lynxbravo, Author at Bravo Dental Dallas

4 Signs to be aware of Root Canal Infection

Root canals are a very common operation in dentistry. The American Association of Endodontists estimates that approximately 25 million root canals are performed in the United States each year.

A root canal infection is a painful oral ailment caused by bacteria invading the inner layer of the teeth as a result of untreated dental decay or trauma. Root canal therapy is a popular procedure for cleaning diseased pulp and restoring a tooth.

A root canal procedure involves removing the pulp of a tooth that has become infected or damaged due to dental decay or other trauma. Contrary to popular belief though, root canals are a relatively safe procedure that can help save your decaying teeth.

4 major signs to be aware of

1. Pain/ Soreness

When faced with a root canal infection, the most common symptom that prompts patients to seek dental help is pain. A root canal infection causes excruciating agony. The pain becomes more intense when you bite down or apply pressure to the impacted tooth. You may also suffer dental sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. Inflammation of the gums can also cause discomfort. In the majority of cases, swelling and pain occur around the damaged tooth.

2. Teeth Darkening

The tooth may seem brown or yellow when the tooth’s inner layer is infected. When an infection reaches the pulp tissues, they turn dark brown, changing the color of the tooth.

Procedure: The dying or necrotic pulp material will be evacuated and the gap filled with gutta-percha during the root canal surgery. A dental crown can be placed on the tooth to improve its look.

3. Dental Abscess

When germs and dying pulp material form deep pockets full of pus around the tooth root, it is called a dental abscess. An enormous or prolonged red lump or pimple on the gum produces considerable discomfort and foul breath and is apparent as an enlarged or persistent red bump or pimple. A periodontist will drain the painful abscess during the root canal surgery and clean out the germs to relieve the discomfort.

4. Chronic halitosis (bad breath)

Patients who have a root canal infection frequently experience terrible breath for a long time. If your foul breath persists despite brushing, flossing, and utilizing dental washes, you may have an infection.

Like any other infection, a root canal infection can spread to surrounding tissue in the mouth, including additional teeth, gums, and cheek and facial tissue. However, if you seek treatment within hours or days of the onset of the illness, the spread of the infection to the tooth and neighboring teeth and tissues can be mitigated.

An untreated root canal infection can extend far beyond the tooth. The infection can spread to the jaw, cheek, and even the bloodstream in some cases.

If you experience any dental discomfort or any of the above-mentioned warning signs, feel free to approach Bravo Dental immediately. Our experts can diagnose if you require a root canal to relieve your agony. We guarantee you’ll be glad you did!

5 Important Facts to Know about Gum Problems

Gum disease is one of the most prevalent and severe oral diseases that often gets overlooked. It might be due to a lack of understanding or the dissemination of myths. Other, more well-known oral disorders such as cavities, impacted molars, and tooth decay might overshadow it.

This regrettable lack of knowledge about the condition is a severe issue, especially when it comes to your dental health. It’s essential to understand the facts about gum disease and the issues it might create.

1.Gum Disease can be Inherited.

Genetics is one of the most important elements to consider when it comes to oral illnesses. Even if you practice meticulous oral hygiene, there’s a possibility you’re at risk for gum disease if it runs in your family. That isn’t to say that gum disease is unavoidable for you. Periodontitis can be prevented by receiving regular dental exams and making healthy lifestyle choices like stopping or avoiding smoking.

2.Gum Disease is a contagious disease.

One little-known aspect of gum disease is that it may transfer from person to person — specifically, the germs from someone who has the condition. Because the germs may be spread from one person to another by saliva, doing the following with someone who has the disease puts you at risk:

Sharing toothbrushes
Continuing to use the same utensils, such as spoons and forks, without first cleaning them
Kissing
Using the same glass or bottle to drink from
Sharing direct-to-mouth food, such as Ice cream
If a family member or acquaintance has gum disease, sanitize your cooking equipment and avoid exchanging food and drinks.

