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Common Conditions

You are not alone! As dentists, we are often asked about these conditions that affect your mouth. Don’t suffer in silence; speak to one of our dentists today to get your mouth back in full working order.

Bleeding gums

Do you have bleeding gums when you brush or floss? Bleeding gums is a sign of gum disease and inflammation. Gum disease can easily be prevented by ensuring optimum oral hygiene.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, which is caused by a build-up of plaque at the gum line. When plaque is allowed to gather beneath the gum, it releases inflammatory and destructive cells. This leads to swollen, bleeding gums and recession. In some people, it may progress to periodontitis.

Periodontitis is the loss of bone and tissues around the teeth. These tissues act as scaffolding which hold the teeth in place, and without which the teeth will start to become loose and ultimately be lost.

Factors that lead to and exacerbate bleeding gums and gum disease include:

Poor oral hygiene
Smoking
Genetics
Diet
Pregnancy
Medical conditions (diabetes, immune-compromised, medications)

The main factor is plaque build up, which starts the entire cycle and which can be prevented. Follow our guide on caring for your teeth to keep bleeding gums and gum disease at bay.

Mouth ulcers

1 in 5 people suffer from mouth ulcers, recurrent aphthous ulceration, intermittently throughout their life. The ulcers tend to appear towards the front of the mouth appearing on the inside of the lip, cheek or on the tongue. They can be very painful and when they occur on the tongue they can make eating and speaking difficult and uncomfortable. Sometimes ulcers can have no symptoms and go unnoticed.

Mouth ulcers can be brought on by a number of immune system factors including stress, illness, hormonal changes, and deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron and folic acid. Other factors that can cause ulcers are sharp edges on fillings or braces, ill-fitting dentures, injury from foods (hot or sharp), and chemical burns e.g. aspirin.

If you have an ulcer, it is important to keep your mouth as clean as possible. Avoid hot, spicy and sharp foods. Orabase gel can be applied to the ulcer to give relief and protection, this is an over the counter treatment that promotes healing.

Mouth ulcers should heal within 3 weeks. If not, you should seek professional advice from your dentist. Non-healing ulceration may be a sign of oral cancer or gastro-intestinal tract disease.

Cold sores

Cold sores are caused by a virus, herpes labialis, which remains in your system once infected and reactivates periodically.

There are a number of things that can trigger a cold sore, including:

Stress or exhaustion
Low immune system
Menstruation
Extreme weather
An injury to the mouth, surgical operation or dental treatment

Cold sores go through a cycle from a prodromal tingling or itching stage through visible blistering, open lesion, crusting and healing. Typically, the cold sore will heal in 2 weeks. During this time, try to keep your mouth as clean as possible. Avoid kissing, contact sports and any dental or beauty treatments.

As it is caused by a virus, cold sores can be treated with anti-viral creams such as Zovirax. This treatment only works in the prodromal tingling phase of the sore, so once it is visible it cannot be treated.

Sensitive teeth

Does the idea of a cold drink or ice cream send shivers down your spine? Sensitivity can affect one or more teeth and may be an early sign of a dental problem that could be prevented.

Tooth sensitivity is caused by:

Tooth wear
Gum recession
Poor oral hygiene
Recent white filling or teeth whitening
Clenching or grinding
Broken tooth
Defective filling
Tooth infection
Sinusitis

In many cases, teeth are sensitive as the outer protective enamel layer has worn away revealing the inner dentine layer. Dentine is soft and porous and transmits signals to the nerve inside the tooth. Dentine can be exposed in cases of tooth wear or gum recession. Sensitivity also increases with plaque build up on exposed areas, so excellent oral hygiene is important.

Minor sensitivity can be eased by using desensitising toothpaste such as Sensodyne or Colgate pro-relief. These pastes can also be used therapeutically by directly applying to the sensitive area and leaving in place for 10 minutes.

Ongoing sensitivity may be a sign of something more sinister that requires professional treatment. Teeth grinding or clenching should be managed with a protective night guard and jaw exercises to avoid damage to the teeth and joint. Tooth fracture or a defective filling will need to be restored. Tooth infection, with symptoms of ache after hot, will require root canal treatment. Sinusitis can disguise as tooth sensitivity in the upper molar teeth, and may require decongestants or antibiotics. If you have sensitivity that is ongoing or severe, please visit your dentist for an assessment.

