Did you know there are oral complications associated with a COVID-19 infection?  These are largely unreported most likely due to the fact that they are not fatal or dangerous.

Here are some of the most common oral symptoms:

Loss of taste and smell

Dry mouth

Excessive saliva

Rashes in the mouth

Oral ulcers

Angular cheilitis

Bad breath

• Dry mouth and loss of taste and smell are some of the most common reported symptoms of a COVID-19 infection.  These can be some of the first and only symptoms exhibited in some cases.
• Excessive saliva can contribute to issues like angular cheilitis (inflammation of the corners of the mouth), since the salivary enzymes in excess saliva can irritate the skin.
• Bad bread is also a symptom because the COVID-19 virus can cause changes to the surface of the tongue and the chemicals in the saliva.  These changes may lead to the development of chronic bad breath.
• Oral ulcers and mouth rashes have been reported by several patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.  A rash can also be present on the upper palate of the mouth.  Oral rashes are not uncommon and are commonly associated with viral infections and the rashes found in COVID-19 patients are consistent with those patterns.

One of the problems with treating and detecting a COVID-19 infection is that no two people seem to have the same exact symptoms.  We, at Hannon and Sandler, are becoming more aware of the variety of oral symptoms associated with COVID-19 and are assisting in detect otherwise asymptomatic cases in our patients.  Come see us with any oral issues you are having and we will check it out!

Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many different causes. Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth, gums and tongue. Also, bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue, will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. Strong foods like garlic, coffee and onions can add to the problem. So, it is very important to brush your teeth correctly and regularly. This will help keep your breath smelling fresh.

The plaque – aka bacteria – on our teeth and gums also cause gum disease and tooth decay. One of the warning signs of gum disease is that you always have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. If you are noticing these symptoms, come see us at Hannon & Sandler and let us know. The earlier the problems are found, the more effective the treatment will be.

Bad breath can also be caused by some medical problems.  Dry Mouth is a condition that means your mouth produces less saliva. This causes bacteria to build up in your mouth which leads to bad breath. Dry mouth may be caused by some medications, by salivary gland problems or by continually breathing through your mouth instead of your nose.  Older people may also produce less saliva, causing further problems.

If you suffer from dry mouth, the team at Hannon & Sandler may be able to recommend products or suggest other ways of dealing with the problem.  Such as chewing sugar-free gum.  It helps your mouth produce saliva and stops it drying out since a dry mouth is one of the leading causes to bad breath.

Other medical conditions that cause bad breath include infections in the throat, nose or lungs, sinusitis, bronchitis, diabetes, or liver or kidney problems. If your dentist finds that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to find out the cause of your bad breath.

Can I prevent bad breath?

To keep your breath fresh, you must get rid of any gum disease, and keep your mouth clean and fresh. If you do have bad breath, list any medicines you are taking. Take this list to your dentist, who may be able to suggest ways to solve the problem.

• Brush your teeth and gums last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well, or use a tongue scraper. Cut down on how often you have sugary food and drinks.
• Visit us at Hannon & Sandler regularly.
• Clean in between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss at least once a day – brushing alone only cleans up to about 60 percent of the surface of your teeth. There are other products you can buy to clean between your teeth.
• Use an alcohol-free mouthwash – some contain antibacterial agents that could kill bacteria that make your breath smell unpleasant.

If you continue to suffer from bad breath visit us at Hannon & Sandler to make sure you are not covering up a more serious underlying problem.

What are E-Cigarettes?

E-cigarettes produce vapor while conventional cigarettes, cigars, and pipes produce smoke. The heating element in the unit heats up the liquid where nicotine and other vaping elements are stored. In the beginning, most people thought the vapor was smokeless and would be better than tobacco smoke. However, vaping is fairly new with no long-term studies conducted.

How does it affect my dental health?