3.No Cavities doesn’t mean no Gum Problems.

People often believe that having no cavities indicates good dental health and that your teeth and gums are in good shape. However, while tooth and gum health are connected, they are not the same thing. It is still possible to have perfectly healthy teeth despite having diseased gums.

4.Gum disease in pregnant women might affect their unborn child.

Pregnant women should see their dentist on a regular basis to prevent gum disease while it is still in its early stages. Since bacteria have already entered the circulation at later stages of periodontitis, the toxins they produce can create issues once they reach the placenta. In addition, the infection in the gums can interfere with the development of the unborn child. Women who had underweight kids or delivered early were shown to have severe gum disease.

5.Foul breath is a sign of Gum Problems.

If you’ve had foul breath on more than one occasion and it doesn’t seem to go away no matter what you do, it might be an indication of gum disease. The illness is caused by a bacterial infection that produces a terrible odour. Stop using breath fresheners and mints and see a dentist straight away if you have this problem.

Gum disease is a quiet illness that may strike anyone without them even realizing it. If left untreated, it can have major consequences for your overall health. When it comes to periodontitis, it’s always a good idea to be well-informed since you’ll be able to prevent the illness at its early stages.

Book an appointment at Bravo Dental right away if you need a dental check-up or a gum cleaning.

How to get rid of Gaps between your Teeth?

Gapped teeth, commonly known as diastema, result in noticeable gaps between teeth. This sort of genetic gap is predicted to exist in 50% of children under the age of 5, and it usually resolves on its own by the age of nine. However, the gap may not close on its own if it hasn’t closed after the adult canine and incisor teeth have grown in.

Gaps Between Teeth: What causes them?

Aside from heredity, a few additional factors might cause dental gaps. For example, if your child’s jaw and tooth sizes are mismatched, there may be an excess area in the jaw for the teeth to distance apart. Gaps between the two front teeth can also be caused by childhood activities such as using a pacifier or thumb-sucking.

Frenum (tissue between lips and gums) problems cause gaps in the teeth. This band of tissue can hinder the two front teeth from closing together if it is excessively thick.

How to get rid of Dental Gaps

Various therapies can be used to fix gaps in the teeth. Orthodontic braces are the most popular method of closing gaps between teeth.

Dental implants: Spaces between teeth can attract dangerous germs, cause bone loss, and cause neighboring teeth to move. Dental implants are the best and most long-term method for bridging a gap between teeth caused by tooth loss.

Braces: In complicated cases, braces are the more effective treatment for closing unwanted gaps and spaces. Traditional orthodontic therapy can help with mild to severe cases of misalignment.

Invisalign: Without traditional metal braces, Invisalign uses 3-D imaging to move and shift a patient’s teeth into perfect alignment. Clear aligners fill gaps between teeth and improve bite alignment by pressing them together. Invisalign treatments provide the same results as traditional braces without the use of metal, and they’re a great way to close tiny gaps between teeth.

Dental bonding: Dental bonding is an excellent option for closing tiny gaps in the front teeth and addressing cosmetic concerns. A tooth-colored composite resin is expertly placed to close the gap between the front teeth. Patients with a misaligned bite, crooked or crowded teeth might consider dental bonding.

Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-shaped shells put to the teeth’ surface to hide stains and cover tiny gaps. Veneers may convert crooked teeth into a properly spaced, formed smile in only one visit.

Dental Crowns: It is a type of dental restoration. When a little tooth causes a gap between teeth, a porcelain crown can be used to fill the gap.

A professional will prescribe the best treatment solution for your smile based on the size and severity of your gap. Not only are aesthetics important to us, but we also make sure that all of our patients have the best possible comfort and bite stability.

Does your mouth burn after you eat? What you must know

If your mouth burns after eating, you may have a condition called burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Several factors might cause the feeling. The tongue, gums, lips, inside of your cheeks, palate, or other regions of your mouth may be affected. The searing sensation can be intense, as if your mouth has been scalded.

