Dental Caries; also known as tooth decay or a cavity, is an infection, bacterial in origin, that causes demineralization and destruction of the hard tissues (enamel, dentin and cementum). Usually by production of acid by bacterial fermentation of the food debris accumulated on the tooth surface. If demineralization exceeds saliva and other remineralization factors such as from calcium and fluoridated toothpastes. These hard tissues progressively break down, producing dental caries (cavities, holes in the teeth). The bacteria most responsible for dental cavities are the mutans streptococci, most prominently Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, and lactobacilli. If left untreated, the disease can lead to pain, tooth loss and infection. Today, caries remain one of the most common diseases throughout the world. The presentation of caries is highly variable. However the risk factors and stages of development are similar. Initially it may appear as a small chalky area (smooth surface caries), which may eventually develop into a large cavitation. Sometimes caries may be directly visible. However other methods of detection such as X-rays are used for less visible areas of teeth and to judge the extent of destruction. tooth restoration to minimize the chance of recurrence. Signs and symptoms for Dental Caries A person experiencing caries may not be aware of the disease. The earliest sign of a new carious lesion is the appearance of a chalky white spot on the surface of the tooth, indicating an area of demineralization of enamel. This is referred to as an incipient carious lesion .As the lesion continues to demineralize, it can turn brown but will eventually turn into a cavitation (“cavity”). Before the cavity forms the process is reversible, but once a cavity forms the lost tooth structure cannot be regenerated. A lesion that appears brown and shiny suggests dental caries was once present but the demineralization process has stopped, leaving a stain. A brown spot that is dull in appearance is probably a sign of active caries. As the enamel and dentin are destroyed, the cavity becomes more noticeable. The affected areas of the tooth change color and become soft to the touch. Once the decay passes through enamel, the dentinal tubules, which have passages to the nerve of the tooth, become exposed, resulting in a toothache. The pain may worsen with exposure to heat, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. Dental caries can also cause bad breath and foul tastes. Prevention Oral hygiene Personal hygiene care consists of proper brushing and flossing daily. The purpose of oral hygiene is to minimize any etiologic agents of disease in the mouth. The primary focus of brushing and flossing is to remove and prevent the formation of plaque. Plaque consists mostly of bacteria. As the amount of bacterial plaque increases, the tooth is more vulnerable to dental caries when carbohydrates in the food are left on teeth after every meal or snack. A toothbrush can be used to remove plaque on accessible surfaces, but not between teeth or inside pits and fissures on chewing surfaces. When used correctly, dental floss removes plaque from areas that could otherwise develop proximal caries. Other adjunct hygiene aids include interdental brushes, water picks, and mouthwashes. Professional hygiene care consists of regular dental examinations and cleanings. Sometimes, complete plaque removal is difficult, and a dentist or dental hygienist may be needed. Along with oral hygiene, radio-graphs may be taken at dental visits to detect possible dental caries development in high risk areas of the mouth. Dietary modification For dental health, frequency of sugar intake is more important than the amount of sugar consumed. In the presence of sugar and other carbohydrates, bacteria in the mouth produce acids that can demineralize enamel, dentin, and cementum. The more frequently teeth are exposed to this environment the more likely dental caries are to occur. Therefore, minimizing snacking is recommended, since snacking creates a continuous supply of nutrition for acid-creating bacteria in the mouth. Also, chewy and sticky foods (such as dried fruit or candy) tend to adhere to teeth longer, and, as a consequence, are best eaten as part of a meal. Brushing the teeth after meals is recommended. It has been found that milk and certain kinds of cheese like cheddar cheese can help counter tooth decay if eaten soon after the consumption of foods potentially harmful to teeth. Also, chewing gum containing xylitol (a sugar alcohol) is widely used to protect teeth in some countries. Other measures The use of dental sealants is a means of prevention. A sealant is a thin plastic-like coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars to prevent food from being trapped inside pits and fissures. This deprives resident plaque bacteria carbohydrate preventing the formation of pit and fissure caries. Sealants are usually applied on the teeth of children, shortly after the molars erupt. Sealants can wear out and fail to prevent access of food and plaque bacteria inside pits and fissures and need to be replaced. Calcium, as found in food such as milk and green vegetables, is often recommended to protect against dental caries. It has been demonstrated that calcium and fluoride