Dental Surgery Articles & Oral Health Resources

Soft, Medium, or Hard Bristles, How to choose the right toothbrush?

Admin — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 01:56:14 +0000

How to choose the right toothbrush? I’m we all at one point of time have got this question and we have had difficulty in deciding the right toothbrush for us and our families.

Brushing teeth is crucial to good dental health. It is foremost to use the proper type of toothbrush to maintain your oral health. Are you aware that the bristle type you choose must depend upon your oral health circumstances? You should choose your toothbrush bristle type to suit your requirements. This may depend on whether you have sensitive gums, sensitive teeth, or are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Let’s take a closer look…

We all use comfortable things! The same way a soft-bristled toothbrush is one such thing that is comfortable on the teeth while brushing! Most of us even think about why hard-bristled toothbrushes are there in the market when many choose to buy only soft-bristled ones.

There is a reason for the existence of three different bristles; let’s determine which amongst the three bristles is best to buy and how to choose the right toothbrush

Types of toothbrush bristles

The bristles on toothbrushes have different strengths and benefits, read below to understand them well!

Soft Bristle Toothbrush:

Dentists often recommend using soft bristle toothbrushes as they are gentle on the teeth and gums whilst able to remove the plaque and bacteria. Children and adults often use soft-bristled toothbrushes as they will not cause any irritation to the gums. Hence, these toothbrushes are advised for cleaning the gum line as there is no discomfort or bleeding. Using soft-bristled toothbrushes is suitable for people of all ages.

Medium Bristle Toothbrush:

Medium toothbrushes are a popular choice as they are not so soft or hard; they aren’t much different from soft-bristled brushes. They are said to be a popular choice because people feel comfortable using it on the teeth, and due to the perception that they are better at cleaning the teeth. However, when used incorrectly, a medium bristled toothbrush can wear away the tooth enamel. Adding to it, it cannot be used for thorough cleaning of gum line because these kinds of brushes are too abrasive on the soft gum tissue and could lead to gum line bleeding or inflammation. Hence, close attention is needed when medium bristled brushes are worked out on gums.

Hard Bristle Toothbrush:

Hard bristled toothbrushes are not recommended for daily use, these brushes are very uncomfortable to use, but there is the reason why some people still use these brushes, these toothbrushes are effective for stain removal or denture cleaning. People with stains on their teeth most likely use hard-bristled toothbrushes to remove the stains on their teeth. Likewise, cleaning them is a tedious task for those who use dentures, so using a hard-bristled toothbrush is a perfect option then.

Everyday use of hard bristle toothbrushes can be harmful to the teeth. Brushing hard with these brushes can wear the enamel off and damage the gum lining. However, using them occasionally for stain removal or denture cleaning is advisable.

How to choose the right toothbrush?

Hard and medium bristled toothbrushes must be used very cautiously. The most recommended toothbrush of choice by dentists-and the one most likely to keep your teeth and gums healthy without causing any damage is nothing but a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Soft-bristle toothbrushes are often recommended by dental professionals because, as learned in the above context, too much pressure or hard brushing can show negative effects on your gums and tooth enamel. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends soft bristle toothbrushes with angled or multi-layer bristled toothbrushes for harmless cleaning of teeth. You might feel that your toothbrush is too soft and is ineffective in plaque removal, then follow the below options:

Angled bristles to enter nooks and crannies
Electric toothbrush for extra oomph
Multiple layered bristles

Powered toothbrushes usually come with soft bristles because the rotation and vibration tend to add extra pressure to your teeth without needing firm bristles. if you are thinking about how to choose the right toothbrush, we suggest you also consider an electric toothbrush as an option as they offer superior cleaning compared to hand brushes and also cause minimal damage to the tooth enamel and gums

We suggest you read this article about electric toothbrushes, their types, and their benefits

You should choose a type of toothbrush that is easy and comfortable to use at least twice a day. There are multiple options between manual and electric toothbrushes. However, dentists recommend choosing soft-bristled toothbrushes, especially if you tend to push harder against your teeth. More pressure can cause gum loss, which can contribute to tooth sensitivity which might then start to damage the tooth enamel and tissues surrounding your teeth.

If you feel like your teeth are not getting thoroughly cleaned with your toothbrush, talk to your dentist and understand how to choose the right toothbrush for you.

FAQ’s

1. How often should I replace my toothbrush?
Dental professionals recommend replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or worn.

2. What should I do if I’m still unsure which toothbrush is right for me?
If you’re uncertain about which toothbrush is best for your specific needs, consult with your dentist. They can provide personalised recommendations based on your oral health condition, brushing habits, and specific concerns.

