How to Determine if a Tooth Nerve is Damaged

A 49-year-old patient recently contacted me concerning a blow to one of her front teeth when her pet dog leapt unexpectedly into her lap causing sudden pain and growing discomfort. The next morning, she confirmed her front right tooth highly sensitive and throbbing. Her concern rightly so had the incident instigated permanent damage.  (Fortunately for my patient, her sensitive tooth was a bruise to the dental pulp and her moderate sensitivity subsided after two weeks.)

These types of questions are asked of me quite often with the patient’s properly alarmed and wanting to know if there is an evaluation by x-ray which will confirm the dental trauma.  The answer is no.  However be assured, there are definitive symptoms I look for which allow me to measure and treat the severity of the dental nerve damage. Listed below are noticeable characteristics of potential nerve damage which if experienced, warrant a call to us without hesitation for a dental evaluation.Pain in the tooth with normal daily activity

• Pain in tooth with normal daily activities
• Pain in the tooth when chewing food
• Tooth pain when biting down
• Swelling on the face in an abscessed tooth
• Presence of gum boils
• Tenderness of the gums
• Over-sensitivity of the tooth to cold or hot drinks and foods if exposed through the decayed part
• Unbearable pain in the tooth possibly leading to fever
• Discoloration of the tooth caused by blood flow to the dead or damaged pulp

Invisalign Technology Offers Great Benefits

     With my having used Invisalign technology for about a year, I recently had the opportunity to visit the company headquarters in Costa Rica for an extraordinary continuing education seminar.  I spent three days training with 14 other dentists and orthodontics. I was truly impressed with the capable and well trained technicians who mentored our group. The longer I work with Invisalign, the more I want to endorse this alternative type of braces for patients.

In my opinion, here are the greatest benefits:

1.      The length of time a patient wears the Invisilign is much briefer than that of traditional braces.

2.       Invisalign braces are designed to be removed when you eat which allows greater ease in brushing and flossing normally.

3.      Invisalign is superior in aesthetics because no one can detect you are wearing anything on your teeth.

     This innovation of this dental product lies in the use of 3-D imaging and software that allows us to virtually work alongside the South American clinical team.  At the start of the process each patient is fit for aligners which are clear casings that cover the patient’s teeth. Every two weeks, these 3-D images are shared with the South American clinicians who create new aligners to move the teeth efficiently.

I believe the relatively small additional cost of Invisalign treatment is well worth the benefits and faster results obtained.

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

Recalling a joke an elderly patient shared with me years ago, has always assisted my bringing up a delicate subject with certain patients: “Doc, halitosis is better than no breath at all, ain’t it?”

Bad breath, morning breath, food breath—however you put it, is not pleasant. Many of my patients suffer from this common condition, especially when first waking up in the morning.

Image from www.sylverrosehealth.com

After a full and honest discussion with those patients, I offer them a sure method of controlling their problem by suggesting the use of a tongue scraper. While it’s not exactly a comforting name, this device will do wonders not only for breath, but also for one’s overall oral health.

Tongue scrapers (cleansers) by no means are new to the market. Did you know the ancient Ayurvedics of India used these to aid in digestion? It’s true! The practice of the tongue cleanser is well established, and people use it today in order to clear the tongue of toxins which causes bad breath as well as invasive sinus conditions leading to throat irritation.

Tongue scrapers are absolute necessities for smokers, and for those who enjoy pungent foods — I’m talking to you, garlic lovers! Not only will the tongue cleanser leave you with sweet-smelling breath, but your mouth will be free of the bacteria that can cause gum disease or tooth decay. We want to keep our precious smiles full of teeth, don’t we?

We all want to keep ourselves in tip-top shape; why not start with your mouth? A tongue cleanser will keep tooth-decaying bacteria to a minimum; keep your breath fresh and your gums healthy—all basic elements of excellent oral health. Parents, these are great for kids too!

A recent study from the International Journal of Dental Health noted that children who used tongue cleansers had a significant decrease in Mutans streptococci, a bacterium that can cause tooth decay.

I urge you to make scraping, brushing and rinsing a part of your morning routine Use these little tools constantly, since the bacteria that is found in the mouth can resurface after a few days.

You can find these at your local pharmacy or stores which specialize in oral health products. However, if you have trouble finding one, check out our Facebook page for our special on tongue scrapers, and stop by the office to get yours for free!

Eat and Drink Your Way to a Beautiful Smile

I think a lot of my patients would be interested to learn that certain foods and drinks help strengthen and whiten their smiles. Some of the items are obvious choices such as fruits, vegetables and water. However, other options may be more surprising...

Green tea is a popular healthy drink, and its ingredients are also healthful for your smile. Antioxidants reduce gum disease and chances of decay. Green tea can also freshen your breath by reducing odor-causing bacteria.

Cheese is helpful to the mouth in multiple ways. Of course the calcium in cheese is perfect to strengthen teeth and bones, but the ingredients in cheese also act as a shield by coating the enamel and blocking stains. 

Onions may not be the best food for your breath, but they contain sulfuric compounds, which may reduce tooth decay.

I still expect my patients to brush and floss regularly, but implementing a healthy diet will help you maintain your oral health as well.  So, bon appétit! 

Dental Exams Can Reveal Unsuspecting Body Disorders

Did you know dentists are often the first healthcare provider to discover disease in a person’s body?  An article in December’s  Wall Street Journal, “If Your Teeth Could Talk,” reported the condition of your gums and teeth often correlate to your general health condition.  Gum inflammation often indicates some form of inflammation inside your body.

For instance, gum tissue with a glistening, shiny look might be a sign of diabetes.  Tiny, red hemorrhages on gums which bleed at the spur of the moment could be a symptom of leukemia. Moreover, some of the earliest signs of cancer, immune disorders, hormone imbalances and drug issues can be identified upon a thorough examination of the gums.

In addition to my evaluating the anatomy of your teeth, your gums often give me a broader view of your general health.  My commitment is to remain vigilant in identifying what those problems may be and if necessary, refer you to the proper medical professional for further consultation.