Banish Bad Breath

banish bad breath

banish bad breathRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

The idea of bad breath, also referred to as breath odor or halitosis, is enough to cause social anxiety. Many people are concerned about their breath, and as many as 30% of the population should be. They know that no one wants to be around someone with bad breath. It is unpleasant and can lead to the avoidance of a person that normally would be pleasant to be around. In some cases, when it is malodorous enough, it can lead to professional limitations. Halitosis, in fact, is one of the most unattractive aspects of social interactions. While there are many causes of breath odor, there are also many ways to banish it.

Usually, bad breath is a result of poor oral health. The oral cavity is responsible for about 90% of bad breath cases. This means that this breath odor can be caused by oral diseases (such as gingivitis and periodontitis) , tongue coating, food impaction, dry socket, dry mouth, an accumulation of oral bacteria, stress, and age-related factors (decreased oral mobility or the use of removable prostheses).

Halitosis can also result from outside of the oral cavity. This means it can come from ear/nose/throat (ENT) or respiratory diseases (sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchiectasis), specific chronic diseases, drugs and certain chemicals or medicines.

So, if there are many causes of bad breath, how can it be corrected? Other than not eating foods that smell bad themselves, this article will detail eight ways to do that.

Brushing teeth

Teeth brushing is the number one thing that prevents or helps bad breath because it prevents the buildup of bacteria on decaying food particles that get stuck on teeth or gums. These bacteria produce sulfur compounds that can lead to bad breath. However, brushing just one time daily is not enough. Because people eat and drink multiple times a day, they should also brush their teeth multiple times a day, ideally after every meal, and they should rinse their mouths with water after drinking a beverage that isn’t water.

Floss more often

Flossing is one of the most effective ways to conquer bad breath because it lifts away food particles that are trapped between teeth, and it controls plaque buildup which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms between teeth on the tooth itself. Flossing gets in places that brushing cannot reach. By removing the residual food particles and plaque between the teeth, flossing prevents the bacteria from breaking down into lactic acid that eats tooth enamel.

Brush or scrape the tongue

Tongue coating is one of the most prevalent causes of halitosis, but it can be removed. The easiest way is to brush the tongue gently with a toothbrush, but sometimes even that is not enough. A tongue scraper is a small metal or plastic tool that is designed to apply even pressure across the surface of the tongue to remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells. A 2008 study compared teeth brushing alone and teeth brushing plus tongue scraping and found a significant reduction in the bacteria present when tongue scraping was included in oral hygiene.

Drink water throughout the day (or use mouthwash)

Often, breath odor is caused by a dry mouth. Some people do not make enough saliva, a condition called xerostomia, which can lead to tooth decay and bad breath. Saliva is needed to moisten the mouth, rinse away acids produced by plaque and dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. Drinking water throughout the day will help with these processes. It will also rinse away excess sugar that has been consumed.

A mouthwash can serve the same purpose. As a matter of fact, there are certain mouthwashes that are supposed to treat dry mouths.

Chew gum

Chewing sugarless gum can help eliminate bad breath because chewing gum stimulates saliva. Studies have shown that chewing gum for at least 20 minutes after a meal can lower the risk for cavities and dental erosion. In addition to the fresh scent, which is part of the gum, it reduces the chance of tooth decay that can also cause bad breath.

Stop smoking (or chewing tobacco)

Smokers have an increased risk for halitosis. Smoker breath is not only bad because it smells like stale cigarettes but because smokers actually have bad breath. The reason for this is that the chemicals in tobacco increase the synthesis of toxic volatile sulfur compounds in diseased pockets. Smoking causes a decrease in the normal flora (good bacteria) in the mouth which causes an increase in the pathogenic microbes. In other words, smoking causes an imbalance in the mouth. It also leads to low saliva production.

Change your diet

Diets can affect the way a person’s breath smells too. A high-sugar diet without sufficient brushing, flossing, and scraping allows bacteria to grow on the teeth leading to bad breath. A low carb diet or high protein diet can also affect the way breath smells. Low carbohydrate diets can cause the breath to smell like ketones – or a very metallic smell.

