The difference between canker sores and cold sores

Although canker sores are often confused with cold sores, there is a difference.

Canker sores occur inside the mouth, and cold sores usually occur outside the mouth.

Canker sores are small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. There can be one or more sores in the mouth. They are very common and often recur.

They usually heal in a week or two and rinsing with antimicrobial mouthrinses may help reduce the irritation.

Cold sores – also called fever blisters – are composed of groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters that often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the nose or chin.

Cold sores are usually caused by herpes virus type I and are very contagious. They usually heal in about a week.

Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can provide temporary relief and prescription antiviral drugs may reduce these kinds of viral infections.

The Role of Bone Grafting in Dental Implant Procedures

Bone grafting is a common procedure that is often used in conjunction with dental implant surgery. Here's what you need to know about the role of bone grafting in dental implant procedures.

What is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting bone tissue from one area of the body to another. In dental implant procedures, bone grafting is often used to help restore the jawbone to its natural density and shape.

Why is Bone Grafting Necessary?

When a tooth is missing, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate over time, leading to a decrease in bone density and an altered facial structure. In order for dental implants to be successful, there must be enough healthy bone tissue in the jaw to support the implants. Bone grafting can help restore the jawbone to its natural density, providing a strong and stable foundation for the dental implants.

How is Bone Grafting Done?

In a bone grafting procedure, bone tissue is typically taken from another area of the body, such as the hip or the jaw. The bone tissue is then transplanted to the area of the jaw where the dental implants will be placed. Over time, the transplanted bone tissue will fuse with the existing bone, creating a strong and stable foundation for the dental implants.

What to Expect During Bone Grafting:

Bone grafting is typically done under local anesthesia, and you may experience some discomfort and swelling following the procedure. Your dentist will provide you with specific instructions on how to manage these symptoms, including pain medication and rest.

Bone grafting is an important part of many dental implant procedures. By restoring the jawbone to its natural density, bone grafting can provide a strong and stable foundation for dental implants, helping to ensure a successful and long-lasting outcome. If you are considering dental implants, talk to your dentist about whether bone grafting may be necessary to achieve the best possible results.

Cosmetic dentistry for seniors: How older adults can benefit from dental makeovers

Cosmetic dentistry isn't just for young adults looking to improve their smiles. In fact, older adults can benefit just as much from dental makeovers. As we age, our teeth and gums undergo changes that can affect the appearance of our smile. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help address these changes and improve the overall appearance of a smile. Here's how older adults can benefit from cosmetic dentistry.

Teeth Whitening: Teeth can become discolored or stained over time, making them look yellow or gray. Teeth whitening can help remove these stains and brighten the smile. Many older adults opt for teeth whitening as a way to rejuvenate their smile and achieve a more youthful appearance.

Dental Implants: Missing teeth can be a common problem for older adults, and dental implants can provide a permanent solution. Dental implants look and function like natural teeth, and they can help restore confidence and improve the overall appearance of a smile.

Dentures: For older adults who are missing several teeth, dentures can provide a more affordable solution than dental implants. Dentures can be customized to fit the individual's mouth, and they can improve the appearance of the smile while also restoring function to the mouth.

Veneers: Veneers can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic issues, such as chips, cracks, and stains. They can also be used to fill in gaps between teeth and improve the overall appearance of the smile.

Cosmetic dentistry isn't just for young adults. Older adults can benefit just as much from dental makeovers, as cosmetic dentistry can help address the changes that occur in the teeth and gums over time. From teeth whitening to dental implants, dentures, and veneers, there are a variety of cosmetic dental procedures that can help seniors achieve a more youthful, confident smile. If you're an older adult who is looking to improve the appearance of your smile, talk to your dentist about your options for cosmetic dentistry.

The risks of oral piercing

Young people today choose to make a variety of fashion statements affecting not just the clothes they wear but also their bodies through tattoos and piercing, for example.

Oral piercing may be something they feel looks good but it can lead to problems where they end up needing medical or dental treatment.

