Finding a bump or sore anywhere on your body is alarming. The same is true when discovering a sore in your mouth. However, the good news is that a sore on your gums is not often a medical emergency that must be handled immediately. But it is wise to seek the care and opinion of an experienced dentist if the sore is extremely painful and does not heal or disappear on its own.

There are a few conditions that can cause gum sores above your teeth. We have outlined a few causes and symptoms below so that you can potentially narrow down what you may be experiencing and better know how to treat your specific condition and when you should seek dental treatment.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are the most common form of mouth sore. They are caused by a variety of factors, including injury, harsh brushing, and flossing, poor diet, food sensitivities, allergies, or stress.

Though they look similar to a cold sore, canker sores are found inside the mouth on the gums, under the tongue, or in the cheek, as opposed to the outside of the mouth. They are not caused by a virus and are not contagious.

Most canker sores will heal on their own within two weeks and are not a significant cause for concern. If the condition keeps recurring or does not fully heal within a few weeks, you should address the subject with your dentist.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease that causes inflamed, bleeding, and swollen gums. It often occurs due to insufficient oral care. The symptoms of gingivitis often go unnoticed in the early stages, but it can look like receding or inflamed gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, and can cause bad breath.

Gingivitis itself is not a severe medical condition, but if left untreated, it can develop into a more serious oral disease. Typically, a consistent brushing and flossing routine and regular visits to a dentist for a deep clean will rid you of the condition.

Periodontal Disease

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease. This disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on teeth and gums that causes the gums to swell and recede and can cause tooth loss. Periodontal disease often causes dental abscesses, oral bleeding, bad breath, and tooth shifting.

Treatment requires regular dental deep cleans and sometimes more severe treatments, such as scaling, root planting, or a root canal. If you feel pain in your gums, you should seek dental care to rule out periodontal disease.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection on the inside of the mouth. It appears most commonly in babies, the elderly, and those who spend extended stays in the hospital. The commonalities between these groups are those who cannot complete thorough oral care routines and may have suppressed immune systems.

This fungus looks like white spots on the gums or tongue. It is a condition that a medical professional can treat with antifungal medication in the form of a pill, lozenge, or mouth rinse. As with these other causes of gum sores, we recommend speaking with a family dentist that can take a look inside your mouth.

Oral Cancer

Most of the conditions mentioned above are not a great cause for emergency care and concern and simply require a visit to your dentist, good oral hygiene, and in some cases, medication. But of course, a gum sore above your teeth that is painful, consistent, and that will not go away could be an indicator of a more severe condition.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of oral cancer look similar to many of those mentioned above, such as a sore or bump, bleeding and swollen gums, and loose teeth. If your dentist suspects that a sore on your gums could be cancerous, they will take a small tissue sample of your gums for testing.

Your dentist will then refer you to a specialist or develop a treatment plan for you.

Need to See a Dentist About a Gum Sore?

At East Valley Dental Professionals, our dentists have decades of experience caring for patients with gum sores. We hope this list of conditions above has put your mind at ease, knowing that most oral sores can be treated with a dental visit and a thorough oral care routine.

If you are suffering from a gum sore and would like to speak with a professional, our dentists are available to diagnose your condition. We would also love to walk you through some preventative dentistry measures as a part of your treatment plan.

Do not live in worry or fear. Schedule an appointment today by calling (480).838.3033 to begin your journey towards oral wellness.

The post What Causes Gum Sores Above Teeth? appeared first on East Valley Dental Professionals.

Brushing your teeth is an extremely important step in your oral health. But the primary goal of brushing is not just so that you have a bright white smile. Sure, flashing those pearly whites can boost your self-esteem and make you feel healthy, but ultimately, good oral hygiene doesn’t begin with your teeth. It begins with your gums.

Did you know that you could be suffering from gum disease without even knowing it? Early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, does not often cause any pain. Therefore, it is vital to keep a thorough oral hygiene routine and regular visits to your dentist for cleanings, even if something doesn’t seem wrong.

