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Oral Health

Mar 25

Here’s What You Should Know About HPV and Oral Cancer

By Blog, Oral Health

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month so there’s no better time to shed light on a critical oral health issue: the connection between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and oral cancer in the throat. Surprised that HPV can cause oral cancer? It’s not one of the first connections people often make when they think of HPV. That’s why the team at Naperville Dental Specialists wants to talk about it here. We care not only about your dental health by providing everything you need from general to cosmetic dentistry , but also about how your oral health affects your overall well-being.

The Connection Between HPV and Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect all adults and includes cancers of the mouth and the back of the throat. While tobacco and alcohol use are often what we initially associate with oral cancers, the HPV virus, particularly HPV16, also causes oropharyngeal cancers (back of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils). In fact, research has indicated that 70% of oropharyngeal cancers are caused by HPV 16. So if someone were to ask you, “Can HPV cause throat cancer?” the answer is a definite yes.

HPV-Related Throat Cancer Symptoms

If you haven’t received the HPV vaccination and you end up contracting it, it can be years between contracting HPV and developing HPV-related throat cancer. You see, your immune system does try to fight off the HPV infection but if it isn’t successful after a year or two, it can stay in your body and cause cancer. In other words, you don’t know when HPV throat cancer symptoms could appear. And what does HPV do to your throat? HPV can change the cells in your throat, infecting the squamous cells that line the inner surface of your oropharynx with cancer.

Now, we should take a moment to talk about the difference between what’s called “oral cavity cancers” and “throat/oropharyngeal cancers”. Oral cavity cancer happens on the lips or mouth (but not in the throat). HPV is not connected to oral cavity cancers like it is with throat cancer. Instead, oral cavity cancer is caused by tobacco and alcohol use, and sometimes the UV exposure from prolonged use of tanning beds.

So back to throat cancer, the big question is, what symptoms should you pay attention to that might indicate throat cancer from HPV? Throat cancer symptoms can include:

  • A sore throat doesn’t get better
  • A lump in your throat, back of your mouth, or neck
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Trouble opening your mouth fully or moving your tongue
  • Ear pain
  • Changes in your voice
  • Coughing up blood.

HPV Stage 1 Early Throat Cancer: Catch it Early for Successful Treatment

As with many types of cancer, recognizing HPV-related throat cancer in its early stage is important. Early stage throat cancer — Stages 1, 2, or sometimes 3 — is typically treatable. So be aware of early throat cancer symptoms and see your family doctor or your Naperville dentist right away if you experiencing any of them. But also keep in mind that HPV Stage 1 early throat cancer sometimes doesn’t have symptoms, which is why regular throat and oral cancers screenings are crucial.

The Importance of Throat and Oral Cancer Screening

Regular oral cancer screenings can detect cancerous and precancerous conditions in your throat, even before symptoms develop. The first step in an oral cancer screening? A physical examination of your mouth and throat by your doctor or a screening by your dentist using VELscope®. If findings are of concern, you might then see an ENT for further examination and diagnosis.

What is VELscope?

VELscope is a radiation-free, non-invasive and painless examination technology used by dentists to screen for oral cancer in the throat. This handheld device allows us to see any abnormal tissue that we couldn’t see with the naked eye, whether you have throat cancer symptoms or not. How does this technology work for throat and oral cancer screening? The VELscope tool emits specific wavelengths of blue spectrum light into your mouth to stimulate natural tissue fluorescence which can be viewed directly through the VELscope. Abnormal tissue will look different than healthy tissue.

Schedule Your VelScope Appointment to Screen for HPV-Related Throat Cancer

Now that you’re more informed about the connection between HPV and oral cancer in the throat, screening should be on your mind. As part of our cutting-edge approach to dental care, Naperville Dental Specialists offers state-of-the-art VelScope oral cancer screenings. You can easily include it onto your next check-up and cleaning appointment at our Naperville office.

Be proactive about your health and schedule your VELscope appointment with our experienced, award-winning team.

