The most common cause of tooth loss is a bacterial infection of the bone and gums called periodontitis. Periodontitis comes on quietly. An estimated 35 percent of population over 30 years old have some form of gum disease and don’t know it. For many people, by the time it’s a problem the case is severe.

The best protection against periodontitis is to see your dentist twice a year and ask for a periodontal checkup.

There are warning signs that indicate bone and gum disease, but you can have an infection without having any of these signs.

• red and swollen gums
• bleeding gums
• receding gums
• teeth that are lose or separating
• pus coming from your gums
• bad breath

Like heart disease, your sensitivity to gum disease is related to certain risk factors. Control the risk factors and you can control your risk for periodontal disease.

The No. 1 risk factor related to gum disease is smoking. Smokers are four times more likely to have gum disease than nonsmokers are. The good news is that smokers who quit for 11 years or longer are no more sensitive than someone who has never smoked.

Genetics play a role. There is a test that will determine if you posses a gene that makes you three times more likely to get gum disease. It’s estimated that 30 percent of the population have the gene. If you know you have the gene for periodontal disease, you can take steps to prevent developing a problem

People with diabetes, people taking certain heart medications, and people taking antidepressants are at risk. These things can dry out your mouth and you lose the natural washing effect of saliva.

Any disease that compromises your immune system places you at risk for periodontal disease.

In years past, serious periodontal disease usually meant dentures. Today, periodontists can implant titanium metal “roots” to which porcelain teeth can be attached. It costs more than dentures, but it has advantages. Dentures can move or fall out when you laugh or chew. Implants are securely fixed to the bone. Additionally, implants look more natural than dentures.

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Managed-care plans purportedly reduce dental-care costs by inducing economically pressed dentists to provide services at low fees. Dentists vying for patients in this competitive climate may indeed agree to work for less pay — but they may also try to make up for the lower pay by increasing the number of patients they see per hour.

Obviously, this requires spending less time with most of the patients they see — and speed is the death of quality in dentistry. Hurry-up dental “care” is often incompetent. It often results in short-term failures that lead to other short-term failures (at mounting expense) and, ultimately, to disaster. In the long run, it is careful, deliberate treatment that saves money and maintains health.

Managed-care plans also provide dentists with powerful incentives to render inappropriate services. For example, the fees paid for fillings under “per time” managed-care plans are typically low; the fees allowed for extractions are much higher. Thus, a dentist might be tempted to extract a tooth — a procedure that usually takes a few minutes — because the extraction would bring in more money than doing a difficult and time-consuming filling to save the tooth.

How to Succeed in Dentistry Without Really Succeeding
To compensate for low managed-care fees, some dentists resort to bait and switch, encouraging patients to accept treatments profitable to the dentist that the managed-care plan does not cover. Not only must the patient pay for such treatments directly; too often they are not treatments of choice.

Many dentists try to compensate for low managed-care fees by over reporting treatments on insurance forms. This is so common that some forensic experts no longer consider dental records reliable for identifying corpses! And some dentists have turned to a surefire, age-old moneymaker — quackery. The main euphemism for dental fraud is “holistic dentistry.” So-called holistic dentists can:

• remove sound silver fillings, purportedly to resolve medical problems;
• use unscientific methods such as aromatherapy, acupuncture, auriculotherapy, homeopathy, craniosacral therapy, iridology, reflexology and “muscle testing”.
• provide dubious nutrition counseling and sell harmful, overpriced and unnecessary dietary supplements;
• allegedly adjust jaw joints, claiming that their misalignment causes many diseases;

Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, sexual problems, “immune system deficiency,” depression, headache and malaise are among the many conditions “holistic dentists” purportedly treat. None of these health problems are within the scope of scientific dentistry.

When to Leave Your Dentist The dental consumer cannot depend on organized dentistry, managed-care programs, or the law for protection against dental incompetence, over treatment, and fraud. So considerable skepticism is in order. We offer a few general suggestions:
The most important ingredient of quality dental service is time. Beware if your dentist rushes through his work or shuttles from room to room, or if his waiting room teems with patients coming and going.

If, over the years, dental problems are common despite good oral hygiene and good nutrition — if, for example, fillings fall out, bridges fail, toothaches persist and teeth are lost — bad dental “care” is probably to blame.