The onset of burning mouth syndrome is generally rapid, although it can sometimes build over time. Unfortunately, the exact cause is frequently unknown. It is more common in women between 50 and 70, especially if they are going through menopause.

Burning Mouth Syndrome Symptoms

Though you have burning mouth syndrome, your mouth may actually feel as if it has just been recently exposed to hot coffee or soup. But each person’s experience is unique – Symptoms of burning mouth syndrome generally include:

Tongue numbness or tingling feeling
Having difficulty swallowing
Parched mouth
Throat irritation
Changes in flavor

Primary Causes:

Primary or idiopathic burning mouth syndrome occurs when no clinical or laboratory abnormalities may be found. Primary burning mouth syndrome has been linked to difficulties with taste and sensory nerves in the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Secondary Causes:

An underlying medical problem can sometimes induce burning mouth syndrome. It’s known as secondary burning mouth syndrome in these circumstances.

The following are some of the underlying issues that may be connected to secondary burning mouth syndrome:

Dry mouth caused by a variety of drugs, health issues, or cancer therapy side effects
Other oral illnesses such as a fungal infection inflammatory condition known as oral lichen planus
Food allergies, flavorings, other additives, scents, colors, or dental-work compounds
Habits such as tongue pushing, biting the tip of the tongue, and teeth grinding
Diabetes and thyroid problems
Using abrasive toothpaste, overusing mouthwashes, or drinking too many acidic drinks can cause excessive mouth irritation
Anxiety, depression, or stress are examples of psychological issues

Treatment for Burning Mouth Syndrome

The source of your pain, which may be treated with a tailored approach, determines how to treat BMS. If your mouth feels like it’s on fire, you should see your dentist right away.

The doctor may recommend one or more of the following therapies, depending on the reason for your burning mouth syndrome:

Amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline, for example, are medicines that aid alleviate nerve pain (Aventyl, Pamelor)
Capsaicin is a hot pepper-derived pain reliever
Low dosages of clonazepam (Klonopin)
Replacement of female hormones
Mouthwashes
Salivary supplemental products
Vitamin supplements
There are a few things you may do to aid with your symptoms as well:

Avoid acidic foods, such as tomatoes and orange and citrus juices

Avoid alcohol, particularly mouthwashes containing alcohol
Cinnamon and mint should be avoided
Spicy meals should be avoided
Tobacco should be avoided
Chew sugar-free gum (to increase saliva production)
Drink plenty of water
Yoga or hobbies might help you relax
Use a piece of crushed ice during oral discomfort

People with burning mouth syndrome suffer from a painful and frequently frustrating condition. If you’re experiencing any of these feelings, don’t ignore them. Come see us at Bravo Dental right away. We promise you quick and sure relief for any oral pain you may be experiencing.

Basic Causes and Tips to prevent Oral Dryness

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition in which your salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep your oral cavity moist. Dry mouth is a common adverse effect of several drugs, age difficulties, and cancer radiation therapy. However, it is more commonly caused by disorders such as diabetes, stroke, yeast infection (thrust) in the mouth, Alzheimer’s disease, or autoimmune disorders like Sjogren’s syndrome or HIV/AIDS that affects the salivary glands directly.

Did you know: Saliva protects teeth from decay by neutralizing bacteria’s acids, inhibiting bacterial development, and washing away food particles. Saliva also improves your sense of taste and makes chewing and swallowing simpler. It also contains enzymes that help digestion.

Causes of dry mouth:

Dehydration: It is one of the possible reasons for dry mouth. Vomiting, diarrhea, extreme perspiration, or blood loss can all cause this. When dehydrated, your body doesn’t create as much saliva as it normally does, resulting in a dry mouth.

