Oral Issues and Disease in Coral Gables & Doral, FL
Symptoms of Oral Issues and Disease
- Bleeding or swollen gums after brushing or flossing
- Chronic bad breath
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Frequent dry mouth
- Jaw clicking
- Loose teeth
- Pain or toothaches
- Pain with chewing or biting
- Receding gumline
- Sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Swelling of the face and cheeks
- Ulcers, sores or tender areas in the mouth that won’t heal after a week
Factors Contributing to Oral Issues
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Certain infections such as HIV or AIDS
- Diabetes
- Family history or genetics
- Frequent vomiting
- Hormonal changes in women
- Poor brushing habits
- Smoking
- Sugary food and drink consumption
- Use of saliva reducing medications
Causes of Oral Disease
- The oral cavity collects various bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Some of which belong there, making up the normal flora of the mouth.
- Harmless in small quantities, but a diet high in sugar creates conditions in which acid-producing bacteria flourish. This acid dissolves tooth enamel and causes dental cavities.
- Bacteria near the gumline thrive in a sticky matrix called plaque. Plaque accumulates, hardens, and migrates down the length of the tooth if not removed regularly by brushing and flossing.
- Inflamed gums cause gingivitis.
- Increased inflammation causes gums to begin pulling away from teeth.
Types of Oral Disease
- Cavities
- Dental Carries
- Cleft lip and palate
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Gum disease (gingivitis)
- Noma
- Oral cancer
- Oral manifestations of HIV
- Oro-dental trauma
- Periodontitis
- Sensitive teeth
Diagnosing Oral Issues and Disease
- Cheeks
- Jaw
- Mouth
- Neck
- Teeth
- Throat
- Tongue
- CT scan
- Endoscopy
- MRI scan
- X-ray
Treating Oral Issues and Disease
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be in the form of a gel, mouth rinse, oral tablet or capsule.
- Cleanings: Deep cleaning is also known as scaling and root planing. It removes tartar from above and below the gumline that can’t be reached during routine brushing.
- Daily Habits: Dental hygienists provide education regarding how to properly care for teeth and gums.
- Dental Implants: Used to replace missing or lost teeth.
- Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel and increase resiliency to bacteria and acid.
- Fillings, Crowns, and Sealants: A filling is used to repair a cavity, crack, or hole in the tooth. First dentists use a drill to remove the damaged area of the tooth and then fill the hole with material, such as amalgam or composite.
- Probiotics: Mostly known for their role in digestive health, probiotics and healthy bacteria may be beneficial for teeth and gums.
- Root Canals: Required if tooth decay reaches inside the tooth nerve. During a root canal, the nerve is removed and replaced with a filling made of a biocompatible material, usually a combination of a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and adhesive cement.
- Tooth Extraction: Necessary when a tooth cannot be saved with a root canal or other procedure.
Maintaining Oral Health
- Avoid tobacco products.
- Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
- Floss at least once a day. Flossing is one of the most beneficial things ways to prevent oral disease.
- Follow a high-fiber, low-fat, low-sugar diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
- Visit a dental professional every six months for a cleaning.
The Dentist's Role
Dentists are doctors who specialize in oral health. Their responsibilities include:
- Creating treatment plans to maintain or restore the oral health of their patients.
- Diagnosing oral diseases.
- Ensuring the safe administration of anesthetics.
- Interpreting x-rays and diagnostic tests.
- Monitoring growth and development of the teeth and jaws.
- Performing surgical procedures on the teeth, bone, and soft tissues of the oral cavity.
- Promoting oral health and disease prevention.
Trust the Oral Experts at iSmile Coral Gables and Doral, FL
- Bad Breath Treatment
- Cosmetic Orthodontics
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Emergencies
- Periodontics
- Root Canals
- Sleep Apnea Treatment
- Teeth Bonding
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Treatment
- iSmile Coral Gables: 305-396-1026
- iSmile Doral: 305-620-8272
For online consultations, visit https://www.drsoniaolivares.net/online-consultation/.