What Is Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush, also known as candidiasis, can occur in anyone of any age, from babies to the elderly. Oral thrush is a condition that occurs when a fungus called candida albicans builds up on the lining of the mouth. The result is white lesions on the tongue or inner cheeks.
Oral thrush can sometimes be confused with leukoplakia. But leukoplakia lesions are caused by chronic irritation from rough edges on teeth, fillings or crowns, not by an organism. And leukoplakia lesions develop over time, while thrush lesions may develop suddenly. A thrush infection can spread and involve the roof of the mouth and the gums, where it can cause symptoms such as redness and irritation. See your dentist if you have any type of lesions on your tongue or in your mouth so you can determine the cause of the problem and plan a course of treatment. The goal in treating thrush is to stop the infection from spreading.
Healthy babies and children may not need treatment-the lesions may resolve on their own. Sometimes adding yogurt to you or your childÃs diet may do the trick and reset the bacterial imbalance caused by the excess amount of the thrush fungus.
People with HIV or other immunosuppressive illness are at increased risk for the infection to spread. If you are in this category, your doctor or dentist may recommend an antifungal medication.
To prevent thrush from occurring or recurring, follow a consistent oral health care routine, and try to include yogurt with live, active cultures in your diet, especially if you take antibiotics for a chronic condition. Frequent use of antibiotics can promote the growth of the Candida fungus because they upset the natural mixture of microorganisms in the body.
The above article is from: OralB.com
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
An Easy Preventive Treatment Against Cavities
Even meticulous brushing may miss hard-to-reach areas of the back teeth. When bacteria linger and exposure to acids occurs, plaque will form. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it is not removable with ordinary brushing. Decay will set in and the tooth will need a filling or a crown for extensive damage. One application of a dental sealant will greatly reduce the risk of cavities forming.
This is the quick and easy procedure: Teeth are first cleaned and sterilized. A thin coating of the sealant is applied to the surface of each tooth. It is clear or white in color and does not change the tooth’s appearance. A curing light bonds the coating to the enamel. And the whole procedure is complete with just these few steps. There are no shots, tooth reduction, or drilling, and it is pain free.
We recommend this treatment to help children and adolescents maintain their natural teeth throughout their lives.
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
Learn more about why gums recede.
Recognizing and Treating Oral Thrush
Oral thrush, also known oral candidiasis, is a condition that occurs when a fungus called Candida albicans builds up on the lining of your mouth.
Anyone can develop oral thrush, but babies, young children, older adults, or anyone with a compromised immune system due to an illness such as HIV are more susceptible. Conversely, candidiasis lesions can be an early sign of an HIV infection.
The main symptom of oral thrush is creamy white lesions in the mouth, usually on the tongue or inner cheeks. In some cases, the lesions may appear on the roof of the mouth or on the back of the throat.
Interestingly, oral thrush is not caused by poor oral hygiene. Thrush is caused when the naturally occurring fungi in the body get out of balance, which is why the very old, very young, and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk. Good oral hygiene, however, is an essential part of treating oral thrush. Healthy adults and children can recover fairly easily from the infection, especially if they follow a complete oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily proper flossing.
To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
Learn more about the treatment for abscessed teeth.
Symptoms And Treatment Of Tooth Abscess
If you have a toothache that goes beyond mild to moderate tooth pain and reaches a level of severe, throbbing pain, it could be a sign of a tooth abscess. A tooth abscess is a pus-filled lesion at the roots of a tooth, and is caused by an infection. The first sign is a throbbing toothache that won’t go away.
At first, the tooth will likely be sensitive to chewing and biting, as well as to heat and cold. You also may develop a fever, swollen lymph nodes in your jaw or neck, or swelling on your face.
If the abscess ruptures, you’ll know because of the nasty-tasting discharge in your mouth. Although the pain may recede if the abscess ruptures, you still need to be treated by a dentist in order to get rid of the infection, save the tooth and avoid complications. If the abscess doesn’t rupture, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. This is not a problem to ignore.
Treatment will likely include draining the abscess if it hasn’t ruptured. Your dentist also may recommend that you take over-the-counter pain relievers, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and take antibiotics. More severe abscesses may require a root canal to remove infected tissue, and the worst cases require extraction of the tooth.