Oct 25
Dental Care During Pregnancy

Smiles for Two: 6 Reasons You Should Keep Up With Dental Care During Pregnancy

By General Dentistry, Oral Health

Pregnancy is a rollercoaster. You’ve got excitement and anticipation mixed with morning sickness and physical discomfort. There’s baby names and nursery decor, doctor’s appointments and vitamins. And what else? Remembering dental care during pregnancy. Here, your Naperville dentists cover six reasons why looking after your oral health while pregnant is vital.

  1. Hormones, Hormones, Hormones

When you’re pregnant, your hormones are doing all sorts of things they weren’t doing before. And you might be surprised to know that these hormonal fluctuations can actually affect your gums with symptoms like redness, swelling, even bleeding when you brush and floss. This is commonly known as “pregnancy gingivitis,” and it can worsen if you ignore it.

 If you notice these symptoms, it’s a good reason for going to the dentist while pregnant. You’ll want an experienced dentist like our team at Naperville Dental Specialists to examine your symptoms and help you find a solution.

Even if you don’t experience changes to your gums, the possibility of pregnancy gingivitis is a great reason to keep up with going to the dentist for regular cleanings and check ups while pregnant. Your dentist can catch any pregnancy-related issues in the early stages and recommend professional preventative treatment or helpful at-home care.

  1. Pregnancy Tumors—Yeah, It’s a Thing

Rest assured, it’s not as scary as it sounds but it can be concerning. Pregnancy tumors are overgrowths of tissue that appear on the gums, typically in the second trimester. They’re not cancerous, but they can be uncomfortable and can bleed easily. They can also feel or look strange in your mouth, cause discomfort, or get in the way of eating or your oral hygiene. 

If so, go ahead and see the dentist when you’re pregnant about this issue. Depending on your case, your dentist at Naperville Dental Specialists might opt to remove the excess gum tissue in a quick procedure under local anesthesia. With our modern, state-of-the-art office and friendly approach, your appointment will be efficient and comfortable.

  1. Hello, Morning Sickness

It’s the gift that keeps on giving… and makes you practice extra diligent dental care during pregnancy. Morning sickness can mean you’re brushing your teeth more than twice a day — after every instance even. Not only do you want to clean away the taste of morning sickness in your mouth but the stomach acid that also comes up can weaken your teeth. 

Always use a fluoride toothpaste and rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. And if your usual minty fresh flavor makes you feel ill? Try brushing with a fruit-flavored toothpaste or rinsing with a kids’ mouthwash. 

  1. Oral Hygiene Affects Baby’s Health

Oral health and pregnancy isn’t only about your health, it’s about your baby’s health, too. You might be surprised to learn that poor dental care during pregnancy can lead to issues like premature birth and low birth weight. See, the bacteria in your mouth can get into your bloodstream and affect your baby. So every time you skip flossing or delay that dentist appointment, you’re taking a risk that’s not just about you anymore. 

  1. Mom’s Diet Matters

Giving in to those sugar cravings with sweets every time isn’t great for your teeth or your baby’s health. Instead, opt for teeth-healthy foods rich in vitamins A, C, and D, as well as calcium and protein. These nutrients help both the baby’s developing teeth and yours. Sugary snacks also turn into sticky plaque on your teeth, setting the stage for cavities if you don’t follow up with extra diligent at-home dental care during pregnancy. 

  1. Plan Ahead For A Healthy Smile

The American Pregnancy Association recommends planning visits to the dentist when pregnant for the second trimester and scheduling major dental work or cosmetic treatments for before you conceive if you can or wait until after giving birth. So what types of dental care treatment are okay during pregnancy? Non-invasive dentist treatments such as cleanings and scaling, root planing, even fillings are typically safe when pregnant — however, let your dentist know how far along you are so they can determine the safest and healthiest course of action. 

Of course, going to the dentist when pregnant can get a little uncomfortable, but you can be confident that your caring Naperville dentists will ensure your comfort, with breaks to sit up or change positions when you need.

