Cold Sores and Canker Sores

Cold sores—commonly known as oral herpes or fever blisters—tend to have a cruel sense of humor. These wicked, little social-spoilers are painful, unsightly, and seem to have a predisposition to pop up just before a first date, job interview, dance, high school reunion or wedding.

Cold sores are groups of often-painful blisters filled with fluid that appear around the lips and sometimes under the nose. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) living inside the nerve tissue. Other causes include ill-fitting dentures, braces, the sharp edge of a broken tooth or bacteria, according to an article in AGD Impact, the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) monthly newsmagazine. The National Institutes of Health reports that HSV-1 infects more than half of the U.S. population by the time they reach their 20s.

A person usually experiences his or her first cold sore infection in childhood.  The first time a person gets the lesions it can be quite painful—especially in babies.  The child should be taken to the doctor immediately when this is evident.  Once a person has had a cold sore, the virus stays in the body and can become active throughout the person’s life.

Infection tends to recur when the virus is reactivated by a trigger such as decreased immune response, lack of sleep, stress or trauma. It is very important to not spread the virus when it is in this active stage to other sites of the body or to another person.  Cold sores are highly contagious and can be transmitted orally or genitally by intimate physical contact with others and sharing eating utensils, toothbrushes, towels and razors. If the virus is transmitted or contracted, sores usually develop anywhere from two to 12 days after exposure to an infected person. Other persons with a primary infection may have flu-like symptoms such as a high fever, sore throat, swollen neck glands and mouth soreness.

Cold sores are common and rarely cause complications. Outbreaks are usually mild and do not last longer than two weeks; however, should the lesions be spread to a wide area and/or spread down the throat and affect swallowing, eating, or drinking, then the patient should contact their dentist and physician.  If a cold sore causes discomfort, your dentist might prescribe antiviral medications to reduce the frequency, duration and severity of outbreaks.  Some dentists are using laser treatments that can eradicate the lesions and help in healing the area. Most importantly, it is best to see your dentist so that he or she can accurately diagnose cold sores and base treatment on important factors such as age, overall health, medical history and tolerance for specific medications.

How to minimize recurrent outbreaks:

• Eat foods high in lysine (an amino acid found in red meats, fish, and dairy products) or take supplements
• Apply sunscreen to the face and lips before going outdoors
• Shave with a disposable razor during an outbreak
• Replace your toothbrush
• Engage in relaxing activities to reduce stress

Men's Oral Health: Stress and Pumping Iron Can Lead to Cracked Teeth

Many men’s mouths fall silent when questioned about frequency of regular dental visits.

Just being male puts one at risk for infrequent dental checkups and poor oral health, which can decrease a man’s longevity, according to a recent article in AGD Impact, the monthly newsmagazine of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

Higher incidences of diabetes and heart disease decrease how long a man may live, according to the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association. Researchers find that men with periodontal disease may be placed more at risk for complications related to diabetes and heart disease. 

Periodontal disease can be prevented; yet, the average man only brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day and will lose 5.4 teeth by age 72. If he smokes, he can plan on losing 12 teeth by age 72. Men also are more likely than women to develop oral and throat cancer and periodontal (gum) disease.

Men may neglect their oral health for years, visiting a dentist only after a problem arises.  Many dentists see some of their male patients only after a dental emergency.  

When stressed, men will clench or grind their teeth so hard that stress fractures occur, treatment which may require a dental visit, examination, crown and in extreme cases, extraction. Also, many dentists treat men with tooth fractures that resulted from lifting heavy weights.

Each June, which is National Men’s Health Month, the AGD encourages men to find a dentist, schedule an appointment and follow these easy (and inexpensive) tips to improve oral health:

• See a general dentist twice a year and get regular cleanings
• Stash “floss and toss” tools in cars, office drawers and backpacks
• Can’t brush? Swish with water or chew sugar free gum with xylitol to stimulate saliva flow
• Floss dailY
• Brush teeth with fluoridated toothpaste
• Play sports? Lift heavy weights? Get a custom athletic mouthguard made by your dentist to protect teeth from trauma
• Problems with fracturing teeth related to stress?  Talk to your dentist about a custom occlusal biteguard to prevent further damage to your teeth
• Use KnowYourTeeth.com to post a dental question and receive free advice from a dentist
• Use the same site to find a dentist in your neighborhood

Your Child's Dental Care: Beyond Brushing

Did you know that dental caries (tooth decay or cavities) is the most chronic childhood ailment – five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever?   This is according to a 2002 report of the Surgeon General.  Additionally, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that tooth decay is the most chronic disease among children aged five to 17.  To say that dental decay is still a public health concern would be an understatement. 

