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Keeping your teeth healthy is important to preserve your overall health. Aching teeth, bleeding gums, and a bad breath are all signs of poor dental health. Unhealthy teeth and gums allow bacteria to get into the bloodstream, resulting in infection and inflammation in all of its organ systems. It’s essential to maintain proper dental hygiene and visit a dental specialist regularly to prevent serious risks to your overall well being.  

Continue reading to discover seven severe health problems that can arise from poor dental health.  

1. Dementia
Bad dental health can negatively affect your brain. If the substances released from infected gums enter your bloodstream, they can kill brain cells and cause memory loss. By damaging your nerve channels, oral bacteria can potentially lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

2. Diabetes
Diabetes makes you prone to infections like gingivitis and periodontitis. And gum disease can in turn make diabetes more difficult to manage. Gingivitis can increase your blood sugar, worsening the symptoms of diabetes.

 Diabetics need to practice proper oral hygiene to prevent their disease from getting more severe. Because gingivitis can lead to abnormal blood sugar levels, a person with bad dental health is at higher risk of experiencing diabetes. Consider visiting a dental specialist at the earliest clinical sign of gingivitis to prevent further symptoms.

3. Heart disease
Periodontal bacteria can inflame your gums and get into your bloodstream. This bacteria can cause plaque accumulation in your arteries, making them narrower. This narrowing of the arteries is called atherosclerosis. Narrowed blood arteries cause poor blood circulation and put you at risk of experiencing a heart attack. 

Decreased blood flow and damaged arteries can lead to strokes. Bacteria in your bloodstream can also result in endocarditis, which is a potentially lethal condition that develops due to inflammation in your heart’s inner lining. 

4. Respiratory infections
Your respiratory system can become infected due to bad dental health. Bacteria in the mouth from a dental abscess and gum disease can travel into the lungs through the nasal cavity or bloodstream. When in your lungs, oral bacteria can cause respiratory infections, pneumonia, chest cold, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

5. Cancer
Bad dental health and nasty habits like smoking or using tobacco are linked to oral and throat cancers. However, there are other types of cancer believed to be caused by gum disease. Infected gums can put you at risk of suffering from liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, and blood cancers.

6. Rheumatoid arthritis
People who have gum disease are four times more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions can worsen the symptoms of each other. The oral bacteria from gum disease can worsen the inflammation in all of your body. Rheumatoid arthritis causes bleeding while brushing and leads to gum recession and tooth loss. 

7. Kidney disease
Kidney disease means that your kidneys are damaged and can’t function properly. This disease can affect your cardiovascular system, bones, and blood vessels. Infectious diseases like periodontitis can put you at higher risk of having kidney disease. People with the periodontal disease typically have weakened immune systems and are more vulnerable to infections. Kidney disease can lead to potentially lethal health problems like kidney failure or heart disease.

The bottom line
Preserve your overall health by practicing good dental hygiene and undergoing routine dental checkups and cleanings. Remember that oral infections like gingivitis or periodontitis can lead to various health issues like diabetes, different types of cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and dementia. Consider visiting a gums specialist to treat gum infections in their early stage and prevent them from recurring. 

Have your teeth lost their shine and brightness due to unsightly brown, yellow, or black stains? Tooth discoloration can develop because of age, but some popular foods, drinks, and even mouthwashes can contribute to it. Home remedies can be beneficial for teeth whitening. Reducing consumption of teeth-staining foods and drinks can prevent further discoloration. 

Continue reading to learn seven secrets to keeping your teeth whiter and healthier.

1. Dental hygiene 
Proper dental hygiene is a key factor in keeping your teeth white and healthy. Make sure to brush your teeth after eating. Brushing is essential to prevent discoloration and plaque accumulation. Consider getting an electric toothbrush. It’s more effective in removing plaque and surface stains than a manual toothbrush. Don’t neglect to floss and use mouthwash every day.

2. DIY teeth whitening
You can try to get rid of staining by yourself. There are lots of at-home teeth whitening products like kits, strips, toothpaste, and mouthwashes that may help whiten your teeth. Also, consider trying home remedies like oil pulling and brushing with baking soda. Over-the-counter whitening products contain peroxide-based bleach that can make your teeth a few shades lighter. Whitening toothpaste contains abrasive polishing agents that can help get rid of surface stains. However, both whitening products and remedies cannot remove deep tooth stains. If you’re experiencing severe discoloration, consult a dental specialist regarding professional teeth whitening procedure.  

