Taking the Sizzle Out of Burning Mouth Sensations

By AustinDentalSpa on August 26, 2010

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, Oral Conditions

Burning mouth syndrome affects hundreds of people every year. Though women are affected seven times more often than men, men are not immune to burning mouth syndrome. Even though those over 40 are more likely to acquire burning mouth syndrome, those in their 20’s may also acquire the condition.

The symptoms can be alarming because it can be complex to define and it can be chronic. So, this oral health condition can have an impact on your social and professional life. There are numerous areas of the mouth that can experience the painful burning sensations associated with this condition, including:

1. • Tongue
   • Lips
   • Palate (roof of the mouth)
   • Gums
   • Inside of the Cheeks
   • Back of the Mouth
   • Throat
   • Dry Lips
   • Sore mouth or lips
   • Dry Mouth
   • Tongue ling or numbness on the tip of the tongue or in the mouth and bitter or metallic changes in taste.

The condition is also termed other names, including:

• Burning Tongue Syndrome
• Burning Lips Syndrome
• Glossodynia
• Stomatodynia
• Scalded mouth syndrome

Remedies

Now, let’s get right down to the remedies. Your dentist’s recommendation is the first place to start. Yet, there are some self help remedies available to reduce burning sensation in your mouth and surrounding area including:

• Use alcohol free mouthwash
• Refrain from toothpaste comprised of an active ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate.
• Chew sweetened, sugarless gum containing xylitol.
• Refrain from burning sensation stimulation found in alcoholic beverages
• Try baking soda and water for your toothpaste.

• Refrain from highly acidic drinks, such as juices, coffee, and soda pop.

If you are interested in general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist, for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Advanced Dentistry

By AustinDentalSpa on August 22, 2010

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's

Advanced Dentistry? What does it really mean? Advanced dentistry can mean different things to different people. It may mean advanced technology that a particular dentist has in his or her office. It may mean advanced techniques that your dentist uses to perform dental procedures. There is no doubt that your general dentist’s recommendation is the first recommendation to obtain when you are concerned about your oral health. Yet, let’s explore the top ten ways that advanced dentistry may be used as a “term” to the average patient.

1.       When your dentist has participated in additional post graduate training, such as with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

2.       When your dentist has obtained a post graduate degree beyond the designations of DDS or DMD.

3.       When a general dentist refers you to a more experienced dentist in a specific area of dentistry following their initial treatment for your condition, such as cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, and periodontics.

4.       When your dentist only performs amalgam dental fillings and you desire composite dental fillings (tooth colored), they may refer you to a dentist who does perform composite dental fillings.

5.       When your dentist does not have the artistic experience required to perform extensive bonding dental work to fill in small cracks and chips, he or she may refer you to a dentist who does have extensive artistic experience.

6.       When you require orthodontics, your dentist may refer you to a dentist who performs orthodontics.

7.       When you require a root canal and the procedure is complex due to your anatomical features, he or she will refer you to an endodontist.

8.       When your need for a dental crown requires preoperative work by an endodontist, your general dentist may refer you to the endodontist and then have you back to their office to complete your dental crown.

9.        When you have abnormalities of the mouth, jaw and/or face, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist and/or an oral maxillofacial surgeon for treatment before returning to their office for more basic dental work.

10.   When you require more extensive periodontal treatment than offered by your dentist, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist.

Your primary dentist is definitely the first person to see should you be concerned about your oral health. He or she is skilled at diagnosing oral health problems and treating many of the most common oral health conditions. He or she will know if and when it is appropriate to send you to another type of dentist.

If you are interested in general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist, for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

What General Dentistry Means for You

By AustinDentalSpa on August 18, 2010

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's

General dentistry focuses on preserving your oral health, while safeguarding against medical conditions that are linked to poor oral health. Although there are approximately 116,000 dentists in the U.S., a select number of general dentists participate in continuing education classes to be kept up-to-date about he latest in research and technology to protect your oral health for future years. Even fewer dentists continue on with an accreditation process offered by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry to provide services that enhance aesthetics, while maintaining the highest level of functionality.