Stay On Top of Your Dental Care During Pregnancy WIth Your Naperville, IL Dentists

From tackling hormone-induced gingivitis to preventative cleanings and checkups, including good dental care during pregnancy is beneficial for both you and your baby. Dr. Anthony LaVacca and the dental team at Naperville Dental Specialists are here with comprehensive dentistry that suits this unique time during pregnancy. 

Contact us for that cleaning, level up your at-home oral hygiene, and smile your way through pregnancy!

Sep 10
what-your-tongue-can-reveal-about-your-health

What Your Tongue Says About Your Health

By Oral Health, Blog No Comments

When it comes to oral health, we tend to focus on our teeth and gums. Yet, the tongue plays a number of roles, including helping us speak and eat. What you may not know is that it also reveals a lot about our oral and overall health. Its appearance and, sometimes, sensations (i.e., feeling sore) can give you important information. A healthy tongue is pink in color and covered in tiny bumps (papillae). Changes in how it looks or any pain can indicate a concern and you should schedule a visit with your Naperville dentist to have it checked out. To illustrate just how powerful simply looking at your tongue can be, we’re sharing some of the clues you can gain from its appearance. 

Key Highlights:

  • Changes in your tongue’s appearance or tongue discomfort could indicate a health concern.
  • Why is my tongue white? A white, coated tongue can be a sign of a number of different conditions, though it’s not usually anything serious. A black, hairy tongue is also not typically a cause for alarm.
  • A strawberry tongue, as well as a lump on the tongue, could signal potentially serious health problems. 
  • It’s always a good idea to bring up changes in the color of your tongue with your dentist. 

A White Coating or White Spots on Tongue 

Patients often ask, why is my tongue white? A white, coated tongue or white spots on the tongue can be alarming but it’s not usually a sign of a serious condition. Here are a few reasons you may have a white tongue:

  • Not Brushing Your Tongue – A coated tongue could just be due to a buildup of bacteria and debris. If the white coating brushes away, that’s probably the case. As for how to get rid of a white tongue, in this instance, simply brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth to keep it clean. As a bonus, this will help fight bad breath too.
  • Oral Thrush – A white, coated tongue or white patches can be a sign of oral thrush, which is a yeast infection. It’s caused by Candida yeast (fungus). While we all have Candida in our mouths, when it becomes overgrown, it causes an issue. It’s most common in infants, the elderly, especially those who wear dentures, and people with weakened immune systems. It can also be the result of taking oral or inhaled steroids or antibiotics. Your dentist or doctor may recommend an antifungal treatment, which can come in mouthwash form. 
  • Oral lichen planus – This type of white tongue looks kind of like you have lace on your tongue and features white lines. Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition. It’s not contagious and usually goes away on its own.
  • Leukoplakia – Leukoplakia causes white spots on the tongue and inside of the mouth. It crops up when the cells in the mouth grow excessively and it can happen if the tongue gets irritated, such as from drinking alcohol or smoking. It’s not dangerous in and of itself but sometimes it can be a precursor to mouth cancer, so you should schedule an evaluation with your Naperville dentist.

A Hairy, Black Tongue

A hairy, black tongue sounds like something out of a horror movie but it’s actually not usually anything serious. Those tiny bumps on the tongue, or papillae, grow throughout your life. Sometimes, they can get really long, and look almost hair-like. Additionally, when they’re overgown, they tend to accumulate bacteria. The bacteria may look black or dark. The entire tongue can be black or it can start as black spots on the tongue.  In most cases, a black, hairy tongue is from poor oral hygiene, but it can also occur due to diabetes, chemotherapy or taking antibiotics. 

