People who smoke are twice as likely to have periodontal (gum) disease, and the presence of the drug makes the condition harder to treat. Prescription and OTC drugs Antihistamines and drugs containing aspirin, whether over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs, may cause damage to structures in the mouth.
Full Answer
What are the most common dental problems?
Dental problems include cavities, tooth erosion, gum infections, and gum diseases. They can cause pain and discomfort, may affect a person’s ability to eat, and may have a negative impact on an individual’s self-esteem.
Can depression drugs cause dental problems?
Dental Problems From Depression Drugs. Why is this a dental problem? More than half of these patients were taking two or more drugs that can cause dry mouth. Untreated dry mouth -- a condition called xerostomia -- can lead to rampant tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, yeast infections, and other oral problems.
What are the problems associated with high dental fillings?
Problems Associated with High Dental Fillings. One of the most obvious problems associated with high dental fillings is that they cause the affected tooth to protrude out further than all of the other surrounding teeth in your mouth.
Why is periodontal disease harder to treat with medications?
People who smoke are twice as likely to have periodontal (gum) disease, and the presence of the drug makes the condition harder to treat. Antihistamines and drugs containing aspirin, whether over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs, may cause damage to structures in the mouth.
Why is it so hard for me to take care of my teeth?
Some of the most common causes include: not using the right toothpaste, not flossing, brushing too hard, and not brushing your teeth for a long enough time. Oral hygiene plays an integral role in balancing the health of your other body functions, whether you realize it or not.
What is the common cause of dental problems?
Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.
What medical conditions can affect dental treatment?
Here is a list of conditions that affect oral health and requires altering of how dental care is provided.Allergies. ... Diabetes. ... Medications. ... Pregnancy. ... High Blood Pressure. ... Asthma. ... Heart Attacks.
What are the 5 most common dental problems?
10 Common Dental Problems and TreatmentTooth Decay. Tooth decay is also known as dental caries or dental cavities. ... Gum Disease. Gingivitis is the early stage and mild form of gum or periodontal disease. ... Bad Breath. ... Sensitive Teeth. ... Cracked or Broken Teeth. ... Receding Gums. ... Root Infection. ... Enamel Erosion.More items...•
Why do I get so many cavities?
Unless you clean your teeth immediately after eating, sugars remain on and between your teeth and along your gumline. Bacteria in your mouth then have ample time to feast on these sugars and leave behind a destructive waste product that erodes tooth enamel. This is what causes cavities.
What are the two most common dental diseases?
Dental caries and periodontal disease are the two most common dental diseases of importance to public health worldwide although there are several others, which have both clinical, and public health importance (Varenne et al.
How do you know if your teeth are unhealthy?
Symptoms of tooth decaytoothache – either continuous pain keeping you awake or occasional sharp pain without an obvious cause.tooth sensitivity – you may feel tenderness or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet.grey, brown or black spots appearing on your teeth.bad breath.More items...•
Can most dental problems be fixed?
Most Teeth Can Be Corrected But you will never be sure until you visit the dentist. We have had many patients come in who were sure that they needed root canals, extractions, or had formed abscesses.
How do you know if you have dental problems?
Top Ten Dental SymptomsSymptom: Toothache. If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could be from a toothache. ... Symptom: Sensitive Teeth. ... Symptom: Bleeding or Sore Gums. ... Symptom: Bad Breath. ... Symptom: Jaw Pain or Popping/Clicking in the Jaw. ... Symptom: Dry Mouth. ... Symptom: Oral Piercing Infection. ... Symptom: Cracked or Broken Teeth.More items...
Tooth cavities
Tooth cavities, also called tooth decay or dental caries, develop when a sticky colorless-to-yellow film of bacteria called plaque forms on the tooth’s surface. Sugars in food change into acids that damage and destroy the hard outer covering of teeth, which is known as enamel. This environment makes it easier for plaque to develop.
Gum disease
Mild gum disease, called gingivitis, occurs when plaque accumulates between and around teeth and infects the gums, causing irritation and swelling. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can cause bleeding gums, painful chewing, receding gums, and tooth loss.
Tooth erosion
Similar to tooth decay, tooth erosion happens when dietary acids cause enamel to wear away. Diets high in sugar and acids can promote dental erosion. People with dry mouth are also at a higher risk of tooth erosion as they do not have enough saliva to rinse away the acid.
Cracked or chipped tooth
A tooth can crack, chip, or break due to chewing or biting hard foods, grinding teeth at night, or accidents and injuries.
Tooth sensitivity
People with sensitive teeth may experience discomfort and pain when they eat cold or hot foods.
Appearance
Many people seek dental treatment to improve the appearance of their teeth. A person may have lower self-esteem due to crooked teeth, extra teeth (hyperdontia), or yellow-stained teeth.
Impacted teeth
An impacted tooth is a tooth that has failed to erupt, usually due to lack of space. The impacted tooth may then move up against another tooth.
What are the complications of dental treatment?
