My dentist recommended that I get a full mouth debridement.  What does this mean and will it hurt?

Answer:

A full mouth debridement is a very thorough deep cleaning procedure performed by the dentist or hygienist.  In order to fully explain this procedure let’s examine three areas:

• Why a full mouth debridement is needed
• What a full mouth debridement consists of
• Instructions for what to do after a full mouth debridement

Why a full mouth debridement is needed

This procedure is needed if you have an excessive buildup of calculus or have some form of gingivitis or periodontitis  (Please read more about these conditions here).  But to offer a brief recap, gingivitis and periodontitis are caused by bacteria that are left around our teeth and gums when we are not brushing and flossing adequately.  As a result, the gums become red, swollen, and inflamed.  If left untreated, this can progress to periodontitis, which consists of losing the bone around the teeth.  This leads to loose teeth and eventually the teeth falling out.

What a Full Mouth Debridement Consists Of

Before this procedure is performed, the dentist or hygienist records a series of numbers called periodontal probings.  The hygienist will stick this small probe beside your tooth and slightly under the gum in order to obtain the pocket or sulcus depth.   The pocket depth is an indication as to whether the gum tissue is healthy.  A healthy pocket ranges from 1-3mm.  An unhealthy pocket is 3 mm and above.

The next step is to use a Cavitron (electric scaler) or hand instruments to clean the teeth.  The hygienist places the tip of the scaler on the tooth and manually scrapes off the calculus, bacteria, and other debris.  The scaler also reaches under the gum tissue to remove deep down debris and bacteria.  Sometimes anesthesia is used so that you won’t feel the scaler reaching under your gum tissues.

The procedure itself does not hurt.  It you feel some discomfort, ask your hygienist to administer some anesthetic.  This should take away all pain.  The only thing you will feel are some vibrations on your teeth.

Instructions for what to do after a full mouth debridement

After a full mouth debridement, your teeth may be somewhat sensitive.  Here are some possible steps than can be taken to avoid sensitivity:

• Ask your dentist to polish your teeth with a densitizing agent (BEST OPTION)
• Avoid cold drinks or food for a few hours after the procedure.
• Use a toothpaste or mouthwash for sensitive teeth (although this measure sometimes take up to 1-2 weeks to have an effect)

All in all, the health of your gum tissue should be restored and healthy before getting any other work done.

And most importantly, remember to brush and floss daily to maintain your dental work and nicely cleaned tooth surfaces.

Sincerely,

SaveMySmile Team

I am having pain and bleeding from a tooth.  Also, anything that I eat sticks between by teeth.  Do you have any advice or suggestions for medications?

Answer:

Based off of your description, it looks like you are suffering from pain from your gingiva (gums) and not your actual tooth.  However, please read our article on Toothaches to further assess the situation involving the actual tooth itself.

Inflammation of the Gums = Gingivitis

Usually, when food, bacteria, plaque, calculus, or anything else accumulates around our gums it causes an inflammatory response.  This means that the gums are sensitive, red, puffy, swollen, and bleed very easily.  It sounds like your gums are inflamed, thus causing the bleeding and pain.  This condition is called gingivitis.  A more advanced form of this ailment is called periodontitis if bone loss is involved.

How to Treat Gingivitis

So how can you treat this?  Well, your best bet is to visit your dentist for a thorough cleaning.  If severe, he/she may prescribe you antibiotics to help solve the problem.  However, here are some suggestions to help you with the situation now.

• Rinse with warm salt water to deal with the pain and sensitivity
• Use a mouthwash with chlorohexidine gluconate.  This is a mild antiseptic that is used to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth thus helping to eliminate plaque, calculus, and gingivitis.
• FLOSS EVERY DAY.  This is key to maintaining the health of your gums/gingiva.  Flossing eliminates the bacteria or food trapped under the gums.  This step is also very important for you being that food packs between your teeth.  In areas such as that, you must be sure to brush thoroughly and floss to remove all irritants.

Hope these tips help out and good luck,

SaveMySmile Team

Burning Mouth Syndrome is a condition in which the tongue and inside of the mouth experience a persistent burning, and sometimes painful, sensation.  This condition affects 2-3% of the general population and 14% of post menopausal women.

Signs of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Most symptoms appear spontaneously and usually start on the tip of the tongue.

Symptoms include:

• Burning sensation on tongue
• Burning sensation on inside of cheek
• Burning/pain has been reported to start in the morning and gradually increase as the day progresses
• Tongue may appear redder than normal, or smoother than normal.  This indicates an underlying infection is present
• Bitter/metallic taste in mouth

Causes/Related Factors of Burning Mouth Syndrome

• Most often unpredictable and not related to a specific cause
• The following are not causes, but have been linked to the condition:
  • Decreased saliva production
  • Chronic mouth breathing
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Candidiasis (fungal infection in the mouth)
  • Trauma to the mouth
  • Chronic tongue thrust habit
  • Allergy to medications
  • Vitamin B deficiency
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • AIDS
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Estrogen deficiency (thus the higher occurrence in post menopausal women)

Treatment for Burning Mouth Syndrome

• If the dentist can identify an underlying systemic condition (such as vitamin B deficiency or fungal infection, etc.), you can receive treatment for the primary condition and, as a result, burning mouth syndrome will resolve also
• If no cause can be identified, the following treatments may be used
  • Clonazapam
  • Vitamin B
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
  • Pain medications (aspirin, ibuprofen)
  • Antibiotics
  • Antifungals
  • Counseling
• Being that this condition has a high correlation with depression, anxiety, and stress, if means are taken to RELAX and create a stress-free, anxiety-free home/work environment symptoms will alleviate

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