When the treatment your dentist proposes is more expensive than you expected –the crowning of many teeth, for example, or extensive gum surgery — request an explanation. A “second opinion,” perhaps from a dental school, may help. Asking for a written, signed treatment plan may also help. Most quacks and incompetents would probably balk at such a request.

If your dentist proposes to treat a medical (nondental) condition, write him or her off. If the dentist proposes to do so with one of the unscientific methods mentioned above, leave the office at once and never return.

Read insurance forms carefully before you sign them. Do not permit dentists to misrepresent work. And do not sign the form before the dentist has completed the treatment.

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During the past 25 years, dentistry in America has seen numerous changes in technology, treatment techniques, marketing and traditions of practice. Some of these changes have benefited consumers, but many have been detrimental to both consumers and dentists. Long gone are the days when choosing a dentist and a treatment was simple. Today’s consumer seeking the best dental deal is faced with a bewildering profusion of options.

For example, there are single (individual) practitioners, dental-school clinics, union clinics, HMOs (health maintenance organizations), and referral schemes; “holistic dentistry” and conventional treatments; fixed bridges, removable bridges, and implants; silver fillings and plastic fillings; mouthwash regimens and gum surgery. But which options are reasonable? Which are fraudulent? And what are the tip-offs of dental wrongdoing?

Dishonest Dentists?
The lead article in the February 1997 issue of Reader’s Digest asked: “How Honest Are Dentists?” William Ecenbarger, the article’s author, conducted a multi-state investigation to answer this question.

Dentist John Dodes and two other experts examined Ecenbarger’s mouth separately to establish a diagnostic baseline. Ecenbarger specified that he did not need or want any strictly cosmetic services. The three panelists decided, independently, that he had only two dental problems: a decayed tooth that needed a filling or a crown and a faulty crown, replacement of which was optional.

Ecenbarger then visited 50 dentists he had “randomly selected … from the Yellow Pages in 28 states and the District of Columbia.” He told each dentist that he was relocating, that he had good insurance coverage, and that he was satisfied with the appearance of his teeth. Only 12 of these dentists properly diagnosed the problems the expert panel had discovered. Many wrongly told Ecenbarger he needed extensive treatment. Fifteen dentists did not identify the decayed tooth, and three told Ecenbarger he didn’t have any dental problems. Prices for proposed treatment ranged from about $500 to more than $29,000.

Considering that most of the treatment plans submitted to Ecenbarger were inaccurate, inappropriate or fraudulent, how confident can a dental consumer be? Add to this the burgeoning problems of quackery and hurried, incompetent “care,” and it seems dental consumers have much to be concerned about.

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If that rings familiar to you, so may the rest of it, which goes, “You’re never fully dressed without a SMILE.”

So sang the passel of lovable orphans in the musical “Annie.” And it’s a tune that is being hummed by more and more dentists today.

“When you correct the smile, you see the face differently. It’s about beauty, it’s about self-esteem, it’s about feeling confident about yourself. Who has the right to tell you that you shouldn’t have those things?” said Dr. Ronald Goldstein, DDS, who is just the one to pose that question.

A prolific author — one of his several books, “Change Your Smile” (Quintessence Books) is in its third edition — and pioneer in the field of cosmetic dentistry, Goldstein is a champion for sparkling ivories. “Patients will say to me after we’ve done a procedure, ‘People think I’ve had a facelift.’ That’s the best.”

“It’s true. My friends all thought I had a facelift, but I didn’t,” laughed Sandra Cape in a soft, rolling accent reflective of her home in Atlanta, Ga. The 58-year old made the decision to have a series of procedures done five years ago by Goldstein, including adding porcelain laminates on her upper teeth, braces to help straighten others, replacement of crowns and tooth bleaching. While Cape always loved her smile — “I do have to say, I have always had a nice smile,”– there was one but: a darkened, discolored front tooth that bothered her for years.

“I have to admit I was very self-conscious about this. It just didn’t seem to go with the rest of my mouth,” she said. On a visit to Goldstein’s private practice — Goldstein, Garber, Salama & Gribble L.L.C in downtown Atlanta — the veteran dentist with 40-plus years experience used computer imaging to show Cape what she would look like with the changes.

“I don’t think of myself as a vain person. But when I saw the difference, well, it was like when you see a wonderful antique or piece of art that you absolutely love. You have to have it,” she recalled, adding the entire procedure cost her around $40,000.

Cape is just one of the hundreds of thousands of Americans moving toward extensive cosmetic dentistry to not only improve their looks, but enhance their oral hygiene and lengthen the life of their teeth.