3. What type of toothbrush do dental professionals most commonly recommend?
Dental professionals most commonly recommend soft-bristled toothbrushes. The American Dental Association (ADA) specifically recommends soft-bristle toothbrushes with angled or multi-layer bristles for effective and safe cleaning.

4. Should I use a hard bristle toothbrush for daily cleaning?
No, hard bristled toothbrushes are not recommended for daily use. They can be uncomfortable and potentially harmful to your teeth and gums with regular use.

5. Are electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes?
Electric toothbrushes often offer superior cleaning compared to manual brushes and typically cause minimal damage to tooth enamel and gums. They usually come with soft bristles because their rotation and vibration add extra cleaning power without requiring firm bristles.

The post Soft, Medium, or Hard Bristles, How to choose the right toothbrush? appeared first on Dental Solutions Clinic.

Tooth Socket preservation using bone grafting

Admin — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 01:44:16 +0000

The way our bodies work is phenomenal. Take, for instance, our jawbones. When a tooth is extracted, the jawbones start reshaping – the bone surrounding the roots of the teeth (alveolar ridge) begin to dissolve and wash away, or rather disappear. This happens because the body recognizes that the tooth has gone away and hence to conserve material and blood supply it starts with demolishing the tissues surrounding the tooth. But! But! But!

Preserving the socket after bone removal is extremely important. This article highlights why preserving a bone socket is important, What Happens During tooth Socket Preservation? And what can happen if tooth socket preservation is not done in time?

Once a permanent tooth is lost, it’s lost forever. This is mostly in cases of a wisdom tooth removal or an abscessed tooth that could not be saved. While dentists will do everything possible, using alternative treatments to save the tooth, however, tooth extraction isn’t always avoidable and a tooth has to be extracted if it cannot be saved.

After the tooth has been extracted, a hole, called a socket, will be visible or present. This hollow in the gum exactly tells where the tooth was, each tooth in the mouth has its own space. Now, with absolutely no tooth covering the socket, nerve endings and part of the jaw bone become exposed. The body’s natural response to tooth extraction is to create a blood clot over the now vacant socket. The blood clot initiates the healing process of the gum, bone and other tissue of the affected area. The clot also provides a protective barrier of the now exposed nerve endings. The bone surrounding the tooth now starts disappearing.

What is tooth socket preservation?

It is very important to preserve the bone socket, hence after tooth extraction, dentists use a technique called tooth socket preservation using bone grafting to counteract the body’s natural occurrence of bone erosion and preserve its structural integrity and keep the area strong. . This type of graft is used to fill an extraction socket with material that can heal into solid bone. For best results, a socket preservation bone graft must be placed at the time of tooth extraction

Why is Tooth Socket Prevention Important?

As we know, each tooth is securely attached to the jaw bone with an intricate network of bone, nerves, soft tissue, and ligaments. When an extraction takes place oral health can be severely affected if the socket is not preserved.

Some of the benefits of tooth socket preservation include:

It prevents teeth from drifting out of place.
It helps to prevent dry sockets. Dry Socket is a painful condition wherein the blood clot that should form after removal is dislodged or dissolved before the wound heals, exposing underlying bone and nerves.
Helps prevent the surrounding teeth from gradually moving into the empty space and, causing crooked teeth and or a misaligned bite.
Tooth Socket preservation can correct or amend any deformity that may exist in the alveolar ridge or socket
Further, it also has advantages for people proceeding with dentures, implants or dental bridges. It also has benefits for patients who choose not to replace their lost tooth. Bone loss and gum recession at the extraction site can expose tooth roots on neighbouring teeth. These exposed areas can be very temperature-sensitive. Additionally, a tooth socket preservation graft will preserve more bone at the extraction site to support adjacent teeth.

What happens during tooth socket preservation?

Before we understand the procedure, you must know that the alveolar ridge can’t be replaced without surgical intervention, hence bone grafting is a surgical procedure. While socket preservation can be done using synthetic materials or artificial materials, most dentists prefer using the patient’s own bone – own bone from the hip or back of the jaw is used, which is known as an autograft. This type of dental graft promotes faster healing and bone formation. At times a matching donor’s bone can be used for the procedure.

Types of dental bone grafts for tooth socket preservation include

Autografts – Involves bone from your own body, such as from your hip or jaw.
Allografts – Uses bone from a different person
Xenografts – Use of bone from another species, mostly animals
Alloplastic – Use of synthetic material in bone graftings, such as calcium phosphate or Bioglass.

