Thursday, September 29, 2016

Pneumonia, the number one killer in infants

Pneumonia is a type of lung infection that can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Babies most often experience symptoms of pneumonia caused by a viral infection.
Here are the symptoms of pneumonia in infants requiring immediate medical attention from our doctor.

Coughing or snoring sound
Unlike children and adults, infants with pneumonia usually show no symptoms of chronic cough depending on the type of infection. In contrast, infants with lung infections symptoms experience recurrent dry cough and gradually less congested

Fever
Fever can occur in infants with pneumonia. Symptoms of fever may be accompanied by sweating, chills or headaches. Generally, the symptoms of a fever in infants with pneumonia exceeds degrees Celsius. Infants who experience symptoms of fever should be examined by a doctor because these symptoms could be a sign of a serious medical problem.

Difficulty in breathing
Breathing difficulties can occur in infants who has pneumonia. A baby with a lung infection starts sneezing or breathing rapidly. Parents should begin to pay attention to the muscles of the baby’s ribs when they breathe. Infants who develop difficulty breathing due to pneumonia requiring immediate medical attention from a doctor.

Abdominal pain and low levels of appetite
Pneumonia can cause symptoms of abdominal pain, such as nausea or vomiting. If this happens, the baby usually do not want to eat or have a decreased appetite. Infants with pneumonia may also develop symptoms of diarrhea due to infection. Infants who experience vomiting or persistent diarrhea should be immediately taken to a doctor because these symptoms could increase the baby’s risk of dehydration.

Easy to be fussy
Infants with pneumonia becomes easy to be cranky as a result of the infection. Pneumonia makes them feel uncomfortable, causing the baby cries a lot or have trouble sleeping.

If you find the above symptoms in your baby, consult a physician. Rapid medical intervention can facilitate the healing process of your baby.

Make an appointment by calling 0925-567-5329 • 0908-865-5662 • 0917-566-1932 • 458-0717 and schedule a consultation today.

Visit us at BRITANNIA MEDICAL CENTER - The Enclave
Enclave Complex, Fil-Am Friendship Road, Angeles City.
britanniamed@gmail.com || www.britanniamedicalcenter.ph || britanniamedicalcenter.blogspot.com

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Burning Mouth Syndrome

What is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS), as the name suggests, is a condition that can cause the tongue, gums, cheeks, lips, or throat to feel as if they are burning. There is no single cause for this condition and, unfortunately, dental and health professionals do not currently have a way to test for it. Because of the fact that it differs in every person it affects, and that it can either flare up due to another condition or seemingly happen on its own, this condition is sometimes difficult to identify or treat.

What are the symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome?

This condition has a spectrum of irritation from complete numbness, to a slight tickle, to a feeling of being scalded. It affects people differently and thus can be difficult to diagnose. Changes in taste may also occur with Burning Mouth Syndrome, such as an intense metallic taste in the mouth or loss of taste completely. Sufferers of BMS may also experience a dry feeling in their mouth, tongue, or throat, coupled with a heightened sense of thirst.

How long does the condition last?

Because the condition varies so much, it can affect someone for just a few days and another for months or even years. Depending on whether or not the flare up of the condition is due to a pre-existing condition such as mouth ulcers, or if it’s occurring on its own, also plays a role in its severity, duration, and treatment.

What pre-existing conditions can trigger Burning Mouth Syndrome?

There are a number of different conditions and substances that can cause this issue, many of which are included in this list:

nutritional deficiencies
ill-fitting dentures
allergic reactions to oral gels
adhesives
various foods
tissue trauma
stomach acid reflux
oral ulcers
oral fungal infections

And even stress and anxiety can all trigger a flare up of Burning Mouth Syndrome.

Does the condition require medical attention?

While some cases of Burning Mouth Syndrome disappear on their own, most have been documented to last for a significant amount of time and all instances should be monitored by a dental and health professional. If you feel tingling, pain or any other potential symptoms associated with BMS, you should alert your healthcare professional and dental practitioner right away.

How do you treat Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Without being able to cite the cause of Burning Mouth Syndrome flare ups, it is impossible to have one cure-all treatment for the condition. Deciding on a treatment course with your medical professional involves determining whether the Burning Mouth Syndrome is happening on its own or as a consequence of another condition. Once this has been determined, possible treatment options include saliva replacement to combat dry mouth, oral rinses to treat fungal infections, therapy or counselling for stress related triggers, and certain nerve blocking medications.

