All posts by ddrowns

How to get swelling to go down from toothache?

I had my top two wisdom teeth pulled on Tuesday and I go in for surgery to pull my bottom ones in a couple of weeks. My lower left wisdom tooth is infected causing severe pain and swelling. I look rather ridiculous.

I’ve been taking antibiotics since Wednesday and taking Norco for pain around the clock. I’ve got a busy weekend coming up and can manage the pain with Meds but what do I do about the swelling? How long does it take for the antibiotics to help with swelling?

Thanks, Darren

Dear Darren,

The antibiotics are for the infected wisdom tooth to help clear up the infection; however antibiotics do not dissipate the swelling completely. Tissue that’s inflamed around a tooth can be reduced by taking 800 mg of Ibuprofen or Advil every six hours. You should also place an ice pack on your check where the infection is. Keep it there for about 15 minutes and repeat several times a day to keep the swelling down. We recommend a salt water solution as well. Take a teaspoon of salt and mix it with 8 ounces of warm water. Swish and spit until the entire glass is empty and repeat a few times a day. If your symptoms are not decreasing over the next several days we advise you to see the oral surgeon sooner to have the tooth extracted because some infections can be more severe than others making it difficult for the swelling to decrease.

Post courtesy of Peck Family Dentistry, P.C.

Children’s Dental Health and Thyroid Problems

My child’s teeth are not developing like they should. My friend who is a nurse said to have my child’s thyroid tested. Can thyroid problems be related to one’s dental health?

Thanks, Kelly

Dear Kelly,

Our thyroid creates two main hormones called thyroxin and lio-thyronine which are critical for energy production. The thyroid affects many systems within the body so it’s vital for it to function properly. If there is a malfunction with the thyroid it can cause the teeth and jaw to under develop compared to a healthy child. Enlarged gum tissue, a lot of tooth decay, and slower tooth development can develop from hypothyroidism which is when there is a deficiency of the hormones needed for proper functioning.

Reasons the thyroid may not be functioning properly:

  • Abnormality of the immune system that results in damage of the thyroid gland
  •  Failure of the pituitary gland to secrete thyroid stimulating hormone
  • A diet is deficient in nutrients, too much sugar, and processed foods
  • A lot of infections, chronic or not
  • Too many environmental toxins like mercury or copper in the body
  • Not enough sleep or too much stress
  • Food allergies

Symptoms of a thyroid problem in younger children:

  • Overweight and shortness in height is a sign that the thyroid is underactive
  • Delayed development of teeth
  • Protruding eyes and a puffy face
  • Hair may be thin
  • Dry skin
  • A protruded abdomen and Umbilical Hernia

Symptoms of a thyroid problem in a older child:

  • Tired all the time
  • Sensitive to cold temperature
  • Difficulty learning and a poor attention span
  • Skin in dry and flaky
  • Over sleeping or not getting enough sleep

Our best advice to you is to have your child’s thyroid tested by their physician, however make sure they perform the proper test which includes testing the free T3 and free T4 hormones because this will show a more conclusive diagnosis if something is wrong.

Post courtesy of Peck Family Dentistry, P.C.

Preventing Tooth Decay in Toddlers

Recently a friend of mine told me that xylitol could prevent tooth decay in children. I have never heard of this product before and was wondering if someone can give me some insight to this and if it is possible to prevent cavities?

Thanks, Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,

Over the last several years there has been much research completed on this natural occurring sweetener called xylitol. Studies have shown that when toddlers receive 8 grams of xylitol two times a day a 70% reduction in tooth decay is prevented during primary tooth eruption. Even though xylitol is a sweetener is does not break down like sugar and keeps our mouths at a neutral ph level. Remember the more acidic our mouths become the enamel starts to erode causing tooth decay. Xylitol prevents the bacteria that causes cavities from sticking to our teeth therefore less plaque is formed.

Xylitol can be found in such products like chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, syrup, mints, candy, and nasal spray. You can find xylitol products at your local health food stores and even on the internet. Xylitol not only is effective in children but also adults in the prevention of tooth decay as well as keeping our gums healthy. Always remember that good oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, a healthy diet, as well as visiting your dentist for routine dental cleanings are the major keys in preventing tooth decay.

Post Courtesy of Peck Family Dentistry, P.C.

What Are the Dangers of Benzocaine?

Over-the-counter teething medications for infants like Baby Orajel, Anbesol, and Orabase have been used for many years and are still commonly used today to relieve teething pain in children. Benzocaine is the local anesthetic found in these medications which numbs the gums and eases the pain. Back in 2006, the FDA issued a warning about the use of benzocaine gels and liquids and there use for children under the age of two. It was discovered that a rare serious disease of methemoglobinemia can develop in children two and under which reduces the oxygen carried through the bloodstream from the use of benzocaine products. In very severe cases death is a result.

Methemoglobinemia is difficult for parents to recognize because the symptoms are not always obvious or attributed to the condition. Some of the signs are shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid heart rate, dizziness, pale or blue colored skin, lips, and nail beds. Instead of using benzocaine products to relive your child’s teething pain we recommend the following as a better alternative.

  • Use a chilled teething ring, not frozen
  • Massage or gently rub your child’s gums with your finger
  • If solid foods are in your babies diet, you may offer something edible for gnawing on like a chilled cucumber or carrot, however watch for pieces that break off to prevent a choking hazard.
  • Tylenol or Advil may help as well

Any questions or concerns you may have about benzocaine products or reducing teething pain in your child’s teeth, consult with your child’s pediatrician or pediatric dentist.

Post Courtesy of Peck Family Dentistry, P.C.

 

Mini Dental Implant or Traditional Dental Implant?

I have a broken, abscessed tooth which I need to have extracted and then replaced with an implant. I have an implant for another tooth and while I’m appreciative to have it, I don’t care for how it looks aesthetically. Now that I need another implant (10 years after the last one), I’m deciding between a mini-implant and a regular implant. Does anyone have any advice on which to pick?

Thanks, Katlin

Dear Katlin,

Mini dental implants are used more to support dentures or partials. Some dentists have used mini implants for single missing teeth in the anterior region if the area is too small to place a traditional implant. The difference between the mini and the traditional implant is the diameter of the implant.  Mini dental implants are smaller in diameter and are a solid one piece titanium alloy screw, therefore less expensive than the standard implant. If you have plenty of bone and enough room to place one, most dentists will recommend the traditional dental implant because it will be more durable in the long run.

In regards to your dissatisfaction of your existing dental implant, it is vital that when you have implants placed to make sure you are going to a dentist that has the proper training and credentials to do this type of surgical procedure. Crowns that are placed over a dental implant are totally determined by the placement of the implant, so if the implant is not placed in the correct position there is only so much your restorative dentist can do to maintain or increase aesthetics. Have the implant evaluated and see if a custom angled abutment can be used to help correct the implant or you may be able to have a new crown made. We recommend you have a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to find out your options.

This post is courtesy of Peck Family Dentistry, P.C.