Oral piercing can often lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, infection, increased saliva flow and injuries to the gum tissue.

There can be severe bleeding if a blood vessel is in the path of the needle during the piercing.

Swelling of the tongue is also a common side effect and, in extreme cases, this can block the airway and lead to breathing difficulties.

Other possible problems include chipped or cracked teeth, blood poisoning or even blood clots.

Infection is a very common complication of oral piercing because of the millions of bacteria in your mouth.

Of course, the jewelry itself also causes risk. It can be swallowed or cause damage to your teeth.

So, while young people may feel piercings in the mouth look cool, a great smile will look a lot better in the years to come.

Common mouth sores: causes and cures

 Mouth sores can be very annoying and painful and can have many causes.

The causes can range from infections – bacterial, viral or fungal – to a loose orthodontic wire or a denture that doesn’t fit or a sharp edge from a broken tooth or filling.

But mouth sores may be symptoms of an underlying disease or problem.

So, if you’ve had any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer, it’s a good idea to get your dentist to check it out.

Here are some of the most common mouth sores:

Canker sores: These are small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. They appear inside the mouth and are not contagious though they often return. Problems such as poor immune systems, viruses or fatigue and stress may be involved. They usually heal on their own after a week or two.

Cold sores: Cold sores are annoying and painful. They are also known as fever blisters or Herpes simplex and are groups of fluid-filled blisters. They often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores caused by herpes virus type 1 are very contagious and the virus stays in the body. Cold sore blisters usually heal in a week by themselves.

Candidiasis: This fungal infection (also called moniliasis or oral thrush) occurs when the yeast Candida albicans reproduce in large numbers. It is common among denture wearers and people who have dry mouth syndrome are very susceptible to it. The focus is on preventing it or controlling the conditions that caused the outbreak.

Any mouth sores that last more than a few days should be checked with your dentist.

The Benefits of Dental Digital X-Rays

 Dental digital x-rays are a modern technology that has revolutionized the way dentists diagnose and treat dental problems. Unlike traditional film x-rays, digital x-rays use electronic sensors to capture highly detailed images of the teeth and gums.

One of the main benefits of dental digital x-rays is their speed and convenience. Digital x-rays can be taken and processed in a matter of minutes, which means less time spent in the dental chair for patients. They also emit significantly less radiation than traditional film x-rays, making them a safer option for patients.

Digital x-rays also provide dentists with highly detailed images that can help them identify dental problems that may not be visible to the naked eye. This includes issues like cavities, gum disease, and impacted teeth. With digital x-rays, dentists can catch these issues early on, when they are easier and less expensive to treat.

Digital x-rays are also more environmentally friendly than traditional film x-rays. With digital x-rays, there are no hazardous chemicals involved in the processing of the images, and the images can be stored digitally rather than taking up physical space in a file cabinet.

Finally, digital x-rays make it easier for dentists to communicate with patients about their dental health. With highly detailed images, dentists can show patients exactly what is going on in their mouths, making it easier for patients to understand the need for certain treatments and procedures.

If you're due for a dental check-up, ask your dentist about the benefits of digital x-rays. With their speed, safety, and highly detailed images, digital x-rays are a valuable tool in maintaining your dental health.

Why cavities aren’t just for kids

 Tooth decay or cavities result from destruction of the tooth enamel and can lead to a range of problems from toothache to bad breath.

Cavities occur when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, sugared drinks, cakes or candy are frequently left on the teeth.

Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay.

Many people associate cavities with children but the changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too.

Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of gum disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque.

Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than enamel. They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold. The majority of people over age 50 have tooth-root decay.

Decay around the edges of fillings is also common to older adults. As many of them did not benefit from fluoride and modern preventive dental care when they were younger, they often have a number of dental fillings.

Over the years, these fillings may weaken, fracture and leak around the edges.

Bacteria accumulate in these tiny crevices causing acid to build up which leads to decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

– Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
– Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaner
– Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking

It’s also worth asking your dentist about supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, and about dental sealants, a plastic protective coating which is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from decay.

In addition, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination.