Boils and Canker Sores Are Painful. What’s the Difference?

While boils and canker sores might seem similar in appearance and level of irritation, they are actually two different things. Boils develop from infections that start in oil glands or hair follicles on the skin. Usually, they begin as a sensitive area of skin that gradually becomes firmer until it develops a pus-filled center that begins to ooze. As the boil drains, healing begins. Canker sores are small ulcers that develop in the mouth. They are also known as aphthous ulcers. Boils that are canker sores almost always appear on the inside portion of the cheeks or lips. Both boils and canker sores can be quite painful.

What Kind of Treatment Is Needed for Boils and Canker Sores?

In general, no medical treatment is needed in order to make boils and canker sores disappear. In fact, both types of skin maladies will go away on their own as long as they do not become infected.

What Treatment Can I Use to Speed Up Healing for Boils and Canker Sores?

Most boils and canker sores will heal on their own in a few days as long as they are not irritated. Therefore, you should keep the area clean at all times to speed healing, while avoiding foods, beverages, and other products that might irritate the sore. In the case of the boil, you should attempt to avoid any type of pressure that might disrupt the boil’s center before it is ready to drain.

When Is Medical Treatment Necessary for Boils and Canker Sores?

If a fever accompanies the boils and canker sores that you have, it is possible that a secondary infection has occurred. When this happens, it is important to seek the services of your physician.

1. Bleeding Gums

Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth, or gums that are super-sensitive to the touch, are often a sign of gum disease. If this condition is left unchecked, it can spread and lead to tooth loss, so it is important to get it treated as soon as possible.

2. Sensitive Teeth

If you notice that your teeth are becoming increasingly sensitive to hot or cold, then you should speak to your dentist. An increase in sensitivity can be caused by dental enamel wearing away. Once the enamel has worn down, cavities can quickly form in the teeth. It is always better to treat cavities while they are still small to prevent decay from spreading into the inner part of the tooth. Your dentist may also suggest enamel-strengthening toothpastes or rinses that you can use to help your teeth stay healthy.

3. Bad Breath

Bad breath is embarrassing, but your dentist might be able to find a solution, so do not suffer in silence! For some people, smelly breath comes from the foods they eat, but if you have tried altering your diet with no success, then you may have an underlying problem, such as gum disease or dry mouth. Your dentist can help to identify conditions that might be causing your bad breath and give advice about fixing the problem.

4. Mouth Sores That Don’t Heal

It’s not unusual to occasionally get a sore spot on the inside of your cheek or lip, but if you have long-lasting or recurrent sores in your mouth, then you should let your dentist know. Sore or discolored patches on the soft tissue inside the mouth can be caused by fungal infections, ongoing irritation from misaligned teeth, or even something as serious as oral cancer.

5. Loose Teeth

Teeth should not move or feel loose. Underlying conditions such as gum disease or even osteoporosis could be causing your teeth to loosen. See your dentist about teeth that feel loose so that steps can be taken to save them.

VELscope Detects Cancer Early: the Examination

Three words that can be used to describe the examination include quick, painless, and effective. Taking only a few moments, VELscope detects cancer early on its development, providing the patient with plenty of time for treatment by a medical professional. Before you begin the process, you will receive eyewear designed to protect your retinas against the light that is used. You will also need to rinse your mouth with a special solution. Your dentist will hold the hand-held device near your open mouth in order to shine a specialized blue light into it. If VELscope detects cancer early enough, your recovery has a better chance of success.

VELscope Detects Cancer Early, So Now What?

If your dentist discovers abnormal mucosal tissues in your oral cavity, a biopsy is usually taken to identify the cells. In some cases where the results are questionable, you might simply be scheduled for a second oral cancer screening. Although VELscope detects cancer early, it can only do so if the patient comes into the office for the examination. It is important to come in for this next visit, because VELscope detects cancer early enough to give you a good opportunity to recover from it.

VELscope Detects Cancer Early and Other Mucosal Abnormalities

Scientific studies have shown that VELscope detects cancer early, while also having the ability to point out other mucosal abnormalities that can affect oral health. In particular, the following problems have been identified as being within VELscope’s capabilities of observation: bacterial infections, fungal infections, viral infections, lichen planus, lichenoid reactions, inflammatory lesions, salivary gland tumors, and squamous papillomas.

Your Dentist is Required to Follow Guidelines to Ensure Sterile Dental Equipment

Your dentist is required to follow infection control guidelines established by the BC Ministry of Health. These include guidelines on how equipment and instruments are to be sterilized and procedures all employees must use to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Each instrument must be thoroughly cleaned BEFORE it’s sterilized. Cleaning removes superficial dirt and debris while sterilization kills bacteria and viruses.

