeth are to other areas of the body. 

Sinusitis & Tooth Pain

Tooth pain that comes along with an illness may be a side effect of something called acute sinusitis. Acute sinusitis is when the spaces in your nose become inflamed or swollen. While this can happen for any number of reasons, it’s most commonly a result of the common cold or the flu. Pressure in these areas can cause pain in the top back teeth. Other symptoms of sinusitis include: 

• Facial pain
• Headaches
• Ear pressure
• Bad breath
• Green or yellow mucus
• Fever

Dry Mouth

One of the most common ailments that go along with any cold or the flu is congestion, which is particularly concerning for your dentist in Holland. The discomfort of not being able to breathe through your nose goes further than simply being annoying. When we can’t breathe out of our noses, we need to breathe out of our mouths. Mouth breathing can cause an uncomfortable feeling of dry mouth. But dry mouth is more concerning than simply being uncomfortable. Dry mouth has been linked to oral health problems such as decay, tooth sensitivity, and infections. 

However, mouth breathing isn’t the only thing that can cause dry mouth. In fact, many medications can also dry out saliva production and create an arid environment. When there isn’t enough saliva, bacteria can flourish and lead to the formation of gum disease. 

To help counteract dry mouth, make sure to drink plenty of water, especially when you’re sick. Not only can water help you stay hydrated, but it can also help protect teeth against dangerous bacteria and germs. 

Anytime your teeth hurt can certainly be concerning. However, if your tooth pain comes along with feeling sick, it may not be necessary to see a dentist as long as you are drinking plenty of water and use sugar-free medicine whenever possible. Now, if tooth pain persists after you feel better, consider scheduling a checkup with your dentist in Holland to evaluate your teeth and overall oral health.

Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection, can have similar symptoms to a toothache, and you may be wondering which may be affecting you. The good news is that your dentist in Holland knows the difference between the tell-tale signs of a toothache versus those of a sinus infection. Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences. 

Symptoms of Both a Sinus Infection & a Toothache

Sinus infections can cause tooth pain, although a tooth may not be the underlying problem. Knowing the difference between a sinus infection and a toothache can help you get the proper help you need to relieve discomfort. First, the common signs that are apparent in both a sinus infection and a toothache include: 

• Headaches
• Fever
• Bad Breath
• Tooth Pain

It may be difficult to understand where these symptoms are originating from, so now let’s look at the difference between a toothache that’s caused by a sinus problem and one caused by a dental problem.

The Difference Between a Toothache & Sinus Pain

Any type of pain is uncomfortable, but your dentist in Holland knows that tooth pain has a unique feeling and can cause alarm. It’s incredibly common for patients to not know the difference between actual tooth pain and tooth pain that’s caused by a sinus infection. 

Sinus Infection Symptoms

• Pain in the top molars
• Tooth pain that gets worse when bending over
• Pain that spreads to several teeth
• Runny nose 
• Sore throat
• Postnasal drip

Toothache Symptoms

While toothaches can have some of the symptoms of a sinus infection, there are some key differences: 

• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Painful or swollen gums
• Pain when chewing
• Isolated pain in certain teeth

The Sinus Cavity

Why can a sinus infection cause tooth pain in the first place? Well, it all comes back to anatomy. The sinus cavity is located around the forehead behind the eyes as well as on the sides of the nose, and tooth roots of some teeth are really close to the area. This is why when the sinus cavity becomes inflamed as a result of infection it can be felt in the teeth. 

Can a Sinus Infection Cause Pain in Other Teeth Other Than the Molars?

It’s unlikely that a sinus infection will cause pain in other teeth other than the top back molars. Since the roots of the top back teeth are close to the sinus cavity, pain during a sinus infection is most likely to occur in this area. A toothache in the front teeth or lower teeth may be a clear sign of a dental problem and should be checked by your dentist in Holland. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, it’s also wise to see your dentist. This discomfort can be attributed to many things, including a sinus infection, tooth troubles, or a misaligned bite. 

Long story short, any type of tooth pain should be looked at by your dentist. If they determine the cause isn’t related to something happening in your mouth, they may refer you to another type of doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. 

We’ve heard the saying that sugar rots your teeth. This adage exists for a good reason, as too much sugar can absolutely increase the risk of decay. So it’s no surprise that your dentist in Holland will encourage you to enjoy sugary snacks and drinks in moderation. But what if there was a way where you could enjoy sweet treats and not put your teeth at risk for cavities? Good news! Thanks to xylitol, there is. 

All About Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that’s naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. Its naturally sweet flavor can give you everything you want from sweets without the risks of traditional sugar. How so? Well, xylitol is digested differently in the body than sugar, so it’s less dangerous for overall health. Sugar can raise blood glucose levels, slow down metabolism, and cause issues with weight. Xylitol on the other hand has about 40% fewer calories than sugar and has a low glycemic index, meaning blood glucose levels won’t be nearly as affected by xylitol as it is by sugar. But that’s not all. Your dentist in Holland wants you to know that xylitol may also protect oral health. 

Oral Health Benefits of Xylitol 

Besides being a better alternative to sugar for overall health, xylitol can also benefit oral health. There are tons of bacteria in our mouths. Some of the bacteria are good, and some are bad. One of the most common types of bad bacteria is Streptococcus mutans. These bad bacteria love sugar as it gives them fuel to replicate and create more and more bacteria. Essentially, the more sugar we eat, the more the bacteria feed, and the more bacteria they produce. Streptococcus mutans are also the main contributor to plaque buildup which also means an increased risk of decay. However, xylitol is different. 

