Mucormycosis or Black Fungus: Easy Oral Practices to prevent Fungal Infection

May 5, 2024 dev.abrar No Comments

COVID-19 outbreak has left the entire world in a disarray, and specially now, when India is combating the second wave. As time has lapsed since the first outbreak of COVID, there have been many versions of symptoms as the SARS-CoV-2 virus has mutated and evolved. One such lethal complication being observed in patients in India in recent times, who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are gradually recovering, is a fungal disease called Mucormycosis or black fungus. With increasing number of cases across India, it has triggered panic among the public.

According to research and data, the Mucormycosis has a common occurrence amongst a certain category of COVID infected patients, such as patients who were prescribed steroids for prolonged periods, those who were hospitalized for extended timelines, patients who were on external oxygen support or ventilators or who have been on medication for illnesses such as diabetes.*

The black fungus can turn fatal, if not diagnosed and treated at the right time.~

Doctors believe mucormycosis, which has an overall mortality rate of 50%, may be being triggered by the use of steroids, a life-saving treatment for severe and critically ill Covid-19 patients. Steroids reduce inflammation in the lungs for Covid-19 and appear to help stop some of the damage which occurs when the body’s immune system goes into overdrive to fight off coronavirus. But they also reduce immunity and push up blood sugar levels in both diabetics and non-diabetic Covid-19 patients. It’s thought that this drop in immunity could be triggering these cases of mucormycosis.

Let’s understand the causes and symptoms of Mucormycosis

Causes and Symptoms of Mucormycosis

According to Ministry of Health (MoH)**, people who are recovering from COVID-19 or recovered from COVID-19, are more likely to be affected by the infection. Symptoms of some fungal diseases can be similar to those of COVID-19, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Laboratory testing is necessary to determine if a person has a fungal infection or COVID-19. Some patients can have COVID-19 and a fungal infection at the same time. People with severe COVID-19, such as those in an intensive care unit (ICU), are particularly vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections. Those patients who are under Oxygen therapy in the ICU, are exposed to moisture because of the use of a humidifier. Thus most hospitals use sterile water when the patient undergoes Oxygen Therapy.

These fungal co-infections are reported with increasing frequency and can be associated with severe illness and death. Awareness of the possibility of fungal co-infection is essential to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment in order to help prevent severe illness and death from these infections. The easily recognizable symptom of the black fungus includes discoloration of the oral tissues, tongue, gums, stuffy nose, swelling of face, heaviness below the eyes, discomfort, fever and headache.

If you’ve recently recovered or recovering from COVID-19 or are caring for a COVID patient on the path to recovery, follow these simple oral practices followed to reduce the chances of contracting the Black Fungus:

Maintain Pristine Oral Hygiene

While being treated for Coronavirus infection, the entire respiratory system, starting from the mouth houses millions of bacteria and fungus. Added to this steroids and medication are enablers for bacteria and fungus to thrive. This could cause problems in the sinus cavity, lungs and in severe cases, the brain also. By taking care of your mouth, just by brushing at least twice a day and maintaining this schedule would ensure flushing out, of these bacteria and fungus. Brushing thrice or even after every big meal is good.

Oral Rinsing

We understand that it might not be practically possible to brush every often. A simple work around would be to use a mouth wash to rinse the oral cavity. This would rid your mouth of remnants of large food pieces and in addition oral rinsing would also leave you with a refreshing breath.

Disinfect Tongue Cleaner and Tooth Brush

It’s a good practice to disinfect the tongue cleaner and tooth brush after every use with an antiseptic mouth wash. If you are infected with COVID-19, keep your tooth brush in a different holder from the others. If you’ve recovered from COVID, then discard your old tooth brush and tongue cleaner.

Drink Warm Water Frequently

Warm water is a good medium to clean and rinse the mouth frequently. It would clean the digestive canal and push the bacteria or fungus out of the system.

These are simple oral tips that you can practice while staying at home and reduce the risk of being affected with black fungus or Mucormycosis. In case you have any queries, call your dentist right away.

Our team is available for Online Dental Consultation and we would be happy to answer any questions or discuss any issues you may have.

Call us or Whatsapp us at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment today!

