Why are my gums swollen?

Why are my gums swollen?

Don’t panic if your gums are swollen. Surprisingly, it’s a common issue among people and in most cases, swollen gums are easily treated. Your gums are made of firm, pink, thick fibrous tissue full of blood vessels which cover your jawbone. Swollen gums, also known as gingival swelling, is when your gums are abnormally enlarged, bulging or protruding. When your gums are swollen it’s a sign they are irritated due to some type of issue and can be sensitive and painful.

Causes of Swollen Gums

There are several causes of swollen gums.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the most common cause of swollen gums. Gingivitis, also known as gum inflammation, is a form of gum disease that causes inflamed gums. The inflamed gums are due to plaque, a naturally occurring sticky film containing bacteria – also known as biofilm – that builds up on your teeth and produces toxins that irritate the gums. If you have gingivitis, your gums can be swollen, puffy, receding, sometimes tender, or bleed easily. Untreated gingivitis can develop into a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis, a major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Food Debris

If you notice swelling around just one tooth, it is possible there is food stuck under your gums. Make sure to floss and brush properly and the swelling should resolve in a few days? go away on its own. If the swelling persists, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Leaving food under your gums can lead to gum disease.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy there are a lot of hormonal changes that occur. These hormonal changes can cause swollen, inflamed and sensitive gums.

Abscessed Tooth

An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus that’s caused by a bacterial infection. Your dentist will treat an abscessed tooth by draining the pocket of infection. Signs that you may have an abscessed tooth include not only red or swollen gums, but throbbing pain, swollen jaw or face, a tender or sore tooth, and fever. Make sure to schedule an appointment right away with your dentist if you are experiencing these symptoms.

Braces

Braces are designed to move and adjust teeth slowly over time. Braces cause a constant, steady pressure to your teeth that causes change to happen in your gums and jawbone. Having swollen gums is expected with braces, especially when they are first adhered or tightened. Braces with swollen gums is completely normal but brushing and flossing regularly will help reduce the amount of gum soreness you experience around your teeth. Having good oral hygiene while having braces will also help prevent gingivitis, the main cause of swollen gums. With braces it is a lot easier to get food stuck in the gums which can lead to gingivitis if proper oral hygiene isn’t practiced.

Additional Potential Causes

Other potential causes of swollen gums include:

  • Poor Oral Hygiene
  • Infection – Viral or Fungal
  • Medication Side Effects
  • Poor Nutrients
  • Mouthwash or Toothpaste Sensitivity
  • Dentures or Dental Appliances Fitting Poorly

Age, stress, obesity, tobacco, and genetics are also known to increase your risk of gum swelling.

Preventing Swollen Gums

The best thing you can do to prevent yourself from getting swollen gums is to practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist on a regular basis – every six months for a cleaning and checkup. Good oral hygiene includes:

  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day at a 45-degree angle
  • Brushing away from your gums to remove debris at or below your gumline
  • Using a soft bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush – they’re more effective at removing plaque
  • Cleaning between your teeth every day – flossers, interdental brushes or water flossers work well
  • Using a mouthwash to help reduce accumulation of bacteria and plaque

If your swollen gums last for an extended period – more than a few days – or you are concerned about your gums, schedule an appointment with your dental provider. They will be able to diagnosis the problem and start treatment.

For affordable, high-quality dental care in Henderson, Nevada or South Jordan, Utah contact Roseman Dental.

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Tooth Sensitivity & Why I Have It

Tooth Sensitivity & Why I Have It

Do you ever feel pain when you consume certain foods or drinks that are hot, cold, sweet or acidic? You may be suffering from tooth sensitivity, also known as dentine hypersensitivity (DH) or dentine sensitivity (DS). Tooth sensitivity is defined as pain or discomfort in the teeth as a response to certain triggers or stimuli, such as hot or cold temperatures. Sensitivity occurs when tooth enamel is thinned.

Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is the visible, outermost covering of your teeth. The color of healthy enamel varies from light yellow to a gray or blue-like white. It’s the hardest substance in the human body and contains a high percentage of minerals. It protects the inner, more fragile areas of your teeth known as pulp and dentin. Taking care of your enamel is very important because it is the first line of defense against tooth sensitivity and tooth decay – the most common dental condition worldwide.