supplements decrease the incidence of dental caries. Fluoride helps prevent decay of a tooth by binding to the hydroxyapatite crystals in enamel. The incorporated calcium makes enamel more resistant to demineralization and, thus, resistant to decay. Topical fluoride is also recommended to protect the surface of the teeth. This may include a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. Many dentists include application of topical fluoride solutions as part of routine visits. Treatment For Dental Caries For the small lesions, topical fluoride is sometimes used to encourage remineralization. For larger lesions, the progression of dental caries can be stopped by treatment. The goal of treatment is to preserve tooth structures and prevent further destruction of the tooth. Aggressive treatment, by filling, of incipient carious lesions, places where there is superficial damage to the enamel, is controversial as they may heal themselves, while once a filling is performed it will eventually have to be
Tooth Wear: Abrasion, Attrition, Abfraction and Erosion. Tooth wear It is not uncommon for me to see excessive tooth wear on patients. It can happen with all ages but is more common in older patients. Tooth wear can be a serious dental problem but the good news is that for the most part it is preventable. The most common cause of tooth wear is abrasion. This is typically caused by using too much force while brushing your teeth. It can be complicated by using abrasive toothpaste especially. Those that promote teeth whitening. These toothpastes work by an abrasive action to remove extrinsic stains. While they can help to remove tea and coffee stains, they can also remove your tooth enamel. So someone that has a history of abrasion should not use whitening toothpaste, and consider brushing with a fluoride or xylitol mouth rinse INSTEAD of toothpaste. The next most common cause of tooth wear is attrition. Attrition is caused by grinding and clenching your teeth. Patients who grind their teeth at night typically cause the most damage. The affects of nightly grinding or bruxism can be greatly reduced by wearing a night guard while you sleep. A night guard is a generic term for an appliance placed on your upper or lower teeth to prevent tooth wear. Chemical erosion Chemical erosion is also common, especially in those patients that have a low ph in their saliva. Soft drinks probably being the most common factor. But many other contributing factors can cause a low ph and erosion as well. Such as: sucking on lemons or too much lemon in their water, acid reflux, bulimia and sugar to name a few. After one drinks a soda pop for example it is a good idea to rinse out their mouth with water to raise the ph. Even better is to rinse out with a xylitol rinse or chew a piece of xylitol gum which increases the salivary ph. Lastly there is the process of enamel wear called abfraction. This is caused by the flexing of the tooth during grinding. The thinnest area of enamel is at the root surface so this enamel progressively fractures off. Often times tooth wear is cause by a combination of these factors. It is important for your dentist to educate you early as to the causes. So that preventative measures can be taken. Sometimes restorative treatment is necessary but usually some lifestyle changes can make all the difference. European Dental Center; best dental clinic in Jordan provide this information about Tooth Wear.
Tooth Jewelry is a simple way to add sparkle to your smile. Types of tooth Jewelry Common types of Tooth Jewelry: Tooth diamond. Tooth gold. Tooth tattoos. Tooth gems. Teeth decals. Tooth jewelry chain. Jewelry stabilizing Procedure & bonding instructions: The tooth is cleaned with a fluoride-free polishing paste. Completely dry and isolate the tooth. The dentist etches the tooth with 37% orthophosphoric acid for about 20-30 seconds to increase the surface area for bonding. Rinse surface thoroughly with water and blow dry for 10 sec. (no etchant should remain on the tooth!) Apply a light-curing bonding agent. Leave it on for a maximum of 20 seconds, distribute bonding through air blowing. Then light-cure for 20 sec. Apply a small amount of flow composite to the surface of the tooth. Use a jewel handler to easily pick up the jewel. Press it into the center of the composite. Ensure that the composite oozes on the sides, encircling the jewel with the composite to guarantee macro mechanical retention, while also ensuring that the jewel makes direct contact with the enamel. Take the light-curing lamp and start curing the composite from the top for about 60 seconds The total time for jewel to set into the composite is 20 sec. Do not touch the jewel with your fingers once it’s removed from the case. To guarantee maximum adhesiveness, it is essential to avoid skin contact with the special coating on the backside of the jewel It takes about 4 minutes to safely affix the jewel. The application of tooth jewelry should be performed by a trained dental professional to ensure proper placement and minimize the risk of damage to the tooth enamel. Additionally, individuals should maintain proper oral hygiene practices to prevent any complications such as tooth decay or gum irritation. European Dental Center; best dental clinic in Jordan provide this information about Tooth Jewelry.