Can Burning Mouth Syndrome be prevented?

This specific condition requires the involvement and monitoring of a health professional for successful treatment. However, there are a few things you can do to help prevent the condition or lessen the pain caused by it. For example, avoiding food and drink that contain cinnamon, mint, alcohol, high levels of acidity or heavy spices can help keep irritation at bay. Switching to mild tasting toothpastes such as ones designed for sensitive teeth, and taking steps towards managing stress, anxiety, and depression can also help.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Top 10 Reasons For Toothaches

10. Orthodontic Alignment

Braces, retainers, and other dental alignment systems are a common cause for oral discomfort and aching pain among teeth. Pain is usually fairly noticeable right after adjustments which tighten or move teeth, but typically subsides after a few days. If the pain is still extremely uncomfortable and persisting, discuss with your orthodontist about readjusting your orthodontic appliance so that it does not interfere with your daily life.

9. Misaligned Teeth or Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Teeth that are misaligned can press against others, pushing them out of line as well, resulting in aches and pains. Impacted wisdom teeth, also known as wisdom teeth that have failed to break through the gum line, can also be extremely painful as they fester below the gum line and sometimes push against other teeth. These issues should be brought to the attention of your dentist, if they haven’t been addressed yet. For misaligned teeth, an orthodontic solution will likely be proposed, such as braces, and surgery will be needed to fix impacted wisdom teeth.

8. Improper Brushing or Flossing

Very often people do not pay attention to the pressure they are using when they brush and floss their teeth and end up pressing much too hard. This results in irritated, inflamed, and bleeding gums. If extreme pressure like this is constantly used, it can cause gums to recede and can make teeth unstable, resulting in more pain. Consult your dentist about proper brushing techniques and be sure to only use soft bristled toothbrushes.

7. Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a very common reason for tooth, jaw, neck, and related muscle pain. People who grind their teeth generally do so while they’re sleeping or during stressful situations. Excessive teeth grinding involves violently clenching the jaw and grinding the top and bottom teeth back and forth against each other.

This can result in sore jaw bones and joints, headaches, and even cracked or chipped teeth, all of which are very painful. The best course of action to treat bruxism is to have a custom mouthguard made that is worn while sleeping to relieve the stress put on teeth and the jaw.

6. Damaged Fillings or Dental Sealants

Dental fillings that cover deep pits, grooves, or fractures in teeth often protect vulnerable parts of the tooth. When these protectants are damaged, the sensitive parts of teeth are exposed to extreme temperatures, food particles, and bacteria. This can result in a pain that is anything from a dull ache to a sharp, piercing sensation. If you have a damaged filling or sealant, be sure to book an emergency appointment with your dentist to have it fixed before the vulnerable parts of your tooth suffer further damage or decay.

5. Temperature Sensitivity

If you are experiencing sharp tooth pain during, or very soon after, eating or drinking something that is cold or hot, this is typically associated with tooth sensitivity. This can mean that your tooth enamel has worn down and your tooth’s dentin (the layer where the tooth’s nerves lie) is exposed, or can be a result of recent teeth whitening. To help protect these nerves and shelter them from extreme temperatures, try a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. Consult your dentist for recommendations and further treatment options.

4. Tooth Fractures

Teeth can be cracked or chipped in many different ways, whether it’s through a fall, playing sports, or biting down on something hard or sticky. If you are feeling pain in a fractured tooth, that means that the fracture has made its way to the middle of the tooth where the nerve endings are and can result in excruciating pain.

This may not happen as soon as the tooth is chipped or damaged, but can develop over time as the tooth damage worsens. This is why all fractures and chips should be attended to by your dentist as soon as possible and before they have the chance to worsen.

3. Gum Disease

Gum disease is characterized by a dull pain in the mouth, red, bleeding gums, and also sometimes tooth pain. A common cause of this is the oral bone and gums becoming inflamed. If left untreated, teeth, gums, and bones could be damaged or lost, and surgical measures may have to be taken to rid the mouth of infection.

2. Tooth Abscess

When tooth decay advances to the point of affecting the root beneath the visible tooth there is a high chance that the root and the surrounding tissue have become infected. This will result in a widespread pulsating pain that may make it hard to determine which exact tooth is the culprit of the pain. This is a very serious issue and needs to be professionally dealt with as soon as possible as it can result in bone and tissue loss. Which, obviously, is no fun at all.