How Tooth Enamel is Worn Down

Tooth enamel can be worn down by brushing your teeth too hard, using a hard toothbrush, grinding your teeth at night – also known as sleep or nocturnal bruxism – and regularly eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages. It can also be worn down from repeated exposure to extreme temperatures.

Treating Tooth Sensitivity at Home

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, there are some things you can try that are considered over-the-counter dental treatments, but it is always important to consult with your dentist about your teeth sensitivity as they have the most knowledge and expertise in this area.

Desensitizing Toothpaste

Select a toothpaste that’s labeled as being specifically made for sensitive teeth. These types of toothpaste won’t have irritating ingredients. Some of these types of toothpastes also can contain desensitizing ingredients that can assist in blocking the discomfort from traveling to the nerve of the tooth. If you’re not sure what desensitizing toothpaste is right for you, consult with your dentist.

Alcohol-free Mouthwash

Mouthwash that does not contain alcohol will be less irritating to sensitive teeth.

Soft Toothbrushes & Brushing Softer

Tooth enamel can be worn down by brushing too hard and using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Try brushing softer and using a soft-bristled toothbrush or electric toothbrush.

Treating Tooth Sensitivity at the Dentist

If the at-home remedies just aren’t working, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist. There are a variety of things they can do to assist with tooth sensitivity.

Fluoride

Your dentist might apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain. Your dentist might also suggest the use of prescription fluoride at home, applied via a custom tray.

Desensitizing or Bonding

Occasionally, exposed root surfaces can be treated by applying bonding resin to the sensitive root surfaces. A local anesthetic might be needed.

Surgical Gum Graft

Gum graft, also known as gingival graft, can be performed when your gums are receding. Gum recession exposes the roots of your teeth and can cause sensitivity and lead to tooth decay. If your tooth root has lost gum tissue, a small amount of gum tissue can be taken from elsewhere in your mouth and attached to the affected site. This can protect exposed roots and reduce sensitivity.

Root Canal

If your sensitive teeth cause severe pain and other treatments aren’t effective, your dentist might recommend a root canal — an endodontic treatment used to treat problems inside the tooth, known as the soft core or dental pulp. While this might seem like a significant treatment, it’s considered the most successful technique for eliminating tooth sensitivity.

If you’re experiencing teeth sensitivity schedule an appointment with Roseman Dental. Our skilled team will examine the affected teeth and recommend treatment to reduce your sensitivity.

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Dental 360° – Nevada April Issue

Dental 360° – Nevada April Issue

It’s a new month and Spring has finally arrived. The time has come where we can start enjoying the warmer weather, the beautiful flowers beginning to bloom, and the great outdoors. April is a month to be appreciative of the world around us, but it is also a time to bring awareness to Parkinson’s Disease and Oral Cancer. April is Parkinson’s Disease (PD) Awareness Month. PD is a nervous system disorder that affects movement. Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD each year and over 10 million people worldwide are living with it. Join Roseman Dental & Orthodontics and the Parkinson’s Foundation this month to #KnowMorePD. This month is also Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Oral Cancer is cancer of the mouth and upper throat. Every hour, 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, someone dies of oral or oropharyngeal cancer. Yet, with early detection and treatment, Oral Cancer has high rates of survival. Make sure to get screened for Oral Cancer at your next dentist appointment.

During this month’s issue of Dental 360°, you’ll gain insight into how Parkinson’s Disease impacts dental health, a 360° look at Oral Cancer and the spring discounts Roseman Dental is offering for orthodontic treatment.

Roseman Dental & Orthodontics’ Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, orthodontists, orthodontic residents – 30 to be exact, and dental residents all focused on you and your family’s oral health. Roseman Dental & Orthodontics has been serving its community since 2009 and is a comprehensive, one stop shop for all your dental needs including dental, orthodontic and craniofacial cleft lip & palate treatment.

We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you monthly.

 

Dental 360° April Articles

Parkinson’s Disease & Dental Health
Oral Cancer Awareness
Spring into a Fresh Smile – New Orthodontic Discounts

 

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Parkinson’s Disease & Dental Health

Parkinson’s Disease & Dental Health

Parkinson’s Disease, also known as PD, is a nervous system disorder that affects movement. PD is considered a diverse disorder that develops slowly over time and is different for everyone – no two people experience PD in the same way. Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD each year and over 10 million people worldwide are living with it.