Should I replace my silver fillings with white fillings? Many patients want to replace their old silver fillings with white, natural-looking restorations. And many patients also ask, “Which one is better?” Should I replace my silver fillings with white fillings? This article seeks to educate patients about composites or “white fillings” and amalgam or “silver fillings”. Amalgams Dental amalgam, or “silver fillings”, has been used by dentists for the past 150 years. Dental amalgam consists of roughly a 50/50 mix of mercury and an alloy powder. Usually composed of silver, zinc or palladium. It has been the most tested dental material to date. Recently, its safety as a filling material has been questioned due to its mercury content. Many people believe that the mercury contained in the amalgam is toxic and could cause several health issues. Whether or not this amount of mercury is harmful to the body is a subject of controversy. Most people have some silver amalgam fillings in their teeth with no apparent adverse effects. No harm from the mercury in amalgam fillings has ever been absolutely proven. Additionally, once the silver filling is placed by the dentist, the patient has to wait 24 hours to eat on that side of the mouth, otherwise the filling could crumble and break. It is well known that amalgams do last for many, many years. However, after many years of the silver filling being in your mouth, they allow saliva under them and can corrode. Also, the tooth flexes around the amalgam during mastication, causing small cracks that with time can cause breakage within the tooth and finally it can fracture the tooth. Generally, after a large silver filling breaks, the tooth needs a crown in order to protect the tooth from breaking further. Amalgam fillings have a dark, gray appearance and many people do not like the look of their mouth when they smile or talk. Amalgams are a good option for cases where esthetics is not a concern and it is not possible to keep the area dry in order to bond a white filling. They are also generally less expensive than white fillings. Composites Composites or “white fillings” are formed from polymers, forming a hard plastic. The term “composite” means “made up of distinct parts or elements”. Therefore, a composite filling is basically a mix of polymers or plastic materials and fillers such as quartz, silica or barium. These fillers provide the strength to the composite material. Composite fillings come in a variety of colors. So they can be matched to the color of the patient’s own teeth. Composite fillings also lend strength to the tooth, whereas amalgams don’t. After the filling is light cured in the tooth, the patient can eat on it right away, since the material is completely set by the light, while the patient is in the dentist’s office. Also, composites require less removal of tooth structure because they are chemically bonded to the cavity preparation essentially splinting the tooth together. Because of this fact (chemical retention), we only remove the decayed portion of the tooth. This is in contrast to silver fillings, in which more healthy tooth often has to be removed in order for the amalgam to mechanically stay in place. Composite fillings have a natural, “white” appearance and many people prefer the look of their mouth when they smile or talk. Composites are an excellent option for cases where esthetics is a concern and it is possible to keep the area dry in order to bond a white filling. However, they are generally more expensive than amalgams. Are composite fillings weaker than amalgams? In short, yes, they are. The silver filling by itself is a stronger material, although it weakens the tooth. If you look at the total result — the filling plus the tooth —composites are stronger because they bond to the tooth. Making the tooth more resistant to fracture while old amalgams tend to break the tooth. I would rather have a tooth that lasts in the mouth. Rather than a filling that last in an extracted tooth. I’ve heard I should get my silver fillings replaced. When is this a good idea? We recommend replacement of silver fillings when the tooth is susceptible to fracture. When we suspect that there is a cavity under the existing filling. This can occur most commonly in old silver fillings. Silver fillings tend to hide cavities. Which means that you may have a cavity under a silver filling. And it will not show up on an x-ray. That is why we recommend that patients get periodic dental exams and x-rays. So we can detect cavities early and maintain your oral health. European Dental Center; best dental clinic in Jordan provide this information about Should I replace my silver fillings with white fillings?.