1. Tooth Decay

The most common reason for a painful toothache is plain old tooth decay. Sure, it might not be all that exciting or new, but it’s something that can affect any of us.

For the tooth and the surrounding area to hurt, the decay in the tooth would have to be significant enough to reach the inner layer of the tooth, a layer called the dentin. Once the dentin is damaged the tooth becomes very sensitive and a cavity, or cary, has developed.

If the pain becomes less of an ache and more of a sharp pain, the tooth decay may have reached the centre of the tooth. This results in a very intense pain that makes it difficult to carry on with daily life. These issues need to be addressed as soon as possible as they are not only painful but can quickly lead to bigger dental issues.

Make an appointment by calling 0925-567-5329 • 0908-865-5662 • 0917-566-1932 • 458-0717 and schedule a consultation today.

Visit us at BRITANNIA MEDICAL CENTER - The Enclave
Enclave Complex, Fil-Am Friendship Road, Angeles City.
britanniamed@gmail.com || www.britanniamedicalcenter.ph || britanniamedicalcenter.blogspot.com

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Gingivitis: What Is It & How To Deal With It

Gingivitis is a term that is used quite frequently in dental offices and which is diagnosed to millions of Canadians each year. You probably know that it is something you don’t want to have, but do you really know what gingivitis is and why it happens? What happens once you have gingivitis, and what can be done about it?

What is Gingivitis?

Believe it or not, gingivitis sounds much worse than it really is. Essentially, gingivitis refers to the inflammation of the gums. This inflammation is caused by built up plaque and the bacteria it contains, which naturally form on your teeth every day and is the reason why we recommend brushing your teeth and flossing each day.

Gingivitis can cause your gums to become red, swollen, and often causes bleeding. Generally, gingivitis is not painful, but be on the lookout for early warning signs such as blood on your toothbrush or bleeding gums when you floss. If steps are taken to address gingivitis during the early stages, it can be reversed fairly easily.

How Did I Get Gingivitis?

Gingivitis occurs in areas of the mouth that are not properly cleaned daily. This usually happens behind the four back molars where it can be uncomfortable to floss and brush because it is much closer to the throat. Gingivitis also happens near the gumline on both the top and bottom teeth where it is commonly not cleaned properly. The lack of proper cleaning of plaque in these and other areas of the mouth is how gingivitis starts and the places to pay particular attention to when cleaning your teeth.

How Do I Treat Gingivitis?

If in the early stages, treating gingivitis is fairly easy and consists of brushing twice every day, including the tongue, cheeks, and roof of the mouth, and, ideally flossing at least once. Be sure to use a soft bristled toothbrush so as to not aggravate the gums unnecessarily, and ensure that you are cleaning between teeth and at the gum level to properly get rid of plaque before it hardens into tartar.

If you continue to ensure that plaque is removed properly every day and that the gums are stimulated through brushing and flossing, the early stages of gingivitis should soon reverse. When your gums return to a pink colour, and are no longer puffy and no longer prone to bleeding, you will know that your gums are healthy and happy again.

What Happens if Gingivitis is Left Untreated?

If the early signs of gingivitis are not noticed or are ignored, gingivitis can quickly progress into gum disease. This happens if plaque is not removed from teeth and it hardens into tartar, a substance that can only be removed professionally.

Once tartar lines the gums, infection can happen and from there major dental issues such as flesh, bone, and tooth loss can become a reality. Gingivitis causes the gums to loosen and pull away from the teeth, causing teeth to become loose and hastening gum disease. While the very early stages of gingivitis are not something to necessarily panic about as it can be treated, it is absolutely not something that should go unattended or brushed off.

How Do I Prevent Gingivitis?

Prevention is key in keeping your oral health at its best, and regular dental checkups at least every six months are the best way to ensure that your teeth are being properly cleaned. Missing even one dental cleaning can lead to a flare up of gingivitis.

Be sure to take the time in the morning and before bed to care for your mouth. This includes about two minutes of brushing all sides of teeth, tongue, cheeks, and the roof of the mouth, and flossing between all teeth.

Mouthwash is a great extra step to take in ensuring that all areas of your mouth are cleaned and cared for, but we would recommend using one that is alcohol-free since those can dry things out and cause other problems. It is essential to know that pain is not a symptom of gingivitis, so being on the lookout for the other symptoms is key to prevention.

Monday, September 5, 2016

What Is Fluoride And Do You Really Need It?

What is fluoride exactly?