There are several ways dental bone grafting can be done, but the basic procedure is the same: A dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision in the jaw and grafts (attaches) other bone material to the jaw.

Here’s how the typical dental bone graft is done:

Before the procedure, you will need to undergo a test to have all your vitals checked. Right before the procedure starts, you will receive anaesthesia. Once done, the affected area will be cleaned.
An incision will be made in the gum to separate it from the bone where the graft is to be placed. The surgeon will place the bone material between two sections of bone that need to grow together.
After the bone graft is placed it is secured with a special collagen material, more like a dissolvable adhesive or with special screws.
The incision is then stitched for it to begin healing.

What are the types of bone graft procedures?

There are three main types of dental bone grafts procedures. Each one is useful for different circumstances affecting the jaw.

1. Block bone graft
Bone is typically taken from the back of the jawbone – This is usually done in cases where there’s been significant bone loss toward the front of the jaw.

2. Sinus lift
A sinus bone graft is done to preserve or restore upper jaw stability when bone loss has occurred near the upper molars.

3. Socket graft
A bone graft that is done at the same time a tooth is extracted in order to avoid bone loss that might otherwise occur once the tooth is extracted.

Do I need tooth socket preservation?

Dental implants are the most common way to preserve these sockets. If you skip having an implant after tooth extraction or any restoration procedure, the surrounding tissues will be affected and the bone surrounding will begin to deteriorate. Also, your teeth will start shifting which can cause them to move in any direction. You will then start having gaps in your teeth or existing gaps may turn larger. Not preserving the socket along with proper restoration treatment, can also result in other oral health issues like inability to bite and chew food properly, increased risk of cavities or gum disease.

Are you having one or more teeth extracted? Be sure to ask your dentist about socket preservation.

The post Tooth Socket preservation using bone grafting appeared first on Dental Solutions Clinic.

Why do we get gaps between our teeth ?- What do you need to know.

Admin — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 01:07:30 +0000

Having a gap or a space between your teeth? Are you at times, embarrassed of it, especially when smiling? Does the spacing bother you while eating? If so, you’re not alone. Spacing between the teeth is also known as Diastema. It is a relatively common dental concern that can occur in both adults as well as adults. However, in children, the gap typically closes when their permanent teeth kick in.

The most common occurrences of Diastema take place between the two front teeth, but gaps can still occur anywhere. There are several reasons why people have this extra space between their teeth—from genetics to age and facial trauma to dental procedures and more. Dental habits also play a part in the formation of teeth gaps.

Why am I getting gaps between my teeth?

One of the most common reasons in children and at times, adults, is because of tongue thrusting. Yes, tongue thrusting can contribute to the formation of gaps in the front teeth. Children who use pacifiers or suck their thumbs after the age of four or five are also prone to develop gaps in between the front teeth. Let us look at some of the detailed reasons why diastema may result:

Trauma from Occlusion

Occlusion is the way the teeth meet when the lower jaw and upper jaw come together. Normal occlusion allows oral functions to operate properly, provides the best esthetics and is helpful in the prevention of any oral disease. When normal occlusion does not occur it is termed malocclusion and can cause trauma on the teeth.

Occlusal trauma can be categorized into primary or secondary. Occlusal trauma is characterized by severe teeth weakness, sensitive teeth, exposed dentin and tooth mobility. The secondary occlusal trauma includes the development of gaps in-between the teeth and drifting and tipping of the teeth.

Jawbone and Teeth Size Ratio

If the teeth are too small compared to the size of the jawbone, gaps may develop between the teeth. This can be genetic.

Missing or undersized teeth

This is one of the most common reasons for diastema to develop. Missing or small teeth create spaces or gaps in between the teeth. This mostly involves the pair of upper (maxillary) teeth (upper lateral incisors). If the upper lateral incisors are small or missing, a gap between the two front teeth develops.

Oversized labial frenum

This type of frenum is located in the front of the mouth, between the upper lip and the upper gum and between the lower lip and the lower gum. If this tissue is especially large, it can change the way teeth grow in, can cause a gap to form between these teeth and can also affect dental health if it pulls the gum away from a tooth exposing the root.

Gum disease or Periodontitis

As gum disease progresses, gums recede, and the jaw bone begins to lose support and density. Without this supportive base and weak roots, the teeth can easily move, creating gaps between the teeth.

If the gum disease progresses to an advanced level, known as periodontitis, the inflammation caused due to this, results in the loss of the gum attachment and bone support around teeth. This can cause an abnormal spacing or gap, to form between the gums and the teeth.