Although PD is a nervous system disorder, it complicates oral health for those diagnosed with this disease. PD’s movement symptoms can interfere with an individual’s ability to maintain oral hygiene because PD affects the health of the mouth, teeth, and jaw.

Parkinson’s Disease Dental Issues

Rigidity, Tremors, Dyskinesia, Fatigue & Anxiety

Rigidity, tremors and dyskinesia symptoms related to PD can make it very challenging to brush your teeth. These symptoms of PD have also been known to cause cracked teeth, tooth wear, tooth grinding and denture issues. Fatigue, anxiety and tremors symptoms related to PD can make traveling to the dentist, sitting still in the dentist’s chair, or opening your mouth wide for the dentist very challenging.

Dental Caries (Tooth Decay)

Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, is damage to a tooth that can happen when decay-causing bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth’s surface, or enamel. This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called a cavity.

Periodontal Disease (Periodontitis or Gum Disease)

Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis or gum disease, begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth, if not treated properly.

Sialorrhea (Drooling or Excessive Salivation)

Sialorrhea, also known as drooling or excessive salivation, is mostly caused by poor oral and facial muscle control. Contributing factors may include hypersecretion of saliva, dental malocclusion, postural problems, and an inability to recognize salivary spill. Sialorrhea causes a range of physical and psychosocial complications, including perioral chapping, dehydration, odor, and social stigmatization, that can be devastating for patients and their families.

Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)

Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, results from reduced saliva flow. Dry mouth can increase the chance of cavities.

Additional dental health issues that may occur for individuals diagnosed with PD include orofacial pain and burning mouth syndrome, mastication disorders, bruxism, and subjective taste impairment.

Parkinson’s Disease Dental Visit Tips

Going to the dentist when you have PD or taking someone with PD to the dentist can be stressful. The Parkinson’s Foundation has some great tips to make dental visits less stressful for everyone.

  • Call first to make the office aware of your PD symptoms. This will help the dentist and the staff provide better treatment.
  • Schedule wisely. Plan short dental appointments for the time of day your symptoms are most effectively controlled.
  • Give the dentist the details of your overall health. Someone on staff should record vital signs upon arrival.
  • Tell the dentist if you are taking MAO-B inhibitors (rasagiline and selegiline), as these may interact with anesthetics.
  • Consider replacing old fillings, crowns and bridges, and ill-fitting dentures or mouth guards during the early stages of PD. Dental visits may become more difficult as PD progresses.

Maintaining Good Dental Health with Parkinson’s Disease

It is very important to maintain good dental health when diagnosed with PD. As the disease progresses, it is often up to the caregiver or family member to take the responsibility of oral hygiene because the individual with advanced PD can no longer perform adequate oral self-care. Start now and make it a habit to visit the dentist regularly (every six months). Schedule an appointment today with Roseman Dental.

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Treating Parkinson’s Disease at Roseman Medical Group (Nevada Based)

At Roseman Medical Group (RMG), the Nevada based clinical practice of Roseman University’s College of Medicine, has expert neurologist, Eric Farbman M.D., dedicated to treating Parkinson’s Disease and a variety of other neurological disorders. Roseman University is a site for the Parkinson Study Group and currently has studies for patients with many different degrees of Parkinson’s Disease, from newly diagnosed to advanced. The University is waiting to start a study for multiple system atrophy, an atypical Parkinson-plus disorder with no current treatments, as well as an essential tremor study.

RMG also performs more aggressive treatments for Parkinson’s Disease. Dr. Farbman currently manages over 200 deep brain stimulator (DBS) patients for a variety of medical conditions including Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. For those who are unaware of this treatment, it is essentially a pacemaker for the brain. This treatment can be particularly helpful for involuntary movements and dystonia, especially when maximal oral medical treatment has been provided. There is now a levodopa pump that can be prescribed for Parkinson’s Disease patients as well, and botulinum toxin injection has been a longstanding therapy for dystonia.

The neurologists at RMG provide empathic, patient-centered, evidence-based care. If you have a friend or family member who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease, let RMG’s expert neurologists help! Contact RMG today! If you’d like to learn more about Parkinson’s Disease, click here.