“I don’t differentiate. All dentistry is cosmetic dentistry,” said Dr. Richard Price, consumer adviser for the American Dental Association (ADA) and president of the Newton Dental Associates in Newton, Mass. “Brushing your teeth, flossing, changing a filling, getting rid of a stain — is all cosmetic. Of course, the only one who thought a silver filling was beautiful was a dentist. But to me, it all enhances your teeth.”

While that may be true, Price is quick to point out that the options available now are so varied and sophisticated that virtually no one has to live with bad teeth, or a lousy smile.

“This is almost 100 percent true, because even if all is lost, we have implants. We can virtually replace dentures with gorgeous implants,” said Price, who has been practicing since the mid-1960s. “I am 59 years old and probably the first in my generation since Adam that has my own teeth. It is all too common for us to have parents who had full dentures. That is almost obsolete.”

Coupled with the changes in technology that have led to such things as resins, porcelain laminates and tooth-colored fillings to replace the old silver amalgams, there is evolving aesthetics of the art of dentistry.

“You are sculpting teeth, matching colors, designing bite. It takes skill and precision,” said Goldstein. And the public appreciates it. According to a recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 9 out of 10 people think that an attractive smile is a huge asset, two-thirds believe that an unattractive one hurts your chances at success, and almost 90 percent always remember someone with a great smile.

According to Rob Johnston, he is one of the unforgettable.

“I am not kidding when I tell you that for six months after I had all my work done, I did not encounter one person who didn’t comment on my teeth. That includes strangers,” said the gregarious 52-year old president of the Pinnacle Company, an Atlanta-based apartment management firm. “Now, nine years later, it’s what I’m known for.”

To get those pearly whites, Johnston had to endure two years of wearing braces — “I was the only one in the orthodontist’s office over 15″ — and had to give up something else. “This was instead of the Porsche I really wanted. He took my darn car.”

Goldstein also straightened his top teeth, and “basically enhanced every tooth in my mouth.” After years of feeling self conscious of his smile because of poor dental work, Johnston was eager to pay the cost, which turned out to be $45,000.

But the moral of the story is that Johnston still ended up with his Porsche, albeit several years later, and has a renewed sense of self-confidence.

“People want to be around happy people. A smile is the best way to manifest that. A smile eases people’s defenses, and just makes really good business sense,” he said.

While oral hygiene and tooth-longevity are some of the sensible reasons, proponents point to self-esteem as one of the most important.

“Absolutely. This is no joke. When someone leaves the chair in my office with tears in their eyes, it’s not because of pain,” added. Dr. Price.

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About the time your child turns five, he will start the process of losing his baby teeth, and permanent teeth will emerge. The timing for this varies for each child. Generally, if your child had teeth early as a baby, you can look for the permanent teeth to appear early as well. A common situation I have seen with kids this age is when permanent teeth erupt prior to the loss of the baby teeth. If this is the situation with the bottom teeth, encourage your child to wiggle and loosen the baby teeth on his own. If this occurs with the upper teeth, you should consult your dentist, as the placement of the permanent tooth could be affected.

Once all the permanent teeth are in place, you should speak to your dentist about having a dental sealant applied. This has been shown to be effective in protecting the permanent teeth from decay.

Dental Emergencies

As with most things in life — prevention is always the goal. Encourage your children to use mouth protection if your child is involved in sports. You can talk to your dentist about the proper appliance for your child. However, accidents still will happen.

*If your child breaks a tooth or loses a tooth — CONTACT YOUR DENTIST IMMEDIATELY. Keep the mouth clean. Apply ice if there are signs of swelling.

*Should your child complain of a toothache, have your child rinse with warm water. Try flossing in the event the pain is caused by something lodged between the teeth. If the pain persists, call your dentist.

*If your child cuts his tongue, gums, lips, etc … understand it usually appears worse than it is. The mouth is a wet environment; it may appear to be bleeding profusely. Rinse the mouth with water. Apply ice (ice pops work great with little ones), if the bleeding does not slow down, call your dentist or go to the emergency room.