Bad breath

Bad breath, halitosis, can be an embarrassing and sensitive topic, but as dentists we are experienced in helping our patients achieve fresh breath.

For most patients, the cause of bad breath is easy to remedy:

Dehydration
Poor oral hygiene
Smoking
Trapped food
Smelly food

Bad breath is primarily caused by a build up of odour-causing bacteria. Usually, with optimum oral hygiene, our saliva is able to keep this bacterial level low. If you are dehydrated, such as in the morning, the balance is shifted and your breath is likely to be bad. Remedy this by staying hydrated throughout the day and starting each morning with a glass of the fresh stuff.

Poor oral hygiene leads to an increase in plaque and odour-causing bacteria around the mouth. Follow our guide on caring for your teeth and gums to ensure you keep your mouth plaque free. Remember to brush your tongue, a prime suspect for breath-related plaque!

Smoking contributes to bad breath in a number of ways – the tobacco scent itself, creating a dry mouth, increasing bacteria and coating the tongue. Reduce your level of smoking and increase your oral hygiene to freshen your breath and reduce other smoking-related health risks.

Food particles that get trapped around your mouth can also decay and start to smell. Be sure to clean between your teeth each night to reduce bad breath and lower your risk of tooth decay.

Clinical dry mouth, xerostomia, is a condition caused by lack of saliva production either due to a problem with the gland itself or as a side effect from certain medications, such as anti-depressants. See our section on medical conditions for more information.

Top tips for fresh breath:

Take up good oral hygiene habits
Stay hydrated with water
Reduce or quit smoking
Eat healthily, include foods high in roughage
Chew sugar free gum or try xylitol mints
Use alcohol-free mouthwash after lunch for a mid-day freshen up
If you wear dentures or a removable brace, clean it twice per day
Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly

Cracked lips

Chapped or cracked lips, cheilitis, is an inflammation of the skin around or at the corners of the lips.

Causes of cracked lips include:

Licking, biting or rubbing habit
Sun damage
Nutritional deficiency (iron, vitamin B, folate)
Ill fitting dentures
Allergy to lipstick, lip balm or toothpaste

In most cases, chapped lips can be soothed with a protective barrier, such as Vaseline, so that they can heal. It is important to wear high SPF lip balm if outdoors for long periods of time.

If you notice that your lips are cracked for more than 2 weeks, visit your dentist for advice. You may require a cream containing an anti-fungal or anti-microbial. If sun related, you may require a biopsy to rule out other serious conditions such as skin cancer. If you are concerned about nutritional deficiency, visit your GP for assessment.

Jaw pain

As dentists, we have noticed an overwhelming increase in patients with jaw pain, tenderness, cracked teeth and migraine headaches. No doubt, with today’s economic and social pressures, stress levels are increasing and consequently more people are grinding and clenching (bruxism).

Teeth grinding and clenching at night-time can lead to jaw discomfort, tooth fracture, tooth wear, sensitivity, headaches and in severe cases can cause long-term damage to the jaw. In many cases you may not be aware that you are grinding, but a loved one might point it out, having heard noises in the night. Physical signs include soreness in the cheeks in the morning, shortening or fracture of the teeth, or indentations along your tongue and cheeks.

Speak to your dentist if you feel you are grinding or clenching. Treatment includes a custom night guard, jaw exercises, and incorporating stress-relief into your lifestyle.

Caring for Teeth & Gums

Optimum oral health starts at home with caring for teeth and gums. Keeping your mouth healthy is important for your overall health and wellbeing. Follow this simple advice to ensure that your smile is pristine clean!

Brushing

Brushing is the first step in your daily oral hygiene routine. Brush twice a day for two minutes, in the morning and at night, using fluoride toothpaste.

Choose a toothbrush that suits you – medium bristles for normal gums or soft bristles if you have recession. Electric brushes are great for those with stains or who need an extra helping hand.

