Make the Most of Your Mouth

Oral Health Conditions: Ask the Dentist

Dentist Steven E. Roth, DMD, answers additional questions about oral health conditions.

Question:

I had a tooth removed a couple of months ago. Since then, I have had a sweet taste in my mouth. I am diabetic. Is my saliva giving me this taste? If not, what can be the cause of this?

Answer:

It sounds like you might be tasting the sweetness of your diabetes. Have the dentist check for an infection, then see an internist.

Question:

My wisdom tooth has been hurting for months, and it's accompanied by very bad headaches. What should I do?

Answer:

Immediately get to a dentist or an oral surgeon for an evaluation of your wisdom teeth. It will only get worse if you wait.

Question:

I had an abscess that ruptured in my mouth. Consequently, the roof of my mouth is sore, which makes eating, and some talking painful. Is this normal? What can I do to ease the pain?

Answer:

See a dentist right away. An abscess can be very painful and very dangerous. It can not only lead to tooth loss, but it can also lead to a full-body infection.

Question:

My tongue has splits, or a "cracked" look. It also burns and sometimes feels sore. What could this be?

Answer:

"Burning tongue syndrome" is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as a nutritional deficiency. In these cases, it is best to obtain a professional evaluation. See your dentist and your doctor.

Question:

I often get seizures. During a recent seizure, I fell and hit the side of my face, and one of my molars broke in half. I have pain all the time now. It takes over the whole right side of my face. Will this pain get better? What should I do?

Answer:

It sounds like you may have an exposed nerve. This is a problem that must be seen by a dentist as soon as possible.

Question:

My last upper molar that was crowned years ago, but now the bone around the tooth is deteriorating. It aches and is a little loose. Should I remove this tooth? Should the dentist? Will this deterioration of bone affect the rest my teeth?

Answer:

Periodontal disease causes the loss of bone and mobility of the tooth. It may very well be that the tooth needs removal, but what you really need is a complete exam and diagnosis, followed by a treatment plan.

Question:

What should you use for canker sores on the tongue?

Answer:

First, have a dentist evaluate the sores to make sure they are canker sores, and not something more serious. A dentist can then give you a prescription for the canker sores. Until you see a dentist, there are some excellent over-the-counter medications available you can use on the sores.

Question:

I have a white blister on the lower part of my gum, and it is very painful. It seems to be getting worse. I had a root canal on the same side. Should I be worried?

Answer:

A white blister may be a fistula or a pus drainage tract from an infected tooth. Get to the dentist immediately.

Question:

I bit my tongue about two weeks ago. It is still sore, and has tissue hanging off of it. What can I do? It's very annoying, and a little painful.

Answer:

Two weeks is a long time. It should be healing after two weeks. See the dentist for an evaluation. It may be that some of the excess tissue needs to be trimmed.

Question:

I'm 17 years old. I have sores in my mouth, and my gums are inflamed. It hurts so badly when I eat anything at all, and it hurts to even close my mouth. Even the outside of my jaw is sore. What is wrong with me? I was diagnosed with thrush, but I don't believe that's right! The medications have not helped.

Answer:

The list of possibilities includes mononucleosis, a primary herpes infection, or a slew of other viruses. It could also be the eruption of wisdom teeth. I recommend seeing your doctor first for an exam and then a visit to your dentist if it is tooth-related.

Question:

I have been using chewing tobacco for five years. I recently felt a lump underneath and directly behind my lower jaw. Could this be cancerous? There are no other sores or anything of that nature occurring in my mouth -- only a lowering of my gum line and sensitivity. I also have a tooth that is decaying.

Answer:

This could be an infection, a blocked salivary gland, or a tumor. You need to see a dentist right away -- and quit the tobacco chewing as well.

Question:

Is there a reason that a toothache causes a swollen eye?

Answer:

An infection of an upper tooth can cause a swollen lower eyelid due to the proximity of the tooth roots and the eye (eye tooth). An infection can also cause swelling in the fascial planes, which are layers of fibrous connective tissue in the area of the head and neck.