Oral Cancer Awareness

Oral Cancer Awareness

Eating, drinking, speaking, and smiling – our mouths play a significant role in our overall health and well-being. We often undervalue the importance of our mouth and oral care. This is probably why oral cancers are often overlooked and discovered too late in their development.

The mouth (oral cavity) can easily be examined, suggesting that it should be easy to detect cancer of the oral cavity at an early stage. Yet, in 2020 an estimated 53, 260 new persons developed oral and pharyngeal cancers and 10,750 persons died due to this disease in the United States. Unfortunately, incidences of these cancers have increased in the last 20 years. The overall 5-year relative survival rate of these cancers in the U.S. is 66.2 percent. Only 29 percent of these cases are detected at localized stage (confined to primary site only), when the 5-year survival rate is 85 percent. This means that half of the current deaths can be prevented by starting a mechanism to detect these cancers at an early stage.

In fact, the majority of these cancers can be prevented by a life-style change. Let’s get empowered to effectively fight this dreadful disease.

Who is More Likely to get Oral and Pharyngeal Cancers?

Despite tremendous advances, medical science cannot predict the chances of getting any cancer in a specific person, but the rate of new cases of cancer (cancer incidence) in populations is known. Based on 2013-2017 data, about 11.4 per 100,000 persons get this disease every year (114 persons in 1 million population). Males contract more of these cancers.

Use of tobacco (in any form), alcohol use, and infection with human papilloma virus are major causes. However, many persons without any of these risk factors are also known to have developed cancers of the oral cavity or pharynx. Therefore, it is important that everyone in the community remain vigilant about this disease. Fortunately, since oral cancers can be detected simply by clinical examination, patients can screen themselves for any changes in their mouths and can bring these concerns to their dentist or physician for further examination of the oral cavity and pharynx. Majority of the annual 53,000 cases of cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx can be prevented.

What are Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders?

Cancers of the oral cavity are preceded by a stage called oral-potentially-malignant-disorders (OPMD). OPMDs are pre-cancerous lesions that have higher chances of developing oral cancers. OPMD can be observed ten or more years before the cancer develops. OPMD has several forms, but all can be easily seen only by a good clinical examination. Additionally, OPMDs can be cured by themselves, but one needs to be vigilant about persistent OPMDs. A Dentist or Physician will look at the same lesion after 2 to 3 weeks and will determine if the size of the lesion is increasing or decreasing. Further treatment of these lesions can prevent development of oral cancers. The treatment of OPMDs is much less invasive than treatment of cancers. All dentists are trained to detected OPMDs and early cancers. Pre-cancerous stage of cancers of the oral cavity can be detected more than 10 years in advance.

What Can I do to Prevent Oral Cancers?

Some areas in the world have established oral cancer screening programs. Under these programs, all adults are examined periodically for presence of OPMDs or cancers, generally once every three years. Repeated examinations ensure that no one with a tendency to develop OPMD is missed.

The U.S. does not have an oral cancer screening program. But patients can still protect themselves through self-examination, check-ups, and vigilance. Insurance provides for a free dental check up every six months. During your next visit, bring any concerns to your dentist and don’t be afraid to ask for clinical examination and screening for OPMD.

To prevent oral cancers:

  • Conduct a self-examination at least once a month
  • Visit the dentist every six months for routine exams
  • Get yourself screened for oral pre-cancers and cancers
  • Don’t smoke or use any tobacco products and decrease alcohol use

Check out this self-examination how-to video from checkyourmouth.org.

 

Have concerns with your oral health? Roseman Dental is committed to providing high-quality, affordable dental care for children, teens, and adults. Our dedicated resident and faculty dentists are ready to serve you and your oral health needs. Contact Roseman Dental to request a dental examination today!

