Which oral symptoms shouldn’t be ignored?

People with Ultimate Oral Health have special words to describe the way their teeth feel. They use “happy” “comfortable” “clean” “smooth” or “protected like a waxed car!” These people have developed a healthy protective biofilm that protects their teeth and mouth from temperature changes and infection. It is not natural for teeth to feel sensitive, sore or painful. Something is wrong in a mouth that experiences these sensations.

Tooth Sensitivity:

Healthy biofilm can be damaged by mouth acidity or dryness, and sensitivity is the symptom you feel. Certain metals, like titanium, can be toxic to healthy biofilm, also baking soda and bleaching/whitening products. It is fascinating that companies who put whitening products into the marketplace are the same companies now selling sensitivity pastes and gels! What a coincidence!

Changes during periods of stress affect the quality and acidity of saliva. Certain foods promote oral health and vitamin and mineral supplements promote a positive effect. Adequate sleep, exercise and Probiotics assist in improving the quality of biofilm directly in the mouth and also by aiding the immune system.

A Slimy Feel in the Mouth:

If teeth feel slimy, you can be sure something is wrong with home care. This can be from a mold or dirty toothbrush hygiene. (Consider the use of xylitol to protect patients from their kissing friends! Here is a link to how xylitol can help:

http://www.zelliescleanwhiteteeth.com/Xylitol.aspx)

Toilet plume spray can infect toothbrushes and humid conditions provide the perfect culture medium. I suggest cleaning teeth in the kitchen to avoid problems, and use an antiseptic like Listerine to clean the brush daily, rinse it out and dry. Remember – bacteria die when they dry!

Sore Mouth:
If the symptom is “soreness” – this could be serious and a diagnosis should be made to check for pathology if the soreness lasts for more than a few days. On the other hand, soreness is often caused by a sharp tooth, appliance or denture. Most often the problem is an ulcer that may be small, but feels bigger and more serious to the patient. Today there are many toothpastes that appear to trigger ulcers. Investigate if your patient has recently switched pastes – especially if they have begun using Colgate Total (tricolsan is a problem) or the Pro-Health Crest (Stannous fluoride is the problem here).