While the Streptococcus mutans bacteria will still feed on xylitol, it won’t allow the bacteria to reproduce. In fact, quite the opposite. Xylitol will starve Streptococcus mutans and actually reduce the amount of bad bacteria in the mouth. This gives the bacteria less of a chance to create plaque buildup and cavities. 

Some of the oral benefits of xylitol include: 

• Prevention of tooth decay
• Starving bacteria
• Prevention of oral inflammation
• Reducing the risk of gum disease
• Remineralizing teeth
• Increasing saliva production
• Reducing the acidity of your saliva
• Helping with calcium absorption 

Xylitol Gum

Gum that contains xylitol as opposed to sugar can be a great way to protect teeth. Chewing gum on its own produces saliva that washes away bacteria and neutralizes acids. But chewing gum with xylitol can continuously kill bad bacteria. You can also find xylitol in the baking aisle at most grocery stores and use it as a sugar replacement in many recipes. 

Replacing sugar with xylitol can go a long way in protecting teeth. But it is not a replacement for good old-fashioned oral hygiene. You still need to brush and floss your teeth every day and see your dentist in Holland every six months for checkups. 

Hollywood has done a great job showing characters cracking up after getting laughing gas. But is that true? Does laughing gas really make you laugh? If so, how can this be beneficial for patients visiting their dentist in Holland? In reality, laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, can make you laugh, but there are plenty of other benefits besides the mood boost. 

How Laughing Gas Works

Many dentists use laughing gas, which is just a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen, to help reduce anxiety and make patients more comfortable. Nitrous oxide can help minimize any pain associated with dental treatment. Even though this is a form of sedation dentistry, patients will remain conscious throughout their appointment. 

Is It Safe? 

Nitrous oxide is deemed safe by the American Dental Association. However, one reason that it’s safe to use in dentistry is that the patient, as well as the dosage, is monitored the entire time. 

Side Effects

Another great thing about nitrous oxide is that there are few side effects, and the medication wears off quickly. Most patients can return to their normal day after treatment. Keep in mind that we may still recommend that someone drive you after your appointment. 

Patients may also get giggly, hence the name laughing gas. This happens because of the way nitrous oxide interacts with the brain. Patients may also feel relaxed, euphoric, and tingling in the extremities. 

Some other common, yet temporary, side effects of laughing gas that can be felt during or after administration include: 

• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Shivering
• Nausea

Patients are advised to eat only a small meal or snack before sedation dentistry appointments to help reduce the likelihood of nausea.

Who Should Get Laughing Gas? 

Laughing gas isn’t for everyone, so make sure to talk with your dentist in Holland to see if it’s a good option for you. Some people that may benefit from laughing gas or another form of sedation dentistry include those who: 

• Will be having a longer procedure
• Have trouble sitting still 
• Have a strong gag reflex
• Experience dental fear

How Is Laughing Gas Administered? 

Laughing gas is easy to administer. Your dentist in Holland will place a small mask over your nose and ask you to breathe normally. With each breath, you’ll inhale a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. When treatment is finished, you’ll breathe pure oxygen to help flush out any leftover nitrous particles. 

Dental fear or any apprehension about upcoming dental appointments shouldn’t stop you from getting the care you need and deserve. Always talk to your dentist about your concerns and if nitrous oxide or sedation dentistry is right for you. 

There’s an appropriate time and place for do-it-yourself, at-home projects, and improvements. But your dentist in Holland wants you to know that any social media trend involving your oral health isn’t one of them. While you should take great care of your teeth at home by regularly brushing and flossing, you shouldn’t try these four social media dental trends under any circumstances. 

• Office Supplies Orthodontics

If straightening your teeth or tightening up small gaps is your goal, there’s a right way to go about achieving a super straight smile, and that’s by talking with your dentist in Holland. Moving teeth is a science and an art, and if done incorrectly, can cause some serious problems. One trend popular on social media is using typical office supplies to shift teeth around. This is incredibly dangerous and can cause permanent damage to your teeth. It can also lead to jaw problems or even make teeth fall out. 

• “Veneers Check” Trend

A highly disturbing trend circulating on social media platforms is something called the “veneers check” where users file down their own teeth into small stubs or just in an attempt to even out some ridges. The result is the appearance of “shark teeth.” Many users are showing these filed-down teeth as a before picture prior to getting veneers. The problem is dental veneers don’t require that type of preparation. But there’s more. Filing down your teeth can be painful, lead to permanent damage, and may require additional treatment from a dentist in Holland such as dentures. 

• Whitening Experiments

While there are ways to whiten teeth at home, this should be done only if given approval by your dentist and only by using appropriate whitening solutions. Never dig for smile-whitening ingredients in your pantry or cleaning products and mix up a social media concoction that claims to whiten teeth quickly. Many of the ingredients used are highly acidic and when applied directly to the teeth can quickly weaken the enamel. Not to mention, cleaning products can be very harmful to overall health. 

• Artfully Crafted Teeth

Even other trends involve using art supplies to craft individual teeth. This could be in the form of a crown, partial dentures, or even just filling in a tiny crack. Either way, the materials are often not approved as safe to use in the mouth and there’s a good chance you may be covering up a bigger problem that should be properly addressed by your dentist. The longer dental concerns go undiagnosed and untreated, the bigger issue they can become. 

When it comes to improving the appearance of your smile, never take the DIY approach. Always start by talking with your dentist about your cosmetic dentistry options so you can get the smile you desire safely.