A Guide to Good Oral Health for Persons with Special Needs continued Some Common Dental Problems To follow is a list of some common dental problems, what they mean, and what to do about them. Bad breath: Most causes of bad breath are related to problems of the mouth. Poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, and the effects of smoking are the major contributors to this problem. If all these factors have been eliminated and bad breath still exists, certain medical conditions could exist, such as digestive problems, chronic sinusitis, diabetes, or side effects of medications. Bruxism: Grinding or gnashing of teeth is common in persons with disabilities. Bruxism usually occurs at night during sleep, but can take place throughout the day. This habit, continued consciously or unconsciously over a period of time, can result in tooth abrasion and loss of tooth structure. In permanent teeth, bruxism can lead to peridodontal disease (bone loss) and/or jaw joint disorder (headaches, facial pain, etc.)       Bruxism can be diagnosed at a routine dental visit. Treatment may include bite adjustments, or bite guard appliance. Sometimes no treatment is necessary or possible. Often the habit is outgrown. Cavities: Poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugar can cause cavities. These must be treated in primary teeth as well as in permanent teeth. Regular dental care will allow a dentist to treat cavities. Dark (blackish-bluish or yellowish) front tooth: This discoloration indicates a change in vitality of the nerve in the tooth, usually because of a past history of trauma to the tooth. Your dentist should be consulted. Dry mouth: This is a common side effect of some medications or a symptom of certain diseases. Dry mouth is regarded as a significant health problem because it can affect nutrition and psychological well-being, while also contributing to tooth decay, gum disease, or other mouth infections. Professional advice should be sought because various treatments are available. Facial or gum swelling: Swelling often indicates an abscessed tooth and is usually caused by a deep cavity or by past history of trauma with subsequent nerve damage. In primary teeth, the usual treatment is extraction; in permanent teeth, pulp therapy is recommended. Your dentist should be consulted immediately to help prevent the spread of infection. Fractured teeth from trauma: Seek professional care as soon as possible. The sooner the treatment, the better the chance of success. Medications: Persons with special needs are generally prescribed more medications, such as antibiotics, that are often taken over a long period of time. Children are prescribed medication in a liquid form that contains syrups and sweeteners to make them more palatable. A high concentration of sugars increases the potential for decay. Many medications, such as sedatives, barbituates, and antihistamines, may reduce salivary flow. Medications contain a large amount of sugar and also reduce salivary flow, which is the natural cleansing action of the oral cavity. Some seizure medications may cause enlarged gums that frequently bleed. Aspirin or other pills are sometimes dissolved in the mouth before swallowing, creating an acidic environment that fosters decay. Rinsing or spraying the mouth after each dose of medication is a preventive measure that can help minimize these associated dental problems. Over-retained primary teeth: A primary tooth still in position with a permanent tooth trying to come into the same space is over-retained, and should be removed immediately. The presence of primary teeth in teenagers and adults indicates a potential problem, such as a congenitally missing or an impacted permanent tooth. Regular dental care will allow the dentist to monitor this situation. Periodontal disease: Also, known as gum disease, periodontal disease is caused by bacteria, and it advances in stages, destroying the gum tissue and ligaments that connect the teeth to the bone. Periodontal disease will also destroy the bone that anchors the tooth, leading to tooth loss. Symptoms include bad breath or a funny taste in the mouth. Daily oral hygiene and regular professional care are the keys to preventing or minimizing periodontal disease. Permanent tooth accidentally knocked out of the mouth: Try to stick the tooth back in to the socket as soon as possible. Hold it firmly in place until help is obtained. If you are unable to replace the tooth in the socket, put the tooth in milk, water, or ice. If primary or permanent teeth are moved out of position, seek professional care immediately. Primary tooth accidentally knocked out of the mouth: Leave the tooth out and seek care immediately. Bring the tooth to show the dentist. If the tooth is intruded (pushed up) beacuse of injury, it can be left to re-erupt, but must be carefully monitored. Sensitivity: The root of a tooth may become exposed because of age, self-inflicted trauma, improper toothbrushing technique, or excessive force during toothbrushing. If discomfort is present, let your dental professional know because it can often be treated through the use of fluoride gel or an anti-sensitivity toothpaste. Soft diet: Many people with disabilities have difficulty in the mechanics of eating, including biting and chewing. Because of these factors, their diets are often limited to soft foods and liquids. This diet does not always provide the dentition, gums, and oral musculature with mechanical stimulation. Some people with special needs tend to hold soft foods in the mouth longer, creating an environment for bacterial activity. Brushing and rinsing are therefore very important. Tartar (calculus): Plaque deposits that become calcified or hardened on the teeth and under the gums are called tartar. Tartar contains bacteria and irritates gums causing gingivitis and bleeding gums. Regular brushing, rinsing, and flossing will reduce tartar build-ups. Vague pain in gums: Check for canker sores. These are very common and can occur anywhere in the mouth. Medications can be given to relieve the pain; avoiding hot and spicy foods and drinks will diminish discomfort. If the pain does not go away within 48 hours, seek professional care. Wisdom teeth: Occasionally the wisdom teeth will cause pain during their eruption. An infection may occur when the tooth is not fully erupted. If swelling arises, immediate care is necessary to prevent the spread of infection. << Previous Page              Next Page >>             Return to main page