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is not merely a recommendation but a necessity for overall well-being. Daily care for your teeth and gums forms the cornerstone of a healthy routine. However, it’s not just about the act of brushing; it’s about understanding the nuances of dental care and adopting habits that promote long-term oral health. Oral Hygiene Taking care of your teeth and gums must be a routine day-by-day treatment. The average time for brushing your teeth correctly is around 2-3 minutes. Brushing in an aggressive way won’t remove more debris, in the contrary it will cause more damage to your gum and teeth. The most common consequence of intensive brushing is receding gums or gum recession. Once your gum has receded there is no way back. Flossing Flossing for many of you is only necessary when you feel the need to remove some food sticking between your teeth, which is wrong. Flossing is very important because it will clean an area of your tooth where your toothbrush can’t do it Using the floss at least once per day will prevent the formation of decay between your teeth, and will keep your gum pink and healthy. Eating healthy as Oral Hygiene diet, like limiting sugary foods and drinks, stopping smoking will also improve your oral hygiene. dental visits Regular dental visits are also integral to maintaining oral health. These visits typically include a thorough cleaning, periodontal examination, and digital x-rays, providing a comprehensive overview of your oral condition. It’s recommended to schedule dental check-ups at least twice a year to ensure early detection and prevention of potential problems. A hygiene visit includes a cleaning, periodontal charting of your gums, taking digital x-rays of your mouth, You need to have dental check-up at least twice a year. European Dental Center; best dental clinic in Jordan provide this information about Oral Hygiene.
Deep Cleaning or Regular Cleaning? Many patients make their appointments for a “cleaning” and don’t know that there are different types of dental cleanings. There are 4 types of dental cleanings: Prophylaxis “regular cleaning”. “Gross debridement”. “Deep Cleaning” or Scaling and root planning. Periodontal maintenance. Deep Cleaning or Regular Cleaning? The dentist must determine the type of cleaning needed after conducting a complete dental examination that includes x-rays. It is important that the patient knows the indications for the type of cleaning recommended by the dentist. Prophylaxis: Dental prophylaxis includes scaling and polishing procedures to remove coronal plaque, calculus and stains. Some patients may require more than one appointment or one extended appointment to complete a prophylaxis. Prophylaxis is done every 6 months. Full mouth debridement: It’s a type of cleaning performed to enable comprehensive periodontal evaluation and diagnosis. The removal of subgingival and/or supragingival plaque and calculus that obstructs the ability to perform an oral evaluation. This is a preliminary procedure and does not preclude the need for other procedures. A re-evaluation is necessary after a month to determine of the patient may need deep cleanings or just regular cleanings. “Deep Cleaning“ or periodontal scaling and root planning, per quadrant. This procedure involves instrumentation of the crown and root surfaces of the teeth to remove plaque and calculus from these surfaces. Patients with periodontal disease (active bone loss) require cleaning, which is therapeutic rather than prophylactic. Periodontal maintenance procedures (following deep cleanings). This procedure is for patients who have completed periodontal treatment and includes removal of the bacterial flora form crevicular and pocket areas, scaling and polishing of the teeth, and a review of the patient’s plaque control efficiency. Periodontal maintenance procedures is recommended every 3-4 months. European Dental Center; best dental clinic in Jordan provide this information about Deep Cleaning or Regular Cleaning?.