See a dentist

If bad breath continues after trying all the above solutions, it is time to see a dentist. They can check to see if the halitosis is related to a dental problem.

If you need to see a dentist about bad breath in Royal Oaks, MI or the surrounding areas, Dr. Nancy Hartrick at Hartrick Dentistry PC will be happy to help! Call today at 248-712-1149

Posted in General Dentistry

Living with chronic headaches? Your Dentist can Help

chronic headache

chronic headacheRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Chronic headaches can affect your ability to function daily, from basic tasks like remembering to pay the bills, and work deadlines to picking your kids up from practice on time. If you suffer from daily head pain, you may rely on a bottle of over-the-counter pain medication for relief and to get through the day. Unfortunately, chronic headaches are chronic for a reason – there’s an underlying cause. And, until you treat the underlying cause, your pain will reoccur day after day. But some chronic headache sufferers visit their doctor only to be misdiagnosed or feel unheard as if their pain wasn’t real or bad enough. Today on the blog, Hartrick Dentistry shares how our TMJ dentist in Royal Oak can help if you’re living with chronic headaches.

An underlying cause of chronic headaches

Temporomandibular joint or TMJ disorder is a common underlying cause of chronic headaches. TMJ disorder is when the jaw joints are imbalanced due to an uneven bite or a malfunction in the jaw joints like arthritis. Additionally, one of the body’s most prominent nerves, the trigeminal, connects from the spinal column, around the skull, and feeds into the upper and lower jaw. Nerves may send pain signals to other areas of the body, even areas that aren’t actually affected by an injury or issue. Inflammation and reduced blood flow are common in cases of TMJ disorder, which constricts blood vessels in the brain, leading to headaches. Therefore, TMJ disorder has a lot to do with chronic headaches! And taking over-the-counter pain relievers only temporarily relieves pain because the root cause isn’t being addressed.

How a Royal Oak dentist can treat chronic headaches

Treating TMJ disorder starts by establishing an even, comfortable bite by wearing a custom-made oral appliance. Then, once the bite is established, you’ll start noticing inflammation subsides as blood flow increases. In time, and in some cases fairly immediately, TMJ-related headaches disappear and should not return as a result of TMJ disorder. However, patients may still have occasional headaches from stress, dehydration, insufficient sleep, and other related causes.

At-home remedies to support your TMJ treatment

Wearing a custom-made oral appliance is one of the best ways to relieve TMJ disorder, but you may find that altering your diet by eating softer foods, avoiding gum and chewy foods, and applying ice packs on your face for up to 20 minutes at a time may also help reduce inflammation and discomfort. However, these remedies alone do not address the underlying cause of TMJ disorder, which is to establish an even bite with an oral appliance.

TMJ disorder treatment in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

If you believe that you may have TMJ disorder, schedule a consultation with Hartrick Dentistry today. Dr. Hartrick will perform a thorough examination to determine your bite alignment and the severity of your disorder. Then, she will discuss the first course of treatment and other ways you can help reduce jaw joint inflammation and stress. Make your appointment today by calling our office at (248) 549-0950.

Posted in TMJ

5 Facts you Can’t Ignore about TMJ Disorder

tmj disorder

tmj disorderRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, disorder is known to affect nearly 10 million people in the United States, impacting women more than men, according to the National Health Institute. The disorder often presents noticeable popping and clicking sounds when opening and closing the jaw, along with pain that is sometimes intermittent or chronic. Unfortunately, many general practitioners misdiagnose patients as having other conditions and end up medicating them with pain relievers to reduce pain and inflammation. However, a TMJ dentist can diagnose and treat this disorder without long-term use of medication or invasive treatments. Today on the blog, find out five facts you can’t ignore about TMJ disorder so that you can get a proper diagnosis and the treatment that you deserve.

It can cause chronic headaches

Most people experience headaches from time to time, which can be normal. However, chronic headaches or headaches that are difficult to manage may be a sign of something more serious, like TMJ disorder. The reason TMJ disorder causes chronic headaches is because the trigeminal nerve. This crucial neural pathway connects from the spinal column, around the skull, and into the upper and lower jaws. It’s also located close to the temporomandibular joint itself. The trigeminal nerve can radiate pain into the head, neck or even the back if TMJ disorder goes untreated. Additionally, inflammation and restricted blood flow often occur in TMJ cases, which may lead to vasoconstriction in the blood vessels of the brain, causing chronic headaches that are unresponsive to medication.

