Tag: Oral Health

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.

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!

How can coronavirus affect your oral health?

It’s evident that the Corona Virus isn’t your typical viral illness. The virus can affect your respiratory system, eyes, immunity, and skin in a variety of ways, causing a slew of issues. Symptoms can continue for a long time, even after recovery in some cases.   

Doctors have also observed patients with weaker gums and enamel loss, which could be one of the most unusual post-COVID symptoms.  

There isn’t any direct evidence that COVID-19 is linked to poor oral health. Few studies, however, suggest that poor dental health may play a role in the development of COVID-19 symptoms. The virus has been proved to have an enormous impact on blood flow, which could be one cause for this. The coronavirus has been shown to disrupt critical blood flow in the body, resulting in a number of clots and uneven blood flow. Considering that the oral cavity is filled with a large number of blood vessels, decreased or compromised blood flow could have a serious impact on oral health. This, in turn, could be a possible explanation for how the virus damages and weakens oral health, resulting in tooth decay, gum disease, and bleeding.  

How is COVID-19 linked with Gum disease?  

As we understand more about COVID-19, we start to see its link to various medical disorders and complications in infected patients. According to a new study, gum illness has been linked to catastrophic COVID-19 outcomes and other medical issues. To comprehend how gum disease is linked to COVID-19, it’s necessary to first grasp how gum disease is linked to other health issues and its impact.  

Gum disease is a type of dental illness that affects the teeth’s supporting components, such as the gum tissue and bones surrounding them. Gum disease differs from tooth decay in that it results in holes in the bones that support the teeth’s roots. Cavities are created by tooth decay. Gum disease is so frequent that it affects 90 percent of the population. It is primarily caused by a lack of daily brushing and flossing and not visiting the dentist on a regular basis.  

Post effects of COVID-19:  

Bacteria that latch to the teeth and produce dental plaque might accumulate as a result of poor oral care. This is a common cause of gingivitis. A person with a severe disease like COVID-19 may be less likely to practise appropriate oral hygiene. This promotes the growth of dental plaque, which raises the risk of gingivitis. Bleeding gums may potentially be an indication of COVID-19, according to some studies.   

Dental experts are trying to identify whether the growth in oral disorders during the pandemic is attributable to COVID-19 or secondary factors such as stress, bad posture, or other problems. Despite the lack of clear evidence linking COVID-19 to oral health, people should aim to maintain appropriate personal and oral hygiene as a disease preventive strategy.  

Consult our experts at Bravo Dental and take care of your oral health from the effects of COVID-19.