Sources:

* https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-57027829

~ https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/icmr-issues-advisory-saying-black-fungus-in-covid-patients-can-turn-fatal-if-left-untreated-1800599-2021-05-09

** https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/covid-fungal.html

Hoenigl M. Invasive fungal disease complicating COVID-19: when it rains it poursexternal icon. Clin Infect Dis. 2020 Sep 5

Lansbury L, Lim B, Baskaran V, Lim WS. Co-infections in people with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysisexternal icon. J Infect. 2020 May 27

Gangneux JP, Bougnoux ME, Dannaoui E, Cornet M, Zahar JR. Invasive fungal diseases during COVID-19: We should be preparedexternal icon. J Mycol Med 2020 Jun

Song G, Liang G, Liu W. Fungal co-infections associated with global COVID-19 pandemic: A clinical and diagnostic perspective from Chinaexternal icon. Mycopathologia. 2020 Jul 31

Koehler P, Cornely OA, Böttiger BW, Dusse F, Eichenauer DA, Fuchs F, et al. COVID‐19 associated pulmonary aspergillosisexternal icon. Mycoses. 2020 May 15

COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID 19 Vaccine: You should hear from Dentist

May 5, 2024 dev.abrar No Comments

COVID 19 Vaccine:You should hear from Dentist

Hope is on the horizon in the fight against COVID with the rollout of Vaccines. India is still in the early stages of administering Vaccines, whereas Karnataka has already vaccinated 2 lakh* people with over 1.5 crore doses. For many people, staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic meant foregoing medical treatment and regular checkups. As vaccine rollout steadily increases and more people are becoming fully vaccinated, many are wondering when it will be safe enough to visit healthcare facilities again.

Your dentist cares for your mouth because your oral health is essential to your overall health. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been working to put your health and safety first by taking extra steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our clinic. Now, we have COVID-19 vaccines to add to the other tools we’ve all been using to fight the pandemic — like wearing masks, washing our hands, and avoiding crowds. Whether you’ve already taken your first jab of the vaccine or are awaiting your turn to get vaccinated and are in the process of gathering the information you should know about getting the COVID Vaccine, we answer some common queries about COVID Vaccines.

Are COVID Vaccines Safe and Effective

As dentists, credible information is important to us before we recommend treatments for our patients. The COVID vaccines were developed by many companies in a short time frame as compared to other vaccines. It is important to know that though the development of the vaccines were rushed, the science behind them was not. These vaccines have been tested on thousands of people to ensure that they work and make sure they are safe for patients like you. The National Regulatory Authority of India (NRA)
review data from the tests and authorized for use after determining that they are safe and effective for the public.

Also as essential healthcare workers, dentists are at the front of the line to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. All our specialist dentists at Credence Dental are vaccinated, on top of continuing to follow all other Indian Dental Association’s guidelines like mask-wearing and social distancing. The likelihood that you can catch COVID-19 at the dentist is far less likely now.

COVID Vaccine will make me sick

There is no possible way that COVID vaccines can give you COVID-19!

They might, however, give you some side effects that make you feel uncomfortable for a short time. This is because the COVID vaccines teach your body how to recognize and fight off a COVID-19 infection. You might feel some of the symptoms you’d get if your body were fighting off the real virus, such as a fever. Though unpleasant, this is actually a sign the vaccine is working in your body.

I’ve had COVID and recovered. Should I still take the vaccine?

It is a fact that those who have contracted COVID and recovered, will have some natural immunity to protect the body from a COVID-19 infection. However, there have been reports of people being re-infected from the virus. It’s unclear as to how long the immunity for COVID-19 lasts, and it definitely varies from person to person. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends that those who’ve had COVID19 should also take the vaccine

Is it Compulsory to take all doses of the vaccination?

Currently, the two COVID vaccine manufacturers are Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India (SII), and the vaccines are Covaxin and Covishield respectively. Both require two doses of the vaccine, with strict guidelines as to how many days one must wait until they receive their second shot. For Covaxin, the second dose should be received at least 4-6 weeks after the first dose. In comparison, the Covishield requires at least 84 days or 12-16 weeks between the first and second vaccine. Studies suggest that it takes about two weeks for the COVID vaccine to become effective. This timeframe allows the body adequate time to build its antibodies needed to ward off the coronavirus, according to studies. A third vaccine which has a Russian origin, Sputnik-V also has recommended two doses of the vaccine with 22days apart from the first and second dose.

Answering the question, it is not a compulsion but a recommendation to take two doses of the vaccine to ensure maximum protection from the virus. However, even after being vaccinated, it is strongly recommended to follow all protocols of COVID protection such as wearing masks, sanitizing hands, and social distancing.

Is it safe to go to the dentist after you get the COVID vaccine?

Yes, it is safe to go to the dentist after getting both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. At the dentist, you run the risk of aerosol droplets spreading from the use of various equipment’s. In addition, dentists wear PPE kits when working with patients, and ensure there is no cross-contamination. There is always this fear that your dentist could potentially catch COVID-19 from another patient and unknowingly give it to you. Much like doctors’ offices, virus transmission in dentists’ offices has been very low because they screen patients effectively before they come in and limit the number of people that are allowed in the office at one time. You need not worry about this since all our dentists are vaccinated and we sanitize the equipment after each use. Read more about this here.