3. Stop smoking
Smoking is not only bad for your overall health, but it’s also one of the main culprits of tooth discoloration. Tobacco tar causes brown stains that penetrate deep into tooth enamel. These stains are very hard to get rid of by brushing alone. The more you smoke, the deeper the stains become. Smoking also leads to bad breath, gum disease and puts you at risk of experiencing different types of cancer.

4. Avoid teeth-staining drinks
Your favorite drinks can lead to tooth discoloration. Anything that can stain a white cloth can stain teeth. Teeth-staining drinks include coffee, tea, dark soft drinks, and fruit juice. This type of tooth discoloration develops gradually and becomes more evident as you age.

5. Prevent teeth grinding
Grinding your teeth while sleeping can have an immense effect on your dental health. Grinding causes tooth wear, which makes your teeth more exposed to damage. It’s essential to identify the problem in time and follow dentist recommendations like wearing a mouthguard at night to prevent grinding.  

6. Teeth-staining medications
Some medications can cause tooth discoloration. Common teeth-staining medications are:  

• Sumycin 
• Cetylpyridinium chloride-containing mouthwashes
• Medications that contain Iron
• Fluoride excess
• Some neuroleptics, antihistamine medications, and blood pressure medications

Consult your doctor about alternative medications that are appropriate to your situation and don't cause tooth stains.

7. Regular dental checkups 
Don’t forget to visit your dentist biannually. Routine checkups are essential to maintain a shiny smile and prevent dangerous diseases. Your dentist can also provide professional teeth cleaning to remove hardened tartar and food residue that cannot be removed by a regular toothbrush. 

The bottom line
If you have stains on your teeth, try the aforementioned tips to keep your teeth white and healthy. Make sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly and don’t forget to use a mouthwash to wash out dangerous bacteria and food particles. Quit smoking and reduce your consumption of teeth-staining drinks. Try DIY teeth whitening products and remedies and treat symptoms of teeth grinding. Don’t avoid undergoing routine dental checkups and consulting a dental specialist if you’re experiencing severe discoloration. 

Age can take a toll on your overall wellbeing and increase the risk of serious health conditions. Older people become more prone to the development of diabetes, osteoporosis, muscle loss, and cardiovascular conditions. Along with medical problems, age wreaks havoc on your appearance. Wrinkles, sagging skin, and dark circles under the eyes are just a part of the problems that you can face when you become older. 

Below are 7 anti-aging foods that can help you never feel old. Each of these products is loaded with important nutrients for aging women. 

1. Cheddar cheese

With age, your teeth become more prone to staining, sensitivity, and other dental problems. Cheddar can help you decrease the risk of most dental alignments by maintaining healthy PH levels in the mouth. Low PH levels allow cavity-causing bacteria to grow and develop. This makes you more likely to develop issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and enamel erosion. Of course, a diet rich in cheddar cannot replace regular visits to a dental office but can definitely improve the condition of your teeth. 

2. Oysters

Oysters can help you prevent some aging signs and improve your overall wellbeing. By consuming oysters on a regular basis you can decrease the risk of age-related muscle loss. Oysters are a rich source of zinc. This mineral helps convert vitamin A which is crucial for eye health, supports bone health, and encourages healthy skin cell production. There are a variety of ways to cook oysters, so everyone can find a delicious recipe. 

3. Water with lemon

As you age, problems like puffiness and dark circles under the eyes become worse. Dehydration can significantly aggravate these issues by causing inflammation. Include water with lemon in your daily healthcare routine to keep your hydration at healthy levels and detoxify the organism. This beverage has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and helps  eliminate toxins from the liver. 

4. Green tea

Green tea is the most favorite beverage of long-livers in Japan. This drink contains a big dose of phytochemicals which have a lot of health benefits. They help  improve the function of the immune system, protect DNA cells from damage, and help regulate hormones. Phytochemicals help enhance the skin barrier function and protect your skin from sun damage. Antioxidants in green tea promote skin regeneration and improve its elasticity. 

5. Sardines

Sardines are packed with bone-healthy nutrients like vitamin D and calcium. It is important to consume these nutrients together because vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium. This can help prevent age-related bone loss and strengthen your skeletal. Stronger bones mean a lower risk of osteoporosis and bone degeneration. 

6. Shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushroom is a rich source of kojic acid. This ingredient can lighten your skin by eliminating age spots and scars. This helps to keep your skin young and glowing. Shiitake mushrooms can provide your body with a healthy dose of copper. A lack of this nutrient is the main cause of early hair graying. Because of the high content of antioxidants, these mushrooms fight inflammation and decrease the risk of serious health conditions like diabetes or thrombosis. 

7. Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a rich source of nutrients crucial for your health. It can help you maintain a healthy weight as you become older. It contains a decent amount of fiber and just 50 calories. Fiber helps control appetite and maintain a healthy weight. Grapefruit is a great source of antioxidants like vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene, and flavanones. They protect your skin and other body organs from free-radical damage and fight inflammation. 

Foods and drinks you consume daily have a great impact on your teeth and gums. It is essential to understand that a healthy diet can help keep your teeth and gums strong while junk food can lead to the development of tooth decay, gum disease, and many other oral issues. 

In addition to a healthy diet, you should also maintain proper oral hygiene and visit a dentistry clinic on a regular basis. All these preventive measures may help you avoid many negative consequences. In this article, we have gathered nine dangerous foods and drinks that can worsen your oral health.

1. Coffee

Many people think that coffee is a perfect remedy for sleepiness and tiredness, but you should know that it can significantly affect your teeth. Regular coffee consumption can make your teeth look dark and stained. Additionally, coffee is an acidic drink that softens your tooth enamel and makes it more vulnerable to negative impact. 

2. Dried fruits

Even though dries fruits can be deemed as a healthier substitute for candies, they can still ruin your teeth. The reality is that dried fruits often contain a lot of sugar that contributes to tooth decay. That’s why it is better to replace them with fresh fruit or nuts if you want to have a bite.

3. Sticky cookies

Sticky foods, especially cookies, can also worsen your oral health. They usually linger in your mouth and create a perfect environment for bacteria. These bacteria produce acids that affect your gums and tooth enamel. Try to avoid sticky foods or at least rinse your mouth with water after their consumption.

4. Sweet soda

Sweet soda is double trouble for your oral cavity. Most kinds of soda water contain acids and sugar that wear out your tooth enamel and lead to bacteria overgrowth. If you are thirsty, it is better to drink sparkling water or green tea instead of sweet soda. 

5. Hard candy

In addition to the huge amount of sugar in hard candy, they can lead to tooth fracture and gum injuries. The main thing is that they are solid and many people bite them. If the candy is too hard, it can cause a crack in the tooth enamel and you can also puncture a gum with a sharp piece of candy. 

6. Tomato sauces

Tomato sauces contain a lot of sugar and acids. This means that regular consumption of tomato sauces can thin your tooth enamel and lead to the development of tooth decay. Try to replace tomato sauces with white sauces or hard cheese. 

7. Citrus fruits

Even though citrus fruits are full of vitamin C that is essential for your health, it is better to limit their consumption since they are extremely acidic. You should also know that it is not recommended to brush your teeth immediately after the consumption of acidic foods since you can scratch the softened tooth enamel. 

8. Potato chips

Potato chips are an extremely tasty snack that can affect your teeth as well. Potatoes are full of starch that turns into sugar in your mouth. Additionally, pieces of chips can get stuck between your teeth and feed on bacteria. 

9. Alcohol

Alcohol can contain sugar and lead to dry mouth. If you have insufficient salivation, food particles, plaque and bacteria remain in your mouth. That’s’ why it is essential to stay hydrated especially if you consume alcohol.

The bottom line

If you want to avoid oral disease, it is better to avoid or at least limit the consumption of the aforementioned foods and drinks. But you should also maintain proper oral hygiene and don’t skip regular dental check-ups.

Your role as a parent is to keep them safe and healthy. Make sure your child maintains a healthy lifestyle, avoids potential dangers, and treats illnesses in time. Motivate your child to be physically active and hang out in the fresh air. Here are a few simple tips to ensure that your child will grow into a healthy and happy adult. 

1. Develop a sleeping schedule
It’s essential for your kid to get about 10 hours of sleep every day. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule is a good way to make sure your child gets enough sleep. Maintain this habit. If possible, let your kids sleep more if they fall asleep late.

2. Provide a healthy diet
Get fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and protein foods for your kitchen. Use fresh and natural products only. Read labels attentively to prepare meals according to the instructions. Provide healthy snacks, like unsalted nuts and seeds and yogurt all the time.

3. Monitor the health your kid on a regular basis
All children are supposed to get a well-child check-up bimonthly before they are older than 3 years of age. Right after the start of teething, your children require regular dental check-ups. Find an experienced pediatric dentist and make sure to book regular dental appointments to prevent and treat dental problems like cavities, tooth decay, crooked teeth, and uneven bite. A dental specialist will provide different preventive measures to ensure your child's health, including fluoride treatment and professional dental cleaning.

4. Ensure home safety
Put all dangerous chemicals and cleaners in a place that is inaccessible for your child. Make sure all the electric cords and wires are safely hidden. Prevent furniture from falling over and hurting your child. Hide all sharp and unsafe items. Even if your kid is older than a baby, watch out for harmful objects at your house.

5. Avoid germs
Educate your kid on the importance of washing hands regularly. They should wash their hands after using the bathroom and before eating or touching their face. Buy them a little bottle of hand sanitizer to carry in a backpack and use on any occasion. Prevent them from sharing water bottles or beverages with other kids and putting thumbs inside their mouths.

6. Prevent your children from being around sick people 
When necessary, prohibit your children to be around people who are sick. Your kids may encounter lots of germs on their own and there’s nothing healthy in being in contact with a source of infection.

7. Do not let your kid eat too much junk food
Prevent your children from eating food high in sugar and fat, or ultra-processed foods. If you avoid buying them, your kids will consume healthy foods that are stored in your fridge. Watch for ‘sneaky’ products that can seem healthy but are very dangerous for your kids’ health. The list includes foods labeled “low-fat” and even low-juice fruit beverages.

8. Make sure your kid gets enough fresh air 
Go outside with your kids and play football or ride a bike for a couple of hours. Have a pleasant walk with your children. Play a baseball game followed by a barbecue. Being under the sun allows getting the daily amount of Vitamin D. It is essential for boosting immunity and preventing different kinds of illness. Make sure to grab sunscreen for your kids before going outside.

The bottom line
Make sure to keep your kids safe and sound by teaching them good habits, providing proper nutrition, ensuring home safety, and developing a proper sleeping schedule. Always consult a doctor if your kids feel sick. In time treatment is a key to having good health in the future.

Sometimes a shooting pain in your tooth or gum line can wake you up in the middle of the night. Knowing that the painful sensations, particularly a toothache, is never a good sign, you contact your dentist right away and set up an appointment. Concentrating, you try to recognize the cause of such bad pain. You’re brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly. You’re visiting your dentist for regular checkups. So what is the reason for so much pain in your tooth?

Even with proper oral routine, there can be many causes of toothache. The reasons for toothache can vary from trauma to a bacterial infection. Here are the 10 most common causes of pain in your teeth.

1. Sensitivity

You can experience tooth  sensitivity for many reasons. Cavities or traumas can lead to sensitive teeth. Cracks, breaks, enamel erosion, or receding gums can all make your teeth vulnerable by revealing the tooth root or pulp to dangerous bacteria. Consumption of hot, cold, or high in sugar foods that damage the unprotected root can lead to severe tooth pain.

2. Cavities 

Among the most frequent reasons for tooth pain are cavities. Sugars and other unhealthy elements contained in foods you consume, can contact with your mouth microflora and produce acid. This acid accumulates in your mouth and damages your enamel, the natural protective layer of the teeth. As the acid bites through your enamel, it can be the reason for holes or cavities formation in your teeth. After that, eating foods that contain too much sugar, biting down, or even inhaling cold air can result in sharp pain in your teeth.

3. Tooth injury

You can crack, break, or chip away a small portion of your tooth while playing sports or even eating something hard. Damaged teeth can be quite painful when you bite on hard foods or eat something rather cold or hot. An injury can expose the tooth root, which will surely lead to toothache and sensitive teeth. If you’ve experienced a tooth injury- contact a specialist for emergency toothache relief. You don’t have to put up with the pain and let it ruin your day. 

4. Grinding your teeth

Clenching and gnashing your teeth while you sleep may be the symptom of a disease called Bruxism. The development of this condition can lead to unconsciously grinding your teeth during the day period, which only increases the risk of enamel erosion and damaged teeth.

5. Sinusitis

Experiencing a sinus infection, Sinusitis, can make you feel terrible and can be the cause of toothache too. The pressure from the inflammation in your nasal cavities can lead to painful sensations in your mouth and upper jaw.

6. Gum Infections

If your gum line becomes affected by a dangerous bacteria, you may experience pain not only in it but also in your teeth. Gum infections can be a result of Periodontist, a developed form of the usual gingivitis. In Periodontist, the tissues in your mouth below your gums can tear down and develop pockets. The pockets will soon become homes for lots of dangerous microorganisms and cause decay in neighboring teeth and gums. 

