Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
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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Bromelain- The Power of Pineapple Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Bromelain is an enzyme that has been written about many times in the past. In fact, there are even a few blogs on the Invite website itself! Yet, despite this, people still have a few unanswered …
Sinus Infections or Sinusitis Part 2 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In my last blog on sinusitis I started with a description of what the sinuses are, where they are and even what they do. I then talked about what the symptoms of sinusitis are. (1,2,3) …
Sinus Infections or Sinusitis Part 1
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
I wanted to talk about sinus infections for several reasons. Obviously, the location of the sinus cavities plays a role in the decision to talk about them during a review of dental health. In addition to location, the symptoms of a sinus infection can mimic other dental concerns. So, I thought a review on sinus infections was a great idea! Let us get into it, shall we?
What ARE sinuses? The paranasal sinuses are caves in the bones of our face that produce mucus. These caves are normally filled with air. Paranasal sinuses are arranged in pairs, 1 on the left and one on the right side of our face. I have attached a picture so you can see what this looks like. (1)
As I have said sinuses produce mucus. Now you might not expect me to say this, but mucus does a lot more than just making you blow your nose! Mucus can help fight infections. It also adds moisture and heat to the air you breathe. It is like a natural humidifier! In addition to making mucus the paranasal sinuses do quite a few other things! Since these cavities or caves are hollow, they also reduce the weight of your skull. The sinuses can also serve as “crash zones” that can absorb some of the force during head trauma which can help protect crucial structures such as the brain. Lastly the sinuses can influence how your voice sounds! (1)
Now that I have reviewed what and where the paranasal sinuses are let us get into the bulk of this blog. That is sinus infections. Now I have been using the term sinus infection but that is really a generic term that is applied to any form of sinusitis. Both acute and chronic sinusitis occur when there is inflammation or swelling in the tissues that line the sinuses. This inflammation can cause them to become blocked and filled with fluid. This is what causes the pressure and pain and other sinusitis symptoms. Please see the attached picture for what this looks like. (2)
As I alluded to there are 2 forms of sinusitis. These are acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis. Simply put, acute sinusitis is typically caused by viruses and lasts less than 4 weeks. Chronic sinusitis is usually caused by bacteria and lasts more than 12 weeks. Sinusitis lasting between 4 to 12 weeks is usually called subacute sinusitis. If you have acute sinusitis symptoms that come back 4 or more times in 1 year and last less than 14 days (about 2 weeks) each time it is usually called recurrent acute sinusitis. (2)
Sinusitis is usually caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and allergens. Something interesting about sinusitis is that while it is not contagious the viruses, bacteria and fungi that lead to sinusitis are all contagious! What are some factors that increase the risk of sinusitis? Having allergies, asthma and nasal polyps all increase the risk of sinusitis. Having a deviated septum is also a risk factor. Smoking or having a weakened immune system can also increase the risk of sinusitis. (2)
What are the symptoms of sinusitis? First, you may feel pressure or pain in your teeth, ears, and face. You may have a stuffy nose, runny nose, and postnasal drip. You may have a cough, headache, fever and feel fatigued. Lastly you may notice bad breath. (2) Now sinusitis can mimic a number of dental issues. In my next blog I will be reviewing how sinusitis is diagnosed. I will also be reviewing how to tell you the difference between a concern with your dental health and with your sinus. Interestingly enough sinusitis can also mimic a cold so I’ll be including a brief description on how to distinguish between the 2 conditions. Lastly, I’ll be reviewing supplements such as Olive Leaf Extract, Green Tea, Black Seed and even my old favorite, NAC!
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