Oral health contributes significantly to overall health. In many cases, oral pathologies are the first sign of a more serious systemic condition, so their early diagnosis is crucial for patients’ well-being. In this blog, we will explain what an oral pathology screening is and why it is critical to have your smile thoroughly checked on a regular basis.

What is an Oral Pathology Screening?

Oral pathology screenings are routine tests that general dentists usually carry out. During these screening exams, dentists carefully examine the soft tissues of your mouth (lips, the inside of the cheeks, tongue, palate, and gums) to check for red or white patches or canker sores. After that, they also feel your throat and the oral tissues with gloved fingers to look for lumps, thicknesses, or other abnormalities. Sometimes, dentists might also run quick tests with dyes or special lights.

Dentists can find signs of different oral pathologies in screening exams. Many of them are benign, which means that they don’t represent a risk to oral or overall health. However, some pathologies are associated with systemic conditions that can have detrimental effects on patients’ health, and oral cancer is the most serious of them.

If the dentist detects any patch, lump, or thickness that deserves further study, they will program a biopsy of the abnormal tissue. During this procedure, the dentist takes a “sample” of the tissue through different techniques to have it analyzed by an oral pathologist. Biopsies are crucial, as it is impossible to reach an accurate diagnosis without a lab test. Oral pathologists observe the tissues through microscopes, and once they identify the cells found on the sample, they can determine the cause of the abnormality.

Why are They So Important?

Prevention is crucial when it comes to oral pathologies (and any other oral disease). As most of them cannot be prevented, the only measure patients can take to avoid serious health problems is to have their oral cavity frequently checked to identify possible pathologies and get an accurate diagnosis.

Early diagnosis of oral pathologies is crucial for a good prognosis, and in most cases, if they are caught on time, patients can receive treatment and lead a healthy life after the intervention.

How Often Should I Get Oral Pathology Screenings?

There’s no standard answer to this question, but most dentists recommend patients have these screenings at least once a year. Oral screenings are typically carried out during dental check-ups, so as long as you are diligent with your check-up visits, you don’t need to schedule a special appointment for a screening.

However, if you detect any abnormality that doesn’t disappear on its own, we advise you to schedule a consultation to have it checked by our dentists. The most common are:

• Reddish or whitish patches on the inside of your mouth.
• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily and frequently.
• A lump or thickening on the soft tissues inside the mouth.
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness.
• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing.

It is important to highlight that pain is not often associated with oral cancer or other pathology. However, we also recommend any patient with persistent facial and/or oral pain without an apparent cause or reason visit the office for a consultation.

Have You Visited Your Dentist for Your Yearly Oral Screening Yet?

Our aim at Hill Country Oral Surgery is to diagnose and treat any pathology that can pose a significant risk to your overall health. Please, do not hesitate to contact us and schedule a screening with one of our dentists!

A healthy diet’s role in maintaining good oral hygiene is well-documented. But are you fully aware of how some foods can affect your dental health? Here’s our oral surgeons’ top-10 list of foods you should avoid in maintaining those pearly whites.

1. Hard Candies

To start, biting or chewing hard candies leaves you vulnerable to chipping or breaking a tooth. Additionally, the sticky remains of sugary candy are harder to clean, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities.

2. Sodas

Carbonated sodas trigger a chemical reaction in the mouth that allows dental plaque to create more acid. This acid then breaks down tooth enamel, leading to discoloration and rapid decay.

3. Potato Chips

As yummy as chips are, they’re full of starch. As you munch these snacks, the starch turns to sugar, then becomes trapped between your teeth to feed bacteria, thus promoting acid and decay.

4. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits and their acidity wreak havoc on tooth enamel, your teeth’s natural defense. Although these natural foods have health benefits, consume them with caution. We recommend after eating lemons, oranges, or limes, you should rinse your mouth with water thoroughly.

5. Bread

Like potato chips, bread contains starch, which breaks down into sugar. When you consume bread, the sugar becomes a gummy, sticky paste that lodges between the teeth to promote decay.