Reversing gingivitis is possible if you catch it in time, but you must first know what to look for and how to respond when it appears.

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that inflames and erodes gum tissues. It occurs when bacteria-ridden plaque and tartar form on the teeth and produce toxins. These toxins cause inflammation and bleeding gums in some cases, especially when irritated by brushing.

Plaque naturally grows, but you must remove it by brushing and flossing daily. That way, it does not cause a further issue. Your gum line can erode when you leave plaque too long on your teeth.

This decay leads to a more severe problem called periodontitis. Though gingivitis and periodontitis begin the same way, periodontitis is not reversible. It is the most significant reason for tooth decay and loss in adults.

What are the signs of gingivitis?

Healthy gums are pink in color, firm to the touch, and tightly fitted around each tooth’s base. Though you may not know you have gingivitis in the earliest beginning stages, the symptoms of gingivitis are not often hard to miss when you are specifically looking for them because they present very differently than healthy gums.

Statistically, 75% of all adults will experience some form of mild gingivitis throughout their life. Though, most cases can be reversed by visiting a dental professional for a deep clean and following a strict treatment plan.

Some of the most common signs of gingivitis include:

• Swollen and puffy gums
• Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing and flossing
• Bad breath
• Temperature sensitivity
• Receding gum line
• Tender and sore gums

What causes gingivitis?

When caring for your teeth and gums, it is crucial to ensure that you are doing so correctly and carefully because the number one cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. This does not necessarily mean that you are not caring for your gum health at all but that your technique or routine is insufficient for clearing all plaque and bacteria.

Sometimes though, even those who brush and floss regularly may exhibit signs of gingivitis. This reality is because many other factors can contribute to gum disease like tobacco, other diseases, nutrition, medication, and hormone changes.

Tobacco

Those who use tobacco through smoking or other avenues are seven times more likely to suffer from gum disease than those who do not use tobacco. Not only does tobacco use increase the likelihood of disease, but it can also hinder the success of treatment.

Disease

Some diseases can affect the body’s immune system and ability to fight off infections, such as cancer, HIV, and diabetes. Those who suffer from chronic illness should visit their dentist regularly to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy.

Nutrition

A steady and nutritious diet contributes to a healthy mouth and gums. Conversely, a poor diet high in sugar content can inhibit the body from fighting off infection and bacteria, causing poor oral conditions.

Medication

Certain medications have the side-effect of affecting oral health conditions, such as causing dry mouth. If you regularly take over-the-counter or prescription medications, it is crucial to inform your dentist so that they can create an informed course of treatment.

Hormone Changes

Hormonal fluctuations can cause heightened sensitivities and inflammation in the body. Therefore those with hormone shifts due to puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation should take extra caution when caring for their oral health.

What happens if gingivitis goes untreated?

If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more severe gum disease that is often irreversible. Severe gum disease can cause teeth to loosen and fall out and can even cause complications throughout the body.

Untreated gum disease can harbor bacterias that travel through the bloodstream and cause heart disease or other complications. Therefore, it is best to make regular visits to your dentist to treat gum disease the moment it appears.

Preventing Gingivitis

Preventing gingivitis and other gum disease requires proper oral hygiene. You should care for your teeth by daily brushing and flossing, replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 6 months, and visiting your dentist every 6 to 12 months, or more often if you have complications that need extra care.

If you do not already have a trusted dental professional to call your own, our team would be proud to provide dental care to you and your loved ones. Call our family at (480).838.3033 to schedule your first visit or consultation today.

The post What Does Gingivitis Look Like? appeared first on East Valley Dental Professionals.

If you remember looking at your pimple-faced teenage self in the mirror and smiling with a mouth full of metal, you’ve struggled with teeth gaps. They can be embarrassing whether you’ve never had braces or spaces suddenly appear after years of rubber bands and no gum chewing. We, more than anyone, want you to look at your reflection and be proud of your smile!

