Eight Reasons to Schedule a Dental Visit

We all know regular dental visits at least twice a year are recommended. We also know bleeding gums and tooth pain means you should see your dentist as soon as possible. But what are some other signs or symptoms you may be experiencing that should signal it’s time for a dental visit? Here are to eight to consider….

1. You’ve quit smoking or chewing tobacco.

Quitting tobacco is important for your overall health, and is good for oral health as well. A dental visit after tobacco cessation allows your dentist to check your full mouth with a cancer screening. They will also check your teeth and gums for signs of gum disease and help you create a plan of action to achieve a happy, healthy mouth.

2. You have ongoing medical issues

Make your dentist part of your team if you have a medical condition (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders or are HIV positive), or you are undergoing medical treatment (such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy). Many diseases and conditions can have an impact on your teeth and gums.  The opposite is also true - poor oral health can make some medical conditions worse. Healthy teeth and gums can be key in your recovery.

3. You're pregnant.

A major shift in hormone levels can lead to changes to your oral health. In fact, pregnancy can make some dental problems worse, so don't miss your regular checkup. Also, many pregnant women discover their normally healthy gums may start appearing red, swollen, or even bleeding when brushing. If this occurs, visit to the dentist is a good idea. It's safe to go to the dentist while pregnant. Plan on a visit in your first trimester. Remember to tell your dentist about frequent morning sickness (frequent vomiting can erode your enamel), and problems with your gums.

4. You wake up with headaches 

If you go to sleep feeling well, but are waking with headaches, you could be unknowingly grinding or clenching your teeth at night. You may also notice soreness in your jaw when you chew your first meal of the day. Jaw misalignment, TMJ, or grinding can all be discussed at your dentist visit. Your dentist can offer suggestions and solutions, such as mouth guards, to reduce headaches and protect your teeth from excessive wear.

5. You were recently diagnosed with acid reflux.

GERD and acid reflux can cause stomach acids to climb up the esophagus, sometimes as far as the mouth. This can result in unusual tooth erosion and other periodontal problems. Seeing your dentist can allow you to create an action plan to limit damage and even save teeth.

6. You can’t kick that bad taste in your mouth.

An odor or bad taste that doesn’t go away, even after brushing, can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a saliva gland infection. Frequent, persistent bad breath can also be caused by mouth dryness or uncontrolled bacteria. Your dentist can offer some treatments and solutions.

7. You try to hide your smile

OK - this is not really a "condition", but smiling is important to your well-being.  Whether you're self-conscious about a missing tooth or embarrassed by a dull smile, don't be shy about talking to your dentist.  You may be surprised at some of the reasonably priced cosmetic options now available as well as financing options - such as CareCredit.

8. You're having trouble eating

Difficulty chewing or swallowing is not the norm. Try eating soft or liquified foods until you can see your dentist.

Schedule Your Dentist Visit Today

Of course this list is not all inclusive, so any time you have a concern with your mouth, teeth, jaw, or gums a dentist visit is recommended. You can contact the Raleigh dental practice of Jeff M. Morrison & Associates at (919) 755-3450 and speak with our friendly staff OR schedule online at: www.jeffmorrisondds.com/contact-us/.  We look forward to seeing you. 

The Link Between Heartburn and Oral Health

If you have chronic heartburn, it's not only your esophagus that you should be worried about. Research reveals how the condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can have a detrimental effect on your oral health, as well.

Raleigh dentist Jeff Morrison, of Jeff M. Morrison & Assoc., DDS, knows the damage that chronic heartburn can do to your teeth. Here are his three top concerns for patients with GERD:

Eroding Tooth Enamel

GERD causes chronic heartburn because stomach contents, including acid, leak into the esophagus and work their way back up into the mouth, causing burning pain. The acid from the stomach is strong enough to dissolve the tooth surface, or enamel, directly, or soften it to the point where it is quickly worn down layer by layer. This can lead to thin, sharp and pitted teeth, and a greater chance of decay.

Xerostomia or Dry Mouth

Some medications prescribed to treat GERD – such as Omeprazole (also called Prilosec), are known to cause dry mouth or xerostomia.  Saliva is one of the body's defense mechanisms - it protects your teeth by neutralizing stomach acid and reducing damage to your teeth.  Reducing saliva flow increases the chance of developing dental decay, tooth sensitivity, and oral infections.  

Stress and Teeth Grinding

A major contributor to GERD is stress. The stress that's causing your heartburn can also cause you to grind your teeth (also called bruxism) resulting a great deal of wear and tear on your teeth. Patients who grind their teeth can develop temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), leading to jaw, ear and head pain.  Also, people with heartburn or GERD have a much higher risk of xerostomia, or dry mouth. This lack of lubrication, paired with acid-roughened tooth surfaces, increase the risk of wear and tear on the teeth.

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits

Routine dental care is especially important for people with GERD as it allows your dentist to monitor any changes - such as damage to your tooth enamel. "Patients with GERD usually don't realize their teeth have changed until we point out the damage at their regular check-up" notes Dr. Morrison. “Once the outer coating of the teeth is gone, it's gone for good,” but, he adds, “with early intervention, we can take steps to prevent further damage to their teeth.”

Further, not everyone realizes they have acid reflux - it can be a "silent" condition, or you may only experience minor symptoms such as a slight cough.  Dr. Morrison notes, “for most of our patients, we’re the healthcare professional they see on a regular basis. It’s only when we point out the damage to their teeth – and suggest they see their primary care physician to find the cause – do they seek treatment."

For patients with GERD or acid reflux, Dr. Morrison may recommend dietary changes, chewing sugar free gum between meals to boost saliva production and reduce acid in the mouth, and oral hygiene products to prevent further loss of enamel. Patients experiencing bruxism may benefit from a custom made oral appliance. If your teeth are damaged, Dr. Morrison will discuss dental procedures such as veneers, fillings and crowns which can strengthen your teeth and restore your smile.

Dr. Morrison received his dental degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has a family and cosmetic dental practice in the beautiful city of Raleigh, North Carolina. Are you looking for a dental practice for you and your family? We are always taking new patients. Give us a call at (919) 755-3450 or schedule and appointment online.