6. Alcohol

Alcohol cuts saliva production and leaves your mouth dry. Saliva is necessary to rinse your teeth naturally and keep them free from acid and bacteria. It also keeps your mouth free from oral infections to keep your teeth healthy.

7. Ice

Ice is only frozen water, so where’s the harm? If you have a habit of chewing on ice cubes, you can fracture or break a tooth or crack enamel. Ice can also loosen crowns, leading to an expensive visit to your dentist.

8. Fruit Juice

You may think of fruit juice as a healthy snack, but it contains plenty of natural sugars. Some fruit juices contain as much sugar as sodas. If you can’t resist your morning orange juice, be sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward.

9. Fried Foods

Battered and fried foods are rich in chemical compounds like oxysterols, acrylamide, and acrolein, which are not only harmful to your heart but can lodge between your teeth and increase decay. If you must chow down on some tasty fried chicken, make sure you brush your teeth afterward.

10. Pickles

Pickles can be the worst nightmare for your oral health. Mixing vegetables with vinegar creates a potent acidic compound, promoting enamel erosion and a severe risk to your teeth.

This list is only scratching the surface of foods to be aware of for proper oral care. If you have any questions about keeping your teeth healthy and brilliant, contact us at Hill Country Oral Surgeons. Our goal is to help you preserve your beautiful smile.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and an excellent time to show off that brilliant smile. But with so many holiday treats begging for consumption, will you be able to maintain those pearly whites? The last thing you want for Christmas is to start down a path of a dental disaster. We’ve put together this guide to help you care for your teeth during this time of celebration and enter the new year with no fear of cavities –or something worse.

Get Your Teeth Cleaned First

No doubt the holidays will be busy, but don’t ignore your dental hygiene. If you’re planning to go out and shop for presents, schedule an appointment to get your teeth cleaned first. Then, you can spend the rest of the day finding that perfect gift for that someone special.

Drink Plenty of Water; Coffee—Not So Much

Nothing helps get us through a busy holiday schedule than a cup of coffee. However, many of us find we’re drinking more than we should. You may also be reaching for more sodas, energy drinks and other sugary beverages during the holiday bustle, but try to cut out caffeine and sugar and drink pure water instead.

Limit Sweets to After Mealtime

Candy and baked goods are everywhere during the holidays, laid out in bowls in houses, offices, and retail shops. We’re not saying you have to deny yourself these treats, but take heed of when you indulge and how much. The best time to eat sweets is after a meal, when your saliva count is up. This practice helps cancel acid-producing bacteria that can harm tooth enamel and leave your teeth unprotected.

Don’t Forget Your Dental Hygiene Routine

When we get busy doing things out of our regular routine, like holiday shopping and an abundance of parties and get-togethers, we may cancel some routine activities. When you alter your busy schedule to make room for holiday cheer, ensure you still stick to your dental hygiene routine. That includes flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice a day.

Need More Help?

Would you like more information on maintaining beautiful, white teeth? If so, the staff at Hill Country Oral Surgery is here to help. If you need a cleaning, or perhaps some work done before the holidays, give us a call, and we’ll fit you in. Or if you have any questions about our practice, we’re only a phone call away.

Call us at 512-327-7233 or request a consultation.

Every dentist will tell you that there is a close link between our gut microbiome and oral health, with trillions of good bacteria living throughout your digestive system.  Your microbiome influences your digestion, immune system, metabolism, and hormones. Research shows it can even play a role in your daily moods and emotions. Your dentist will be most concerned with an imbalance in your microbiome that can affect your oral health.

Microbiome Imbalance Affects Your Mouth

Most people are surprised that the health of their gut has an impact on their oral health. If you have too few good bacteria or too many harmful ones, this imbalance sends an inflammatory signal to your immune system, causing various symptoms to occur throughout the body – including the mouth. In fact, we can monitor dental health by examining gut health. 

Oral Health and the Leaky Gut

Gut dysbiosis is an imbalance in gut bacteria. Healthy patients have enough beneficial gut bacteria to keep the gut lining functional and robust. This balance ensures the immune system, which resides mainly in the gut, is strong. However, if there is an overgrowth of harmful bacteria that causes inflammation and a leak in the intestinal lining, a number of symptoms can occur, including those that affect your oral health. Here are some conditions caused by a “leaky” gut.