After sterilization, each instrument is packaged and stored in an approved area. This three-part procedure ensures each instrument is free of bacteria and viruses. Dental offices monitor the equipment they used to sterilize instruments regularly to ensure they’re functioning properly.  Items that can’t be moved like x-ray equipment and surfaces are disinfected with a chemical disinfectant to kill bacteria and viruses.

How Do You Know Your Dental Office is Doing Its Job?

There is a certain amount of trust involved when you visit your dentist. You depend on them to follow required guidelines to keep the dental equipment you’re exposed to sterile – but you aren’t there when they do it. How do you know the dental instruments are sterile?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Let your dentist know you’re concerned about your risk for infection and ask them to explain how they sterilize their dental equipment. Then take a close look around the office. Do all surfaces look clean and uncluttered? Is your dentist wearing gloves? A dentist should wash their hands before putting on gloves and after changing gloves. In addition, your dentist should put on a new pair of gloves with each patient. Then they shouldn’t touch anything other than sterile instruments or your mouth without changing them again.

Some dental offices use an autoclave, a device that exposes the instruments to steam at high heat and pressure, to sterilize equipment. Dentists are required to validate the autoclave is working properly through a third party. Ask to see the autoclave validation report. If your dentist shows you this, they’re likely following the guidelines. Before your dentist uses instruments on you, make sure they remove the instruments from a sealed bag to ensure they’re still sterile.

The Bottom Line?

Most dentists work hard to follow the guidelines and ensure that only sterile dental instruments touch your mouth. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If the dental office and dentist are open and receptive to your questions, there’s a good chance they’re following the guidelines.

Receiving personalized dental care is important not only to your oral health but also to the beauty of your smile. Sometimes, patients need our Vancouver cosmetic services almost as much as they need general and/or restorative procedures. Here at Vancouver cosmetic dental, we have your needs covered with a beautifying array of treatments that you can schedule at any time.

Vancouver Cosmetic Services: In-Office Teeth Whitening

The foods we eat can stain our teeth. So can beverages, smoking, and the natural aging process. In fact, even genetics can influence how white your teeth look. When your teeth become so discoloured that it is time to take advantage of one of our most popular Vancouver cosmetic services, please contact us for your in-office whitening procedure.

Vancouver Cosmetic Services: Take-home Teeth Whitening

Since we tailor our take-home teeth whitening trays to your teeth, you will need two separate visits for this procedure. The first appointment is to make the impression of your teeth. Adjustments can be made at your second appointment if needed. We provide a special whitening solution that you must wear once-a-day for a total of 45 minutes.

Vancouver Cosmetic Services: Bleaching

A respected treatment that is used worldwide, KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching? System can change the whiteness of your teeth by 16 shades. This treatment is available with at-home follow-up treatments that can help to maintain the new colour of your teeth even if you drink teeth-staining beverages.

Vancouver Cosmetic Services: Veneers

One of our most frequently performed Vancouver cosmetic services, veneers are used to cover up worn tooth enamel, cracks, chips, and even to hide uneven tooth alignment. Veneers are fabricated from ceramic material, so they are strong and resilient.

Vancouver Cosmetic Services: Bonding

When you chip a piece of your tooth off, it is possible to repair the uneven look that it creates. Bonding is a process that uses a bonding liquid and plastic resin to reshape the tooth to an attractive appearance. It is a minimally invasive procedure.
 

Vancouver Cosmetic Services: Invisalign®

One of the most popular of our Vancouver cosmetic services is Invisalign®. Featuring clear aligner trays that are used to straighten your teeth, Invisalign® is a great option over traditional braces.

Although very few cases have been reported, it is possible for some individuals to experience what they believe to be an allergy to Invisalign®. Isolated instances of an allergic reaction to the plastic occurred. In some cases, it is nothing more than a problem with the proper functioning of the person’s saliva. It is possible that the wearing of Invisalign® aligners has led to a reduction in the production of saliva and its natural cleansing capabilities. Some dentists might recommend getting a professional cleaning every three months if you are going through the Invisalign® process.

How Do You Know If You Have an Allergy to Invisalign®?

If you are experiencing changes in your mouth that are new, it is possible that you might have an allergy to Invisalign®. Most allergies are accompanied by one or more symptoms that you should look into, particularly if you are experiencing discomfort.

What Symptoms Indicate That You Might Have an Allergy to Invisalign®?

If you have a true allergy to Invisalign®, you are among a small group of people. Few instances of allergic reactions to Invisalign® have been reported. However, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is possible that you have an allergy to the materials used to fabricate the Invisalign® trays: swollen tongue or gums, burning sensation on the tongue or gums, a constant feeling that you need to clear your throat, or an itching sensation in your mouth.

Is There Anything That You Can Do to Determine if You Have an Allergy to Invisalign®?