It can cause toothaches or dental pain

Toothaches or dental pain are common complaints from people experiencing TMJ disorder. That’s because TMJ disorder can often manifest from an uneven bite, crooked teeth or missing teeth, which puts additional pressure on existing teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity or even toothaches. In some cases, TMJ disorder can be relieved by rebuilding the patient’s bite, restoring missing or damaged teeth, and establishing an even biting pattern.

It can make your ears ring

Chronic ear ringing is known as tinnitus, which can be an annoying condition that even leads to depression. For the same reason TMJ disorder may cause headaches or dental pain, chronic inflammation, and reduced blood flow to the jaw joints, which can affect the eustachian tube, causing damage or constant ringing sounds.

It has been linked to Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is classified as widespread pain or tenderness throughout the body. It’s a common condition that affects women more than men and could be related to TMJ disorder. Since TMJ disorder directly impacts one of the most prominent nerves in the body, the trigeminal, it’s no wonder that it could send pain signals and cause other imbalances throughout the body. Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, it’s essential to see a TMJ dentist near Detroit for an evaluation.

Surgery isn’t always required if you have TMJ disorder

A TMJ dentist in Royal Oak, like Dr. Nancy Hartrick, can prescribe a custom oral orthotic to relieve TMJ disorder and its related symptoms without the need for surgery. While there may be some severe cases that respond best to surgical interventions, you should talk to Dr. Hartrick about an oral appliance to treat your TMJ disorder before resorting to extensive treatments.

TMJ Disorder Treatment in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

If you suffer from chronic headaches or other symptoms of TMJ disorder, contact Hartrick Dentistry by calling (248) 549-0950 or visit our website to schedule a consultation. You can learn more about non-invasive TMJ treatment or how to treat TMJ disorder without surgery.

Posted in TMJ

What are the 5 Best Reasons to get Invisalign?

reasons to get invisalign

reasons to get invisalignRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Many adults desire straight teeth but prefer not to get traditional braces for various reasons. However, that doesn’t mean that you must live with crooked teeth. Invisalign is a nearly invisible way for teens and adults to straighten their teeth without others noticing, and with more comfort and convenience compared to traditional metal braces. So today on the blog, our Royal Oak Invisalign provider answers this question – what are the best reasons to get Invisalign?

Reason 1: Invisalign aligners are removable

Perhaps one of the best benefits of Invisalign is that they are removable, unlike braces that are cemented to your teeth and remain in place 24/7 until the end of your treatment. Instead, you can remove the aligners when you need to drink, and brush and floss your teeth. This is especially convenient so that you won’t have to worry about cleaning food out of your braces every time you eat. While the aligners are removable, you should plan on wearing them for at least 22 hours a day but can remove the aligners for special events if you’re having photos taken or giving a speech.

Reason 2: Eat what you want

Since the aligners are removable, you don’t have any dietary restrictions. By contrast, with braces, it’s recommended to avoid popcorn, hard or sticky candy, gum, corn on the cob, whole apples, and nuts. Therefore, enjoy the freedom of eating all your favorite foods and getting enough wholesome nutrition by opting for removable Invisalign aligners.

Reason 3: The aligners are nearly invisible

Invisalign aligners are clear and hardly noticeable, unlike metal braces which are extremely noticeable and difficult to keep clean. This benefit makes Invisalign a top choice among adults who are concerned with aesthetics and want to avoid the embarrassment of traditional braces.

Reason 4: Get results fast

The plastic aligners apply gentle pressure on your teeth. Every few weeks, you receive a new set of aligners. However, treatment time frames can be shorter compared to traditional braces – about 18 months on average with Invisalign, as compared to two years or longer with braces. However, the length of treatment may vary depending on your individual dental needs. In some cases, treatment may only last 12 months. If you’d like to know how quickly you can get results with Invisalign, schedule a consultation with Hartrick Dentistry today.

