Biting your tongue and cheeks

Everyone has accidentally bitten his tongue while eating or woken up with a small mark on the inside of his cheek. But what do you do if this nuisance becomes a common occurrence? Many people frequently bite the inside of their mouth during sleep or while eating, but the causes vary. In some cases, it is due to misalignment of the teeth or poor denture fitting.

In that situation, the teeth can overlap with the person’s tongue, increasing the chance of a bite. In other cases, a person may constantly breathe with his mouth open, leading to a slightly swollen tongue, which can again lead to accidental bites. In some rare cases, a person may also have seizures, causing him to involuntarily bite his tongue or cheek. Regardless of the reason, though, constant wounds in the mouth can become more than just annoying.

Over time, biting can lead to scars and decreased sensitivity, so it is important to treat the bites properly and speak with a dentist about preventing future occurrences. He or she will help you identify the cause of the biting and hasten the time until you can eliminate the bites altogether.

Signs of a great toothbrush

You know how important it is to brush your teeth twice a day to fight plaque and cavities -- but are you using the right brush? In reality, every person’s mouth is different, which means everyone needs different traits in a toothbrush.

For instance, look at the size of your mouth: If you have a generally small mouth, it’s a good idea to find a brush with a small head. Small-headed brushes allow you to angle the brush more effectively in a small space and can get into hard-to-reach corners. In terms of the handle of the brush, look for one with a good grip. Handles are made to fit in varying-sized hands, so make sure the one you pick fits nicely in yours.

If you have arthritis, pay special attention to the surface of the handle and select one that won’t slip easily. Finally, when it comes to the bristles, most people benefit from a brush that is soft, but not too soft. Packages specifically labeled “soft” are generally not the right choice, unless your dentist recommends it for you. Instead, look for ones that feature “medium” bristles. These ones will not be so rigid that they hurt your gums, but they will also stand up under pressure and remove plaque effectively.

If you have any questions about choosing the right brush, talk to a dentist on your True Dental Discounts - dental plan. He or she can recommend the right brush for your mouth and even give you pointers about improving your technique.

Latex allergies and your oral health

People who frequently come into contact with products containing natural rubber latex may develop an allergy to this common ingredient. While typically found in household products like balloons, pacifiers, tires, and shoes, latex is also found in many medical items like masks, gloves, and bandages.

Because of this, it is important to identify any sensitivity you may have toward latex and inform your health care professional. According to the American Dental Association, people at increased risk of developing latex allergies include health care workers, those who have undergone numerous surgeries, and rubber industry workers.

Someone with a sensitivity to latex products may exhibit symptoms ranging from minor irritations like nasal congestion to severe anaphylaxis that could be life-threatening if not treated. If you know or suspect you are allergic to natural rubber latex, be sure to tell your True Dental Discounts - dental plan dentist prior to your next appointment.

He or she will then make a note to use latex-free alternatives at all subsequent visits to protect you from a reaction. For more information, talk to your doctor or dentist about your symptoms and their possible causes. Together, you can work to create the optimal environment for your health.

What are veneers?

If you are unhappy with your teeth because they are chipped, unevenly spaced, discolored, or worn, you could benefit from veneers. According to the American Dental Association, veneers are “thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth.” Veneers help teeth look more uniform and restore a person’s beautiful smile.

They are bonded to the teeth in order to improve their appearance and can change a tooth’s color, shape or size. In general, veneers are made from porcelain or composite resin; each has its own advantages and should be discussed with a dentist on your True Dental Discounts plan. For example, porcelain veneers are better at preventing stains. It is important to remember, however, that veneers are not reversible – dentists must remove part of the enamel from your targeted teeth in order to apply the veneer. During the process, teeth are roughened to allow for a stronger bond.

Although the entire process typically takes three separate sessions with your dentist, veneers tend to last between five and 10 years. Ask your dentist about the proper way to take care of your new veneers. Many experts recommend avoiding stain-causing drinks like red wine and coffee. With proper care, veneers can be a great way to improve your smile. Ask your dentist today if they could be right for you!