A Red Tongue or Strawberry Tongue

If your tongue is red or you have a strawberry tongue where it’s swollen, red and bumpy, it could indicate a number of conditions:

  • Folic Acid or B-12 Deficiency – If you have a folic acid or vitamin B-12 deficiency, it could result in a red tongue. Bloodwork can confirm if you’re lacking either vitamin. If you’re deficient, changing your diet and/or taking supplements could help you get the necessary vitamins and get rid of a red tongue. 
  • Kawasaki Disease – A sign of Kawasaki disease is a strawberry tongue (red and bumpy). The disease, which usually occurs in children under five, causes inflammation in the arteries. A strawberry tongue could be accompanied by high fever, a rash, peeling skin, and red eyes. It’s a serious condition, so if your child has these symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. 
  • Scarlet Fever – Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that leads to a strawberry tongue. Sometimes, strep throat can turn into scarlet fever. In addition to a bumpy, red tongue, other symptoms include a red rash over most of the body, high fever, sore throat, headache, flushed skin, and red lines in the folds of the skin. It’s most common in children and teenagers. Call your doctor or pediatrician if you or your child has these symptoms because antibiotics will likely be needed to treat it. 
  • Geographic Tongue – Geographic tongue gets its name because it’s characterized by a map-like pattern. You may have smooth, red, irregularly shaped spots on the surface of the tongue that can have a white border around them. You might also have pain or a burning, especially when eating spicy or acidic foods. The lesions will usually heal and then move to another area of the tongue. Fortunately, the geographic tongue is not serious and it will go away on its own. 
  • Food or Drug Allergies – Occasionally, a red tongue or strawberry tongue can be from taking a medication or eating a food you’re allergic to. A doctor may give you antihistamines to alleviate the swelling and redness. 

A Sore Tongue or Bumps on Tongue 

There are a variety of things that can lead to a sore tongue or bumps on the tongue, such as:

  • Trauma – If you ever wake up wondering, why does my tongue hurt? You could be grinding or clenching your teeth in your sleep, which can irritate the tongue and cause pain. At Naperville Dental Specialists, we can create a custom nightguard to help with teeth grinding and alleviate tongue pain. A sore tongue can also be the result of accidentally biting it or eating something really hot. In severe cases, eating something scalding could lead to blisters on the tongue. Your tongue will stop hurting once the damage heals. 
  • Canker Sores – A canker sore on the tongue, or anywhere in the mouth, is painful. This type of tongue ulcer isn’t contagious and it’s thought that stress can bring them on. Canker sores on the tongue tend to heal on their own and should go away in a week or two. 
  • Smoking – Smoking can irritate your tongue. It can also lead to a yellowish tongue. If it bothers you, use it as motivation to quit! 
  • Oral Cancer – If you have a lump or sore on your tongue that doesn’t improve within two weeks, even if it doesn’t hurt at all, it could be a sign of oral cancer. You should have it evaluated by your dentist. The early it’s treated, the better. 

These are just some of the many clues your tongue can reveal about your oral and overall health. If you notice any concerning changes in your tongue, schedule a visit at Naperville Dental Specialists. Our expert Naperville dentists can determine what’s causing any issues and, if necessary, create a personalized treatment plan to restore your oral health. 

Dec 10
Woman rinsing her mouth with mouthwash

Bulimia and Teeth: Side Effects, Considerations and Treatments

By Bulimia, Bulimia and Teeth, Eating Disorders and Teeth, Oral Health, Tooth Decay No Comments

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that involves a cycle of binging and purging, which refers to binge eating followed by using compensatory behavior, such as self-induced vomiting, laxative use, excessive exercise, fasting or using diet pills or diuretics to rid the body of calories. It’s a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that can affect all aspects of your health, including your oral health, particularly if you practice self-induced vomiting. While the effects of bulimia on the teeth can be significant, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it. Today we’ll be covering everything you need to know about bulimia and teeth from the oral health side effects of the disorder to the treatment options available to restore your smile.
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May 30

Three Things You Should Know about Dry Mouth

By Oral Health

Dry mouth (xerostomia) has several causes. If your mouth is consistently dry, the symptoms can be annoying or startling. In addition to having a dry mouth, you might experience the following signs and symptoms:

Dry Mouth Signs and Symptoms

  • Bad breath
  • Burning sensation in the mouth
  • Choking
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty talking
  • Gasping for air
  • Sensitivity to acidic or spicy foods
  • Swollen glands

Oral Examination

Depending on the results of your examination, along with your symptoms, two different tests can be performed.