Dental Services for Children Mom and Dad, start early As soon as your baby is born, gently clean your baby’s gums after each feedings with a soft, damp washcloth. Make this a part of your routine and help your little ones build a lifetime of good oral habits. Dental Services for Children Take your child to the dentist as soon as you welcome your baby’s first milk tooth or by his or her first birthday. This way, your child’s dentist gets a better chance of preventing any dental problems. Morning appointments are best for your child’s first visit. Coming from a good night’s sleep, your child is more rested and much more cooperative in the morning. Also, morning appointments will not pose conflicts on your child’s mealtimes or naps. Dental Services for Infants At an infant’s first oral exam (strongly recommended for 6-12 month olds), Dr.Iman Nazzal the pediatric dental specialists in European Dental Center will: Evaluate your infant’s oral health. Provide education about cleaning baby teeth & gums. Discuss the effects of bottle feeding, nursing, & baby food on your infant’s teeth. Discuss growth & development of a healthy mouth. Dental Services for Children & Adolescents Our services include: Comprehensive oral evaluation. Assessment of risk of tooth decay. Teeth cleaning. Fluoride treatments and teeth mousse. Sealants. Tooth-colored fillings and stainless steel crowns. Space maintainers (to save space for adult teeth). mouth guards for athletes . The European dental center uses the latest technology to detect and diagnose caries that cannot be seen clinically or even in the x-ray by using the carioscan device from the German company Orange Dental. this device helps to detect dental caries in a very early stage and that will help to either prevent the disease or to treat it and stop the progression in a very early stage in order to maintain a good oral and dental health. Parents should be asking for sealants and not taking no for an answer. Today, it is possible to raise a child without tooth decay. But to achieve this, parents must provide effective oral care and health practices from infancy. Dental sealants Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are painted on the chewing surfaces of one or more teeth to avoid dental caries. They are more commonly applied to the back teeth; the molars and premolars where decay occurs most often. Sealants work best if applied soon after these molars emerge, that means children between 5 and 15 years old would benefit most from sealants. These are usually applied twice – at age 6, when the first molars come in, and when the second molars erupt, around age 12. Single application of dental sealants has been found to be about 80-90% effective after one year and about 55-85% effective after 8-10 years, with only a small percentage becoming decayed. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from cavities. Sealants normally hold up well may last several years before a reapplication is needed. Your dentist will check the condition of your child’s sealants and reapply them when necessary during regular appointments. Brushing and flossing alone cannot always get into all the pits in the teeth and the hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. Dental sealants act as a perfect barrier to prevent your kids from painful cavities. Give us a call if you think you need sealants for your kids. We’ll be happy to help them have a lifetime of healthy and cavity-free smile! Tooth MOUSSE Tooth Mousse will be beneficial for patients of all ages. The calcium and phosphate will help to replace lost minerals from the tooth surface so regular application will aid the strengthening of teeth and protect them from potential dental decay and erosion. Tooth Mousse Plus is recommended for patients age above 6 as it contains a similar level of fluoride found in adult-strength toothpastes. For children under 6 years of age, fluoride-free Tooth Mousse will be a better alternative. Both Tooth Mousse and Tooth Mousse Plus should not be used by anyone with milk protein allergies or sensitivity to benzoate preservatives. Fluoride Fluoride is said to protect the teeth in two ways: Protection from demineralization – when bacteria in the mouth combine with sugars they produce acid. This acid can erode tooth enamel and damage our teeth. Fluoride can protect teeth from demineralization that is caused by the acid. Remineralization – if there is already some damage to teeth caused by acid, fluoride accumulates in the demineralized areas and begins strengthening the enamel, a process called remineralization. Fluoride is extremely useful in preventing cavities and making teeth stronger. SSCs have been used extensively to restore damaged milk teeth. This is because: Since the SSC are preformed crowns, they resemble the crown of the tooth, and so when placed on the tooth, they can perform the same functions that a tooth can. When the time comes for the milk tooth to fall off to give way for the permanent tooth, the SSC falls off easily without causing any damage to the gums; and the life expectancy of these crowns is better than any other material used and may never have