Additionally, its reported to be safe to get dental treatments such as dentures, dental implants, root Canal Therapy and even braces after getting vaccinated, as they had not witnessed any dental reactions or complications to the vaccine. In addition to the COVID Protocols, we also have gone a step ahead and installed a device – Shycocan* which acts as a ‘Hypercharge Corona Canon’. The device produces hypercharge high-velocity electrons, which intercept the negative-charge-seeking S-protein of the Corona family of viruses. This simply means that it can attenuate coronavirus cells within the clinic and render them incapable of attaching to human cells. This is for the safety of our Doctors and our patients.

If you have any further questions about COVID Vaccines or the protocols that we follow at our Clinic, we are more than happy to answer your questions. If you still feel that you are not brave enough to walk into a dentist, our team is available for Online Dental Consultation and we would be happy to answer any questions or discuss any issues you may have.

Call us or Whatsapp us at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment today!

Sources:

*Department of Health and Family Welfare Services Government of Karnataka: https://www.karnataka.gov.in/hfw/Pages/Home.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2haGE9VOjgN3xliD4kL7RD3n_eG1PMWnkm4Py7YhGEUor_k35zXeYXpLw

*Shycocan provides real-time protection against infection from coronavirus and has been notified by US FDA under Enforcement Discretion Policy

Wisdom Tooth Management & Oral Surgery

Get wiser about your wisdom teeth

May 5, 2024 dev.abrar No Comments

With age comes Wisdom! Well, specifically Wisdom tooth.

Your recent visit to the dentist about your Wisdom tooth might have triggered your search on Wisdom Teeth. To start with, the nomenclature ‘Wisdom Teeth’ can throw you off track and is a common misnomer that these teeth are related to wisdom. Well, historically, these teeth have been called wisdom teeth because they come through at a more mature age. We’ve curated information that can make help you make a wise decision about retaining or losing your Wisdom Teeth.

So, What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth or third molar teeth are the last set of molars to erupt/appear in the mouth. Generally, wisdom teeth erupt in the mouth during 17 to 21 years of age, considered as one major dental milestone and may also mark the completion of the jaw and facial bone growth. Normally four wisdom teeth appear in each corner of the jaws. However, approximately 35 percent of people may not experience the presence of impacted wisdom teeth in their lifetime as they are buried in the jaw bone or missing due to the process of evolution.

What is the evolutionary benefit of wisdom teeth?

Anthropologists believe humans have evolved beyond the necessity of wisdom teeth, so some people may never experience wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth may evolve in the way of the appendix and become vestigial.

Wisdom teeth are important for a human diet that consists of roots, leaves, and nuts, but they are no longer completely necessary. This is because modern-day humans cut, crush, and cook food to soften it. Since the utilization or the use of teeth and jaw has reduced with more refined or softer food, it is believed that our jaws have evolved to become smaller than our ancestors. Smaller jaws mean there isn’t always enough space in the mouth for all the teeth we’re supposed to have. So, wisdom teeth may be either missing or buried/impacted in the jaw bone. So, wisdom teeth are considered a vestigial organ (body part that no longer serves a significant purpose).

You might be wondering now that its just better to leave the tooth, if its of no use also, just like the ‘appendix’ attached to the large intestine. Here we come to our next question –

Do we need to remove wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are not be removed or extracted if they are healthy, completely erupted to occlude (bite) with the opposing tooth without disturbing the alignment, and able to clean with routine oral hygiene practices. However, most wisdom teeth don’t erupt completely (impacted) to occlude with opposing teeth, also known to disturb the alignment of teeth and difficult to maintain mouth hygiene. This leads to constant inflammation of the surrounding teeth, food lodgement, and cavities in both wisdom teeth and adjacent teeth necessitating wisdom tooth extraction.

What happens if you don’t remove wisdom teeth?

Erupting wisdom teeth can grow at various angles in the jaw, causing many problems like pain, repeated infection of surrounding soft tissue, Fluid-filled cavities (cysts), damage to adjacent tooth and cavities in adjacent teeth. Stiffness of jaw joints and limited mouth opening with persistent headaches and pain around the ear are common symptoms of erupting mandibular wisdom teeth.

What are the reasons for wisdom teeth removal?

Most jaw growth is completed by the time an individual attains 18 years, but most wisdom teeth emerge when an individual is around an average age of 19-20 years leading to the deficiency of space to accommodate the third molar tooth. Sometimes dentists will recommend wisdom tooth extraction before any orthodontic work, like braces and aligners to ensure that these teeth don’t erupt later and disturb all the hard work of shaping your jaw and teeth.

Wisdom teeth that have not erupted properly can make it difficult to brush and floss between the wisdom teeth and the molars next to them
Wisdom teeth that are not erupted in the right position can allow food particle to get trapped. This can allow cavity-causing bacteria to grow underneath gum covering the partially erupted wisdom teeth. This may also lead to infection, pain, swelling, and stiffness in your jaw
A wisdom tooth that is impacted can form pathologies like cyst, abscess etc, on or near the impacted tooth. This could damage the roots of adjacent teeth or destroy the bone that supporting the adjacent teeth
Other reasons for impacted wisdom teeth People who get their wisdom teeth removed at a younger age tend to heal better from surgery before the roots and bone have fully formed. This can help avoid any potential problems in future

When should wisdom teeth be extracted?