If you have gum disease, something as simple as hitting the back of your teeth with your tongue can push teeth forward and create gaps as the supporting tissues of the teeth have weakened due to periodontitis.

Poor Dental Habits

Tongue thrusting, Lip Sucking, thumb sucking, and similar habits can cause teeth spacing. If you are someone who presses your tongue against the teeth when swallowing, you might end up with a gap in between the front teeth! Babies who suck on their thumb often are also prone to developing gaps as their teeth come through.

Loss of primary teeth

This is most commonly seen among children. This is a temporary phase of diastemas when their primary teeth fall out. Once the permanent teeth develop, the gaps are filled in. When their permanent, or adult, teeth come in, these gaps typically close.

Overhanging dental restorations (ODR)

Faulty dental restorations and prostheses are common causes of gingival inflammation and diastema. Overhanging dental restorations (ODR) is a major dental health concern. An ODR is an extension of restorative material which goes beyond the confines of cavity preparation. They have been strongly implicated as a contributing factor in the progression of periodontal disease which eventually causes teeth spacing and dental health problems. Removal of ODR can increase the effectiveness, however, you need to consult your dentist. Additionally, overhanging

Gives the plaque ample space for accumulation which can result in a change in the ecological balance of the gingival sulcus region with an increase in the growth of disease-associated organisms.

Is gaps between teeth Good or Bad?

Having gaps and spaces between the teeth can put you at risk for certain oral health complications. For example:

Large spaces and gaps leave lots of room for tooth decay
If decay and bacteria persist within the mouth, it can lead to periodontal disease. If it gets severe, periodontal disease can cause bone loss.
Eating food may become uncomfortable – this may deter you from maintaining a healthy diet. The ability to bite well can also cause problems with digestion.
Food particles stuck in the mouth can cause a number of oral diseases – cavity, gum disease, teeth staining and more
A misaligned bite can lead to problems with your jaw bone, which in turn can put you at risk of developing chronic headaches.

It is extremely important to draw your dentist’s attention to this problem of Tooth spacing or Diastema as they will plan out the best treatment for teeth spacing.

How can I fix the gap between my teeth?

There are many ways for closing the gap between the teeth. Orthodontists and dentists will find the procedure that will work best for you depending on the cause of your Diastema.

Treatment Options for Tooth Spacing or Diastema

Some of the treatment options for fixing tooth gaps are:

Use of traditional Braces or Invisalign – Although Invisalign have shown to be more effective
Veneers or Bonding
Use of Dental Bridge, Dental Implants
Frenum Surgery
Putting an end to poor dental habits like tongue-thrusting and thumb sucking.

Are you someone who is looking for a treatment for tooth spacing? Do you want to close the gap between your teeth?

Get in touch with us and we will help you bring back your confidence and your beautiful smile.

The post Why do we get gaps between our teeth ?- What do you need to know. appeared first on Dental Solutions Clinic.

20 Frequently Prescribed Medication By Dentists

Admin — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 05:17:11 +0000

We are well aware of the variety of diseases involving the oral cavity, but the good part is that there are also a number of drugs that help you fight the disease!

Dentists or dental professionals prescribe medications depending on the condition – certain medicines are prescribed to prevent or treat infection, reduce pain and inflammation, relieve anxiety, teeth cleaning and whitening or bacterial infection treatment and more.

Which are the most common or frequently prescribed medications by dentists?

Keep in mind to inform your dentists about any health conditions you may have (especially any kidney ailments or liver problems or any disease of the nervous system. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding). Your dentist will also make sure to provide you with all the information about a particular medicine s/he prescribes.

The dose and instructions on how to take these medications will differ from patient to patient, depending on the condition, the patient’s age, weight, and other considerations.

PLEASE NOTE: REFRAIN FROM SELF MEDICATING ANY OF THESE DRUGS.

