Oral Issues and Disease in Coral Gables & Doral, FL

Information may not be reliable

Symptoms of Oral Issues and Disease

• Bleeding or swollen gums after brushing or flossing
• Chronic bad breath
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Frequent dry mouth
• Jaw clicking
• Loose teeth
• Pain or toothaches
• Pain with chewing or biting
• Receding gumline
• Sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Swelling of the face and cheeks
• Ulcers, sores or tender areas in the mouth that won’t heal after a week 

Factors Contributing to Oral Issues

• Acid reflux or heartburn
• Certain infections such as HIV or AIDS
• Diabetes
• Family history or genetics
• Frequent vomiting 
• Hormonal changes in women
• Poor brushing habits
• Smoking
• Sugary food and drink consumption
• Use of saliva reducing medications

Causes of Oral Disease

• The oral cavity collects various bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Some of which belong there, making up the normal flora of the mouth. 
• Harmless in small quantities, but a diet high in sugar creates conditions in which acid-producing bacteria flourish. This acid dissolves tooth enamel and causes dental cavities.
• Bacteria near the gumline thrive in a sticky matrix called plaque. Plaque accumulates, hardens, and migrates down the length of the tooth if not removed regularly by brushing and flossing. 
• Inflamed gums cause gingivitis.
• Increased inflammation causes gums to begin pulling away from teeth.

Types of Oral Disease

• Cavities
• Dental Carries
• Cleft lip and palate
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Gum disease (gingivitis)
• Noma
• Oral cancer
• Oral manifestations of HIV
• Oro-dental trauma
• Periodontitis
• Sensitive teeth

Diagnosing Oral Issues and Disease

• Cheeks
• Jaw
• Mouth
• Neck
• Teeth
• Throat
• Tongue

• CT scan
• Endoscopy
• MRI scan
• X-ray

Treating Oral Issues and Disease

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be in the form of a gel, mouth rinse, oral tablet or capsule.
• Cleanings: Deep cleaning is also known as scaling and root planing. It removes tartar from above and below the gumline that can’t be reached during routine brushing.
• Daily Habits: Dental hygienists provide education regarding how to properly care for teeth and gums.
• Dental Implants: Used to replace missing or lost teeth.
• Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel and increase resiliency to bacteria and acid.
• Fillings, Crowns, and Sealants: A filling is used to repair a cavity, crack, or hole in the tooth. First dentists use a drill to remove the damaged area of the tooth and then fill the hole with material, such as amalgam or composite.
• Probiotics: Mostly known for their role in digestive health, probiotics and healthy bacteria may be beneficial for teeth and gums.
• Root Canals: Required if tooth decay reaches inside the tooth nerve. During a root canal, the nerve is removed and replaced with a filling made of a biocompatible material, usually a combination of a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and adhesive cement.
• Tooth Extraction: Necessary when a tooth cannot be saved with a root canal or other procedure.

Maintaining Oral Health

• Avoid tobacco products.
• Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
• Floss at least once a day. Flossing is one of the most beneficial things ways to prevent oral disease.
• Follow a high-fiber, low-fat, low-sugar diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
• Visit a dental professional every six months for a cleaning.

The Dentist's Role

• Creating treatment plans to maintain or restore the oral health of their patients.
• Diagnosing oral diseases.
• Ensuring the safe administration of anesthetics.
• Interpreting x-rays and diagnostic tests.
• Monitoring growth and development of the teeth and jaws.
• Performing surgical procedures on the teeth, bone, and soft tissues of the oral cavity.
• Promoting oral health and disease prevention.