Home Remedies for Canker Sores :)

A Canker sore (Apthous Ulcer)
Can be one of the most annoying & painful nuisances. (~20% of the population).  Canker sores are usually small, (Some large- Major Apthlous Ulcers), shallow ulcers that appear in the mouth making eating & talking uncomfortable. Part of battling these sores involves recognizing exactly what might be causing them. Fortunately, there are some home remedies that seem to work.

COMMON CAUSES:


* CITRUS OR ACIDIC FRUITS (such as lemons, oranges, pineapples, figs, tomatoes & strawberries) can trigger a canker sore or make the problem worst.

* STRESS : High stress & anxiety levels can often be the cause of a canker sore as well.

* BITING YOUR LIP: trauma from biting your lip or cheek can also be cause of a canker sore ( & painful ! )

** According to the Mayo Clinic, "possible triggers for canker sores include a minor injury to your mouth from dental work, overzealous brushing, sports mishaps, or accidental cheek bite."
*SPICY FOODS: Many people  love to use hot sauce or hot peppers to add some kick to their favorite dishes. However, these spicy foods can definitely be one of the causes of frequent canker sores.

REMEDIES TO RID YOURSELF OF PAINFUL CANKER SORES:
1)  Soaking a chamomile tea bag in water and placing it directly on the sore for five to 10 minutes can help you get rid of your canker sore more quickly. It has been shown that the chemicals in chamomile reduce inflammation & have antiseptic properties.  Both of these properties will help reduce the pain of canker sores and may help speed the healing process.

2)  Placing raw honey directly on your canker sore can do wonders to soothe the pain & coat the sore.  Honey makes a wonderfully soothing coating for a painful canker sore.
** Mix 1 tsp. of salt into 1 cup of warm water (1/2 tsp. of baking soda may be added).  Swish for 30 seconds, then spit.

3) Simply mix the Aloe with some water and swish it around in the mouth.
The gel from this plant soothes canker sores as well.
**  Make sure you use the natural gel- not the green kind (OTC)
4)  Your toothpaste may be the culprit.  Certain ingredients in your toothpaste can cause canker sores. Switch to a toothpaste that does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent that may contribute to recurrences.

5)  Benadryl mixed with Milk of Magnesia is a way to conquer canker sores.
**  Rinse your mouth with a mixture of 1/2 of Milk of Magnesia and 1/2 Benadryl liquid allergy medicine.  Swish the mixture in the mouth for about 1 minute, then spit it out.

6)  Chewing on a Rolaid, Tums, or Pepto-Bismal- or just placing the tablets directly on canker sore can do absolute wonders.  The pain that is felt from a canker sore is caused by acids and digestive enzymes eating into the tissue in the sore.  The tablets will neutralize the acids and aid in the healing of the sores.

7)  Yogurt can contain cultures that are great at fighting canker sores.
** Eat yogurt that contains live acidophilus cultures (check the label)  Have a few teaspoons daily for prevention-more when you're having a breakout.

Cutting out canker-causing habits and trying these home remedies can make a world of difference.

Teeth Tattoos- New Fashion Trend!

Did you Know?  Teeth tattoos are a cool new way "fashion trend" that are the rage!

The concept is exactly what it sounds like.  Tooth meets ink.  They are as vibrant as any other tattoo you would get on any other part of your body- and they are just a permanent, too (as long as the crown last). An image is placed on a cap/crown by Suburban Laboratory in Bloomfield, Conn., where their staff specializes in chomper customization.  They range in prices, but mostly fall under $200.00 (not including the fee for the cap/crown).

The catch is, that the tattoo goes on the cap/crown, not your tooth.  This of course is a good thing since spending hours under the a tattoo gun hammering into your teeth would be rather painful/stressful/traumatizing experience !


