Dental Conditions

Dry Mouth

It can be annoying or even downright uncomfortable—and if left untreated, it can actually damage your teeth. If your tongue feels more like a dusty road, you’ve got dry mouth.

Problems associated with dry mouth include chronic sore throat, burning sensations, trouble speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness and dry nasal passages.

Why Saliva is Important.
Reduced saliva flow that results in a dry mouth is common among older adults. Saliva lubricates your mouth, washing away excess food and neutralizing the acids produced by plaque. In fact, some minerals found in saliva actually help repair early tooth decay. Without adequate saliva to help perform these functions, extensive cavities can form.

Dry Mouth Causes and Treatments.
Xerostomia—dry mouth’s clinical name—can be caused by certain medical disorders and is often a side effect of medications including antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers and diuretics. An examination of your mouth combined with a review of your medical history can help us determine whether you have xerostomia. Blood tests and imaging scans of your salivary glands are sometimes used to assess the cause.

A change or adjustment in medications may help alleviate dry mouth. We may also prescribe a medication that stimulates saliva production. Sugar-free hard candy or chewing gum, over-the-counter saliva substitutes, home humidifiers or other methods may also aid in saliva production.

Don’t ignore dry mouth. We can help before the condition becomes painful or destructive. Please don’t hesitate to ask any of our staff for help.
 

Mouth Sores

Mouth Sores.
Mouth sores can be a minor annoyance…or the sign of a more serious disease or disorder. There are many different causes: bacterial, viral or fungal infections may be the culprit, but irritations from ill-fitting dentures or a sharp edge from a broken tooth or filling might also be to blame. Whatever the cause or degree of symptoms, they should be watched carefully and you should call us to examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer.

Common Types of Mouth Sores.
Among the most common mouth sores are:
Canker sores. Small white or gray ulcers with a red border which occur inside the mouth, canker sores are not contagious. You may find one or many, and they often recur. Some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria or viruses may contribute, but their exact cause is unknown. Fatigue, stress or allergies can increase the chances of a canker sore erupting. Hot foods or beverages as well as irritations from biting the cheek or tongue may also contribute. Intestinal problems, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, may make some people more prone to canker sores.

Treatment of Canker Sores. Canker sores usually heal on their own within a week or two. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics and mouth rinses may provide some relief. Hot, spicy or acidic foods can irritate the sores.

Cold sores. Cold sores—also called fever blisters or Herpes simplex—are groups of fluid-filled blisters that can be quite annoying and painful. They often erupt around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are caused by Herpes Virus Type 1. Unlike canker sores, they are very contagious. Initial infection (primary herpes) may be mistaken for a cold or flu and can cause painful lesions throughout the mouth.

Once a person is infected with primary herpes, the virus stays in the body. Occasional outbreaks can occur. Fever, sunburn, skin abrasions or stress may bring on an attack.

Treatment of Cold Sores. Cold sore blisters usually heal on their own within a week. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can ease the discomfort. Prescription antiviral drugs may reduce this type of infection.

Leukoplakia. Leukoplakia appears as a thick, whitish patch on the inside of the cheeks, gums or tongue. Common among tobacco users, leukoplakia is caused by excess cell growth. Irritations such as loose dentures may cause leukoplakia to develop. Leukoplakia can sometimes progress to cancer. A biopsy may be recommended if the patch looks suspicious.

Treatment of Leukoplakia. We examine the lesion and use biopsy results to help determine how to manage the condition. Removing the factors that contribute to the lesion are important: quitting tobacco or replacing ill-fitting dentures or bridges.

Candidiasis. Candidiasis (also called moniliasis or oral thrush) is a fungal infection common among denture wearers. it most often occurs in people who are elderly, debilitated by disease, or those with immune system problems. People with dry mouth syndrome are also susceptible to candidiasis. An outbreak of Candida may occur following antibiotic treatment, which can reduce the amount of normal bacteria in the mouth.