Medications: Many medications might cause dry mouth as an adverse effect. Drugs taken for depression, anxiety, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and asthma are the most frequent causes for dry mouth.

Radiation therapy: This treatment that involves getting radiation treatment to the head or neck can cause dry mouth. The salivary glands are damaged by radiation, which reduces saliva output.

Anxiety and stress: Your body produces more cortisol, the “stress hormone,” when you’re stressed or nervous. When cortisol levels in your saliva rise, the composition of your saliva changes, causing mouth dryness.

Aging: As you become older, you’re more likely to have dry mouth. This might be due to various factors, including health conditions, drugs, and changes in your body’s ability to metabolize prescription medications.

Snoring: Snoring with your mouth open has the same impact as snoring with your mouth closed. This can make your mouth dry or make it worse if you already have a dry mouth.

Smoking and drug usage: Extremely harmful to one’s health, Tobacco and marijuana use can impair saliva production, leaving you with a parched mouth.

Tips for preventing oral dryness at home:

Dry mouth is typically a transitory problem that may be remedied. You can usually avoid and cure dry mouth symptoms at home by performing one or more of the following:

Consuming excess water during the day
Consuming ice cubes
Minimizing the intake of alcohol and caffeine
Consuming less salt and sugar
Avoiding tobacco usage
Using a humidifier in your bedroom when sleeping
Taking over-the-counter saliva replacements
Eating sugarless hard candy or chewing sugarless gum
Toothpastes, rinses, and mints sold over the counter
Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly
Avoid mouth wash that has alcohol

Getting a dental exam twice a year is extremely essential. A dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, which can be prevented with proper oral hygiene. Your oral hygienist may prescribe artificial saliva or medicines to stimulate saliva production in your mouth.

Dry mouth isn’t a life-threatening condition by itself. It can, however, be an indication of other underlying problems that need treatment.

Dry mouth problems can be typically treated at home with self-care. However, if your problems persist, you should see a dentist. Our experts at Bravo Dental are here to assist you in overcoming dryness and restoring a healthy mouth.

Top 15 aftermaths of Grinding your Teeth

Most people clench and grind their teeth on a frequent basis. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is not normally harmful, but when it occurs often, teeth can be affected, and other oral health issues might emerge.

People grind their teeth for a variety of reasons. Although stress and worry can induce teeth grinding, it is more likely to occur during sleep and is caused by an irregular bite or missing or crooked teeth. In addition, a sleep issue, such as sleep-apnea, can also be a causative factor.

The reasons for bruxism

Doctors aren’t always sure of the real causes for people to grind their teeth. Bruxism is more likely in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or health concerns such as cerebral palsy. Some medications can also cause Bruxism.

It may be connected to daily stress in older children or adults. Many external factors can also influence whether or not it creates symptoms. Teeth grinding might seem ordinary, but can cause some serious issues later, such as:

Increased levels of anxiety
Reduced capacity to relax
Disturbed sleep patterns
Affected teeth alignment and shape
Flattened, broken, chipped, or loosened teeth
Worn teeth enamel, revealing deeper layers of the tooth
Increased tooth sensitivity or discomfort
Weakened or tightened jaw muscles – locked jaws won’t open or close fully
Soreness or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or face
Pain that feels like an earache but isn’t caused by an issue with your ears
Headaches that begin in the temples and progresses to the back of the head
Chewing on the inside of your cheek, causing damage.
Disruption of overall health

What can I do to stop this habit?

Your dentist can make you a mouth guard to prevent you from grinding your teeth while you sleep. Some of the other choices that may be suggested include stress counselling, beginning an exercise program, seeing a therapist, or getting a prescription for muscle relaxants.

Other ways to stop teeth grinding include avoiding or limiting caffeine-containing foods and beverages such as colas, chocolate, and coffee. Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages.

Avoid chewing on pencils, pens, or anything else that isn’t food. Chewing gum can make your jaw muscles to become used to clenching, increasing your chances of grinding your teeth.