Orthodontics

The ADA states: “It is recommended that every child receive an orthodontic evaluation by age seven” to identify any orthodontic problems. The ADA defines orthodontic problems as malocclusion. “Some examples or causes of malocclusion are crowded teeth, extra teeth, missing teeth or jaws that are out of alignment. Most malocclusions are inherited, although some can be acquired. Acquired malocclusions can be caused by accidents, early or late loss of baby teeth, or sucking of the thumb or fingers for a prolonged period of time.” Today there are many options available in terms of types of orthodontics or braces. Generally, the duration of treatments is about 24 months — but this varies depending on extent of correction needed and compliance of patient.

An excellent source of information is the American Dental Association. If you need help locating a dentist in your area or would like additional information on this topic, you can visit their Web site at www.ada.org.

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The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends scheduling a visit to the dentist within six months of the eruption of the first tooth, and no later than the child’s first birthday. Unfortunately, many parents are under the mistaken idea that no dental care is needed until after the eruption of permanent teeth.

Early dental care is important for several reasons. First, the parents will learn how to care for the child’s new teeth. Cleaning even the tiniest new tooth is essential. The dentist can also assess any potential problems perhaps relating to nursing, bottle-feeding, thumb-sucking, etc. The dentist will also assess your child’s need for fluoride. You should check your water supply for fluoride, if your water is not fluorinated, a vitamin supplement may be necessary. And possibly the most important reason for early dental visits is to ensure your child’s comfort at a dentist’s office.

I made a point of finding a local dentist that specialized in pediatric dentistry. The dentist and staff are very compassionate. They are specially trained to deal with the pediatric patient and their special needs. They are also expert at being silly and reassuring at the same time and guaranteeing your child’s comfort. As a matter of fact, my dentist office is so fun that my kids whine to me, “Mom, PLEEEEAASE! Can we go to the dentist?” His office has an arcade room, video games, toys, etc. We actually go early to insure the kids get enough time to play. I will admit; this extra fun comes with a price. This dentist is more expensive than a family dentist, but no more expensive than a day at an amusement park. That is the way I look at it. I am happy to pay the extra money. My kids are happy and have a great time. And when there have been problems, my children are comfortable with the dentist. My daughter didn’t even flinch when she had to have a cavity filled in a “baby” tooth.

The First Visit

You can help reduce anxiety by telling the child what to expect before the first visit. Naturally with very young children this may take some creativity. Role-playing is often very effective. Reading books specifically written for children on the subject might also help minimize fears. On the initial visit you might expect an exam, X-rays, cleaning and perhaps a fluoride treatment depending on your child’s age.

Brushing

Beyond regular every-six-months visits to the dentist, daily sound oral hygiene should be encouraged at home. Believe it or not, this should begin before your baby even has teeth. According to ADA “Wiping baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after feeding will remove the plaque and bacteria that can harm erupting teeth.” A particular concern at this stage is protecting newly erupting baby teeth from decay due to continued exposure to sugary liquids (i.e., milk, juice, etc.). Never put your child to sleep with a bottle! Before sleep, wipe your child’s new teeth or gums with a damp piece of gauze.

By the age of two you can begin to introduce toothpaste. Initially, parents should see to the brushing to be certain the teeth are adequately clean. Use no more than a pea sized amount of toothpaste and teach your child not to swallow the toothpaste. The ADA warns of the risk mild fluorosis, “which is a cosmetic defect noticeable as very light spots on permanent teeth and develops only while the teeth are still forming. Fluorosis only occurs when more than the optimal daily amount of fluoride is ingested.” Parents are urged to continue regular supervision and educate their child on proper technique until about the age of six or seven. Be sure to include instruction on flossing as well. Children should be flossing and brushing daily.

According to the ADA, the following should be considered when choosing toothbrushes and floss:

“The most important thing to look for when choosing a toothbrush is the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance. The Seal is the symbol that the product meets ADA standards for safety and effectiveness. The ADA recommends consumers change their toothbrushes at least every three months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Children’s brushes may need to be replaced more often because they can wear them out sooner.

Powered toothbrushes are another excellent idea. Powered toothbrushes may be easier to use for people with dexterity problems or a physical disability. Children may also be more inclined to brush regularly because of the novelty of using a powered toothbrush.

Floss or other inter-dental cleaners don’t come in such fancy packages, but are equally important for oral health-care and should be used by everyone once a day. Again, look for the products with the ADA Seal.”

Early oral hygiene, practiced daily, will instill good habits to last a lifetime.