Here are the 20 frequently prescribed medications by dentists

Pan D 40 Mg : This capsule is generally prescribed to treat gastric disorders – Heavy Bloating, gas, heartburn, indigestion. Pan D is prescribed by dentists in cases of esophageal thrush or GERD. A pattern of enamel loss especially at the back of the teeth can indicate that you have GERD ( Stomach acid eats away at the enamel on your teeth).
Amox 500 mg: Amoxicillin is prescribed to treat a variety of oral bacterial infections – Dental abscess, ulcerative gingivitis and pericoronitis. It also relieves pain.
Doxy 1: Doxycycline is an antibiotic and is a combination medicine that is used to treat various types of bacterial infections. It puts a stop to the growth of the microorganisms that cause the infection. It is typically prescribed for serious infections. Doxycycline is also prescribed to patients suffering from gum disease – It can help prevent the breakdown of gum tissue and help with the reduction of gum pockets. Doxycycline should only be taken if your dentist has prescribed it to you.
Metrogyl 400 mg: Metrogyl 400 is an antibiotic that helps our body fight infections caused by bacteria and parasites – Dental infections and oral sores, for example. It is mostly prescribed after surgery to prevent an infection.
Augmentin duo 625 mg: Augmentin 625 Duo Tablet is a penicillin-type of antibiotic that helps your body fight infections caused by bacteria. It is used to treat any infection arising from the tooth.
Novamox CV 625 mg: Novamox CV 625mg Tablet is a penicillin-type of antibiotic. Again this tablet helps your body fight infections caused by bacteria. Novamox CV 625mg Tablet contains two different medicines, Amoxycillin and Clavulanic Acid, they work together to kill the bacteria that cause infections. This is a very common medication prescribed by dental professionals for any dental infections.
Ketorol DT: Ketorol-DT Tablet is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used for short-term relief of pain, inflammation, and swelling. Mostly prescribed after a root canal treatment to avoid infection, inflammation, pain and swelling.
Dolo 650 mg: Dolo 650 Tablet is a medicine used to relieve pain and reduce fever. It is used to treat many conditions such as headaches, body aches, and the common cold. Also used by dental professionals to reduce toothaches. It works by blocking chemical messengers in the brain that tell us we have pain.
Powergesic MR: Powergesic MR is used to relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling in conditions that affect muscles. It contains a combination of three medicines diclofenac, paracetamol and chlorzoxazone. It is used for the treatment of painful muscle spasms associated with musculoskeletal conditions. Additionally, it also reduces pain arising from decayed or diseased teeth.
Chymoral forte: Chymoral Forte is a medicine used in the treatment of pain and inflammation of the teeth and gums. This is mostly prescribed in conditions like a toothache.
Limcee 500 mg: Limcee 500 mg Chewable Orange Tablet which is treated as a nutritional supplement to prevent and treat nutritional deficiencies and vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C is not only good for your teeth; it’s an excellent vitamin for gums, too. Vitamin C helps keep the connective tissues in the gums healthy and strong, which hold the teeth in place. Deficiencies of Vitamin C can lead to bleeding gums and gum disease.
Tolpa D: Tolpa D Tablet is used to reduce pain and inflammation. Mostly prescribed in cases of dental pain due to damage from the tooth nerve, infection, decay, extraction, or trauma.
Clohex mouth wash: Clohex mouthwash kills the harmful microorganisms in the oral cavity that causes swollen gums, and tartar also prevents bad oral odour. It is used in the treatment of inflammation of gums. Gargle for 30 seconds to 1 minute and spit it out or use as directed by the dentist. Do not swallow. You must avoid eating, drinking, or smoking for at least 1 hour after rinsing.
Metrogyl DG Gel: Metrogyl DG Gel is a combination of two medicines – Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Metronidazole. It is used in the treatment of mouth infections such as dental plaque, and bacteria. It prevents the growth of bacteria and helps in the speedy healing of the infection. After brushing your teeth, rinse as usual and apply a thin line of this medication to your teeth with a mouth tray. Leave the medication on for at least 40 secs to 1 minute. It should not be used in excess. This medicine is safe but it may cause a bitter taste and lead to teeth staining if used for a longer duration. Also, avoid swallowing.
Metrogyl plus Gel: Metrogyl Plus Gel is an antibiotic medicine that helps treat bacterial and parasitic infections.
Gum tone: Gum tone is an Ayurvedic tooth gel that tightens gums and stops gum bleeding. It contains herbs like Babul and Khadir which fight germs and prevent the formation of cavities and dental plaques. Babul helps in reducing yellow teeth stains. Additionally, it offers a long-lasting natural fresh breath. This gel is recommended in diabetic patients who are inclined to develop gingivitis.
GC tooth mousse plus: GC Tooth Mousse Plus Paste contains a protein named Recaldent™. It contains calcium and phosphate which helps strengthen tooth enamel, reduce sensitivity, and strengthen roots. This paste with RECALDENT (CPP-ACP) has a proven clinical success record for patients with increased caries risk and white spot lesions. Do not mistake it for toothpaste; it is a tooth cream or paste that must be used as prescribed.
Remin pro: Medicines come in flavours too! This is one of them. Remin Pro is a water-based cream that contains hydroxyapatite and fluoride and is available in melon, strawberry and mint flavours. Remin Pro is known to provide extra protection for teeth and helps to neutralize acids from acid-forming bacteria in plaque. It is also prescribed and used, after teeth whitening treatment, after professional tooth cleaning and during orthodontic treatment.
Vantej toothpaste: A toothpaste that helps reduce tooth sensitivity, makes the enamel harder or strengthens the enamel and prevents dental cavities. It also has a refreshing mint flavour that keeps bad odour at bay.
Curaprox toothpaste: A charcoal toothpaste that gently whitens the teeth. This whitening toothpaste removes discolouration using activated carbon without abrading or bleaching. It also contains fluoride and strengthens oral health. The toothpaste also protects against tooth decay and supports salivary functions. Consult with your dental hygienist to check if it can be used as regular toothpaste. Every dental ailment has a solution if diagnosed early. It is important to always communicate all dental signs and symptoms to your dentist, so that appropriate treatment and medications are prescribed.