Gingivitis

This inflammation of the gums occurs when a film of bacteria accumulates on the teeth. Also known as plaque, it is a type of periodontal disease. When left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more severe condition that can lead to tooth loss.  

Dental Decay

This problem occurs when the gut leaks and allows undigested material and toxins to move freely through the body. With this weakening of the immune system, your mouth is less capable of fighting off the invaders that cause tooth decay. A key component of tooth decay is toxicitiy that can even enter the bloodstream.

Tooth Decay in Children

Dental caries is the most common oral infection in children. Once this tooth infection sets in, there is no reversing it. Then the tooth decay progresses as the child grows older. It may also lead to oral afflictions like thrush and halitosis.

Reducing Oral Risk from a Leaky Gut

Here are some easy ways to reduce the risk of poor oral health from a leaky gut:

Consume Fiber-Rich Foods

By eating fiber-rich foods like beans, lentils, apples, and broccoli, you can naturally help keep your teeth clean. Also, including foods in your diet that are probiotic-rich will help with your gut health, as well.

Brush and Floss

Good dental hygiene, like daily brushing and flossing, will ensure healthy gums. They remove food particles and reduce plaque buildup around the teeth and tongue.

Gum Disease Awareness

If you notice oral symptoms like bloody or inflamed gums, don’t ignore them. They can be a sign of severe underlying dental issues that need attention. 

Regular Dental Check-ups

Come see us for a dental checkup regularly. Teeth cleanings are essential for quality dental care and health. If you have high blood sugar levels, bleeding gums, bad breath, sensitive teeth, or a bitter taste in your mouth, this may be the signs of digestive issues. 

Contact us today for any oral health concerns. 

Do others tell you that you grind your teeth when you sleep? Or, do you have jaw pain or chronic headaches from clenching your teeth? If the answer is yes to either question, you may need a custom-fitted mouthguard for the night. By wearing this oral device, you can protect your teeth from undue harm and provide relief from any associated oral or jaw pain.

Our professional team at Hill County Oral Surgery wants the best for you and your oral health. Here are three reasons why we recommend a custom-fitted night mouthguard.

1. Stops You From Grinding Your Teeth

The medical term for grinding your teeth is Bruxism, which refers explicitly to the moving of the jaw back and forth. This condition is common and usually occurs at night during sleep or in times of stress. Unless a sleep partner or dentist informs them, most of our patients are not even aware that they grind their teeth.

Eventually, grinding your teeth will cause excessive damage to tooth structures and the eroding of enamel. This injury can lead to increased sensitivity or decay. It may also cause pain in the jaw, neck, and face, disrupting your sleep.

2. Prevents You From Clenching Your Teeth

Another form of Bruxism is clenching your teeth or biting down for extended periods. Patients who clench their teeth during sleep may end up with significant tooth damage. Teeth clenching may also cause stress fractures in your molars, appearing as light brown hues.

If you are curious about if you clench your teeth or not, look in the mirror to see if you can find vertical hairline cracks in your teeth. Insufficient treatment for teeth clenching will increase the chance of these cracks and lead to overall dental health issues.

3. Helps You Get a Goodnight Sleep Without Snoring

A night mouthguard does not merely cover your teeth for protection but also pushes the tongue and lower jaw forward. Some custom guards have a strap that wraps around your head and chin to position the lower jaw precisely.

Custom night guards also open air-passages and reduce snoring that occurs because of vibrations to soft tissue in the upper airway. These work similarly to mouthguards for sleep apnea, as both work to pull your lower jaw forward for an open airway. The over-the-counter boil-and-bite guards won’t help you breathing or reduce snoring nearly as well.

If snoring is compromising your sleep, or that of your sleep partner, come see us about your mouthguard options. We can recommend one that will effectively help you with your unique oral concerns and improve your quality of life.

To learn more, please contact Hill County Oral Surgery today!