Complications after a dental procedure that include swelling and pain, dry socket, osteomyelitis, bleeding, and osteonecrosis of the jaw comprise another set of urgent dental problems that require prompt attention.
Why does my mouth bleed after a tooth is removed?
Bleeding in the mouth may appear worse than it is because a small amount of blood may mix with saliva and appear to be more blood than is actually present.
How to treat osteonecrosis of jaw?
Treatment typically involves scraping away some of the damaged bone (debridement), taking antibiotics by mouth, and using antibacterial mouth rinses.
What is the disorder of the jaw?
Osteonecrosis of the jaw. Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a disorder that involves bone death of areas of the jawbones after exposure of the jawbone through the gum tissue. The disorder usually causes pain, loosening of teeth, and a discharge of pus. The disorder may occur after. Tooth extraction. An injury.
What is the infection of the lower jaw called?
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone and is usually caused by bacteria. When osteomyelitis occurs in the mouth, it typically occurs as an infection of the lower jaw. People usually have a fever, and the affected area is tender and swollen. Doctors or dentists use an x-ray to make the diagnosis.
How long does it take for a tooth to heal after a tooth extraction?
Typically, discomfort lessens for 2 or 3 days after the extraction and then suddenly worsens, sometimes accompanied by an earache. Although the condition goes away by itself after 1 to 2 weeks, a dentist can place a dressing soaked with an anesthetic in the socket to eliminate the pain. The dentist replaces the dressing every 1 to 3 days until no more pain is felt after the gauze has been left out for a few hours. Alternatively, dentists often use a commercial dressing that does not need to be removed and that contains an antimicrobial and a pain reliever in addition to an anesthetic. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be taken by mouth if additional pain relief is needed.
How to stop swelling on cheeks after tooth extraction?
Swelling is common after certain dental procedures, particularly tooth removal (extraction) and periodontal surgery. Holding an ice pack—or better yet, a plastic bag of frozen peas or corn (which adapts to the shape of the face)—to the cheek can prevent much of the swelling. Ice therapy can be used for the first 18 hours.
How to prevent tooth decay?
There is good news amid all of this disease. And that is, it can easily be avoided or affected by your everyday oral hygiene decisions. So how do you do that? Good question. The answer is twofold: 1 Proper dental care#N#That's for you and your entire family. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing and antibacterial mouth rinse daily. No exceptions.#N#If you're already having issues with your gum health, choose a toothpaste to battle gum disease directly. 2 Dental checkups#N#Get in to see your dentist at least twice a year. They can give you a high-powered cleaning, help keep your gums healthy, and answer any oral health questions you may have.
How to fight gum disease?
If you're already having issues with your gum health, choose a toothpaste to battle gum disease directly. Dental checkups. Get in to see your dentist at least twice a year. They can give you a high-powered cleaning, help keep your gums healthy, and answer any oral health questions you may have.
What is the importance of oral hygiene?
A healthy oral hygiene routine will do wonders for your teeth, mouth, and smile from a dental perspective. And that should keep the rest of your body smiling as well. This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics.
How long does it take for a heart attack to return to normal after tooth extraction?
The risk returns to normal levels within six months, according to the study published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Can periodontal disease cause heart attacks?
Once this occurs, the bacteria accumulate along the blood vessels, causing inflammation, which can make people more vulnerable to heart attacks and stroke.
Does dental work increase risk of heart attack?
The researchers took into account other factors known to increase risk for heart attack and stroke, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Those who underwent invasive dental work had an increased risk for heart attack or stroke in the four weeks after their procedure, but this risk was "transient," the researchers report.
How do drugs affect your teeth?
There are several ways that each drug can, individually, damage oral health. Here are the most common ways that addictive drugs can generally harm the mouth and teeth: 1 Dry mouth, which increases acid in the mouth and leads to rotting enamel 2 Acid reflux, which also rots enamel and hurts soft tissue 3 Grinding teeth 4 Loss of blood flow to roots and gums 5 Ulcers or sores in the mouth that can become infected 6 A focus on attaining more drugs instead of caring for oral hygiene 7 Nutritional deficiencies that can damage teeth and gums 8 Greater intake of high-sugar food or beverages, which rots teeth
What causes teeth to grind?
Opioids and opiates: Heroin causes people to crave sugary foods or soda, which can damage teeth and their roots. Although opioids and opiates are not stimulant drugs, they can cause users to grind their teeth, which cracks teeth and damages the jaw.
What happens when you grind your teeth?
Grinding the teeth can crack them and cause damage to the enamel, the surrounding gums, and the jaw. Meth: Poor dental health is associated with meth use in a condition colloquially called meth mouth, as this drug rots teeth very quickly. Meth causes blood vessels to shrivel and die, and this causes problems in the gums.
Does meth damage teeth?
Most people know from public health advertisements that meth abuse damages teeth; however, they may not know how this occurs, how quickly it can happen, or that other drugs can damage oral health. Below are drugs that are most often associated with damage to the teeth, gums, jaw, and oral hygiene:
Does cocaine break down enamel?