Check out these examples :


          

Mistakes You are Making With Your Teeth

    

How to get stronger teeth and a better smile

Here are some of the latest clues will clue you in on where you could be going wrong : 

Multitasking while you brush

Every minute in the morning feels precious, so it’s tempting to brush your teeth in the shower or while scrolling through your Twitter feed . It is best to be in front of a mirror, over the sink; you can be sure to hit all the surfaces of your teeth, and you’ll do a more thorough job when you’re not distracted.

Over cleaning your toothbrush

  Thinking about disinfecting your toothbrush by running it through the dishwasher or zapping it in the microwave? Think again: According to the CDC, there is no evidence that any one has ever become sick from their own toothbrush.  These drastic cleaning measures can actually damage your toothbrush and decrease the efficacy. Just rinse your toothbrush with regular tap water ,let air dry & store your brush upright where it is not touching anyone else's.

Using social media as your dentist

The web is loaded with DYI dental tips. Many of these tips may be harmful  rather than helpful to your teeth and surrounding structures! It is recommended that you use ADA-approved products that have been tested.

Avoiding Dental Radiographs (x-rays)

Dental radiographs (X-rays) are important because not all conditions can be identified with a visual exam. Bitewing x-rays (cavity detecting ) are recommended for your dentist to detect caries (decay) between teeth, Panoramic x-rays can detect tumors that may found in the jaw, and Full mouth Series are taken to identify bone levels pathologies and caries. If you’re concerned about radiation, talk to your dentist about ways to minimize the number of x-rays you get.

Storing your wet toothbrush in a travel case

It's important to store your toothbrush in a sanitary place in your suitcase & equally important to remove it once you unpack.  Keeping your toothbrush in an enclosed environment keeps it moist which breads bacteria.   No stand-up holder in your hotel room? Just use a cup for drinking water, that’ll do just fine.

Hanging on to that tongue or lip piercing

 In today's society, self expression can take the form of a tongue barbell or lip ring which can be harmful to your teeth as well as your gingiva (gums.)  Tongue & teeth piercings have shown problems with gum recession, infections and fractured teeth, all which can be expensive to treat, Had your piercing for ages with no trouble, you say? Just wait: Studies have shown that your risk of dental problems from tongue and lip piercings gets worse the longer you have them.

Drinking apple cider vinegar

 Many Hollywood celebrities & natural health experts claim drinking unfiltered apple-cider vinegar (ACV) can have near-miraculous effects in your insides, Research doesn’t support those claims. Dentists are sure of one thing: The acetic acid in the vinegar is terrible since it erodes tooth enamel.

 Ditching your retainer

If you once had braces, whether as a teen or as an adult, it’s smart to keep wearing your retainer for as long as your orthodontist recommends—which may mean several nights a week,  FOREVER !  These retainers keep those teeth in line for good.  For those who have a fixed retainer, be sure to it clean since they can be plaque traps.

Brushing  right after your morning OJ

Like to start your day with a glass of orange juice—or  lemon water? Brushing right afterward can wear away your enamel. The acidic environment weakens the teeth enamel and erosion can occur during this vulnerable period.  To prevent this, wait 30 minutes before brushing. (this also applies  after drinking your morning coffee or tea)  As a side note: this also true with vomiting, this is acidic , be sure to rinse after and wait to brush for 30 minutes.

Ignoring your daily (or nightly) grind.

While mild bruxism (grinding) or clenching —might not seem like a big deal, severe cases can lead to everything from chipped and worn teeth to headaches, TMJ (jaw trouble).  Since most people are unaware that they grind their teeth at night (nocturnal bruxism).  Common signs are chipped or worn teeth, jaw soreness or a dull, constant headache. Your dentist are usually the ones that notice these signs & recommend fabricating an occlusal (mouth) guard to protect your teeth from the damaging forces that is brought on by this habit.