Fluoride (often misspelled as Flouride) is a colourless, naturally-occurring mineral that can be found throughout the Earth’s surface. It can be found in solid, liquid and gas forms and, when applied in small doses, has been proven to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay. It’s for this reason that fluoride is often added in very small doses to the drinking water of municipalities as it has been proven to prevent cavities when compared to areas without fluoridated drinking water.

If you have been to your dentist lately for a routine dental checkup, you likely experienced a concentrated fluoride treatment which usually comes in the form of a flavoured foam and is applied to your teeth using dental trays. What’s your favourite flavour?

How does fluoride protect my teeth?

Fluoride protects teeth in a few different ways. One way is by strengthening the structure of the tooth for small children who are under seven years of age, which is still in the developmental stages for their teeth enamel. If the right amount of fluoride is applied during this period, the actual structure of the enamel is strengthened and becomes more resistant to acids. This means that, as the child grows, they will have teeth that are better protected right from the beginning.

When plaque builds up on and around teeth, the destructive bacteria within it is in direct contact with the enamel of the teeth. The bacteria slowly eats away at the enamel and weakens it by leaching vital minerals out of it. This process is called demineralization and, while the mouth naturally fixes the weakened enamel through remineralization, the natural process can become ineffective if teeth are not cleaned properly or if too much sugar enters the mouth on a regular basis.

So another way that fluoride helps to protect teeth is through remineralization. Fluoride helps to promote the process of remineralization and makes sure that the enamel which is replaced during the process is stronger and less susceptible to breakdown.

Fluoride also works against the destructive acid produced by plaque which is extremely important in preventing tooth decay. It does this by blocking some of the most harmful enzymes found in plaque and prevents them from producing the acid that weakens tooth enamel.

There have been studies that have shown how fluoride may play a further role in the development of children’s teeth. In children who consumed the suggested amount of fluoride, the grooves in their teeth, also known as fissures, were much shallower than those found in the teeth of children who did not have fluoride in their diet. Shallower fissures mean that it is less likely that food particles and harmful bacteria will get stuck in the crevices and pits in the teeth that are difficult to clean. This can result in fewer cavities and a healthier mouth overall.

How can I make sure I’m getting enough fluoride?

The most effective way to ensure that you are introducing fluoride into your mouth, and one of the most important steps in general oral care, is to brush your teeth twice each day with fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure that when you are brushing, you take the time to go over and around each tooth on all sides and along the gum line to ensure that you aren’t leaving any area uncleaned or unprotected.

Sunday, September 4, 2016

What Are Canker Sores?

If you have ever experienced a canker – or chancre – sore in your mouth, you know that they can be bothersome at the very least, and often quite painful. They seem to pop up out of the blue and immediately outstay their welcome. So, what are they exactly, and is there anything you can do to get rid of them?

Read on to discover everything you need to know about canker sores.

Canker sores are generally small ulcers found only inside the mouth, usually along the cheeks, tongue, or lips. They can make it very uncomfortable to talk, eat, or drink and can be very painful when acidic foods come into contact with them. The flesh of the sore itself is usually white and very tender with red aggravated skin surrounding it, but they are not contagious.

Who do canker sores affect?

Women are twice as likely to get canker sores than men and usually occur between the ages of 10 and 20, although they can appear earlier in life. That being said, anyone can be affected by canker sores at any age. There have been cases of canker sores reported as early as two years old.

What causes canker sores?

Unfortunately, the true cause of canker sores is unknown. However, it has been proven that eating an excess of highly citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, pineapples, tomatoes, and strawberries, can trigger canker sores in many people.

Consuming a lot of sugary foods, such as candies, can also cause sores to pop up. Damage or irritation from dental appliances, accidental biting of the tongue or cheek, or ill-fitting dentures can also be a trigger for canker sores. There has also been evidence that suggests a diet lacking in vitamin B-12 can cause canker sores. This vitamin can be found in foods such as eggs, dairy products, and seafood.

What is the difference between a canker sore and a cold sore?

Canker sores occur exclusively inside the mouth and do not have any known cause. Cold sores, on the other hand, are caused by a viral infection and are highly contagious. Unlike canker sores, cold sores occur outside of the mouth and are filled with fluid, resembling blisters, and generally scab over before healing.

Are canker sores dangerous?