Brush all of the surfaces of your teeth and don’t forget your tongue. Angle your brush at 45º to the gum, gently massage the gum by vibrating your brush in a circular motion, and then roll down the tooth to the edge. Focus on 2-3 teeth at a time. Brush the outside, inside, and biting surfaces of your teeth. Once you finish, spit your toothpaste but don’t rinse. This allows the active ingredients in your paste time to work on the surfaces of your teeth.

Make sure to change your toothbrush every three months.

Cleaning Between Your Teeth

The next critical step is to clean the surfaces between your teeth or interdentally. Here, plaque and food get trapped and can cause decay. To clean interdentally, you can choose from floss or tape and interdental brushes.

To floss, start by wrapping the floss or tape around your thumbs and index fingers. Gently guide the floss between the teeth and wrap it around the side of one tooth in a ‘C’ shape. Repeat this on the opposing tooth, gently following the contour of the tooth. Release and repeat around the mouth, using a clean piece of the floss each time.

To brush, choose a size that goes between the teeth with only a small resistance. If you need to push, it is too big and can damage the gum. Insert the brush from the outside, and once between the teeth, gently brush it along the contour of each tooth, slightly below the gum line. Rinse your brush between uses, either under the tap or in mouth rinse.

Diet and Lifestyle

A healthy nutritious diet and balanced lifestyle are important for your entire body, and also for your mouth. Sugar affects our teeth by leading to tooth decay. Acid leads to tooth wear. A tooth-friendly diet is possible by limiting high-sugar and high-acid foods, especially between meals. Swap biscuits, sweets and fizzy drinks for cheese, raw vegetables and water. Staying hydrated with water reduces bad breath and also helps to wash away food debris.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with exercise and not smoking is very important for optimising healing and warding off disease.

Keeping in Check

Regular visits to your dentist and hygienist will help keep your mouth healthy as well as highlight any potential issues early on. Visit your dentist every six months, or as prescribed, to keep your jaw, teeth, gums and restorations in their optimum condition. Professional dental cleaning every six months will reduce your risk of gum disease from plaque and tartar that remain in hard to reach areas.

Sports

We all know that exercise is good for your health. However, looking after your health can also be an important part of exercise, especially when playing contact sports such as rugby and hurling. At Dental Care Ireland, we specialise in custom-made gum shields which are made to suit your mouth and suitable for wear while playing all sports. Call your local Dental Care Ireland practice today to book an appointment.

Children Under Six

Taking care of your teeth should start at a very young age. At Dental Care Ireland, we believe in looking after your family’s dental health from childhood through to retirement. That’s why all of our practices cater for children and adults of all ages. Call your local Dental Care Ireland practice today to book an appointment.

How much sugar are you having?

Find out the effects of sugar on teeth from your favourite soft drinks… Your morning coffee purchase could contain up to 20 teaspoons of sugar. Make informed choices!

It’s not just how many Easter eggs, it’s how often…

Easter, that time of year where sensible eating goes out the window and it is socially acceptable to feed your children Easter eggs for breakfast, followed by an endless sugar feast.

This weekend, children are estimated to consume up to a whopping 250 teaspoons of sugar. If this sounds like an obscene amount, that’s because it is.

It has also been reported that the average child in Ireland will each receive at least five Easter eggs, with over a third receiving as many as 15.

According the the World Health Organisation,one medium Easter egg product contains on average 23 teaspoons of sugar, with three times the daily maximum recommended amount for a six year old.

You can find out more information on sugar consumption over Easter from health watchdog Safefood. They’ve also surveyed some of the most popular Easter chocolate choices to help you make informed decisions about sugar.

There has been much talk in the media, about the hidden sugars and sugar content in what we eat and drink. It is very important for our general health not to exceed the daily recommended allowance.

From our teeth’s point of view, it’s the frequency of sugary snacks that’s important, not just the amount.

Our mouths are home to lots of bacteria, most of which live on the surface of our teeth, in what’s called the BIOFILM. These bacteria love sugar and feed, producing acid as a result.

So, when you eat something sugary, it’s the acid that harms the teeth and causes the cavities.

It takes the salvia in your mouth about 90 minutes to clean away this acid. Once the mouth is clean and acid free, it’s important that it stays that way for a while. That’s why your dentist tries to discourage frequent sugary snacks such as Easter eggs.

