Fistulas (gum boils) can occur in many different areas of the human body where bone or tissue is present. When faced with an area of chronic infection, the bodys natural response is to create a fistula. Persistent inflammation occurring on your gums can lead to the creation of puss which in turn can cause a puss corridor. Sometimes, the passage becomes lined with specialized cells produced by the body to fight infection which in turn lead to the formation of granulated tissue around the puss. When this corridor reaches the surface, its known as Parulis Fistula. The condition is sometimes called a fistula gum or a gum boil.
A fistula on the gum may or may not be painful. It usually looks like a reddened or yellowish, inflamed pimple or ulcer on your gum tissue. It may bleed easily, and if you press on it, pus may come out.
Pus in gums: A fistula with a pus corridor makes it look like pus is coming out of the gum tissue. The pus corridor in the schematic image above is only displayed for explanatory reasons. The corridor is normally hidden by gum tissue, leaving only a boil visible on the gums surface.
A fistula gum is a serious condition that can lead to dental complications or even tooth loss. If left untreated, the infection could potentially spread and possibly destroy bones in the jaw and face. In rare cases, the infection can seep into the bloodstream and cause you to become septic.
If you have a gum fistula, it is necessary to seek the help of a physician or dentist. They will be able to prescribe antibiotics if needed and assist in ensuring the fistula does not worsen or cause lasting damage. In some cases, you may need surgical intervention to repair damage posed by the fistula. Some health care practitioners may also want to drain the infection to help speed up the healing process.
There are ways to treat a fistula on the gums. Rinsing your mouth with a solution of warm water and salt up to three times a day can be helpful. Salt is a natural anti-bacterial agent which may help to reduce the infection while the warm water will aid in increasing blood circulation. These are two important factors in healing the fistula. You can also try dampening a tea bag and holding it on the gum fistula. This treatment may help to relieve swelling and encourage the puss to drain.
We all want a bright, confident smile. White lines on teeth can cause social anxiety and concern for ones dental health. In most cases, these lines will not lead to any serious health issues. Although they cannot always be permanently cured, they can be treated and at least temporarily erased through simple procedures.
White lines on teeth can have a variety of causes. Each cause involves the enamel on your teeth, one of the hardest substances on Earth. The main causes are fluorosis and craze lines. In both cases, the treatment is the same.
Mild fluorosis causes white lines on teeth when excess fluoride consumption causes a lack of calcium in your tooth enamel. This only happens when your permanent teeth are developing in childhood, but the effects can remain into adulthood. In more severe cases teeth will appear brown and worn down. Fluorosis is extremely common, affecting over half of post-adolescent Americans.
The number one source in the USA is fluoridated water, accounting for 40% of all cases of fluorosis. Other sources include swallowing toothpaste or mouthwash. These are more prevalent with children than with adults. Predictably, fluorosis can be prevented by lowering a childs intake of fluoride. Have children spit and rinse all toothpaste and mouthwash out of your mouth and check the fluoridation level of your local water source.
Another cause of white lines on teeth are fine cracks in your tooth enamel, called craze lines. This is rarely more than a cosmetic problem. It is similar to the intentionally-formed fine cracks sometimes found on the glaze of ceramic pottery. These lines in pottery are also called craze lines. Dental craze lines are caused by trauma to your teeth. This trauma can mean grinding your teeth, especially during sleep or stressful situations. Trauma can also come from sudden temperature changes, regular chewing, biting a hard object, or an accident.
Craze lines generally present no problems. However, they can serve as host to bacterial growth, leading to plaque and eventually hardened white tartar. Craze lines cannot be removed, but they can be treated. Tartar buildup can be managed by regular visits to your dentist for professional cleaning.
Tooth whitening can help conceal the existence of both fluorosis and craze lines. Whitening, or bleaching, does not remove or heal the craze lines, nor does it repair your tooth enamel. Whitening simply removes any discoloration caused by craze lines or fluorosis, giving your teeth a uniform color. There are many options for tooth whitening available to you.
The most effective way to whiten your teeth is to let your dentist do it. Dentists use chemical solutions that are much stronger than anything available to the public. It will probably cost a few hundred dollars, but results can be noticed in less than an hour. Although this is the most effective method, depending on your teeth, it may not always produce snow-white results. Nevertheless, it is the most effective way to remove white lines on teeth.
Home tooth whitening kits are much cheaper than getting your teeth whitened by a dentist. They come in various forms, including strips, gels, and specialized kits. Each kit takes around twenty or thirty minutes to use once or twice a day, and are usually meant to be used from one week to one month.
An affordable, effective and natural option is Active Wow Teeth Whitening Charcoal Powder Natural. This is good for sensitive teeth because it does not contain harsh peroxides. Simply dab a bit of the powder on a wet toothbrush and gently brush like normal. This is not meant for extended use and cannot replace normal toothpaste.
Veneers improve the aesthetics of your teeth and protect them from damage. This is a very effective but costly way to address white lines on teeth caused by either craze lines or fluorosis. Veneers are made either of dental composite resin or porcelain. Either way, they can only be put in by a dentist. Consult yours if you think this method is for you.
Prevention is always the best strategy to avoid unsightly dental abnormalities such as white lines on teeth. Always floss daily, brush two or three times a day and use a good mouthwash. Avoid junk food and avoid trauma to your teeth, including gnashing or clenching. Check how much fluoride you are ingesting. Your dentist should know the fluoridation level of your local water. Ensure all mouthwash and toothpaste is rinsed out of your mouth and not swallowed. White lines on teeth are generally harmless, but if they persist after home whitening, consider consulting your dentist.