Question:

I get ulcers/canker sores few times a year. I currently have two now at each side of my mouth in the back near my molars. Usually they appear in front of my mouth. These are quite painful, and I am wondering if there's a mouth rinse or something for them.

Answer:

First, have a dentist evaluate to make sure they are canker sores. The dentist can then give you a prescription for the canker sores. There are some excellent over-the-counter medications you can use until you see a dentist.

Question:

I have a severe gag reflex and cannot wear my dentures. What can I do?

Answer:

This is a tough one. The best answer is to get dental implants so you do not have to wear a denture. There are affordable ways to get dental implants through dental schools and hospitals.

Question:

I woke up this morning and could not fully close my teeth together. I have pain on the left side when trying to bite down. What can it be?

Answer:

An infection, a spasming jaw muscle, and a sinus problem are all possible causes. Please see a dentist for an evaluation.

Question:

How often does a person with type 2 diabetes need to see a dentist?

Answer:

I recommend seeing your dentist three to four times a year for control of gum disease.

Question:

I had all my teeth extracted and got dentures. I have started to salivate a lot. What can I do to prevent this?

Answer:

There are prescription drugs to help with this problem, but as you adapt to the denture, it will get better.

Question:

I have scleroderma. My teeth are breaking, and my jaw seems smaller. The bottom teeth are hitting the back of my top teeth. Is this a scleroderma-related problem?

Answer:

Systemic sclerosis (commonly known as scleroderma), can cause jaw bone resorption and tooth root resorption, which can cause ligament loosening. The results of this are that teeth may loosen, crack, and either fall out -- or need to be extracted. See a dentist who has experience treating scleroderma patients for an evaluation.

Question:

Why is it that every month when my period is due, I experience terrible gum pain -- especially when I drink hot tea? What is the reason for this?

Answer:

Hormonal changes can definitely affect gums and their sensitivity levels. Be careful of the temperature of your tea.

Question:

How does smoking cause halitosis? Is smoking bad for your teeth?

Answer:

Smoking dries the mouth, causing halitosis, which is commonly known as bad breath. It unleashes volatile sulfur compounds, which are also associated with halitosis. Halitosis may also indicate the presence of lung disease. Smoking stains teeth and dries saliva, so it makes you more prone to tooth decay.

Question:

I just got over strep throat, and now both of my bottom wisdom teeth are bothering me. My tongue is swollen, and today I just discovered that I have a lump in it. I can barely open my mouth. It hurts when I do anything related to my mouth. Could this be serious?

Answer:

See your internist first, and then see your dentist.

Question:

Can gum disease cause stomach problems?

Answer:

Having infection in the mouth can be nauseating for many people. It can be due to bad bacteria being swallowed, and the smell and taste of periodontal bacteria. However, it could be a more serious stomach issue, so have it evaluated.

Question:

I have been treated for hyperthyroidism with radiation iodine treatment. As a result of the treatment, I am now hypothyroid. I have been experiencing what feels like excessive saliva in my mouth, dryness in my throat, and dry lips. It is very uncomfortable, because I need to talk a lot for my job. I wonder if these issues have anything to do with the radiation treatment.

Answer:

It is very possibly related to your treatment. You should speak to your doctor about it. Artificial saliva, lemon drops, fluoride treatments, and other dietary supplements all may help. Also, speak to your dentist about these issues.

Question:

I have iron deficiency anemia. It causes my mouth and tongue to be very painful, and cracks have formed in the corners of my mouth. Is there anything that I can do to treat these symptoms?

Answer:

First, I recommend you get an evaluation by a dentist. Also talk to your doctor about iron supplements and topical treatments for angular cheilitis. These may help your symptoms.

Question:

I am having sinus and allergy issues. Will they cause me to also have a toothache on one side of my face?

Answer:

Yes, a sinus and allergy issue can cause tooth pain because the sinus is wrapped around the roots of the upper back teeth. Your sinus problem can also change your bite, which can cause a toothache.

Thank you for joining us for Ask the Dentist. Be sure to check in on July 14 at 1 p.m. ET when we'll discuss natural dental products. Sign up if you'd like an email reminder the day before the event.