7. Heart Attack

Yes, pain in your tooth can be evidence of a heart attack risk. Though it is not a frequent symptom, jaw pain that travels into your tooth can be a sign of a potential heart attack.

The bottom line

Does having an ice-cold drink lead to painful discomfort? Or is it extremely painful to just brush or floss? You may be experiencing tooth sensitivity. But there’s no reason to suffer the pain. There are ways to cure tooth sensitivity and enhance your dental health. Contact a professional to treat all your dental problems.

You probably can find the time to hang out with your friends or binge watch that new Netflix show. But can’t find the time to visit your dentist.  

If you want to protect your teeth and gums, eating a healthy diet can also prevent many oral diseases including gum disease and bad breath. You need to be careful about what you eat if you want to stay healthy and prevent a number of oral diseases.

Below, we have outlined 8 foods that can improve and preserve the health of your gums.

1. Carrots

Carrots are amazing  for your oral health. Chewing a raw carrot can act as a natural toothbrush. By munching a raw carrot you eliminate bacteria and plaque from your teeth and gums. Chewing massages your gums, which increases the blood flow. 

Carrots are a rich source of keratin and vitamin A. These nutrients can fight plaque and strengthen tooth enamel. However, carrots do not have as many benefits as professional dental care and tooth brushing. 

2. Whole Grains

Whole grains have lower sugar content than many other foods. This may potentially decrease your risk of gum disease. The high sugar levels in the blood make you prone to health conditions like diabetes. This disease is a risk factor for gum problems. The fiber in the whole grain can help you deal with blood sugar issues. A few servings of whole grain every day can decrease your risk of gum disease significantly. 

3. Apples

Apples can make your gums healthier. They contain a high dose of vitamin C that helps keep your gums healthy. Lack of vitamin C can make your gums vulnerable to infection and gum disease. 

It is important to eat apples in the right way to prevent gum damage. Crunching apples can cut your gum increasing the risk of infection. Try to cut an apple on the slices to lessen the risk of bleeding and gum pain. 

4. Leafy greens

Leafy greens are one of the best foods you can eat to promote overall and oral health. They provide your organism with essential bioactive compounds and phytonutrients. Leafy greens provide your gums with calcium and vitamin C. These nutrients can strengthen your gums and prevent oral infections. You need to consume leafy greens like kale or spinach on a regular basis. 

5. Yogurt

Yogurt is a great way to strengthen your teeth enamel and prevent gum issues. Natural yogurt contains probiotics that can fight gum disease-causing bacterias in your mouth. By eating foods rich in probiotics you can decrease the risk of gum problems and tooth decay. Some yogurt in your daily diet can assist in preventing a variety of oral health issues.

6. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain a lot of nutrients that are essential for oral cavity health. This vegetable promotes the health of the mucous membranes and soft tissue of the gums due to the high content of vitamin A. This vitamin promotes the production of keratin that is essential for strong tooth enamel. Sweet potato also contains nutrients like iron, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. These vitamins are essential for gum health.  

7. Water

It is important to drink enough water to prevent gum disease. Lack of proper hydration makes your gums less elastic and more prone to gum infections. Drinking water assists in washing away harmful bacterias from your mouth that are associated with gum issues. It is recommended to rinse your mouth with water after each meal to decrease the risk of gum infection and tooth decay. 

8. Cranberries

Cranberries are a great way to improve and preserve your gum health. They can prevent bacteria from sticking and plaque formation on the teeth and gums. Cranberries also cut down on amino acids that bacteria survive on. 

There are many myths about a root canal, in this article, we will explain everything about root canal and some common myths about the root canal.

Toothache is a type of pain that even the strongest of us can’t bear. If it persists for a long time, a small decay may have progressed to something more severe.

It is best to visit your dentist to have it checked.

If your tooth is less damaged your dentist might suggest a number of procedures but if a tooth is severely damaged you will be advised a root canal. A root canal is a procedure that involves removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it, and then filling and sealing it.

Here are some common myths and facts about a root canal procedure.

• It is painful – the only sensation that you might feel is that of a syringe prick which is used to induce local anesthesia. The entire procedure is done under the influence of anesthesia, which means that you won’t feel any pain during a root canal and of course nothing in comparison to what a damaged tooth causes every now and then.
• Requires many visits to the doctor – The entire procedure for one tooth can be completed in 1-2 sittings.
• Pulling the tooth out is a better option – Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is very important for proper eating and chewing functions. A root canal helps you save your natural teeth by simply removing the infected pulp and sealing it.
• A root canal is not required if there is no pain – Many teeth that need root canal therapy will not cause pain. Your dentist is the best judge. In some cases, you might see swelling near the damaged tooth. This is called a fistula, is a tunnel of tissue draining pus from an infection. There is no pain because the fistula keeps pressure from building in the tissue. The infection must be treated, and the tooth probably needs root canal treatment. Without treatment, it can infect the nearby tissues.
• Root canals have a high failure rate – It is one of the most successful treatments in dentistry. With new technology and treatment techniques, it is done with a high level of success.

