Halitosis, or bad breath, affects more than 80 million people in the United States. In most cases, people with bad breath aren’t even aware of the problem. Halitosis has a significant impact, both personally and socially, on those who suffer from it. If you think that you suffer from bad breath, your Dr. Covington and Dr. DuRant can help determine the source of the odor. If one of our Beaufort dentists believes that the problem is caused from a systemic (internal) source, such as an infection, he or she may refer you to your family physician or a specialist to help treat the cause of the problem. What Causes Bad Breath? Typically, bad breath originates in your gums and tongue. It is caused by waste from bacteria in the mouth (typically …
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a common form of cancer, with roughly 35,000 new cases reported annually in the United States. The most frequent oral cancer sites are the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the soft palate, and the tissues in the lips, gums, and back of the tongue. If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of oral function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement following surgery, and even death. For this reason, it’s important to regularly visit Dr. Ashley Covington or Dr. Perry DuRant she or he can perform a thorough screening for oral cancer. How do our Beaufort SC Dentists screen for cancer? Dr. Covington and Dr. DuRant both screen for oral cancer during your routine …
Dental Amalgam
What is Dental Amalgam? Dental amalgam is a mix of metal (also known as an alloy) that is made by combining mercury, silver, tin, copper, and sometimes other metallic elements. When your Dr. Covington or Dr. DuRant determines that you have a cavity in a tooth, she or he will tell you that you need a filling. But what exactly will our dentists use to fill the hole after the decay has been removed? In the past, dental amalgam has been the most widely used and researched material for fillings. It has been used to restore the teeth of more than 100 million Americans over the past 150 years. While there are still situational where amalgam is the best choice, composite material is now the industry standard. Why is amalgam a good …
Nutrition & Dental Health
Why are minerals and nutrients important for oral health? You must include minerals and nutrients in your diet in order for the body’s tissues to resist infection. The presence of too much or too little of any nutrient can have harmful effects, particularly on the mouth and teeth, and may contribute to oral diseases and infection. Which vitamins and minerals are good for me? There are many minerals and nutrients that are good for the entire body. Here are just some of the minerals and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy: • Calcium: Your teeth and jaws are made mostly of calcium. Without enough calcium in your diet, you risk developing gum disease and tooth decay. Calcium is found in many foods and liquids, such as milk, …
Allergic Reactions
What might cause an allergic reaction in the dental office? Allergic reactions that occur in the dental office may be caused by materials or medications. These allergens may include: Latex. Latex can be found in many medical or dental supplies and devices, such as masks, gloves, and syringes. Unlike some consumer goods made from synthetic latex, natural rubber latex is derived from a milky substance found in rubber trees. Some individuals have developed hypersensitivity to proteins derived from natural rubber latex, which can cause allergic reactions. If you are allergic to latex, ask your dentist if he or she has latex-safe products available for use during a dental procedure or surgery. Local anesthetics are used to numb your mouth and …
Mouth/Cold Sores
Mouth sores—they can be painful and irritating when you eat certain foods, when you bump them with your tongue or teeth, or even when you try to smile. They can be caused by ill-fitting dentures, braces, the sharp edge of a broken tooth, bacteria, a fungal or viral infection, or they can be a symptom of a disease or disorder. What are Mouth/Cold Sores? Mouth sores are swollen spots or sores in your mouth, on your lips, on your tongue, or on the skin surrounding your mouth. There are several types of mouth sores, including: Canker sores: Canker sores are small, white areas of swelling or soreness that are surrounded by redness. Canker sores are not contagious. The cause of canker sores is uncertain, but some research suggests that …
Mouthwash Facts
Mouth rinse or mouthwash is a product used for oral hygiene. Antiseptic and anti-plaque mouth rinse claims to kill the germs that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. Anti-cavity mouth rinse uses fluoride to protect against tooth decay. Mouth rinses are generally classified either as cosmetic, therapeutic, or a combination of the two. Cosmetic rinses are commercial, over-the-counter (OTC) products that help remove oral debris before or after brushing, temporarily suppress bad breath, diminish bacteria in the mouth, and refresh the mouth with a pleasant taste. Therapeutic rinses have all of the benefits of cosmetic rinses but also contain an added active ingredient that helps protect against some oral diseases. Therapeutic rinses also …
Academy of General Dentistry
What is the Academy of General Dentistry? The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is a professional association of more than 37,000 general dentists from the United States and Canada. Founded in 1952, the AGD has grown to become the world’s second largest dental association! It’s the only association that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists. AGD’s headquarters office is located in Chicago, Ill. What is a general dentist? General dentists are the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages. They can treat you and your entire family and care for your overall oral health. This is crucial to your total health! Your general dentist takes responsibility for the diagnosis, treatment and overall …