Tag: oral dryness

The Best Enamel Erosion Treatments & Prevention Tips

Here’s an interesting fact for you; Enamel is the delicate thin outer layer of the teeth which is also the toughest tissue in the human body. Enamel erosion is a common dental condition in which the teeth’s hard, protective outer layer is gradually worn away. If left untreated, this can lead to sensitivity, discoloration, and even tooth loss.  

What is enamel erosion? 

Dental erosion is the thinning of the surface of your teeth due to acids intake or acids that come up from your stomach. These acids have the ability to dissolve the hard component that makes up your teeth, resulting in tooth surface loss. 

Causes 

The main cause of enamel loss is acid. The most common acid secretion comes from the food we eat.  Other factors that contribute to acid production in the mouth include: 

  • Dry mouth. 
  • Acid indigestion. 
  • Acidic medications like aspirin or antihistamines. 
  • Genetics. 
  • Less saliva production. 
  • Bruxism or teeth grinding. 

We’ve covered the causes and symptoms of tooth erosion in detail in this blog. You will get a detailed understanding of tooth erosion in the blog but if you’re more interested in the treatments & tips, read further. 

But the good news is that many treatments are available for enamel erosion, depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. 

Treatments 

The first line of defense against enamel erosion is preventive care: This includes good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing, as well as limiting the consumption of foods and beverages that are high in acid content. These include citrus fruits, sports drinks, and carbonated beverages. If you habitually consume any of these acidic substances often, it is recommended to use a straw, so the acid does not come in contact with your teeth directly. 

Fluoride: Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can help to strengthen and re-mineralize the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to erosion. Fluoride can be found in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and professional fluoride treatments and can be prescribed by a dentist as a supplement. 

Dental Sealants: Dental sealants may be necessary for moderate to severe cases of enamel erosion. These thin, plastic coatings are applied to the surface of the teeth to protect them from further erosion. Sealants can be applied to both adult and children’s teeth and can last up to 5-10 years before they need to be reapplied. 

Dental Restorations: These include fillings, crowns, and inlays. These are used to restore teeth that have been significantly damaged by erosion. For example, a filling can be used to repair a small cavity caused by erosion, while a crown can be used to cover a tooth that has been severely worn down. 

Preventive Tips: 

In some cases, correcting any underlying conditions contributing to the erosion may be necessary. For example, if acid reflux is causing the erosion, medication or lifestyle changes may be necessary to manage the condition, such as; 

  • Keeping away from acidic foods and beverages. 
  • Brushing softly using a toothbrush that has soft bristles. 
  • Brushing your teeth at least 30 minutes after consuming acidic foods and beverages (teeth will be softened) 
  • Rinsing with water after consuming acidic meals and beverages. 
  • Using fluoride-containing toothpaste. 
  • Drinking milk or cheese after meals will neutralize acidity. 

It is important to note that the best treatment for enamel erosion is prevention. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly can prevent enamel erosion from occurring or at least slow down the progression of the condition, thus preserving your tooth’s health for a longer period. If you are looking for expert advice to protect your enamel or ways to restore what you’ve lost, we can help! Drop by Bravo! Dental and restore back your enamel and happy smiles. 

Everything you need to know about Oral Thrush

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a peculiar white rash that you might find inside your mouth. It can not only appear in your mouth but in other places of your body as well. It’s a yeast infection brought on by the candida fungus. Thrush can affect everyone, although it is most common in infants and toddlers, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. 

Risk factors 

If any of the following apply to you, you may be at risk for oral thrush infection: 

Weakened Immunity: Newborns and the elderly are especially susceptible to oral thrush because of their weakened immunity. Cancer and related therapies, organ transplantation, needed immune-suppressing medicines, and HIV/AIDS are all medical illnesses / treatments that can suppress your immune system. 

Diabetes: If you have poorly controlled diabetes, your saliva may contain a lot of sugar, which leads to candida growth. 

Vaginal yeast infections: The same fungus that causes mouth thrush also causes vaginal yeast infections. The fungus can also be congenitally passed on. 

Medications: Drugs that disrupt the normal balance of micro-organisms in your body, such as prednisone, inhaled corticosteroids, or antibiotics, can increase your risk of oral thrush. 

Other oral problems: Oral thrush can be exacerbated by wearing dentures, particularly upper dentures, or by dry mouth circumstances. 

Symptoms 

Oral thrush symptoms may not be apparent at first. However, the following are possible signs and symptoms: 

  • Creamy white lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, the roof of the mouth, and gums 
  • Inflamed Tonsils 
  • Redness, burning, or severe pain to make eating or swallowing difficult 
  • The cracking of the corners of your mouth 
  • A cottony sensation in the mouth 
  • Taste deterioration 
  • Denture redness, irritation, and pain (denture stomatitis) 

What Causes It? 

The candida fungus is present in small amounts in your mouth, digestive tract, and skin. It’s supposed to be there, and the other bacteria in your body normally keep it in check. Certain illnesses or treatments, such as corticosteroids or antibiotics, can, however, throw the balance off. This can lead to out-of-control fungal growth. That’s when thrush strikes. You’re more prone to get thrush if you smoke or wear dentures that don’t fit properly. 

Treatment 

Any oral thrush treatment aims to prevent the fungus from spreading too quickly, but the optimum technique will vary depending on your age, overall health, and the source of the infection. When possible, removing underlying causes can help prevent a recurrence. 

Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medicine. This can be in the form of lozenges, tablets, or a liquid. If topical treatments are ineffective, a medication that works throughout your body may be prescribed. 

If you’re breastfeeding and your baby has oral thrush, the illness could spread between you and your kid. A modest antifungal medicine for your baby and an antifungal lotion for your breasts may be prescribed by your doctor. 

Oral thrush isn’t a serious concern for most people. However, if your immune system is weakened, it could spread and become a systemic illness. If you find yourself experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, book an appointment at Bravo! Dental without delay. Our experts will identify symptoms and help you get rid of oral thrush. 

 

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.