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After bathtime, I brush Emily’s teeth. If your baby doesn’t have teeth yet, you can wipe baby’s gums with a clean piece of gauze. If you use a toothbrush, use only a tiny amount of toothpaste. Check with your doctor to see if you should use fluoride toothpaste or not. Many public water supply systems add fluoride to the water, and too much fluoride can discolor teeth. You should always clean your baby’s teeth and gums before putting her down to sleep. Falling asleep while feeding, at bottle or breast, can lead to tooth decay. If your baby fights having his teeth brushed, ask your doctor to show you ways to restrain the baby gently but firmly.

How do you clip those little nails anyway? You need to be flexible here, depending on baby’s mood and where you are. I’ve clipped nails on sleeping babies in carseats, on babies watching “Barney,” while singing a song or doing “This Little Piggie.” I’ve clipped one hand one day and the other hand the next!

Many people think they do not have to replace missing teeth. Often they associate the loss of teeth with the aging process. However, replacing missing teeth will not only improve your physical appearance, it will also improve your eating and speaking skills. Also, each tooth performs a special function when combined with the rest. Each tooth holds the teeth on either side of it in place. Missing teeth can cause shifting and many other problems. Food particles could lodge in the spaces, forming plaque and causing periodontal disease, which can result in more lost teeth.

Dental Implants

Dental implants (osseointegration) are a good alternative to ordinary dentures because they serve as a substitute for natural tooth roots that rely on support from the jawbone. Implants can replace individual teeth or bridges and also support dentures.

Researchers recently developed the most advanced version of dental implants using titanium. They are beneficial because bone tissue actually fuses to the titanium.

The implant has a small post that protrudes from the gum tissue and is anchored in the jawbone or fitted over the jawbone. The prosthetic teeth are attached to the posts. They can be permanent or removable.

Not everyone can receive implants. You must be in general good health and have healthy gums . You cannot have a disease or condition such as diabetes. You have to maintain good oral hygiene. And care properly for implants.

Bridges and Partial Dentures

Dental bridges are used to fill empty spaces and may be cemented to the remaining natural teeth. It made be made of gold, a combination of gold and porcelain, or a combination of gold, porcelain and other materials. If there is a natural tooth on either side of the space, an artificial tooth may be fused to the metal bridge.

If there are no natural teeth near the space, a partial denture may be constructed to replace the missing teeth. A partial denture usually fastens by a clasp onto the last tooth on each side of the space. A removable partial denture should be taken out and cleaned properly whenever the rest of the teeth are brushed. You should visit the dentist regularly to have your partial denture checked for looseness. A loose clasp can move the teeth that it is attached to, possibly causing the loss of those teeth as well.

Complete Dentures

Before the dentist constructs a full set of removable dentures, your gum ridges will be checked for abnormalities. If gums are in poor condition, they may need treatment before dentures can be made.

Then the dentist will make an impression of your mouth and you will choose tooth and shade choices. There probably will be several appointments before you actually receive your dentures.

The mouth changes with age so it is important to have regular visits so the dentist can be sure they are fitting properly. The dentist will also teach you how to clean your dentures properly. They are a responsibility but can make a huge difference to someone who has lost their teeth.

Teeth health starts with proper eating habits, not necessarily avoiding sweets, but finding the proper balance.

Teeth health starts with proper eating habits and not just avoiding sweets, which include chocolate candy, sugar cane, chocolate bar or hard candy. The goal is to achieve the proper balance. When it’s time to select food for your children, know that sweets will be a part of their diet and teach them how to care for their teeth.

Care for your children’s teeth by requiring brushing of teeth twice a day, no matter what they eat during the day, whether it is sweets or other types of food. Despite what many young people like doing with it in their mouth, a Candy Cane is not an implement to clean their teeth. A person who eats a lot of sugary foods needs to brush daily.

One of the causes of tooth decay is sweet candy. The greatest way to maintain the smile is to use toothpastes containing fluoride. Help kids get into a routine of brushing their teeth, limiting sweets, and always brushing before they go to bed to help fight germs while they sleep.

Kid-friendly animations and online games created to teach children how to care their teeth and other various basic oral health care. They instruct kids to recognize the harm that chocolate candy, hard candy and other sugary foods can cause if regular cleanings aren’t performed.

Studies have shown children who like to brush their teeth when the toothpaste is flavored, since they link the taste to the sweet taste of candy. Correct brushing stops cavities, gum diseases and other dental health.

Children of the ages of 5 years or under should be brushing with no more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to remove plaque. This simple gesture is enough to provide the required protection against chocolate candy, sugar and regular food that remains bonded to the teeth.