to be replaced until the tooth falls out. The tooth has been severely damaged due to dental caries and may or may not have to undergo pulp treatment. When the crown of the tooth has been fractured or broken due to any reason; Some teeth are abnormal from birth or due to other diseases causing the need for a crown. Children who have a high rate of dental caries; and when no other restoration material can be used and SSCs become an obvious choice e.g. for children who are physically or mentally disabled. Baby teeth are important Baby teeth are important because they: Save and guard the area where the permanent tooth will erupt guide the permanent tooth into position help your child chew and speak. Encourage normal jawbone and facial muscle development. Some children lose
Wisdom Teeth; are the last teeth to erupt and are located at the very back of the mouth. People call them like this because they usually appear between the ages of 17 and 21, when we are supposed to have gained some ‘wisdom’. Why do dentists remove wisdom teeth? Not all jaws are big enough to have a place for these molars to erupt normally. What happens is that the tooth becomes blocked under the gum and becomes stuck or impacted. An impacted wisdom tooth has the possibility of crowding other teeth or creating painful. and often infected, flaps in the gum. Due also to their very back position in the mouth. erupted wisdom teeth are sometimes very difficult to clean. developing decay and gum disease. What Can Happen If I Don’t Remove My Wisdom Teeth? Aside from the cosmetic repercussions mentioned before, overcrowding can prevent the wisdom tooth from having enough room to erupt, thus becoming impacted. An impacted tooth can be very painful and can lead to very serious infection. We recommend that patients remove their wisdom teeth by the time they are young adults to prevent future problems and allow for proper healing. What If I Am Not Experiencing These Problems? Many patients often ask us why we need to remove our wisdom tooth if it hasn’t erupted yet and isn’t causing any pain. In fact. what you have to know is that the roots of the wisdom tooth will continue to grow. making the extraction more difficult and increasing the potential for complication such as late bone healing . The Surgery Our clinic performs wisdom tooth extractions under local anesthesia, or in a hospital under general anesthesia. After surgery it is common to experience a little bit of swelling and discomfort. But really don’t worry about the pain. since we will give you the best combination of medicines in order to make this procedure almost painless. European Dental Center; best dental clinic in Jordan provide this information about Wisdom Teeth.
Occlusion and Joint Disorders (TMJ Disorders) Do you wake up every morning with muscle pain or stiffness in your jaw, neck, head or even shoulders? Have pain when you hear your jaw joint clicking, popping or grating when opening or closing your mouth? Are you have pain in you ear or feeling pressure inside it? Do you have limited movement of the jaw? If yes, you are having one of the most frequent symptoms of people suffering from temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders; Occlusion and Joint Disorders (TMJDs). What is Occlusion and Joint Disorders? TMJDs are a set of clinical conditions characterized by limitation in jaw movement and pain in the jaw joint and surrounding tissues. The cause of Occlusion and Joint Disorders problems in general start from an injury, but for many people, symptoms seem to start without obvious reason. Sometimes discomfort can be occasional will go away with little or no treatment. Even if symptoms persist, most patients still do not need aggressive Types of treatment for (TMJ Disorders) TMJ pain is usually described as a dull ache in the temporomandibular joint and surrounding areas, such as the ears, neck and shoulders. Some people may have no pain, but still experience jaw functionality difficulties. Other symptoms of TMD include the following: Pain or soreness in the jaw that is more prevalent in the morning or late afternoon. Clicking or popping when opening or closing the mouth. Swelling on the side of the face. Sensitive teeth in the absence of dental problems. An earache in the absence of an infection. Difficulty opening and closing the mouth and/or chewing. Upper and lower teeth that do not align properly (malocclusion). Stiffness or “locked” feeling in the jaw when talking, yawning or eating. Jaw pain when chewing, biting or yawning. Recent changes to the bite. Frequently waking up with headaches or experiencing frequent tension headaches. Your particular TMJ treatment should be determined through consultation with a dental professional highly experienced in temporomandibular joint problems. In most cases the treatment would be wearing a (night guard) which is a custom made occlusal splint that covers the lower teeth and the patient should wear it 10 hours a day for two months, if this didn’t work surgery will be the final treatment. European Dental Center; best dental clinic in Jordan provide this information about Occlusion and Joint Disorders.