Smoking

We all know how bad smoking is bad for you heart & lungs.   Besides halitosis (bad breath) & stained teeth, smoking is also one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontal (gum)disease. Worse yet, smoking can also lower your chances for successful treatment if you’ve already have periodontal (gum) disease.  Nicotine compromises your body’s ability to fight infection  & the smoke which is an irritant, can decreases your healing capacities post extractions and placements of implants. 

Reaching for the toothpick

 Even though a toothpick is good for quick removal of food particles ,the truth is that wooden toothpicks are poor substitutes for dental floss: They can splinter and break, and using them too aggressively can cause damage to sensitive  gingival (gum )tissue.  Notching tooth structures from use over a long period of time has also been seen.

Skipping dental appointments

  Most people have dental anxiety ! By maintaining routine dental visits (6,4 or 3 month recare visits)  you are less likely to have problems.  Waiting a long period of time between visits or waiting for it to hurt may lead to many and expensive  dental treatments . Today, dentists  employ everything from serene, spa-like settings to animal-assisted therapy (that is, a gentle dog who sits beside you at your appointment) to alleviate patient anxiety & discomfort.

 Going overboard with bleach

 This should be a no- brainer ; Over bleaching can dehydrate your teeth weakening the enamel and may even cause sensitivity by exposing the dentin (layer below the enamel),   Unfortunately little is known about the long-term effects of whitening, but the bottom line is that you should consult your dentist— on which products are safe. Remember moderation is best! 

Not drinking enough water

If your part of the country fluoridates its water , The simple act of sipping tap water can help strengthen your teeth.  Some bottled waters have fluoride, and some don’t; check the ingredients.  It is also recommended to swish with a drinking water  after you eat (if a toothbrush is not available) to rinse accumulated sugars and acids from your teeth.

Skimping on calcium & vitamin D

 Minerals & vitamins are building blocks for both teeth & bones.  According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. adult women need 1,000-1,200 milligrams of calcium and 400-1000 IU (international units) of vitamin D /day from foods, supplements or sunlight .  Consult your GP  7 Dentist on your nutrient needs & support to your teeth.

Getting addicted to juicing

  Beware- Juicing , whether homemade or bottled can be detrimental to your teeth.  Even though  they may be packed with vitamins & other nutrients, these juices bathe your mouth with acids  (ie-lemon juice) to high levels of sugars (fructose ).  To minimize their damage to your teeth: rinse with water after acidic juices, and be sure to brush 30 minutes after you consume your drinks to protect your teeth from all that acid and sugar.

Using a toothbrush that is too hard

Hard- bristle brushes are tough on not only on your teeth but your gingiva (gums) Harder bristles can erode your enamel and cause gingival (gum) recession. Ouch!  Believe it or not, softer bristles are more flexible removing plaque better than harder bristles without causing as much damage when brushing correctly.

Reaching for the wrong mouth rinse

There are several mouthwashes to choose from. Cosmetic rinses, for example, will merely control bad breath and leave you with a pleasant taste in your mouth. Therapeutic rinses with ingredients like antimicrobial agents and fluoride, on the other hand, can actually help reduce gingivitis, cavities, plaque, and bad breath. (Reminder: Fluoride rinses should not be used for those under the age of 6) 

Drinking pop (yes,even diet)

 FYI: all acidic drinks- regular pop (soda), diet pop, even sport drinks can cause tooth erosion.  To help decrease the effects of these acidic & sugary drinks, try to drink these with food  and remember to rinse with water after if unable to brush your teeth 30 minutes after consumption. Of course, the best thing to drink is water :)

7 Bad Habits For Your Teeth

1. Not Visiting The Dentist

You brush, floss and even use the water pik to remove plaque. Even though you think you are doing a great job, this does not mean you should skip your regular  (3mo.,4mo.,or 6mo.) professional cleanings.