Other home remedies include keeping a warm washcloth to your cheek at bedtime to relax your jaw muscles.

Consult a dentist at once if you wake up with headaches or stiffness in your jaw. They can help you identify the proper therapy for you, which might include a night guard. Stress management might also help you stop grinding your teeth. Don’t hesitate to visit us at Bravo Dental and get your bruxism habit treated, right away!

Causes, symptoms, and treatments for Oral Cancer

Mouth cancer or otherwise oral cavity cancer develops in oral surfaces like lips, gums, tongue, inner cheek lining, inner palate, or under the tongue. Mouth cancer is one of the numerous forms of cancer that make up the head and neck cancers category.

Oral cancer is relatively easier for doctors to treat if detected earlier. However, most patients are diagnosed when their ailment has progressed beyond the point where it can be adequately treated. 70% of oral cancers are detected only in the advanced stages (III or IV stages) says Forward Science. You’ll have a far higher chance of getting an early diagnosis if you see your dentist or doctor regularly and learn how to recognize abnormal changes.

Did you know: According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), males are more prone to mouth cancer than females.

Symptoms:

Oral cancer can have a number of symptoms that aren’t always obvious in the early stages.

Mouth bleeding for no particular reason
Unexplained numbness in any part of the face, mouth, or neck, lack of sensation, or pain/tenderness
Sores that bleed readily and do not heal within two weeks on the face, neck, or mouth
A throbbing sensation that something is stuck in the back of the neck
Chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue are difficult tasks
Hoarseness, a persistent sore throat, or a change in voice
Ear discomfort
Your jaw may swell or hurt
Misfit of your teeth or dentures
Dramatic weight loss
Mouth ulcers or sores that take prolonged healing
Red, or red and white patches on the surface of the mouth or tongue

Causes:

Mouth cancer can be caused by a number of factors, including:

Tobacco intake in any form, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff
Excessive alcohol consumption
Too much exposure of lips to sunlight
Human papillomavirus – a sexually transmitted virus (HPV)
Immune system dysfunction

Treatments:

Treatment will be determined by the following factors: cancer’s location, stage, and type; the individual’s overall wellness; and personal choices. According to cancer.net, the overall 5-year survival rate for all persons is 85 % if oral cancer diagnosed early.

Surgery: Surgery to remove the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it may be recommended by a doctor. A portion of the tongue, the jawbone, and lymph nodes may be removed during surgery. Reconstructive surgery may be required if the operation severely alters the person’s appearance or ability to speak or eat.

Radiation therapy: Radiation treatment is effective against oral malignancies. This therapy damages the DNA inside tumor cells, using high-energy X-rays or radiation particles, potentially preventing them from reproducing. A dentist may suggest combining it with additional therapies to lower the chances of the disease growing or reoccurring.

Chemotherapy: A doctor may consider combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy if the cancer is extensive. This treatment involves the use of potent drugs that cause cancer cells’ DNA to be damaged. The medications stop the cells from reproducing and spreading.

Oral cancer could affect 9,750 lives this year owing to late oral cancer detection predicts Oral Cancer Foundation. Make an appointment with us right away if you’re experiencing any persistent indications or symptoms that have been bothering you for more than two weeks. Even if otherwise, give us a visit at Bravo Dental, and our experts can improve your chances of successful treatment, and help put your mind at ease.

Crooked Teeth: Causes, Concerns, and Treatments

A crooked smile or a grin with missing front teeth might add to the cuteness factor as a kid. But, as we grow up, it might not be so adored. We may not wish we didn’t have crooked teeth until later in life when we begin to feel self-conscious about our smile or have problems chewing or biting.

Some people are indifferent about this, but crooked teeth can lead to various oral health problems and other difficulties if left untreated. Even if enhancing your appearance isn’t your top priority, seeing an orthodontist about your misaligned teeth might save you a lot of future health problems and expenses.