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Article by Kishore Chaudhry, MD

Kishore Chaudhry, MD Research Associate Professor at Roseman University College of Dental MedicineKishore Chaudhry, MD
Research Associate Professor

Roseman University College of Dental Medicine
Dr. Chaudhry has over three decades of extensive research experience. A physician by background and a senior scientist in the fields of oncology and public health, he has been recognized as a preeminent epidemiologist worldwide. His contributions to the fields of tobacco and cancer research, oral cancer in particular, have played a critical role in several health policy changes, and planning control measures. With extensive research grant experience, Dr. Chaudhry has garnered millions of dollars in grant support from various national and international organizations. Over the last two decades, he has served on several expert planning committees with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international agencies. He has published extensively in various peer-reviewed journals and authored several book chapters in the topics of cancer research, tobacco control, asthma, and health care expenditure. He is an active reviewer and serves on the editorial board of numerous peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Chaudhry has held key administrative positions in academia as well as in health sector of the Indian government. During his tenure as the Dean and Chair of the Departments of Community and Family Medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS, Bhopal), one of the most reputable educational institutions in India, he was instrumental in the initiation and development of multiple new programs and departments and laid a strong research foundation. The most notable role that defines Dr. Chaudhry’s research accomplishments is his journey as an accomplished researcher to being the Director Level Scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which is equivalent to the National Institute of Health (NIH). His extensive experience in multi-specialty and multi-center projects provided him the ability to work in different environments and design studies in accordance with constraints of different scientists and institutions.

 

5 Foods that Cause Sticky Situations

5 Foods that Cause Sticky Situations

We’ve all most likely been there – indulging in a box of Milk Duds® or bag of popcorn at the movie theatre and then all of the sudden you’re scrounging around your teeth with your tongue trying to get every little piece out from between your teeth. It’s a known fact – food gets stuck in teeth! Here is a list of the top five foods that cause a sticky situation and what to do about it:

Chewy Candy

Chewy candy such as jellybeans, taffy, caramels, or gummy bears make for an extremely sticky situation. The stickier the candy, the worse it tends to be for your teeth. A triple whammy of negatives – chewy, sugary, and acidic – these candies, especially the “sour” varieties, tend to stick to and between teeth for long periods of time. When this occurs, bacteria easily feast on the deposited sugar to make acid which dissolves the protective layer of teeth and in turn causes cavities.

Hard Candy

From Jolly Ranchers® to lollipops, hard candies tend to cling to teeth. When hard candy clings to teeth it dissolves slowly and saturates the mouth for several minutes at a time. When this occurs, bacteria have more time to produce harmful acid which can cause decay over time. Many varieties of hard candy are flavored with citric acid. Citric acid is a known culprit of tooth enamel erosion. Additionally, if you bite down with force on some hard candies, you may chip your teeth which leads to an even stickier situation.

Seeds

Seeds come in a variety of forms – from sunflower seeds to the tiny seeds on a bagel. Often times these types of seeds can wedge between your teeth and under your gums, and may feel impossible to remove. Additionally, many healthy treats have seeds that could present challenges as well. Raspberries and blackberries have small seeds that can become stuck between teeth or in the anatomical crown (top part) of your teeth.

Popcorn

Whether you like popcorn with or without butter, having a popcorn shell stuck in between your teeth or even your gums can cause irritation and frustration. If the shell isn’t removed from between your teeth or gumline, it could lead to an abscess.

Potato Chips

It may be hard to deny the satisfying crunch and savory flavor of a potato chip, but this light and crunchy snack becomes a gooey substance when chewed that easily gets stuck in your teeth. Additionally, potato chips are full of starch that feeds the plaque inside your mouth.

Tips and Tricks for Sticky Situations

It’s hard to avoid sticky foods all together, but it’s important to avoid the urge to use your fingernails, tongue, or other sharp objects to remove stuck food particles. Doing this could cause harm to your teeth, gums, and tongue. Try these useful tricks instead:

  • Keep floss handy and use it often.
  • Swish water around your mouth to loosen food particles.
  • Chew sugar-free gum to help unstick stubborn food pieces.
  • Contact your dentist if you’re having difficulty

Causes of Food Getting Stuck in Your Teeth

If you seem to get food stuck in your teeth frequently, it may be cause for concern. The following causes may be the culprit:

If you’re struggling with food debris getting lodged in your teeth or gums, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist. The dentist will be able to rule out possible culprits or provide treatment if necessary.

Roseman Dental is committed to providing outstanding, affordable dental and orthodontic care. Contact Roseman Dental to request a dental examination or free orthodontic screening (Nevada location only) and consultation today!

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