It is true that general dentistry focuses on preventative and restorative procedures, including:

• Professional dental cleanings, root planing and scaling
• Dental fillings, amalgam and sometimes composite (tooth colored)
• Root canals, excluding those that require an endodontics
• Dental crowns
• Dental bridges
• Dentures

However, additional services and the types of technology that the general dentists has to offer, depends upon the dentist. Let’s take a closer look at three advancements in treatments and the number of dentists, who are equipped to provide such treatment, including:

• Less than 2% of all dentists use a laser in dentistry which can provide pain free treatments and can speed up recovery time in many instances.
• Less than 1% offer advanced bio film treatment.
• Approximately 10% of dentists are members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, very few dentists are fully accredited members such as Dr. Mark Sweeney.

In fact, general dentists are the quarterbacks who decide when the patient needs to be passed onto a specialist who has more focused experience. For example, complex root canals are usually performed by an endodontist that focuses on complex root canal restorations. A periodontist focuses on gum disease (periodontal disease) and so on. Yet, wouldn’t you like your general dentist to have the knowledge, training, experience and technology that can allow him or her to be the best dentist possible for your treatment. Certainly, you can benefits from advanced technology and experience of your dentist. So, next time you’ve got to go to your dentist. Check out his or her credentials and find out about the technology they use in their office.

If you are interested in general dentistry or cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist, for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Cosmetic Dentistry Fillings Replace Silver Dental Fillings

By AustinDentalSpa on August 9, 2010

Posted in cosmetic dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

Over the past decade, tooth colored composite dental fillings have replaced many people’s old silver amalgam fillings.

The initial reason for the shift has been more pleasing aesthetics due to the tooth colored appearance of composites when compared to shiny silver dental fillings. There is also another reason why many people have opted to select composite fillings or replace old amalgam fillings. Some people have been bothered by a metal taste in their mouths. Others reported an allergic reaction to the metals in their mouths.

In December of this year, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to hold an advisory panel to discuss scientific issues that may affect the regulation of dental amalgam, particularly the elevated risks that silver fillings may pose for pregnant women, unborn children and young children.

Silver dental amalgam fillings are comprised of a variety of metals, including: liquid mercury, powdered amalgam alloy, silver, tin, and copper. Recently, the FDA changed the classification of dental amalgams from a Class I to Class II.  This change raised concerns from many about the adequacy of the risk assessment used by the FDA to classify dental amalgam, including: the effect of mercury and the exposure of mercury vapor for children. The group contends that more clinical studies must be performed to identify the appropriate classification for dental amalgam.

Dental amalgams may be appropriate for certain teeth in the right quantity, particularly for people with molar cavities who are likely to experience excessive wear and tear on molar fillings due to repetitive biting. Amalgam dental fillings are stronger and last longer than composites, but the esthetic appeal and reduced risks have made composite fillings more appealing to many people today. Most people do not mind returning to the dentist to replace aged composite fillings every seven to ten years.  Composite fillings are just another example of cosmetic dentistry that improves functionality, while providing aesthetic appeal.

If you are interested in composite fillings or cosmetic dentistry, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas cosmetic dentist, for a consultation at 512-380-1300.

Having Trouble Brushing? Consider New Techniques

By AustinDentalSpa on August 6, 2010

Posted in Dentistry FAQ's, Oral Conditions, Senior Dentistry

There may be several reasons why people have difficulty brushing their teeth. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to learn about techniques that can improve your daily teeth cleaning routine to maintain oral health. Some check out some of the ways that you can leverage your tooth brushing technique for enhanced oral health.

Caring for a young infant or an ill loved one?
Very young infants and some people that are ill such as those on a respirator may not be able to brush their teeth. People in this category may have a caregiver try a soft washcloth or q-tips to scrub teeth and remove trapped food.

Can’t Reach the Back of Your Mouth?
Since the back of the mouth is one of the most important areas to keep clean, you may want to consider using a tongue depressor to keep your tongue down or a tongue cleaner to lengthen your toothbrush for hard to reach areas.

Can’t Brush the Backs of Your Teeth?
There are special tooth brushes available at your dentist’s office to brush the back of your teeth with. Offered in a circular bristled design that is small enough to fit tight areas behind the teeth, these toothbrushes provide better access to the back of the teeth.

