March | 2016 | Where Dentistry is done differently

Lora Cook, RDH

Your Tongue Says a lot About Your Health

Look into the mirror, stick out your tongue. What does it look like? What is the color, the texture, what do you think it is saying about you? Here are some examples of what you might see and what it means.

WHITE PATCHES:

This may be a sign of a overgrowth of candida or yeast in your mouth. You may have also heard this condition called thrush. This condition is very treatable with prescription from your dentist for a anti fungal mouth wash from the pharmacy.

BLACK AND HAIRY:

This can have several different causes; poor oral hygiene, bacteria overgrowth, or yeast growth. This may look alarming it does not cause any health problems and is usually painless. This condition will usually resolved without treatment.

RED AND WHITE SPOTS:

These are usually areas where your taste buds have worn down. This is very common and no need to treat.

WEBBED OR STRIPED LOOK:

This is a chronic auto immune disease that effects the mucus membrane in your mouth.

RED TONGUE:

This may simply indicate a fever or strep throat. However chronic redness in tongue may indicate a deficiency in certain vital nutrients such as; folic acid, B12, or iron. This is a photo of a individual with B12 deficiency; smooth, beefy, red tongue.

RIDGES:

This is a result of the tongue pressing into teeth, usually while you are sleeping. This may be a tell tale sign that you tend to clinch and grind your teeth in your sleep, usually stress induced.

This ridges will go away, the treatment for clinch and grinding is a custom night guard.

Another potential cause of these ridges is if your tongue becomes slightly enlarged or swollen. This may be a indication of thyroid problems.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.shalimarfamilydentistry.com

http://www.northstapleydentalcare.com

http://www.alamedadentalaz.com

http://www.dentistingilbert.com

Sources:

http://www.skinsight.com/adult/oralCandidiasisThrush.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/black-hairy-tongue/multimedia/black-hairy-tongue/img-20006420

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/do-your-taste-buds-change-as-you-get-older.html

http://www.aaom.com/oral-lichen-planus

http://stanfordmedicine25.stanford.edu/the25/tongue.html

http://www.healcure.org/tongue/tongue-problems/scalloped-tongue-causes-pictures-hyperthyroid-diagnosis-treatment/

Amanda Orvis, RDH

Pregnancy and Oral Health

Being pregnant comes with various responsibilities and it is important that you continue to maintain your normal brushing and flossing routine throughout your pregnancy.

For most women your routine dental visits are safe throughout your pregnancy. Make sure when calling to make your dental appointments you let your dental office know what stage of your pregnancy you are in. Let the office know if you have had any changes in your medications or if you have received any special instructions from your physician. Depending on your specific situation and your treatment needs, some of your dental appointments and procedures may need to be postponed until after your pregnancy.

Dental x-rays are sometimes necessary if you suffer a dental emergency during your pregnancy, or if they are needed for diagnostic purposes. It may be wise to contact your physician prior to your dental appointment to get their approval to have x-rays done if they are necessary.

During pregnancy some women may develop a temporary condition known as pregnancy gingivitis which is typically caused by hormonal changes you experience during pregnancy. This is a mild form of periodontal disease that can cause the gums to be red, tender and/or sore. It may be recommended that you be seen for more frequent cleanings to help control the gingivitis. If you notice any changes in your mouth during pregnancy, please contact your dentist.

During your pregnancy you may have the desire to eat more frequently. When you feel the need to snack try to choose foods that are low in sugar and that are nutritious for you and your baby. Frequent snacking can cause tooth decay. It is also a great idea to incorporate fluoridated mouth rinse into your daily routine. There are several different brands to choose from. Make sure to look for the ADA seal of approval which guarantees safety and effectiveness

If you experience morning sickness anytime throughout your pregnancy you can try rinsing with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water. This mixture lowers the acidity present in your mouth. This acidity can cause erosion of the enamel. Your gag reflex may also become overly sensitive during your pregnancy, so switching to a smaller toothbrush head may be beneficial.

Please remember that the body goes through many changes during pregnancy and maintaining your normal brushing and flossing routine plays an important role in your overall health.

Want to learn more? Visit us at

http://www.shalimarfamilydentistry.com

http://www.northstapleydentalcare.com

http://www.alamedadentalaz.com

http://www.dentistingilbert.com

Sources:

http://www.ada.org/sealprogramproducts.aspx

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDgQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.idph.state.ia.us%2FIDPHChannelsService%2Ffile.ashx%3Ffile%3DA6FAA346-C53D-49A5-AB8D-6198A087A02A&ei=gJO3UsDwH8bbyQG8sYHYAw&usg=AFQjCNFlpM4U5Hwp3J00K0jdNoM5DHzOXw&bvm=bv.58187178,d.aWc

http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&hl=en&qscrl=1&rlz=1T4GGNI_enUS478US479&biw=1600&bih=714&tbm=isch&tbnid=nldgrSnzOgvsAM:&imgrefurl=http://www.myhealthyspeak.co.in/index.php/management-of-pregnancy-gingivitis-3&docid=73o889OPRA5FCM&imgurl=http://

www.myhealthyspeak.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/23.jpg&w=176&h=117&ei=9JO3UvFL6GSyQHXi4DAAg&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:88,s:0,i:375&iact=rc&page=4&tbnh=93&tbnw=137&start=75&ndsp=28&tx=80&ty=49