A Dentist in Columbia Talks About Oral Health

As a dentist in Columbia, we believe in taking the time to educate our patients about oral health.  The more that you know, the more empowered you will be to keep you and your family healthy.  While we regularly discuss things like a diet full of nutrient rich foods and the importance of brushing and flossing, there are other areas of oral health that aren't often discussed.  Still, information is power so here are things that you should know about your mouth -

Does being a diabetic influence the type of dental work I can get?

If you are a diabetic, it is extremely important that you visit our dentist office for a dental cleaning at least twice per year. The reason is that a diabetic episode inhibits the body's ability to have the white blood cells do what they are supposed to do – fight infection.  White blood cells are not only important for fighting major diseases but are also important for fighting gum disease.  If you do not control your blood sugar, you are at a greater risk for common oral health problems. Simultaneously, diabetes can make it difficult to recover after having dental work done. So, it is important to communicate with our office and plan your treatments accordingly.  You will still be able to complete most procedures, but timing can become important.

What makes a tooth hurt in the first place?

Much of the time, a common cavity causes a toothache. We also know that a lot of patients will get a toothache when their dental pulp (center of the tooth) becomes infected.  A tooth infection may require a root canal. If this is the case, there is no need to worry as a root canal is far more comfortable than it sounds.  Toothaches can also be caused by gum disease or something becoming stuck between your teeth.  If you have one, call us right away so that we can treat the problem and help you to feel better.

Do the red and white bumps in my mouth mean anything?

They can be a sign of oral cancer.  If you have red and white bumps that are accompanied by other common signs like hard lumps or rough patches, you need to schedule an appointment immediately so that we can examine your mouth.  If we feel that there is a real risk of cancer, we may biopsy the area so that your tissues can be tested for cancerous cells.  If present, we will refer you to an oncologist for further testing and treatment.  Early detection is important. If you notice that the bumps do not go away after a couple of days, be sure to make that phone call.

How long can I keep a filling?

As a dentist in Columbia, we know that how long your filling lasts is often up to you.  They can last ten years or a lifetime, but that depends on your overall health and habits.  For example, you can damage your filling by chewing on ice or something else that is hard.  Also, your tooth can experience additional decay that causes the filling to become loose.  If it does, call our office to have it replaced.