Do You Have Poor Hand Coordination?
Arthritis sufferers or those recovering from strokes or other conditions that affect hand coordination have found that inserting the back end of a toothbrush into a tennis ball can greatly help with grip and maneuverability.

Your dentist will no doubt have other suggestions for enhancing your ability to care for your teeth and mouth. This may include helping to remove trapped food with a swish of a rinsing agent, or dietetic changes that can optimize you oral health. There may also be specific tools and techniques that relate to your particular situation. So, see your dentist for a general dentistry check up to learn more about the ways to improve your brushing for better oral health.

If you are having difficulty brushing your or a loved one’s teeth, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist at (512) 452-9296.

Early On Meth Use Linked to Oral Health Conditions

By AustinDentalSpa on August 3, 2010

Posted in Oral Conditions

Since the National Institute on Drug Abuse has estimated that more than 10 million Americans have tried methamphetamine and 1.4 million are habitual users, the medical community had become concerned about the elevated risk for mood disturbances, violent behavior, infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis, crime, unemployment, as well as child abuse and neglect. Now, the dental community has identified that meth users are at risk for a dental disease known as meth mouth.

Meth mouth is a term used to describe the acceleration of tooth decay which occurs in the early stages of meth use.  Consequently, many feel that dentists can be at the forefront of uncovering meth use in people and may be instrumental in preventing further meth use which can otherwise lead to greater health issues later on. In 2005, the economic cost of methamphetamine use in the U.S. escalated to $23.4 billion, according to the RAND Corp. For this reason, The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse has granted a request for a $1.86 million fund to be used by the UCLA School of Dentistry for the study of oral health consequences associated with methamphetamine use.

Dr. Vivek Shetty, a professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery, had previously determined that higher rates of oral disease exist among methamphetamine abusers in a study.

Identifying meth use in the early stages of drug abuse through dentistry treatment will allow dentists to be part of the team of health professionals involved in thwarting off meth use which has now reached epidemic proportions.

If you or a loved one is using meth, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney for a consultation to identify your elevated risk of tooth decay, oral diseases and ultimately, medical conditions.

Aloe Vera Assists in Dentistry

By AustinDentalSpa on August 1, 2010

Posted in gum disease, Oral Conditions

Recently, researchers have found that Aloe Vera can be useful for enhancing healing and minimizing pain associated with certain oral conditions. In addition, there are also anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunological benefits offered in Aloe Vera. Here’s a fast recap of the benefits of Aloe Vera used in dentistry.

Gum Abrasions

If you’ve disrupted your gum tissue with a toothbrush abrasion, sharp foods, dental floss, toothpicks or periodontal surgery, the application of Aloe Vera directly to the affected site can reduce pain and speed up healing.

Chemical Burns

For people who have chemical burns such as those that may occur because of aspirin, the application of Aloe Vera to the affected area can be appealing as an anti-inflammatory agent, pain reliever and healing remedy.

Tooth Extractions

If you have had a tooth extraction, treated sites respond with greater ease and there is a reduced risk of dry sockets when Aloe Vera is applied to the affected area.

Acute Mouth Lesions

If you suffer from viral lesions, aphthous ulcers or canker sores, you can experience an improvement in your condition with Aloe Vera treatment.

Cracked Lip Corners

If you have cracked lip corners due to aging or a medical condition, Aloe Vera can be a worthwhile remedy. There may also be other recommendations that your dentist will have for your cracked lip corners. For example, this symptom is linked to dry mouth syndrome. If you have dry mouth syndrome, there are other remedies that can be useful.

Sore Gum Ridges from Dentures

For people who have sore gum ridges from ill fitting dentures, Aloe Vera can help prevent fungus and bacterial contamination as well as reduce inflammation.

Fungal Disorders, Bacterial Infections, Gingivitis, Leukemia, Hematological Disorders

Aloe Vera has been proven to be beneficial for such oral disorders, including gum abscesses , gum disease, and other gum issues associated with AIDS and Leukemia.

Dry Mouth Syndrome

If you suffer from dry mouth, Aloe Vera may be a suggestion from you dentist, along with other tools.

If you are considering Aloe Vera or are concerned about any of the above mentioned conditions, call Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist at (512) 452-9296 to ensure that Aloe Vera is right for you.