Some dentists recommend the extraction of wisdom teeth if they do not fully emerge.

Many dentists believe that removing wisdom teeth at a younger age is beneficial since the roots and have not fully developed and recovery is often faster following surgery. Discuss the position and health of your wisdom teeth with your dentist, as well as what is best for your situation.

If you are deciding on Keeping your Wisdom Teeth, then ensure you monitor the health of your teeth by regular dental checkups, as there is a potential for developing problems later on. In case you are unable to decide about keeping or extracting the wisdom tooth, fix an appointment with our team of doctors and assess the health of your wisdom Tooth or Wisdom Teeth. Online Dental Consultation with our specialists is now available. We would be happy to answer any questions or discuss any issues you may have.

Call us or Whatsapp us or book an appointment with our Wisdom Tooth specialist.

Pediatric Dentistry

Visiting Your Pediatric Dentist During COVID-19

May 5, 2024 dev.abrar No Comments

The Novel coronavirus disease is infecting people all over the world. Now that COVID-19 cases are declining in India after the Second wave of Coronavirus infections, and people are returning to their normal routines. But, the pandemic has not yet ended. The second phase of vaccine rollout for all adults was made available only recently and it would definitely take longer for children under 18 years of age to be vaccinated.

As a parent, it is indeed challenging to protect your child from COVID. With schools and recreational centers being closed, it is almost like their normal lives have been put on hold. We cannot put a stop on their mental and physical growth. Your child still needs regular health checks and timely vaccinations that are age related. Dental health of your child is one such measure that requires regular checks.

For infants and toddlers, it would be until the permanent teeth come through. For parents with teenagers with braces, would definitely know the importance of keeping a dental appointment. Now, as a parent you might be wondering if it is safe to take your child to a pediatric dentist amidst the COVID pandemic? There is good news, as we at Credence Dental, have always followed a 6-point safety check even before the COVID-19 virus was out at large. In addition to this, we have also enhanced our procedures and adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines and ensure to protect your little ones.

During the COVID Lockdown, we had kept our clinic closed for elective procedures, to help control the spread of the coronavirus. We would continue to give priority to dental emergencies, so what exactly are these?

What parents need to know about dental emergencies?

As a parent, you should pay attention and flag a dental emergency as one of the following:

Toothache
Knocked-out tooth
Chipped or broken teeth
Infection/Abscess

It is also essential to let your child know how to brush their teeth properly and know the importance of oral hygiene. If your child has any other dental issues, and as a parent, you are unable to decide whether or not you need a trip to the dentist, you can consult our specialist via tele-consultation . Our specialist pediatric dentist would assess whether or not you would need to visit the clinic.

Pediatric Dentists suggest that regular check-ups for your child would help identify issues earlier which can be treated with much ease rather than later. If your child’s regular visit to the dentist is due, then hesitate no further. Read on to know more what you can expect when taking your child to the pediatric dentist at our Dental Clinic during the COVID Pandemic:

Prior appointment

We only see patients with prior appointment, this to ensure that dental appointments are staggered to ensure the treatment area and equipments are cleaned between each patients’ visit

Contactless Temperature check

As you arrive at the dental clinic, body temperature reading will be checked and recorded. You are also required to sanitize your hands

Social distancing

We have removed some of the chairs to keep you and your children at a safe distance from other patients who are in the waiting area

Limited appointments

We have consciously scheduled limited appointments to limit the number of people who work in our dental office

Hand sanitizer, mask, and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for all staff

All doctors and staff within the clinic strictly follow all the COIVD-19 guidelines such as wearing PPE, changing gloves, washing hands thoroughly, and wearing masks while at the clinic, to reduce the risk of cross-contamination between patients

Toys and Magazines

Expect no toys and magazines in the waiting area, we are frequently wiping down all common surfaces such as door handles, chairs, desks throughout the day to ensure that any infectious bacteria or viruses that may be present on these surfaces are destroyed.

Children and a dentist

Let your child know that pediatric patient and a dentist are only allowed in a room and prepared to go in on their own

Additional safety protocols in our dental clinic – Shycocan

Credence Dental clinic is the first dental clinic in Bangalore to install shycocan – which ensures 99.9% neutralization of virus associated with COVID-19

If you have any more queries about the COVID protocols that we have in place to take care of you and your family while you are at our clinic, feel free to contact us with your queries and we will be more than willing to answer. Your Safety is Our First Priority and we do everything in our means to keep you safe while you are at our clinic for a regular dental check or for an emergency.

