Periodontal gum disease, also called periodontitis, is infection or inflammation of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the tooth. If left untreated, it results in the loss of alveolar bone (bone around the teeth). The symptoms of periodontitis are swollen gums, pain in the gums, metallic taste in the mouth, bad breath, and loose tooth.
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Can a gum disease (periodontitis) be completely treated if diagnosed early?
Query: Hello doctor,Can a gum disease (periodontitis) be reversed at an early stage? I have been to a dentist today, and they told me this is untreatable and can only be slowed down. Is this true? Thank you. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Periodontal disease is manageable. It is true that though it is difficult to gain attachment level to the tooth back in case of tooth mobility, professional plaque control, oral hygiene measures, and, most importantly, follow-up every six months help to maintain dental... Read Full »
After getting my teeth cleaned, why do I still have inflammation?
Query: Hello doctor, I got a teeth cleaning done, but the inflammation is still there. The dentist said that I need to get treated for a receding gum line through surgery. She said it was due to brushing hard and asked me to switch to a soft bristle toothbrush and sensodyne toothpaste. I am also awaiting ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Use warm saline gargling daily at least 2 or 3 times, for two weeks. This will help in reducing the inflammation and help in preventing further recession of gum line. Also if you can get Betadine gargle for rinsing then it would be much better, this would be of great h... Read Full »
Query: Hello doctor,I have periodontal disease and lost my top upper teeth years ago. I saved my money to get all four quadrant procedures done. I had six remaining teeth left on my full arch that was removed. I went without back teeth on top for the last ten years. After getting the all-on-four treatment,... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. Because of the change in occlusion level, there is sometimes muscle hypertrophy which you may face. Kindly upload some pre and post-treatment photos so I can provide your opinion about your concern. Your apprehension is not wrong, but this ca... Read Full »
Can this hard and tender lump inside my lower cheek be cancerous?
Query: Hello doctor, I am 25 years old. Just under my right jawline, I had a tender pain, a couple days later it had swelled. Now, that has gone down but there seems to be a bump inside my lower cheek where the gums meet the cheek. It seems thick or hard, not really moveable and more on the inside of the c... Read Full »
Answer: Hello,Welcome to icliniq.com.The symptoms that you have described are most common to an infection-related swelling associated with a cavitated tooth. This can be easily diagnosed by a clinical examination (you can check by yourself or send a picture) followed by an X-ray (IOPA).If however, there is ... Read Full »
What is the reason for foul smell in my mouth? What can be done?
Query: Hello doctor,I have been experiencing a foul smell in my mouth for a few years. This may be due to an unclean stomach. Please, can you prescribe me some medication to clean my stomach? Also, whatever I eat does not nourish my body. Can I know the reason? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Bad breath or halitosis most commonly originates from the oral cavity or nasal passages. Periodontal disease, caries, acute forms of gingivitis, poorly fitting dentures, oral abscess, tongue coating, and sinusitis are common causes. It can also originate from the ... Read Full »
Why do my gums have a change in color even though I do not smoke?
Query: Hello doctor, My gums look different suddenly. I noticed a change in color, and it concerns me if it is a serious thing to worry about. There is no pain, and I am not a smoker. I do not know what to do. Currently, I am taking Clindamycin 300 mg and Celecoxib 20 mg. Kindly advise. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have seen the images (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity) enclosed. Since you do not smoke, you are unlikely to have any dangerous or precancerous conditions as such associated with a color change in the gums. So there is nothing to worry. Our ging... Read Full »
Query: Hello doctor,I have always had decent dental health, except for flare-ups with stress. Recently I noticed sensitivity along with bottom front teeth. When I pulled out my bottom lip, I noticed that the gum surrounding one tooth looked puffy. Not red, or sensitive, but it sticks out, it does not lay f... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Puffy swollen gums are a sign of periodontal disease. The cause of the periodontal disease is microbial deposits on the teeth (dental plaque). The plaque when mineralized become tartar (calculus). The calculus, in turn, attracts more plaque, and the disease process c... Read Full »
What could be the reason for upper jaw pain due to which I am not able to close my mouth?
Query: Hello doctor,From my left front tooth, all the way to the back of my teeth on top hurt. I cannot close my mouth and it feels like the pain is going up into the bone under my nose. What could that possibly be? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. From your description, it seems to me that you have an apical periodontitis. If you have any cavity related to this area, the tenderness is because of it. Or you must have malocclusion, meaning there is more pressure on these teeth. You need to visit a dentist who will... Read Full »
Can miscarriage cause problems in oral health?
Query: Hi doctor, I heard something yesterday, and I wanted to know if it is possible. Can having a miscarriage cause your teeth to fall out? What effects will it cause on your body? And how will it reflect on dental health? Thank you for your time. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Well, miscarriage does not directly cause dental problems, but hormonal changes do. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause gums to swell and enlarge with increased probability of gum and periodontal diseases. So, hormonal changes can be a culprit. If someone suffe... Read Full »
What are the ill effects of overcrowded teeth?
Query: Hi doctor, I have receding gums around my lower front teeth which are badly overcrowded. My gums do not bleed when I floss or brush, but I feel like they are loose and will fall out. The dentist said that they are fine, but at night I feel like they click. Can you please help me? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through your query and attached images (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). It shows that they are crowded. So, brushing is not proper, and as a result, tartar and stains have developed on the tooth. These tartar and stains are responsible f... Read Full »