A tooth abscess can get its start as an untreated tooth cavity, so the best way to prevent an abscess is to prevent the cavity in the first place by following a consistent oral health routine of twice daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Regular visits to your dentist are important too, especially if you’ve been treated for an abscess. This allows your dentist to confirm that the infection has cleared.
The above article is from: OralB.com
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
The Number One Reason for Missing Teeth
The most common assumption is that tooth loss is due to decay. But most teeth are lost due to gum disease. It can progress without any symptoms right up to an advanced stage, when you could lose your teeth. Signs of this kind of infection are bleeding gums from flossing or brushing and loose teeth. If it is treated at an early stage, surgery can be avoided and instead, nonsurgical methods would be the treatment.
Gum Disease Linked to Serious Health Conditions
It is a startling statistic that 8 out of 10 American adults have periodontal (gum) disease. The American Dental Association has identified this problem as reaching epidemic proportions. Other medical research has made a link between gum disease and stroke, diabetes, and heart and lung diseases. Dentists now recognize gum infection to be more serious than just losing your teeth – it can be a life-threatening condition!
As the bacteria from the gums circulates throughout your bloodstream, it can often have an effect on other organs or health conditions. The American Academy of Periodontology reports that “studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.”
At the First Warning Signs
It is important not to wait to come into our office at the first signs of bleeding gums or loose teeth. Periodontal problems can be treated nonsurgically and more easily when they are just beginning. Once they are advanced, surgery will be necessary. Both types of treatments are covered by most dental insurance companies.
What’s the Problem with a Missing Tooth?
Even one missing tooth can cause other problems that you should avoid. Not having a full set of upper and lower teeth can cause other teeth to start to shift. It also affects chewing and obtaining nutrition from your food. Your face will eventually take on a sunken look without the support of a full set of teeth. Speech may not be as clear as it should be. And you may gain weight, if you start to eat softer, higher-calorie foods. Dental implants provide the best solution, and they can replace one or many missing teeth. They look natural, function just like the real deal, and no one will ever know they are not your teeth.
An Easy Way to Defeat Gum Disease
Periodontal (gum) disease is the main reason for tooth loss. Dr. Baker uses ARESTIN™ to combat the infection and successfully return your gums to a healthy state. It is an antibiotic in a powder form and contains invisible microspheres that time-release the medication directly to the infection. It does its job by killing the bacteria in the pockets between gums and teeth. And the best part is, there is no pain in the process.
What is Wellness Dentistry?
Everyone is familiar with going to the doctor when you get sick. But what about going to a doctor when you are not ill, so you won’t become sick?
Taking measures to prevent illness from occurring is wellness care. We always go a step further in our practice in order to avoid dental problems later on. We do the basics like repairing teeth and examining gums for their health. But we go beyond that with a very thorough examination. We observe your bite, check for oral cancer and gum disease, and look for signs of wear and anything else that looks out of the ordinary. We are pro-active for your benefit of healthy gums and teeth and so you will spend less time in the dental chair.
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
Cold Sores and Canker Sores Compared
It’s easy to confuse cold sores and canker sores.
Unlike a cold sore, a canker sore is not contagious, and it appears on the inside tissues of the mouth rather than the outer surface of the lip (which is where cold sores appear). A canker sore, also known as an apthous ulcer, looks like a small, round or oval lesion that has a white or yellowish center surrounded by red. They tend to be indented, like a crater, rather than raised, like a bump.
Canker sores most often appear on the inside of the cheeks and lips or at the base of the gum. Canker sores are not usually associated with bleeding gums, so if you are experiencing bleeding gums you should see your dentist to be evaluated for possible gum disease.
The majority of canker sores are mild. Mild canker sores are less than one-third of an inch long and usually heal on their own after a few weeks.
But major apthous ulcers, defined as larger than 10 mm in size, can take more than a month to heal and can cause scarring when they finally do heal. So it’s important to visit your doctor or dentist if you have a canker sore that has persisted for more than a few weeks. These large ulcers are most common in young adults after puberty, and they are more likely to recur than smaller sores. Older adults are more prone to herpetiform lesions, in which dozens of tiny lesions group together to form a large ulcer.