Vaping is better for people who do not smoke as it does not produce secondhand smoke, but there are no benefits whatsoever for dental health. Because e-cigarettes contain nicotine, the blood flow will be drastically reduced. Nicotine restricts and decreases the flow of blood to the blood vessels, which in-turn restricts the blood flow to the gum tissue. Because a reduction in blood circulation reduces the mouths ability to fight infection and bacteria, decay rates and gum disease will accelerate. Over time, tooth loss and additional health problems could be an issue with e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes can also mask periodontal disease symptoms, which is why it’s important to let us know if you vape regularly.

What should I watch for if I vape?

If you vape you may not develop gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease. However, the more you vape, the more likely you are to develop serious mouth and overall health problems.
You may want to note any issues with your teeth and gums including:
•Red or irritated gums
•Chronic bad breath
•Loose teeth
•Gum recession
•Bleeding gums

If you vape, it is important to schedule regular dental appointments with us at Hannon & Sandler. Keeping a close eye on your teeth and gums will help prevent any problems from occurring in the future.

Good dental hygiene and oral care habits are important at any age. As you get older, it’s important to think about your dental routine and if it needs some tweaking – because certain life changes can cause changes in your mouth. Whether you have all of your original teeth, some of them, or a full set of dentures, caring for your mouth is just as important when you get older as it was when you were a kid.

FLUORIDE
Fluoride isn’t just for children. Even if you’re over 50, it’s still important to protect the surface of your teeth and prevent decay. It’s important to note that older individuals have an increased risk for cavities, making it especially important for you to make sure fluoride is a part of your daily routine. When brushing, twice a day, use a fluoride toothpaste. If you are particularly concerned about cavities or have had a few as you’ve aged, we encourage you to get an in-office fluoride varnish treatment for the added level of protection.

DRY MOUTH
As you get older you may start to notice your mouth becoming dryer. Certain features of aging, such as more regular medications or a chronic condition, can increase your risk for dry mouth which also correlates with an increase in cavities or decay. If you suffer from dry mouth, there are a few improvements you can make to your dental hygiene to reduce your symptoms. You can use a moisturizing mouthwash or spray (Biotene), or chew sugar-free gum or gum sweetened with Xylitol, which encourages the production of saliva. You can also consult your doctor if your dry mouth is caused by medication. Adjusting your dose or trying a new medicine can help alleviate certain symptoms.

GUM DISEASE
Whether or not you have all of your real teeth, gum disease remains a big concern among older individuals. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that nearly 64 percent of adults over age 65 had severe or moderate periodontitis in 2009 and 2010. Although it’s common, gum disease doesn’t have to be a cost of getting older. Maintaining good dental hygiene and seeing us at Hannon and Sandler regularly will help you prevent it or treat it quickly.

Your age does not have to show in your teeth! Be sure to see us regularly at Hannon and Sandler for all your check up needs, young and old!

Minnesota summers are hot and go by quickly, so it’s important to get some good swimming time in to cool off and have some fun! Swimming is a great way to enjoy the summer sun, but how do your teeth feel about it? Here are some of the effects that pool water can have on your smile.

Did you realize chlorinated pool water can be a threat to your teeth? Exposing teeth to improperly chlorinated pools (those with a pH level below seven) can erode enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. It can also lead to staining and a condition called swimmer’s calculus. When exposed to chlorine for more than six hours a week, teeth can turn yellow or brown and develop hard deposits as the plaque on your teeth reacts with chlorine. If you swim in chlorinated pools often, talk to us at Hannon & Sandler about preventing staining, swimmer’s calculus and enamel erosion. We will be able to provide treatment if you’ve already begun experiencing symptoms.

These are other important reminders when visiting your favorite swimming pool:

• If you wear a dental appliance, like a retainer, be sure to take it out before you take a dip! These items can be easily lost while swimming.
• Remember – Walk, don’t run!! The lifeguard telling you not to run at the pool may be saving you from the slip and fall that knocks a tooth out. Summer can be just as much of a hazard to your teeth as hockey season. So do your mouth a favor, and be careful!