Saliva production test

Your dentist can provide an oral examination to determine your saliva production. You will be asked to spit into a cup over 5 to 15 minutes. Or a suction device will be used to extract saliva from your mouth.  If your saliva production is below average, another test might be scheduled.

Salivary gland function scan

The medical term for the scan is parotid gland scintigraphy. The scan is performed in a hospital imaging department or an out-patient facility. What’s involved?

  • You will receive an injection of low-level radioactive tracer.
  • You’ll sit in front of a gamma scintillation camera, which will detect the progression of the radioactive marker in your glands and take pictures of the glands.
  •  After 45 minutes, you’ll be given a lemon drop or something similarly sour that will cause your salivary glands to empty.
  • After your glands empty, more images will be taken.

The scan will find the cause of decreased saliva production, including these possibilities:

  • Inflammation
  • A tumor
  • A cyst
  • An infection
  • A blocked salivary duct
  • Sjögren’s syndrome

Other Causes of Dry Mouth

In addition to the causes listed above, dry mouth can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Breathing through your mouth
  • Cancer treatment – particularly head or neck radiation therapy
  • Certain medications prescribed for:
    • Acid reflux or stomach acid
    • Acne
    • Allergies
    • Anxiety
    • Asthma
    • Convulsions
    • Depression
    • High blood pressure
    • Muscle cramps
    • Parkinson’s disease
    • Sleep disorder
  • Dehydration
  • Diabetes
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Hypertension
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Smoking

Are You Experiencing Dry Mouth?

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of dry mouth, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an exam and the first stage of testing. Your dentist and medical doctor will work together to find the cause and appropriate treatment.

 

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Apr 30

Is surgery usually recommended for gum disease?

By Gum Disease, Oral Health

I have 4 crowns that I got in 2002. My gums are inflamed around all of the crowns. The inflammation became noticeable in January. My dentist has tried antibacterial liquid. She asked me to start flossing 2 times a day. The gums around my natural teeth are fine. It’s just the teeth that have crowns that are presenting the problem. My dentist is suggesting gum surgery to trim my gum tissue. She says it might not work but if there is a problem with the way the crowns fit, trimming my gums will help. I’m wondering why after 15 years there would be a problem with the way my gums fit. For some reason, after examining my teeth and gums my dentist is confident that I don’t have gum disease. That’s somewhat of a relief but I am wondering what’s going on. If she isn’t sure that gum surgery will work, why is she recommending it? Is this normal procedure? Thanks. Norm

Norm – Gum inflammation that is around teeth with crowns, but not around your natural teeth, can result from several issues.

Some possible causes are listed below, but in each case, the reaction would be immediate. It wouldn’t take 15 years to surface:

  • The area around the crowns wasn’t thoroughly cleaned and left free of cement.
  • The crowns don’t fit correctly.
  • The crowns fit too deeply below the gumline.

Other possibilities that are not necessarily immediate include:

  • Metal sensitivity to porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
  • Periodontal (gum disease) that can be related to your oral health or your general health.

If you have gum disease, the treatment includes regular, deep cleanings to remove plaque and bacteria from the pockets between your teeth and gums. Gum surgery is not the first resort. If your dentist doesn’t understand how to address the problem, you should be referred to a periodontist—a specialist in gum tissue.

Your dentist hasn’t referred you to a periodontist, so it’s probably best to find one on your own. You can look for online reviews or call other dentists’ office to ask which periodontists they use for their own patients. Don’t allow your dentist’s lack of understanding to delay you from getting help.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Feb 13
sue-dentist-cut-tongue-blog

Can I sue the dentist for cutting my tongue?

By General Dentistry, Oral Health

I’m not a person who just walks around looking to sue a dentist. I’ve never filed a lawsuit and I’m not hurting for money. I’m just considering it based on principle and rudeness and the fact that I can’t think of another way to help this from happening to another patient.

I went to an oral surgeon yesterday to get a bottom right molar pulled. The tooth was impacted and partially sideways so I was sent to this guy. I had a feeling that I wouldn’t be cared for properly. He rushed me through my consultation and made little eye contact with me. My dentist recommended him so I moved forward.