2. Not Brushing & Flossing
You probably do not realize just how damaging skipping brushing @ least twice a day as well as flossing once a day can be to your dental health.  Interesting statistics from a 2014 Health and Well being survey found that more than 30% of Americans do not brush enough, and 23% have actually missed two or more days without brushing at all!.  When it comes to flossing, only 40% of people floss at least once a day, and 20% just do not floss . The reason we need to brush & floss is to remove the food debris & bacteria that exist in our mouths. Leaving this bacteria around will allow it to colonize and produce acids that break down the teeth resulting in caries (decay) and Periodontal (gum) Disease.


3. The Horizontal Scrub (brushing side to side )
Proper tooth brushing technique is important to learn to help thoroughly clean all surfaces of your teeth without causing damage to your teeth & gums (gingiva).  Always use a soft toothbrush! When using a manual toothbrush, one method recommended is brushing in small circles for at least 2 minutes, instead of side to side. Aggressive horizontal scrubbing with abrasive toothpastes (ie-whitening toothpaste) may cause , overtime, damage to both your teeth and gums. When using an electric toothbrush,(follow the manufactures directions), allow the brush to do the work.  Applying additional force may also harm both your teeth and gums.

4. Choosing a Non-Fluoride Toothpaste

Some toothpastes, especially the natural ones, brand themselves as fluoride free. The fact is that you need fluoride to achieve the healthiest teeth possible. Using a fluoridate toothpaste acts like a delivery system to delivery concentrated amount of fluoride to all the surfaces of your teeth.  Fluoride can help replace the mineral worn away by bacteria-producing acids.

5. Using Your Teeth As A Tool                          

Avoid using your teeth to open bags, bottles or even biting your finger nails. This can be damaging to your pearly whites! Take the time to find a scissors or bottle opener. As an adult, your teeth's edges become worn and thin,making it very easy to break your teeth                                                                                                 

6. Chewing Ice       

Your teeth are not made to resist fracture from that kind of force placed on your teeth when chewing ice. ( as well as popcorn kernel's ,fruit pits...)) Part of chewing ice is the thermal aspect. Subjecting your teeth from hot to cold, which tend to make things expand and contract very slightly. This can cause micro-cracks in your enamel & overtime, these small cracks build up and one day may cause your tooth to fracture.

7. Nursing A Sugary Drink All Day

Sipping all day on a sugary drink ( ie- Pop, Sport/ Energy Drinks,  throughout the day is feeding your mouth's bacteria (plaque) sugar all day long. (plaque + sugar = acid). If you drink a sugary drink, drink it all at once and then brush your teeth .  If you are unable to brush, rinse your mouth with water or chew sugarless gum to activates your saliva to help wash away some of the sugars.  Remember, when it comes to sugar, frequency can be more damaging than quantity. ( This includes starchy snacks such as potatoes chips )  To best cut down on the acids from sugary drinks & snacks, it is to incorporate these foods & drinks with your meals.

Essential Oils For Oral Care

The Benefits of essential oils are more than aromatic, they have amazing therapeutic and healing properties.


Essential oils are fantastic for helping to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong!

Which are best for the mouth?










Peppermint & Spearmint Essential Oil: They both contain antiseptic oils, which help treat pain.  They are great in a mouthwash or toothpaste, which is why they are prevalent flavors in oral hygiene products. In addition, they both are effective in treating halitosis (bad breath)
Cinnamon Essential Oil:  This has been used for its medicinal properties, specifically its antifungal, antibacterial properties.  It helps fight germs and like peppermint, numbs pain and fights halitosis (bad breath.) Research has shown the cinnamon oils has the greatest potency against the bacteria which causes caries (decay) and periodontal (gum) disease. 
Rosemary Essential Oil:  Is a good disinfectant and takes care of mouth odors.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil:  This is a germicide that has been reported to help fight plaque build up, gingivitis (inflamed gums), and prevent caries ( decay)
Manuka or Tea Tree Essential Oil:  For oral hygiene, these are both invaluable-helping to fight germs, heal cold sores and kills halitosis (bad breath)
Myrrh Oil: Has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.  This oil is very good for oral hygiene in that it strengthens gingiva (gums)
Lemon Essential Oil:  Is an antiseptic that strengthens your gingiva (gums) and helps
whiten teeth
Lavender Oil: Enhances blood circulation and tissue (& smells wonderful)
Oil of Cloves : Properties include - Antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, a natural fungicide, insecticide, stimulate etc. Also acts a powerful disinfectant & local anesthetic