Reason 5: There isn’t any metal

Invisalign uses a proprietary material that is metal-free, which makes Invisalign treatment ideal for those with a metal allergy or who just want to avoid wearing noticeable metal in their mouth. Since the aligners are metal-free, they are also extremely comfortable and smooth to wear, which means you won’t have to worry about metal parts poking your cheeks, lips, or tongue.

Invisalign Providers in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

Teens or adults with crooked, uneven, or twisted teeth should consider getting Invisalign, especially if they do not want traditional metal braces. However, the best way to determine your candidacy for this treatment is to schedule a consultation with an Invisalign provider in Royal Oak, like Hartrick Dentistry, by calling (248) 549-0950.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry

Why Do I Keep Snoring at Night?

snoring while sleeping

snoring while sleepingRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Nearly 37 million Americans snore while sleeping. Since this condition is common, you may assume that it’s no big deal. But unfortunately, ignoring your snoring could increase your risk of certain life-threatening conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke, insulin resistance, depression, and even certain cancers. Therefore, determining what’s causing your snoring and controlling the problem is the first step in protecting your overall health against the damaging effects of this condition. So today on the blog, our Royal Oak airway dentist at Hartrick Dentistry answers this common question, why do I keep snoring at night?

Your age

Aging adults report that their sleep habits change as they get older. You may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep compared to your sleep habits when you were younger. Also, as you age, your skin loses elasticity and muscle mass reduces, which occurs everywhere in the body, including the throat. Therefore, airway blockages are more likely to occur as you age, which could impede airflow and result in snoring.

Your natural anatomy

Anatomical conditions like a deviated septum, nasal polyps, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and even chronic allergies or the occasional cold may cause airway restrictions that result in snoring. In some cases, surgery is needed to remove chronically enlarged airway tissue, while over-the-counter medications will most often relieve blocked airways associated with allergies or the common cold. However, we recommend that you speak with your primary care provider before starting any over-the-counter medications.

Your sleep position

You’re most likely to snore if you sleep on your back because gravity causes the mouth to gape open, and the tongue to slide back toward the airway, blocking airflow. If you do snore, perhaps try sleeping on your side or propped on a pillow to help lessen the airway restriction. If you try side sleeping yet continue rolling over onto your back, place a pillow behind your back to help force you to sleep on your side.

Alcohol consumption

A common myth is that alcohol induces sleep. But the reality is that alcohol has the opposite effect. Since alcohol is a relaxant, overconsumption could lead to a collapsed or blocked airway that impedes breathing and results in loud snoring. Therefore, reconsider that nightcap beverage because it isn’t going to help you sleep after all, and may even be contributing to your snoring.

Being overweight

Excess weight or fat deposits around the neck can make a person more likely to snore. But you could be at risk of snoring even if you carry the bulk of your weight elsewhere on your body. Some studies show that being as little as a few pounds overweight could lead to less muscle tone and added fat deposits, which are also likely to occur around the neck. Therefore, if you snore, consider weight management solutions to help shed some pounds and improve the rest of your health while you’re at it.

Sleep Apnea Screenings in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

If you snore, you probably experience chronic fatigue, mood swings, and other symptoms that you can’t quite put your finger on the cause. However, a simple sleep apnea screening in Royal Oak at Hartrick Dentistry can help you learn more about your airway health and whether you could benefit from an official sleep study. To learn more or schedule a sleep apnea screening today, contact Hartrick Dentistry by calling (248) 549-0950.

Posted in Sleep Apnea

Is Sleep Loss Really that Big of a Deal?

is sleep loss a big deal

is sleep loss a big dealRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Sleep loss plagues everyone from time to time. But for some sufferers, turning and tossing or frequent awakenings throughout the night are enough to impact their daily lives, even to the point of developing health problems and depression. But there are many people dealing with sleep loss that may only feel fatigued throughout the day and not realize the impact that sleep loss has on their health. So, today on the blog, we’re answering a common question, is sleep loss really that big of a deal?