Generally, no, canker sores are not dangerous. They can be extremely uncomfortable, even very painful, but they usually disappear on their own after a week or two. However, canker sores should not occur more than four or five times in a year – so if you experience an excessive amount, it could point to a larger health issue. Consult your doctor if you believe this sounds like your experience.

How do you treat a canker sore?

Canker sores can also be laser treated by your dentist which provides immediate relief and quicker healing time. If you are bothered by canker sores regularly, your dentist may recommend that you use a canker sore combating mouthwash.

Avoiding trigger foods, such as highly citrus fruits and extremely sugary treats, is essential when letting your canker sore heal as exposing it to these foods can further aggravate it. Being careful when using dental appliances such as retainers, dentures, and braces, is important to ensure further damage isn’t done to the affected area.

Be sure to thoroughly brush your teeth after meals to ensure that food particles or bacteria doesn’t get attached to the sore and possibly cause an infection. If your canker sore does not improve on it’s own after two weeks, consult your dentist or doctor for further diagnosis.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

How much do you know about your wisdom teeth?

Why do you have wisdom teeth?

Anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were an evolutionary development that were required by our ancestors. It is thought that they needed these extra molars to help chew and digest their diet of rough foods.

A typical adult can have up to 32 teeth. Most of these develop when you are a child however the wisdom teeth (third molars) will appear when you are older; usually when you are between the ages of 17 and 25, although they can appear when you are younger or older than that as well. It is often the case that people do not have room for a full set of 32 teeth. A typical person will have room for around 28 teeth and so the development of wisdom teeth can cause difficulties when they push through the gum.

Do you need to have your wisdom teeth removed?

It is not mandatory to have your wisdom removed. If your mouth has enough room they will be able to push through your gums and will not cause you any problems. It is also common for wisdom teeth not to push through the gum at all and can simply shift underneath the gum. You may experience some discomfort as wisdom teeth move into position, below or through the gum, but once the tooth is in its position this discomfort should disappear.

In the past it was more common for dentists to remove wisdom. Nowadays it is generally agreed that if your wisdom teeth are not causing any problems or discomfort they will be left intact. If however your wisdom teeth are causing pain or discomfort or decay then your dentist may decide it is best to remove them.

What are impacted wisdom teeth?

If your wisdom tooth is stuck against an adjacent tooth your wisdom tooth is said to be impacted. This occurs when a wisdom tooth attempts to push through the gum even when there is not enough room in your mouth. This can cause the wisdom tooth to come in at an angle and put pressure on the tooth beside it.

Your impacted wisdom tooth can be fully or partially impacted. A fully impacted wisdom tooth is one that has not broken through the gums. A partially impacted wisdom tooth is one that has slightly erupted (broken through the gum). There are four types of impacted wisdom teeth depending on the angle they are affecting your mouth:

Distoangular Impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth tilts backwards.
Vertical Impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth has no tilt.
Mesioangular Impaction occurs when the tooth is tilted forward. This is the most common form of tooth impaction.
Horizontal Impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth is tilted horizontally.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems to your dental health. They can damage your other teeth, cause cysts and because they are generally harder to clean can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

How are impacted wisdom teeth treated?

If your wisdom tooth is causing pain or decay then your dentist may suggest that you have the problem tooth removed. The difficulty of removing your wisdom tooth depends on the shape of the roots and the position of the tooth. You dentist will be able to use x-rays to examine the position of your wisdom tooth and advise you on the difficulty of removing it. It is generally easier to remove upper wisdom teeth than lower ones and the procedure may take place in your dental practice or you may be referred to a oral surgeon. A wisdom tooth extraction requires a local anaesthetic, like you would receive for a filling and you may experience numbness in your mouth until it wears off.

Teeth straightening by cosmetic dentists in Britannia - The Enclave

Unfortunately it can often be the case that developing wisdom teeth can push and shift the position of your teeth, making them crooked or overlapped. If you feel that your smile is not as straight as it used to be then you may be interested in orthodontic treatments which can help straighten and improve your smile. Developments in dentistry have introduced a number of different discrete braces that can help straighten your smile without people noticing.

Orthodontic treatments can also be given in coordination with other dental procedures to give you a full Smile Makeover. Dental advancements have greatly improved the dental treatments available so there really is no need to suffer in silence, or feel embarassed about your smile.

If you are interested in having a Smile Makeover, getting your teeth straightened or are concerned about impacted wisdom teeth then please contact the Britannia - The Enclave. Our experienced team will be happy to help advise you on treatments or book you in for a consultation in our warm and calming practice.