If a pimple-like bump appears inside your mouth, please resist popping it. Most likely, it’s a dental fistula, an infection by-product that’s usually a clue to an underlying health issue. We’ll help you solve the mystery of a fistula by giving you the scoop on why a fistula forms, what it might indicate, and how to treat it. What Is a Fistula and How Does it Form? Be in the
Occasionally experiencing swallowing difficulty due to a “lump in your throat” is normal. But if difficulty swallowing is an ongoing issue, it may be a sign of dysphagia, a swallowing disorder. Dysphagia is more common in the elderly due to weak throat muscles. Luckily, there are several dysphagia treatment options available depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Dysphagia Causes According to the National Institute on Deafness and
Some people experiencing tooth sensitivity might not be able to handle hot or cold temperatures, while some people might be sensitive to pressure. Biting down on something and feeling pain can be a jarring sensation. Find out what’s causing this sensation and how to treat it so that you can feel comfortable again! Why Does My Tooth Hurt When I Put Pressure on It? The most common reason you might
Oral cancer is one of most curable of all types of cancer, but it also is one of the deadliest when it is not detected early. One of the leading causes of mouth cancers is smokeless tobacco, also known as chew, snuff or dip. If you’re concerned about the risk of cancer from dip, read on to learn about smokeless tobacco’s potential consequences. Dipping Into the Facts The Centers for
Oral health is more important than you may know. When oral health is poor, naturally-occurring bacteria from your mouth can spread to your lungs, causing further issues. That’s why taking care of your teeth, gums, and other parts of your mouth is critical. Learn more about oral bacteria, how it can affect your lungs, and how you can stay healthy. How are Oral Health and Overall Health Connected? There is
Do you know what to do with a knocked-out tooth? Whether the cause is sports, an accident, or assault, it is important to know what to do and when to do it. Injuring a tooth is never fun, but the good news is that most teeth can be reinserted into the tooth socket if you keep the ligament alive. Though the best choice is to get to your dentist as
Pregnancy changes your mouth. When you’re pregnant, changes in your hormone levels can increase your chance of developing gum disease and other dental concerns. For that reason, it’s always a good idea to stay in regular contact with and to schedule regular cleanings and exams with your dentist when pregnant. Routine dental work is one thing. But, can you safely undergo a tooth extraction during pregnancy? The answer, as far
Even those who keep up with a healthy oral hygiene routine can have an unexpected toothache with no known cause. Spontaneous severe pain can make it challenging to get through the day, making it hard to remain focused and relaxed. If your pain is severe enough, it can qualify as a dental emergency. And while the term “emergency” sounds frightening, there is a wide variation in toothache emergency relief that
If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth, you may want to consider getting clear aligners instead of traditional braces. There are many benefits to these transparent plastic corrective devices, but they can also be more expensive than the metal wires, brackets, and rubber bands that are the most common alternative. So is the added cost that comes with modernization in tooth alignment worth it? We’ll compare your options to help
Dental implant surgery replaces the root area of the tooth with metal, screw-like posts. These posts are installed into the jawbone, where they provide a strong base for an artificial tooth, known as a crown. This surgery can be performed in several steps depending upon the kind of implant you’re getting and the health of your jawbone. Dental Implants Dental implants are artificial teeth that are implanted into the mouth and
People going through cancer treatment can experience some uncomfortable side effects, including mucositis caused by chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Magic mouthwash is only one of several treatments that may help alleviate the pain from mouth sores, dry mouth, and inflammation caused by mucositis. Learn more about magic mouthwash and how it may benefit those dealing with mucositis. Cancer Treatment and Mouth Sores Chemotherapy and radiation treatments kill cancer cells, but
Did you know that 9.3% of the United States population has diabetes? That’s nearly 1 out of 10 people. One common symptom that people with diabetes experience is dry mouth. Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, happens when you don’t produce enough saliva. If this is something you’re experiencing, we’ve got your back. Let’s look into why people with diabetes experience dry mouth, the oral implications of dry mouth, what