Over time your teeth can become stained and change color. This is often the result of eating certain foods, such as coffee or tea, smoking, aging, genetics, injury, or certain medications. Whitening options can include over the counter or in office treatments. Check with your dentist about your options for stain removal.
A cracked or broken tooth can happen for a variety of reasonsbrittle teeth, teeth grinding, injury. The crack may be invisible to the naked eye and even X-ray, but they can be incredibly painful and create bigger problems if left untreated. If you experience pain when chewing see your dentist. They can diagnose the cause and develop a plan for treatment.
Oral piercings can create a wide range of problems for your health, oral and otherwise. Your mouth is home to huge amounts of bacteria, creating an ideal place for infection to start. If you have any signs of infectionswelling, pain, fever, chills, shaking or a red-streaked appearance around the site of the piercingcontact your dentist or physician immediately.
If you have dry mouth it may be the symptom of a medical disorder or a side effect of certain medications. Saliva is the mouths primary defense against tooth decay. It washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth. Your dentist can recommend ways to restore moisture.
Many things can cause these symptoms, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Possible causes include sinus problems, toothache, arthritis, injury, teeth grinding, gingivitis or problems with your jaw like TMJ. Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam, which may include X-rays, to determine the source of the pain.
Bad breath can be caused by what you eat, not cleaning your mouth, dry mouth, smoking or other medical conditions. Persistent bad breath can also be one of the warning signs of gum disease. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are essential to reducing bad breath and preventing gum disease. Brushing your tongue can help too. If youre concerned about whats causing your bad breath, see your dentist. They can determine the cause and treatment plan.
Types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia and candidiasis. They vary in their severity and causes. Mouth sores could be the symptom of a disease or disorder; infection from bacteria, viruses or fungus or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling. Your dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer.
If your teeth hurt when you drink hot or cold beverages, you may have sensitive teeth. This can be the result of tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root due to gum recession. Treatment will depend on the source of sensitivity. If youre concerned about the sensitivity of your teeth see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment options.
If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity but they can also signal gum disease. In some cases, a toothache is a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. A toothache should be evaluated by a dentist right away to determine the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying.
Dental Arts is a highly rated dental office in Utica thats dedicated to preventing all forms of dental disease with top quality treatment. We offer a wide range of services covering basic needs up to complete cosmetic dentistry.
Our atmosphere is always kept clean and cozy to help our patients feel comfortable during their visit. And because our facility is continually updated, we can give them the highest quality, cutting-edge dental care possible.
As a patient, you have the right to make your own decisions regarding treatment. We make sure youre well educated so you can make a decision that helps you meet your personal goals. Thats why after completing a thorough diagnostic examination, well explain all available treatment options you have. But most importantly, we listen to you so youre comfortable and confident about each choice.