You can check your mouth for early signs of oral cancer. All you need to do is open your mouth and look into a mirror. Check your lips, gums, tongue, and all the hard and soft parts of your mouth and throat. Here’s what to look for:
•Tiny white or red spots
•Sores that bleed easily or do not heal
•A change in the color of tissues
•A lump
•A rough spot
•A crusted or small eroded area
•A change in how your teeth fit together
Other symptoms of oral cancer include pain, tenderness, or numbness. In addition, some people with the disease have trouble swallowing, chewing, or moving the tongue or jaw.
If you notice any of these problems, see your dental professional. Many of these symptoms can be caused by something other than oral cancer, often something less serious. If it does turn out to be oral cancer, the disease is easier to treat when it is caught in the early stages.
The trauma of injuries to the mouth and teeth may be reduced if action is taken as soon as the injury occurs. The suggestions below could help to lessen pain, speed the healing process and perhaps even save a tooth following a dental emergency.
Toothache
If a toothache develops, gently clean the painful area using a soft-bristle toothbrush and floss. Rinse with warm salt water. Do not place an aspirin on the gums or tooth, as this may cause a burn. Apply a cold compress to any facial swelling. Take acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol®) and call your dentist as soon as possible.
Millions of children soon will head off to a new school year. Routine physical examinations, including hearing and vision tests, help ensure that students are in good health before school begins. When scheduling health care appointments, don’t overlook a dental checkup for your child. A dental examination is as important as booster shots and should be a regular part of back-to-school preparations. Some states may require dental checkups at three-year intervals; other states have no requirements. However, children need to see their dentist at intervals recommended by their dentist. Many parents and caregivers don’t realize that serious tooth decay is an infectious disease for which there is no immunization.
More than one-half of all children aged 5 to 9 years have at least one cavity or filling. A painful tooth or chronic dental problem can lead to difficulty in eating, speaking and concentrating. Children with chronic dental pain may not always voice their problem. They may appear anxious, depressed or tired, but teachers may not recognize their pain. Dental problems also cause many children to miss school.
Periodontal (gum) disease is caused by food particles and the sticky, colorless film that adheres to your teeth called plaque. Because it’s usually painless and slow to progress, periodontal disease can easily reach an advanced stage, resulting in deterioration of gums and bone structure and then tooth loss. So how do you know if you have periodontal disease?
•Healthy gums and bone anchor the teeth in place.
•If plaque builds up on teeth, it hardens and becomes calculus, or tartar. In gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease, warning signs may include swollen, bleeding gums or persistent bad breath. However, most people notice no symptoms at all.
•Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease and often results from untreated gingivitis. Tartar irritates the gums and causes them to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with more plaque.
•In advanced periodontitis, the pockets grow deeper, and plaque moves further down toward the tooth root, destroying supporting bone. The affected teeth may become loose and eventually fall out.
Invisalign is the clear way to straighten teeth without braces, using aligners. Aligners are removable and virtually invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing; and you can still eat and drink what you want. Also, you can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth; and there are no wires, metal or brackets to cause mouth abrasions.
How does Invisalign work?
Nearly invisible, custom-made aligners are each worn for 2-3 weeks. The teeth are moved until the teeth are in a straight position. You see Dr. Noushin every 6-8 weeks to monitor your progress.
Is Invisalign right for me?
Although Dr. Noushin needs to see you for a free consultation first, most patients can benefit from aligners. They are especially effective if you have crowding or have worn braces before but the teeth have shifted.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of treatment depends upon the length of treatment and how complex your case is. If your dental insurance plan covers traditional braces, it will typically cover Invisalign to the same extent (Usually $1000 to $2000).
For a free, no-obligation consultation, call our office today at 323-346-0208
