HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Dental & Mouth

Dry Mouth

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Dry mouth is an abnormal dryness of the mucus membranes in the mouth. This happens when there isn’t enough saliva or the composition of the saliva changes. Dry mouth is common in the elderly.

Signs & Symptoms

* Dry, parched feeling in the mouth

* Lack of saliva

* Problems with talking and/or swallowing

* Lessened taste

* Bad breath

* Burning sensation in the mouth

* Dry mouth is worse after sleeping

Causes, Risk Factors & Care

Dry mouth can be due to a side effect of many medications. These include antidepressants, antihistamines, water pills, and medicines for high blood pressure.

Dry mouth can also result from many health conditions. These include nasal congestion, gum disease, diabetes, stroke, and Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder.

Treatment is aimed at relief and/or treating the underlying cause. If not treated, dry mouth may lead to severe tooth decay, infection, and poor nutrition.

Self-Care

* Try an over-the-counter artificial saliva, such as Xerolube.

* Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

* Have regular dental checkups.

* Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Avoid drinks with sugar.

* Avoid salty, spicy, or acidic foods.

* Don’t use tobacco products.

* Take a multivitamin that your doc- tor recommends.

* Use a humidifier in the bedroom.

* Keep your lips moist with lip balm.

* Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.

* Do not use mouthwashes with alcohol.

* Read about the side effects of medicines.

Medical Care

Contact Doctor When:

* The dry mouth is a chronic problem or there are marked changes on the tongue.

* You have any of these problems with dry mouth:

– Dry, burning eyes

– Chewing or swallowing problems

– Sore throat

– Signs of an infection, such as fever and/or redness, or pus in the mouth

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Is Bad Breath A Health Problem?

WELL-BEING

After eating foods like onions or garlic, your mouth may smell less than pleasing to those around you. Usually, brushing, flossing and using mouthwash or sugar-free mints can get your mouth fresh again. Although bad breath is sometimes just bad luck, it can also be a sign of a health problem.

When bad breath is normal

Many people have bad breath in the morning. Even if you brushed and flossed well before bed, you may not have great-smelling breath when you wake up. This is because bacteria in the mouth multiply and make sulfur compounds while you sleep. These sulfur compounds usually smell stinky.

Morning breath may be worse than normal if you slept with your mouth open. This is because the bacteria and sulfur compounds thrive in a dry mouth. If you have a stuffy nose from a cold, your morning breath may be worse for a few days. Floss at night before bed to help minimize morning breath.

Other ways to help prevent dry mouth include drinking plenty of water throughout the day and avoid using tobacco products.

Tooth decay and gum disease

Tooth decay, also known as cavities, can smell bad because bacteria can live inside the holes or cavities in the teeth.

Not brushing and flossing every day can lead to gum disease. This is sometimes called gingivitis or periodontitis. With gum disease, sticky bacteria called plaque collects in the mouth. Plaque smells bad, and people with gum disease usually have more plaque than normal.

Besides persistent bad breath, signs of tooth decay and gum disease include:

* Tooth pain

* A very sensitive tooth

* Red, swollen or bleeding gums

* Loose teeth

* Gums pulling away from the teeth

See your dentist if you notice these problems. Gum disease and cavities can be treated, but it’s better if you catch these problems early. Most people should see their dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.

Health problems and bad breath

Bad breath can be a sign of a health problem. If bad breath continues despite good dental care, it may be a sign of a sinus or throat infection. Breath that smells fruity or like rotten apples can be a sign of diabetes. In rare cases, breath that smells like ammonia or rotten eggs can be a sign of a serious kidney or liver problem.

Your breath may be trying to tell you something. See your dentist and doctor if you’re concerned about bad breath so you can find out the cause and get treatment if needed.

Sources: American Dental Association, National Institutes of Health

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Foods That Fight Cavities

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Now you know how sticky sweets promote tooth decay. What you may not realize is that some foods prevent tooth decay. Research studies show that certain foods, like cheese and peanut butter, counteract the acids in the mouth that wear down the tooth enamel. (Be careful to buy plain, all-natural peanut butter, without added sugar of any kind.) Other tooth-saving foods include:

* Nuts and seeds.

* Meat, fish, poultry, and eggs.

* Olives and dill pickles.

* Milk, plain yogurt, and cheese.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Open Wide

SELF-CARE CORNER

Your dentist and dental hygienist inspect your mouth for oral cancers when you show up for your regular dental cleanings. But between visits, take note of these early warning signs, and see your dental professional if they do not improve or disappear after 2 to 3 weeks:

* A sore, or soreness or irritation that doesn’t go away

* Red or white patches, or pain, tenderness, or numbness in your mouth or lips

* Lumps, thickening tissues, rough spots, crusty or eroded areas

* Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue

* A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth

Always call your dental professional right away if you have any immediate concerns. Those at high risk of developing oral cancer have traditionally been heavy alcohol drinkers and smokers over age 50. But today, cancer is occurring in younger, nonsmokers. The sexually transmitted HPV is related to some cancers in younger people.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Fractured Jaw

Dental & Mouth Concerns

A fractured (or broken) jaw is when the jaw bone breaks.