How to use essential oils?
The nice thing is that you can mix & match with what you have on hand, experimenting until you get a flavor you like.  After you brush your teeth, add a few drops of oil to your brush and gently brush the teeth and gums.  Rinse & spit.
*DO NOT SWALLOW*




HEALTHY MOUTH BLEND:
10ml peppermint, 5ml spearmint, 5ml cinnamon, 5ml clove, 5ml tea tree or manuka, 5ml lemon essential oils.  lend together, and add to either 8oz of a carrier oil or water (you will need to shake a water blend well each time before using !)   After  brushing, add a few drops to your toothbrush and gently brush your teeth and gums.  Spit and rinse- DO NOT SWALLOW !  Or use a mouth rinse after brushing.  You can adjust the strength to your taste by making the essential oil concentration stronger or more diluted.




 Using Essential Oils for Oral Health :
 (applied  a few drops topically with toothbrush)

** NOTE** Essential Oils are not meant to replace routine visits to your dentist, replace brushing your teeth, flossing, or other oral care measures.

                                   Halitosis (Bad Breath)
 The best essential oil is Peppermint followed by Lavender and Patchouli
                                         Caries (Cavities)
          The best essential oil is Tea Tree Oil followed by Peppermint and Eucalyptus
                                          Gingiva (Gums)
          The best essential oils are Lavender, Myrrh and Tea Tree Oil
               Periodontal(Gum )Disease/Gingivitis (Inflamed Gums)
         The best essential oils are Myrrh, Tea Tree Oil followed by Helichrysum and Rose
                                          Mouth Ulcers
         
          The best essential oil is Basil followed by Orange and Myrrh
                                          Teething Pain
         The best essential oil is Lavender
                                     Toothache
          The best essential oil is Clove followed by Tea Tree Oil

                                               

Stages of Teething

 Some babies are fussier than others when they are teething. This may because of the soreness and swelling of the gums. These symptoms can begin a couple weeks before the tooth shows and the fussiness usually ends after the tooth has broke through the skin.

                           STAGES OF TEETHING:

0-6 Months: Your baby is born with a full set of teeth beneath the gums which are referred to as "Milk Teeth".

 

6 Months:  Around this age the first set of teeth that begin to erupt are the incisors (upper and lower front teeth). Before eruption, the bumpy edges are often felt beneath the gum line and you may notice your baby begin chewing on their hands, toys or other items

 10-14 Months: Here come the ... Primary Molars (upper and lower jaw, towards the back of the mouth)! This stage is similar to stage 2 but with an increase in drool, crankiness and the urge to chew on everything in site! In this stage you may also notice your child experiencing fevers, diarrhea and loss of appetite.

16-22 Months: During this stage your baby's canine teeth (pointed teeth on the upper and lower jaw) will erupt

25-33 Months: Revenge of the molars! These are twice the size of the other teeth. Most parents will say this is the most difficult time of the teething process.

Although teething can be a difficult time for parents & the child their are remedies to help your child feel better while they are teething:

• Use a clean finger to gently rub your baby's gums for a couple minutes.
• Provide some teething rings/toys. *Try refrigerating a teething ring, this helps reduce swelling and soothes sore gums*
• Ask your pediatrician on over the counter medicine.
• Orajel

Suffering From Arthritis or a Loss in Your Grip ?

                  TOOTH BRUSH ADAPTATIONS

 Taking care of your teeth is made easier when you add extra mass and sometimes extra length to the handle of your toothbrush.

