Oct 2008

Flossing may be a hassle but....taking care of your teeth and gums may improve your long term health.  New research presented at the Scientific Sessions has linked periodontal disease (a bacterial infection in your gums) to increased insulin resistance making it more difficult for diabetics to control their diabetes, raising the risk of complications from the disease.  Inflammatory chemicals released into the bloodstream from infected bleeding gums triggers an insulin resistance creating higher than normal bood glucose levels.  The studies have shown that gum disease makes people 4x more likely to control blood glucose levels.  It is recommended that those peolple diagnosed with diabetes have there teeth and gums examined every 6 months.    DIABETES FORECAST  AUG 2008

 

June 2008

What is a toothache?

"Toothache" usually refers to pain around the teeth or jaws.  In most instances toothaches are caused by tooth or jaw problems, such as a cavity, a cracked tooth, an exposed root, gum disease, disease of the jaw joint or spasms of the muscles used for chewing.  The severity of a toothache can range from chronic and mild to sharp and excruciating.  The pain may be aggravated by chewing or by cold or heat.  A thorough oral examination, which may include dental x-rays, can help determine the cause whether the toothache is coming from a tooth or jaw problem.

  Dental Cavities

The most common cause of a tooth is a dental cavity.  Dental cavities (caries) are holes in the two outer layers of a tooth called the enamel and the dentin.  The enamel is the outermost white hard surface and the inner living tooth tissue called the pulp, where blood vessels and nerves reside.  Certain bacteria in the mouth convert simple sugars into acid.  The acid softens and (along with saliva) dissolves the enamel and dentin, creating cavities.  Small shallow cavities may not cause pain and may be unnoticed by the patient.  The larger deeper cavities can collect food debris.  The inner living pulp of the affected tooth can become irritated by bacterial toxins or by foods that are cold, hot, sour, or sweet- causing toothache.  Toothache from these larger cavities is the most common reason for visits to the dentist.

Gum Disease

The second most common cause of toothache is gum disease.  Gum disease refers to the inflammation of the soft tissue (gingiva) and abnormal loss of bone that surrounds the teeth and holds them in place.  Gum disease is caused by toxins secreted by bacteria in "plaque" that accumulates over time along the gum line.  The plaque is a mixture of food, salvia, and bacteria.  Early symptoms of gum disease include gum bleeding without pain.  Pain is a symptom of more advanced gum disease as the loss of bone around the teeth leads to the formation of gum pockets.  Bacteria in these pockets cause gum infection, swelling, pain, and further bone destruction.  Advanced gum disease can cause the loss of otherwise healthy teeth.

 Cracked Tooth Syndrome

"Cracked Tooth Syndrome" refers to a toothache caused by a broken tooth (tooth fracture) without associated cavity or advanced gum disease.  Bitting on the area of a tooth fracture can cause severe sharp pains.  These fractures are usually due to chewing or bitting hard objects such as hard candies, pencils, nuts, etc.  Sometimes, the fractures can be seen by painting a special dye on the cracked tooth.  Treatment usually involves protecting the tooth with a full-coverage gold or porcelain crown.  However, if placing a crown does not relieve the pain, a root canal procedure may be necessary. 

If you feel you may have any of the above mentioned please give our office a call.  Through our modern technologies we may be able to help treat your dental problems and relieve your discomfort.