mouth ulcer (also termed an oral ulcer, or a mucosal ulcer). What is Mouth Ulcer? is an ulcer that occurs on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. More plainly, a mouth ulcer is a sore or open lesion in the mouth. Mouth ulcers are very common, occurring in association with many diseases and by many different mechanisms, but usually there is no serious underlying cause. causes of oral ulceration The two most common causes of oral ulceration are: local trauma (e.g. rubbing from a sharp edge on a filling) and aphthous stomatitis (“canker sores”). a condition characterized by recurrent formation of oral ulcers for largely unknown reasons. Some consider ulcers on the lips or on the skin around the mouth to be included under the general term oral ulceration (e.g. an ulcer left by rupture of a blister caused by herpes labialis, i.e. a cold sore). Mouth ulcers often cause pain and discomfort, and may alter the person’s choice of food while healing occurs (e.g. avoiding acidic or spicy foods and beverages). They may occur singly or multiple ulcers may occur at the same time (a “crop” of ulcers). Once formed, the ulcer may be maintained by inflammation and/or secondary infection. Aphthous stomatitis (also termed recurrent aphthous stomatits, RAS, and commonly called “canker sores”) is a very common cause of oral ulceration. 10-25% of the general population suffer from this non-contagious condition. The appearance of aphthous stomatitis varies as there are 3 types: minor aphthous ulceration. major aphthous ulceration. herpetiform ulceration. Minor aphthous ulceration is the most common type. presenting with 1-6 small (2-4mm diameter), round/oval ulcers with a yellow-grey color and an erythematous (red) “halo”. These ulcers heal with no permanent scarring in about 7–10 days. Ulcers recur at intervals of about 1–4 months. Major aphthous ulceration is less common than the minor type, but produces more severe lesions and symptoms. Major aphthous ulceration presents with larger (>1 cm diameter) ulcers that take much longer to heal (10–40 days) and may leave scarring. The minor and major subtypes of aphthous stomatitis usually produce lesions on the non-keratonized oral mucosa (i.e. the inside of the cheeks, lips, underneath the tongue and the floor of mouth), but less commonly major aphthous ulcers may occur in other parts of the mouth on keratinized mucosal surfaces. The least common type is herpetiform ulceration, so named because the condition resembles primary herpetic gingivostomatitis. The exact cause of aphthous stomatitis is unknown, but there may be a genetic predisposition in some people. Other possible causes include: hematinic deficiency (folate, vitamin B, iron). stopping smoking, stress, menstruation. trauma. food allergies or hypersensitivity to sodium lauryl sulphate (found in many brands of toothpaste). Aphthous stomatitis has no clinically detectable signs or symptoms outside the mouth, but the recurrent ulceration can cause much discomfort to sufferers. The Treatment is aimed at reducing the pain and swelling and speeding healing, and may involve systemic or topical steroids, analgesics (pain killers), antiseptics, anti-inflammatories or barrier pastes to protect the raw area. treatment of Mouth Ulcer Treatment is cause related, but also symptomatic if the underlying cause is unknown or not correctable. It is also important to note that most ulcers will heal completely without any intervention. Treatment can range from simply smoothing or removing a local cause of trauma, to addressing underlying factors such as dry mouth or substituting a problem medication. Maintaining good oral hygiene and use of an antiseptic mouthwashes/sprays (e.g. chlorhexidine) can prevent secondary infection and therefore hasten healing. A topical analgesic (e.g. benzydamine mouthwash) may reduce pain. Topical (gels, creams or inhalers) or systemic steroids may be used to reduce inflammation. An antifungal drug may be used to prevent oral candidiasis developing in those who use prolonged steroids. People with mouth ulcers may prefer to avoid hot or spicy foods, which can increase the pain. Self-inflicted ulceration can be difficult to manage, and psychiatric input may be required in some people. European Dental Center; best dental clinic in Jordan provide this information about Mouth Ulcer.