So, the next time you are being advised for a root canal it is definitely the need of the hour. The procedure is highly successful and painless if it is done by an expert dental clinic. Don’t let the myths keep you from what’s best for you.

Contact us for painless root canal treatment in Nepean Sea Road, Mumbai.

Stress is the body’s internal and external reaction to a change that requires a physical, mental or emotional response. Stress can come from any situation or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, nervous, or anxious.

Too much stress is known to be bad for us but did you know that stress can also cause issues to your dental health?

Dental Issues That Can Be Caused By Stress

Poor Dental Hygiene

When a person is under stress they tend to lose focus on basic habits and this includes being diligent with maintaining their dental hygiene. If you do not take care of your dental hygiene, your dental health as well as your general health will begin to suffer. This is especially true if you already suffer from periodontal disease as skipping any part of your dental hygiene program can worsen the periodontal disease. Another issue with being under stress is your nutrition changes. Most people dealing with stress tend to develop very unhealthy eating habits. This can include snacking on larger than normal amounts of sugary foods and drinks. These changes will increase your risk for tooth decay.

A good way to combat stress in your life is to maintain a routine of regularly exercising. Exercising regularly can help you relieve some of that stress and give you an extra energy boost. Exercise will also boost your immune system which is always a plus.

Teeth Grinding (also called Bruxism)

One of the main reasons why people grind their teeth is due to stress. Bruxism can occur day or night but it is usually a subconscious act. Stress is not the only cause of bruxism but it does make it worse. Some of the dental issues associated with bruxism include:

-Headaches

-Ear Pain

-Worn Down Teeth.

-Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues

-Sensitive Teeth

-Chipped or cracked teeth

-Receding Gums or teeth with notches in them at the gum line

Your dentist may recommend a night guard to wear while you sleep to minimize the damage caused to your teeth. Usually, if stress is the cause the bruxism will stop when the stressor is removed.

Mouth Sores

Mouth sores come in many forms. These can include:

-Canker sores. These are small ulcers with a white or grayish base and bordered in red.  There has been vigorous debate regarding what causes canker sores. Some believe it is an immune system issue, bacteria, or even a virus. Consensus is that stress can increase the risk of them showing up. Canker sores are not known to be contagious.

Canker sores generally last about 7-10 days. Spicy foods as well as highly acidic foods should be avoided as they tend to irritate the sores. One of the best forms of relief comes from a dentist prescribed medicine called Debacterol. This medicine is applied directly to the sore and can reduce symptoms as well as the length that the sores are present.

-Cold sores (or fever blisters). These sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are highly contagious. Cold sores are blisters that are filled with fluid that often appear on or around the lips. They can also appear under the nose or around the chin area. Emotional stress can trigger an outbreak. Other triggers include fever, a sunburn, or skin abrasion.

Cold sores often heal on their own in about a week’s time. Treatment is available, including over-the-counter remedies and prescription antiviral drugs. Ask your doctor or dentist if either could help you. It is important to start treatment as soon as you feel or notice the cold sore forming. The sooner you start treatment the effects of the cold sore will be reduced.

Periodontal Disease

Stress can lead to depression. And studies have shown that patients who are depressed have twice the risk of a poor outcome from periodontal disease treatment compared to those who are not in a depressed state. You can not make depression or the stress disappear, of course. But most experts agrees that learning healthy coping strategies can help reduce the risk of periodontal issues getting worse.  Also, people who are depressed tend to have poor overall hygiene and that includes dental hygiene.

Conclusion

Keep in mind we all have stress during the course of our day. Developing proper techniques for dealing with that stress can make a world of difference in the maintanence of our dental health as well as our overall health. As always, see your dentist regularly for dental examinations along with professional cleanings to ensure you keep your smile as healthy as can be!

Remember, eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist regularly, and good oral hygiene help reduce your risks of periodontal disease. Make sure you brush twice a day and floss daily.

© 2014, Marielaina Perrone DDS. All rights reserved. Henderson Cosmetic Dentist