Treatment of Candidiasis: Prevention of the conditions that caused the outbreak is our primary focus. Good oral hygiene is key, including careful cleaning of dentures and removal of them at bedtime. Saliva substitutes and prescription medications may help when the underlying cause is unavoidable.

Remember—call our office to examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer. For more information on these and other dental health matters, please visit www.ada.org.

Oral Cancer

Every hour of every day, a person dies from oral cancer in the United States. It is expected that about 37,000 Americans will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year.

As with most other cancers, early detection is the key to improving the patient’s chances for survival. If found early, oral cancers have an 80–90% survival rate. Unfortunately, most cases are found as late stage cancers resulting in the high death rate of 50% at five years from diagnosis.

Causes of Oral Cancer.
The two most common causes of oral cancer are the combined use of tobacco and alcohol, and exposure to human papilloma virus (HPV-16), the same virus which is responsible for most cervical cancer cases in women.

Oral Cancer Signs.
As with breast cancer, self-examination and awareness can play an important role in early detection of oral cancer. Contact our office or your doctor immediately if you notice the following symptoms in yourself or a loved one:
• a sore in the mouth that does not heal (most common symptom)
• pain in the mouth that doesn’t go away (also very common)
• a persistent lump or thickening in the cheek
• a persistent white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth
• a sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat that doesn’t go away
• difficulty chewing or swallowing
• difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
• numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth
• swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or  become uncomfortable
• loosening of the teeth or pain around the teeth or jaw
• voice changes
• a lump or mass in the neck
• weight loss
• persistent bad breath

ViziLite Plus: Oral Cancer Early Detection Key.
Periodic dental examinations with Dr. Marquez include an oral cancer screening consisting of a visual examination, followed by an inspection using the ViziLite Plus system. For the ViziLite Plus exam, the patient first rinses with a special formula. We then pass over oral tissue with a special light. Normal healthy tissue will absorb the light and appear dark, but abnormal tissue will appear white. The ViziLite Plus system is effective at identifying tissue changes at their earliest stage. Our combined visual and ViziLite Plus examinations offer you the most comprehensive oral cancer screening available.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call us at 727-345-1774. A wealth of information about oral cancer can be found on the Oral Cancer Foundation’s website at www.oralcancer.org.

Bruxism (Grinding)

“Keep a stiff upper lip” or “get a grip!” That is often the advice we get—and give—on how to cope with stress.

If we take it literally, the result can be teeth grinding or jaw clenching. It’s called bruxism, and often it happens as we sleep, caused not just by stress and anxiety, but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite, or teeth that are missing or crooked. Some sufferers even grind their teeth loudly enough to awaken a spouse. Since bruxism is a subconscious behavior, many people are not even aware that they are doing it unless they or a loved one notice the symptoms.

Symptoms of Bruxism.
Common symptoms of tooth grinding include headaches or a sore jaw. The wearing away of tooth enamel that comes with prolonged bruxism can also lead to the development of sensitive teeth. This condition is characterized by painful sensitivity to pressure—such as chewing—or hot, cold or sweet food or beverages.

Dangers and Causes of Bruxism.
As painful and irritating as sensitive teeth can be, more serious conditions can also result from severe grinding. Teeth may loosen or develop fractures. In some cases, bruxism can even cause damage to the temporomandibular joint, or the jaw’s “hinge.”

Not surprisingly, high stress and anxiety levels contribute to bruxism. Alcohol intake has also been shown to worsen tooth grinding. Patients are advised to seek ways to more effectively manage stress in their lives to help reduce bruxism. For patients experiencing the symptoms of bruxism, Dr. Marquez can offer help, such as a specially designed mouth guard to protect your teeth while you sleep. Please contact us to discuss solutions for this potentially health-threatening condition.

Decay (Cavities)

Tooth decay is a bacterial invasion causing deterioration and softening of the tooth.  The cause is plaque, which forms in the mouth from bacteria, acids, food debris and saliva, then clings to teeth. Plaque acids dissolve tooth enamel, creating holes we know as cavities, or caries.