Teeth gaps, also called diastema, can happen to anyone. However, we believe an experienced dentist can fix the issue and give you confidence in your teeth. We would like to tell you more about teeth gaps and their common causes. Then, you can look at some potential remedies dentists use to treat diastema.

Causes of Gapped Teeth

You may be like most people, who got teeth gaps when you were young (braces, ugh) but never knew how they came to be. Some dentists will tell you that the spaces in your teeth come from genetics, which is true. However, there are more practical oral health reasons why you have teeth gaps.

Tooth Issue

• Children losing primary teeth: If you think back to when you were a kid, you might remember teeth gaps after losing baby teeth. These spaces will close, and your smile will develop permanent dentition. It is a normal part of growing up, like puberty and adam’s apples, that don’t need dental treatment.
• Tooth Size and the Jawbone: This is where some dentists will point and say that your teeth gaps are 100% genetic. Your teeth may be too small compared to your jawbones and will make room for gaps to appear. This phenomenon can happen if your parents have the same issue and they pass it along to you.
• Missing or Undersized Teeth: You can also get teeth gaps if your upper lateral incisor teeth are too small or are missing. These spaces form precisely between the teeth on each side of the two upper front teeth.

Oral Health Issue

• Gum disease: As straightforward as it is, poor oral hygiene and dental care can cause teeth gaps in your mouth. Gum disease is a prime example where your gums recede, and bacteria infect them. We cannot stress proper brushing and flossing enough to help with these space issues.
• Oversized labial frenum: This technical term refers to a tissue that connects the upper lip to gum tissue between the two front teeth. If the maxillary labial frenum tissue is too big, it will forge a gap.

Human Issue

• Tongue Thrusting: Experts say that you can get teeth gap in your front teeth via tongue thrusting. Putting pressure between both teeth will create unwanted diastema.
• Childhood habits: You’re not paying attention as a baby or toddler to the causes of teeth gaps. But gaps appeared when you used to make bad habits like pacifier sucking, thumb sucking, and lip sucking past the age of 4.

Treatment

A dentist can offer medical advice depending upon your teeth gap’s exact cause. And there may be multiple approaches to closing the space between your teeth where your doctor will ask you to do more than. We recommend these treatments to close the gaps for diastema and “feeling like a teenager with braces” syndrome:

• Braces (which you can use for crooked teeth too)
• Dental bonding
• Veneer fitting
• Dental implants/dental bridge
• Oversized labial frenum surgery
• Regular dental cleanings
• Gum disease procedures

We Can Get Back Your Smile

You have trouble smiling in pictures, speaking at work functions, and loving your teeth. Diastema can ruin your confidence, but it doesn’t have to. We have served 30+ years of Arizonians and know how to correct anything that has caused your teeth gaps.

Our team can give a diagnosis and treatment for your teeth gaps all in the same building. Give our Mesa office a call at (480).838.3033, so we can get your smile back, and you can be proud to show those pearly whites!

The post Causes of Tooth Gaps and How to Treat Them appeared first on East Valley Dental Professionals.

Unless you have spent time looking at a diagram of the teeth, many are under the impression that the thick enamel covering goes far deeper into the tooth than it actually does.

This is important for a variety of reasons, the most striking of which is that it proves teeth can be delicate.

Each tooth has nerve endings and roots buried deep below the enamel and dentin layers of our teeth. These nerves, when triggered, can create pain and sensitivity ranging from mild tooth discomfort all the way through severe and persistent pain. This pain, however, is not always a sign of cavities or more serious dental problems.

Sometimes it’s simply the cause of sensitive teeth.

The good news is those sensitive teeth when managed early and with care, can become far less painful over time. Read below to learn more about what you can do to stop tooth sensitivity in its tracks.

What Causes Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is caused by the demineralization of the outer layer of the tooth, called enamel. This demineralization causes the inner layers of the tooth to be more exposed to irritants such as hot or cold temperatures, acidic foods, and sugary foods.