Take an Easter egg as an example…….

9am
- Begin eating the egg – have a few mouthfuls and leave most of it for later
- Bacteria in the mouth starts turning the sugar into acid
- Mouth won’t be clean again until 10:30am
10am
- Have a glass of cola
- Mouth has to start the cleaning process again – won’t be clean until 11:30am
10:30am
- Have another bit of Easter egg
- Mouth has to start the cleaning process again – won’t be clean until midday
11:45am
- Have some more Easter egg
- Mouth has to start the cleaning process again – won’t be clean until 1:15pm

You can see how the pattern continues. The mouth doesn’t spend any time being fully clean. The Easter egg might not even be finished, but the mouth has been under attack for over four hours.

As a dentist, I tell my patients that if they’re going to have something sugary, to enjoy it, eat it all and then give the teeth time to recover afterwards. The worst thing you can do for your teeth is to snack consistently on sugary things throughout the day.

The same advice applies to sugary drinks. If you’re going to drink one, drink the entire thing in one sitting and then give your teeth time to recover. Again, the worst thing you can do is take a few sips every hour and make the drink last all day.

I tell my patients: “it’s not all about what you’re eating, it’s about when you’re eating it.”

Bear this in mind over Easter. Encourage children to eat their eggs after meals and not to snack on them throughout the day. Do try to limit the amount of Easter eggs they receive also, because nobody needs 15 Easter eggs.

This is a simple look into how sugar harms the teeth and causes cavities. Don’t just be mindful about how many Easter eggs they eat, take note of when they eating them too.

For more information, please contact your dentist. They will be happy to answer any questions for you.

Finally, on behalf of myself and everyone at Dental Care Ireland, I’d like to wish you all a happy and joyous Easter.

By Dr Claire McDevitt

Dental Benefits: PRSI, Medical Cards and Insurance

Dental Benefits: PRSI payers are entitled to one free dental check-up per year

Book your free PRSI check-up here!

Approximately two million people in Ireland pay PRSI but surprisingly only 25% of those eligible claim the free dental check-up that is available under the scheme!

Everyone who pays PRSI is entitled to a free dental check-up. It is important to note that not all dentists are registered providers of the PRSI dental scheme, but here at Dental Care Ireland we ensure that all our practices are equipped to carry out your free exam.

Visiting your dentist regularly is so important and will ensure that any issues are detected early, before they become bigger and often expensive problems. A regular check-up can pick up conditions such as tooth decay, teeth grinding, gum disease and even oral cancer.

Prevention is the best dental treatment after all!

Are you a medical card holder?

There are a number of people who are eligible to a Medical Card, these card holders are entitled to a range of medical and dental services (including dentures) free of charge. Medical card holders are entitled to the following:

One free check-up each year
Two fillings (when approved by the HSE)
Initial root canal treatment (only certain teeth)
Wisdom tooth extraction (not including referral to an oral surgeon)

For more information, or to find out if you are eligible, please visit the HSE website.

Med 2

Some specialist dental treatments qualify for tax relief, meaning you can offset the total cost of your treatment against your income tax liability. All you need to do is fill out a Med 2 form and your dentist will sign on your behalf. Treatments covered include:

For more information, please contact Revenue.

Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is becoming very popular throughout Ireland, which can cover some or all of the cost of many dental treatments. Please contact your insurance provider to find out your coverage.

Popular dental insurers include:

Book your free Dental Benefits: PRSI check up today.

Don’t let bad breath ruin your love life this Valentine’s Day

As tradition would have it, a kiss on Valentine’s Day is said to bring good luck along with a variety of health benefits, including lowered blood pressure, and increased resilience against tooth decay, due to an increase in saliva which helps fight plaque causing bacteria.

However, there is one thing that is sure to stop you getting your kiss this Valentine’s Day, the dreaded curse of bad breath.

There are many common causes for bad breath or Halitosis and according to the Irish Dental Association, a surprising 1 in 4 Irish people are suffering with chronic bad breath. In most cases it is easily treated and very preventable and shouldn’t be holding you back from a potentially life changing kiss.

It is likely that your bad breath is caused by the bacteria in the mouth working to break down food in the mouth and leads to the formation of plaque on your teeth, tongue and gums. When combined with saliva, it can produce an unpleasant smelling gas.