Common causes of sleep loss

Sleep loss can be caused by a variety of factors including caffeine consumption close to bedtime, drinking alcohol, eating a heavy meal late at night, stress, a side effect of certain medications, or untreated sleep apnea. Some of these causes can be remedied by modifying your diet, getting plenty of exercise, and reducing stress in your life, but sleep apnea requires the help of an airway dentist in Royal Oak, like Dr. Nancy Hartrick.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. Many times, sleep apnea sufferers are unaware of their condition, although may find that they wake frequently throughout the night, toss and turn, or have insomnia. Loud snoring or gasping for air are other common symptoms of sleep apnea.

Why is sleep loss a big deal?

Sleep loss can lead to various problems in life, such as an increased risk of an accident (either while driving or operating machinery at work), migraines or frequent headaches, weight gain, and low sex drive, and it can make the sufferer lose interest in once-loved activities because they are tired all of the time. Sleep loss sufferers that experience poor quality sleep night after night may even exhibit symptoms of depression. If these issues aren’t enough to make you want to seek help, sleep loss, and air deprivation also increase one’s risk of heart disease, stroke, insulin resistance, and certain cancers.

How does sleep apnea affect the quality of my sleep?

Sleep apnea interferes with the REM sleep cycle, which is the deepest stage of sleep where the brain and cells throughout your body repair and rejuvenate. Depriving your body of these REM sleep stresses the brain, and can lead to chronic systemic inflammation, which increases your risk of various other health problems mentioned above. Therefore, if you snore, experience daytime fatigue, or have been told that you have sleep apnea, it is imperative that you see an airway dentist near you in Royal Oak.

Who is at risk of sleep apnea?

You might assume that since snoring is one of the biggest indicators of sleep apnea that it only affects the elderly and overweight individuals. But even young, healthy athletes are at risk of sleep apnea. Therefore, Dr. Hartrick recommends a simple airway screening when you see us for a check-up.

How can I get help for my sleep apnea and snoring?

Dr. Hartrick can recommend a sleep study, if necessary, and work with your sleep medicine physician to administer a comfortable and convenient oral appliance to relieve you of your sleep apnea symptoms and the risks associated with it. Our oral appliances are often covered by insurance and have a higher compliance rate than CPAP machines which are bulky, noisy, and uncomfortable. Therefore, if you’d like to learn more about sleep apnea evaluations or find out about an oral appliance designed to manage snoring, contact Hartrick Dentistry by calling (248) 549-0950.

Posted in Sleep Apnea

4 Oral Hygiene Rituals That You Can’t Live Without

oral hygiene rituals

oral hygiene ritualsRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

It’s no secret that a healthy lifestyle helps reduce your risks of illnesses and diseases, but did you know that oral hygiene should also be part of a healthy lifestyle? Oral hygiene is an important part of your overall health and wellness. Studies link poor oral health to an increased risk of diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. But with a daily oral hygiene regimen, you could help protect your mouth and your body. Today on the blog, our family dentist in Royal Oak, Dr. Nancy Hartrick, shares four oral hygiene rituals that you can’t live without.

Brushing twice a day for two minutes each session

Brushing your teeth is the best way to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth that could otherwise cause cavities or gum disease. But if you aren’t brushing your teeth often enough or for long enough at each session, then you leave yourself at risk of oral diseases and even tooth loss, eventually. Therefore, be sure that you brush your teeth twice a day and for at least two minutes each time. Two minutes is longer than you think. Most people probably only brush for about 30 seconds. To be sure you’re brushing long enough, set a timer to ensure you brush your teeth for a full two minutes. And always brush your teeth before bed to remove food, bacteria, and sugar so that these substances don’t linger and become destructive while you sleep.

Flossing your teeth daily

It’s true that many adults and children do not floss their teeth ever or hardly at all. Unfortunately, if you skip flossing, you could be at risk of developing oral diseases that lead to pain or tooth loss. It is recommended that you floss your teeth every day before bed. Flossing cleans between your teeth where your toothbrush simply cannot reach. Not only will you experience improved breath, but flossing also lowers your risk of gum disease, the number one cause of tooth loss among adults in the U.S.

Rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash

Mouthwash does not take the place of regular brushing and flossing but adding it to your nightly oral hygiene routine has its benefits. It’s a common misconception that mouthwash should burn and sting. And that the worse the burn, the better the job the solution is doing at protecting your oral health. Thankfully, that is a false claim. In fact, you can opt for alcohol-free mouth rinses that produce the same results as mouthwash that contain alcohol, except without the burn. Some studies found that alcohol-based mouthwashes disturb the oral microbiome, which could increase the risk of oral diseases, and certain types of oral cancer. Therefore, opt for an alcohol-free mouthwash to be on the safe side and still reap the oral health benefits of fresher breath and healthier teeth.

See your Royal Oak dentist twice a year

Twice-yearly dental cleanings and checkups are necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums. During your dental cleanings, the hygienist removes stuck-on tartar buildup that could lead to gum infections and cavities if ignored. These cleanings also remove stains from your teeth. The dentist conducts a thorough examination of your oral health, noting any changes that need to be addressed as soon as they appear before costly repairs are needed.

Family Dentist in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

Dr. Hartrick offers family dental care to patients of all ages. We believe that at-home oral hygiene and routine dental checkups and cleanings are the cornerstone of healthy teeth and gums. If you are ready to schedule an appointment, please contact Hartrick Dentistry by calling (248) 549-0950. But we encourage you to adopt these four oral hygiene rituals to maintain good oral health throughout your life.

Posted in Oral Health

Do Probiotics Promote Better Oral Health?

Probiotics

ProbioticsRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Probiotics and their effect on the human microbiome have been the topic of many discussions among doctors and in medical studies. The more we understand about these microorganisms, the better we can improve our health. Similar to microbiomes inside of our bodies, like the gut, our mouths contain millions of bacteria as well. The most common oral bacteria that you hear about is the kind that causes tooth decay and gum disease. But recent studies show there are other oral microbiota that we should focus on so that we can better understand their role in the microbial community. You’ve probably heard about the benefits of taking a probiotic and its effect on gut health and the rest of the body. So, today on the blog, find out if probiotics promote better oral health.

What’s the importance of our oral microbiome?

There are trillions of non-human microorganisms that make up the human body. Our oral cavity is the second largest microbiome in the human body, and it directly affects our gut and gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, our mouths deserve a lot more attention than they get! Unfortunately, certain medications, stress, environmental factors, and what we eat directly affect our oral microbiome, which can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease, the most prevalent chronic diseases in our country. According to studies, more than 1 in 4 adults have untreated cavities, as opposed to 1 in 5 children between the ages of 5 to 11 who have at least one cavity that is untreated. And a staggering half of adults over age 30 have some form of gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in the U.S.

Why are oral bacteria necessary for better oral health?

Oral probiotics could help reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease if brushing and flossing don’t seem to be enough for you. Some studies prove that specific strains of bacteria help restore the oral microbiome. These strains include Streptococcus salivarius M18, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus paracasei. If taken regularly, healthy bacteria colonize, limiting the growth of toxic bacteria in the mouth. The Lactobacillus bacteria is also found in the intestinal tract, which can help reduce harmful bacteria, even in saliva. Not only do probiotics help improve gut function, which impacts the immune system, but also promote better oral health.

What kind of probiotics do I need for my oral health?

Most probiotics that you’ve probably seen on the market are ones that you swallow, which means that those won’t affect your oral health but target your gut instead. However, for probiotics to target your oral health, you’d need to take one that dissolves slowly in the mouth or that can be applied directly to your teeth and gums. There are many of these probiotics available on the market, but if you’d like some advice on which one is right for you, please speak with Dr. Hartrick or one of our knowledgeable dental hygienists at your next cleaning appointment.

Family Dentist in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

Dr. Hartrick offers dental services to patients of all ages. Part of our services includes educating our patients on products and steps that can help improve their oral health and reduce their risk of oral diseases. Probiotics may make a difference for you. If you’d like to learn more or schedule a consultation, please call Hartrick Dentistry at (248) 549-0950.