Demineralization occurs for many reasons, most of which can be traced back to inappropriate dental practices. These include:

1. Using too much force when brushing
   Even though our teeth have a hard exterior, through incorrect brushing habits we can wear down this outer protective layer. Using a hard bristle toothbrush and too much force can not only deteriorate our enamel, it can also create problems with receding gum lines later on.
2. Gum Recession
   Related to poor oral health or overly vigorous brushing, receding gum line is when the soft gum tissue pulls back from the bottom of the teeth. As the gums recede further, the roots of the teeth become exposed. As these are less protected by enamel, they will not only be more sensitive when exposed, but also be more prone to damage and decay.
3. Cracks, Clenching, and Grinding
   According to the Sleep Foundation, 8% of adults grind their teeth at night. Grinding behaviors, in addition to clenching, can further weaken and damage the enamel of the tooth. This increases your risk for cracks and overall tooth weakness, making sensitivity an inevitable side effect.
4. Using bleaching and whitening products
   Whether in-office or at-home, tooth whitening products have one thing in common: they generally rely on strippin the outer layer of the tooth to reduce the appearance of stains. Just like a scrape causes skin sensitivity, whitening can be irritating to many individuals in the days and weeks following treatment.
5. Diet
   Even if your oral hygiene is in top condition, eating sugary and acidic foods will naturally corrode the enamel over time. This can cause sensitivity and even tooth decay, especially if good brushing habits are not in place.

For individuals who show one of more of these risk factors for tooth sensitivity, they may be wondering what their treatment options are and how to get the best dental care for their concerns.

While it’s always wise to speak with your dentist about what is best for your condition, we have outlined some common and successful treatment methods below.

Treatment Options

At-Home

The good news about tooth sensitivity is that there are many successful home remedies that can help ease the pain of persistent sensitivity. These are generally measures that can be included in your existing oral hygiene rituals and will contribute to greater oral health overall.

Desensitizing toothpaste
One of the most common methods of easing tooth sensitivity is through the use of desensitizing toothpaste. These are toothpastes which contain a variety of desensitizing agents such as Metal Ions, Potassium, and Oxalates.
While desensitizing toothpastes take several uses to start taking effect, many find that these reduce sensitivity over sustained daily use.

Hydrogen Peroxide
A 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water is a common and effective oral antiseptic. Through using this as a mouth rinse, you not only reduce the likelihood of cavities and stains on the tooth surface, but also reduce inflammation overall.

Salt Water Rise
Similar in qualities to hydrogen peroxide, salt water rinses can be a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory tool. However, unlike peroxide, there is often no added benefit of mild whitening.

In-Office

For individuals who experience more severe or widespread pain than cannot be managed through other methods, there are several types of sensitivity treatments you can receive in-office to help reduce pain.

Fluoride application
While fluoride is a common additive in many toothpastes, sometimes a more intense treatment is needed to better protect the teeth. In these cases, you can ask your dentist to apply a strong fluoride gel as part of your cleaning to help act as a buffer for the surface of your tooth. As an added bonus, this gel also prevents cavities by helping remineralize the surface of the tooth.

Gumline Reconstruction
For individuals who experience most of their sensitivity at the gum line, the cause is normally exposed tooth roots that come along with gum recession. This is caused either by age-related gum shrinkage or brushing too hard.

In either situation, a dentist may recommend reconstructing or sealing the gum tissue to better protect the roots of your teeth. In extreme cases, a surgical gum graft may be recommended to better build up and secure the remaining gums around your teeth.

Root Canal
When a sensitivity is local to a single tooth and caused by underlying conditions such as cracks or decay, it might be time to either perform a root canal or extract the tooth. Which option is best depends on your exact situation and should be discussed with your dentist.

Visible Signs of Sensitivity

Like tooth pain, tooth sensitivity in and of itself is not a dental condition rather, it is a symptom of other dental pathologies ranging from tooth decay to gum disease. As such, many individuals experience tooth sensitivity without any visible signs of a problem.