Fix an appointment with our pediatric doctor without a second thought.

We are also available for Online Dental Consultation

Call us or Whatsapp us or book an appointment with our Pedodontist.

Gum Care

Does Diabetes cause Dental Problems?

May 5, 2024 dev.abrar No Comments

Does Diabetes Cause Dental Problems

Diabetes is a condition that affects insulin levels causing a variety of health complications. The key to a healthy body is having a healthy mouth. When your teeth are healthy, you are less likely to develop diabetes or heart disease. We at Credence dental in Bangalore proactively take care of diabetes through tooth cleaning and check-ups. It’s important that we take good care of our teeth as they not only affect our oral health but our overall health condition as well.

Why do diabetics have oral health problems?

There is a correlation between diabetes and oral health, as sugar-rich foods can cause an imbalance in the mouth, which can result in tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

The risk of developing diabetes increases with age, but it’s not just your age that matters. People who have diabetes and a history of oral health problems (such as gum disease or periodontal disease) are at an even higher risk of developing this condition.

How does diabetes affect your oral health?

Gum Disease

As you get older, you’re more likely to get gum disease and It is more common in people with diabetes because diabetes weakens the immune system and reduces the body’s ability to fight harmful bacteria. This is caused by poor blood sugar control and a lack of regular visits to see your dentist. In addition, practicing good oral hygiene like brushing and flossing may help reduce the effects of gum disease.

Dry mouth

People who have high blood glucose levels may have more glucose in their saliva and very dry mouths. These conditions allow sticky substances like dental plaque to form on teeth, which leads to tooth decay and cavities. This means frequent trips to the dental office and much higher costs for oral hygiene products.

Periodontitis

Gingivitis is not a serious condition, but it can become serious over time. It can lead to periodontitis, which causes your gums and jawbone to pull away from the teeth. Slowly, your teeth may loosen and fall out.

Burning mouth

Experiencing dryness or a burning sensation in your mouth could be a sign of diabetes. If this is the case, consult your dentist at the earliest to prevent long-term damage to your teeth.

Thrush in mouth

It’s common for people with diabetes and high blood sugar to suffer from thrush, a type of infection caused by the Candida fungus. The fungus can severely affect the mouth and tongue, making it difficult to eat or swallow

How a dentist can help patients with diabetes and oral health?

There is no cure for diabetes, but you can fight it! One of the paths to living a better life with diabetes is good oral health. Good habits and regular check-ups will help keep your gums healthy and your teeth strong. We know finding the right dentist and dental clinic can be difficult. At Credence Dental, we have a periodontal specialist where we will assist you with oral hygiene that can help you to fight diabetes.

Keep records of blood sugar levels and report them to your dentist at each visit and your dentist will ask about your diet, exercise plan, and diabetes-management strategies. He or she will also watch for signs of oral diseases, such as gum recession, sore gums, and periodontitis and guide you about upcoming procedures that cause the most pain and suggest ways to manage your pain
People with diabetes generally take a longer time to recover from oral surgeries and other dental procedures than people without diabetes. As diabetic people have high levels of glucose contained within the blood
Non-emergency dental procedures should be postponed if your blood glucose level is not in good control. If you have a history of low blood sugar, let your dentist know. He/she will determine whether it is safe for you to undergo dental procedures

How often should diabetics go to the dentist?

The first step in preventing oral health problems is by getting a dental checkup every three months. This is crucial for people with diabetes as it decreases the risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay. If you experience any other dental issues. Call your dentist or simply Book an appointment with our Gum Specialist.

Call us or Whatsapp us at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment today!

General and Preventive Dentistry

Can a Tooth Abscess be Treated with just Antibiotics?

May 5, 2024 dev.abrar No Comments

Have you experienced a nagging pain in the gums, just around the root of the tooth?

This must be a tooth abscess! An abscess is simply a collection of infected fluid around the root of the tooth. The abscess has a spongy feeling when touched and can be quite painful at an advanced stage. In order to understand the formation of a tooth abscess, it is important to know the cause.

What is a Tooth Abscess?

When there is a puncture to the tissue complex on the gums around the tooth, it serves as a doorway for the microbes in the mouth. As these microbes accumulate within the pocket, around the root of the tooth, they stagnate and become infected. This is a tooth abscess.

An abscess is a collection of infection fluid that forms as a result of bacteria infiltrating tissue complex after an injury. A dental abscess can be detected near the root of a tooth. To comprehend the formation of a dental abscess, it is essential to first know what caused it.

How does a Tooth Abscess Occur?

If oral hygiene precautions are not followed, microorganisms might find their way onto the tooth’s surface. These microorganisms have the ability to release acids that can eat away at the tooth’s hard tissue layers (enamel and dentin). When a tooth begins to deteriorate, the deeper the decay is, the more painful it becomes. The enamel and dentin protect the pulp, which is located at the center of the tooth. When the decay reaches the pulp, the pain intensifies as the nerves and blood vessels in the pulp feel it. The microorganisms infect the entire pulpal chamber, and the pulp in the roots becomes infected very quickly.

