-
Parotitis – Symptoms, Radiology, Treatment Antibiotics, vs Mumphs, ICD-10
Key Facts Parotitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the parotid glands, which are the major salivary glands located in front and beneath each ear It can be caused by various factors, including bacterial and viral infections, obstruction, dehydration, and autoimmune diseases Patients might experience pain, swelling, and tenderness in the gland area, fever, and dry mouth Treatment is highly dependent on the underlying cause and can range from antibiotics for bacterial infections to supportive measures like hydration and sialogogues (substances that stimulate saliva flow) What is Parotitis? Parotitis is an inflammation of the parotid glands. These glands are primarily responsible for producing saliva, playing a vital role in the…
-
Amelogenesis Imperfecta – Types, Treatment, Radiograph, Signs, Teeth, vs Fluorosis, Enamel Hypoplasia
Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a complex and rare genetic disorder affecting enamel formation during tooth development, leading to a range of dental abnormalities. It is a group of inherited defects in dental enamel. It primarily affects the quantity and quality of enamel, resulting in abnormal enamel formation. This condition, characterized by varying enamel defects, profoundly impacts the quality and appearance of tooth enamel, which is crucial for protecting teeth against decay and damage. Key Facts Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) is a rare, inherited disorder affecting the formation of enamel on teeth It impacts both primary (baby) and permanent teeth Amelogenesis Imperfecta does not discriminate based on gender or ethnicity This disorder…
-
Toothlessness (Edentulism) – Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, Classification, Treatment
Key Facts Edentulism, commonly known as toothlessness, refers to the condition where one is missing one or more of their natural teeth Beyond aesthetics, edentulism can lead to nutritional issues, speech problems, and other oral health complications With an aging global population, the prevalence of edentulism is a significant oral health issue affecting millions worldwide What is Toothlessness (Edentulism) Edentulism refers to the condition of being toothless, or missing one or more natural teeth. It is often used in a context that refers to the loss of all natural teeth, but it can also denote partial tooth loss. Edentulism is typically a result of tooth decay that has been left…
-
Cut on Gums – From Brushing, Not Healing Won’t Heal, by Below Tooth, Between Teeth, Infected,
Key Facts Gum Cuts are wounds or lacerations on the soft tissue of the gum These cuts can result from accidental bites, brushing too hard, flossing, dental procedures, or consuming hard or sharp-edged foods Almost everyone has experienced a gum cut at some point in their life The oral cavity has a robust healing capacity. Most minor gum cuts will heal on their own in a few days While most gum cuts are benign, they can be an entry point for infections. Therefore, maintaining oral hygiene is crucial Gum Cuts Locations: Where you can get cuts? The gums, being soft tissue, are vulnerable to injuries. Here are the common locations…
-
Oromandibular Dystonia (OMD) – Natural Treatment, Symptoms, Exercises, TMJ, Botox
Key Facts Oromandibular dystonia (OMD) is a movement disorder that affects the muscles of the jaw, lips, and tongue, causing involuntary and often forceful contractions It is a rare disorder, with the exact number of affected individuals remaining unknown. However, it’s considered one of the various forms of focal dystonias, which target specific parts of the body OMD can be idiopathic (of unknown cause) but can also be a result of injury, other disorders, or as a side effect of certain medications Though there is no cure, treatments can be offered to manage and reduce the symptoms of OMD, improving the quality of life for affected individuals What Is Oromandibular…
-
Proper Tongue Posture Resting Position – Placement in Mouth, When Sleeping, Mewing
Key Facts Proper tongue posture refers to the optimal positioning of the tongue against the palate It promotes good oral and respiratory health, can influence facial growth, and can even help prevent some orthodontic issues Incorrect tongue positioning can lead to breathing difficulties, speech issues, and dental problems What is Proper Tongue Posture? Proper tongue posture, sometimes referred to in online communities as mewing (named after Dr. John Mew), is a term that denotes the optimal resting position of the tongue in the mouth. When practicing proper tongue posture: The Tip of the Tongue: It should rest against the upper front teeth or just behind them, without exerting pressure on…
-
Mewing: The Technique and Its Potential Impact on Facial Structure
Ever wondered if it’s possible to reshape your jawline and enhance your facial structure without resorting to surgery or orthodontic work? Enter mewing, a tongue posture technique that has gained substantial attention online for its potential to do just that. But does it truly work? Let’s venture into the world of mewing to unravel its mysteries. Key Takeaways Mewing is a facial restructuring technique based on the theory that proper tongue alignment and oral posture can influence jaw and facial growth. The science behind Mewing involves the functional matrix hypothesis, though its efficacy is still under debate. Alternatives to mewing are available for facial improvement, but it requires consistency and…
-
Apicoectomy – Cost, Procedure, Recovery, Success Rate, Indications, Dental Code
Apicoectomy, also known as root end surgery, is a form of endodontic surgery that becomes necessary when a standard root canal treatment or subsequent endodontic treatment fails to heal an infection in the tooth’s root. This procedure is often the only alternative to extract a tooth, making it a critical treatment option in preserving natural teeth. Key Facts Apicoectomy is a surgical root end procedure, commonly referred to as endodontic microsurgery It involves the removal of the root tip (or apex) and sealing the root end An apicoectomy is typically considered when a previous root canal treatment hasn’t been successful or has failed over time This procedure offers an alternative…
-
Maxillofacial Surgery – Cost, Meaning, Before and After, Procedures
Key Facts Maxillofacial surgery is a specialized branch of surgery that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws, and the hard and soft tissues of the oral (mouth) and maxillofacial (jaws and face) region It encompasses a wide range of procedures from minor tooth extractions to complex reconstructive surgeries Some common procedures in maxillofacial surgery include wisdom teeth removal, jaw surgery, dental implant surgery, and facial trauma treatment Maxillofacial procedures are relatively common, with millions of people undergoing various treatments each year This field is essential for managing conditions that affect chewing, speaking, breathing, or the appearance of the face…
-
Dental Probiotics – Supplement Reviews, K12, for Bad Breath
Dental probiotics, a burgeoning field in dental health, focus on using good bacteria to promote a healthy mouth and combat oral diseases. These probiotics are not just dietary supplements; they represent a pivotal shift in managing dental health, offering a plethora of health benefits. Key Facts Dental probiotics are beneficial bacteria specifically formulated to promote oral health Popular strains for Oral Health include Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus salivarius, Streptococcus salivarius K12, and Bifidobacterium strains They help balance the oral microbiome, prevent cavities, support gum health, reduce bad breath, and enhance overall oral health The field of oral probiotics is promising but still emerging, and more research is needed to fully understand…
