Abscess

The infection comes from a puss pocket  formed on the gums originating in  the root of the tooth.   You may experience swelling in the cheek area and around the tooth. Treatment would involve diagnosis of the abscess, prescription for  antibiotics and  possibly may result in a root canal or extraction. It is very important to see your dentist as soon as possible if you suspect that there is an infection in your mouth.

If you experience the following symptoms, please contact our office immediately.

• Severe pain
• Throbbing pain
• Sharp pain
• Swelling
• Sensitive to pressure – chewing
• Bad breath
• Bitter taste
• Swollen glands of the neck
• Swollen gums
• Fever

A tooth abscess is a bacterial infection of the center (pulp) of the tooth. Causes may be from trauma, routine dental work that is in close proximity to the pulp or a crack in the tooth. The infection will often spread to the bone, causing swelling and severe pain around the tooth.

Bad Breath

Halitosis or bad breath can originate from sources in the mouth. Periodontal disease, tooth decay, coating on the tongue, impacted food, dry mouth, stress, age, amalgam fillings, throat infections, smoking and alcohol abuse.  Others suffering from liver or kidney disease, diabetes, stomach ulcers and lung infections will experience halitosis.

Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene at home is essential to controlling bad breath. Scraping or brushing your tongue, flossing daily and rinsing with hydrogen peroxide 3% (ask your hygienist for instructions of use) will help. Food that is caught between the teeth begins to rot therefore flossing is very important.

Cold and Canker Sores

Cold sores are caused by a virus that never leaves the body. The virus can be reactivated by stress, sunlight, sunburn, fever, skin trauma and menstruation. The virus travels down the nerves to the skin where it caused painful blisters around the lips or in the mouth and on occasion on the chin or cheeks.

Canker sores are a painful sore which appears white with a bright red border. Cankers appear on the inner surface of the cheeks and lips, tongue soft palate and the base of the gums. There are many factors that can trigger cankers including stress, dietary deficiencies, menstrual periods, hormonal changes food sensitivities or mouth injuries.

Teeth Grinding (or Bruxism)

Clenching or grinding of the teeth is called bruxism. The cause is not known however stress seems to be major trigger. 50-95% of the population is affected and often occurs at night.  Grinding and clenching can cause the tooth to chip, wear on the biting surface, sore jaw and gum recession. It may also cause damage to exsisting  dental work.   Management for bruxism can consist of wearing a splint or night guard which will prevent the wear of the tooth surfaces and take the strain off of the jaw muscles.

TMJ Disorder

The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is the ball and socket joint on each side of the head where the lower jawbone joins the skull.

Problems with your TMJ can be caused from arthritis, trauma, poor posture, inflammation, emotional stress or anxiety and degeneration of the joint. Pain and tenderness in the jaw and the teeth or even around the ears are a result of constant contraction of the muscles of the TMJ.

If symptoms persist, a thermo splint or night guard can be custom made.

Tooth Sensitivity

The sensitivity occurs when the tooth enamel is worn down until the dentin is exposed. Dentin is comprised of thousands of fluid filled, microscopic tubules that contain cells called Odon oblasts. When the Odon oblasts have a change in temperature, pressure or pH, you will feel sensitivity. Eating any type of sweets or acidy fruit such as oranges or lemons will cause the tooth to be sensitive.