A Family Dentist Provides Information on Common Health Concerns

When you schedule an appointment to visit our family dentist office, we will conduct a thorough examination to make sure that you do not have any oral health problems.  Additionally, we will look for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. These conditions can be uncomfortable and require immediate intervention to ensure that they do not spread and cause additional and unnecessary discomfort.  This is what most people think of when they consider visiting the dentist. However, there are other oral health concerns that we can also diagnose and treat.  If you notice anything out of the ordinary when brushing or flossing your teeth, feel free to call us.  We can examine you and let you know how to treat whatever challenges you are facing.

Information on Common Oral Health Problems

We can answer any questions that you have when you visit our family dentist office.  In the meantime, here is some information on a few common oral health issues.

Canker Sores vs. Cold Sores

If you or your children develop red bumps on the inside or outside of your mouth, it is likely that they will cause you some measure of discomfort and concern. As a family dentist, we are regularly called by concerned patients that want to know if they have a serious or treatable condition. It is first important to understand that cold sores and canker sores are not the same things. Canker sores typically form on the inside of your mouth while cold sores form around your mouth and sometimes even up by your nose. Canker sores should not be contagious while cold sores are.

Canker sores may develop because of eating something too acidic or very high in sugar.  For example, if you are eating a lot of grapefruit and follow it up with sour candy, there's a good chance of you developing a canker sore. Additionally, a low immune system or other form of sickness can lead to a canker sore.  By comparison, a cold sore is caused by a virus or bacterial infection and can be highly contagious.

Thrush

As a family dentist, we will often see a white film on our patients' tongues when cleaning their teeth.  This can be due to thrush.  Caused by too much of the candida fungus, thrush is a treatable fungal infection.  You can get it by taking antibiotics and sometimes it can help to take a probiotic at the same time.

Dental Abscess

As a local dentist, we are always working to prevent infections.  A dental abscess is a severe dental infection that can cause a lot of discomfort along with a hard bump in your mouth.  You need to have a dental abscess treated right away so that the infection cannot spread to the floor of your mouth.  To do so, call our office.

Schedule an Appointment

If you notice anything in your mouth that is out of the ordinary, call and schedule an examination with our dental office.  We can determine what is causing your issue and create a plan to treat it.