So yesterday while the dentist was pulling out my tooth, he cursed. I felt pain underneath my tongue and when I said something like, “Ouch! What’s going on?!”, the dentist said I had a soft tissue tear. Then he told me he would stich it up right away. I could tell by the look on his assistant’s face that he did something careless. She looked at me like, ‘shame on him’, but she didn’t say anything to either of us. She just patted by hand.

So when the tooth was out and everything was done I asked to look at my tongue. I could tell that he cut my tongue and it wasn’t a random tear. So as asked the dentist if he cut my tongue and his reply was, “It has 8 secure stitches and in a few weeks you won’t notice it at all.” Then he left the room. Jerk.

I’m angry that he was careless, didn’t apologize and wasn’t really truthful about what happen. I am definitely reporting this to a dental board or wherever I need to report it. I’m thinking that my report will get swept under the table and I really need to sue this dentist so that he will think twice about being rude to other patients or treating them like I was treated. What do I need to document to make sure this jerk doesn’t do this again? Thanks. Brooke

Brooke – Based on your comments, it does sound like the dentist was careless and rude. Your cut sounds like it was deep or long—eight stitches!

Even the most skilled dental surgeon can make a mistake though, and it sounds like he took immediate action to repair the damage to your tongue. It also sounds like it’s really his attitude and chairside manner that are really making you angry and feeling like suing the dentist. Additionally, the dentist’s failure to apologize and failure to tell you what really happened seemed to be adding to your frustration.

We’re not defending the oral surgeon’s attitude or response, but when lower molars are worked on, it’s easy to injure the tongue. A metal retractor can be used to hold the tongue away from the extraction site and prevent injury. Perhaps it wasn’t used and your tongue was accidently cut. The surgeon might have been embarrassed and too proud to apologize.

You can report the incident to the dental board, but it might not result in any reprimand—and not the kind you might be hoping for—unless there are multiple complaints in the dentist’s file. We’re not aware of any disciplinary action of a dentist or surgeon for rudeness.

An attempt to sue the dentist probably won’t go far. Your cut was an accident that doesn’t seem to indicate intentional negligence that wasn’t properly cared for.

What you can do is let your general dentist know about the incident, in case he or she has received repeated complaints from other patients about this surgeon. We’re sorry that you had this negative experience and hope for a better outcome if you need an oral surgeon in the future.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Feb 03

Will gum disease prevent me from getting dental implants?

By Dental Implants, Gum Disease, Oral Health

I have gum disease and I’m losing teeth. I want dental implants to replace them but my dentist tells me that he has to get my gum disease under control first. It was February of 2016 when he first told me I have gum disease and it seems like it hasn’t gotten any better. I’m not sure what is taking so long to get it straightened out. I don’t want to keep losing teeth while he tries to get things under control. Can I get dental implants from another dentist or do I have to wait for my dentist to figure out what he is doing? Thanks. Karmin

Karmin – Dental implants are the best option to replace teeth that are loose or missing due to periodontal (gum) disease. Before you receive implants, periodontal disease should be under control. If it’s been a year, and your dentist isn’t able to control your gum disease, it might be time to visit a periodontist—a specialist in diseases of the gum tissue.

How Periodontal Disease Can Affect Dental Implants

Dental implants are most successful in people with sufficient bone density and healthy gum tissue. Here’s why periodontal disease should be controlled first:

  • Advanced periodontal disease damages gum tissue and bone. Bone and gums should have a snug fit around tooth roots or dental implant fixtures.
  • If gum disease has caused your gums to recede, the base of your dental implants will be exposed. It will be challenging to keep the exposed area clean and free of plaque buildup.
  • Thin or receding gums around an implant fixture are unattractive. Either the fixture will show through thin gums, or be completely exposed if your gums recede.

We recommend that you have a consultation with an experienced prosthodontist. After an examination, 3-D x-rays, and a review of your medical history, he or she will let you know if you are a candidate for this treatment.

The prosthodontist will also determine if your gums are healthy enough and thick enough to support dental implants. Bone grafting and gum tissue grafting might be needed to ensure stability and success of your implants. In several months, the grafts will heal, and the implant fixtures will be surgically placed in your jawbone.