Cavities can affect children and adults alike. In adults, receding gums caused by gum disease can expose tooth roots, which, because of their roughness are more prone to cavities.  Additionally, existing  fillings  weaken over time, causing cracks where bacteria can invade and cause more decay.
X-rays, fiberoptic lights and visual exams discover tooth decay during check-ups. If tooth decay has advanced, holes are sometimes visible and patients may get toothaches, especially after eating sweet, hot or cold foods and drinks.

If decay is not extensive, we are usually able to remove the decayed portion of the tooth and replace it with a filling material. With extensive decay, where there is a limited amount of healthy tooth structure intact, we fit a crown over the remaining tooth.

If decay has reached and infected the nerve, we do a root canal. The center of the tooth is removed, along with any decay. The roots are filled with a sealing material, and because the tooth is now weaker a crown is made.

Good oral hygiene skills and habits at home, combined with your regularly scheduled professional cleanings and checkups, can greatly reduce your likelihood of getting cavities. Plaque begins to build up on teeth within 20 minutes after eating or drinking, so brushing and flossing regularly after meals and snacks is important. Also try to minimize snacking, or constant sipping of sugary drinks or sucking on candies and mints. We often advise dental sealants for our younger patients as an extra shield against plaque buildup.

TMJ

“TMJ” stands for Temperomandibular Joint, the hinge-like joint where the lower jaw attaches to the skull. The initials, however, are commonly used to refer to a collection of poorly understood conditions characterized by pain in the jaw and surrounding tissues and limitations in jaw movements. Some patients report no pain, but still experience difficulty in using their jaws.

Approximately 35 million people in the United States suffer from TMJ problems. Not all causes are known. Injuries, infection, arthritis, auto-immune diseases, and genetic and/or hormonal factors may all play a part. One or both joints may be affected, which can affect a person’s ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow, make facial expressions, and even breathe.

Signs of TMJ Disorders.
Some common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
• Dull ache in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including one or both ears
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Chronic headaches
• Jaw muscle stiffness
• Llimited jaw movement, or locking of the jaw
• Painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth
• Problems with your bite; a bite that feels “off”
• Ear pain or pressure and/or ringing in the ears
• Decrease in hearing
• Dizziness and vision problems

Occasional jaw discomfort is not necessarily cause for concern, and sometimes a TMJ problem will go away on its own. But if you experience severe pain that lasts for more than a few weeks, please call our office.

Diagnosis & Treatment of TMJ Disorders.
Diagnosis of a TMJ disorder can be tricky. Facial pain can mimic many other conditions, including sinus or ear infection, neuralgia, decayed or abscessed teeth, and much more. Ruling out other conditions is often the approach. In their search for answers, a TMJ patient may go through a series of healthcare specialists.

There is currently no evidence that TMJ conditions can be prevented. Since most TMJ problems tend to come and go, we focus on relieving the symptoms, including self-care strategies such as eating soft foods, applying ice or moist heat, and avoiding extreme jaw movements.

For more information, please talk to any of our helpful and caring team members.

Periodontal Disease

Whether we're conscious of it or not, whenever we brush or floss, we are doing battle against an unseen foe: bacteria. Bacteria thrive in our mouths, and if we let them, they slowly take over, spreading into the gum tissue and beyond, attacking and destroying the very bones that support our teeth. That's periodontal disease.

According to the American Dental Association, three out of four adult Americans have some form of gum disease and about 25 million adults suffer from serious periodontal disease. Some of the telltale signs of periodontal disease are red, swollen or tender gums, chronic bad breath, bleeding gums, loose teeth, and gums that pull away from the teeth leaving periodontal pockets. When gum inflammation or infection has been left untreated for too long, they spread from the gums to underlying ligaments and bones that support the teeth, causing periodontal pockets to form. These pockets leave tooth roots even more vulnerable to attack. The teeth can loosen and even fall out. In fact, periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.