It is very acidic, so if cocaine comes in contact with teeth, it will break down the enamel.
Does smoking tobacco cause gum disease?
Chewing tobacco also puts the individual at risk of these cancers. Most forms of tobacco can lead to dry mouth, which can lead to halitosis, gum disease, and damage. People who smoke are twice as likely to have periodontal (gum) disease, and the presence of the drug makes the condition harder to treat.
Can stimulants cause dry mouth?
The action can also damage the jaw. These stimulant drugs cause dry mouth and can lead to dehydration, which can damage teeth, their enamel, and other structures in the mouth. Alcohol: This legal, but addictive, intoxicating substance is made from fermented sugars and may have additional sugar added later.
Why do dentists ask you to bite down on a thin piece of paper after fillings?
The reason your dentist might ask you to bite down on a thin piece of paper after applying fillings in your teeth is because they need to test the shape and formation of your bite to make sure that the filling was properly placed.
Why is it so hard to tell if a filling is off?
The problem is that it’s usually very hard for most patients to be able to determine if their filling placement is slightly off because their dentist might have applied a numbing or cooling agent to prevent the patient from feeling immense pain or sensitivity.
What is the purpose of fillings?
The purpose of fillings is to remedy various issues with your teeth including tooth decay and cavities. The process involves your dentist removing the damaged portion of the affected tooth and then replacing it with a filling agent the purpose of which is to restore the tooth to its former glory.
Why do I feel a sharp pain after a filling?
The reason you may experience either minor, moderate, or excruciating pain or discomfort after having a high filling placed is because every time you take a bite, your teeth push against one another and apply an increased amount of pressure. This issue stems from the fact that the awkward placement of the high dental filling is getting in the way of your natural bite and may even be causing a great deal of tension between your other teeth. If you have multiple fillings within close proximity or if you’ve had other permanent or semi-permanent dental work done, you might also feel a sharp shooting pain every time those particular teeth come into contact with one another. This is a result of two different types of metals rubbing against one another in your mouth. Over time, the metals will become slightly dull and the pain should subside naturally. Unprecedented pain a few days following the procedure is one of the most telling symptoms of a high dental filling.
How to tell if filling is too high?
If you feel any level of soreness, sensitivity, or pressure whatsoever, then this is a good indication that your filling may have been placed too high.
What happens if you have a high filling?
If left untreated, high dental fillings can lead to a whole host of other dental issues, most notably malocclusion, misalignment in the jaw, and problems with your bite.
Can a dentist overfill a tooth?
During a routine filling treatment, it’s possible for your dentist to overfill your decayed tooth or even place the filling too high and this can result in a great deal of discomfort, sensitivity, and even pain.
What causes plaque in the mouth?
What causes plaque? Plaque forms when bacteria in your mouth mix with sugary or starchy foods, such as milk, juice, soft drinks, bread, pasta and fruit. These bacteria release acids that break down carbohydrates in food and drinks. If you don’t brush your teeth soon after eating or drinking, the combination of bacteria, ...
How to get rid of plaque in teeth?
Good tooth and gum care is key to reducing plaque. You should: Floss daily: Floss once a day with dental floss or a water flosser to get rid of food and plaque stuck between teeth. Studies show that flossing before brushing teeth removes more plaque. Brush twice a day: Brush teeth for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush (manual or powered) ...
What happens if you don't brush and floss?
If you don’t brush and floss daily, plaque can harden into tartar. Only a dental professional can remove tartar. Plaque and tartar can lead to: Cavities. Gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease. Severe gum infection (p eriodontitis ). Tooth decay and loss. Tooth infection ( abscessed tooth ).
How to remove tartar buildup?
Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, removes plaque and prevents tartar buildup. During a dental examination, your dental professional will scrape plaque and tartar from your teeth. Your provider may also recommend: Dental sealants to keep plaque from forming on the top chewing surfaces of teeth.
What happens if you don't remove plaque?
Tooth brushing and flossing get rid of plaque. If you don’t remove plaque, it hardens into tartar. Plaque can lead to cavities, gingivitis (gum disease) and tooth loss.
Why do we need regular dental checkups?
Because plaque can cause cavities, tartar and gum disease, regular dental checkups are a must. If plaque and tooth decay go undetected and untreated, you could develop a painful gum infection or lose teeth.
How to get rid of a swollen mouth?
See your dentist: Get dental checkups at least twice a year. Use mouthwash: Rinse with an over-the-counter or prescription antiseptic mouthwash.
How to prevent dry mouth?
Kauffman and Keene agree that dry mouth is indeed a problem that must be taken seriously. Keene suggests several ways to prevent dry mouth: 1 Practice better home dental care. 2 Drink more water. 3 Use a fluoride application. 4 Schedule more frequent dental visits.
Do you have to tell your dentist about antidepressants?
Doctors often prescribe these drugs for other conditions such as some forms of pain. "If you are taking any kind of medication, you should tell your dentist," Keene tells WebMD. People taking antidepressants may need a stricter dental program including more frequent brushing and flossing, he says.