This can be done with many house hold items such as:

• Toothbrush attached to hand by a rubber band - Attach the brush to the hand with a wide rubber band. Make sure the band isn't to tight.

• Tennis ball on the handle of the toothbrush - Cut a small slit into a tennis ball and slide it onto the handle of the toothbrush.

• Toothbrush with a bicycle grip as a handle - Slide a bicycle grip onto the handle.

• Power toothbrush - Power toothbrush already comes with a thick handle.

Regardless of your choice remember to change your toothbrush every three to four months!

Just As It's Important To Practice Good Dental Hygiene, Good Toothbrush Hygiene Is Essential !

The toothbrush has been around for nearly 5,000 years. “Chew sticks,” bone, wood, ivory and hog bristles all make up the far-reaching history of this instrument of oral health. The nylon bristled toothbrush that we now use was invented in 1938. Today, battery powered toothbrushes are available in addition to manual toothbrushes.

 

 Both manual and powered toothbrushes can effectively and thoroughly clean teeth. People who have difficulty using a manual toothbrush may find a powered toothbrush easier or more comfortable to use. The size and shape of the brush should fit your mouth comfortably, allowing you to reach all areas easily.

No matter what type of toothbrush you choose, the American Dental Association recommends that you brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner daily.

 

Here are five easy ways to make sure your toothbrush is truly clean:

Don’t share toothbrushes. Using someone else’s toothbrush exposes you to another person’s body fluids and potential germs, which could make you sick. People with compromised immune systems or who are sick with something they could pass on to another person should take special care to use only their own toothbrush.

Rinse your toothbrush after brushing. Give it a thorough washing to remove any leftover toothpaste or debris.

Store your toothbrush in an upright position. When you’re done brushing, try to store it standing straight up and allow it to air-dry until your next brushing. If there’s more than one brush in the same holder, try to keep them as separate as possible to prevent cross-contamination.

Keep your toothbrush out in the open. Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers. A moist environment, such as a closed container, is more conducive to the growth of microorganisms than the open air.
Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Bristles that become frayed and worn with use and will be less effective at cleaning teeth. Children’s toothbrushes often need replacing more frequently than adult brushes. Look for toothbrushes that display the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

 

 

 

Problem With Stained Teeth: Could Food Be The Culprit?

Over time, many of the foods we eat can cause our teeth to discolor. Many foods have artificial coloring in them, such as soda or kool-aid, and many are naturally dark in color, such as fruits and fruit juices. For this reason, it is recommended that you limit your intake of these types of foods and drinks.
 There are some things you can do to keep your teeth whiter! Bleaching is of course the number one thing to eliminate stains fast, although you can only do this safely a couple times per year. Have your teeth cleaned regularly.  Plaque build-up will attract a stain faster than a smooth, clean tooth. If you have deeply stained teeth, the Dental  Hygienist can professionally remove the stain . It is also recommended that you use an electric toothbrush, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to help remove plaque. Do this religiously after eating or drinking and you will greatly reduce the chances of stained teeth! 

 

Below are a few foods to eat in moderation if you are prone to stains on your teeth:




Soy Sauce



Berries





curry

Coffee

Dark Colored Fruit Juices

• Red Wine

• 

  Dark Color Pop

Tea

Tobacco Products

Surprising Things Your Tongue Can Reveal About Your Health

Strawberry Red

It could mean: You have a vitamin deficiency. A glossy, bright red tongue may be a sign your body is lacking iron or B12. “Vitamin B12 and iron are needed to mature papillae on the tongue. If you are deficient in those vitamins, you lose those papillae, which can make your tongue appear very smooth.

In severe cases, this “balding” can cause pain when eating hot liquids or spicy food. Vegetarians are especially prone to low levels of B12, which is found in certain meats.  If you are a vegetarian & noticed this balding supplements may help. This strawberry Red Balding tongue may also  be associated with an autoimmune disease in the GI tract, in which the stomach doesn’t absorb vitamins

 

 Black or Black Fuzz

 

 

 

It could mean: You don’t have the best oral hygiene. A tongue covered in dark hairs (actually called “black and hairy tongue”) may look nasty, but doctors agree that it's not cause for major concern.

