My teeth are shaped kind of funny. If I got dental crowns on them, would it fix them?
Andrew- Kentucky
Andrew,
Have you considered getting Lumineers? They are able to change the shape color and size of your teeth. The reason I am suggesting those instead of dental crowns is because of the amount of tooth structure that is required to be removed for crowns.
When you get dental crowns, your teeth have to be ground down quite a bit to make room for the crowns. With Lumineers, you only have to shave just a minimal amount of tooth structure.
This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.
My dentist prescribe perioplex to me after a recent oral surgery. However, I’ve noticed my teeth are starting to stain brown. Is this from the perioplus?
Sandy M.- Oklahoma
Sandy,
I did some quick research and I suspect the Perioplex is the cause of your staining. It is a good antibacterial agent, but contains chlorhexidine, which can stain your teeth. Another prescription that contains chlorhexidine is Peridex. Don’t despair though (or stop using it) because there is a solution.
I would order the toothpaste Supersmile. It contains an enzyme that breaks down the protein pellicle on your teeth. You’ll soon have your white smile back.
I recently got a snake bite piercing. Since then I’ve been drooling like nuts. Is this from the piercing? I’ve never drooled before.
Kevin B.- Pine Bluff, AR
Kevin,
It is very likely the drooling is a result of the snake bite piercing. Here’s why. Any type of oral piercing will stimulate your salivary glands. This can lead to excessive drooling. This is a common risk factor with oral piercings.
You may also want to look out for some of these other possible risk factors:
Tooth & Gum Irritations: Depending on the positioning of the piercing, it could wear down the enamel on your teeth. You will also need to be proactive with your oral hygiene because if it rubs against your gums it will not only cause irritation, but could lead to gum recession and periodontal disease.
Bacterial Infections: Though inflammation is normal after an oral piercing, it should go down within a few days. If it doesn’t, you need to be seen by a doctor. The ADA (American Dental Association) have documented an increased risk for bacterial infections in those with oral piercings. It is not just from transference during the procedure, but rather because our mouths are loaded with bacteria. When you introduce a new open area, you increase the opportunities for the bacteria to spread.
Allergic reaction: Many people are allergic to various types of metals. If you’re having any type of reaction such as itching, redness, burning, swelling, or rash, see your doctor immediately. Allergies are serious and need to be dealt with.
Speech impediments: If the piercing keeps you from closing your lips completely,that will lead to speech impediments.
I’ve been getting treatment for bulimia and I have realized how bad my teeth have gotten because of it. Is there anything I can do to fix the damage I’ve done?
Name Withheld
The first thing I recommend is going to see your dentist. The acid from your purging is what causes the erosion on your teeth. I would drink a lot of water to help neutralize any residual acid.
Bulimia can also cause your mouth to dry out. This can lead to tooth decay, because the minerals and enzymes in our saliva helps to fight the bacteria in our mouth. Chewing on a sugarless gum will help promote saliva production.
Your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment. Depending on the condition of your teeth, it may be wise to get porcelain crowns placed on them. Please be aware that this does not completely protect them from purging. There is always some space that can allow the acid through.
This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.
My upper left molar that we thought needed to be capped because part of it was missing is really starting to radiate pain. The only time I get relief is when I drink something cold. Am I making a mistake just getting it capped? Should I get it extracted?
Julia R.- New Jersey
Julia,
Whether or not you get your tooth extracted is up to you. However, have you looked into saving the tooth? I tend to try to save a tooth whenever possible. Your dentist should give you the pros and cons of every option.
Generally when cold makes tooth pain go away, it is a sign that the tooth is dying inside and needs a root canal treatment. If you did that, you can take care of the pain, get a dental crown, and save your tooth.
This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.
If I have a porcelain crown on one of my front teeth can I still whiten my teeth?
Sandra W. from Alabama
Sandra,
You can have your teeth whitened even with a porcelain crown, however you need to be aware that it will NOT whiten the crown at all. You will want your teeth the same color. The best way to handle this, is to do teeth whitening first. Then, have your crown re-done with the lab matching the porcelain to your new level of whiteness.
This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentists Kevin and Hillary Peck.