Do not consume any medication without the attention of your dentist. For all your dental needs and concerns, we are here – One of the leading dental clinics in Bangalore.

FAQ’s

Can I self-medicate with dental medications?

No, you should never self-medicate with dental medications. Always follow your dentist’s prescription and instructions to avoid complications or adverse effects.

What should I tell my dentist before receiving a prescription?

Inform your dentist about any health conditions (e.g., kidney, liver, or nervous system issues), pregnancy, breastfeeding, or allergies to ensure the prescribed medication is safe and appropriate for you.

How does Clohex mouthwash benefit oral health?

Clohex mouthwash kills harmful microorganisms, causing swollen gums, tartar, and bad breath. It’s used to treat gum inflammation and requires gargling as directed without swallowing.

The post 20 Frequently Prescribed Medication By Dentists appeared first on Dental Solutions Clinic.

Oral Piercings – Not so cool for your health

Admin — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 11:04:20 +0000

Oral Piercings and your health

An oral or mouth piercing is a small piercing in the tongue, lip, cheek, or uvula (teardrop-shaped soft tissue that hangs down the back of your throat.) where you can wear jewellery. Many get these piercings as a form of self-expression, or as part of their culture or something they are passionate about. As of today, there has been an increasing demand from adolescents and young people for oral piercings that has generated concern within the dental fraternity regarding the risk posed from this type of piercing.

If you’re thinking about getting an oral piercing, you may want to be well educated and aware about the relationship between oral piercings and oral health. If you already have an oral piercing, you must know more about how you can maintain and care for your oral health.

The most common immediate complications following an oral piercing is pain and swelling of the site of the piercing, which in severe cases affects breathing, especially in cases with tongue piercing. You may experience trouble eating and speaking immediately after placing the oral jewellery, although temporary could cause further problems if the mouth is not well adjusted to it.

Risks Involved with Oral Piercings

Infection and swelling: Our mouth has a moist environment and is home to huge amounts of breeding bacteria, therefore, an ideal place for infection. When this bacterium gets into the piercings, it can lead to infection. The infection can spread quickly if left untreated and at times can become life threatening! Constantly touching the jewellery with your hand, fiddling with the piercings using other objects or the use of tobacco products, can increase your risk of infection. Oral piercings can also injure gums and lead to cracked or sensitive teeth. There are cases where-in piercings have been known to damage tooth fillings.
Tooth Fracture: This is the most common problem associated with oral piercings – Chipping or fracture to the teeth due to the jewellery. This is even more worrisome when you have oral fittings such as crowns or caps, as they are more vulnerable to the damage being caused.
Gingival problems: People with tongue piercings are more likely to develop gingival recession in the lower lingual region than those who do not. Also, the severity of the recession is significantly higher. Gingival recession can produce a poor aesthetic appearance and increase the risk of teeth sensitivity. Lip piercings can cause traumatic damage to the buccal gingiva.
Abrasion: Rattling the piercings against the teeth can lead to abrasion of tooth surfaces. The permanent loss of tooth structure can occur on various tooth surfaces including outer tooth surfaces or the incisal edges. This can lead to sensitivity and in severe cases damage to the nerve of the tooth.
Alteration to saliva flow: Oral piercings may cause an increase in saliva flow (hypersalivation) which can cause excessive drooling.
Ludwig’s Angina: This is an infection of the floor of the mouth which involves inflammation of the tissues under the tongue. Most individuals having tongue piercings are prone to Ludwig’s Angina
Bifid tongue: Also known as cleft tongue, it is the splitting of the tongue or a split running lengthwise along the tip of the tongue. It is the result of incomplete fusion of the lateral lingual swellings. However, this can also occur as a result of a complication caused during tongue piercing, although it is very rare.
Misalignment of dentition: Habits of moving the oral jewellery around in the mouth and in some cases pushing the jewellery between the teeth can result in misalignment of the dentition.
Nerve damage: After piercing, there could be slight nerve damage that can cause tongue numbness. The injured nerve can affect your sense of taste as well. This is usually temporary but can sometimes be permanent. Additionally, damage to the tongue’s blood vessels can cause serious blood loss.
Cardiac disease: Your mouth is filled with bacteria that can lead to infection and swelling. Individuals already having cardiac disorders need to be extra careful as bacteria can lead to a condition that can damage the heart valves.
Dental Diagnosis issues: The jewellery can get in the way of dental care by blocking X-rays.