Crooked Teeth: What Causes Them?

A misalignment between the teeth’ size and the jaw’s size is a common cause of crooked teeth. Many people are genetically predisposed to having crooked teeth. However, it can be caused by a variety of non-genetic factors as well, including:

Sucking your thumb: While a thumb-sucking newborn may be adorable, the results are not! Teeth typically grow crooked due to the thumb’s persistent pressure on still-growing gums. The usage of a pacifier excessively might lead to the same issue.

Baby teeth prematurely fallen: Early tooth loss might cause other teeth to migrate into the gap, crowding the region where a permanent tooth will ultimately emerge.

Tongue thrusting: When swallowing, if you force your tongue on your teeth instead of the roof of your mouth, it might cause crooked teeth.

Mouth or jaw trauma: The most severe misaligned teeth are frequently caused by facial trauma. The remaining teeth will most likely slide into that free area if teeth are lost, or the jaw is moved due to injury.

Crooked Teeth: What are the possible treatments?

Misalignment of the teeth can occur at any age. If identified early, these flaws can be readily remedied with treatments such as braces, headgear, cosmetic dentistry, or clear aligners.

Invisalign Treatment: Invisalign is a type of brace that employs transparent aligners custom-made to fit over your teeth. Is it possible to straighten crooked teeth using Invisalign? Absolutely.

Veneers: If you merely have misaligned front teeth that aren’t causing you any health problems, a cosmetic solution like dental veneers might help. The best aspect is that veneers only take a few weeks to apply instead of the months it might take to straighten teeth with braces.

Cosmetic Dentistry: For somewhat misaligned teeth, veneers, dental bonding, and crowns are three cosmetic dentistry choices. While these solutions do not correct crooked teeth, they can improve their appearance by appearing straight.

Dental bonding: Bonds can be used to cover a portion of a tooth’s front surface, whereas veneers cover the full front surface. Dental bonding is less expensive and takes one clinical visit only. Bonds can also be reversed.

Dental Crowns: This operation begins with tooth reshaping, followed by placing a porcelain or metal crown on top of the tooth. Most of the time, dental crowns are exclusively utilized for restorative purposes.

If you’re content with the way your teeth appear now, there’s no need to straighten them. Perhaps your crooked teeth contribute to the charm of your smile.

But, Crooked teeth, aren’t always amusing. They can cause substantial discomfort and impair your dental health. Book your appointment at Bravo Dental now online or call us at 1-888-682-7286 today if you want to set the record straight.

It’s not too late to have the smile of your dreams!

All that you should know about Hyperdontia

Hyperdontia is a dental condition in which too many teeth develop in the mouth, or in other words when a person’s additional teeth grow around their existing teeth. ‘Supernumerary’ teeth, or additional teeth, does not only occur for adults but also for infants.

Some may feel it looks charming for many, but it can also cause discomfort and other problems.

The additional teeth are usually the same size and form in terms of appearance. However, they can occasionally appear in varied shapes and sizes. Hyperdontia is also twice as frequent in males as it is in females.

Extra teeth can be of many types:

Supplementary – Teeth are of regular size and form

Tuberculate – Teeth with a barrel shape

Conical – Teeth that are peg-shaped or pointed

Compound/complex odontoma – A cluster of teeth-like growths or a bulk of tooth-like tissue

Causes for Hyperdontia:

According to experts, the exact cause of this disorder is still unknown; however, it is thought to be linked to specific inherited problems. As a result, if you have hyperdontia, you are likely to have another ailment as well. Gardner’s syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are two more frequent genetic disorders that may result in Hyperdontia. Hyperdontia is caused by a problem in the tooth formation malfunctioning. This issue is frequently simple and inexplicable. The inadequate cells proliferate during the formation of a new tooth, resulting in an “extra” tooth.