Study shows dental implants are safe substitutes for natural teeth

When a person loses a tooth, either through an accident or poor oral health, it is often replaced with a dental implant. Dental implants are made to look like a natural tooth, allowing patients to continue to enjoy the same appearance and functioning they did before the loss. Although previous research led dental practitioners to believe that implants can disrupt the tissue and bone structure in a patient’s mouth, a study published in the Journal of Periodontology has shed new light on the implants.

Researchers found that most of a patient’s bone remodeling occurred after the implant was placed and before the final prosthesis was inserted. Further, they found that the bone changed very little in the following five years. This is significant because it solidifies the use of dental implants as safe substitutes for natural teeth. Talk to a dentist on your True Care Advantage plan if you think you may be a good candidate for dental implants; implants can restore your confidence in the way you look, speak, and eat.

Causes of a painful tongue

People often think about the dentist as a professional that deals with teeth. In reality, however, dentists are concerned with the entire mouth – including your tongue. For this reason, he or she may talk to you about the appearance of your tongue and why your tongue affects your overall health. One of the biggest problems people experience with their tongue is having it be sore and bumpy.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are several causes of a sore tongue, including trauma, canker sores, smoking, and oral cancer. The most obvious cause, trauma, can be a result of biting your tongue or burning it on something that’s too hot. When this happens, the tongue may continue to be sore until the injury heals. Smoking, however, is a more permanent habit that causes damage through irritation; people who smoke frequently may find that their tongue feels unpleasant.

Canker sores – or mouth ulcers – can also cause temporary pain and bumps on your tongue. No one knows what causes these sores, but stress is thought to be a trigger. Finally, although not common, sores/bumps that do not go away after a couple weeks could be a sign of oral cancer. Talk to your dentist about any tongue abnormalities you notice so you can get started on a treatment plan if necessary. By taking care of your tongue, you can improve your overall health.

Effects of cancer treatments on oral health

Most cancer patients who undergo radiation therapy are aware of the risks and side effects associated with the treatment, but not all are familiar with its effects on oral health. According to the American Dental Association, approximately one-third of Americans diagnosed with cancer suffer from painful oral complications after receiving radiation therapy. Radiation in the head and neck regions of the body can cause patients to develop dry mouth, hypersensitive teeth, rapid tooth decay, and lesions.

They may also experience difficulty swallowing. Although most of these effects are caused by radiation, chemotherapy may also result in damage to the oral cavity. To prevent these effects, the ADA suggests that a patient’s oncologist and dentist work together before and during treatments. Patients undergoing cancer treatments should typically brush their teeth gently twice a day and may need to use a special saliva-replacement product to combat dry mouth. An increase in the frequency of fluoride treatments may also be recommended. The most important thing for patients to remember is to maintain constant and proactive communication with their dentists and oncologists.

Both health professionals care about their patients’ well-being and can benefit from coordinating their treatments. If you are anticipating cancer treatments in the near future, talk to your True Care Advantage dental plans dentist for individualized advice and recommendations. He or she will perform a full oral examination and work with you to maintain your healthy smile.

Should you get your wisdom teeth removed?

Many people wait until they feel pain in their mouth to get their wisdom teeth – also known as third molars – removed. However, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, waiting is not always the wisest choice. Even if your mouth doesn’t hurt, extensive damage can be occurring under the surface.

People who wait longer often have more complicated procedures because the roots of the teeth grow longer and make removal more difficult. AAOMS estimates that 85 percent of people will eventually need their wisdom teeth removed and suggests that this is best done in young adulthood. Removing the teeth by the time a patient is a young adult helps ensure optimal healing and reduces the chance for periodontal infections in the surrounding tissues. Wisdom teeth are removed while a patient is under anesthesia, so it is important to talk to an oral surgeon on your True Care discount dental plan about your options. He or she will describe the procedure and give you tips to make your recovery as smooth as possible.