The exact cause of canker sores remains uncertain, but possible factors include an allergic reaction to bacteria in the mouth, a minor injury to the inside of the mouth due to dental work or poorly fitting dental appliances, food allergies or health problems, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Although most canker sores resolve on their own, if you have a large or stubborn lesion, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic mouth rinse, topical paste to apply to the lesion, or a nutritional supplement if poor nutrition may be the cause of the canker sore.
The above article is from: OralB.com
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
Quick and Easy Crowns Made While You Wait
If you have ever had a crown placed for a restoration, you’re aware how drawn out the process can be. First the impression, then a temporary, and then the wait of two weeks or more. Another visit to the dentist to place the permanent crown, and if it doesn’t fit properly, yet another wait and another dental appointment.
Let Dr. Baker introduce you to the CEREC™ Omnicam computerized designing and milling system. What used to take weeks can now be accomplished in just a single visit! You will be very impressed with this technology, not just because it is quick, but because it gives you the perfect fit every time!
Impressions or temporaries are no longer part of the procedure. With a specific type of camera, a very accurate picture is presented on our computer screen. Dr. Baker designs the restoration from this image and CEREC Omnicam precisely mills the durable, natural-looking crown. It is permanently bonded to the remaining tooth structure and in hardly more than an hour, you are good to go! You couldn’t ask for an easier way to restore a damaged tooth with much less time in the dental chair.
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
What Are TMJ Diseases And Disorders?
TMJ diseases and disorders are a group of conditions that cause pain in and around the jaw joint (called the Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ) and nearby muscles. Jaw problems affect a person's ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow and even breathe.
What Are Symptoms Of TMJ?
Pain is the most common symptom of TMJ; however, some people have no pain but still have problems using their jaws. Specific symptoms include:
Face pain
Pain in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear
Back pain
Inability to open the mouth comfortably
Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint
Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
Headaches
A bite that is uncomfortable or feels “off”
Swelling on the side of the face, neck or shoulder
Other symptoms may include ringing in the ears, decreased hearing, dizziness and vision problems.
Keep in mind that occasional discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common and is not a cause for concern. Many people with TMJ problems get better without treatment. Often the problem goes away on its own in several weeks to months.
To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
Relax with Oral Sedation Dentistry
Even if you are dentally challenged and anxious about treatment, you still need and deserve quality care. We take the fear out of your feelings with oral conscious sedation dentistry. It keeps you calm and worry free throughout any procedure.
By taking one pill an hour before your treatment begins, you will start to feel quite relaxed. As you sit in the dental chair, you gradually reach a deeper level of sedation. You are still conscious and can respond to any questions asked, but you will not be anxious about the work being performed. Your vital signs will be monitored and when treatment is completed, you have someone drive you home. In about an hour or so, you are completely back to normal.
You are not completely out, like during surgery. This type of sedation only takes the edge off of your tension. This is important to know as some patients have even greater fear of being “put under” and losing control of their perception. This provides a happy medium as you maintain consciousness but let go of your anxiety.
For those who are resistant to anesthesia, this is a beneficial choice for certain procedures. Oral conscious sedation also works well for those who need more work performed in one visit. We also use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for those who need lighter sedation. We want all of our patients to feel at ease for all their visits.
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
Kids Enjoy Their Visits
You can be certain that Dr. Baker uses the latest techniques in children’s dental care. His thoughtful and caring nature makes children feel at ease and lets them enjoy their visits. Our team encourages good daily dental hygiene, teaching them proper brushing and flossing. We enjoy all their visits starting at age two and every year thereafter as they grow and change.
One of the goals at our practice is for our children to grow up feeling at ease with dental visits and without any fear. Our parents have been very pleased that we are achieving this goal. We have an upbeat atmosphere at our office that makes it easy for children to visit. We can help you with an active or scared child to make our interactions happy and relaxed.
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
Recapturing a Beautiful Smile with Dental Implants
Dental implants are a tried and true solution for missing teeth. They provide the stability to chew a variety of foods and recreate a full and beautiful smile. They are implanted into the bone and come up through the gums to provide a very life-like appearance – no one will be able to tell they are not your natural teeth. Whether you have one or many missing teeth, implants can be placed in the front or back of your mouth. If you have no teeth, they provide excellent stability for dentures that you will no longer have to remove at night. We handle the entire procedure, so you will not need to be referred to another practice.
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
