Periapical Abscesses

It’s never good to see signs of a gum infection. But a particular kind of infection called a periapical abscess is especially dangerous and requires urgent treatment. All Coast Dental is a provider of general and cosmetic dentistry in Pacific Beach and can assist people suffering from gum and tooth pulp problems, and we want everyone to know how to recognize the signs of advanced disease.

When a tooth is cracked or badly enough decayed, bacteria are able to enter the pulp at its center. They could then spread to its root(s) and create an abscess. An abscess is a pocket filled with pus, which is a mixture of dead material and bacterial secretions. The abscess may cause a fever, swelling, and bad taste, in addition to the pain and sensitivity in the infected tooth. Abscesses don’t heal on their own, and if the infection spreads, the patient could get sepsis.

We can safely drain an abscess and clean it out. But removing the infection will require a root canal. This means that the pulp chamber will be cleaned out and filled with sealant. In severe cases, saving the tooth might not be possible and it will have to be removed. We’ll discuss with the patient what kind of restoration would best suit their needs, but we hope everyone takes to heart the importance of preventing periapical abscesses by cleaning their teeth and protecting them from injury.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit All Coast Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Understanding Mouthwash

Mouthwashes are popular products, and many of them are approved by the American Dental Association as safe and effective. But as with toothpaste, there are so many varieties available that a person may be confused about which they should use. At All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, we can provide patients with more individualized advice, but there are a few things about using mouthwash everyone should understand.

No mouthwash is meant to replace brushing and flossing, but when used to supplement ordinary oral hygienic care, mouthwash can reach places that are difficult for toothbrushes. Over-the-counter mouthwashes may be therapeutic, meaning that they help remove plaque and kill harmful bacteria, or they may be cosmetic, which means they only reduce bad breath. Stronger therapeutic mouthwashes may require a prescription and would be used in cases such as when a patient has a dry socket.

Most mouthwashes contain alcohol and are not recommended for children under the age of six. They may also contribute to dry mouth. However, many mouthwashes also contain fluoride and can help prevent tooth decay by reinforcing enamel. People who have oral lesions may also benefit from using mouthwashes that are approved as pain relievers. As with brushing and flossing, the key to success with mouthwash is to use it frequently, rather than trying to cram a day’s worth of benefit into a single dose.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit All Coast Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Oral Care Habits and Bad Breath

The mouth is filled with good and bad bacteria. If the mouth is unclean, the bad kind will grow in excess, and potentially lead to gum disease and bad breath. It’s important to maintain adequate oral care to prevent such conditions. It’s one thing to have bad breath when waking up in the morning, but if it becomes persistent and begins to affect your everyday life, schedule an appointment with our doctors at All Coast Dental.

When foods are digested, the oils from these foods wander their way into the bloodstream, are carried through the lungs, and released through the breath. Changing your dietary habits can reduce bad breath but the food isn’t the only culprit. Other causes of bad breath, aside from lack of oral care include dry mouth, tobacco products, and chronic diseases such as diabetes. Regardless of what’s causing your bad breath, it’s best to get the condition under control before it gets worse.  

If you have questions or concerns regarding bad breath, please give us a call. To learn about services provided at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4904.  

Banish Bad Breath

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be embarrassing and in some cases may even cause anxiety. It’s no wonder you may stock up on mints, gum, and other products designed to fight bad breath. But many of these products are only a temporary solution to the problem. In many cases, you can improve bad breath with proper dental hygiene. However, it’s important to schedule professional cleanings and regular dental checkups at All Coast Dental twice a year.

If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes bad breath. Bad breath odors vary, depending on the source or the underlying cause. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum disease. If you have bad breath, review your oral hygiene habits. If your bad breath persists after making changes, visit us as soon as possible.

If you are embarrassed by bad breath, please give us a call. To learn about services provided at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4904.