The microorganisms present in abscessed teeth can easily survive in the presence or absence of oxygen. Apart from cavities/rotting, the microorganisms can also create an abscess through a tooth that has had previous treatment but has not been fully sealed or a tooth that has been cracked. Hence, it’s critical to get rid of harmful microbes. This is done by root canal treatment being performed by a dentist.

Antibiotic therapy in combination with dental treatment

When a patient arrives with swelling, discomfort, and redness around the tooth, an abscess must be drained. The abscess is cleared by drilling a hole in the tooth and allowing the abscess to drain. The root canals are irrigated with liquid medications that eliminate all of the debris and biofilms left behind by the bacteria. A medicament is administered within the canals to prevent the tooth from becoming infected again. The dentist will advise the patient to take antibiotics for 3 to 5 days during the course of this procedure, which can be finished in a single sitting or span up to three sessions.

Antibiotics for dental abscesses are ones that target a wider spectrum of germs and have no or minimal side effects when consumed. Some of the most commonly prescribed treatment modalities for controlling the spread and eradicating the microbes include amoxicillin, metronidazole, cephalosporins, and clindamycin. The dosage for each one of them differs depending on the pharmacological effects they have on the body. Antibiotics are prescribed to the patient based on their age and the presence or absence of a systemic illness and history of drug allergy.

Can antibiotics only treat dental abscess?

If a patient visits the dentist with an abscess, just prescribing antibiotics will not provide a long-term treatment. The swelling may subside temporarily, and the patient may believe that his or her condition has improved. However, because the abscess’s core cause has not been treated entirely, the microorganisms may get dbol legal a base on the decaying, fractured, or exposed surfaces of the teeth, resulting in a re-infection.

Does antibiotic therapy help with tooth abscess pain?

When a tooth abscess is diagnosed and treated promptly, it has a very good prognosis. If left untreated, the abscess might spread to the surrounding teeth, resulting in septicemia. Certain areas of the face may get infected and bloated, necessitating the scheduling of procedures to drain them. Antibiotics are effective at preventing the spread of bacteria. However, they should never be used as the only means of removing an abscess. As a result, a visit to the dentist is needed upon the occurrence of a dental abscess.

What are the possible treatment options to treat dental abscess?

RCT, Incision and drainage or both with oral or IV antibiotics.
Extraction, if abscess does not respond to RCT/Incision and drainage

Complications of dental Abscess

Space infection involving multiple tissue spaces around head and neck
Ludwig’s Angina
Osteomyelitis
Septicemia

Call us or Whatsapp us at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment today!

Gum Care

Importance of Oral Health for Heart Health

May 5, 2024 dev.abrar No Comments

Oral health is a crucial factor in our overall health and, in particular people who have been diagnosed with heart disease can have some negative impact on oral health. The connection between heart disease and oral health is not entirely established, and more research is needed to establish it. With available scientific evidence, the American Heart Association has concluded that poor oral health has not proved to cause heart attack and on the other hand treating gum disease has not proven to reduce risk of heart attack.

Studies have shown:

Gum disease (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease
Poor dental health increases the risk of a bacterial infection in the blood stream, which can affect the heart valves. Oral health may be particularly important if you have artificial heart valves
Tooth loss patterns are connected to coronary artery disease
There is a strong connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease and evidence that people with diabetes benefit from periodontal treatment

How are Gum disease and heart disease related?

Gingivitis (gum disease) is a condition that can begin mildly and develop into a more serious disease. For most people gum diseases go undiagnosed because their gums don’t bleed when they brush.

What do early signs of gum disease include?

Sores and inflammation
Bleeding gums
Bacteria under the gumline
Loss of bone support
Difficulty in chewing food
Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Loss of teeth or infection to the jawbone.

Gum disease can lead to more serious health problems, including heart problems that could even turn deadly. Poor oral health enhances the risk of bacterial infection within the blood stream that can cause infections and create greater health risks and no visible symptoms. It can affect your heart and circulatory system, including heart valves, blood vessels, and the blood itself. As more harmful plaque builds up in your mouth and on your teeth, it can get trapped within these tissues and lead to a number of different heart problems.

How to reduce the risk of gum disease?

To keep your smile in the best condition possible, it’s essential to take oral health into your own hands. Having periodontal disease puts you at high risk for developing heart disease. Treatment like regular dental cleanings prevents damage to teeth, gums, and oral tissues by removing plaque and tartar buildup, which are the main cause of gum disease. It’s also an opportunity for your dentist to evaluate and treat any other dental concerns you might have.

How do you maintain good oral hygiene?

