Know the Different Causes of Teeth Falling Out

There are many different reasons teeth can fall out, but most cases boil down to a severe case of periodontitis. Losing teeth can be mortifying for one’s looks, but it can also make it difficult to chew and maintain proper nutrition.

There can be several reasons for teeth falling out including the number one cause, and that is not going to the dentist. The best way to keep one’s teeth clean is to go to the dentist on a semi-annual basis. The cleaning the hygienist provides is vital to keeping the teeth from building up plaque and other dangerous buildups. The hygienist can also notify the patient of the beginning of any issues like gingivitis before the condition gets serious. Gingivitis at the basic level can generally be reversed with good cleanings, daily brushing, and a good flossing habit before it progresses to the stage of periodontitis.

Being a male over 35 tends to be another risk factor in losing more teeth. This comes from most males in this age group not either going to the dentist frequently as they should, or not providing proper cleaning, brushing, and flossing habits as they should be. Sometimes, it can come from a poor diet as well. Especially a diet high in foods hard on the teeth that cause the decay and decomposition of the teeth and gums over time.

Moreover, smoking and chewing tobacco can cause tooth decay and rotting. It can also damage gum tissue.

High blood-pressure can also lead to tooth decay and loss according to some studies. However, more studies are needed to prove this for certain. Having diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis seems to be the same way, although more studies are needed to prove this as well. These patients seem more susceptible to infections, including infections of the mouth and gums. Some medications may also have this same effect such as medications for cancer therapy or epilepsy or even steroids.

Preventing gum disease is the last big thing that one can do to help avoid lose teeth and ultimately losing teeth. Gingivitis is one form of gum disease that may be reversible, but letting that turn into periodontitis is another story. Periodontitis effects about 47.2% of adults over the age of 30 in the US. A shockingly high number when really all most people have to do to avoid this condition is to brush and floss daily and visit their dentist semiannually for checkups and regular cleanings. Simply put, taking care of one’s teeth will help their teeth take care of them. Be sure to ensure that you have a healthy smile for life!

If you have any questions regarding this article contact us or call 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”

Home Remedies for Toothaches

If you have a pounding headache and a throbbing sensation in your mouth accompanied by soreness and tenderness you have got a very common problem: a toothache. Visit your dentist ASAP, but until you can get there, there happens to be many home remedies you can try to help ease the pain in the meantime.

Saltwater Rinses can work great as an at-home remedy to help ease toothache pains. Simply mix ½ teaspoon of salt with 8 oz. of warm water and swish it around in your mouth. DO NOT SWALLOW IT! Gently floss around the tooth to remove any bits of food applying pressure that may make the pain even worse.

OTC Pain Relievers are a great way to help relieve pain with over-the-counter medicine till you can get to the dentist. If you don’t have any OTC Pain Relievers around try ibuprofen. Choose aspirin for young children. If choosing aspirin be sure to take the aspirin like normal, and swallow the medication. Do not rest the aspirin on the tooth or rest it between the cheek and the tooth as leaving the aspirin on the tooth for too long can cause severe damage to the tooth due to the ingredients in the medication.

Cold Compresses are especially helpful if your face is swollen or puffy. Placing an ice pack on your cheek can help easer pain. If you have severe swelling you may also have a dental abscess inside your mouth. If you see pus or fluid coming out of the abscess you may have an infection in the abscess. This can also infect the gums and other teeth around the abscess as well as the gums there, too.

OTC Anesthetics are also pain-relieving gels or liquids that re applied directly to the tooth and nearby the gum area. Many will contain benzocaine which will help numb the mouth temporarily. These are for short-term use only.

Ice can help numb the area around the tooth area till you can get some dental treatment done to it. Simply tuck ice between the tooth and cheek to let it melt and help numb or dull the pain in the area. Ice is also believing to stop pain signals from going to the brain and helps till you can get to the dentist.

Clove Oil is a 100% natural remedy that is rubbed directly onto the sore area. Suggestions in some studies show that it may be as or more effective than benzocaine.

Oil Pulling is an ancient Hindu practice of swishing sunflower or sesame seed oil in one’s mouth. Sometimes studies have suggested that it helps relieve gingivitis, but it is not determined to treat toothaches yet. More studies need to be done before anything is definitively determined.

Garlic when crushed can release allicin which is an oily liquid and a natural disease fighter. However, some people claim it relieves aches and others say it doesn’t. Chewing a piece of garlic will do your body no harm. Cut it up and place it on the tooth! It’s safe if consumed as well.

Hydrogen Peroxide is a common remedy – in fact there is probably a bottle sitting in your medicine cabinet right now. It may or may not ease the toothache, but it will keep the area clean till you get to the dentist. Mix it with a 50% solution of water. The full-strength version of hydrogen peroxide can harm your teeth.

If you have any questions regarding this article contact us or call 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Family

“Where Family Comes First”

Dental Emergencies and Helpful Tips

At some point in their life everyone is bound to be the victim of a dental emergency. In that case, what on earth are you supposed to do? First off keep calm, and second off think about the incident you have had occur to you. That often tells you how to respond most appropriately.

If you have knocked out a permanent adult tooth due to trauma what you do next can decide if you are going to keep the tooth or not. If possible place the tooth loosely back into its socket. If you cannot do that, keep the tooth most by sucking on it, putting it in milk, or using a tooth preservation product recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). Get to your dentist’s office soon as possible to provide a permanent fix to the situation.

For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on your face to keep swelling from increasing.

If your tongue is bit, clean the area gently and apply cold compresses.

For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the cavity out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food stuck in and around the tooth. Do not put medications, especially aspirin on the tooth to keep the pain down. This is not good for the tooth or aching gum tissue.

If an object gets stuck in your mouth, then try to remove it with a toothbrush or dental floss. If that fails, do not use sharp objects to remove the object. Instead, contact your dentist or local emergency room. They will be able to remove the object more safely than you can, with less risk of permanent damage that may be caused.

Avoid these various dental mishaps by following the common-sense rules that you were always told. Wear a mouth guard when playing contact or recreational sports. Avoid chewing on things that may cause teeth to crack like jawbreakers, ice, or popcorn kernels. Always use scissors to cut objects into the pieces you need, and NOT your teeth. Always know you can visit your dentist if an emergency arises. Call the office and request to have an immediate appointment scheduled. Most dentists have someone built in at the office each day that has time in their schedule for emergencies just like these described here.

If you have any questions regarding this article contact us or call 909-465-1016.

The Ramona Dentistry Team

“Where Family Comes First”

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