Dental Health Archive

Does the mere thought of going to the dentist make you anxious? You aren’t alone, but avoiding dental care appointments can lead to other health problems besides dental pain. But there are steps you can take to relieve that anxiety.

Tooth decay is linked to a higher risk of many health problems in adulthood, but often families don’t put enough emphasis on proper and consistent dental care. Avoiding these mistakes can help your children get the right start on their oral health.

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Q. I suffer from recurrent canker sores. What is the best way to treat and prevent these mouth ulcers?

A. Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small ulcers that appear on the inside of your cheeks and lips and sometimes on or under your tongue. They should not be confused with cold sores (fever blisters), which are due to a herpes simplex virus.

A common tooth infection often caused by cavities and usually found by chance on dental x-rays is associated with a higher risk of acute coronary syndrome, an umbrella term for a sudden blockage in the blood supply to the heart.

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Q. I find that I breathe through my mouth at night because my nose seems to stuff up once my head is on the pillow. Does sleeping with my mouth open affect my teeth and gums?

A. Open-mouth breathing can dry out your gums and the tissue lining your mouth, leading to a change in the natural bacteria, which can promote gum disease and tooth decay. Lying flat can cause mucus to accumulate in your nose. Try propping up your head with a firmer pillow—or a couple of pillows. If that doesn't work, you should talk to your doctor about your problem. You may have an allergy or polyps obstructing your nasal passages that can make it difficult to breathe through your nose and may need to see an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist). Meanwhile, be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly and drink lots of water to moisten your mouth throughout the day.

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Q. What's the fastest way to get rid of a cold sore? Is it possible to prevent them?

A. Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are bothersome and painful fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips. They are caused by infection with herpes simplex virus (usually type 1). Cold sores heal on their own in seven to 10 days. However, antiviral medications can modestly shorten the healing period. One-day treatment with the prescription antiviral drugs famciclovir (Famvir) or valacyclovir (Valtrex) shortens cold sore symptoms by one to two days. These oral medications are most effective when taken at the first sign of a cold sore, such as a burning or tingling sensation. Antiviral creams are less effective and need to be applied several times daily for five days.