It’s never too late to start improving your healthy habits. Maintaining good oral health is one of the most important things you can do for your heart and one of the easiest. If you’re not taking care of your gums and teeth, you could be putting yourself at risk for serious medical problems. This is because your mouth is connected to the rest of your body through a large blood vessel that directly links back to your heart.

Gum disease and heart disease have several risk factors in common that can be prevented through simple adjustments to your daily routine.

To prevent periodontal disease and tooth loss, brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day and floss at least once a day.
Eat healthy foods, because they can improve your health. Limit your intake of sugar and starch, since these can have harmful effects on your health
Give up smoking so that you can have a healthy smile, as smoking causes gum problems and increases your chance of heart disease and lung cancer
Good oral hygiene is essential, so make sure you practice mouthwash once a day
Schedule regular appointments with your dentist to make sure that your teeth stay healthy
Make an appointment to see your dentist today and when you visit, be sure to let them know if you have bleeding gums as it is the most common symptom of gum disease, and early detection is the key to better treatment options

Make sure you take care of your oral health and can keep your teeth healthy for life, without worrying about a connection between gum disease and heart disease. This will allow you to live a long, and healthy life – free from heart disease and dental problems.

Dentists may not be the first person you think to call about your health, but they should be one of the first places to check. If you develop signs of a more serious condition such as bad breath, mouth sores, or bleeding gums, ask your dentist for help. Though these developments don’t necessarily have anything to do with heart disease, there may be symptoms of more serious problems. If you’re experiencing something out of the ordinary or have any questions or concerns about your teeth, don’t hesitate to contact our Gum Specialist. You can also learn more about Gum care and Periodontics here.

General and Preventive Dentistry

Oral Health Tips for a Healthy Mouth during the Festive Season

May 5, 2024 dev.abrar No Comments

The pandemic has indeed left us all yearning for family get togethers and rejoicing with friends, after the first and second lockdowns. There is no better time than now, when the festivals are back and there is a lot of excitement and energy floating in the air!

This is one of the most wonderful seasons in India with all its cheer and festivity. There are many traditions and regions within India, and the numerous festivities prevail, there is one thing in common – mouth-watering dishes and delicacies across all regions. All ages, whether old or young, relish finger-licking food and await festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra and Diwali, to hoard on sweets.

Yes! We are all geared up for the festive season and took care of all COVID measures.

But having a healthy mouth during the festive season is one such need that people tend to ignore. Many of us have a tendency to overindulge in sugary foods and sugary beverages during festivals. This can lead to a series of problems such as tooth decay, bad breath, or food trapped between the teeth.

So how can one keep their teeth healthy during festive seasons?

Here are some common problems and tips to maintain oral health during the festive season

Rinse your mouth, right after you eat! This will remove residual food particles that can build up on your teeth which could contribute to dental problems
Sweets are always the best! There is no Indian festivity without sweets, and we’ve been told since childhood that sweets are bad. This is because sweets contain a high level of acid, which is just as bad as sugar and can lead to tooth decay, if left behind in the mouth
Sweets will definitely give you tooth decay. Well, sweets might definitely give you the holiday weight, but they can’t give you decay. A lot of people think that the more sugar you consume, the more likely you get tooth decay. While this may be partly true if you don’t follow good oral hygiene after a meal. The presence of sugary foods for longer duration encourages harmful bacteria to grow in your mouth and these bacteria produce acid which can actually eat away at your teeth. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep foods like sugared gum in your mouth for short time as possible
Love chewing gum? Try chewing sugar-free gum, as it is a good way to reduce the stickiness of food in your mouth
Limit sugar intake from fruit juices and other beverages and If you can drink through a straw, it can reduce the effect on your teeth
Braces can be irksome sometimes, especially when you are consuming sweets and candies, as these can get stuck in your braces and consequently damage your teeth
Denture convenience. For those who use dentures, it is important to ensure cleaning the false teeth and rinse the mouth properly
Do not use your teeth to tear off gift wrapping or to tear the price tag off your new clothes! This may damage your teeth and could chip your teeth
If you are staying away from home for the festivities, make sure you can brush and floss with your travel toothbrush, mini toothpaste, and dental floss

These are some of the common tips that we can suggest. However, staying on top of your dental care can make a real difference! So brushing after every meal or twice a day lessens the chances of tooth cavities and a visit to a dental clinic.

As always, visiting a dentist will cost you the least amount of money at first and you have regular checkups and maintain good oral hygiene, but if you keep putting it off and avoid doing it regularly, it can cost a lot more financially down the road.

In the end, at festivals, we get the opportunity to celebrate our culture and traditions, which is a great thing. Similarly, when it comes to caring for your teeth, all you need is a little bit of care and protection to keep your mouth healthy during the festive season. If you have any queries or need emergency dental care during the festive season.

Call us or Whatsapp us at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment today!

