Baton Rouge Dentist

What are bitewing x-rays?

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I got a extraction a month ago and had an x-ray taken of the extraction site. I went to get a check-up this past week and they took more x-rays. I asked “what are you doing” and she said, “we are taking bitewing x-rays” and my question is why did I need more x-rays because they took one last month?

Thanks, Jeff

Dear Jeff,

It is standard procedure for a dentist to take an x-ray after an extraction site to make sure there is no part of the tooth left in the socket. Your bitewing x-rays taken at your dental check-up are necessary in order to see if you have tooth decay in between your teeth. Bitewings are usually taken either every six months or once a year depending on insurance and your dental needs. This type of x-ray is necessary for your dentist to do a proper dental exam. It is difficult to diagnosis tooth decay in between the teeth without a bitewing x-ray. Next time you are uncertain about a procedure don’t hesitate to ask so you feel more comfortable and have an understanding of what is needed and why.

Post courtesy of Dr. Perry, Baton Rouge Dentist.

Why do I keep getting mouth ulcers?

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I’ve been getting ulcers in the back of my throat for the past month or so now, and they make it very painful to eat or drink pretty much anything… the only thing I have to dull the pain is some left over pain medication. Now I have read that ulcers are caused from a weak immune system, and I had just gotten over a bad flu 3 weeks ago so that may be a contributing factor.
I brush twice a day and rinse with Listerine because it has alcohol to kill any germs that might be the problem. I quit smoking over 8 months ago, and I am 22 and never drink.

Thanks, Nick

Dear Nick

Mouth ulcers known as canker sores are common and can last up to 10 days. You are correct in saying that a weak immune system can trigger these to develop. Another reason you may be developing these ulcers is because you recently quit smoking and your body may be reacting to the cessation of the chemicals in the cigarettes. A poor diet or even having a lot of stress in your life can also contribute to canker sores. Things we consume that are high in acid like orange juice, coffee, strawberries, and even eggs can cause these sores to form. Ulcers can also be a sign that you may have a food allergy of some sort. Canker sores are annoying however to help them heal and sooth the pain we recommend you mix a teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm salt water and swish with it a few times a day. These sores have to run their course. Having good dental hygiene like brushing your teeth and flossing daily as well as visiting your dentist every 6 months for your dental cleanings will also help reduce your risk of having mouth ulcers. If you continue to have a problem we recommend you visit your physician to help you resolve your problem with canker sores.

Post courtesy of Dr. Perry, Baton Rouge Dentist.

How does chemo affect your teeth?

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I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and will be starting chemotherapy very soon. I was wondering how this will affect my teeth.

Thanks, Suzzanne

Dear Suzzanne,

Some common side effects of chemotherapy that affect our teeth are vomiting and a dry mouth. The longer you have to go through your chemotherapy treatments the more susceptible you can be to dental problems. It’s very common for patients to experience nausea from chemotherapy causing vomiting which leaves acid on our teeth, eroding the enamel, which can lead to tooth decay. We recommend rinsing out your mouth several times a day with a baking soda solution using ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with 8oz of warm water, after words rinse with water and wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth with an extra soft toothbrush. Using baking soda to rinse your teeth after vomiting helps neutralize the acid caused by vomiting.

Many patients complain of a dry mouth from chemotherapy treatment. The dryer our mouths are the more prone we are to plaque and tooth decay. Some things you can do to help keep your mouth moist are sipping on water throughout the day, sucking on ice chips or sugar free candy, or chew sugarless gum. Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol because the alcohol will dry your mouth out even more. Prescription fluoride toothpastes prescribed by your dentist should be used twice a day as well as flossing daily to help in the prevention of tooth decay.

Other side effects of chemotherapy affecting our oral health are swelling of the oral tissues, mouth sores, tissue and tooth pain, cracking of the lips, and difficulty swallowing. We recommend you consult your oncologist and your dentist about your dental concerns to learn more about the prevention of dental complications during your chemotherapy treatments.

Post courtesy of Dr. Perry, Baton Rouge Dentist.

My Mom’s Breath Stinks

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I don’t know if me telling my mother that her breath stinks is the best idea. Every time she talks to my face directly I smell it. I find myself ducking my head or moving my head to the side. I feel bad when she asks me, “What’s wrong Honey”? She brushes her teeth twice a day and uses the fanciest toothpastes. She chews gum and has mints on a regular basis but it does not seem to make a difference. Her bad breath is so strong, it over comes the mint, smelling like bad breath with a small hint of mint. I don’t think she realizes how bad her breath is. Can you help me?

Thanks Stacy,

Dear Stacy,

The best way to handle this is to be honest, show concern, and let your mother know. If you are noticing her bad breath so are her friends and coworkers. One of the main causes of bad breath is gum disease which is an infection of the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth. Signs and symptoms of gum disease besides bad breath are gums that are red, swollen, and bleed easily as well as pain in the teeth. If gum disease has been left untreated for sometime teeth start to shift and become loose in the socket.

Gum Disease is the major cause of tooth loss and is quite common among the adult population, especially when dental checkups are avoided on a regular basis. Besides the possibility of losing one’s teeth due to gum disease it also causes other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and chronic inflammatory diseases. Gum Disease is very treatable, especially in the early stages and one can keep their teeth for the remainder of their life with good hygiene and frequent dental cleanings.

We recommend you discuss this issue with your mother and advise her to make an appointment for a dental exam to see if she does indeed have gum disease. If she is in the early stages of the disease her dentist will recommend a deeper cleaning to remove all the bacteria off of her teeth which will stop the disease from causing more damage to her surrounding tissues and bone however if she has severe gum disease he may recommend her to go see a periodontist who specializes in the treatment of this disease for further treatment. Once the disease is treated good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist on a regular basis are vital in order to keep the disease from progressing.

Post courtesy of Dr. Perry, Baton Rouge Dentist.