Signs & Symptoms

* Jaw and/or facial pain, swelling, or numbness.

* Not being able to open or close the mouth normally.

* Bleeding from the mouth.

* Having a hard time drinking, speaking, and swallowing.

* Drooling.

* The jaw area is bruised or discolored.

* Teeth are loose or damaged.

* The jaw area is tender to touch.

Causes

Most often, the cause is trauma from a blow to the face, such as from a car accident, sports injury, assault, etc. Osteoporosis can also be the cause.

Treatment

A fractured jaw needs emergency medical care.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

First Aid Before Medical Care

* Gently align the jaws. Do not use force.

* Try not to talk. Write notes instead.

* Close your mouth and secure the jaw with a necktie, towel, or scarf tied around your head and chin. Remove this if vomiting occurs. Tie it back when vomiting stops. If you don’t have anything to tie the jaw with, keep it from moving by holding the jaw gently with your hands.

* Hold an ice pack on the fractured bone to reduce pain and swelling.

Self-Care after Jaw Surgery

* Follow post-operative instructions from your doctor.

* Remove elastic bands if you are choking on food or need to vomit. Go to the dentist to replace the elastic bands.

To Help Prevent a Fractured Jaw

* Wear a seat belt whenever you ride in a car, etc.

* Wear protective gear, as needed, for boxing, football, etc.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Teeth Grinding: Causes And Solutions

SELF-CARE CORNER

Teeth grinding is a movement disorder of the jaw in which there is gnashing, grinding, or clenching of the teeth. It’s called bruxism. Often, people are unaware of their habit.

The two primary types of teeth grinding are sleep bruxism, which occurs during sleep, and awake bruxism, which occurs when the person is awake.

There is not a single contributing factor that results in teeth grinding or bruxism, rather it is believed to be the result of complex interactions between many factors, including stress, tension and anxiety; levels of certain chemicals in the brain; other sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnea; or a response to pain from earaches or teething (in children).

“Teeth grinding is most often diagnosed by a combination of information derived from a history reported by the patient and a clinical exam performed by the patient’s dentist,” according to Dr. Erica Harvey, a representative of the Pennsylvania Dental Association.

While some people noticeably grind their teeth, 80% make no sound, which makes bruxism even harder to discover. Common symptoms include reports of grinding noises during sleep by family members, tooth hypersensitivity, fractured, chipped or worn teeth, and waking up with a constant, dull headache or sore jaws.

Regular dental checkups can help detect bruxism, and your dentist may recommend these methods to help stop or relieve the symptoms:

* Find ways to reduce your stress level and relax.

* Avoid or limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume.

Ask your dentist about the use of a nightguard to prevent further wear of your teeth.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Gum (Periodontal) Disease

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Signs, Symptoms & Causes

Gum (periodontal) diseases include:

Gingivitis. The gums are swollen due to bacteria from plaque and tartar on the teeth. With gingivitis, the gums are red and bleed easily.

Periodontitis. This is swelling around the tooth. It occurs when gingivitis is not treated. With periodontitis, pockets form between the gums and teeth. These expose teeth at the gum line. When left untreated, plaque grows below the gum line. Gums, bones, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. This can cause permanent teeth to separate from each other and loosen. Teeth may even need to be removed.

Treatment

Gum disease should be treated by a periodontist or a dentist who treats this problem. Material called tartar can form, even when normal brushing and flossing are done. The dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar on a regular basis. Treatment may also include:

* Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing).

* Medications.

* Surgical treatments. These include flap surgery and bone and tissue grafts.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* See your dentist as often as advised. Follow his or her advice for medication, teeth brushing and flossing and using other dental instruments.

* Don’t smoke. If you smoke, quit.

* Eat a balanced diet.

* Limit sugary foods. When you eat sweets, do so with meals, not in between meals. Finish a meal with cheese. This tends to neutralize acids that form.

* Include foods with good sources of vitamin A and vitamin C daily. Vitamin A is found in cantaloupe, broccoli, spinach, winter squash, and dairy products fortified with vitamin A. Good sources of vitamin C are oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, green peppers, and broccoli.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
When To Brush Your Teeth

SELF-CARE CORNER

Consuming acidic foods and beverages, such as sports and energy drinks, citrus fruits, wine, and tomatoes, can erode tooth enamel-the glossy outer layer of the tooth. Brushing your teeth too soon after eating and drinking these items can cause more damage because you are essentially brushing the acid into the teeth, not getting rid of it, say experts at the Academy of General Dentistry. Instead, you should rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic foods and beverages and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your pearly whites!