Diet and the Oral Health Implications

What your child eats plays a vital role in their oral health.  Sugars like the ones found in cake, cookies, candy, milk and juice, and starches like those in pretzels and potato chips, can cause tooth decay. Add to this the fact that it is more difficult to clean babies' and a child's  teeth and you can see why debris tends to remain in a child's teeth, resulting in bacteria growth and, ultimately, tooth decay.  Although baby teeth (deciduous or primary teeth) are eventually replaced with permanent teeth, healthy baby teeth are fundamental to a child's overall health and development.

Baby-to-Child Dental Checklist

There are times when babies are born with teeth call neonatal teeth.  These teeth will require oral hygiene if not removed by the dentist.  An evaluation by a dentist, however, is recommended upon noticing these teeth. 

From six months to 24 months, children begin teething in earnest, indicated by irritability, biting on objects, drooling and ear pulling. As a parent, you can help teething progress by using strategies such as massaging your child's gums, offering a chilled teething ring or cold, wet washcloth and asking your dentist for a teething ointment recommendation.
By three years of age, most if not all baby teeth have erupted. Soon after four years, spaces for permanent teeth begin to appear as the jaw, supporting bone structure and facial bones begin to grow.
From six to 12, it is typical for your child to have both baby teeth and permanent teeth in their mouth.

Oral Health Care Necessities for Children & Infants

Here's a list of dental care necessities from birth on up:

• Baby Teeth Cleaning: Baby teeth should be cleaned as soon as they erupt. Clean your baby's teeth with a soft washcloth or gauze after every bottle or meal. When more than one tooth erupts, you can soak a small-bristled child-sized (age-appropriate) toothbrush in warm water before using it on your baby's teeth, as instructed by your dentist.
  
  Baby teeth should be brushed using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Use water without fluoride until approximately six months of age. Encourage your children to brush their own teeth once they have the coordination to do so. Replace toothbrushes every two to three months.
  
  Children's teeth should be brushed after they are given medicine. Acids contained in medicines may eat away at tooth enamel, which serves as a natural protective coating for the teeth.

First Dental Visit: It is important that your child see a dentist by age one to establish a long-term dental hygiene and professional dental cleaning plan.

Dental Sealant Application: Dental Sealants are used to protect teeth from decay and are appropriate as soon as a tooth erupts.

Fluoride Treatments: Check with your dentist and water authority about the need for fluoride treatments. Fluoride is a major component in the prevention of childhood dental caries. This is because fluoride alters the molecular structure of the tooth, making it more resistant to acid attack and decay.

However, children require the right balance of fluoride treatment. Too much fluoride could be problematic and lead to fluorosis.

Dental Flossing: Parent-assisted dental flossing should commence when two teeth erupt next to each other. Independent flossing should occur when children have the ability to do it on their own (often by six years of age).

Mouth Washing: Mouth washing is usually recommended by age seven, provided your child can perform the activity.

Orthodontics: Orthodontics may be appropriate by seven years of age.

Keep in mind that these age ranges are estimates only; you should follow your dentist's recommendations.

Is Kissing Dangerous To Your Health?

Is kissing harmful to your health? With just one kiss couples can share more than 500 different types of disease-causing germs and viruses, warns the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), a professional association of more than 35,000 general dentists.

   

Before you pucker up again, consider some of the most common diseases and viruses that you and your sweetie can transmit to each other while smooching:

 

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Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by the herpes virus. They appear as tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters that form around the mouth and lips. The sores are highly contagious, especially if they are leaking fluid. However, even sores that have scabbed over can be contagious.

 

"A wound near the lips is most often herpes," says the Academy of General Dentistry. "A good rule of thumb is that if a person has any visible sores near his or her lips, avoid intimate contact!"

 

Colds

If you feel a cold or flu virus coming on, avoid a make-out session. Common cold and flu viruses can be transmitted very easily through contact with the saliva or nasal secretions of a sick person. Yuck!

 

Mononucleosis

Mononucleosis, also known as the "kissing disease," is easily communicated to others through kissing, as well as sharing food, a cup, utensils or straws.

 

College students are more prone to developing mononucleosis, due to a lowered resistance and living in close quarters with other students.