Posted in Oral Health

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Wisdom Teeth Removal?

wisdom tooth removal

wisdom tooth removalRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Wisdom teeth removal is common among young adults. Usually, dentists recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth between the ages of 18 and 24 because most individuals do not have enough room for these teeth to erupt. Wisdom teeth often partially emerge, which cause concerns later if not removed, or are impacted, meaning they are sideways under the gum, pushing on the roots of the back molars. Very few individuals have a large enough jaw and enough room in their mouth for their wisdom teeth, which is why removing them is usually the best option.

If you’re considering getting your wisdom teeth removed, or the dentist has told you that it’s time for this procedure, you may wonder how long the recovery takes. Today on the blog, our family dentist in Royal Oak, Dr. Nancy Hartrick, shares how long it takes to recover from wisdom teeth removal.

Wisdom tooth recovery depends on the surgical process as well as how many wisdom teeth are removed. First, let’s discuss the different types of techniques used to remove wisdom teeth.

Basic Extraction

A basic extraction involves numbing the treatment area and then removing the tooth. In these cases, there is no surgery required, and the patient remains awake during the procedure.

Recovering from a basic extraction

Recovery after a basic extraction may vary. Since many individuals opt to have all four wisdom teeth removed at one visit, expect your entire mouth to be numb for several hours following the procedure. Your jaw will be sore and you will likely experience mild discomfort. However, most patients find relief by placing ice packs on their cheeks for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, as well as taking over-the-counter pain relievers. You may find that you prefer to eat a soft foods diet for the first few days after treatment.

Surgical Extraction

If your wisdom teeth are impacted, the dentist may recommend a surgical extraction in which tiny incisions are made in the gum to allow access to the teeth, and then the teeth are removed. Oftentimes, surgical cases require sutures or stitches to seal the surgical site and help with healing. Surgical extractions of this nature can usually be performed by a general dentist, although in some cases, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon if you need to be put to sleep during the treatment or have a complicated surgical extraction.

Recovering from a surgical extraction

While a surgical extraction is a bit more involved than a basic extraction, you will likely deal with the same amount of discomfort and your recovery will be similar. However, if you were put to sleep for your wisdom teeth extraction, your recovery will be quite different. Plan ahead by having someone drive you to and from your appointment. This individual should be a trusted adult that can stay with you for the first 24 hours to observe any side effects and to help care for you. But after the first 24 hours, your recovery will be similar to the other techniques.

Recovering from wisdom teeth removal looks different for everyone. However, most individuals may find that they need to eat soft foods for the first few days to a week afterward, although this timeframe varies, depending on your pain tolerance and natural healing abilities. It is vital that you avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, and spitting forcefully for the first 48 hours following the removal of your wisdom teeth. This helps prevent dislodging the blood clots that form after the teeth are removed. If the blood clot dislodges or you experience extreme pain, you could have a dry socket, which is an infection in the extraction site that requires immediate care by a dentist.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Royal Oak and Birmingham, Michigan

Wisdom teeth removal and recovery will look different for everyone. But you should expect to feel some mild discomfort for the first few days, although you may be able to return to your usual activities and work after the first 24 hours as long as you do not experience excessive bleeding or pain. If you’d like to schedule an appointment for wisdom teeth removal or need to schedule a consultation, please call Hartrick Dentistry at (248) 549-0950.

Posted in General Dentistry

What are Some Early Signs of Dental Trouble

dental trouble

dental troubleRoyal Oak and Birmingham, MI

Most people can expect to have dental issues at some point in their lives. For some, that dental trouble is obvious: for example, a blow to the mouth that produces bleeding and broken or missing teeth are clear signs that the mouth is in distress.

For other, less sudden kinds of dental trouble, the teeth and gums may not provide signals that are so easy to read. In fact, in some cases there may by no signs at all, and the patient is only informed of a problem at a dental checkup. However, in many cases the mouth is, in fact, providing clues that something may be amiss.

What are the most common kinds of dental problems? And what are some signs of these?

Decay and gum disease

Two of the biggest threats to the mouth are tooth decay and periodontal disease. Both are related in cause, and the appearance of one often means the other is present, too.