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Regular Dental Care

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Dental problems affect more than your teeth and mouth. Gum (periodontal) disease and other mouth infections may increase the risk for:

* Pneumonia.

* Heart disease.

* Diabetes.

Also, an oral exam can help a dentist detect many health problems. These include diabetes, eating disorders, heart disease, osteoporosis, and a lack of vitamins.

Brush Your Teeth

* Do this twice a day. Brush more often, if you need to.

* Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste with fluoride. Brush with a gentle touch. If you have sensitive teeth, use a toothpaste made for this.

* Do a thorough job. Brush in small circles across all of the surfaces of the upper and lower teeth. Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces. Brush the surfaces between the teeth.

* A child younger than 7 years old and some handicapped persons may need help to do a thorough job. A mechanical tooth brush may be helpful.

* Use a toothbrush that fits your mouth. Change your toothbrush to a new one every 3 to 4 months. Do this more often if the bristles are bent or frayed. Change it after having a throat or mouth infection, too.

* Brush your gums gently. Keep the brush perpendicular to your teeth.

* Gently brush your tongue. It can trap germs.

Floss Your Teeth

* Floss or use an interdental cleaner once a day to remove food particles and plaque from areas that your toothbrush cannot reach.

* Use a piece of floss about 1-1/2 feet long.

* To floss your upper teeth, hold the floss tightly between the thumb on one hand and index finger on the other. Using a gentle, sawing motion, bring the floss through the tight spaces between the teeth. Do not snap it against the gums.

* With the floss at the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and gently scrape the side of it with the floss. Repeat on each tooth. Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth.

* Repeat for your lower teeth, but hold the floss between both index fingers.

* Rinse your mouth after flossing.

* If it is hard for you to use dental floss, use a dental floss holder sold in drugstores.

* After flossing, rinse your mouth with water, mouthwash, or an anti-microbial mouthrinse.

It is normal for gums to be tender and bleed for the first week. If the bleeding continues, see your dentist.

More Tips

* Protect your teeth from damage and injury.

* Ask your dentist if you should use a fluoride mouth rinse, a prescribed toothpaste with fluoride, fluoride supplements, and/or a water-pik device.

* Don’t lay a baby down with a bottle left in the baby’s mouth if the bottle contains juice, milk, soda, etc. Water is okay, though.

Get Regular Dental Checkups

See your dentist every 6 months, at least every year, or as often as your dentist advises. Regular dental checkups are important to:

* Clean your teeth and remove plaque and tarter that buildup even after you brush and floss every day. Removing plaque and tartar helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other problems.

* Check for cavities, gum disease, oral cancers, tooth grinding, bite problems, and other problems. When these are detected early, they are easier to treat.

* Address any areas of concern.

* Find out how to take care of your teeth and what dental care products you should use.

Also, an oral exam can help a dentist detect other health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, eating disorders, and osteoporosis.

Diet & Dental Health Tips

* If your local water supply has fluoride, drink 6 to 10 cups of tap water every day. If not, make sure to use a fluoride toothpaste.

* Eat a well balanced diet. Limit between-meal snacks.

* Eat sticky, chewy, sugary foods with (not between) meals. Finish a meal with foods that help buffer acid formation. Examples are cheese, meat, fish, nuts, and dill pickles.

* Avoid sugar-sweetened gum and beverages. Chew a sugar-free gum instead, especially one with the artificial sweetener xylitol.

* Don’t eat sweets, fruit, or starchy foods just before bedtime. Your mouth makes less saliva during the night. This allows cavity-causing bacteria to feed on food particles. Brushing your teeth doesn’t effectively prevent this.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Why You Should Floss

WELL-BEING

According to a survey by the American Dental Association, only 4 in 10 Americans floss at least once a day. And, 20 percent of Americans don’t do it at all.

Most dentists agree that everyone should floss daily. There are places between teeth that a brush simply can’t reach. If you’re wondering if it’s worth spending the small amount of time each day, consider these benefits of flossing:

*Less scraping at the dentist.At your next checkup, the hygienist may spend less time removing tartar between your teeth and at the gum line. Flossing removes it from these hard-to-reach areas before it hardens on your teeth.

*A lower risk of gum disease and cavities.By removing plaque between your teeth, you remove bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

*Fresher breath.Small particles of food between the teeth, even if you can’t see them, can make breath smell unpleasant.

The American Dental Association says you can floss any time of day. Pick the time when you’re more likely to stick with it, whether it’s morning, after lunch or before bed.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026