Healthy eating habits are the keys to healthy teeth, because the snacks consumed by children are typically composed of sugar. The more they consume, the more likely formation of cavities will occur. Limiting snacks for children isn’t a smart idea since they need food to have energy, but try replacing candy with more nutritious snacks, like vegetables.

Oral lesions and How To Treat Them

Taking care of your teeth is important whether or not you have a chronic condition. When you have an autoimmune disease such as lupus, it is vital that you take care of your mouth and teeth to guard against tooth decay, dry mouth, infections and loose teeth. Because lupus patients are susceptible to infections, it becomes even more important to brush and floss daily as well as visiting the dentist at least twice a year. Infections can cause serious setbacks and spread to other parts of the body. If not treated in a timely fashion, it could lead to a flare, hospitalization or even death. Even with proper brushing and flossing you can still experience some inflammation. Approximately 20-25% of Lupus patients with SLE experiences oral issues.

One of the most important things you should do is select a dentist that has experience with lupus patients. A better choice would be an oral pathologist if mouth involvement is severe. This is extremely important because many times lupus patients have to pre-medicate before a visit. Your dentist should examine your neck and head along with your mouth for inflammation or any other abnormalities. This is especially important if you wear glasses or have long hair because it is difficult for you to examine these areas yourself.

Selecting the right toothbrush is also important. Find one that is soft or extra soft, especially if you are prone to lupus lesions on your gums. You might also want to find one with a small or compact brush head so the toothbrush will fit easily in your mouth. This is also helpful if you have an arthritiic condition and have difficulty holding your toothbrush. If you have problems griping the brush, build it out with masking tape, a sponge curler or tubing.

Calcium depletion can cause bone loss which can wreck havoc on your teeth. If you don’t have enough calcium in your system your teeth become vulnerable and decay faster. Your teeth can also decalcify and turn portions of your teeth abnormally white, making color uneven. Calcium supplements can help guard against bone loss. A great way to test your calcium supplements efficiency is to drop a tablet into 6 ounces of white vinegar at room temperature. If the tablet does not dissolve in 30 minutes, chances are your body isn’t absorbing the calcium. Doctors suggest between 1600 and 1800 mg of calcium per day for people with calcium deficiencies. The problem is that your body can not aborsorb all of that in one sitting. The best thing to do is to get some of your calcium from foods or drinks. If that is difficult try breaking up calcium supplements into three increments.

Oral Inspections

Get to know yourself in and out and you will be able to sense when something isn’t quite right with your mouth and face. It is not uncommon to have ulcers of the mouth which usually start out as little red patches followed by bleeding and pain. As the ulceration heals it will leave a little impression. Inspect your mouth and lips regularly so that you have an idea of what “normal is”. If you see a something other than what you are used seeing then that could be the beginning of a lupus lesion. Inspect your face, look for lumps and swelling so that when changes occur you will notice them.

Lip lesions can be found with white plaque. This plaque is heavy, thick tissue and is fairly diagnostic. Other conditions such as syphilis, diptheria and yeast infections can produce this white plaque, the difference is with those conditions, the white plaque is wipeable. There is a very low accurance of malignancy with the lupus lesions

With the tongue you can get a bald tongue. Instead of bumps and ridges there will be a smooth soft area and it can lead to severe fissuring of the tongue. If food gets in the fissures, an ulceration can occur. Look for fissures and check the evenness on both sides. Look for small varicose veins. If you have liver or kidney problems you might see an increase of these veins. Do not overlook the sides of your mouth or the roof of your mouth.

You should also inspect your lymph nodes which are located on each side of the neck. The lymph nodes drain things from your neck and head. Touch both sides of this muscle by turning your head a little which will make the nodes stand out better. You shouldn’t feel any lumps or bumps and if you do, they should not be hard like a rock. If you feel pain that is okay because it means it is not malignant.

Tips

· Do not have any dental work done during a flare unless absolutely necessary.

· If you are on steroid therapy, take extra special care of your teeth and make sure to see a dentist at least twice a year, more often if you have mouth ulcers.

· If you have mouth ulcers, avoid toothpaste. Try baking soda instead.

· Because surgeries can cause a flare, dental surgery should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. This includes teeth extraction.

· Wearing dentures may irritate the sores and ulcers in the mouth. Do not wear adhesives and when using denture cleaners, rinse of thoroughly before inserting in mouth.