If you suspect that you might have an allergy to Invisalign® aligners, the first thing that you should do is call your dentist to discuss the issue. Although the removal of your Invisalign® trays can disturb the progress that you have been making, it might help to determine whether or not you do have an allergy to Invisalign®. Another strategy that can be used is to take a small piece of the plastic used to make Invisalign® aligners and place it on your arm for several days, using a bandage to keep it in place. However, this should only be done under the supervision of your dentist.

Also known as halitosis, bad breath is an annoying problem that can lead to embarrassment. If you want to cure bad breath, you need to know how it develops. One of the most common causes of bad breath is a dry mouth. This is because the saliva in your mouth washes away the bacteria that create bad breath. When the mouth is dry, less saliva is generated, and the bad breath remains. Medications, alcohol consumption, breathing through the mouth, and rinses containing alcohol can lead to dry mouth and bad breath. Stimulating saliva by chewing gum can help you to cure bad breath.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath is often caused by ongoing diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease, and it isn’t always possible to cure bad breath caused by them. Diets high in dairy or proteins can encourage bacteria in the mouth as can a diet low in carbohydrates. Smoking or using chewing tobacco can also create bad breath. Eating certain spicy foods can cause a temporary bout of bad breath, but it generally goes away by the next day.

Can bad breath be a sign of something worse?

Pervasive bad breath is often a sign that something serious is going on in your mouth or with your health. If you have daily incidents of halitosis, it isn’t likely that you will be able to cure your bad breath. A trip to your dentist to search for the cause of your halitosis is recommended in this case. It could be a sign of periodontal disease, tooth decay, or a medical condition. You can’t cure bad breath by yourself if it is a symptom rather than the result of poor habits.

Curing Bad Breath with Good Oral Hygiene

If you want to cure bad breath, you need to do is practice good dental care. Brush your teeth at least twice a day to eliminate odor causing plaque from your teeth. Floss to remove food particles and plaque from in between your teeth. To cure bad breath, use a mouth rinse on a daily basis to kill germs. If you want to cure bad breath caused by eating spicy foods, brush your teeth and use a mouth rinse directly after eating.

If you are looking at getting dentures at an early age, the good news is that no age restriction exists. In the past, people associated dentures with senior citizens. Unfortunately, the combination of poor oral hygiene habits, sugary beverages, and bad foods has created an increase in the need for getting dentures at an early age. That being said, most dentists will recommend that you get your teeth fixed rather than getting dentures at an early age.

Losing Your Teeth Means Getting Dentures at an Early Age

Unfortunately, many young individuals today are finding themselves with a difficult decision – either replacing their missing teeth with dental implants or getting dentures at an early age. Since dental implants are extremely expensive and most dental insurance plans do not cover the cost, dentures are often chosen as the more affordable option.

Is There a Risk Attached to Getting Dentures at an Early Age?

Is there any risk to getting dentures at an early age? No more so than for patients who are older. It is possible that your teeth are severely decayed and diseased that your dentist recommends medication. If this is the case, you might need to take antibiotics to deal with the bacteria that are present in your gums and teeth. Otherwise, the risk exists that the bacteria might get into your bloodstream.

Things to Know about Getting Dentures at an Early Age

No matter how old you are, having your teeth extracted is going to change your facial appearance over time. The supporting bone structure begins to diminish, creating a caved-in appearance. If you are getting dentures at an early age, then this transformation occurs while you are still young. Whether you are getting dentures at an early age or later on in life, upper dentures are easier to get used to than lower ones.

Can Children Get Dentures?

Some children have rare medical conditions that prohibit the natural growth of teeth. As a result, dentures can be provided, when desired by the parents or guardians. This course of treatment is expensive due to the number of adjustments that must be made as the child continues to grow.

Three steps to preventing dental erosion

• Choose drinks that are low in acid. Carbonated soft drinks are high in acid, which can harm your teeth
• Do not swish or hold high acid drinks in your mouth for long periods of time or suck on citrus fruits
• It is best to consume foods and drinks high in acid at the end of mealtime while there is still plenty of saliva in your mouth to wash away sugars and acids

As part of a healthy lifestyle, practice good oral hygiene and have your mouth examined regularly by a dentist.  If you have any questions please contact us!

April has been designated Oral Health Month by the Canadian Dental Association and they have prepared some interesting facts and articles that we would like to share starting with the following:

Get snack smart with your kids

• Limit the number of times a day your child eats or drinks sugars
• Avoid sugary treats that stay in the mouth for a long time like hard candy or lollipops
• Avoid soft, sticky sweets that get stuck in your child’s teeth
• Serve sweets for dessert while there is still plenty of saliva in your child’s mouth to wash away the sugars
• Serve juice and milk during or at the end of mealtime. Drink water between meals
• Serve vegetables, cheese, nuts or seeds for snacks
• Have your child brush her teeth at least twice a day and before going to be

As part of a healthy lifestyle, practice good oral hygiene and have your child’s mouth examined regularly by a dentist.  If you have any questions please contact us!