If your sensitivity persists, it’s always recommended to schedule an appointment with your dentist. After an exam, your dentist may recommend a course of action to manage your sensitivity or catch an issue that requires more extensive dental procedures such as root canals, crowns, or extractions.

Dental Experts in Mesa

While we like to be a source of information for anyone researching on the internet, East Valley Dental Professionals has its actual home in Mesa, Arizona. Established in the 1980s, we take great pride in having local clients who receive the best dental care and the best service.

Are you located in Arizona? We are ready to assist you with all of your dental health needs. Please call us at 480-838-3033 to speak to a professional, get your questions answered, and schedule a consultation. We are only one call away from a healthier smile.

The post Sensitive Teeth Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments appeared first on East Valley Dental Professionals.

Have you been experiencing sudden pain when your teeth are exposed to extreme heat or cold? Roughly 22% of U.S. adults report having an episode of pain associated with their teeth, gums or jaw in the past six months. Often tooth sensitivity is rather mild; however, when feelings of pain are severe or persistent it is best to visit your dental professional.

Sensitivity is a Symptom of Other Oral Health Problem

When the teeth become overly sensitive to hot or cold it is often the result of an underlying oral health problem. Those who choose to ignore these signs or procrastinate are potentially worsening the condition. It is best to schedule a dental examination when the problems first occur.

Roughly 30% of individuals have some genetic predisposition to developing periodontal disease.

Erosion of Enamel

Our teeth are naturally protected by enamel, which is the hard outside layer that is resistant to causes of potential decay. Enamel tends to weaken as we age and when it wears away we experience sensitivity from this exposure to the dentin layer beneath. Approximately 12% of individuals have some form of dental “hypersensitivity.”

These conditions arise from exposure often caused by acid, sugar, brushing too hard, and more. Our saliva contains calcium that helps to neutralize the acid. Often the erosion of enamel can also be recognized by the yellowish discoloration of exposed dentin.

Receding Gums

Our gums serve as the support structure for our teeth and help to protect the often sensitive nerves. When our gums recede, our teeth become more exposed and this results in potential sensitivity. Gaps that develop between the teeth and gums allow bacteria to enter and begin building up.

Gum recession increases the likelihood of developing gum disease, gingivitis, and infections in the region. Receding gums is a somewhat common condition. Because it develops slowly, it often goes unnoticed. Those who use tobacco products are at an increased likelihood of developing gum-related conditions.

Tooth Decay (Cavity)

When our teeth decay a cavity is created. These cavities expose nerves within the tooth that trigger feelings of pain. Sensitivity to hot or cold is a sign that a cavity may be developing or worsening. This sensitivity may also result when a filling that was used to repair the existing cavity chips away or falls out.

It is also possible that sensitivity stems from small cracks within the structure of a tooth. Hot or cold exposure to the region of the crack can cause nerve discomfort. Often these cracks are so small that you may have difficulty recognizing them.

Infection of Gums or Sinuses

Infection is something that may develop somewhere in our bodies that may be caused by bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. Infections that occur in the region of the gums are called periodontal disease. Among those over the age of 30, nearly 50% will develop some problems with periodontal disease.

In the early stages, gum disease is considered to be gingivitis. Sensitivity in the teeth may be a preliminary symptom of the condition. In some cases, a sinus infection will also cause pain to develop in the tooth and jaw. This is the result of pressure associated with inflammation that creates pressure and discomfort.

Grinding of Teeth

Those who regularly clench their jaws and/or grind their teeth are likely to develop greater tooth sensitivity. This pressure and friction can cause the enamel to wear. Bruxism is a term that describes this condition. Many individuals grind their teeth at night while sleeping.

Those who grind their teeth during the night may experience achy feelings in the jaw in the morning. Some of these people will hear a “popping” or “clicking” noise when the jaw moves. Over longer periods, the teeth may also begin to shift out of proper alignment. One solution is to wear a mouth guard during the night.

This condition is often linked to stress. It is also common among those suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Some studies have revealed that those taking psychiatric medications and antidepressants are more likely to grind their teeth.