How to Care for an Oral Piercing

If you already have a piercing, or plan on having one despite potential risks, you need to bear in mind that aftercare is of utmost importance to maintain a healthy mouth. Here are a few ways you can follow to take care of your oral health with piercings. Firstly, be sure to see a trained professional who uses sterile instruments for piercing.

Stay away from smoking and chewing tobacco
Avoid compulsive habits that could infect your piercing, like: Playing with or rotating your jewellery, placing objects in your mouth with sharp edges, placing the temple tips of your spectacles in your mouth, etc.
When eating or sleeping, you should remove the jewellery. Also, it is advisable to remove your oral jewellery if you play any sports
Check the tightness of your jewellery This can help prevent you from swallowing or choking on the jewellery, if it becomes dislodged.
Visit your dentist regularly and remember to brush twice a day and floss daily.

While an oral piercing can fulfill your need for self-expression, we do not recommend getting one, as we believe the risks outweigh the benefits. However, we respect your ability to assess the risk in a way suitable for you. Before going ahead, we recommend discussing it with your dentist to help keep your oral health in check.

FAQ’s

1. What are the immediate complications of oral piercings?

Common immediate complications include pain, swelling, and potential difficulty with eating or speaking. Severe swelling, especially from tongue piercings, may affect breathing.

2. How can oral piercings lead to infections?

The mouth’s moist environment and high bacterial presence make piercings prone to infection, especially if jewellery is touched frequently, tobacco is used, or hygiene is poor. Untreated infections can become serious.

3. Can oral piercings damage teeth or gums?

Yes, piercings can chip or fracture teeth, damage crowns, cause gingival recession, or abrade tooth surfaces, leading to sensitivity, aesthetic issues, or nerve damage.

4. What are the main risks associated with oral piercings?

Risks include infection, tooth fractures, gingival recession, tooth abrasion, altered saliva flow, Ludwig’s Angina, bifid tongue, misalignment of teeth, nerve damage, cardiac issues, and interference with dental X-rays.

The post Oral Piercings – Not so cool for your health appeared first on Dental Solutions Clinic.

Debunking 5 Common Myths About Tooth Extraction

Admin — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 01:38:16 +0000

Myths about tooth extraction ?. Let’s face it, the very thought of tooth extraction is unpleasant and if you ask people regarding their experience with tooth extraction, you might receive varied answers – Some are most likely to exaggerate terrifying tales; while some will simply explain the whole process. These terrifying tales will make most people, who want to undergo tooth extraction, to doubt or even skip this procedure until their condition worsens. This will eventually affect a person’s oral health or even their overall wellness.

We agree feeling overwhelmed, nervous or uncomfortable is normal. However, having misconceptions is not something we want to normalize. Hence, we have listed 5 common myths or misconceptions about tooth extraction you should know. But before we touch those misconceptions, let’s try and gather some background information about the reasons for tooth extraction and the tooth extraction procedure.

Why are teeth extracted or removed?

There are several reasons why a tooth is extracted. The most common of them all is abnormal eruption of a wisdom tooth. Besides this, teeth crowding, excessive tooth decay, tooth infection, making space for dental braces or prosthetics and trauma/injury to the tooth or the bone are some of the reasons. Of course, there is a possibility of other reasons a tooth has to be extracted besides the ones listed here.

Procedure for a tooth extraction

Your tooth extraction will either be simple or surgical, depending on the tooth’s shape, size, position, and location in the mouth.