Wisdom Tooth Management & Oral Surgery

Is it better to pull your tooth or save it? Which is the most effective?

May 5, 2024 dev.abrar No Comments

When you are undergoing excruciating pain from a tooth that is diseased or infected, it may seem that the best option is to extract the tooth. But not so quickly! It may be convenient to get that tooth out, but it may not be the greatest option. The majority of people are unaware of the advantages of keeping their natural teeth. The option to extract or save your tooth is ultimately yours, but be sure you have all the facts before making such a significant decision.

Saving Your Tooth vs. Pulling It: What Are the Advantages of Saving Your Tooth?

To understand what exactly the benefits of saving the natural tooth are, we have the following advice from our expert at Credence Dental, whose main focus is on saving the natural tooth

Natural teeth are more robust: Natural teeth are stronger, perform better, and are easier to maintain than artificial ones. Despite advances in technology and materials, artificial teeth do not have the same strength as natural teeth
Teeth shifting should be avoided: When a tooth is extracted, it leaves a gap, which allows the teeth around it to shift. This movement takes time and might lead to difficulties with chewing and bite alignment in the long run. These issues can lead to a cascade of pain, poor nutrition, and a lower quality of life
Continue Looking Young: when natural teeth are pulled, lip and cheeks looses support making people appear older than they actually are.
Maintain confidence: When the tooth to be extracted is visible when you smile, the resulting gap can make you feel self-conscious. We see patients who have lost their happy grin because they are self-conscious about their teeth on a regular basis
Less discomfort: Most people endure pain for several days after having a tooth extracted, especially if they have a dry socket.
There will be fewer dental visits: After removing a tooth, a dentist may recommend an Implant, Bridge, or Denture other dental device to prevent teeth from slipping. This can result in more dental visits, more costs.
Costs are reduced: While it may appear like extracting a tooth is less expensive than repairing it, the truth is that tooth replacement takes more time and money. And failing to replace it will almost certainly come at a physical and emotional cost

How to Save a Tooth without Extraction?

There are several compelling reasons to keep your natural teeth as long as possible. However, decay and infection might make this difficult, forcing you to choose whether to extract or keep your tooth. The most common solution is a root canal, which involves cleaning and disinfecting the inside of a tooth to remove inflammatory or diseased internal pulp. After cleaning the inside of the tooth, it is filled with a substance for strength and covered or restored with a crown, allowing it to function normally again.

A root canal not only saves your original tooth, but it also relieves discomfort and has a quick recovery time.

When exactly is it Wise to have a Tooth Extraction?

While saving a tooth is usually preferred, there are situations when extraction is the best option. An extraction may be necessary if a tooth is fractured, especially if it is cracked below the gumline or in multiple places. It may also be advisable to have the tooth extracted if it is too weak to be repaired.

If your dentist recommends an extraction, see if a root canal is an option. It’s critical to have this conversation with your dentist in order to answer the question: should you pull your tooth or save it? Do you need a second opinion or to see a dentist regarding a bothersome tooth?

Call us or Whatsapp us at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment today!

Root Canal Treatment and Endodontics

What is Root Canal Treatment and What are its alternatives?

May 5, 2024 dev.abrar No Comments

What is Root Canal Treatment?

The root canal treatment is a solution for restoring and preserving a severely injured or contaminated tooth instead of cutting it. The tooth is formed of crown and roots. The root canal of a tooth contains the crown which is above the gum, while the roots are below the gum. The roots hold the tooth to the jawbone.

The pulp is inside the crown and the root, is a root canal. The pulp nourishes the tooth and keeps the underlying tissues moist. The nerves in the pulp experience heat and cold as pain.

A root canal is not a treatment but is called ‘endodontic therapy’.

What are the steps in a root canal?

Root canal therapy is performed in stages and takes anywhere from one to three sessions.

The first stage is having the area ready

The dentist must clean the contaminated pulp and fill the canals. The dentist would numb the area first. The numbing fluid is inserted into the gums and the base of the tooth. The dentist puts a dental dam in the mouth after the area has been numbed by covering the majority of the teeth in the mouth, which requires a root canal is isolated.

The second stage is to fill substance

The tooth is then filled with a rubber-like substance ‘gutta-percha’ and the canals are completely sealed with adhesive cement. Once the Root canal therapy is done, the nerve tissue is completely extracted and infection is removed in such a way, patient will no longer experience the discomfort.

The Third stage is to add a fabricated crown that matches existing teeth

In this last stage, endodontics will advise the patients for the fabricated crown as it protects and stabilizes the treated tooth by covering it. The permanent crown is made to look like natural teeth. Once put, patients can chew hard foods and feel no longer pain.

The most common alternatives to root canals are:

Zirconia implants
Ceramic bridges
Dental crowns

Call us or Whatsapp us at +91-9141160212 to book an appointment today!

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