Tooth Whitening

There are now many products in the market today for tooth whitening. Some of these include whitening “strips” and gels that can be applied to the teeth for this purpose. One ingredient commonly found in these products is hydrogen peroxide. In many cases, hydrogen peroxide can create significant sensitivity. Typically, the level of sensitivity will diminish over days or weeks.

When to Visit a Dental Professional

What are some indications that you should promptly seek professional dental care? Those who experience pain that persists for more than two days are encouraged to visit a dentist. Some people may feel intense tooth sensitivity that develops into a migraine headache. If a high level of tooth sensitivity is accompanied by a fever it is best to have a dental exam.

Possible Treatment Options

• Remember that it is always best to have a dental exam promptly when symptoms occur to prevent the problem from worsening.
• When a cavity has developed in the area of sensitivity it may need a filling to alleviate the discomfort.
• If your dentist determines that the sensitivity is the result of an infection it may require a root canal. This involves cleaning out the area where the infection exists and then applying filler material.
• Toothpaste is available that will desensitize the tooth and reduce the pain.
• Your dentist may consider treating sensitive teeth using fluoride. The dentist may prescribe a fluoride treatment that you can perform at home.
• If the root area of a tooth becomes exposed your dentist may use a resin product that can create a bond and seal the area.
• In some cases, the root of the tooth has lost much of its supportive tissue. This may be treated by a grafting procedure using tissue from some other area of the mouth.
• Consider using a toothbrush that has softer bristles and remember to brush gently.
• It is critical to remember the fundamentals of oral health—to brush and floss the teeth daily.

Provider of Comprehensive Family Dental Care in Mesa

The professional team at East Valley Dental Professionals (EVDP) has been caring for the oral health of patients in this region for many years.

We deliver top-quality general, cosmetic, and emergency dental care for those of all ages. Contact our friendly staff today for an appointment at (480) 838-3033.

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Gum disease is a common dental problem, especially among people who have poor oral hygiene. There are two main types of gum disease which are infections medically known as periodontal disease, which affects not just the gums, but also the tissues and bones around and supporting the teeth.  There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis with the latter having variations.

Gingivitis

This is the most common but also the mildest form of gum disease. The common symptoms of gingivitis are red and swollen gums which bleed easily. This usually develops unnoticed or it is often taken for granted because there is no discomfort and pain at this stage. The only noticeable sign is that the gums easily bleed during flossing or brushing.

There are various causes why gingivitis develops. The most common is inadequate oral hygiene. People who don’t brush or floss their teeth thoroughly and who don’t get regular dental cleaning develop this kind of gum disease. Aside from lack of good oral hygiene, other factors that lead to gingivitis are the following: stress, hormonal fluctuation, smoking, diabetes and other medical conditions.

Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated, it develops and advances into periodontitis. It is a more severe form of gum disease. This happens when the plaque build-up has spread below the gum line. The toxins and bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums, which eventually affects the bones and tissues that support the teeth. Once this happens, the gums separate from the teeth, forming spaces between them. These spaces, known as pockets, easily become infected. When the disease advances and progresses, the pockets deepen, causing more damage to the gum tissue and bones. Eventually, the teeth will become loose and damaged. Aside from this, periodontitis also cause other issues such as bad breath, gums pulled away from the teeth, pus coming off the gums and difficulty or discomfort in biting.

Periodontitis have various types. They are as follows: aggressive and chronic periodontitis, periodontitis as a manifestation of systematic disease and necrotizing periodontal disease.

Do not let your gingivitis develop into something more serious. Always observe good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly. You could end up losing your teeth and suffer from other complications of gum disease. It’s just a matter of taking care of your teeth and gums.

So if you think that you might have gum disease like gingivitis, seek immediate professional help. There is nothing better than early treatment. Make an appointment with East Valley Dental Professionals and we will take care of your teeth and gums and ensure we are treating the types of gum disease that you have, with the best proper medical treatment available..  Contact us today.

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