Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Back Pain – Introduction Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND I wanted to do a series on a topic that on the surface seems simple BUT in reality, is anything but simple. This topic is back pain. Now I know what you are thinking, but Dr. Claire …
How Certain Foods and Medications Can Impact Dental Health Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In my last blog on dental health, I will be reviewing the foods and medications that can negatively affect our teeth and overall dental health. What can you do if you are …
Healing After Dental Work
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
When it comes to dental health one of the most frequent questions, I get asked is what should I take after I get dental work? In this blog I will be reviewing supplements that promote dental health and are overall good for healing. When it comes to dental work this blog can be a good starting point. It is always helpful to speak to an Invite Nutritionist to determine which nutrients are best for your specific dental work. That said, let us get into it, shall we?
Now I know what you are thinking, but Dr. Claire, all these things are important for both improving the healing process and promoting our immune health. While that is important, what about pain after dental work? Well, no worry! I am going to talk about that now! Just as an aside the 3 natural anti-inflammatories I will be talking about (turmeric, ginger, and bromelain) can all thin the blood so if you are on any medications, please speak to an Invite nutritionist to determine which of these would be best for you. (7) In my clinical experience it is best to wait until after dental work is complete to use these so that you can reduce the risk of increased bleeding.
Overall, the nutrients I have focused on here promote healing, immunity, and pain reduction. In my clinical experience as a Naturopathic doctor I have found that addressing these concerns after dental work can help to promote and even speed up the healing process.
Our last blog on this topic will be on the foods and different medications that can affect our teeth and dental health.
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LIFESTYLE AND OUR HEALTH~MOVEMENT AND EXERCISE by: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT Movement and exercise, or physical activity, is a healthy lifestyle component that we all know about and are often not consistent with in our day-to-day life. We all hear about it, read …
Aged Garlic Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Garlic is a nutrient that as a supplement or even spicy food enhancer can be found everywhere. The benefits of using garlic as either a supplement or even just as a spice to add to our food are numerous. …
Dental Abscess and Cavities
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Everyone has heard of cavities. What you may not have heard of is a dental abscess. What is a dental abscess? How is dental abscess related to a cavity? And what can you do if you are told you have a dental abscess? Let us get into it, shall we?
Basically a tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that’s caused by a bacterial infection. These can occur in different locations in the tooth. If the abscess occurs at the tip of the root, it is called a periapical abscess. If it occurs in the gums at the sides of the tooth root it is called a periodontal abscess. (1)
A periodontal abscess is associated with pre-existing gum disease such as periodontitis. This means that the bacteria that cause the infection originates from the gums and supporting tissues. (2) In contrast in a periapical tooth abscess the origin of the bacteria is usually an untreated dental cavity, tooth injury or prior dental work. (2) Please see the picture below for what a dental abscess may look like. (1)
Simply put an untreated cavity allows bacteria to enter the tooth and this bacteria leads to infection and inflammation that results in a dental abscess. (1) If your curious as to what a cavity is do not worry, I’m going to tell you! A cavity damages the enamel of the tooth caused by bacteria. Once the enamel wears away the bacteria reaches the next layer, called dentin. As the damage continues eventually the bacteria will get to the root or inner pulp. (3) Please see the above picture which includes a cavity in addition to the abscess.
Moving on what are the main risk factors for a dental abscess? Well as I previously said, having an untreated cavity can lead to a dental abscess. Having poor dental hygiene for any reason can increase the risk of dental problems. (1) I would like to point out that poor dental hygiene can be a result of poor mental health. For example, there is a well-known connection between oral health and dementia. (4) Another risk factor for a dental abscess is dry mouth. Having a nutrient lacking diet is also a risk factor. For example, a diet that is too high in sugar can increase the risk of cavities which in turn can increase the risk of dental abscess. (1) Other risk factors can include pre-existing gum disease, any bacterial infection or trauma to the gums. (2) Anything that can lead to a cavity can eventually result in dental abscess. For example, heartburn, eating disorders, diet and even hygiene can all increase your risk of cavity. (3)
Having a dental abscess can have symptoms such as a severe constant, throbbing toothache. This pain can spread to your jawbone, neck, ear and the corresponding lymph nodes may be swollen and tender. There may be pain with chewing or biting and even extremely hot/cold. There may be swelling in your face, check or neck. You may develop a fever. Lastly there may be a foul odor in your mouth. If the abscess ruptures, you may notice a sudden rush of foul smelling and tasting fluid. However, when the abscess ruptures there is usually a reduction in the level of pain. (1)
Having a dental abscess can lead to dangerous complications. For example, if the abscess does not drain then the infection may spread and can even lead to sepsis which is life threating. (1)
What can you do to help fight bad bacteria?
Aged Garlic is our next topic!
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