Risks faced due to Hyperdontia:

Supernumerary teeth might overlap, making it harder for those with Hyperdontia to properly clean their teeth and gums. This may result in certain gum diseases. While some people may never encounter oral health concerns as a result of their extra teeth, others may experience issues such as:

Malocclusion
Tooth decay
Gum diseases
Impacted teeth
Aesthetic concerns
Crowded or crooked teeth
Problems with teeth sprouting in a regular pattern
Food chewing issues
Speaking difficulties
Pain and inflammation

Treatment for Hyperdontia:

Hyperdontia cannot be prevented as hereditary disorders mainly cause it, but you can recognize the indications early and seek treatment to avoid as many issues as possible.

If your permanent teeth have been impacted by the extra teeth, causing them to grow crookedly, you may require orthodontic therapy to straighten them out. Invisible aligners are a good option for minor changes, but you’ll definitely need conventional braces if your teeth are rotated or your bite has been impacted.

Extraction is the most common treatment for Hyperdontia. However, some people may require orthodontic therapy to rectify malocclusion or other alignment concerns after tooth extraction. Traditional braces, which may address mild to severe alignment difficulties, are frequently the best option for such problems.

Talk to our dental experts at Bravo Dental today to understand the impact of hyperdontia on your teeth.

How is Snoring related to your Oral Health

Is your partner annoyed with your loud snoring at night? You are not alone!

Snoring is a common occurrence for millions of individuals; studies show that 37 million people snore every night.

Every night, 40 % of men, 24% of women, and even up to 12% of youngsters, of the global population, are estimated to snore. Most of us think it is normal, but medical specialists, on the other hand, relate it to a variety of circumstances, including weight, alcohol consumption, disease, medicine, and even lack of sleep. Because snoring is so frequent, we sometimes mistake it for something normal and even healthy. But if you snore excessively, it is a clear sign that something else might be at stake in your body.

What is snoring?

When your airway is partially or fully closed, you will snore. That all-too-familiar sound is caused by vibrating tissue, a bloated or fluid-filled nasal cavity, or a tongue obstruction. Other common reasons why the nasal cavity is blocked would be obesity, chronic nasal congestion, alcohol, or tobacco. But, whatever the cause of the obstruction be, the result is the same: breathing becomes difficult, and we open our lips to allow more air in. And this is where the dental issue begins.

How can snoring affect your Oral health?

Saliva is an essential component of your alimentary canal, and is produced in your mouth. While snoring, the saliva dries out. If this persists, the salivary glands will stop working and run out of saliva to keep your mouth moist. The absence of salivary flow is known as xerostomia.

If you are wondering if that is such a bad thing: Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth by washing away dead cells from the tongue, cheeks, and gums. These dead cells produce an odor and can cause foul breath if they aren’t eliminated regularly. pH imbalances, cavities, and tooth decay are also more likely in dry mouths. Acids and bacterial plaque quickly collect in the absence of saliva, eroding tooth enamel or forming small pits that grow into cavities. Bacteria can even reach the tooth’s inner layer, harming sensitive nerves and dental roots if untreated. Since saliva is also an important factor in digestion of food, xerostamia could also adversely affect your digestive tract and associated organs.

How to get rid of excessive snoring?

Consult your dentist at once and request a sleep evaluation to determine the severity of your problem and figure out the best treatment. If the symptoms of snoring have progressed, your doctor may suggest popular remedies, such as:

• CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy: The hose, mask, and nosepiece of a CPAP machine continuously pump air across your airway, preventing it from narrowing.

• Customized snore guard: Your dentist can create a snore guard or mouthpiece-like device that repositions your mouth to keep your airway open.

• Minor surgery: If your doctor thinks it’s essential, surgery can clear your airway by removing tissue from the back of your throat.

If you have been witnessing a lot of problems due to snoring, a trip to your dentist might be in order. Contact us at Bravo Dental today and get rid of your annoying snoring.

Give your partner a peaceful night’s sleep…on us!