Tooth decay can be defined as the weakening of teeth caused by disintegration of their enamel and the interior tissue. This tends to occur because of an abundance of lactic acid in the mouth. Lactic acid is produced by the bacteria Streptococcus mutans, which naturally occurs in the mouth and is nourished by compounds identified by chemists as “sugars.” These “sugars” are found in a wide variety of food and beverages and include sucrose (found in table sugar and things made with it), glucose (found in bread and most starches), lactose (found in milk and dairy products), and fructose (found in fruits, and often used as a sweetener for mass-produced pre-packaged foods). Many foods contain more than one kind of sugar.

The lactic acid produced by s. mutans causes a process called demineralization in the enamel (the hard white outer coating of the teeth), and although ions in saliva causes remineralization, if too many bacteria and acid is present, the wearing can outpace the restoring. This can cause the smooth surface of dental enamel to become roughened, encouraging bacteria to settle on the teeth, forming a film called plaque. Plaque can then emit acid directly onto the teeth, which can lead to pits, and then holes, in the enamel known as cavities. This exposes the interior tissue of the tooth called dentin to the acid, which can then wear away and expose the nerve. The acid can also cause all the enamel to become thinner.

The acid also irritates and inflames the gums and can eventually cause them to become infected. This will lead to them reducing in size (receding gums), which can expose more and more of the tooth to the acid. The plaque may, in fact, extend below the gumline, attacking the roots of the tooth and even the jawbone. This is what is known as periodontal disease, or gum disease.

Early signs of dental trouble

Often, the early stages of tooth decay and periodontal disease exhibit warning signs:

Visible evidence

Sometimes, a cavity that is forming is visible. For example, if a tooth begins to have a spot – most often black or brown – that does not go away after brushing or flossing, that is almost always a cavity.

Likewise, the thinning of enamel may cause teeth to appear yellow. This is because the whiteness of teeth comes from the enamel; the dentin below is actually yellow in color, and as the enamel – which is already translucent – gets thinner, the teeth can appear yellow.

Gums that appear discolored (usually a dark red or purple, as opposed to their normal healthy shade of pink), swollen, or shrinking may indicate the early stages of periodontal disease.

Sensitivity, pain, and loose teeth

Cavities cause holes in the enamel, the outer protective layer of the tooth whose function includes shielding the dental nerve. Holes in enamel or thinned enamel provides the nerve with less protection from things like temperature variations from hot and cold food and beverages. Even breathing in very cold air can cause discomfort and pain. Likewise, the gums also protect the roots of teeth. If they recede, they offer less protection. This, too, can cause sensitivity to hot and cold and pain from certain foods.

Inflamed gums can hurt even in the absence of hot and cold; sometimes the pain happens during chewing or when the gums are touched. And sometimes the gums can just hurt for no apparent reason. Finally, gums securely hold the teeth in place. When they recede, teeth can start to become loose.

Sensitivity, mouth pain, and loose-feeling teeth are all signs of dental trouble.

Blood and trouble flossing

Many people will experience bleeding gums on occasion, such as during over-enthusiastic flossing. But blood that occurs with every brushing or flossing, or for no apparent reason, is a sign of periodontal disease.

Furthermore, most people have also gotten food stuck in their teeth from time to time or have seen floss (especially of the woven veriety) start to fragment or tear. But if food continually gets stuck in one particular place, or if floss regularly tears in a specific spot, it might be a sign of enamel roughened by a cavity.

Bad breath and bad taste in the mouth

An unpleasant but inevitable occurrence is that eventually everybody will have bad breath, especially upon waking or eating something strong-smelling. This will usually go away after brushing. On the other hand, persistent bad breath that remains even after brushing might be a sign of gum disease. A stubborn bad taste in the mouth may be another sign.

What to do next

None of these symptoms necessarily guarantee dental trouble, but for anyone observing one or more of these signs, an excellent next step would be to consult a dentist for an examination. A dentist can determine whether decay or periodontal disease is present and will recommend the best way to move forward.

Hartrick Dentistry provides dental treatments for patients of all ages in the Royal Oak area. Dr. Nancy Hartrick has nearly 30 years of dental experience. Schedule an appointment online or by calling 248-712-1149.

Posted in Oral Health