Simple extraction

A simple extraction involves removal of a tooth in one piece, that is visible above the gums. A local anesthetic, which numbs the area around your tooth, is administered so you’ll only feel the pressure, not the pain, during the procedure. A tool called dental elevator is also used to loosen the tooth.

Surgical extraction

This is a slightly complicated procedure. It involves the removal of gum tissue, bone, or at times, both. Unlike simple extraction, where the tooth is removed in one piece; here the surgeon might have to remove the tooth in pieces. Both local anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia are administered. However, depending on medical conditions, the dentist may also administer general anesthesia.

Myths or Misconceptions about Tooth Extraction

Myth #1: Tooth Extractions are extremely painful

Fact: Probably one of the biggest myths about tooth extractions. Many think that the process of tooth extraction is extremely painful. However, this fear is far from the truth. Modern dental clinics, like ours, use advanced anesthesia and minimally invasive extraction methods to ensure the comfort of patients throughout the entire process. Not only this, after numbing the part with anesthesia, the dentist or the oral surgeon makes use of a tool called a Dental Elevator to loosen the tooth. During the procedure, you might feel the pressure, but you will not feel the pain. The entire process is mostly completed in half-an-hour to an hour. At times, in a couple of minutes!

Myth #2: Everyone needs their wisdom teeth pulled

Fact: Wisdom tooth extraction is not always necessary. They always do not pose oral issues. In cases of people with excess space within their mouths, wisdom teeth may erupt without any harm which do not require removal. To determine whether or not your wisdom teeth should be removed, schedule a consultation with Dental Solutions Clinic in Bangalore and we will perform a comprehensive oral examination that includes x-rays and determine if your wisdom tooth needs to be extracted or not.

Myth #3: Tooth removal or extraction is the only option

Fact: This is not always the case. Before jumping on to tooth extraction as an option, dentists prefer to preserve and save the tooth rather than have it extracted completely. Root canal treatment or dental crowns are some of the appropriate alternate solutions. However, if the dentist sees that the tooth is irreparable, then extraction may be needed.

Myth #4: Recovery from a tooth extraction takes a long time, sometimes 6 months

Fact: While it will take about 1-2 weeks for the tooth’s socket to completely heal, most patients recover from the surgery after 3-4 days. Patients also resume their normal day-to-day activities post 3-4 days. If you follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist, you’ll be able to recover quickly and get back to your normal day-to-day life.

The most important part to keep in check is to avoid any strenuous activities that might cause the blood to clot over the wound or dislodge the stitches.

Myth #5: Replacing an extracted tooth is not necessary

Fact: When a tooth is extracted, a gap is created and the surrounding teeth no longer have adequate support. They now have a tendency to shift. This will cause the teeth to become crooked or new gaps will be created between the existing teeth. It will cause several oral issues – For example: Eating might seem like a challenging task or your smile can be affected as well.

Replacing missing teeth is the key to maintaining good dental health, restoring your confidence in your smile, and maintaining a fully functioning bite.

Fortunately, there are several tooth replacement options like – Dental implants, Dentures or Dental bridges or crowns – which you can discuss with your dentists

These were a few myths we have debunked. If you have any queries about tooth extraction, feel free to reach out to us.

If you are looking for a dental examination to know if tooth extraction is required, schedule an appointment and we will conduct an oral examination and determine whether a tooth extraction is the right choice for you.

FAQ’s

1. What is the difference between simple and surgical tooth extraction?

1. Simple extraction: Removes a visible tooth above the gums in one piece using local anesthesia and a dental elevator to loosen it.
2. Surgical extraction: Involves removing gum tissue or bone, sometimes breaking the tooth into pieces, and uses local and intravenous or general anesthesia.

2. Are tooth extractions extremely painful?

No, modern dentistry uses advanced anaesthesia and minimally invasive techniques to ensure comfort. You may feel pressure but not pain during the procedure, which typically lasts 30 minutes to an hour.

3. Does everyone need their wisdom teeth removed?

Not always. Wisdom teeth only need removal if they cause issues like crowding or impaction. A dental examination, including X-rays, can determine if extraction is necessary.

4. Is tooth extraction always the only option?

No, dentists prioritise saving teeth with treatments like root canals or crowns when possible. Extraction is only recommended if the tooth is irreparable.

5. What happens if I don’t replace an extracted tooth?

Leaving a gap can cause surrounding teeth to shift, leading to crooked teeth, new gaps, chewing difficulties, and aesthetic issues. Replacing the tooth is key to maintaining oral health and function.

The post Debunking 5 Common Myths About Tooth Extraction appeared first on Dental Solutions Clinic.