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"People can look as healthy as can be, but you have no idea what kind of diseases they are carrying," says The Academy of General Dentistry. "To protect yourself, know the person you are kissing."

 

If you're still in the mood—and you and your partner are healthy—stealing some smooches may benefit your oral health by increasing saliva production. Saliva helps to wash away food particles and cavity-causing bacteria. It also protects teeth from decay by neutralizing harmful acids.

 

Another important consideration around Valentine's Day is how to keep your breath in minty-fresh condition. The Academy of General Dentistry shares these tips:

 

To Get Fresh Breath:

• Avoid spicy foods, such as onions and garlic, and coffee. These foods and drinks can be detected on a person's breath for up to 72 hours after digestion.
• Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Remember to brush the tongue, cheeks and the roof of the mouth.
• Chew sugar-free gum after meals to wash away food particles that get stuck between teeth and cause yucky odors.

 

If these methods don't alleviate your bad breath, make an appointment with your general dentist to determine its source. If your dentist believes that the problem is caused internally, such as an infection, he or she may refer you to your family physician or a specialist to help remedy the cause of the problem.

Strange Brews: Six Drinks that Cause Tooth Decay

Wondering if that beverage you sip on throughout the day is harmful on your teeth?

Probably not, if you’re like most people.

Many of us slurp down countless sodas, juices, coffees and teas without giving a second thought to the damage we might be doing to our teeth. With this in mind, we’ve created a list of the six most common beverages that can cause tooth decay.

But first off, here’s a formula to remember:

Acid + Sugar + Bacteria=Decay

The mouth is a breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria. No matter how much you brush or floss, bacteria will still be present inside your mouth. Not much you can do about that.

Problem is, bacteria loves sugar. It feeds on it. The more sugar we consume, the more bacteria we create. That’s issue number one.

Issue number two is acid. It erodes tooth enamel, the hard, protective layer on our teeth. When acid weakens enamel, all that bacteria feasts on teeth, causing cavities.

And what ingredients are most common in soft drinks? You guessed it, sugar and acid.

So here are the six drinks to avoid (or at least drink in moderation, we’re realists, after all.)

Citrus Juices (Lemonade, Limeade, Grapefruit Juice, Orange Juice)

Did your mom ever tell you not to eat lemons? Well, she had a point. Citrus fruits are loaded with acid, and most store-bought juices have a ton of sugar, to boot. It’s the perfect storm for tooth decay.

Sports Drinks

Contrary to what advertising tells you, sports drinks are not particularly good for your body, and really not good for your teeth. They are particularly high in sugar and contain all kinds of organic acids and additives. Same goes for that “Fitness Water” as well. So next time you finish a workout, grab a bottle of water to rehydrate instead.

Premixed Iced Tea

We’re talking canned or bottled store-bought iced tea here. Take a look at the nutritional label and you might go into sugar shock. Brew your own iced tea instead, and add artificial sweetener (go light) instead of sugar. Beware though; iced tea of any kind can stain teeth.

Energy Drinks

Over the past decade we’ve seen an influx of energy drinks hit the market. They each claim to give you that extra boost you need to get through the day thanks to their unique blend of vitamins and natural supplements. But do you know what really gives you that buzz? That’s right, caffeine and sugar. Lots of it.

Soda

High fructose corn syrup is a fancy word for sugar. Phosphoric acid is, well, acid. Every soda, clear or not, has both of these essential ingredients. Stay away whenever possible.

Wine
Studies show that red wine does have some overall health benefits, but these studies didn’t account for your teeth. Wine is highly acidic, and the fact that it’s usually sipped over long periods of time makes it really hard on your teeth.

While we’re on the subject of booze, by itself most alcohol is not that harmful—for your teeth. Beer, as an example has no sugar and a low acidic content. The problem arises with mixed drinks. Mixers like tonic water and margarita mix usually have more sugar and acid than any of the beverages listed above. Try club soda instead.

What about Diet Drinks?

There’s a “diet” option available for nearly every beverage we’ve named in this article. While most contain little, if any, sugar, they still will probably have the same amount of acid. So if you absolutely must have a soda or energy drink, opt for the diet version. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than the alternative.

In our next blog entry we will show you how you can minimize the effects of tooth erosion caused by everyday beverages. So stop by again soon!

Okay, your turn. What are you doing to try and cut back on sodas and juices in the New Year? Have any questions or comments for us? Suggestions for blog articles? Post them all below. We’d love to hear from you!