Papillae are normally worn down by chewing and drinking, but sometimes they can become overgrown, which makes them more likely to harbor bacteria or become discolored from food. This can cause bad breath or taste abnormalities. Typically [black and hairy tongue] is brought on by smoking, drinking coffee and dark teas, or poor dental hygiene. Removing the offending cause, like smoking

& using a tongue scraper !

 

Wrinkles

   

       It could mean: You’re getting older (yes, even our tongues show signs of aging). Fissures and cracks in the tongue are typically harmless, but problems can arise if poor dental hygiene leads to infection within the crevices. Once in a while a fungal infection can develop inside the clefts. Sudden pain, a foul smell, and sometimes burning can occur with these wrinkles.  Often the infection is treated with a topical antifungal medication. Some dental appliances, like dentures, can also cause indentations on the tongue.  Make sure your removable appliances fit well, drink a lot of water & practice good oral hygiene esp. clean your tongue.

Small Patches of White

It could mean: Something is irritating your mouth. Painless white patches (called leukoplakia) are caused by an excess growth of cells. Often associated with smokers, the lesions have about a 5 to 17 percent chance of developing into cancer. In many cases, leukoplakia can reverse when you stop smoking.

Not a smoker? “The patches can also sometimes result just from the abrasion of the tooth constantly rubbing against the tongue. It is extremely important to see your dentist, if the lesion does not go away within 2 week

 

 Hills and Valleys

It could mean: Absolutely nothing. A very normal, common condition, “geographic tongue” refers to a tongue that looks like bumpy terrain. Typically harmless, geographic tongue affects between 1 and 14 percent of the U.S. population.  They can regenerate, so some go away and some don’t. Geographic tongue (also called: Migratory Glossitis ) typically requires no treatment or checkup, but if it becomes painful, a doctor may be able to prescribe an anti-inflammatory steroid paste or antihistamine rinse.


 

 Burning sensation

It could mean: You’re postmenopausal, or using the wrong toothpaste. If your tongue stings and burns as though it’s been scalded—but looks perfectly normal—hormonal changes could be to blame. Though burning tongue syndrome can happen to anybody (it affects up to 15 percent of the population), women are seven times more likely to experience it than men. It’s uncertain why this occurs, and the condition goes away in some individuals while it persists in others.

Some people can also experience burning sensations from developing an allergy to certain toothpastes. An ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which helps toothpaste get foamy, can cause stinging—sometimes suddenly. “Someone might be using one toothpaste their entire life, and then suddenly, their mouth starts hurting, try Sensodyne Tp. For other causes, a doctor may be able to prescribe treatments such as antibiotic rinses or pills for neuropathic pain.

Cottage Cheese White

 

 

It could mean: You have a yeast infection. A lumpy, white-coated tongue could be thrush, an oral yeast infection caused by overproduction of candida. The condition is often linked to antibiotics When you take an antibiotic, which selectively kills off bacteria, it can allow yeast, which is not killed by antibiotics, to take over, which might cause taste disturbances or a bit of pain, can also occur in those with weakened immune systems. Typical in young children, thrush also affects people with autoimmune diseases, people with diabetes that isn’t well controlled, chemotherapy patients, and the elderly.  Candidiasis( thrush)can be treated with over-the-counter anti-fungal products.

 Persistent Red Lesions

It could mean: You have signs of tongue cancer. Not be confused with a canker sore, which resolves itself within two weeks, red lesions or patches that don’t go away could be serious. Get it checked immediately. Though typically attributed to tobacco use, oral cancer can also be caused by the HPV virus. Get it checked out even if it’s not bothering you—many oral cancers don’t hurt in their early stages.