Make sure you adopt a good oral hygiene routine, brushing alone will only clean 60% of the tooth surface. Flossing daily will allow to reach the surfaces that brushing misses and will limit the amount of bacteria in your mouth.

Just because you’re brushing your teeth twice a day, doesn’t mean you’re cleaning them well enough. You need to brush for a at least two minutes and be sure to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. You may want to rinse with an antibacterial or odour eliminating mouthwash too.

Of course there are the obvious causes, don’t be surprised if people keep their distance after you’ve indulged in strong smelling foods such as onions and garlic. This smell is often temporary and following good oral hygiene techniques will help.

Smokers take note, this is a likely cause of your bad breath. As well as the lingering smell of stale smoke, it stains your teeth, irritates your gums and increases your chance of tooth decay and gum disease.

Constant bad breath can also be a sign of tooth decay or gum disease. You should be visiting your dentist every 6-12 months, so it may be time to book your check-up to make sure you have no cavities in need of attention.

Book your dental examination with one of our Dental Care Ireland clinicians today and make sure your teeth and gums are happy and healthy. Don’t let bad breath hold you back.

Win a Free Dental Exam, Clean & Tooth Whitening

Win a free dental exam!! It might be a miserable January but spring is only just around the corner. We at Dental Care Ireland are here to help you look your best with an exclusive dental care offer available to our Facebook fans.

The prize will include a free dental exam with one of our dentists, teeth cleaning and take home whitening kit (worth up to €300) from the Dental Care Ireland Clinic of your choice. We have clinics in Cabinteely, Knocklyon, Castlebar, Kells and Tullamore.

You’ll receive your exam and clean before having impression taken for your home whitening kit trays. Trays may take up to 10 days depending on the practice you visit. Castlebar patients should receive their trays within 48 hours.

To enter, simply like and share the Facebook post and you will be added to a random draw. The winner will be selected at 5pm on Monday 25 January and announced on Tuesday 26 January 2016.

You must ‘like’ and ‘share’ the post before 4pm on Monday 25 January 2016 for your entry to be included.

Good luck!

New Year, New Smoke-less you

New Year, New smoke-less you. There is nothing like the start of a new year to set ourselves resolutions – new goals for the coming year. January is a great time to start making healthy lifestyle choices, and there is more to choose from than just crash diets and expensive gym memberships. As health professionals, we help guide and motivate our patients every day about making smart decisions that will improve both your oral health and your overall wellbeing. One of the most important of these is quitting smoking. Set a date today, and plan to end this year as a new smoke-less you.

Why quit smoking?

Everyone has there own reasons for quitting; here are some of the common things that are important to our patients:

Family – be a positive role model to your friends and family, keep the air your family breathe clean and reduce effects of secondary smoke.
Health – reduce your risk of serious illnesses and improve your fitness.
Money – save more or spend it wisely on your health, home or travel.
Appearance & self esteem – look better, smell better and have whiter teeth.
Stress – learn to manage stress better and regain control.

How does smoking affect my oral health?

Oral cancer – The most serious effect of smoking is cancer of the mouth and throat. Up to 90% of oral cancers are caused by smoking. There are more than 300 cases of oral cancer diagnosed in Ireland every year. Unfortunately these are often detected at a late stage when chances of survival are low. Quitting smoking and regular oral screenings with your dentist are the key factors for early detection and reducing risk.
Gum disease – Smoking causes the blood supply in your mouth to reduce and this leads to gum disease, increased infection and a reduced ability to heal after injury and dental treatment. Gum disease can progress quickly in smokers, leading to loss of gum and bone support around the teeth, ultimately causing tooth loss.
Dry mouth and increased plaque – Smoking fumes dry the mouth and coat the tongue, adding to the cycle of bad breath, loss of taste and gum disease.
Low success of dental implants and oral surgery – Smoking leads to risk of low success with dental implant integration and healing after gum surgeries.
Attractiveness – Smoking causes bad breath and tooth discolouration.

If you are contemplating quitting and would like support during your journey, visit www.quit.ie and make an appointment to speak to our dentists today. We are happy to help guide you through the process.