After your periodontal disease is controlled, if you receive dental implants, your oral health will likely improve. The fixtures stimulate bone grown and promote healthy gum tissue.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca

Jan 31

Will the bleeding around my tongue piercing stop or should I call a dentist?

By Oral Health, Tongue Piercing

I have had a tongue piercing for about 2 years. 3 weeks ago the area near the piercing started to itch. Then it became swollen. I have been rinsing my mouth with sea salt water and it calms it down again but only for a little while. This past Sunday I noticed that the area was bleeding. It isn’t a lot of blood but I can taste it and see it. I don’t have a regular dentist. My schedule is just too busy and I’m rarely at home. I’m a freelance artist and I travel a lot. Should the salt water help with the healing? Is there something over-the-counter I can buy to calm it down, or do I need to see a dentist? Thanks Cherise

Cherise – Yes, you should see a dentist. Itching for a few days is normal for a new tongue piercing while the area is healing, but not for a piercing that you’ve had for two years.

When an Established Tongue Piercing Is Bleeding

Bleeding around the piercing is a problem and it probably is a sign of an infection. Our tongues are covered with bacteria. Tongue piercing can introduce the bacteria into the bloodstream. Tongue jewelry—particularly if it is metal based—can cause an accumulation of bacteria that leaves you at risk for infection. It can also damage your teeth.

Unfortunately, if an infection occurs, it is not necessarily confined to the tongue. Infection can spread to other oral tissue and into your bloodstream. It can even lead to more serious conditions, such as hepatitis.

Although salt water rinses may give you some relief, don’t depend on them to heal your tongue—particularly if it’s infected. Make an appointment with a dentist right away. You can do an online search for an emergency dentist in your area. Be certain to explain that there is blood around the piercing. The dentist will see you promptly.

The dentist will have to remove the piercing to examine your tongue. If there is an infection, he or she will recommend that you not wear the piercing while your tongue is healing. Protect your oral and overall health by closely following the instructions for recovery.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Dec 28
abscessed-tooth-is-pulled-blog

Should I expect complications when my abscessed tooth is pulled?

By Oral Health, Root Canal Treatment

I had a horrible toothache for about 5 months and finally went to the dentist. Well I went to an emergency dentist because I don’t have a regular dentist. She said that I had an abscess but she couldn’t get me numb to get the tooth out. I have antibiotics and another appointment late next week. I am worried that she won’t be able to get the tooth out even if she can get me numb. Should I expect complications my abscessed tooth is pulled? Janele

Janele – An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by an infection. A tooth abscess occurs in or around a tooth root.  It may or may not be painful.

If a tooth is injured, has a cavity, or experiences trauma, an infection can occur. When the pulp, or soft tissue inside the tooth, becomes infected and inflamed, the infection can spread to the tooth root, and an abscess will form.

Properly Treating an Abscessed Tooth

Instead of extracting an infected tooth, an abscess is commonly treated with a root canal treatment. The infection is removed from the tooth, the space is filled with a special dental filler material, and the tooth is sealed. A dental crown may be required to protect the tooth.

On rare occasions, root canal treatment isn’t enough to save your tooth, and endodontic surgery is required. A specialist can locate hidden canals in your tooth that may still harbor the infection. He or she will determine which methods are best to preserve your tooth.

And that’s the goal—tooth preservation. Based on the information you provided us, we don’t understand why there are plans to extract your tooth. We recommend that you receive a second opinion from an experienced dentist who will examine, and likely x-ray your tooth, to determine the best treatment.

Extracting a tooth leads to other issues, including bone shrinkage in the area of the missing tooth, adjacent teeth start to drift into the position of the missing one, and your bite may be affected and eventually cause jaw and facial pain. When a tooth is extracted, for optimum oral health, it will need to be replaced. No form of tooth replacement is as good as a natural tooth.

You would benefit if you take the time to receive a second opinion to find out if your tooth can be preserved.

This post is sponsored by Naperville Dental Specialists.

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